Celestia XVII Wrap-Up · 2:34pm Jan 27th, 2018
Hi everyone! As soon as I publish this blog post, I'mma go publish the final chapter of Celestia XVII--and, as is tradition for my stories, I'm going to cap it off with an overly sappy blog post!
First off, thank you all so much for reading this mess. This has been a long time coming, and there's been a lot of struggles along the way; seeing how much you all enjoyed it has been really encouraging.
The Making-Of
The idea for this story originated... oh, about a year-and-a-half ago, I think. I don't remember what spurred it, but I do remember asking myself "what if Alicorns aren't actually immortal? How would that change things?" From there, things started to snowball: "Well, there'd have to be a succession. Which means that the current Princess could be really young--what if she was a teenager, then? Oo, that'd make her the same age as Twlight Sparkle! GASP Maybe they're best friends!!!" Over time, things slowly glommed onto that basic idea: I remember being especially proud of the decision to make Blueblood Celestia's older brother, instead of her nephew.
Initially, I approached my friend and editor Eruantalon about doing a collaboration on this: though I was already excited about the idea, I wasn't sure I was going to have time to write it all myself. Though he was also enthusiastic, and had some good ideas, it just wasn't the right time for either of us, so we let it slide. However, he was instrumental in helping develop this story in the early stages, so go give his stories some love 
After the initial burst of energy, this idea sat on the back burner for a long time--close to a year, IIRC. I knew it was an idea I wanted to write, but it just wasn't the right time, as I said. This unusually long development cycle led to some of the more fun ideas, IMO--the relationship with Blueblood occurred to me during this time period. I finally started working on it while wrapping up The Changing of the Sun--writing that one reminded me of how fun writing ponyfic was, and I decided to start work on my pet project.
However, it was still difficult to write for a number of reasons--but that story is relatively boring, and, if you've been following my blog, you know some of it already. However, even after writing the first draft, this story underwent heavy edits--hence the "Deleted Scenes" that I'll be posting soon.
I will add, though--some of Celestia's experiences come from my own life. I don't play trumpet or anything, but, right in the middle of writing this, I, too, had to deal with a difficult move, and was struggling with depression as well. Things have improved somewhat, but I think being able to tap into my own fight was helpful, both for the story and for myself.
Now, since you're reading this, you get a couple secrets. Though I like leaving the name and identity of Celestia's mom ambiguous, here's the pony I was thinking of while writing her. Though I always just called her "Mom" in my head, I was thinking about naming her "Majesty," after an early concept for in-show Celestia, or "Laurel," for fairly obvious reasons.
And, while we're on the topic, I was toying with making this pony Celestia's dad (admittedly, mostly for the lulz). In my head, he was captain of Mom's guard, and was killed shortly after Celestia's birth while fighting a monster or something.
The Future
As I've said before, I have plans for sequel(s) to this story--in fact, I have rough plans for three sequels, with a few side-fics along the way. As I said, your support has been really encouraging, but, given how crazy my life is, I don't want to make any promises at least until I get a rough draft done. However, my current plans are for each sequel to handle another season of the show, focusing on unusual or unique interpretations of canon. Super-brief and somewhat unfair summaries follow:
- Season 2: Celestia tries to untangle the mysteries surrounding the Royal Wedding, while reflecting on her own fight against Discord.
- Season 3: Celestia and Twilight help the rebels of the Crystal Empire in their fight against Sombra, while also learning about its history.
- Season 4: Over the course of a decade or so, Celestia chases a magical serial killer, who strips his victims of their cutie marks.
- Season 5 (Side-Story): Celestia, Jr. visits the EQG world, then helps save Starlight's Village.
The story in my head gets really complicated following season 4, to the point where I think it would be difficult to continue beyond that point. However, Season 4 also feels like a natural place to end the story (barring the Season 5 side-fic, of course), so I think that would be a fitting end to the Celestia XVII saga.
And, since some of you asked: I have plans for several major characters who have yet to appear, most notably Spike and Cadance, but also some characters with smaller parts, like Trixie. If there's anyone else you feel got unfairly missed, drop a suggestion below, and I'll see what I can do.
But again--and I can't emphasize this enough--don't hold your breath. School is crazy, so I'mma play this whole thing by ear. I have one side-fic almost ready to go, which focuses on Twilight Velvet and Cece's mom--but aside from that, everything's up in the air still.
That said...
My Questions
I'm worried about a few questions going forward. If you guys wouldn't mind giving feedback, I'd appreciate it. Here they are:
What should the focus of the sequels be?
Celestia XVII focused a lot on interpersonal drama, especially fights between Luna and Celestia. In my head, Celestia has (at least mostly) figured herself out at this point, and is on much better terms with Luna. Thus, my plan was to change the structure of the sequels slightly; I was going to shift the focus away from teenage angst towards fun tweaks on the canon stories, with plenty of plot twists. Any thoughts?
Who should the main characters get romantically involved with?
As the sequels progress, the main characters are going to start getting married and settling down. I have plans for most everyone, but I want to hear what you think. Here's who's on the table, along with any pros/cons I can think of. Feedback and/or suggestions would be appreciated.
EDIT: The sequels will be spread a couple years apart in-universe, so everyone would be aged-up and have time to get to know their partners.
Blueblood: after he pulls his head out of his ass and shapes up his act, he becomes a rather quality catch. I was thinking of setting him up with either Rarity (about his age, their personalities complement each other nicely) or Twilight (four years younger, but they've known each other most of their lives [sorta like an R63 Cadance/Shiny]; he is adorably protective of her, which gives her own self-confidence a much-needed boost).
Celestia: reluctant to romantically commit to anypony for personaly reasons, but slowly begins to open up. I was thinking either Shining Armor (who she's known most of her life, and who would gladly die to protect her) or Soarin' (a bit of a bad boy, but is adventuresome and makes Celestia feel alive). Maybe Big Mac (Quiet and intimidated by the Canterlot, but deeply loving and supportive)?
Twilight: Either single until late in life (too shy and focused on her studies), Blueblood (see above), or maybe Big Mac (significant age difference, but she's admitted she has a crush).
Any strong feelings?
Once again--thank you all so much! I hope you'll stick around for whatever this crazy journey brings next!
Keeping the focus on the rich AU lore and drama with a touch of adventure would be absolutely splendid, and stay very true to the original. Doing something with a sweeping historical focus (especially on antagonists and such) in the vein of 'For the Good of Equestria' (which is still my favorite story by you, and knowing the sequel will never happen beyond the notes that you've shown is very bittersweet because I would love to see it). This world is very different from canon (and that's a good thing at this point) and it has lots of potential for magic and arcane intrigue too - the history of these alicorns is worth all the lore dumps. However, I wouldn't sell your soul completely to this AU. You write superb drama, adventure, and SOL, so there's plenty of potential for more tales. (Historical really has my vote!
They all feel pretty young for romance, admittedly. Far too young for marriage too, unless the age of majority/something is different in this world.
Forced romance is never particularly good. Also, while you've suggested some nice examples that really feel like some would work for stories, you should really consider what feels natural for the characters. Soarin' and Cece would make a fantastic rare pair choice. They have good chemistry, potential for storytelling, and compliment one another very well - it actually feels like they could want some kind of a relationship from each other if you played it right. Cece and Big Mac, admittedly, feels very forced, and while her and Twi have expressed he's attractive, that's not exactly the best basis for an entire relationship. They're also both seventeen/teenaged and (presumably) not asexual/on the ace spectrum, so they're going to have lots of little crushes and 'omg he's hot' moments because of their age. (Hurrah for the realism you've shown so far in your works though!)
I'd avoid any shipping between Cece/Shining and Twi/Bloob though, because despite the genetic gap between that thankfully makes it the wonderful thing of not incest, but there's still so much of a family vibe between them, and they really do feel like much closer family (like first-cousins close) so having any of those relationships would feel like there's some weird 'keep it in the family' vibe and like it could cheapen the familial relationship you've so excellently established. Both also seem like they ignore the personalities of the characters as they are, mostly Twi's.
Twilight and Big Mac feel like they could be fairly interesting, and I've seen it done before - it's actually quite nice, so bringing it to the limelight a bit and fleshing it out could feel interesting. She does feel like she'll be putting her studies first for a while, though.
Thanks for writing, and I hope to see more from you in the future!
4782830
Thank you very very much for your kind words. I have to get going soon, but just some quick responses:
First off, thank you for the compliment regarding For the Good of Equestria. I'm deeply fond of that story too--but, though I'm writing a little more fic now, I'm not sure if I will--or even can--return to that story again. However, you may still see some of the scenarios/headcanons from that story popping up in future universes, so keep an eye out
I plan on the sequels happening several years apart from each other: the next sequel would have Blueblood be 22-23, Celestia 20-21, and Twilight 18-19. And, yeah, that might be a little young for marriage... but, where I'm from, people tend to get married very early, so I may be a little skewed on that point. However, I think I could make it work.
And, yes, to answer your question: all of the three (Blue, Cece, Twi) are heterosexual, though Cece wants to take things (very) slow for personal reasons, and Twilight has a relatively low sex drive--unless she ends up married to Blue, she'll be happy being single for a while (Again, not asexual--that's just not important to her yet).
Also, you raise a good point about their family relationship. However, Twilight marrying Blue works out so well for some upcoming plot points, other concerns aside, that I'm thinking of just finding a way to hand-wave it. For example: I have a scene planned where, just before their wedding, Blue starts doubting himself and telling his bride that maybe they should call it off; in the original draft, Rarity would get angry and kiss him full on the lips to shut him up--but, if it's shy, unsure Twilight instead, I have this adorable image of her standing up on tip-hoof, and planting a delicate kiss on the very tip of his nose, before quietly insisting that, yes, now is the time.
Once again, good points. You've given me some good stuff to think about!
I would recommend for the pairings;
Rarity/Blueblood: After Blueblood gets his head on straight he apologizes and she gives him another chance.
Cece/Big Mac: She would appreciate his honest nature and the fact he does keep her grounded.
Twilight/Soran: Soran’s bad boy attitude costs him Cece and when he breaks her heart and into Big Mac’s waiting arms. He will realize what he did wrong as a public pariah and Twilight finds him at his lowest and helps him out and a genuine relationship develops as ponies everywhere think he is going to hurt Twilight. Blueblood , Big Mac, and Shining Armor are going to going to go all big brother on him though.
To be truthful Shining Armor just works so well with Cadance that I can't ship them with anyone else really. She could be the replacement ruler after they get rid of Sombra. They have some chemistry but her health is not the best and they have Shining marry her to not only connect their families but get a heir pronto. The marriage is a political move at first but they genuinely fall for each other.
4782867
Geez. Those interlocking love triangles sound like a ton of fun. I may have to steal those ideas--even though I am a filthy Cheerimac shipper
4782830
Another fun brother-sister scene that I forgot to mention: While still deciding who she wants to get serious with, Cece plays O&O with Shiny and his friends from the Guard. Initially, she (playing a beautiful-but-strong Pegasus Knight, at Shiny's suggestion) doesn't know what to make of it--but, during an important (to be determined) scene, a switch flips in her brain, and she gives an impassioned speech, really getting into the roleplay. She finishes, and everyone at the table just looks around like "WTF was that?" (in a good way). The GM haltingly resumes play, with Cece's speech having a massive effect on the action.
I truly enjoyed the story, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the new one
I hope to see two things in these upcoming things.
1. Shiny X Celestia, because I love that ship. ;P
2. A bit that explains why Celestia was so easily willing to let Luna have a position of power with no real punishment after the whole attempted planetary extinction event thing because it still seems like NMM was going to attempt the eternal night thing and Cece doesn't seem like the kind to just let that slide at least to me.
Well, yeah. I wouldn't mind in the slightest with the sequels being more adventure oriented (as you said, fun tweaks concerning the more adventure-oriented canon episodes) with some mystery and romance worked in when it is appropriate.
As for the ships:
Blueblood/Rarity (as you said, this would be when they have had a real chance to get to know each other and Blueblood manages to get his head straight)
Shining Armor/Cadance (I mean, DUH!)
Celestia/Discord (it is basically a gender-flipped Batman/Catwoman type deal where they start out as enemies but GRADUALLY evolve, over a period of a decade or two, into lovers)
Twilight/Thorax (they haven't met yet, but, well, I could definitely see her taking pity on the Token Good Teammate of Chrysalis's army and developing a legitimate friendship where the two of them each help the other overcome certain issues. Over a period of enough years where Twilight will be WELL into full adulthood, Thorax ends up getting much stronger [not just in the physical OR magical sense from all the love Twilight and her friends freely give him, but also in the sense of developing a real backbone without losing the niceness])
This AU offers some incredibly rich opportunities, whether it's exploring younger versions of the cast as they first begin to reach for their aspirations or delving further into the history of a dynastic Equestria. Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll create stories to remember. That said, seeing Twilight's first days after she inherits the Peytral Ferrum sounds especially promising. If her canon analogue thought the wings took some getting used to, I can only imagine what this one will go through. Whether Luna died or simply passed the crown and Moon Stone on to her successor in her twilight years (pardon the pun) should add another layer to it.
For romance, I largely leave that to you, though I find myself leaning towards Rarity/Blueblood. It's nice to see a worldline where that pairing can work out healthily.
And with regards to that Season 5 side story, I have to wonder just what Sunset's deal is in this timeline. Fausticorn's forgotten vizier? To say nothing of how nopony seems set to go to the human world this generation, which has all kinds of potential ripple effects on that side of the mirror...
So many questions, so many possibilities! I can't wait to see where you go with this next.
4783271
I was thinking a little more conventional, but who knows?
Wow! Those are some fun/crazy ships
4783642
I already have plans to make Twilight's ascension to the Lunar Throne a major event--and, yeah, you're right, it's not going to be a happy one.
And you make a good point re: Blueblood and Rarity--but I'm torn, because Blue x Twilight works so well, in some respects--!
Remember this comment. That's all I'll say.
Now you have my intrigue. On one hand I love the classic pairing of the princess and the captain of the guard. But at the same time this makes me question what the hell is the royal wedding going to be about if shining is going to be with celestia and not cadence.
And on that front who even is Cadence. A rival heir to the crystal throne that Luna tracks down and decides to make a power play against the north?
Or maybe Cadence is the Daughter of Sombra and this wedding is a political ploy to bring the two nations together as sombra needs trade in food due to an overly harsh winter. I can just imagine blue or shining, or however the poor groom is, looking at sombra and imagining a hideous daughter of equal quality only to meet the adorable Cadence who has been trained, pampered and bred for this moment.
Maybe it's not even about cadence and shining armor. Maybe it's Twilight and Blueblood's wedding. A ship I adore and want to see so bad. As it not only increases Twilight's right to the throne but also makes velvet and nightlight true family. If Shining doesn't marry cece first.
I personally see dash and soarin but that's my opinion not yours.
4783880
And now you see my dilemma: I think Rarity is the more logical choice for Blueblood, but Twilight works so well...
I shall need to think upon this.
And, Cadance is coming. Don't worry about it :)
First of all, I would like to thank you for this amazing and wonderfully written story. It was a fun read and I liked the original creativity. Hope to see more!
Secondly, for the shippings, here are my opinions:
Celestia x Shining Armour: I believe Cece is going to need a good, honest and strong stallion to help her through, and she has also shown some interest in him before. I think Shining likes her and really cares for her, too.
Rarity x Blueblood: Considering how Bloob is now becoming a better brother to Celestia and trying to be a noble prince from now on, I think he's the perfect match for Rarity. They both have similar personalities, fine taste, and strong wills to protect their loved ones and reach their goals. Also, I guess Blueblood deserves a witty, but kind-hearted lady at his side, and Rarity deserves her own charming prince.
Twilight x Big Mac: Well, they're both shy but caring ponies, who are always there for their friends and family to count upon. Neither talk much, but when they do, they speak wisely and sincerely. I think they'll make a cute couple.
Once again, thank you for taking your time to write this beautiful story, and thanks for reading my comment.
Wish the best for you and success for this story!
4783880
...I've been thinking about this a bit, and, I have to say--the "political marriage" idea is a great one. It's exactly the sort of cracked-out AU I love, and it'd fit the universe really well!
Unfortunately, I have plans already, for something that will (hopefully) be even more of a brain-screw--so that may have to wait. But it's a fun idea!!!
EDIT: If you'd like a quick summary of the brain-screw idea, send me a PM. I'm still in brainstorming stages, and would appreciate some feedback...
4784287
Thank you very much for the compliment!
And, you make an excellent case for your various ships. I gotta say, I'm severely tempted to do Shiny-Lestia now, much more so than my (once-preferred) Soarin'-Lestia...
Geez. I'll need to think about this.
Maybe it's me, and being silly, and so on, but the idea that either Celestia or Twilight turns out to be queer would be a fun one.
And well, okay, also because Celestia ending up falling for a mare - whomever it might be - would be a font of all sorts of fun drama.
In that regard, I suppose random thoughts would include Spitfire (She's the sort of rakish jerk with a heart of gold Ceace could totally fall for, I imagine), Chrysalis - because bad girls are alluring - or perhaps Pinkie Pie, in that hey, each of them in their own way is all about making other ponies happy, and well...imagine how much they could pull off as a lifetime-pair.
How that could work for heirs, exactly, I do not know...but I could imagine Great-Aunt Loonie having a small talent for sorcery and perhaps, after her initial 'What the everloving HAY do you mean you are refusing to marry a stallion!?' and the huge fights thereof...might, maybe, find a way to give the two of them the most precious gift of all, that which was previously impossible.
4785122
Hm... could be fun, but, cards on the table, I don't like reading slash, and I don't know I could write it. (No hard feelings... it's just not for me).
Plus, I have some adorable scenes cooked up for Celestia and [INSERT MALE LOVE INTEREST HERE] that I'm not positive would translate well.
Though, now you've got me thinking... as a filthy diehard Cheerimac shipper, I've been trying to figure out a way to make to free up Big Mac as a potential love interest for Celestia, and I'm still struggling to find a boyfriend for Twilight... maybe one or both of them could be queer? (but not together--that'd be weird, given she was literally Twilight's guardian for a bit...)
4785172
Maybe! I don't know! I haven't given it much thought and am now in that sleep deprived state of 'Everything hurts argh' right now :)
Hello. Oh my god you're doing the same thing i am with sequels and side story to my own story (except mine gonna take a very long time!)
i'd rather explain you in a pm for fear of wanting others to steal my ideas. all give out give that twilight sparkle is secondary to the main plot but centers around spike. I've only read about nine chapters of Celestia xvii btw, it's really good:)