Dexter, Twilight, and doozy based combustion. · 8:09am Nov 27th, 2016
Hey Everyone,
I am really sorry that I haven't updated in a while, I've been working on it its just that work has been slow!
The chapter in progress is currently 39 pages long. (Approximately 19K words at present.) I have a few more scenes to write. But I decided to give those who check on my blog a snippet into the next chapter.
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“This is insane…” Dexter put a hoof to his forehead, trying to rub a way a headache. “And I suppose you have some brilliant theory to explain HOW I did all of these things you are accusing me of?”
“I would guess through some form of magic,” Twilight answered.
“I cannot perform magic, Twilight. I am not a unicorn.” Dexter replied with a frown. “And even if I could, from what I understand, it takes years to master magic. There is no way I could have possibly used magic to do all the things you’re accusing me of.”
“That is true. Even I have difficulty believing that a foal as young as you could possibly master magic enough to perform feats we have witnessed.” Luna admitted. “But in countless years of my life, I have seen many strange things. I’ve learned never to exclude anything, even the possibility that a smart, clever little foal might be able to figure out how to do things most others could not. Especially, one that has a masterful understanding of magical principles.”
“Oh, so now I am a master mage?” Dexter scoffed. “This is crazy. I do not possess a masterful understanding of magical principles. I believe the phrase is, ‘have you been hanging out with Lyra or something?’”
“No,” Twilight smiled, using her magic to put down Dexter’s report before retrieving her own stack of papers. Dexter recognized them instantly, it was the solution to Clover’s Conundrum. “You already proved to have a master’s understanding of magical principles when you solved Clover’s Conundrum”
“I’m sorry, what?” Dexter raised an eyebrow. He feigned ignorance as he took and examined the paper Twilight had produced.
“Dexter,” Twilight spoke up once, her tone was less confrontational. “I wanted you to know I told the scientists examining your solution where it came from. Even after some… resistance, I insisted on making sure you got credit for your solution.”
“What are you talking about, Twilight?” Dexter feigned confusion, glancing up at the mare.
“Your solution.” Twilight answered, motioning toward the papers. “To Clover Conundrum; I told everypony that you were the one who found it. And I just wanted you to know, I always intended to be honest about it… I just got distracted in the excitement of it.”
“I see you’re more delusional than I thought.” Dexter quipped.
“What?” Twilight shook her head.
“I’ve never seen this before in my life.” Dexter replied simply.
“Dexter, what are you talking about?” Twilight replied, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“This isn’t mine,” Dexter retorted, pointing to the solution. “I never wrote this. I did not solve Clover’s Conundrum.”
“Yes, you did, Dexter.” Twilight reproached, casting an accusatory hoof at the colt. “I saw you write it out. You solved the entire thing right in front of me.”
“I… think you should have your head examined,” Dexter shrugged. “The changelings might have done something to it. I’ve never even attempted to solve Clover’s Conundrum.”
“You… you…” Twilight began to tremble as he voice became strained. “After you accuse me of stealing credit for it! After lecturing me and calling me tribalist! You won’t even tell the truth to claim credit for yourself!?”
“Do you really think an eight yr old child like me could solve that? When the best scholars in all of Equestria could not for nine centuries?” Dexter pointed. The truth was, he could think of a better counter-argument over that tired cliché of a response, but a part of him enjoyed watching Twilight melt down.
“What?! Dexter!” Twilight shouted, she was grinding her teeth now. “I told the truth! And when I did, I got major resistance from scientists in Canterlot! But I insisted on the truth anyway! I stuck my neck out for this! I went out on a limb for you, to tell the truth like you wanted!”
“If you deny solving this, they’ll dismiss the claim out of hoof!” Twilight fumed, her ears pinned against her skull as grimace contorted into a frown. “And then they’ll never believe any claim I make again! My career as a scientist will forever be tarnished, those tribalist ponies in Canterlot will never accept anything I write again!”
“Well…” Dexter fought the urge to grin. “ I’m glad to see the scientists in Canterlot have some sense on this issue, but I suggest you immediately write a retraction and an apology as soon as-“ However, Dexter never got to finish. Twilight had reared up on her high legs before stomping back down onto the ground. However, when she did so something Dexter had never seen before occurred.
Twilight’s coat seemingly turned white as her mane exploded into flames. At first, Dexter was so surprised by the display he could only recoil, nearly falling out of his chair.
The fireworks lasted only for a few moments, the fire disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving an overcooked lavender unicorn behind. Despite being slightly singed, the mare was fine.
“That's it, I quit.” Twilight collapsed to the floor, slumping in defeat. "I give up."
Dexter merely watched the unicorn for a few seconds. “Cool!” The eight year old blurted out. He never thought such a thing was possible, even for a magical pony.
“No… tis was not cool but rather heated, could you not tell by the flames?” Luna replied, tapping her chin as she glanced over Twilight.
I have to say im loving this so far, and it's worth the wait
Looks good!
I like where this is going. Only one thing:
(Yes I know it's still in the works but I still hate seeing typos)
What dexter sees...
Ah, the pain
I know that everything Dexter is doing, is for the sake of his freedom but to see it at the expense of Twilight's future, is like a stake in my chest.
I love it, can't wait for the release
Wicked!
But...
You have Luna saying "tis was," which is wrong. The thing is, "'tis" is a contraction, short for "it is." Note the apostrophe at the beginning. "'Tis was" becomes "it is was" when you expand it. Obviously, that doesn't work. You should instead use "'twas"
Really, her whole line is a little bit awkward and maybe not "old-timey" enough. A possible adjustment:
Some other examples of these old style contractions to consider for future use:
'twere
'twill
'twasn't
'tisn't (or 'tain't, if she's trying to fit in at Sweet Apple Acres)
th'art (thou art=you are. Shakespeare used this one.)
n'art (=aren't. Ne is kinda a French version of not, but Chaucer used it)
'sgood (more of a commoner's contraction. Many variations. 'Sbeautiful, guv.)
...it seriously feels like Dexter is being a jerk solely for the purpose of being a jerk.
Like, he might actually have deeper motivations here, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what they are over my overriding urge to slap him silly.
Haha, that was great! Can't wait for the release :D
Can't wait for the chapter to come out.
Always liked Dexter but his attitude is really starting to rub me the wrong way. Still looking forward to the next chapter.
I still believe a good pony name for him would be Index Star.
the pony name convention is silly and fun :3
I suggest splitting the chapter in two parts if you can find a good stopping point. 20,000 words is a bit much to go through at once.
I still wish Pinkie Pie or Apple Bloom or somepony would school him on that.
This makes Dexter look like a selfish jerk - that he'd ruin Twilight's reputation (and maybe even opportunities for future earth pony mathematicians) just so he can protect his secret laboratory.
Also, refresh my memory: does this chapter take place immediately after "Nightmare Trip"?
20k you say? I'm already salivating at being able to cook dinner, sit down at my computer and read the next chapter through the whole meal.
i love it.
this update is worth the wait. go author, go!
Yay, more crazy Twiligt!
Dexter should mail in formal complaint about her and Luna to Celestia.
"Dear Princes Celestia
Miss Twilight sparkle, and Princess Luna are walking around town looking disheveled and making wild accusations about ponies and after spending sleepless nights, ponies complain about strange noises at night. Could I implore you to ask them shape up, as they are not listening to reason, and I am worried about their mental behavior.
Concerned Citizen."
Or something like that, so its easy to misunderstand what they are doing. Bonus points if you figure out how to imply they are drinking, partying, or doing weird things with changelings. Or fake the sender as being Major Mare or something.
4319025 It's like the ending of Nightmare Trip all over again, he would willingly burn every bridge of goodwill to keep his secret, even in front of those that witnessed his actions. As how he condemned Clover to being a schizophrenic tribalist and pissing off Celestia, he'll willingly smash Twilight's academic career.
I hope I comes out as your heart intends mate. It has been a long time since the last chapter.
uhhh wouldnt twilight doing this discredit the entire research resulting in the ponies regressing back 9 centuries of work?
I love how Dexter manages to keep himself out of trouble by using only lies and manipulation, but I'm starting too wonder if he's pushing it too far. Luna and Twi have more than enough reasons to keep him on a short leash—at least until the situation is resolved.
Woo, plot development! As much as people are mad at Dexter for what he is doing to Twilight, keep in mind that she did jump the gun in publishing (or at least distributing) Dexter's original work (or at least to the ponies, it is). If she hadn't, then there would be no immediate problem of denying his authorship to begin with. Dexter being a contrarian is indeed getting old, but you still need to remember that Twilight isn't fully innocent in this. If anything, I am disappointed to see Twilight regressing into the 'you must secretly be a powerful mage!' mentality. I thought we were past that -undeniably- tribalist mentality of hers. It's like trying to claim that math is impossible without calculators; it may take longer or more effort, but you can still do it. I want to see what happens post 'the Celestia big reveal' - especially Luna's reaction.
Looking forward to the full chapter. Did Dexter change the past because of Nightmare Trip?
thanks, this snippet is like a drop of water in an unending desert.
none of my fovorite stories have updated in like forever, I fear most of them have been cancelled
... Ouch!
I have to say, based on this the upcoming chapter is looking good!
4319696 Technically yes, though after "Captain Crystal" proposed the media blackout, the written history can still stay the same. That, and any real account of the incident would be either lost through time or sworn to secrecy till death by absolute order from Chrysalis, due to the indoctrination instilling complete obedience to rank amongst the lunar forces.
Talking about this however brings up another question. When Chrysalis had control to half of the country's military, did she do/order anything before she left?
Another thought that's bothering me, they're confronting him with his history report before mentioning the equation...
Dexter, you're smart, too smart for your own good but when it drives you to write a report and you seek historical accuracy, don't write something potentially damning that borders on the line of a national secret. Especially if you've got a princess breathing down your neck to find fault in your facade, cause they sure as hell wouldn't be going to such lengths if you followed a "As the books say" approach.
For a chapter that's going over 20k, I know that this scene is but a cup to a bucket in what you'll send out, and the events to come will make the comment section explode
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In this scene, Twilight and Luna were questioning him about the recent events around ponyville and why Luna couldn't find him in the dreamscape the prior night. The report he wrote gives zero indication that he was involved in the events 1000 years ago, and merely regurgitates what they expect him to say. So it won't play a major role in the story.
As for being angry at Dexter, Good. By the end of this scene (and arguably chapter) the reader is supposed to be angry at Dexter. He ends up doing something rather unkind - and far meaner than what he just did to Twilight. However, he does have justification for being angry at Celestia and Luna. He was almost killed in Nightmare Trip, and although he admits it was his own foolishness that got in thrown into that ordeal, that fact doesn't excuse Luna and Celestia's actions. He also doesn't make a distinction between Nightmare Moon and Luna, for reasons the story will explain.
But don't worry about Twilight, I am a merciful author. if Dexter doesn't claim the solution she will get credit for it despite her objections. It would serve more to solidify her reputation as a genius in magic despite any tarnishing affect.
This is not all without reason. Have you ever read another story where the main character lies, and lies, and lies, and then lies so more, causing the lies to build up into this massive lie that comes crashing down like a house of cards on the liar? That doesnt apply here for the simple reason that, when Dexter's web of lies comes crashing down, it will feel a lot more like a burying avalanche rather than a bunch of feather-light cards.
As for your other questions, Chrysalis did nothing with the Lunar guard. It was implied by the fact that "Crystal" was never seen again - means she wasn't seen again by the Lunar guard either.
4319696 No. The future was the way he left it.
4321035 I've seen plenty "liar revealed" scenes to know how things can get, the worst that could happen is dying humiliated and in gibbering fear but this'll never happen.
Right?
Just take care to not make Dexter look stupid, if you plan to punish him for lying and stuff.
Remember he is lying for a really good reason, and is pretty smart. And he can get out of most trouble by having robot duplicate or hologram be teleported to suffer any punishment in his place or something like that.
Only person that could reasonably mess with him would be Pinkie Pie IMO.
I just love the interaction between Dexter and Luna so far in this series. Hoping for more in the next chapters.
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Dexter does not believe Nightmare Moon and Luna are different individuals. In nightmare trip, Nightmare Moon broke Dexter's ribs, fractured his spine, tried to torture him to death in the dreamscape, among a number of other things. Dexter's isn't going to be very happy with Luna anymore.
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You know, I´m thinking maybe the EoA (namely Honesty) are just giving Dex enough rope so he´ll hang himself, and have to come back crawling to their bearers for help.
4318993 I know your feels.
4323211 So let me guess, he's gonna mention Luna killed a kid in his report, right?
If he's gonna be vindictive about being hurt, to be fair, he Leroy Jenkins'd into the fight with Honesty. Though we are talking about a kid who can be petty for revenge...
4324023 He already answered that.
4324637 And as I said
Harmless speculation, I'm starved for an update like everyone else
4323211
Another suggestion for a nightmare night costume would be 'Kid Icarus.' After all, if dexter is truly anti-
racist/sexisttribalist then he should have no problem being dressed as acupidpegasus. Plus,PitKid Icarus comes with both a light and dark aspect. The ultra-lame Captain N game master tag-along version not withstanding.You could even run a scenario where Dexter goes missing and Quadraplex poses as dexter or something similar.
4324921 Then it's not a very good guess, seeing as it's something that the author deliberately said wouldn't happen.
4325751 Meh
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4325750
Dexter should dress up as apple, a its traditional for apple family. Or he could be rebel and dress up as an orange. Applejack would not talk to him after that tho, but since he is avoiding element of Honesty, it could be a perfect plan from him.
“Do you really think an eight year old child like me could solve that? When the best scholars in all of Equestria could not for nine centuries?” Dexter pointed out. The truth was, he could think of a better counter-argument over that tired cliché of a response, but a part of him enjoyed watching Twilight melt down.
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But Applejack loves her cousins "The Oranges" that live in Manehattan.
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Actually, I already had what I thought would be a funny skit for Dexter during Nightmare Night. I plan on him going as a sith.
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Thanks for catching the other typos, but "pointed" was correct here - as Dexter was pointing with a hoof at the stack of papers with the solution on it.
I'll add the context later.
4326221 ah ok, wasn't sure about that one. I am still pumped by the way, this might be my favourite story on the site, top 5 easily.
But I am curious, when you said nightmare moon did/ tried to do all those things to him (I know ONE magical item he'll never again be without), and he doesn't consider nightmare moon separate people, and that's why he'll be more than a bit sour on her once he gets back and probably ever after. (As well as Celestia to a lesser extent, who he had to blackmail into doing her duty as a leader/protector)
What about all the other even worse things nightmare moon did? He witnessed numerous unforgivable crimes; brutally/gruesomely murdering subordinates, torturing people in unimaginably horrific ways, twisting peoples minds against their will, and generally spreading terror across the land. All things he would consider completely beyond the pale, and yet unlike what was done to Dexter, Luna seemed perfectly ok with it. Dexter has fought many villains, saved his world many times, probably more than the EoH have theirs, but never had he witnessed such malice and brutality. Even if it was proven to him nightmare moon was some kind of separate parasitic organism, wouldn't he still view her similarly? Sure, thinking she'd killed a kid was enough to snap her out of it, but nightmare moon did much, much worse things without turning Luna against her. I recall the line: "deep down, you want this." and It does seem Nightmare Moon was absolutely correct.
I mean people say 1000 years prison should be enough for that... But when you think about it in some ways that might have been a mercy, her victims and their families would have all died off generations ago, so this way no-one remembers her horrific crimes and she doesn't have to confront her (numerous) victims and their families. Something I am sure Dexter will point out when he no longer any reason not to.
I guess what I am saying is, even if he believed Luna and Nightmare Moon to be separate entities, would that really make a difference?
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So the immediate issue Dexter has with this situation is this: How does he use information about Luna/Nightmare Moon that he is NOT supposed to have? If he goes to to Luna and accuses her for crimes which he isn't supposed to know about, Luna will know something is up. Though, Dexter will find a way around this.
You're right about Luna being guilty though. That was a point I was trying to make with her role in the story - one which I feel is justified by the fact that the elements of harmony originally banished her to the moon in the show's cannon, instead of purging her the first time. The only reason I can think that she was bannished and not purged the first time was if she was aligned with Nightmare Moon's evil intent (rather than Nightmare just being a parasite) and her punishment was justified. (Lets face it, the elements of harmony are made up of things like generosity and kindness, etc. Seems like they would be merciful if they could, even if someone was deserving of punishment.)
However, that is not to say Luna isn't repentant. I wanted to also point out the Luna's mind was being warped by Nightmare Moon after Nightmare Moon finally took root in her (the whole scene were Nightmare Moon says 'she'll never leave.') After that, Luna's mind was continuouly getting warped in order for her to justify ever increasingly bad things - until she reached a breaking point that snapped her out of it. This doesn't pardon her for her crimes, but does show she can genuinely be contrite for her actions.
4327031 Yes I know he can't just come out and say it, that's why I said "Something I am sure Dexter will point out when he no longer any reason not to." implying it's something he might do when he's inevatably revealed and has no reason to hide it. Though I am sure, as you said Dexter can/will find ways around this, he could do things like caching documentation while he is still in the past, or just figuring out where to find information other people hid away. The fact that the official story is a bit implausible and Luna is unlikely to defend it to his face (she was the element of honesty, after all) doesn't help.
Yes I understand Luna's mind had been warped (much like many of histories greatest horrors were perpetrated by people who were indoctrinated into ideologies) by the Nightmare and she genuinely regretted what she had done while she was still aligned with it, but that doesn't change that she did do it and was fine with it at the time, committing horrors beyond what any despot has ever accomplished (I do not mean in scale, obviously) and Dexter knows that. I mean I guess we pretty much agree about this so there's really no reason to argue the point.
What I want to ask though is, given what happened to dexter was literally the only thing Luna and the nightmare disagreed on doing at the time, and everything else she did was far worse, would Luna and Nightmare Moon being separate beings really make all that much of a difference to Dexter's opinion on her?
Now that I think about it there is a lot of nuance to the whole punishment thing, does her time with nightmare moon count as official punishment? How many crimes that she committed would carry death or life sentences? how many consecutive life sentences are her crimes worth? how long is a life sentence? I mean I would think every murder=1, every mind break= 1 as well (argueable, given that at least some of those were done without her consent or knowledge). I don't know how many people died on her orders though so it's hard to say.
Then there is the issue of her never having to confront the people who's lives she destroyed, in a court of law or otherwise. and the fact that her banishment meant that by the time she got back, memory of her atrocities had faded completely. She was but a legend in the eyes of the public, this was probably deliberate on Celestia's part. That's one consequence of her actions she will never have to face, so take that for what it is worth.
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Even better, becasue the first thing that comes to mind with apples is underpants. Which are very naughty thanks to the lead singer of fruit of the loom.
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I'm not suggesting your choice is the wrong way to go, but the sith don't have an easily identifiable costume that would be recognizable from Dexter's timeline or present one. We can safely assume 'Kid Icarus' and 'A Clockwork Orange' existed before he was born, sadly Episode 1 didn't come out until 1999.
In fact, many of Dexter's in show references nod at mid to late 70's cartoons and kids shows, like Speed Racer. I'd sooner expect him to be dressed as Samurai Flamenco than a sith lord or aprentice. There were rumors in the mid 90's of a coming sequel when they rereleased it "one last time..." three our four versions ago and many thought that was the extent of star wars. And , Dexter was a fan of a bland name A Team and justice league in addition to a late 70's ish puppet hr puffinstuff styled acting troop.
poor tank...
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“Well…” Dexter fought the urge to grin. “ I’m glad to see the scientists in Canterlot have some sense on this issue, but I suggest you immediately write a retraction and an apology as soon as-“ However, Dexter never got to finish. Twilight had reared up on her high legs before stomping back down onto the ground. However, when she did so something Dexter had never seen before occurred.
you used however a bit too liberally and it sounds off, I recommend revising word choice.