The Sparkle Dash Family
Prompt # 359: Mare Do Well: Year One
Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Note: This story does not take place in the regular Sparkle Dash Family continuity, but rather in the Equestria 616 Universe that plays host to Mare Do Well vs Professor Nightshade. That's right folks, I went there!
It had been a bad idea. Rainbow Dash had been sure of that almost from the very beginning. But ponies needed her, Twilight had convinced her of that fact. Twilight said she had things under control. Rainbow Dash had believed her. She had believed Twilight because she wanted to believe her, because she never wanted to even think that Twilight might not have things under control.
So she had donned the cape and cowl once again, becoming the protector of Ponyville. The villains this time were much more serious than what Mare Do Well had dealt with last time. Ponies were being hurt, strange items were being taken, and it all seemed to be connected somehow.
And just as Mare Do Well thought she was starting to get a handle on things, just as she thought that she’d be getting some answers...
Twilight had disappeared.
There had been no cryptic note, no sign of a struggle. Her marefriend was just gone, and neither Spike nor their young ward Scootaloo knew where the unicorn had disappeared to. But Mare Do Well was sure she knew what had happened. After all, hadn’t she seen that glint in Twilight’s eyes before? Hadn’t Twilight’s sleepless nights been a big enough clue?
Professor Nightshade was back.
That left Mare Do Well in quite the predicament. Did she continue investigating the seemingly random crimes happening from Ponyville to Canterlot and try to unmask whoever the mastermind behind them was? Or did she chase after her greatest foe, who was also her true love?
It was a no win situation. She didn’t know what the right choice was, and it was tearing her apart. It was times like this that she really needed somepony... that she really needed Twilight.
“Mare Do Well?” A voice called out hesitantly from behind the Masked Mare of Mystery. Mare Do Well turned to see Ponyville’s newest superhero, The Chicken, standing on the rooftop behind her.
“Scram Squirt, shouldn’t you be home in bed by now?” Mare Do Well asked in her gruff voice.
The Chicken shook her head. “Nope. I’m here to help. You’re looking for Twilight Sparkle right?”
Mare Do Well shook her head and groaned in exasperation. “That’s just it Squirt, I don’t know what to do!” Her voice sounded lost, even to herself. “Twilight hasn’t just gone missing, there’s more to it than that. And at the same time I’ve heard that the Lyrezard is stalking the sewers in Canterlot, and Doctor Octapony is supposedly getting ready to attack with another one of her deadly orchestral arrangements. I don’t even know where to begin, and now Professor Nightshade is back-”
“PROFESSOR NIGHTSHADE IS BACK?!” The Chicken scream, her wings ruffling and her hooves pawing at the roof tiles. She looked quite like her namesake for a moment. “But... but she hasn’t been seen for almost a year now! Why would she show back up now?”
“...” Mare Do Well didn’t respond. How could she? She couldn’t tell anypony the truth behind Professor Nightshade. They’d lock Twilight up! She couldn’t let that happen. It was all her fault anyways. If she just would’ve never put the stupid costume back on, both Twilight and Rainbow Dash would be sitting at home playing games with Spike and Scootaloo right now.
The Chicken cocked her head at Mare Do Well’s silence. “Er... well, I can take care of The Lyrezard. I’ve fought her before, so I know how to handle her. If Doc Oct hasn’t started anything yet, then that should give you time to go after Professor Nightshade.”
Could it be that simple? Allow this young filly to take one foe while she searched for Professor Nightshade? No, she’d never forgive herself if something happened to The Chicken while she was off being selfish.
“I got a better idea Squirt,” Mare Do Well said, “We’ll both go after The Lyrezard together. With the two of us we should be able to take her down quickly, then we can go looking for Professor Nightshade.”
The Chicken’s wings fluttered happily at the suggestion, causing her to hover off the ground for a few moments. “You mean like a team up! Oh my gosh this is going to be so cool!” She chirped excitedly.
Despite herself Mare Do Well felt a grin forming on her face. Whoever this filly was, she had spirit! “Alright then, get over here. I can fly us to Canterlot in ten seconds flat.” Mare Do Well said.
The Chicken happily walked over and jumped on Mare Do Well’s back. She wrapped her forelegs around her neck, being sure to hold on for what was sure to be a fast flight. It was just as she felt Mare Do Well’s wings unfurl that the phrase the caped crusader had used registered in her mind. “Wait a second, what did you just sa-”
Her words were cut off as Mare Do Well flapped her wings, launching the two heroes into the sky.
MDW:Y1
It had been a grueling fight. Mare Do Well would’ve never thought that Doctor Octapony would have teamed up with The Lyrezard. Between the Lyrezard’s crazy claw like appendages and Doc Oct’s Orchestra of Doom it had taken everything both The Chicken and she had to stop the two villains. They were finally down though, thanks primarily to The Chicken’s crazy power. She had laughed at first when she heard about it, but apparently having a chicken army come to your aid after being hit too often was a power to be feared.
The Chicken was currently doubled over trying to catch her breath. She had taken quite a beating from The Lyrezard before her chicken allies had shown up. Still though, the filly was a tough one.
Before either hero could truly recuperate they saw something strange. A book was floating in the sewage. Who flushed a book down the toilet? Before they could ponder that question further the book glowed with a bright light and exploded, knocking both ponies to the ground. They stood up on shaky legs, which trembled even more when they heard crazed laughter echoing down the tunnels.
“Oh Marey Marey Marey, it’s been far too long. I can’t believe you fell for the old “exploding book in the sewer” trick.” Mare Do Well felt her heart drop at the sound of that manic voice. The last time she had heard it, she’d almost lost the mare she loved.
Professor Nightshade stepped out of the shadows. The look on her face was a cross between a grin and a sneer, and her eyes held that same crazed spark she remembered.
Mare Do Well heard a cough from the filly next to her. “Chicken, you need to get out of here, she’s too dangero-” Mare Do Well’s voice caught in her throat. As she had turned to address The Chicken, she had noticed that the filly’s costume had been torn apart by the explosion. That wasn’t the only thing she had noticed of course. The purple mane and orange fur, the determined look to not quit. They could belong to only one pony.
“SCOOTALOO!” Scootaloo jumped in shock, as the sound of her name had not come from just Mare Do Well. Professor Nightshade was also looking at her with wide, surprised eyes.
“What the hay are you doing here Scootaloo?!” Rainbow Dash asked, all traces of Mare Do Well gone from her voice. Scootaloo’s eyes widened in fear as she recognized the voice of one of her moms.
“R-Rainbow Dash?” She said in bewilderment. She had her suspicions after Mare Do Well’s comment back in Ponyville, but had forgotten them after the fight started.
“Hey! Wait a second,” Professor Nightshade’s voice called from her end of the tunnel. Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo turned their heads to look at the malicious mare of misery. Professor Nightshade was shaking her head, closing her eyes and muttering things to herself. “That’s not fair! You’re not playing by the rules, I call foul on account of you being a big cheater!” She ranted, even as her voice lost it’s crazed tone. "I don't care you stupid figment, that's my daughter!" She said, her voice starting to sound more and more familiar.
Professor Nightshade thrashed around a bit, before finally settling down. When she did, a purple aura surrounded her body, and with a flash of light Professor Nightshade was gone. In her place, and looking twice as scary as Nightshade could ever look, stood Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn’s eyes were narrowed, her nostrils were flaring.
“T-Twilight?” Scootaloo said, totally confused with what was happening. Twilight didn’t respond, instead focusing on Rainbow Dash.
“RAINBOW DAAAASH!” She yelled, causing the aforementioned mare to flinch away, “WHAT IN THE HAY IS SCOOTALOO DOING DOWN HERE FIGHTING CRIME?!”
“Oh ponyfeathers...” Rainbow Dash mumbled out in fear. This True Believers, this was certain to be her greatest challenge yet!
I am amused
never regret anything! or at least, never admit you regret anything!
I am amused and confused.
Mostly confused
is the army of chickens a reference t the fact in some zelda games when you hit a chicken enough a swarm of invincible chickens attacks you?
What did I just read?
2625963
It is indeed. I had decided that if I ever wrote more about The Chicken that she would discover that she did actually have a power. After being hit so many times, flocks of chickens would come to her aid, Legend of Zelda style :)
2625987
would make scootabuse stories more interesting to say the least
2625987
That is the single best power ever. And I love the tribute.
~Skeeter The Lurker
2625987
Oh jeez I remember the first time that happened to me. I had no idea what was going on so I panicked. It was hilarious.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA
2625972>>2625900
This chapter is a prompt that deals with the same universe as my other story: Mare Do Well vs Professor Nightshade. When I read today's prompt I just couldn't resist. Here's a quick synopsis if you don't feel like reading MDWvsPN
Rainbow Dash decides she wants to give being Mare Do Well a try, but quickly discovers that there isn't really any need for a costumed crime fighter in Ponyville. Twilight, after hearing Dash complain about the lack of an archrival, studies up and creates a persona called Professor Nightshade, a "villain" who "terrorizes" Ponyville even though she doesn't actually do anything really bad. As time goes on Twilight discovers that the Nightshade persona is actually gaining more power, and becoming more evil. In the end, Nightshade takes over Twilight's body and Dash defeats Nightshade by giving up the Mare Do Well identity, which was Nightshade's whole purpose for existing. I later wrote a little omake chapter where Scootaloo, after being bitten by a magical chicken, believes she has gained chicken powers and goes on to become The Cooltastic Chicken, or something like that
Bahahahaha!!! Omg i laughed at thise chapter! As im reading i was woundering why it sounded familer, then i remember the other story u made that has Professer Nigtshade, omg this story just got more amazing
Now THAT is hilariously wonderful! I added the other story this is based in to my "Read Later" list because of this.
..... I TOTALY ROFL'd during this chapter!
Gonna have to check out the story this is based off of!
Not even Nightshade can imagine the horrors Twilight is about to inflict on Rainbow.
How did you not know this.
Awwwww, I wanted to see how this turns out
prefect return to this world!
2625987 When it comes to Scootaloo, there always has to be a Cucco gag, huh?
This was so weird. I loved it.
2626248 this why you never hit chickens. Cuz when you turn around they will END you.
2625987
There should be a Scootabuse story with THAT at the end.
hahahaha, I loved this. Really great.
I wish one story existed without Scootaloo chicken jokes. :/ Oh well.
2632025
I can totally respect that. Keep in mind, this chapter doesn't have anything to do with the actual Sparkle Dash Family continuity. Even The Chicken Arises chapter in MDWvsPN was meant more as a funny omake than anything.
Still, you may throw rotten veggies at me at your leisure!
2632080 I am really enjoying the normal story! I am just tired and have had way too many chicken jokes happen tonight! Sorry! Continue being awesome!
2632150 fear not the tears of "d'aww" for they are liquid pride
wow I suddenly got misty eyed and a slight bit of chocked up when Twilight's letter came with those four words. I can 100% relate to the power hearing those words for the first time can be, even if you weren't blood related.
That Mare Do Well, can't wait!
derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjRmMjM0MGE3OTQ1YjcwMDdhOTAwMDAwMSJdXQ/2401__safe_rainbow-dash_scootaloo_crossover_nintendo_the-legend-of-zelda_artist-docwario_chicken_scootachicken_scootabuse_link_revenge_cucco.jpg
derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTMvMDUvMTgvMTBfNTJfMThfMTk5XzMyNzg5M19fVU5PUFRfX3NhZmVfcmFpbmJvd19kYXNoX3Njb290YWxvb190dW1ibHJfNTE2YjU3MDhhNGM3MmRlZmU5MDAwMjU5X3plbGRhX3Njb290YWJ1cmdlcl9jdWNjb19jaGlja2VuX2J1cmdlci5wbmciXV0/327893__safe_rainbow-dash_scootaloo_tumblr_516b5708a4c72defe9000259_zelda_scootaburger_cucco_chicken-burger.png
That's just about the time that I said, "lol, Not sure what I just read."
2632899
But of course. There's a lot more I want to cover leading up to that point, but if the right prompt comes along first, then that'll be written. There's no way I'd leave that part out, just like I intend to write the part when Scootaloo first accepts RD as a mom, not a big sis/mentor/idol thing.
2632861
Right now I am still going off the premise that Alicorns are either very long lived, or eternal. I know the show's writers have said that Twilight won't outlive her friends, but that could honestly mean anything. So Twilight was faced with a decision that would've meant giving up the life she had for the new responsibilities of a princess, and then outliving her love and her daughter.
Besides, Twilight can cast a spell to give herself wings at anytime. I always found it kind of silly that the Wings Spell wasn't used after that one episode.
2632737>>2632018
: That's just gross, besides I was going to ask Sweetie Belle to go out with me during her birthday party!
:Yeah, and you know that Rarity is the only mare for me!
: But Spike, I thought you said that you were gonna ask Applebloom-
: That's it, I give up! Don't become alicorns, I don't even care anymore *leaves*
: Is she gone?
: Yep
: Good *casts spell, revealing everypony and Spike to be alicorns*
: Geeze, why does she keep wanting to make us Princesses?
: I think Princess Celestia just needs a vacation very badly.
: So Twi, you ready for our night flying date?
: You know it Dashie, lets just drop off these two and we'll be on our way.
And they lived happily ever after....
: FOREVEEEEEEEEER!
2632427
You're welcome!
2632176
Hearing that this story is making people smile or feel happy always makes me feel good. It's like a circular happiness matrix or something!
2633678
2636582
A joke? What are you talking about? Dash is super serious about that! Sharing a milkshake is akin to sharing your soul in Equestria! SOUL!
Or not, but now I do want a milkshake.
2636579
Sorry if you find it annoying, but the chapters aren't being placed randomly. After I write the chapter, I move it into it's place based on chronological order of the story. That's why Tribute is at the end, even though it's the first chapter I wrote. Well, technically MDW: Year One is at the end, but I put it there because it doesn't take place within the Sparkle Dash Family continuity.
It's just a way to let the readers know the order that each chapter takes place in.
2636626
That actually happened to two of my closest friends. They had been dating for a while when he popped the question, and she said no. She just wasn't ready for marriage at the time. They did get married 2 years later though, so yay!
2636624
You know what, Yes, yes I will. Spike needs more love, and I haven't really written anything from his perspective yet. If it doesn't fit in with one of the upcoming TMP prompts, then I shall write it as an extra prompt.
2636846 Yeah, Therefore when someone goes to read the whole thing when it is complete - they will get the chronological version. It makes perfect sense when you think of it like that!
I knida wish that you would do a full MDWvsPN sequel, Just so we can see more of what PN did to Twilight's mind.
2641097
Oh lord... what have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE?!
Fixed now, thanks for the catch
2642956
I can understand that. I've never played Earthbound myself, but I know the feeling, I might feel the same way if someone tried to apply Simple and Clean to a fic I hope you're enjoying the story, even if it's not up to Earthbound legendariness.
2642462
Really? Huh, I feel like I need to retake every English class I've ever taken. Will fix once I'm back home, I hate trying to edit stuff on my pone.
2641318
Happy coincidence I guess. I had little ideas for how I wanted to write each prompt that was up for vote, and the misunderstanding of RD walking in on Spike giving Scoots a massage was always the basis for The Talk.
2641596>>2641316
The Princess Rarity has it! There's also sudden special releases of limited edition books/games/posters/whatever. As a fan you have to be prepared for the evil marketing wizards to spontaneously release something super awesome that you absolutely can't live without even though it's completely frivolous. Also for times when you run into that super rare item at a store or yard sale, like when Rainbow Dash got that limited edition replica of Daring's pith helmet.
2639014
I've gotten that a lot, and honestly it's still a possibility that I may write a sequel in the future. I just really want to finish Friendship is Missing: Twilight's Journey first. After that, we'll see.
2637258
That's way beyond flattering! I'm honored that the mess I make here could inspire anyone else. Isn't putting yourself under some kind of restriction fun? Sometimes I hate the 30 minute timer, but I can't help but feel it gives this story its own appeal.
And you wrote a Yu-gi-oh parody... this I have to see
2642313
Oh don't worry, I'll be keeping that one in hand for a future prompt.
2645654 ... Yeah, projectiles don't work against me. I have a Shield of Reflection +4. Tough luck. (Not to mention a Cloak of Indifference +5.)
2646134
Annoyingly satisfying? I'm not sure how to respond to that, so I'll just take it as a compliment
2646128
Is it a meme now? I had no idea. Yes, I'm a LFG fan. For a while I had convinced my football (I refuse to call it soccer, even if I am an American) team to call it out before matches, or whenever just for the laughs. It took on a whole new meaning when I became a brony
2646125
In all honesty, they're the only military unit I can ever remember. I thought about naming them "Rarity's Hoof", but time was short and I didn't think I'd have enough time to dedicate to that.
2645926
Close enough!
2645887
You win! Scootaloo is proud
2645736
Tactics are good, but this is a Prank War. Pranks are really Dash's forte, which is why Twilight recruited Pinkie Pie to help. Of course, Pinkie Pie isn't always the best for tactical advice, and in fact caused most ponies to team up with Rainbow Dash
2645721>>2645654
I activate the once a day ability of my +5 Vorpal Rubber Chicken, causing both of you to open the door, get on the floor, and then everybody walks the dinosaur!
2646171
I made it sound much more serious than it actually was with the first two chapters. The "Prank War" was really just random incidents of pranking throughout the year, all culminating in one final prank battle.
And of course, could anything between Twilight and Rainbow Dash ever stay simple?
2646164>>2646178
I was hoping that one would get a laugh out of folks. I actually only recently caught on to the whole Pinkie Pie/Surprise thing, but it felt like a fitting end to Rarity's vendetta.
2646158
Fixed, thanks for that.
2646169
Me too! I love Richard! Somehow, though, I could just see him - after having done something horrendous and being called on it - holding up a certain pink pony and saying, "I have a Pinkie Pie. Your argument is invalid." Probably followed by Pinkie saying, "HEY! Gimme back my cupcakes!"
...and I suddenly have an entirely new explanation for the 'Cupcakes' fanfic.
2646356
Nice War Games reference.
2646971 Still, you never know.
2647001
any of them would be fine, really.
2646169
fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/124/c/a/megamind_no_you_can__t_by_socalchic-d3fm4ha.jpg
(In all seriousness, I won't be replying to this conversation again. It's been derailed from the subject of the actual story, and so shouldn't, IMO, be a conversation that should be pursued further.)
2647633
Err... I think you got the wrong gender.
2625963 there is on in minecraft in that fighting Herobrine mod he sends a horde of killer chickens after you.
I want that power. :P
2649205
Yeesh you're right. That sounds so bad reading it again. I've given it a temporary fix for now, until I can figure out how I want to word it.
Spike, you have my sincerest apologies old bean!
2649524
just tell me that you don't want this as a mouse curser
24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m121w0OURn1qm02wmo1_400.gif
and i will call you a liar
2652487
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. As far as why Rainbow Dash was so angry in Bottom of the Barrel, the nature of this story makes putting a definite timeline down kind of hard. I assume that this story takes place mostly during season 3 with a few notable exceptions. Bottom of the Barrel would have happened after the episode Sleepless in Ponyville. At least, that's my headcanon for it.
As far a the chapters A Year in the Life and A Year Older a Year Wiser, honestly I feel they could be read in any order. They're mostly a flashback of the events leading up to the end of each chapter, and while technically A Year Older a Year Wiser ends before A Year in the Life, I actually like the order it is in now. This way you get the little bit of knowing that Rainbow Dash has proposed, then you get to see things from Dashie's pov, and see the actual proposal.
2652645 I see. I still haven't watched Season 3 (go ahead crucify me), but if that is the case then I will see it when I see it xD.
As for the structuring of the chapters after a bit of thought when I posted I came to the same point you were making so I've got nothing against this story now :]