With heavy heart... · 1:35am Jul 4th, 2018
There's no really easy way to say this, by my heart isn't in The Alchemist and the Mirror anymore.
TAatM started as a story idea I had when I was in a rough place in my life. I was in a position where I was actively working towards beginning my transition from Male to Female, but was also under a lot of [probably rightfully deserved] stress. In the two months leading up to the first posting of the story, I received an ultimatum that threatened to put me out on the street. Rather than fall into idle depression, I started writing.
To put it plainly, The Alchemist and the Mirror was a mistake on my part. Though it might not have been readily apparent, there was a lot of personal angst channeled into the story. Although it was interesting to write an older, empty-nest Silver, I quickly came to realize that the path I was forcing this instance of Silver down was a path of self-destruction, [and I don't just mean when she and her alternate reality self killed a past iteration of herself]. She knew she might not see her foals again, so she started taking risks. We've seen it before in her character development. When Silver doesn't think she has anything to lose, she gets reckless. Without being pregnant the second time around, could she hold herself back?
That's where the pseudo-daughter relationship with Sonata came in. To put it plainly, I like the somewhat ditzy character of Sonata Dusk, and subconsciously began using her as an emotional crutch for Silver. She was intended to give Silver something to fight for in this world: someone who, if she couldn't go home again, could go home to. Sonata basically became this story's Ice Blossom, though not destined for such a... gruesome fate.
Regardless, the direction I continued pushing the story was one where a self-sacrificing death seemed like the only way she could help save the day. That in itself was something that left a bitter taste in my mouth for multiple reasons. It implied that the pseudo-unicorn Silver was the only one that could solve the problem, and it just threw away a meaningful relationship to be the big damn hero. Basically, she was starting to walk the path of a sue, and I didn't like it.
Add to the fact that I've been busy enough with college life that both my mental state and interest in the story have diminished, I realized that I couldn't in good conscience continue it. For this reason, and with heavy heart, I am bringing The Alchemist and the Mirror to an early close.
Well that's a shame. It was a good story, though it was easy to see that it could only end in tragedy. Regardless, with the cancellation of Alchemists Mirror, do you have ideas for different Alchemist Stories or are you done with the series?
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I actually did end up start work on a spin-off of the Silver Script story. It's a kind-of 'What if' story and alternate interpretation. In this case, 'What if Silver's body became that of a unicorn, rather than a pegasus.' It starts out shortly before the end of 'When a Pony Calls.' Two chapters and a prologue are currently finished and in revision, with a third in progress. It's the story of how a
pygmyshort unicorn becomes a mercenary serving as a personal guard for a noblemare.It's alright, it's quite understandable. I'd guess in terms I could put it would be that this story was something like catharsis for you, to get it all out. In a way mind you but yes, it's understandable.
I still do wish you luck on any other current and future roads you're taking so don't worry, we're still here for support if you need it.
It is a shame to see it end, but it is honestly understandable.
Its sad to see this story go and I kind of hope this one would get a revival of aorta. Maybe cloae to the same idea but with a better twist on the events.
A pity, but life happens. A lot of stories seem to be dying this year. I guess we've just grown beyond their inception. The story was written into a corner anyway look forward to what comes of your metamorphosis.
How sad, but if you feel that this is the time to stop then that's fine. I'm still looking forwards to your future projects.