I commented first because I can.

Cloudy writing my OTP makes me smile about as much as Pinkie

forever

this story is really adorible. I can't wait to see more of it

>>453647453647

Should you have posted a direct link to this when it's not published yet? Well I guess it doesn't matter if it's ready anyway.

>>454152454152

Yes, I already asked and Cloudy said yes.

>>454236454236

I DID NOT ASK YOU IF YOU HAD PERMISSION, PRIVATE CONTRAIL! I ASKED YOU IF YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IT! GODDAMMIT, DO I HAVE TO SPEAK LOUDER? USE BETTER ENUNCIATION? OPEN YOUR EARS WITH ONE OF THEM SPREADER BARS YOU GOT LYING AROUND!

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS PINK THING DOING ON MY GO-

Don't worry about that meaniepants anymore, Kitty (or is it Hawkie?) He won't be yelling at anyone for a while.

>>454266454266

you had me at spreaderbar

very interesting and adorable

Nice, another Cloudy story!

DashPie is a great ship and this one sells it well.

Best author writing second best ship?

I think my heart just melted.

guys i'm calling the twist ending

MASSIVE LOVE QUINTUPLET GO!

>>454700454700

If someone actually shipped those 5 together I would read the story just on principle.

Image: http://www.sadanduseless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/681.jpg

Love the characterization, it's a fic that makes me feel something, always good for a romance story.

Ahh, Cloudy. You amazing person, you! I'm gonna hold off for a bit with any kind of detailed comment, so for now take this:

...I hope that it's acceptable!

I'm going to cop out too for now on the detailed comment, and just say, for now, that I think this could well turn out to be one of the best Pinkie/Dash stories ever... I'm already dieing here just waiting for a new chapter. No pressure.

Many of the characterizations are more spot on than I've seen in...well, I don't even know. Especially Pinkie. Pinkie saying she loves all her friends, but that Dash is special to her...perfect. The sort of...gentle approach to the relationship between Pinkie and Dash is wonderful, and feels much more 'real' in the universe of the show. Pinkie not turning into a total psycho mental case, but having an obsession with muffins for a while was a refreshing and funny touch, and again, something that I could actually see happening in the show.

Also, fluffies and solid cores = best cloud descriptions.

Please tell me you're submitting this thing to EqD. If not I may have to slap a filly. Some of the writing doesn't flow as well as it could in parts I think, but otherwise it's fantastic so far.

ALL OF MY LOVE.

*cough* I like that Rainbow's and Pinkie's feelings are revealed to themselves through impulses--Dash to fly, to escape, and Pinkie to bake, to find more rainbow sprinkles (nice metaphor, by the way!)--as these are two very impulsive characters. They're not the type to sit down and ponder things over, as Twilight might. They're DOERS, not thinkers. The way they're handling things feels very in-character to me. (I especially love Pinkie just baking and baking and baking--it's funny and heart-breaking, both at once.)

They are both breaking my heart a little. Oh, you silly ponies! Why can't you just tell each other "I love you" and be happy together? *sigh*

I also liked the scene where RD drops by Fluttershy's place and wakes up 'Shy and AJ. That you often include friendship explorations as well as romance explorations in your stories is one of the things I really enjoy about your writing, and I very much enjoyed the dynamics between these three. Fluttershy's confusion, Rainbow's grudging reaching-out, Applejack's annoyed tolerance. I also liked the peek at how Fluttershy and AJ function as a couple, and it occurred to me that RD chose well in whom she sought out. Fluttershy offers patience and sensitivity, on the one hand, while Applejack will give you a kick in the head when you need it, on the other hand.

Can't wait to read more.

Yay, more RainbowPie! And by Cloudy too! ^.^

Rarity shoving Pinkie outside is the best thing ever (more or less anyway)

Great stuff, looking forward to more.

Now you've got me so excited!

Great work with the characters. I especially loved Pinkie working through her stress with baking. And I'd love to try a tofuffin just for the experience.

I've got to see how this ends. Keep up the great work!

PinkieDash by Cloudy Skies?    Very good so far, one of the best shipfics I've read in quite a while. And I've been saying that a lot lately, so... well, it's definitely a compliment. I like that you're getting into both Pinkie and Dash's heads, and showing both their perspectives on this. Not enough stories do that in my experience, and even fewer do it so well. As has been said, your characterization of both is great so far. Pinkie dealing with her confusion by mindlessly filling the bakery with muffins was a nice touch.

Tracked and thumbs-upped. Can't wait for more.

A cute and well-written story. I feel you got the characterization spot-on, basically. I especially enjoy the way you write Pinkie. And I must say, those little "domestic" scenes at the beginning were just the cutest thing.

>>453647453647 I read your comment, and all I can think is "first". You delicious, lovable trollpony.

>>454266454266 Oh sweet merciful princesses in Canterlot above, don't encourage him, gah!

>>454700454700 You forgot !

>>455359455359 No! Entirely unacceptable! (No seriously though, I wasn't expecting comments or feedback before I posted up the entire story, actually. Not used to doing chapters on an entirely new story here on FimF. Also, hi!)

>>457513457513 Oh, no pressure, right? Not at all! I'll be under my bed. It's indeed submitted to EqD, still waiting on reply/confirmation atm! It feels a little iffy to submit an unfinished story. Haven't done that in a long while.

>>457615457615 Heartbaking. it's a word now.

Really though, I'm glad to hear that the Flutter-scene was appreciated, because I half feared I wrote it for my own benefit only. It ties into how I wonder whether or not these half-sequel stories are just me hugging my own headcanon/universe or what. Now I just need to make sure I give the unicorns their dues, going forward. The title of the first story already suggests that this is more about the pegasi and the earth ponies, but I don't want to exclude Rarity or Twilight at all; they are not lesser friends by any stretch of the word, they're just not the focus of the story.

@ Everypony: Thank you for your comments, thoughts, kind words, odd mustaches and big cigars! I hope to have the next batch up soon!

>>461947461947

It totally has been queued. I think with Seth out for the weekend, some of the responses were derped. But my records and email show a "to the queue" (sadly only two "ue"'s)

You already should know every thought I have on this story, having had them thrown at you many times. I'm wary of spoiling anything for people so I'll leave it at this: this is an amazing story and I totally envy your ability to write Pinkie in any given mood that she is capable of having. You know the rest, but in case it wasn't 100% crystal clear: not only are you an awesome friend but you're my overall favorite author in this fandom.

Poor Dash. She seems to push herself really hard in all your stories. Can't wait to read more.

Oh goodness my chest is all tight after reading this chapter. Especially after hearing Fluttershy cut to the heart of the problem when she's talking to Pinkie Pie. And Rainbow's frustration over everything really is pretty heartbreaking. My heart is just begging for them to all be happy, and I'm sure they will be, but it's so hard to see that yet.

oh noes..Dash freakout coming up?

>>461947461947

Heartbaking. it's a word now.

That is a terrible pun. You ought to be ashamed. Or proud. Or both.

Really though, I'm glad to hear that the Flutter-scene was appreciated, because I half feared I wrote it for my own benefit only. It ties into how I wonder whether or not these half-sequel stories are just me hugging my own headcanon/universe or what.

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I've really, really enjoyed the Fluttershy/RD stuff in all three of this universe's stories. Their relationship is fascinating to me--it's beyond a standard friendship but isn't a romance, really, but something kind of undefinable and almost codependent. And given the nature of their relationship, as you've created it in these stories, you almost NEED to have the friendship included in any romance plot. Any suitor of Fluttershy's is going to have to handle and allow room for 'Shy's relationship with RD, and any suitor of RD's is going to have to handle and allow room for RD's relationship with 'Shy. It's ... almost like dating someone who has a twin, now that I think about it--there's a pre-existing, hugely strong bond there that you have to respect, or else it just won't work.

Fortunately, Applejack and Pinkie Pie are two ponies who can handle just about anything. Wonder if it's symbolic at all that the two pegasi are hooking up with the two earth ponies. 'Shy's always had a love for the ground, and you can't get much earthier than AJ. Plus, both are pillars of strength, in their own ways. And of course, Pinkie is an earth pony who defies both nature and gravity to fly--perhaps not unlike a pegasus who was able to do the impossible and pull off the mythical Sonic Rainboom.

I'm rambling now, though. My apologies.

>>462194462194

this is an amazing story and I totally envy your ability to write Pinkie in any given mood that she is capable of having.

Agree 100% with this. In case I wasn't explicit enough in my review, I wanted to emphasize--the way that Pinkie's sadness is portrayed here is brilliant. She still feels so very PINKIE even when she's mooning over losing Rainbow Dash, and it's such a delicate balance to get with a character like Pinkie.

Agree with almost everyone above.  This is probably my favorite story from you so far, and that's saying a *lot*, because I really like your other stories (the ones I had time to read, at least).  Keep up the most excellent work!!

>>468593468593

Honestly: make time. Also, even if clop is not your thing, consider making an exception for "Bonds of Earth and Sky", because >>464885464885 is 100% correct. Cloudy's FlutterDash relationship is amazingly well threaded and deep. It's one of those things you read and realize that it's possible to be so incredibly close and yet not have it be romantic at all.

>>468966468966

Don't worry, kits; I definitely intend to.  I'm just a little busy with my own projects though (grad school is hard)...

>>469125469125

I hear ya. My job usually keeps me from pony due to the restrictive nature of out network. Luckily, I'm only spending half-time in the lab this month.

Yay!

I love Appleshy!

>>462239462239 Alternatively: I am being a dick to Dash in all my stories. I jest - partially - but the next story I've planned that features Dash in a lead position is very, um, vindicating, hah.

>>464885464885 You know, the sad/interesting/weird/cucumber thing is that when you put it like that, I almost want to write another story simply because while what you say is true, I never touched upon that. I sort of want to explore Pinkie and AJ's feelings on the matter, but it's hard to do more than give a nod to it. What you're commenting - and praising - is a subtext I haven't done justice. I think it says more about you as a reader than me as a writer, hah.

Still, you flatter me - thank you! One of these days I'll repay you your insights, once I finish spending X hours a day editing. I've been wanting to nip at Of Parties and Rainbows for so long now, but the [Sad] tag scares me a bit.

>>468593468593 >>469417469417 Thank you, and thank you for reading!

>>469600469600 I just meant she pushes herself physically. Seems like in all her stories she's flying everywhere as hard as she can, trying to run from thinking about things.

>>469745469745 Oh. Whoops. That too! She's a very physical creature, as I see her, so it makes sense to me, I guess. Besides, it's very handy to be a pegasus and be able to act on the impulse everypony gets sometimes, no? "I wish I could just fly away"- oh, whoops, she can!

>>469757469757 That's a great point, and you're right. I do wish I could do that too.

omg! i love this chapter!

Great. Now I have to go get a new heart. The old one blew up.

EDITED FOR EMBARRASSMENT REMOVAL

Next time I'll post on EqD :V

Posting a comment is more than 10 sconds flat. Rainbow Dash I ain't

Stop trying to make me cry Cloudy. Goodness. Especially those last few lines about strawberries. They're such simple, but deep sentences. Goodness I can't even handle them.

Much rejoicing was had. Especially from this soul. I'd like to see what in Equestria Dash is doing though.

Sometimes, you just had to roll with the cards that the lemons dealt you.

Best. Pinky line. Ever.

Aw. I don't know if there's anyone who could really keep up with Pinkie. You'd have to have such high amounts of patience. But goodness do I want to hug her. Cloudy, my chest is tight. You've really got to stop doing that. (Please don't ever stop doing that)

Great chapter! Hurricane Flare's characterization is well done, fantastic writing!!

Woo! Fimfiction is finally back up! I was reading chapter 3 at uni, click to go to the next one and I suddenly couldn't get on for like 24 hours. It was the worst possible thing!

Man, I am loving this story so much, haha. No one, I reapeat, no one writes PinkieDash quite like you. I love how it is a PinkieDash like Best Plan Ever, but it's exploring a slightly different aspect of their relationship. It really keeps everything fresh and shows a nice range.

Top stuff.

Oh. Mah. Gawd. MRS. DASH'S MOM!

I am in love with Mrs. Dash's Mom (I know she has a name, but Pinkie's name for Flare amuses me). The first thing that Pinkie does is TACKLE the poor pegasus, and Flare lets her in anyway. She is amazingly chill and kind--and very Dash-like. An older, more patient Dash. (I am envisioning some of Flare's possible internal monologue: "THIS? THIS is my potential future daughter-in-law? Are you KIDDING me?")

This part was pure love:

“Do you love my daughter?” she asked. It was a casual and simple question with infinite gravity. She stared at Pinkie Pie as if though her eyes could burn right through her.

“Oh, I have no idea!” Pinkie admitted, giggle-snorting. “I mean, I think so?”

That is brilliant. Oh, Pinkie. PINKIE. Girl ain't got no filter. And then Pinkie keeps barreling on and manages to win over Flare with her honest, heart-felt babbling and, really, probably won over Flare better than if she'd just said something like, "Yes, of course I love her." Well done, little pink pony. Well done.

Also, I find it adorable that, when feeling upset about all of this Pinkie stuff, Dash decided to go see her mommy. Awww.

>>469600469600

Heh, sorry if I'm reading more into the stories than is actually there. I really like to dissect stuff, and sometimes I go overboard.

Re: "Of Parties and Rainbows," if you stay skip over "But Where Do They Bury the Survivors?" and "After Every Storm," you oughta be fine.

I love how Pinkie's big confession to sleeping Dash scene is a mix of funny and heart-breaking. I loved Pinkie destroying half of Rainbow's house, and I loved Rainbow sneaking bites of the muffin. These two always have such a fun, lovely dynamic when you write them.

It was meant to be for special occasions. Perhaps Pinkie didn’t know the blanket was special. Perhaps Pinkie never had a reason to think it was, since Dash’d always brought it out when they sat up until the early hours of morning talking and playing games - which was almost every night.

Oh my gosh, my heart cannot even handle this level of adorability. You are totally in love with that girl, Rainbow Dash. Don't even play like you're not, 'cause you are.

I liked the bit of Lyra/Pinkie friendship, how Lyra seemed to genuinely enjoy Pinkie's company even as she was fully aware of Pinkie's ridiculousness. Also, is this story the first time you've written from Pinkie's POV? I can't really recall you doing so to any great extent before--which is a shame, because Pinkie is AMAZING here.

  Pinkie Pie didn’t want to lie. She just smiled still and waved as Fluttershy trotted off down the road. She didn’t want to promise not to do something stupid. She was pretty sure the plans she was making even now were stupid on some level. Probably a lot of levels. If her plans were a cake, all the layers would be made of stupid, and the cream filling was concentrated stupid, but it didn’t matter so long as the cake was topped with strawberries.

Seriously, there is absolutely nothing not to love in that paragraph. Pinkie's self-awareness, her hilarious metaphor of the cake, the funny-then-bittersweet metaphor of the strawberries. This is a serious Pinkie who's still very Pinkie, and I love her.

Awesome story but I can't help but wonder...

You did X

Then X

So will we ever see something involving or after you're done with this one?

(In the same universe/timeline/world/whatever)

>>471545471545 Aw, well, there's keeping up with, and there's keeping up with, I guess. Pinkie cheats, so it's not really fair!

>>471598471598 >>471294471294 >>472220472220 Thank you very much, truly!

>>471377471377 And there we go, now you can find out, hah!

>>474551474551 To be very frank, and very open about this for once - since if I did decide to do RariLight, it'd be clearly telegraphed in the fic title/desc anyway - I don't think I will. I don't feel like chasing that symmetry just because they're the two ones left. Then again, I don't want to actively avoid pairing them up, either; this continuity really is just me going with the flow, writing whatever seems cutest at the time.

What I will say is that when I decide to write a third story in this arc, I will at least comment on it! If you were a gang of friends and this happened, at the very least, you would notice, hah. S'gotta be a little uncomfortable sometimes!

>>473744473744 I'm glad she works! It was a very, very nervous moment for me, submitting that chapter, because it's basically all the dangers/traps of writing an OC, except the level of expectations is higher considering who she is, guh. I spent over half an hour pining over what to name her, and I owe Kits a cookie for his help, there. I am pretty desperate to get to write Flare and Dash interacting. I may have to facilitate that in the third story.

Heh, sorry if I'm reading more into the stories than is actually there. I really like to dissect stuff, and sometimes I go overboard.

(Borrowing your style of commenting on comments here -)

No, no, and jeez, no. I did not mean to say that, sorry! The only problems that arise from liberal/extensive interpretation are when you tout them as unassailable truths, and even I don't claim to possess such authority. What you do is highlight something, either reminding me of potential lost, or giving me ideas. That is awesome.

And yes, I believe this is the first time I've done a close Pinkie PoV like this - and that's because Pinkie scares me. Writing Ode to Friendship was the first step towards curing this fear, by having Pinkie be the star. This was the next step, and I guess Pinkie is the part I'm happiest with in this fic, actually - thanks!

Re: "Of Parties and Rainbows," if you stay skip over "But Where Do They Bury the Survivors?" and "After Every Storm," you oughta be fine.

Was going to, and then I saw you had written RariPie. Priority shiiift!

Man, I was just asking myself, "Why am I reading this again? I don't really go for angsty shipping," and then Pinkie crashed into Cloudsdale. Oh, that's why.

Also, Twilight and Straight Edge totally need to hang out. Only after completing Form 2.401G-5(iii), Request For Consideration As A Paperwork Buddy, of course.

Yay, happy ending! With 9001% more d'awww. This was very satisfying to read. Though I'm wondering what happened to Dashie's epic new house. Did it just dissipate into nothingness?

Such a wonderful story. It's terribly cute and Pinkie is just silly enough to know it's really her. Thanks for the smiles.

This has become my favorite ship-fic from Pinkie's perpective. You keep her light-hearted innocence and absolute optimism without gong over the top or losing any of the romance. Excellent job with the whole thing.

the end part

another great ship fic done cant wait to see more stuff from you

Okay, great. You caused me to sign up just so I could comment on your story. Happy now? Proud?

Really, though, this story was amazing! I'm a sucker for a good romance, but seriously hesitate at fanfiction, especially shipfics. It's such a difficult act, juggling a romantic story with believable characterizations, that it so rarely seems to work. But you really have a knack for mixing character with story; I think you deserve extra points for showing how Pinkie would work in romantic-mode, shifting from hyper-spastic to oddly calm and collected as her mind drifts to her wants (her talk about Dash at the end of chapter 4 was especially beautiful). Honestly, I could go on, but I'll just keep it short (too late) and say that you got everyone down wonderfully, and the story soars because of it!

I've been waiting all week for this one's conclusion, and it was totally worth it! Just like Fluttershy, I couldn't help but let out a bit of a squee at the end

...to make one more note, I have to admit that I would love to see you continue these stories (considering this is a followup). I know you said in your journal that you didn't want t get tied down, but personally, I love shifting-world stories; the kind that use one to branch of to another to branch off to another, and I think there's so much more you could do with this one. I mean, heck, I think we'd all love to know what kind of a wedding Pinkie would plan (or her reaction to it, if someone else planned AJ&FS's). Um, I mean... you know.... if you wanted to...

awww i love this story!! very nice! 5/5

yay, I'm someponies favorite pony of the day

I really enjoyed this fic, just like WEMS and I don't have much to say except that you get a pinkie

This is just the cutest PinkieDash fic I've read in a long time. It sounds like you went outside your comfort zone to write Pinkie, and it's simply brilliant!

Of course, the rest of the characters are great, too. Fluttershy and Applejack in particular were lovely whenever we saw them. I loved how they handled Dash when she flew into their bedroom. AJ did her best to help even if she didn't realize everything that was going on while Fluttershy just knows Dash well enough to see there's more that's bothering her. And Pinkie and Fluttershy at the end was just And let's not forget your own creations, Mr. Burner and Mrs. Rainbow Dash's Mom. They didn't get that much attention, but they sure made the best of it.

There really aren't any scenes I didn't love. Among the best was Pinkie jumping out of Twilight's balloon straight down to Cloudsdale and meeting Straight Edge. That whole opening was just so... Pinkie! And of course the confessions at the Top of the World. It's just so brilliantly romantic and fitting for for when they finally get together.

Seriously, this may not be the most revolutionary shipfic out there, but it is one of the best.

This whole story is just amazing.

The way you've captured Pinkie is just perfect - she's hilarious, random, sweet and yet she's absolutely heartbreaking and one of the most touching takes on the character i've ever seen. Her entire outlook on life is incredibly well done. Everything she does and thinks feels very Pinkie indeed. I loved her speech to not-really-sleeping Dash especially, I think - though honestly every scene in this is just glorious. And Puffy the cloud is the greatest pet ever - Pinkie's reaction must have been gold, and Dash's reaction to that reaction would've been priceless.

Dash feels great too - her snarky nature really shines through but she never feels out of character or mean. I should say how my favourite Dash moment was one of the sweet, touching ones but honestly? Her doing everything in her power to stealthily devour a muffin while pretending to be asleep during a confession of love may never be topped by any Dash moment in anything ever. Also, Dash's mum is best mum.

I love this. You, sir, are awesome and I thank you.

LOOOOOOVE. Oh, gosh. So much love. I love Dash flying to "the top of the world," and I love Pinkie deciding to nap with her. I love Dash being ecstatically happy when she realizes Pinkie is real and is actually there. I also love how Pinkie is so unconcerned about the cloud-walking spell wearing off--and about that, about Pinkie's whole quest. For any other pony, it'd be heroic to have stolen the balloon, take that dive into Cloudsdale, wait for Dash to wake up even though time's running low. But Pinkie's not your average pony, so none of that really phases her. She's not scared of any of that. So the REALLY heroic part ends up being Pinkie quietly saying, "I did mean it." Because THAT gets at the stuff that Pinkie's really afraid of, and it's a beautiful moment.

Also, I love that my expectations--that the cloud-walking spell would wear off, and Rainbow would have to make a heroic save--were completely dashed (no pun intended). Because what happened instead is so much better, so much more poignant, and egads, I loved it so. ("What you are ... is mine.")

And then they crashed through the spa roof, which was the most perfect ending in the history of perfect. ("Oh, hey, girls. What's up?") I have to say it again--Dash and Pinkie are SUCH a fun and funny couple when you write them. Also, wingboner joke. I will never, ever tire of wingboner jokes. Because I am TWELVE.

One part that seemed perhaps a bit too fast-paced, or perhaps underdeveloped, were the two paragraphs that began and ended "Pinkie Pie was here ... There was no choking tightness. Dash shook her head slowly, tuning back in just in time to catch Pinkie’s final words." Dash had been angsting about this stuff for a handful of chapters--having her go from "trapped' to "not trapped" in two paragraphs seemed a bit fast to me. But that's a very minor criticism, because really, this story is LOVE. I think it's my new favoritest RainbowPie.

Thanks so much for writing and for sharing with all of us.

>>475277475277

Twilight x Straight Edge is totally my new OTP.

>>475635475635

I can't help but think Rarity would try to take over the planning of a RainbowPie wedding, because she'd be afraid (very justifiably afraid) that it would be completely tacky if Dash and Pinkie planned it themselves.

Cloudy:

I believe I've said this when I read When Earth Meets Sky, and I'll say this again: I am going to stop writing. I can't compete with prose of this caliber. The love you put into making these characters come alive really shows, and when folks say you're incredibly faithful to the show, that's no accident. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were perfect.

I should probably explain myself. Rainbow Dash's back-and-forth with Twilight over her intuition with moving clouds ("Professor Who?" "Uh, no thanks, I'm good") honestly made me laugh out loud. That hardly ever happens when I'm reading. There was also the "oddly final" moment of Pinkie closing the door to Sugarcube Corner, too. But I think what I admire most is how ardently you put Dash's need -- nay, obligation to freedom -- as the core of her character, and the conflict it brings up with being with Pinkie Pie carries this chapter like a gilded scroll in Mercury's swift hand. Your description of Equestria spread beneath Rainbow's wings at the apex of her flight blew away what I came up with for Wingmares, no joke.

Pinkie Pie is excellent, too. I really love how you still have her on some kind of party mode while not abandoning it all the way, like when she was hard at work baking those muffins for Rainbow in the early morning. I don't have the subtlety to pull that off. And -- I'll be honest -- you just might get me writing shipping if these scenes of Pinkie and Rainbow in the same bed make me feel so fuzzy inside.

There's so much more I wanted to say than this -- so much more, and on the eve of the final episode of the season, too... I'll just congratulate you on your Avatar shoutout at the beginning. That was exactly what I needed to get this story going. XD

Well, I beat you to the fic title by several days, but this was still nice. You do a good Pinkie.

I love you. You literally made my day with this, so thank you.

You capture Pinkie's mind so perfectly. The most ridiculous things make sense, sort of, when she's thinking of them. I love every bit with her, but expecially the total breakdown and confession at Fluttershy's hooves.

I don't think I'll ever be able to top JUMPING OUT OF A HOT AIR BALLOON AT ALTITUDE and playing it for laughs. Wow.

Well, having read Earth Meets Sky and now this, I think I'll just... stop writing now. You've got it covered. XD

>>478631478631

I know that feel.

Read "Bonds of Earth and Sky" too. Even if it is clop, that FlutterDash relationship is seriously... real.

Not in an attempt to mess up the high caliber comment on top of mine with some crude thoughts but, every time you mentioned the word muffin here I imagined they were talking about plot instead... It was pretty funny when Dash mentioned Gummy liking her muffins.

kk g2g

Well done.

Most excellent, Cloudy!  I liked this story a lot.  In addition to what others have mentioned, I really like the way you changed the meaning of Pinkie sleeping on Dash's wing.  First, it was a symbol of Dash's fear of being trapped by Pinkie, but now symbolizes how close Dash desires Pinkie to be.  Especially in the epilogue, where RD intentionally slips her wing under Pinkie and considers herself freer for it.  Well done, indeed!

Oh holy moley, that's a lot of comments, suddenly.

>>475277475277 I constantly worry that what I write is too angsty, because I don't like angst myself, but you do need some sort of opposition. I did multiple passes trying to smooth it out and de-angst it, but I still think it could've been a little more light-hearted. Still, glad if it all worked out for you!

>>475311475311 It's funny you should mention that; I tried so hard to find a way to fit a mention of it into the epilogue, I just failed! I guess the omission suggests that it's mostly because it doesn't really matter any more, but it'll probably be commented on in the next story.

>>475317475317 >>475331475331 >>475465475465 >>475742475742 >>475768475768 Thank you, truly, and thank you for reading, too! I shall treasure this Pinkie always.

>>475635475635 Oh jeez, I'm flattered! I'll freely admit that Pinkie was a challenge. The second part there though - I'm very, very glad to hear of this interest. It means a lot to hear it, because even if I'm more resolved to write the next story now, it helps to know that there is, well. Interest! Thanks!

>>476072476072 Thanks! You're very kind, and I'm glad if the Pinkie went over well; I honestly wish I could have worked more AppleShy into this story, but that's just my own weakness for the pair. Also, I get a mustache, yay!

>>476077476077 Oh wow, I may start believing that I could try my hoof at Pinkie again someday if this keeps up - thank you! Puffy is funny because I added that little snippet as an afterthought late late night when I was doing a final edit pass as I imported to FimF, hah.

And in Dash's defense, they are Pinkie-baked muffins. I would sell my hat for a Pinkie-made muffin.

>>476269476269 I'm very glad to hear I din' drop the ball at the end there, if I read you right!

I suppose some of the stuff from Best Plan kind of dribbled through, huh? I mean, I didn't even think about it before I read your first paragraph there, but you're actually quite right, hah. I just pray it didn't feel like a re-hashing. Heck, now I need to re-read my own fic to check.

Regarding the very climax, though, I need to give credit to Kits for the idea regarding ownership and all that. As I remember it, it's in fact entirely his idea - but then, we toss ideas back and forth so often, it's a safe bet that if something is neat, it's his, half the time.

I will never, ever tire of wingboner jokes. Because I am TWELVE.

Okay, I laughed hard at that! In my defense, I am aware of how worn they are - but sometimes, I am twelve, too.

Now, regarding the critique, I do actually agree; what I ideally would do is expand upon the turning point for Dash, there, instead eating into the deliberation prior to her realizing Pinkie is present. I have a vague feeling that I meant to trim the start of that segment, but got distracted - it's slightly too whingy for Dash, perhaps?

>>477931477931 Oh jeez oh jeez oh jeez, don't even joke about that. I've said so over there - somewhere - and I'll say it again; Wingmares was among the most polished and elegant works I've ever read. If you find some traits that you like, here, I'm of course thrilled, but don't you dare cut me off from Via Equestria before it's done and I can lavish praise upon you for it.

I almost want to accuse you of being too liberal, of attributing my characterization with concerns and themes that I can only nod dumbly and say "yeah, sure!" to. I think you're just a better reader than I am a writer, hah. Still, I am glad that Dash translated. Where writing Pinkie was new and a challenge, I had (and still have) worries about Dash here. I am glad if they're at least partially unfounded.

Your description of Equestria spread beneath Rainbow's wings at the apex of her flight blew away what I came up with for Wingmares, no joke.

I'm not going to disagree with you by highlighting why I think you're wrong, but your Cloudsdale stands out stronger in my mind than most locations, I'm just saying.

That said, you saying you might, perhaps, one day, just maybe sniff at shipping? That is the true prize here.

>>477976477976 I could've sworn I googled extensively to see there were no ponyfics - I guess my search was a little too exact, guh. Thank you, all the same!

>>478060478060 As ever, thank you, truly!

>>478237478237 Aw, thank you! I was wondering about that little scene, whether it was incomprehensible silly gibberish, or good silly gibberish!

>>478631478631 Pff, as if. Get back to writing, writepony! (Thank you, you flatterer!)

>>479096479096 ...Well, blast. If I ever re-read this story for my own pleasure now, it's gonna be a lot more interesting.

>>479652479652 Flutteryays are best yays, thank you!

>>481338481338 Aw, I'm glad you liked that bit - the very last one at the end of the last epilogue was a very late addition, so I'm glad to see it mentioned; thank you! I'm a huge fan of recurring little things like that.

>>481911481911

OMG I can't believe you did not realize it when you were writing it! This is JUST from the first chapter:

“Those muffins may be too much for just one pony to handle!”

“Oh. That sounds like fun,” she said without looking up, obviously busy watching the muffins or whatever.

But they were special muffins not meant to be eaten alone.

The muffins were still warm, after all.

“I want muffins,” Dash declared. “So I’m gonna go get some muffins.”

‘Pinkie Pie, a pegasus as cool as the Dash deserves only the freshest muffins!’

“Uh-huh,” Dash muttered around a growing smile, her brain already filling with the heady sugary scent of muffins.

We could eat muffins while we play games? Ooh, wait, don’t tell me, muffins and the latest Daring-Do graphic novel?

“When he eats my muffins, it’s because he likes my muffins, Pinkie.”

Seriously Bro? You wrote this. I thought it was mostly on purpose because your crafty like that.

Honestly though, it's probably just me and my clop-filled head!

Anyway I just saw the finale and I am fried from the epicosity...

Warm fuzzies filled my heart after finishing this story. As with others you pulled pinkie off perfectly! Pinkie happens to be my favorite of all the ponies so I take stories with her in it as a primary character VERY seriously. I just don't have it in me to write essay length praise so a simple awesome job will have to do. Thanks for the story and I look forward to more of your works.

"Sometimes, you just had to roll with the cards that the lemons dealt you."

This won the award for Best Line Ever. Thought you'd like to know.

>>481911481911

You did the exact opposite of dropping the ball. And I don't think you rehashed too much from "Rainbow Dash's Best Plan Ever," for what it's worth. I just think a bit of your "Best Plan Ever" characterization of Pinkie carried over to "WYHI"--and that's a GOOD thing, not a bad thing, as your Pinkie characterization is top notch.

Props to kits for the pegasus ownership idea, then. That was a really neat idea.

Re: my critique, I think I might have changed my mind. I reread chapter 5 and found myself pondering this bit:

“I’m not going anywhere,” Pinkie finally said, tentatively poking at the silence. Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples and sighed.

This was what it was really about for Dash, all along, wasn't it? Which I kinda knew but also it just now fully clicked for me. The real worry wasn't being trapped ... it was LOSS. To care about someone is to make yourself vulnerable, to take a risk. And assuming that's what was really tying Dash up in knots, then Pinkie's simple presence on the Top--visible, tangible proof that Pinkie will not only stay with Dash but will chase her to the ends of the world--would be reassuring, in and of itself.

Or I could be misreading everything. That's always possible, too. *laugh*

Oh heck, that part where Rainbow explains that Pinkie won't fall because she belongs to her now was soooooo great. I really enjoy a nice, straightforward bit of PinkieDash and this delivered it very well.

I love the Avatar: The Last Airbender reference in the very beginning, I laughed so hard just imagining that. The Cabbage Pony.

>>481946481946 I honestly went muffin-blind. I use muffins as a matter of habit in my fics - as opposed to cupcakes, turnovers or whatever - and I used that damned word so many times in this fic, I... wow. Well. Clop goggles will make this for an interesting read.

>>482835482835 Aw, no essay? I'm crushed, sir/madam! No, seriously though, thank you - you're far too kind!

>>483010483010 I shall celebrate this by inhaling sugar at twice the regular speed, thank you!

>>484387484387 Ah! Well, fair enough, sorry if I misunderstood or misinterpreted.

To be very frank, regarding the point you've raised (and then retracted), I must admit that I'd have to re-read it myself to give a more accurate reply (since it's rapidly fading from mind). What I will say is that you're right in that Pinkie's very presence is the major point. I still wonder if I could've stressed it more.

The real worry wasn't being trapped ... it was LOSS. To care about someone is to make yourself vulnerable, to take a risk. And assuming that's what was really tying Dash up in knots, then Pinkie's simple presence on the Top--visible, tangible proof that Pinkie will not only stay with Dash but will chase her to the ends of the world--would be reassuring, in and of itself.

I don't know how you snuck into my notes, because this is pretty much half of what was left after I'd sliced away at my own notes as I went along. She fears this - making herself vulnerable again. Dash fleeing wasn't a test, not intentionally, but Pinkie following like some guided missile was the last proof she needed.

Another point is that she also feared hurting Pinkie, and the only way she could make sure that wouldn't happen was if she made sure Pinkie wouldn't let her hurt her - wouldn't let her go.

Mind you, these are just my words. I always believed in free interpretation. People can read whatever they want into whatever I write, and I'll be happy if they can find the "evidence" to support their interpretations; I'll never call them wrong or right. That's not in my place. All I can say is how I read it myself. Not even gonna use the word "intended".

I just started reading fanfictions and this was one of the first few i read and it was wonderful. Great job. (:

Pinkie and Rainbow belong together. <3

Dude i loved this chapter. I love when i sit down to read and the story pulls me in. I could see Flare and pinkie talking on the clouds  it seemed real. Great job.

>>489862489862

Ah! Well, fair enough, sorry if I misunderstood or misinterpreted.

No, no! I was being unclear and just trying to fix that. TL:DR: This story rocks, I love it, and I see what I'm saying as more just discussing the story than critiquing it.

Another point is that she also feared hurting Pinkie, and the only way she could make sure that wouldn't happen was if she made sure Pinkie wouldn't let her hurt her - wouldn't let her go.

*nod* Fortunately, Pinkie is a pony who is uniquely qualified to accomplish that.

Mind you, these are just my words. I always believed in free interpretation. People can read whatever they want into whatever I write, and I'll be happy if they can find the "evidence" to support their interpretations; I'll never call them wrong or right. That's not in my place. All I can say is how I read it myself. Not even gonna use the word "intended".

That's my approach, too. I don't consider an interpretation of my own writing as "wrong" if it differs from what I had in the back of my own mind--I really do think the text exists as a separate thing from the author. Still, it's always neat to hear authors talk about their work, their intentions, their processes, etc. Thanks for indulging me.

>>491991491991 Thank you very much for your kind words! I'm glad if you like!

Sheer brilliance. Possibly my favorite PinkieDash story yet, and that's against some stiff competition, so... yeah. Ya done good, Mr. Skies. Pinkie's characterization was probably the highlight. I tend to be wary of stories with her as the main character given how... unconventional... her personality and thought process are, but you've pulled her off perfectly here.

5/5, easily. No complaints. If you're still writing a third story in this continuity, I will absolutely read it. If the diabetes I got from this one doesn't kill me first, anyway.

While your stories aren't the most original, I can very much feel the emotions in both this one and in where earth meets sky, the only question I have now is... what happens to the two (out of the six) ponies that do not have a relationship yet.

Up there I say that your stories aren't the most original, this however is a strength rather than a fault, you have taken Pinkie's POV to it's peak, everything she did felt so like her and I very much enjoyed the story because of it.

Same for RD the "why think then you can run" style of going about things fits!

If it wasn't clear already I very much enjoyed this story, kudos to you, and I'm looking forward to more great writing.

It's good to see you write again cloudy

This fic wasn't all too complicated, as you said in your author's notes, but I have to say, your characters are almost parallel to the show. I always love how true you stay to the character's personalities to the show

Anyways, this was a sweet and simple fic and I hope to see more from you eventually

>>493019493019 Thanks! I'm still surprised (and utterly thrilled) that so many poke at Pinkie. I had a good feeling about the one scene, but this is beyond my wildest imaginations - I hope to deliver a third story!

>>493545493545 Oh hoh hoh, minefield, sir or madam! Naw, seriously, I can say one thing for sure at least; I do not intend to ship Rarity and Twilight out of a sense of obligation/symmetry. I'm not saying I'm 100% sure I won't, but I won't do it because I feel it's expected - be that of myself or others.

Thank you for your kind words, even if I'm not quite sure I deserve them - I'll just keep it up and see what happens!

>>496951496951 I'm glad to be writing! Thank you, truly!

>>503670503670

I never said it had to be with one another.

What a great read! Love it!! Well written and enjoyable. I would say PinkieDash is nearly as brilliant as TwiDash!

I must say tho that the ending at the top of the world may have approached cheesyness, but I respect it and it still turned out very well.

>>504355504355 Hah, fair enough. Twi x Lyra and Rares x Bon-Bon, was it? No really, I can only say I've obviously thought about it!

>>505050505050 Thanks! And yeah, I generally don't actively try to avoid sounding cheesy unless it's downright terrible; I'm a sucker for the classics, I guess.

Shame on me! I read the first 8 chapters of this story just slightly slower than they came out, but then I put off reading the epilogue for like a week. Doing so did have the advantage of extending the time I spend reading this story; now that I've finished it I feel kind of sad, almost.

This truly is a marvellous PinkieDash fic. It started of with some really, really precious domestic scenes. The way you described Dash and Pinkie living together truly was very cute indeed and I was almost disappointed to have the plot move forward. Luckily, the ending brought us a bit more of that and I can rest assured knowing that this kind of cute sillyness will be the ordinary home life of the two of them from now on.

I feel you understand both characters very well. I'm sure you have read the Equestria Daily page of this fic, and I really do agree with everything CouchCrusader said. The way they both do crazy things, rush off without thinking things through, act on impulse.. That's the essence of the pairing right there, in my opinion. An opinion I based on what you had Dash think in Rainbow Dash's Best Plan Ever, in fact: "She was perhaps the only pony who could ever keep up with Equestria’s fastest flier." Both of them are brash, crazy, energetic, and it is when those traits are fully brought out that the pairing truly shows its best side. And it this fic it definitely did.

And that final moment in which Dash looks at the window which has thus far always served as an escape route, but feels so secure and at home that she no longers considers it to be one; that was very nice. It showed that even in this relationship between two energetic balls of chaos, there's still room for a little calmth in the eye of the storm, so to speak.

Even though I'm normally not all that fond of OC's, I must say that Dash's mother was actually kind of cool. I can imagine Pinkie and her having a rather interesting relation now that she and Dash are together and I'd love to see Dash and her interact, something which regrettably did not happen in this story.

So yeah, this was a really awesome story and I really hope you plan on writing more PinkieDash in the future, for you are really, really good at it and I will need it to get through the time between seasons :P Until then, I'm left to check out your other fics. The only PinkieDash fanfic of yours which I have not yet read appears to be a clopfic. So, I guess I'll check that out next.

My apologies for the ridiculously disjointed way this little review was written, by the way. My thought just seem to be all over the place and I didn't succeed in organizing them neatly while writing, it seems.

>>508161508161 Oh my! Thank you for the comment, for reading, and- well, it's not so much a comment as it's a story of it's own, hah! Let's see.

First, regarding slice-of-lifey (or, as you say, "domestic") scenes; I have an insatiable appetite for them, too. Sometimes, when I'm bored or uninspired, I sit down and churn out little cozy scenes that'll never see the light of day simply because they don't make for a good story alone, but they're just so neat!

Now, regarding the pairing itself, I'm very glad that my intent came through and was liked. To be very frank, I was a little nervous. Usually, I'm too gentle in trying to get thematics across - I foreshadow too lightly or whatever - but in WYHI, I feared I was hammering down too hard on exactly what which you highlight, the point of the fic that I used because I've written so much PinkieDash,I needed something different -

Sometimes, it's just time for a nap. They're both such ridiculously energetic ponies, I wanted them to share the potential for secret quiet moments, but when I say something more than once or twice, I keep fearing I'm too  overt. I haven't had anypony complain about that though, so perhaps I managed to hit the middle ground? I'm glad, either way!

The little scene right at the end? I'm always glad when people poke at stuff that I do as last-minute adjustments. It makes me feel better about my gut feeling!

Re: Dash's mom, you have no idea how scary it was to write her. It's not just involving an OC in a ship story, it's writing an OC with the biggest "better be good" stamp on her forehead. Being Dash's mom wasn't easy. I'm glad Kits had a minute (half an hour) to help me just with her name. That alone threatened to block me.

A final note - don't feel forced to read Bonds if it really isn't your tastes. If you liked the mood here, and haven't read the first story in this arc yet, I'd recommend Where Earth Meets Sky - but since you said "first eight chapters", I assume you mean you've read WEMS. I plan on writing more romance, and I've pretty much found my style, I guess, but if you're after something different, Within and Without is good for a night or two of deliberate romance in a drama setting, and Ode to Friendship, while not technically shipping, will forever be the fic of mine that I wish more people've read, hah.

Anyway, thank you! It might be a while before I write more pure PinkieDash simply because I've done it 3.5 times now, but I'm neither tired of the ship, nor will the third story in this continuity exclude them!

One of the best I have read in a while, nothing but happy, and no grimdark for a change.

My only complaint is that you made more use of one of my pet peeves than sky other author to date.

For the love of Faust, Pinkie is NOT a bird, she is a pony! Ponies do NOT chirp!

I'll write a better review when I'm more awake...

Oh, and thanks to you, Dash's mom is my new headcanon. It just seemed so perfectly RIGHT!

>>510237510237 Not sure why I'm replying to this PARTICULAR comment, but I feel the necessity to say that this fic was a PERFECT read.

...

Also, DAAAAAAWWWWW.

Holy shit, Cloudy. I love you and your words. I've read every single one of your stories today, except for W/WO which I will be reading tomorrow. (It's 4am here... I think I might collapse. ...Worth it.)

EDIT: I cannot wait for your next story. I am watching you.

>>527581527581 Whup, bit of a late reply, I guess, sorry. I'm glad you liked! I generally abhor grimdark, so you'll rarely see me go any darker than Fluffy with Mild Peril, hah. Happy that 'Flare went over well, too!

Now, regarding chirping, it's a bit of a toughie; I use it because it fits with the tone, provides free variance, and is an uplifting and fun way of saying "said". At the same time, It sucks if you've started letting it annoy you, because once that happens, there's really no going back, is there? Ick. I don't know what to say, sorry!

>>532320532320 I'm glad, thank you for reading, and thanks for the comment!

>>532791532791 Hi! Well, that's awesome to hear, frankly - holy crap! I hope the other stories proved to be worth your time, and that W&W/O does the same. I'll be here, bein' happy and writing more stories, yeah? Thank-you!

WoW finaly done, took me most of the day.

Math test that decides if I pass tomorrow? Please I got ponies to read!

While I prefered the other two in the "series" this one was alot of fun amd the Pinkie POV was alot of fun, although I got confused more than once.

I hope to see Straight Edge making a cameo in later fics,Pinkie has met her match in pure oddity!

"Castle Stalliongrad"

Y'know, it's the little things that make you such a cool dude Cloudy Skies.