This story is a sequel to Bookends Part 3: Or Family Values
Life in Ponyville goes on as normal for the next eight years. The dangers and trials for the Mane 6 appear to be something of the past. The ponies of Ponyville have all but forgot the hazards of the past.
The group of friends continue growing as close as ever. With the inclusion of Pinkie’s wife Trixie, and the now accepted fact that Pinkie is a Changeling, there seems to be nothing the group couldn’t handle.
But with the responsibility of three growing and precocious foals; Celestia and Luna Sparkle and Zap Apple, Twilight, Cheerilee and Rainbow have their hooves full.
But when a warning of another threat against Equestria from Princess Celestia comes to Twilight, the mothers fear what could happen when they have children to consider.
If the safety of Equestria is to be maintained, a different view of harmony may have to be accepted.
As is normal with life, things happen that we don’t expect. And a hidden past almost never stays hidden…
I honestly don't understand what all the down votes are for. This is great so far
Can't wait to see the continuation of this I loved the first 3 parts and I can tell this one will be as good if not better.
7444839 Thanks
I was going to say something here about how this part of the story felt like something was missing and seemed to have an abrupt ending, but I later saw the "incomplete" tag on the file entry so obviously there's no need for me to comment in any form on that issue.
...except perhaps to ask if and when you plan to write more? (No pressure...)
I'm also not going to include my usual disclaimer about not wishing to reveal spoilers. As I see it, if someone has jumped ahead to read the comments for part four without having read the previous three parts, well that can hardly be blamed on me.
"The Hall Of The Mountain Queen" so far is my favorite chapter of this part. Though if given the opportunity I would choose to be a fantasy heroine, I've always had a little part of me that wondered what it would be like to be a selfish queen with countless minions to carry out my every wicked whim. I mean, what girl doesn't dream of having a harem of subservients to satisfy her every depraved longing, right? My own lewd fantasies aside, it was a great chapter to remind us of how much Chrysalis wants revenge for her previous defeat, as well as in the context of this story how she really has no true respect for even her own faithful subjects. A truly despicable villainess if ever there was one.
I love what I've seen of the foals so far, and Zap may very well be my favorite. How very fitting that the son of the most tacit guy around and the fastest gal is hyper and talks so fast others can barely comprehend him. Very clever. I also think little Luna's Changeling clairvoyance is a nice touch (though perhaps a bit too convenient) and I wonder what other powers she and her sister might exhibit, especially since little Celestia has not revealed any such uncanny gifts yet. I look forward to seeing more of them.
I wonder who that red Pegasus is? And what plans do the Canterlot Princesses have for our heroines to combat the renewed threat of the Changeling Queen?
Previously I teased that I had at least one bad thing to say about the entire series overall. Well, it's not so bad really, but it is something that I think could have been done differently. Applejack and Rarity. I realize that their relationship being revealed early in the story was a way to show that the courage of Twiligt and Cheerilee in coming out publicly with their relationship was an inspiration to others to do the same. But later we learn that Tia and Lu have had their own unique "thing" going on for quite some time, and then Rainy and Windy get together (back together, apparently). So it sort of felt like after Twilight and Cheerilee came out then suddenly half of Equestria was coming out as well. I realize that there were other more traditional relationships and even weddings going on as well, but to me too much of the Lesbian liberation still makes the story feel a bit contrived. While the relationships of the Princesses and of Rainy and Windy I feel are integral in the plot, I think Applejack and Rarity was just one mare-mare relationship too much.
If it were up to me, I'd save the romance of Applejack and Rarity for an entirely different story. Theirs is a popular enough "shipping" that the story would definitely get read and, even though they're no Twilight Sparkle, there would still be plenty of room for adventure as they go on some mission for Celestia or the Cutie Map, all the while working out just how they are going to make their "odd couple" relationship work. Just an idea.
Overall, I have truly enjoyed reading this story. I love positive female role models (which is one major reason why I love MLP FiM in the first place) and I can admire characters having to find the courage to reveal something to friends, family and the world that they are uncertain will be accepted. And amidst the romance there was action and adventure and even some horror and heartbreak. Overall a very well written story and I look forward to reading more.
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I can understand where you are coming from about RarJack. To tell the truth, they are my favorite 'background' ship. I think all my stories have them as such, except the newest TwiJack stories and one I pulled from the site due to a hate campaign directed at my Twilight x Rarity story. People need to get over the idea of Rarity and Spike. The writers have said no way, and I think it a little insulting to have Rarity as a pedofile.
Hopefully when my broken arm is better, I can do some more writing. Until then, I hope you read and my other works.
8349242
I totally agree on the "Sparity" shipping.
As for hate campaigns, screw 'em. I'd like to say that I wouldn't let such things make me pull a story, but I also know that sometimes you can just get really tired of seeing attack messages so I do understand. Still, maybe in time you will be able to post that story again.
I do intend to keep reading. I like your style, and obviously the subject matter appeals to me for a number of reasons. I find it a refreshingly distracting part of my day now.
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You are my muse, after some of your comments, I have actually been able to write some more on this. Nothing ready to publish, but it is more than I have been able to do for some time.
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I'm both humbled and happy that I can be of inspiration.
Great update my friend. keep up the great work
great job my friend. next chapter please
8366312
As fast as my broken arm will allow. My beautiful Muse drives me on.
I very much enjoyed reading chapters four and five last night. The interactions between all the characters in these newest chapters felt very authentic to me, as if I was reading a transcript from the actual show. Well, with a few minor exceptions, of course, but only because the more adult aspects of the story would not be permitted in the actual show. I particularly enjoyed the scene with Trixie and Pinkie in chapter five. As soon as Pinkie's lifelong secret had been revealed and the two of them formed a relationship the naughtier part of my imagination jumped to the idea that Phantasm could probably change into anypony or anything Trixie dreamed of while they were in bed together. Thank you for not disappointing me there, but also for including the idea in a way that is actually meaningful to the story rather than just a random sex scene. The interaction actually felt very appropriate.
Thank you for sharing these new chapters with us. I look forward to seeing how this conflict is going to be resolved. But don't rush it. Let the story come to you naturally and don't worry about the adoring fans. (I promise I won't abduct you, lock you in a snowbound cabin and break both your legs.)
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Thanks you both for the kind reviews. As far as 'wrong moves', it ain't over yet.
And Herculine my dearest Muse, locked away in a snowbound cabin wouldn't be that bad. But as for the broken legs... One broken arm is enough for me now!
8367435
As far as naughty interactions between Trixie and her wife. I had played with the idea of somepony walking in on Trixie making out with herself!
8367823
That SO sounds like Trixie!
seem like Trixie has learn few trick from her wife in the way of acting
8369737
In this case, living with a Changeling is an advantage. Plus love makes us strong.
8369778
good chapter and good stories, though I surprise Twilight and Cheerilee have not try to have not try to have another foal. that or applejack or rarity have had a foal yet
8369806
Perhaps little Luna and Celestia are a hoof full enough. And AJ and Rare aren't that adventurous.
8369817
I can see that,
8367823
Thanks for the new chapters and for alluding to this in the story.
I'm getting the impression that Trixie was exactly the wrong pony for them to kidnap. But then, like most villains, it seems that the Changelings seriously underestimate the intelligence, skills and strong emotions of their opposition (even though these ponies have defeated them before).
8372632
That is part of the issue. To the Changelings, Trixie is an unknown! They think because she isn't a Mane 6, then she's not gong to be a problem. Plus with Trixie acting all broken up, she's playing them, like the showpony she is.
I think just about everyone loves a happy ending as do I, and this ending is definitely a pleaser. I was surprised by the revelation of Pinkie's TRUE true identity, but I suspect that without her and the significance of that relationship this mission might very well have been a failure.
As an adoring fan I of course now have to ask: do you have any plans to write a sequel, possibly one where the main focus is on all the children that were born in this episode? Given the unique abilities of the Sparkle Sisters and the unknown powers that Trixie's child might possess, I'm sure there will be an interesting story to be had there somewhere. Perhaps now that there is peace, an ancient enemy of the Changelings might resurface and attempt to abduct Unity...
...but for now, thank you for the wonderful and exciting conclusion!
Honey, I'd love to do that. But i have so many arcs I need to bring to a conclusion. Hang in there......
Great story my friend. I really enjoyed reading it
8377554
Many humble thanks.
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But there will be a sequel eventually.....right?
8378540
Perhaps, a lot to do before that.
Yes finaly another reason to re-read the whole story :)
8398927
I hope it was worth the wait and that you found it entertaining.
I don't know why anyone has said anything about the Monty Python reference to Quest for the Holy Grail.