Author's notes for "Courage Unknown"

Story: Courage Unknown.

Wow. I really can't stand how awful I feel after a writing project like this.

Despite writing an outline for the story and having what (at the time) I considered a clear idea of how to get from start to finish, I didn't manage my main goals.

I was never able to get around to making the title make sense. I was able to get in Applejack's line about there not being an element of courage, but it would have seriously bogged down the story to let the characters discuss it.

See, the courage to face this horrible abomination came from their bonds as friends and with their bonds to their community and Equestria at large. It's a sort of courage we don't know we have until it has to be tested.

I hoped to get across that:
* The elements had that courage tested both by facing the creature and finding their magic did not avail them.
*Cloudy had his tested by being a young pony with no real responsibilities being thrust into being responsible, essentially alone, for the portal and the safety of Equestria.

Not sure that I managed that.

Also, sorry for the shipping-like Cloudy-Twilight mutual appreciation club. They're just young ponies admiring one another.

Anyways, I have an idea for another fic, this time far, far less extreme. Lets see if I can make that title make sense :P