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Municipal Engines 127107

Joined December 2011
661 followers

    Municipal Engines's Stories (1)

    • Night's Favoured Child
      With her new apprenticeship under Nightmare Moon, Empress of Equestria and Queen of the Eternal Night, the orphan filly Twilight Sparkle plunges head-first into the conspiracies, secrets and intrigues of the Empire.

      111,924 words · 15,058 views · 2,012 likes · 29 dislikes

    For almost a thousand years, the immortal Nightmare Moon has reigned over Equestria as Empress. To the average pony, Nightmare Moon is an overarching enigma whose rule is absolute and whose wrath is terrible. But to Twilight Sparkle, who as an orphan has never known her parents, the Empress is something else entirely. When the young unicorn is brought under the royal wing as an apprentice, she learns a great deal more about the supposed tyrant than she ever knew. But as Twilight is introduced to life with her new mentor, she is thrust into a world of political intrigue, conspiracies and secrets. Secrets that were never meant to be revealed. As allies and enemies plot against the very peace of the nation, will Twilight fall prey to the perils of her new position? Or will she prosper and find in Nightmare Moon the mother she never had?

    First Published
    29th Dec 2011
    Last Modified
    30th Nov 2012

    Comments ( 1,032 )

    #1 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 2d ago · · ·
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    i'm happy to see it here :pinkiehappy:

    #2 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 2d ago · · ·
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    Hooray! It's my favorite story now on Fimfiction! You didn't have to get me anything christmas :pinkiehappy:

    #3 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 2d ago · · ·
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    Woohoo!  I'm glad to see this story is here where I can easily track it.  Have some stars!  :pinkiehappy:

    #4 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    YUS!

    #5 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Yay for an awesome fic becoming more accessable. :twilightsmile:

    #6 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Excellent!

    More and more Fics are coming over. I will forever cherish and love (and tolerate) EqD, but FimFic just has a more robust system for tracking.

    #7 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    awwww yeahhhh

    #8 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Worth every single star.

    #9 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · 1 · ·
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    The Griffon High King has a daughter in Cloudsdale?

    ...it can't be.

    #10 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Night's Favorite Child on fimfiction? I can track it now too? Buck yeah! :pinkiehappy:

    #11 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    A somewhat softer side to Nightmare Moon. Not many fics that do that, I don't think.

    #12 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I'm liking this one alot so far. Can't wait for more. :twilightsmile:

    #13 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I wonder how much hot water orth Star just got herself into with that little idea of hers?

    #14 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    love this chapter and story as a whole. Looking forward to the next chapter. Filly Twilight is adorable :twilightsmile:

    #15 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Oh thank Celestia! Now this story will be much easier to track :pinkiehappy:

    Oops did I say Celestia? - I meant thank Nightmare Moon, of course! :scootangel:

    #16 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I lol'd at the ending.:rainbowlaugh: It's always funny when somepony throws up...

    #17 · Chapter 1 · 73w, 1d ago · 1 · ·
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    oh wow first coment uhm lt me think......I LOVE IT

    #18 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Yay! I was excited by the premise of this story wayyyy back when it first showed up on EqD, but I forgot about it before it got past Chapter 1. And I see the part of the story that chapter covered got rewritten about ten times cooler, too. This is great stuff!

    #19 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    True true, benevolent even.

    #20 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    i agree whit xxsuperduperxx, we dont often see this side of NM but usually its done very well. this type of thing is one of the reasons Role Reversals are my favorite type of Fic

    #21 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Well, if I didn't know any better, I would say she would be Princess Celestia herself.

    Not really all that much different from the Caone reality.

    #22 · Chapter 1 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I will read this and enjoy every minute of it.

    #23 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Woot! Been following this on EqD, glad to see it here. 5-starred, tracked and favorited :twilightsmile:

    #24 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    It's here? OMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSH.

    I can finally keep close track of this awesome story.

    #25 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I have now read what there is to read and enjoyed every minute of it.

    #26 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I think I have this figured out.

    Yes, I think I am right on this.

    The Inquisitor is really The Master from Doctor Who, regenereated into a pony and now living on Equestria where he "advises" Nightmare Moon.

    #27 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    Great idea, but the only canon issue is that Twilight has parents. They were in the episode (what was the name?) where the CMC webt around asking the Mane 6 how they got their cutie marks.

    #28 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    >>96179 Exept this is an AU fic. Meaning, an alternate universe. One where NMM took over the world, instead of being defeated by Celestia. and the prolouge covered why she's an Orphan.. Seriously, Read something Fully and thouroughly before making a comment. It saves time for all of us

    I love just how Approachable you've made NMM. Originally "STURM UND DRANG HARGABLARGABLARGA" but eventually mellowed out over the years. Why do I get the feeling the Inquisitor is probably the REAL reason that Equestria is still as Horrornighty as it is.

    #29 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    I am really liking this, it's great how Nightmare isn't pure evil (like i see in some fics where she simply has no redeeming qualities at all) but a character that seems powerful and authoritive but also benevolent. I'll certainly be tracking this

    #30 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 1d ago · 1 · 1 ·
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    This is an interesting story so far!  I like this!

    Though horses can't throw up; they can regurgitate before it's fully swallowed (Called choking) if they eat or drink too quickly, and even this is stressful on them. It is most common in Thoroughbreds and the more high-strung breeds of horse. *nerd mode out*

    #31 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 1d ago · · ·
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    not many fics even do a in any way shape or form nice NMM, nice being an operative word as she could be worse. Much, much worse.

    But i expect that the slack from her not being evil will be picked up by the inquisitor

    Ice
    #32 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 22h ago · · ·
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    Man this is amazing

    #33 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 20h ago · · ·
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    Yay, it's on FIMfiction! :yay:

    #34 · Chapter 1 · 73w, 19h ago · · ·
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    yes

    #35 · Chapter 1 · 73w, 18h ago · · ·
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    Definitely on my tracking list :D and favorites :twilightsmile:

    #37 · Chapter 2 · 73w, 12h ago · 1 · ·
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    The characterization is amazing, its really refreshing to see twi shipped with a colt for once.

    #38 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 12h ago · · ·
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    This story is fantastic! I really love the premise - it's a fascinating investigation of how Equestria would have developed under Nightmare Moon's rule. I do like your characterisation of Nightmare Moon - a competent and personable ruler while still having the edge of malice that made her such a danger in canonical history. Her relationship with Twilight is interesting, and I look forward to seeing how that develops over the years.

    #39 · Chapter 3 · 73w, 12h ago · · ·
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    ^  >>97271 I approve of this picture

    #40 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 11h ago · · ·
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    Very good story.    I need more!:pinkiehappy:

    #41 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 11h ago · · ·
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    Huzzah! Now it's 20% easier to follow and get updates in 10 seconds flat! 8D

    ~ Moonstone, Minstrel of Equestria

    #42 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 10h ago · · ·
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    Not sure if typo or formatting glitch:

    "She smiled back and said her thanks as he wheeled around and left in the direction they had just come from. The area Twilight now found herself in was not far from the entrance to the Royal Apartments, which veered off into another entirely separate wing of the These were the rooms of government officials and household members who had the privilege of living in the palace. The faint scent of baking bread drew a fresh round of complaints from the lavender unicorn’s empty stomach, and before long, she had followed her nose straight to the dining room, and then to the kitchens."

    :facehoof:

    #43 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 8h ago · · ·
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    I'm loving this story. And I love how there are so many mysteries to be found, I also have some fun theories about the Inquisitor :trixieshiftleft::trixieshiftright:

    #44 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 8h ago · · ·
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    cool

    #45 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 8h ago · · ·
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    I love playing detective with fanfic characters. Part of me want's to ask you about my theory, and part of me wants to wait for it. But I have sooo much subtle evidence that all adds up! another wonderful chapter :raritystarry:

    #46 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 8h ago · · ·
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    I love playing detective with fanfic characters. Part of me want's to ask you about my theory, and part of me wants to wait for it. But I have sooo much subtle evidence that all adds up! another wonderful chapter :raritystarry:

    #47 · Chapter 6 · 73w, 8h ago · · ·
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    I love playing detective with fanfic characters. Part of me want's to ask you about my theory, and part of me wants to wait for it. But I have sooo much subtle evidence that all adds up! another wonderful chapter :raritystarry:

    #48 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 7h ago · · ·
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    can I 5 star this again? :pinkiehappy: each chapter deserves 5 stars haha

    #49 · Chapter 4 · 73w, 7h ago · · ·
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    Wow.

    #50 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 5h ago · · ·
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    It always pains me to finish the latest chapter. :raritydespair:

    I await patiently (as best as I can) for the next chapter!

    #51 · Chapter 4 · 73w, 5h ago · · ·
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    I do belive the plan has just hit a VERY serious snag. However, this could be turned to their advantage... but it won't be easy.

    #52 · Chapter 5 · 73w, 4h ago · · ·
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    >>95314

    Well she has what she wants, she is happy. She likely has a much more Iron grip and openly strong grip on power, but she rules in realtive peace and prosperity by the looks of it. Lonely at the top indeed, and given a chance to deal with a political/head of state matter and assuage that lonelyness in one fell swoop, why should she not be giddy? (if reasonably nervous) Clearly the antagonist role here is more likely to be taken up by the scheming of court members then the queen of night. The Inquisitor does not strike me as an antagonist, at least not yet. Inquisitor seems a pragmatic pony, who saw a threat to his bosses power, and offered the most direct and final solution. Nightmare Moon has the moral fiber to reject it, but I suspect The Inquisitor is not evil at all, only ruthless.

    #53 · Chapter 7 · 73w, 40m ago · · ·
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    3...

    2...

    1...

    THEN SHE WASn't pregnant because Orion is not there.:rainbowhuh:

    ...

    ...

    Yet...:trollestia:

    Ice
    #54 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    Hmm personaly I think that this story is gonna bug the hell out of me till I see the ending due to the fact that you've changed the timeline sort of.You've put it as Celestia was never there and that people want the sun but if they managed to kill Nightmare they wouldn't have anybody capable of doing it except mabye Twilight.DAM MY WAYS OF THINKING.

    #55 · Chapter 5 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    wow... I love how you're portraying Nightmare here. She's not the psychotic kill em all mare that seems to be the popular incarnation of her, almost as if a bit of Luna is shining through. Though she's still evil, it's nice to see that she's got some redeeming qualities :twilightsmile:

    #56 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    hmm.... y'know this inquisitor guy seems to drift into the pony version of the uncanny valley a bit... can't wait to see how this all folds out :pinkiehappy:

    #57 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    Now, the question becomes, why is The Inquisitor pushing for war with the Griffons? Is that Nightmare Moon's plan, or his?

    I must say, I like the commentary on ruling by force vs ruling by compromise and guile, it really helps to reconcile the vengefully direct Nightmare Moon with the more subtle and loose Nightmare Moon we see here.

    I look forward to the next update.

    #58 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    >>98852>

    Um... what? Dude, she's like nine years old.

    >>98670

    You're quite right on many things. As for the Inquisitor, I'd say that he's a very flexible kind of character, mostly open to your interpretation. Although, his moral personality will be really cemented in later chapters.

    >>98622

    Whose plans are you talking about?

    >>98441

    Awesome. Love it that you've noticed the subtle things. Pay attention to the subtle things, they'll come back later on!

    >>95217

    I dunno, can it? :rainbowwild:

    #59 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    #60 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 6d ago · · ·
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    Gotta say epic story so far. Not usually an alternate universe fan, but this is excedingly well done and I am enjoying each chapter. On a side note I've been listening to angel of darkness and it seems to fit almost perfectly with this Nightmare Moon

    #61 · Chapter 1 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Brilliant !

    #62 · Chapter 2 · 72w, 5d ago · · 1 ·
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    I can only hope that she gets in good with Nightmare Moon and 'Something' may just happen to the bullies... Nothing to harsh, maybe a bit of death scattered here and there, you know... the usual. :pinkiecrazy:

    #63 · Chapter 4 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Awwww Nightmare isn't that bad... just a bit stern. :ajbemused:

    #64 · Chapter 5 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    I love and hate the Inquisitor equally...  but im really taking a shine to Nightmare Moon ! :twilightsmile: Love that fact that she is not all spite and hatred.

    #65 · Chapter 6 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Loving this story ! Character development is amazing and I actually like Nightmare Moon... It will be interesting to see where this story goes :pinkiehappy:

    #66 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Man... This is beginning to be better than most movies i have seen ! Loved the side story with The Inquisitor and bringing politics into the story has really helped create a background feeling for the whole plot ! WELL FRICKEN' DONE GOOD SIR ! :pinkiehappy:

    #67 · Chapter 4 · 72w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Ze plot, it iz thickening!

    #68 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 4d ago · · ·
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    >>99407

    Well there is clearly a movement that has not been named yet (Perhaps 'new dawn'?) that wants Celestia back, and they have a vested interest in Twilight.

    So the really compelling question for me is ' Is Inquisitor working for New Dawn? Manipulating them? Or simply letting them be to justify the office and its powers?'

    #69 · Chapter 1 · 72w, 4d ago · · ·
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    very harry potter-esque

    #70 · Chapter 6 · 72w, 4d ago · · ·
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    blue blood :pinkiecrazy:

    #71 · Chapter 7 · 72w, 23h ago · · ·
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    This is one of my Favorit Storys on EqD! I´m really Happy i found it here to!:pinkiegasp::pinkiehappy::twilightsmile:

    #72 · Chapter 7 · 71w, 2d ago · · ·
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    just relized that twilight meet orion in the show:twilightoops:

    he is in the gala episode when twilight is talking to the princess:trollestia:

    he is the whit colt who shakes her hand really hard

    :pinkiehappy:

    #73 · Chapter 7 · 69w, 4d ago · · ·
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    Holy Cheese and Crackers-- what a great premise! :heart: :heart:

    It kinda sorta reminds me of my own story, Nightmare Date, which is also great :twilightsmile:

    #74 · Chapter 7 · 69w, 3d ago · · ·
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    You may hear this alot.. butt.... I DEMAND A NEW CHAPTER!! :moustache:

    #75 · Chapter 7 · 68w, 2d ago · · ·
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    Good news folks, after weeks of work, writer's blocks, dead muses and numerous distractions (and a couple of rewrites), I'm finally making excellent headway on the latest chapter. Still don't want to set a date, because it won't be the one this thing'll come out at.

    #76 · Chapter 2 · 67w, 5d ago · · ·
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    this was awesome! and i agree with MrBettney:pinkiecrazy:

    #77 · Chapter 7 · 67w, 5d ago · · ·
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    lol :twilightsmile:

    #78 · Chapter 6 · 67w, 5d ago · · ·
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    I love the scene with filly Twilight and Ramsy.:twilightsmile:  I mean Ram Sea:twilightblush:

    #79 · Chapter 7 · 67w, 15h ago · · ·
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    Here's a deadline for ya; expect the next chapter to be up sometime after the weekend. Maybe early in the week, depending on how much I can get done and how quickly it's edited, and maybe late, depending on similar variables.

    Oh, and expect it to be larger than the previous two chapters combined.

    #80 · Chapter 7 · 66w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Just finished reading through what you have and glad I did so, despite the late hour.  :pinkiehappy:

    #81 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Yes! It has come! Now to read. :twilightsmile:

    #82 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Ta da! As always, comments are appreciated; whether they be one-sentence quips or multi-paragraphed reviews.

    #83 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    One of the great pieces of classic pony literature. Been a while, good to have it back.

    #84 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Oh God yes, Finally! I love you!

    #85 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Horey Sheet!!! New chap!

    #86 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Ahh there is nothing I like more than a long chapter. I was hoping for more interaction between Nightmare and Twilight, but it feels like this chapter has set up quite a few things for the future. I really hope to see more soon.

    #87 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    About bloody time... do you have any idea how long I've waited for this puppy?

    Wonderful chapter as always. Hercules and the Golden Apples reference, very nice. Just the slightest bit of Ram Sea.... :pinkiehappy:

    Awesome chappie, as always.

    #88 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Oh  this was a wonderful chapter! Municipal you've out done yourself again with this chapter, just like all the others and I can't wait to see see the next one.

    #89 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    I am particularly impressed by the crown jewel chamber. The references were incredibly well done in great numbers. Extra points for the Doctor Who and Sailor Moon allusions.

    #90 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    yay a new chapter sporting these fine accesiories!

    -more inquisitor lines (who knows whats up with this guy)

    -Some Backstory that isn't backstory yet is

    -A few possiable Checkhov's guns

    -some nice moments between Twi and Orion

    And much much more!

    buy now for only $10.99 (must pay shipping and handling, arrives in 3-6 buisness days)

    But in all seriousness can't wait to see where this discus  and ladon thing goes. Also did i detect a theme of "two's" in the royal jewel's chambers?Because i'm pretty sure Twi didn't

    #91 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Golden apples are magical in that they cure all wounds.

    The dragon wouldn't notice this, because he hasn't taken damage for centuries.

    Creepers don exits, after all.

    #92 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    “Twi, look,” Orion said, gaping as he craned his neck back. “It’s full of stars.”

    #93 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Oh, and I see what you did there with Fenrir, You clever dog, you.

    #94 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    A very touching scene between Twilight and Orion at the end, also, I lol'd at your use of Canids and the deal with the Guard's appearance being an enchantment (I came up with that idea back when I was developing the idea for my story, and came up with the Canids for being the opposing faction to the zebras)

    #95 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    I know not the proper words to describe the pure skill you have you sir should be paid for this wonderful piece of beauty

    #96 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Oh that chapter was truly incredible and well worth the wait. I really cannot wait to see what happens next.:heart::heart:

    #97 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Ufff al fin termine de leerlo, exelente su historia, sobre tood el final siendo twi tan acertiva XD

    #98 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    Needs to update faster, suspense can kill a person.:twilightsmile:

    #99 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    a chapter where a Blueblood gets hurt is a good one to me(Except for in the color you bleed then its just sad Link Here )

    #100 · Chapter 8 · 65w, 5d ago · · ·
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    >>237180 Moar! We demand MOAR!!! :flutterrage:

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