Chapters Fission's Textual Tidbits
"Twilight" - TMP Prompt #213 - Sad
Twilight
Prompt: The very last dance
What is death, Twilight, other than simply another birth? It simply wouldn't do to have life extending ever into the future. You can’t have life without both a starting and an ending point. But that’s the beautiful thing: birth and death are both just moments in anypony’s life. What matters is what you choose to do with the time you spend in between them. Everypony’s time will eventually come, even mine and Luna’s; but if you can be satisfied with how you have lived, death is just another moment that eventually comes to pass for everypony.
Celestia had spoken to her many times on the subject of mortality; always with the same sagely air that spoke of a pony that had seen many generations. And the longer Twilight lived, the more she realized that every last one of her mentor’s words had been absolutely true. Everypony dies eventually—and though Twilight understood this on an intellectual level, it did little to ease what she felt. Her greatest role model, her mentor, her friend Princess Celestia’s time had come.
What was perhaps a bit soothing, if not purely unnerving, was that as Twilight sat in the Princess’ chamber, Celestia sat perfectly calmly in front of her bed, showing no signs of any sort of distress nor of any ailments. But everypony knew. The last rays of sun disappeared over the horizon, giving way to Luna’s night; and Celestia’s final twilight carried with it a strange sense of finality.
However, the Princess herself was entirely undistressed, and simply beckoned with a hoof, “Twilight, my faithful student, would you mind coming here for a moment?”
As Twilight slowly stepped forward, her head down, Celestia continued, “I believe we have discussed this many times before. Nopony can truly live forever. I may have been blessed with a life far beyond that of the average pony, but that doesn’t make this a time for sadness. My time has finally come, and it is as simple as that.”
Twilight looked up at her mentor, damp spots forming under her eyes. “Of course I understood this would happen eventually, but how could I be prepared for this? I never thought that you were going to die before me, and… I just can’t really believe it.”
“I couldn’t have known when it would happen either, Twilight. I’ve felt as though I’ve been living on borrowed time for many, many years; but I only recently realized that this was truly the end of the line. But there is one thing that I would like to ask of you before I go.” She extended her hoof towards Twilight. “Would you share a final dance with me, my best and most faithful student?”
Twilight took the hoof offered to her and silently nodded. Celestia’s horn began to glow, and soon Twilight could make out a slow, melancholy song in the distance. “This is the song of the cosmos. Luna and I listen to it each dawn and dusk. I thought perhaps it would be fitting.”
She took the smaller pony in her hooves and began to slowly move in time to the music.
“Twilight, if there is one thing that I will miss most about Equestria, it will be seeing your continued growth in love and friendship. Your friends are some of the finest ponies in Equestria, and you would do well to never forget that.”
The music slowed down, and the ponies with it. The song, and the twilight with it, were both drawing to a close. Giving Twilight a gentle smile, Celestia spoke: “I am so proud of the mare that you have become. You have truly been the most faithful student I could ask for.” With a twinkle in her eye, she continued, “Please don’t let the passing of an old mare keep you from what you love. There is so much more that I know you can learn about friendship.”
She held her student close as her eyes gently eased shut. Her grip loosened, and Celestia, Princess of the Sun, breathed her last.
Author's Note
This is the first Thirty Minute Pony prompt that I participated in, and, for that matter, just about the first thing that I've written in many months. This is presented in an unedited form, although it really ended up taking me closer to an hour than the allotted thirty minutes. I'm hoping that I got it across that Celestia and Twilight have a relationship that is deeper than just that of a teacher and student. If that were the case, then the whole dancing thing would be pretty weird. The aim was more for a sort of a love and respect between the two of them rather than any sort of a shippy love. Anyways, it appears that I've started to ramble again. Hope that you enjoyed it, and let me know what you think!
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Fission's Textual Tidbits
"The Scholar's Dilemma" - TMP Prompt #214 - Comedy
The Scholar’s Dilemma
“So then you have—” “Yes!” “And you have—” “Got that too!” “And you even have…oh I can’t even say it…” “Yes, we do. And we’re discreet!” “Is there anything you don’t have?” “My dear, at this shop…”
The Prompt: We sell absolutely EVERYTHING!
Hmm, they say that this place sells everything. Hopefully they have what I need. Sure, it might be considered a bit of a scandal for a scholar like myself to be making such a purchase, but we all have our guilty pleasures, I suppose.
Twilight Sparkle trotted down Horseshoe road through the bright Ponyville sun. The weather team had certainly been on task lately. She would have to mention that to Rainbow Dash next time she saw her.
She scanned the addresses, looking for number 1403. Ah, that must be the place! She thought as she trotted through the door.
Upon entering, she was greeted by the yellow stallion who sat behind the counter, “Welcome to the Flim Flam Brothers’ Wonder Emporium—”
“—Where we have absolutely everything that you might ever want, no matter how ridiculous,” finished a nearly identical stallion sporting a bushy moustache as he trotted out from behind the store’s shelves.
“Now, what could such a pretty young filly such as yourself be looking for in a place like this?” inquired the first brother, Flim.
Twilight pawed the ground in front of her. This was the part that she wasn’t prepared for. She wouldn’t want to be caught dead making this sort of a purchase, so this sort of a back alley shop was the natural choice—plus the fact that they claim to have everything should make it convenient enough. “Well, it’s actually a little bit embarrassing for me a come in and ask for this. I’m not sure what my friends would think if they knew I was doing this…”
In fact, the majority of her friends did not know about this particular habit of Twilight’s. As far as she could remember, the only one of her friends that she had revealed it to was Rainbow Dash; and, come to think of it, it wasn’t a surprise that Rainbow had been doing the very same thing in secret herself. Honestly she was exactly the sort of mare that Twilight would expect it from.
“My dear filly,” began Flim as he scanned the sheet in front of him. “I am certain that we have what you are looking for. After all, this is an establishment nonpareil . But we are going to be simply unable to help if all you can give us to look is this.” He held the paper, which was covered in what appeared to be absolute gibberish, out for Flam to see.
“I have to agree with my brother here, miss. We may have everything . But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to properly tell us what you need.” The other salespony said.
Twilight’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “Oh dear, I’m sorry about that. You see, I wrote my request down in a very common cipher because I didn’t want to explain why I would be after that sort of a thing to my overly-curious assistant. I would just translate it for you, but I forgot to bring a quill with me.”
“Well then,” replied Flim. “We appear to be at an impasse here. We can’t properly direct you towards something that you haven’t told us the identity of. And as much as we value your comfort, I believe I speak for both my brother and myself when I say that we would rather not lose a sale over your embarrassment in your choice of merchandise.”
Twilight thought furiously, attempting to come up with a palatable option. “Okay. I think I can do this. Would it be ok if I just whispered it to you?”
“Certainly, my dear, whatever does the job is fine with us.”
Twilight leaned across the counter and softly spoke into Flim’s ear. The storekeeper grinned to himself and stifled a small chuckle. “Why, that’s no problem at all, miss. Of course we have a fiction section. ”
Author's Note
Actually, I'm quite proud of how this one turned out. Hopefully the joke works properly despite the slight bend in canon that I made. Specifically, the only time that it's ever mentioned that Twilight reads fiction was when she was giving Dash the Daring Do book. All I did was decide that this was only in front of Rainbow, rather than their entire group of friends. Total writing time was 37 minutes, for those curious. Hope you enjoyed it.
Fission's Textual Tidbits
"Reflections" - TMP Prompt #216 - Sad(?)
Reflections
The prompt: I resolve to become a pony you can look up to.
What sort of pony am I, and who do I want to become?
The Great and Powerful Trixie sat in her trailer, looking out her window at the snow-covered ground. Hearth’s Warming had passed not a week before; and though the weather had been perfect for the occasion, it was spent much like the last several Hearth’s Warmings for Trixie: alone.
Normally, this wouldn’t bother her in the slightest. In previous years she had simply dismissed the lack of company as a result of most ponies being able to appreciate her talent. But this year, it had tugged at her mind just a bit, due to recent events.
Today, that same feeling had pulled at her again. And, this time, she recognized what it was: Loneliness, the one thing she had known could never affect her. But here it was, ruining her New Year’s Eve.
After being shown up in Ponyville once again, Trixie had started to understand herself. But falling back in with her show routine had made it difficult for her to devote time to introspection. It had been easy enough to put the humbling experience in the back of her mind, and simply do as she was accustomed to.
But now, watching the snowflakes slowly flutter to the ground, it became all too easy to remember what she had tried to forget. What makes me better than the ponies that I perform for? Why is it that I make so many of them feel bad just for my own sake?
She pondered this for a moment. It wasn’t her dazzling good looks, nor her tremendous magical ability. Sure, those were well and good, but they didn’t make her life any more valuable than anypony else’s. In fact, Trixie could not think of a single reason that she had shown up her audiences as was her tendency. She was simply a beneficiary of luck–the sort of mare who was blessed with enough natural talent to stand on stage and perform.
“Is there a single pony that I can say I have helped with my magic?”
Only the wind answered her.
Not even myself.
As the year’s final twilight fell across Equestria, The Great and Powerful Trixie wept.
Alternate Ending
As the year’s final twilight fell across Equestria, The Great and Powerful Trixie wept, only to be interrupted by the gentle clink of a hoof-tack falling to the ground and the whoosh of the paper accompanying it.
It was a poster for the next day’s show
Ring in the New Year with the most fantastic magic you will ever witness!
Got your New Year’s resolutions ready? The Great and Powerful Trixie has hers: to give her most fantastic display of magic yet tomorrow night! (8:00pm, Chicacolt Town Hall)
A New Year’s resolution? Perhaps Trixie can change hers this year…
Author's Note
Don't really have many comments on this one. Main story took exactly 30 minutes, alternate ending was another 8.
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Fission's Textual Tidbits
"A State of Mind" - TMP Prompt #218 - Slice of Life, Backstory
A State of Mind
The Prompt: I resolve to preserve self-control.
A stern-faced brown mare shook her head at the white unicorn filly in front of her. “Miss Rarity, we have been over this before. It is both discourteous and very uncouth to not wipe your hooves upon entering a building. If you make a habit of it, those around you will certainly notice, and that is not the sort of impression that you want to make!”
“Oh, Miss Proper, I’m very sorry, but I just forgot to.”
“Well this is exactly the sort of thing that we’re aiming to eliminate, so it is very important that you pay attention so that you don’t do such things,” responded Prim Proper. “Even the occasional false step among the Canterlot elite will be noticed, and undoubtedly discussed. You are committed to fitting in with the most distinguished of ponies, aren’t you?”
“Yeah! Of course I do,” squeaked the young unicorn excitedly. “It’s just that sometimes, I… I mess up. It’s so hard to always act just how you want me to—like a lady would.”
“Of course it is difficult to fit in with the upper crust of society, Miss Rarity. You must constantly know how to respond the situation at hand. Being a part of high society is not something that you simply achieve, it is a state of mind—something that you must always maintain. I warned you that these lessons would require discipline when we first met, and you said that you were prepared to work hard. You do remember that, don’t you?”
Rarity ran towards the door as fast as her small legs could carry her. Etiquette lessons might not sound so fun, but this was her calling at stake—the three small gems on her flank attested to that. Canterlot was the place to be in the fashion industry, and if she wasn’t prepared to be a proper Canterlot citizen, she was going to have to work to make herself one.
Her father rapped on the door several times, and was answered by a brown earth pony mare with sharp creases throughout her face. She looked to Rarity like the type of pony who must never have smiled. “Ah, you must be Mr. Magnum. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir.”
“Hey there! I guess you must be Miss Proper, right? Our little Rarity has been going on and on about how she’s going to be a proper Canterlot pony.”
Miss Proper features cracked slightly, giving just the hint of a smile. “Well, I certainly hope that we can make a proper lady out of your daughter. Most anypony is capable of what I teach; it is simply a matter of discipline and hard work.” She directed her gaze to the wide-eyed filly in front of her. “This endeavor will only be a success if you try your very hardest to focus on what I teach you. Sometimes being a lady can be very difficult, so I hope that you are prepared to work.”
The filly gave her a determined stare. “I’m going to work harder than hard. I’m going to be the best student ever, Mrs. Proper!”
“Well now, there’s a point on which we can begin our first lesson. I am not Mrs. Proper, but Miss Proper. There is a small, but very important difference that you will have to remember if you wish to not appear like a cur…”
“Of course I remember our first lesson, Miss Proper! Mrs. is only used for ponies who are married, don’t play in the dirt because it can stain your coat, and do your best to compliment the hostess of every gathering,” Rarity squeaked.
Though she still made plenty of mistakes, Rarity knew that this is who she was going to be. Following your passion might not be easy, but Rarity was prepared for it. After all, nopony ever said that a lady isn’t allowed to challenge herself.
Author's Note
Rarity is almost always in control of herself, but I wanted to create a sort of back story that explains how she gained the general composure that she displays. From what we've seen of her parents, it's unlikely they taught her proper manners. Basically, I thought: "Why not an etiquette teacher?". Originally I thought this would be perhaps a bit sad, but it turned out to focus much more on Rarity's determination to gain the necessary skills to interact with the upper crust of society. I'm glad, because I always like characters having happier back stories whenever possible.
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Fission's Textual Tidbits
"Holding On" - TMP Prompt #219 - Confession, Bittersweet
Holding On
The prompt: I resolve to let go.
I was only trying…to be brave.
Rainbow Dash stared straight back at her, her mouth hanging slightly open.
“Fluttershy,” she stammered, “You’re not serious. This is just a joke…right? Please tell me this is a prank.”
The other pegasus answered with nothing but a quiet squeak and hid behind her pink mane.
“Pinkie Pie, I know you’re hiding somewhere! This isn’t something that you pull a prank about!” yelled Rainbow Dash, her eyes shining.
No one answered her.
“Fluttershy, are you…are you serious?”
Fluttershy meekly nodded her head. There was no turning back.
“Oh, Fluttershy, this isn’t what was supposed to happen. I love you, but…not in that way.
The demure pegasus coaxed herself out from behind her mane, revealing the tears streaming down her face. “Rainbow Dash, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for doing this to you and I really sh—“
“No Fluttershy, this isn’t your fault. It’s nopony’s fault. You know that you’ve been my best friend for years, and it hurts so much to say this, but I just can’t be that pony for you. I’ll always be here for you, but I just don’t like you in a, you know, romantic way.”
“It’s okay. I-I know it’s not your fault. But it’s still so…so hard,” Fluttershy managed through her tears before she was pulled into a tight hug.
“You know, Fluttershy, I wasn’t joking when I said that I love you. You’re my best friend, and nothing can change that; not this, not anything. I’ll always be there for you, Fluttershy, no matter what. I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner, it’s just…How long?”
“Ever since flight school, I’ve thought you were the most amazing pony. You fly like I’ve always wished I could, and you’re brave, just like I’m not. I just always knew that I wouldn’t be good enough for a pony as cool as you, and I was right.”
Rainbow Dash pulled her closer. “Fluttershy, you’re every bit good enough for a pony like me. Hay, I don’t think there’s a pony in Equestria that wouldn’t be lucky to have you. I just know that it couldn’t work between us. I’ve never been good at that kind of stuff, and I just know that I couldn’t be the kind of pony that you deserve. And to say you’re not brave, do you know what that sounds like? You just confessed your love for somepony. That’s something that I’ve never been able to do before. I had one crush back in flight school where I couldn’t even talk to the colt. Me: not being able to talk; think about that one!”
She loosened her grip a bit and looked Fluttershy in the eyes. “Are you feeling any better?”
“Yes,” said Fluttershy, “I think I am. This really isn’t going to affect our friendship though?”
“Fluttershy, you’re my oldest and best friend in all of Equestria. There’s nothing that I would ever let change what we have.”
“One more question,” murmured Fluttershy. “Can you hold me for a little while longer?”
Rainbow Dash responded by pulling her closer and gently rubbing her back.
Perhaps letting go would not be so difficult with somepony to hold on to.
Author's Note
I actually had two drastically different ideas for this prompt, and wrote both of them. I'm not sure right now if I'm going to post the other one on this particular compilation, because there's another fic I'll be submitting soon that it might fit better as a bonus piece to. We'll see, I guess.
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Fission's Textual Tidbits
"Stuck on a Möbius Strip" - TMP Prompt #221 - Comedy, Random
Stuck on a Möbius Strip
The Prompt: I resolve to break the loop
“Oh dear, Fluttershy, I believe Pinkie Pie might actually have a point here.”
“Ya know, Rares, I think so, too. What do you think, Twi?”
“Well, it actually does make an awful lot of sense, and it explains a lot. It definitely fits the tropes, but it’s just so…outlandish.”
Fluttershy recoiled from the attention. “I don’t know, girls. It’s just whenever I try to be assertive, I always realize how much better I like it just to be Fluttershy.”
“I’m telling you, there’s a reason behind this!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “There’s no way this is a coincidence! Whenever anything happens to anypony else, they change from the experience. But Fluttershy, the only thing she ever learns is that she should stay the same as she was before. I’ll tell you why! Comic relief!”
Rarity chuckled to herself. As outlandish of a theory as it was, it made a sort of sense that only Pinkie Pie was capable of. The Grand Galloping Gala was still vivid in her mind after all of its…incidents, and though being covered in cake had been quite unpleasant, recalling Fluttershy’s behavior from the night created quite a humorous juxtaposition with her typical demeanor.
“Fluttershy, darling, I think perhaps Pinkie is right, you might be stuck in a rut.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth in protest, “Girls, I know you’re all great ponies, but doesn’t this just a little bit silly? I’m sorry if I offend anypony, but I don’t see why you all believe something that makes so little sense.”
“Oh, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash groaned, “Do you really not see what we’re saying here? You normally are quiet and shy, right?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“So when you start pushing everypony around because Iron Will tells you to, that makes it funny because it’s different! What’s that called, Twilight? Like a justa-something.”
“Juxtaposition,” corrected Twilight proudly. “It’s a very common type of humor, actually.”
“It’s like somepody, or somebody, is out there, watching us,” added Rarity. Quickly, she realized her own statement’s full meaning, “In that case, does my mane look okay? How is my coat?”
“This is exactly what I’ve been trying to tell everypony for forever! But nopony would ever listen to me! Twilight, remember when Trixie came back and made my mouth disappear?”
“Yes, Pinkie Pie, I don’t see where you’re going with this, though.”
“Remember after she left, when we went out into that black place and you gave it back to me?”
“What? Pinkie Pie, what are you talking about? Didn’t Trixie put your mouth back on before she left? I don’t remember doing anything of the sort.”
Pinkie gave her a piercing stare, “Do you really not remember?”
Twilight smiled nervously. “Um, no, I don’t remember doing anything like that. I suppose it’s possible , but I don’t know what sort of black area you’re talking about this happening in.”
“Don’t you see? Don’t you all see? There’s somebody out there pulling the strings! That’s why Fluttershy never gets any real character development, and that’s why sometimes the only solution to our problems is Deus Ex Machina!”
The pink pony was met with nothing but blank stares.
“Oh, ponyfeathers! You’re all just going to forget this again, anyway. I’m going back to Sugarcube Corner.”
As Pinkie Pie trotted away, the other five ponies stared at each other, confused. Rainbow Dash was the one to break the silence, “Well she made sense for a while, but that got seriously kooky!”
“Should we follow her?”
“No need, sugercube, she’s just being Pinkie. She’ll be right as rain tomorrow, anyhow.”
“What were we talking about again?”
“Come to think of it, I can’t remember either.”
Author's Note
This one is obviously a bit weird, but the prompt heavily implied recursion so pretty much all of the ideas that I had were somewhat meta, like this one. It was quite silly and fun to write though.
