This story is a sequel to Bad Habit
The age of technology has hit Equestria. Ponies everywhere are connecting in ways they never felt imaginable. In this world of constant digital connection, Apple Bloom is learning that things change as you get older. A new Equestria is being made, and that means a new Ponyville is coming with it, but young Apple Bloom isn't certain if she's ready to let go of the old Ponyville first.
A story about growing up and coming of age. The third installment in the Cutie Mark Crusader's saga, and almost a year in the making, "Advance" is the sequel to "Bad Habit" and "Like Me".
Special thanks to The LunarQueen for the cover photo (DA in image source)
Chapters (3)
Looks promising. I'll read the other two first so I know what's happening.
Who the heck is the pony in this last part?
It doesn't sound like anypony I'm familiar with.
2777812 Foreshadowing.
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Oh. Well, that's alright, then.
Here's hoping ms. Shadowing gets more fulfilling employment soon
Third installment? I could swear that it should read 'final'. Anyway, let's read this sucker!
I really hate Sweetie Belle.
I wanna see her and that living emotional crutch of hers get taken down a few pegs, perhaps even shatter.
2778567 I kind of wanted the reader to have some resentment to Sweetie.
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You did a really good job, man. I hate her so much, I can't stop thinking about this series, and what horrible shit I want to happen to Sweetie Belle.
Right now I'm thinking that since Scootaloo's life shortened, then fate isn't immutable, and Sweetie will learn this when her constant alienating of her friends causes that life counter to shorten to the point that Scootaloo dies and it's Sweetie's fault. Then she'll realize this, and feel like a complete failure because then she could have prevented this (probably, she will at least think it), and every other death, she just didn't try hard enough!
She will BREAK, SHATTER!
AHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHA!
2778684 One thing that has happened to Sweetie is her power has certainly affected her, but in the wrong way. Instead of learning to deal with it, she has desensitized herself to it. Almost coming off as arrogant as you notice. Acting as if she holds all the worldly answers, which is what I was kind of going for. I kind of wanted the reader to loathe her a bit because she's just so arrogant and treats everything as if it's very black and white.
Definitely it was worth waiting for. Incredibly moving story. I'm really happy you decided to write it.
No matter how bitchy she gets, I can't being myself to ever dislike Sweetie Belle. What I would like to see, though, is for Twilight to discover the secret of her two charges, do some research and find that it's a rare magical phenomenon that can be fixed with a simple spell, and then cast it on the two. I would love to see the fallout from Sweetie Belle realizing that if she had just told someone what was wrong, this could've been over years ago. That would be glorious.
Anyway, this is a great story, but it doesn't feel very conclusive. For the "finale" of the CMC trilogy, it reads far more like a prologue to whatever you're planning next. That's fine, but try not to wait a year before you put out the next part. ;)
Keep up the good work!
2780850 Ah you figured that out. As I mentioned in my blog there is going to be a second trilogy.
I'm guessing this technological revolution didn't sit too well with your previous occupation, eh Ms. Fluttershy?
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I don't blame her. Having her suddenly turn into a mare that loved life so much would be kinda jarring.
A comforting Trixie gestured to me as she sat down on the grass next to some unfortunate soul that had been lost long ago, only a stone with his name etched in it remaining on this earth.
Either Apple Bloom isn't sitting at Applejack's grave, or this is a typo. If it's a typo, and she is sitting at Applejack's grave, I wonder how much time has passed?
She's sitting at someone ELSE'S grave. It's saying that Trixie is sitting a bit away from Apple Bloom on another grave. Essentially she's giving her some distance. Apple Bloom is at her sister's grave, thus why Trixie is gesturing to her rather than just embracing her, there is some distance between them.
I have to say, this is a heck of a way to start a story. And the worst part is that the information was all there to indicate that this would happen, and it was still a shock. To me, if not to Sweetie, anyway.
Amazing sequel.
However...
Is something missing here? It seems rather abrupt.
2798517 I think I forgot to mark that as a passage of time.
Oh ow, this whole series just hurts to read. I keep waiting for the redemption or some kind of salvation, but it just gets sadder and sadder.
So many potential futures taking wrong turns... I'm reminded of the Offspring song "The Kids Aren't Alright"
Still can't wait to see how this all comes together in the sequels.
2950348 Well as you could see by the ending the next story in the line has been hinted at.
Good news is that my cover artist for this story may be reprising her role as cover artist for future stories. :3
Dam can't believe I missed this for so long. Yet again you delivery and interesting an emotional read.
I thank you.
Incredible. Just... Incredible.
3162831 Thanks. I have been trying to get an emotional draw from these kinds of stories. How did it make you feel?
I'm calling it now. it's going to be Babs Seed.
3162834 Oh, I dunno... it was just really sad I guess. I kinda saw the ending coming as soon as I found out what was wrong, but it still kinda made me want to cry.
I'm glad it still had a positive message and stuff, though.
3171471 It is more or less kind of a story of growing up. Death happens when we get older, and Applebloom learned to cope with that fact.
I hate you! You stupid, amazing, writer! You jerkhole! This story made me cry! I have never cried at a single story or movie ever before! Thank you for this beautiful story, you jerk!
3007644 Are you prepared for more? Because it's coming.
2780850 And a year later I finally approach the finish of the 5th story. Wow I am such a jackass for taking so long!
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But of course.