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"For fun" is the best reason to do anything. "The best" is the best way to do everything.

T

Celestia is not invincible. Strong, yes. Ageless, assuredly. Magical, undoubtedly. But not invincible.

The Princess of the Day has been attacked, and she did not escape unscathed.

While Luna fights against the mortal fear gripping her subjects in the wake of the assassination attempt, the enemy runs free. Twilight Sparkle must assemble a team to bring the pony to justice. Few ponies can be trusted, and fewer still can be expected to succeed.

But the kingdom has heroes: The Knights of Harmony. Ponies who have stood against evil and won, who fight to make Equestria a safer place. Each is an expert in their particular field, masters of their trades, but they have yet to work together.

An adventurer past her prime.

A tinkerer with too much time on his hooves.

A spy whose primary instinct is to lie.

A dishonored soldier with an axe to grind.

As they delve into the origins of the assassin, they find that Equestrian history still has secrets long buried. Can the knights come together as a team before she finds her next mark?


Rated Teen for

Action Violence
and
Drama


Chapters (40)
Comments ( 518 )

Damn dude, Celestia gets more and more badass.

It's sort of like that other fanfic The Lunatics, except this is way more epic. Also, Celestia is Abraham Lincoln if he was immortal.

What sort of sorcery is keeping Celestia alive? Is it because of Alicorn physiology, or something different? Hmm, good ponderings.

Oh wow, that was brutal for the Guard. And that assassin, spec spec spec.

What the hell is Commander Hurricane doing in modern Equestria? And why did she want to murder Celestia?

5128985

Damn dude, Celestia gets more and more badass.

Pretty much everypony in this story is in one form or another. :raritywink:


5129501

It's sort of like that other fanfic The Lunatics,

A story I really need to get around to reading. It looks fun. I see the surface similarities, but I think they'll be two very different stories in the end.

DayBreak was partially inspired by The Dusk Guard: Rise and the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, which feature similar team-coming-together story lines. Plus, like I mentioned in the blog post, a steady diet of Harrison Ford/Liam Neeson movies.:twilightblush:

Also, Celestia is Abraham Lincoln if he was immortal.

That makes the assassin John Wilkes Booth with superpowers. :twilightoops: Tremble, oh tyrants.

What sort of sorcery is keeping Celestia alive? Is it because of Alicorn physiology, or something different? Hmm, good ponderings.

Excellent ponderings. Most excellent. :moustache:


5130300

Oh wow, that was brutal for the Guard. And that assassin, spec spec spec.

Expect similar things to happen every time the assassin appears "onscreen." :pinkiecrazy:


5130745

What the hell is Commander Hurricane doing in modern Equestria? And why did she want to murder Celestia?

These are the questions the story seeks to answer, Meridian Prime!

5131380
Then I shall eagerly await those answers. :moustache:

A fantastic and intriguing start.

Most of the time, the most exciting thing he did during the event was stop Prince Blueblood at the door to make sure he didn’t smuggle in booze.

That just means that Blueblood has learned to pre-game for the Opera. Curious to see what he gets up to with his auntie out of commission.

Man, the identity of the assassin is something I can't wait to hear more about, I'm assuming all her wingblades were poisoned, since it seems like they killed whoever they hit, and she must have had some heat enchantment that let her charge through that super-heated air (probably a smart thing to do if you are going after the ruler of the Sun). I definitely want to find out more about this Hurricane. Looks like she forgot one thing though:

When you strike at a King, you must kill him. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is an interesting new story, and you've certainly whetted my appetite. I agree with others, it does feel a bit like the Lunatics, another excellent story. If this does exist in the near-future Ponyville series though, given the international tensions we saw in Lord Mayor Applejack, I imagine the Griffons will be at the top of the suspect list.

5131428

Then I shall eagerly await those answers. :moustache:

We will return to your regularly scheduled answers after these additional questions... :twistnerd:


5132603

A fantastic and intriguing start.

Thank you!

That just means that Blueblood has learned to pre-game for the Opera.

*Chortle* :trollestia:

Curious to see what he gets up to with his auntie out of commission.

He has a scene coming up in a couple chapters that I think you're gonna like. :raritywink:

Man, the identity of the assassin is something I can't wait to hear more about, I'm assuming all her wingblades were poisoned, since it seems like they killed whoever they hit, and she must have had some heat enchantment that let her charge through that super-heated air (probably a smart thing to do if you are going after the ruler of the Sun). I definitely want to find out more about this Hurricane.

I look forward to overturning your expectations. :pinkiecrazy: I will say that a heat-enchantment wouldn't help her survive a fall hard enough to demolish theater seating...:fluttershbad:

Looks like she forgot one thing though:

When you strike at a King, you must kill him. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A snazzy quote. And apt. Celestia's injuries are gonna be problems for just about everybody. :ajsmug:

This is an interesting new story, and you've certainly whetted my appetite. I agree with others, it does feel a bit like the Lunatics, another excellent story.

Only when the appetite is whetted can you cut deeper into the story. Or something. We'll see how similar to The Lunatics it is when we're done. :trixieshiftright:

If this does exist in the near-future Ponyville series though,

Which it does. :twilightsmile: See the bottom of the description if you still have doubts.

given the international tensions we saw in Lord Mayor Applejack, I imagine the Griffons will be at the top of the suspect list.

Pfft. Why would our beloved rifle-toting kittybirds have anything to do with an assassination attempt on Celestia? :rainbowwild: The breezies are far more likely suspects.

He has a scene coming up in a couple chapters that I think you're gonna like.

I'm already preparing my snifter of brandy in anticipation.

Pfft. Why would our beloved rifle-toting kittybirds have anything to do with an assassination attempt on Celestia? :rainbowwild: The breezies are far more likely suspects.

While the assassin doesn't fit a Griffon M.O, they're certainly a likely source of refuge and asylum for the mysterious assassin. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy offers to "help" with the investigation.

It wouldn't surprise me if the breezies were the real culprit. They haven't figured out how to turn a profit from their current scheme of stealing underpants (since Equestria has so few pairs), but now Celestia could potentially need an endless source of ambrosia to keep her going.
Or maybe they did it for their distant cousins, the changlings, hoping to heal the rift that has existed since the corruption and fragmentation of the flutter ponies...

5135551

I'm already preparing my snifter of brandy in anticipation.

I believe he is, too. :duck:

While the assassin doesn't fit a Griffon M.O, they're certainly a likely source of refuge and asylum for the mysterious assassin. I wouldn't be surprised if Andy offers to "help" with the investigation.

Not tellin' just yet. :rainbowwild:

It wouldn't surprise me if the breezies were the real culprit. They haven't figured out how to turn a profit from their current scheme of stealing underpants (since Equestria has so few pairs), but now Celestia could potentially need an endless source of ambrosia to keep her going.

I hear lacy skivvies get a high price on the sock market.

Or maybe they did it for their distant cousins, the changlings, hoping to heal the rift that has existed since the corruption and fragmentation of the flutter ponies...

Alas, 'tis an untold tragedy of bugs' unbugglyness to bugs. :ajsleepy: It might explain why the story has a changeling tag.

5137545

sock market

[fistbumps you]

Alas, 'tis an untold tragedy of bugs' unbugglyness to bugs. :ajsleepy: It might explain why the story has a changeling tag.

Sounds like there's going to be a... Raid. :raritywink:

God that you didn't make crossover with dr who.
Now I don't know how twilight look at it being alicorn, as painfull lesson but practically now without consequences (i hope i writed it correctly) or you make her not immortal (by age)?

Okay that age/time travel thing is really cool. Also, I get the feeling that these "Knights of Harmony" are going to be awesome.

Well, don't get yourself killed, Care.

Interesting take on the tribe-specific burial customs.

Really interesting take on the unmentioned consequences of Twilight playing around with time travel. I wonder what the story is behind Turner's knowledge and opinions about the same.

5137587

[fistbumps you]

Can't take credit. I stole it from Arthur.

"The Great Sock Mystery," if you get the urge to look for it. An episode which, in retrospect, is not necessarily phenomenal. :applejackunsure:

It's completely built around parental bonus puns. It has that going for it, at least. :derpytongue2:

Sounds like there's going to be a... Raid. :raritywink:

Only if Twilight decides to open a can. :twilightangry2:

5154516

God that you didn't make crossover with dr who.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if I want to make a Doctor Who Crossover, I'll make a Doctor Who Crossover. If I don't, I won't. They give us the crossover tag for a reason. :pinkiehappy:

Now I don't know how twilight look at it being alicorn, as painfull lesson but practically now without consequences (i hope i writed it correctly) or you make her not immortal (by age)?

Well, there are consequences, they were just made a little less by the ascension. Her physical aging was slowed the heck down by the newfound immortality, but it's been about ten years since her ascension. I figure she's only just caught up with herself body-wise, and now has to deal with being forever young.

A problem I wish I had. :scootangel:

That said, it's not like the advanced aging has no effect on her at all. It was a very traumatic experience for a seventeen year old to wake up with a twenty-four year old body, after all. Things change. That memory's gonna be with her forever.


5160467

Okay that age/time travel thing is really cool.

Thanks! It's a handy explanation for why Twilight couldn't use the spell again, adds a little danger to the whole time travel angle, and sets up a future plot point all in one go. :pinkiehappy:

Also, I get the feeling that these "Knights of Harmony" are going to be awesome.

I love each and every one of them. They're gonna be a blast to write!


5160533

Well, don't get yourself killed, Care.

At least not before the climactic chapter. :trollestia:

Interesting take on the tribe-specific burial customs.

Thanks! You can learn a lot about a culture from the way they take care of their dead.

Really interesting take on the unmentioned consequences of Twilight playing around with time travel. I wonder what the story is behind Turner's knowledge and opinions about the same.

It's a story yet to be told, but it will be told, I promise you that!

Very cool assassin. I'm assuming this is using show only Canon since commander hurricane is a dude in the diary of the two sisters. That aging thing for time travel is really cool, hope we see more consequences of that in the future. Makes you wonder why Commander Hurricane would travel so far forward when Celestia is around all the time. Of course now Luna is finally available to target...

5162798

Very cool assassin. I'm assuming this is using show only Canon since commander hurricane is a dude in the diary of the two sisters.

Not to mention their cutie marks don't match up at all, now that I do some research.

I covered my butt a little with that one via this exchange in the first chapter:

Celestia chuckled. “Most of this story is technically true, but Pansy would be mortified to find out the playwright got his and Cookie’s genders reversed.”
Care’s eyebrows shot up. “How did that happen?”
Celestia’s wings rubbed against each other. “Years blur facts. History grows old and quiet. Life moves forward, and those who care to look back can never see the whole picture.”
Care inclined her head, brushing her turquoise mane behind her shoulder. “Unless you lived it.”
Celestia shrugged. “Even I forget things.”

The diary could have been mistranslated. Or it could have been damaged. Or it could have been written by little alicorn girls who thought the tough-as-nails pegasus commander was actually a dude. I dunno.

In reality, I'm not gonna be following very much from the diary because it does things that don't really fit with things I've already put into the series. A finite amount of magic per pony doesn't quite fit with my whole "the heart is the organ that metabolizes nutrients and produces magic" thing.

It sorta comes down to this: I can follow the cartoon easy enough. I can follow the comics through a sort of internet osmosis until I actually get my hands on them. I'm having a very hard time following material supplemental to that. :applejackunsure: It's canon twice removed and a liiiitle hard to come by before I write something contradictory. So, show-only by default. Le sigh. Didn't mean to. :ajsleepy:

That aging thing for time travel is really cool, hope we see more consequences of that in the future.

Absotively posolutely. :raritywink: Gonna be awesome.

Makes you wonder why Commander Hurricane would travel so far forward when Celestia is around all the time. Of course now Luna is finally available to target...

You may be on to something, or you might be missing a crucial piece to the puzzle. :trollestia:

5164350 The writing team at Hasbro should have some sort of celebration for 5 years of FiM. They should throw it at a convention, and create tons of historical facts and in - universe rules just for the occasion, and broadcast the whole party on the Internet. Then for years we'd all be arguing about "party canon. "

You may be on to something, or you might be missing a crucial piece to the puzzle. :trollestia:

Did you buy stock in yarn and tinfoil hats right before you started this story?

5164369

The writing team at Hasbro should have some sort of celebration for 5 years of FiM. They should throw it at a convention, and create tons of historical facts and in - universe rules just for the occasion, and broadcast the whole party on the Internet. Then for years we'd all be arguing about "party canon. "

"Canon" nothing. That a Cheese Sandwich-style party howitzer. :pinkiegasp:

Did you buy stock in yarn and tinfoil hats right before you started this story?

I can neither confirm nor deny that I am the CEO of a corporation dealing in either of those commodities.

I also just realized that I need a shop in Ponyville, right next to Quills and Sofas, that sells Yarn and Foil and is run by a pony known as Orange Socks.

5166917 That would be awesome. Orange Socks would investigate the secret alicorns, and the rumor that changlings are really breezies just close up. The only pony he absolutely knows has nothing to hide is his marefriend, A.K. Yearling.

I always like the Question and the Huntress, though I did prefer Jeffrey Combs as a Vorta.

So Time Turner is veteran of something, specializes in time travel, and generally really cool. He has some traits of the Doctor, but it is refreshing to see a not-a-time-lord version of the background character that has the chance to be incredibly badass.

Lots of setup here, although technically speaking, aging one year per day going back in time doesn't make much sense, but it is still interesting. Since Twilight's an immortal alicorn (presumably), she now has full range over her super time travel capabilities. Or does she?

And for once, it's actually taking time to gather the team! This is good, one thing other stories of this "Gather a super-cool team of ponies and other beings" genre is the lack of character building. This is going by very well. Hope to see more.

5167055

That would be awesome. Orange Socks would investigate the secret alicorns, and the rumor that changlings are really breezies just close up.

He would investigate that alright. Whether he confirms his suspicions or not is still up in the air. :duck:

The only pony he absolutely knows has nothing to hide is his marefriend, A.K. Yearling.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but darling Miss Do is quite unattached at the start of this story. :raritywink:

I always like the Question and the Huntress, though I did prefer Jeffrey Combs as a Vorta.

Never knew he was in Star Trek. I guess that's an episode I gotta track down.


5167665

So Time Turner is veteran of something, specializes in time travel, and generally really cool. He has some traits of the Doctor, but it is refreshing to see a not-a-time-lord version of the background character that has the chance to be incredibly badass.

It didn't feel right to completely ignore the Doctor when crafting Turner's personality. Credit where it's due, after all. That said, the two of them probably wouldn't get along.

Lots of setup here, although technically speaking, aging one year per day going back in time doesn't make much sense, but it is still interesting.

It'll be explained in more depth later, but the jist of it is that going back isn't what ages you, it's getting, in Turner's words, "ripped" back that causes it. You try to turn back time, there's gonna be backlash and how.

Since Twilight's an immortal alicorn (presumably), she now has full range over her super time travel capabilities. Or does she?

You would think it'd work that way, but... :trollestia:

And for once, it's actually taking time to gather the team! This is good, one thing other stories of this "Gather a super-cool team of ponies and other beings" genre is the lack of character building. This is going by very well. Hope to see more.

Characters have always been the most important part of stories to me. Plots give the characters something to do. Settings give the characters a playground to romp around in. If you care about the characters, it's easier to care about the story. Here's hoping the team turns out to be a good bunch of characters. :pinkiehappy:

I've also had stories criticized as having too much build up for the given payoff, so we'll see if I haven't found the balance.

5169099

Never knew he was in Star Trek. I guess that's an episode I gotta track down.

Try 7 different characters across 9 different episodes in multiple series, so you've probably already seen him.

Characters have always been the most important part of stories to me. Plots give the characters something to do. Settings give the characters a playground to romp around in. If you care about the characters, it's easier to care about the story. Here's hoping the team turns out to be a good bunch of characters. :pinkiehappy:

Isn't that pretty much the main reason people like FiM?

I've also had stories criticized as having too much build up for the given payoff, so we'll see if I haven't found the balance.

That's crazy. The build up is the best part, the climax is really the pre - epilogue.

5169157

Try 7 different characters across 9 different episodes in multiple series, so you've probably already seen him.

The odds are actually against me on that one. I've seen half an episode of TOS, barely any of Next Generation, and zippadeedoodah from anything later than that. When I was young, my parents thought that the best Star Trek movie to start their outer-space-loving kid on was Spock Saves the Whales. I might not have had such a "meh" reaction to it if I hadn't been expecting Star Wars. :derpytongue2:

Then I recently saw Wrath of Khan and decided that maybe I should give the series another chance. I've got a lot of catching up to do. :twilightblush:

Isn't that pretty much the main reason people like FiM?

That's why I like it. Can't speak for others. :moustache:

That's crazy. The build up is the best part, the climax is really the pre - epilogue.

Maybe I worded that wrong. I mean like how half of Lord Mayor Applejack was introducing the characters, and then the latter half was the attempted murder plot. Or how over half of Hyperportentia was Acacia's normal day, and the last three thousand words were the actual plot.

On the other hoof, someone told me I got to the climax of Rarity's Book of Impossible Things about five-thousand words from the end of a ten-thousand word story. And then it kept going. I gotta get a handle on this whole "pacing" thing.

Sonata de Equestria was actually pretty decently paced, if not expertly written. Blueblood's Ascension Part III as well. Hay-oh, Welcome to Hayburger is just about perfect. What it tells me is that I'm all over the place with the Hero's Journey and Rising/Falling Action and Four Major Plot Points, and I gotta nail. It. Down. :flutterrage:

Which I will. Maybe even with this story.

5170708 "nuclear wessel!" Good times. Make sure you watch First Contact, it's the best Star Trek movie overall.

It sounds like you are really working hard to improve your writing skills, I can't even tell you the difference between an epilogue and a denouement, so I wish you the best of luck! :pinkiehappy:

5170779

"nuclear wessel!" Good times. Make sure you watch First Contact, it's the best Star Trek movie overall.

I think I'll slide that to the top of the list, now that you mention it.

It sounds like you are really working hard to improve your writing skills, I can't even tell you the difference between an epilogue and a denouement, so I wish you the best of luck! :pinkiehappy:

Monotone: It's actually pretty simple. Though both occur at the end of the story, they are very distinct entities that can even coexist, unlike Celestia and any given cake. A denouement is the resolution of the plot of the story, in which all or most threads are wrapped up in neat little bows. An epilogue typically occurs after the denouement, giving a small snapshot into the future of the characters. It can be as little as days into the future or as much as centuries later.

While denouements are an essential part of the story, epilogues are generally artistic choices. While they don't often wrap up the plot, epilogues do give an additional bit of closure towards the characters and situations of the story.

Personally, I'm a fan of epilogues that are a different style than the rest of the story, such as when the final chapter is a letter. No telling if this story has an epilogue.

I put more effort into that than the joke warranted, but what are you gonna do? :twilightblush:

5170921 I too enjoy an epilogue that doubles as an epistolary. I think the greatest epilogue ever was that esteemed film, Animal House.

Then its for sure 5 or more years in future ?

5176654

Then its for sure 5 or more years in future ?

Roundabouts nine years in the future. The exact timeline will be revealed the instant it becomes relevant. :raritywink:

Ooooh, two chappies in one! Interesting way to introduce characters to each other, and also start ratcheting up the intrigue and suspense.

Apple Bloom pursed her lips. “What’s she like?”

Someone's jealous!

Fancypants was Blueblood’s buddy from their school days, perhaps the prince’s only real friend. He put up with his antics regularly

He's a heck of a friend, still hanging with Blueblood after Bluey marries his ex. I like that you made Fancy the Lord Mayor.

“What of you, Lady Rarity? I would have thought you Element Bearers would be tracking that vicious assassin down.”

I find it hilarious that most ponies expect the mane 6 to jump in to action to save the world, even Blueblood, but otherwise treat them like normal ponies. I guess hero is kind of like garbage collector in equestria, very handy when they're needed, not that impressive when they are not.

Also, is Twilight Velvet in charge of a secret police force? I ask because being the editor of a famous author is a full time job, and so is being a police chief, but maybe she needs the editor gig as a day job.

Overall good fun, I'd ask if we're ever going to meet sober Blueblood, but I get the feeling that is not a common occurrence. :duck:

5199948

Ooooh, two chappies in one! Interesting way to introduce characters to each other, and also start ratcheting up the intrigue and suspense.

All in a day's work. Or a couple week's worth. :twilightsheepish:

Someone's jealous!

I don't know what you're talking about. She just so happened to be curious about this biologically compatible to dragons female that Spike knows. No ulterior motives.

He's a heck of a friend, still hanging with Blueblood after Bluey marries his ex. I like that you made Fancy the Lord Mayor.

I have it on good authority, my own, that Fancy and Fleur's relationship was a pretty nothing relationship. Big man he is, giving up the chick who used to follow him around everywhere.

I find it hilarious that most ponies expect the mane 6 to jump in to action to save the world, even Blueblood, but otherwise treat them like normal ponies. I guess hero is kind of like garbage collector in equestria, very handy when they're needed, not that impressive when they are not.

That's pretty much what we see in the show. "Elements who?" Ponies have a despicably short long-term memory when it comes to life-imperilment.

Also, is Twilight Velvet in charge of a secret police force? I ask because being the editor of a famous author is a full time job, and so is being a police chief, but maybe she needs the editor gig as a day job.

She probably finds time the same way Daring Do finds time between swinging over bottomless pits and dueling Ahuizotl to the death multiple times a month.

Bit of backstory: Twilight edits for Daring as a personal favor to a friend. We'll see more of that over the course of the story. She doesn't do editing for a living any more than Daring writes for one. And Daring only writes about one book a year, if that. Not quite full-time job there.

As for the secret police force thing... Missus Velvet is Chief of the very public CPD. She just so happens to have rather secretive assets at her disposal, should she go to the princess for assistance. But that part's a plot point, so I won't be digging deeper.:raritywink:

Besides, we rarely see authors making use of a police force. It's always the guard. It makes it seem like Equestria is constantly under martial law. I wanted to do something a little unique.

Overall good fun, I'd ask if we're ever going to meet sober Blueblood, but I get the feeling that is not a common occurrence. :duck:

Maybe he needs to run into a sobering experience? :pinkiecrazy:

5203144

I don't know what you're talking about. She just so happened to be curious about this biologically compatible to dragons female that Spike knows. No ulterior motives.

:applecry:
Whatever you say. She should look on the bright side, clearly :moustache: tastes involve larger females.

Big man he is, giving up the chick who used to follow him around everywhere.

Oh man, that makes it way more intriguing, spinning it 180* like that. No wonder Fancy puts up with his friend's drunken shenanigans, he feels guilty about unloading a stalker on Blueblood and trapping him in a loveless marriage! That does make you wonder how Fleur nabbed her white/blond whale. Say what you will about Blueblood, he's been shown to have excellent skills in discouraging gold diggers.

That's pretty much what we see in the show. "Elements who?" Ponies have a despicably short long-term memory when it comes to life-imperilment.

I blame the lack of professional country music in Equestria. When is Fiddlesticks going to start releasing albums about the Price of Harmony and selling hoofbands and cartstickers that say "I support the Elements?"

Besides, we rarely see authors making use of a police force. It's always the guard. It makes it seem like Equestria is constantly under martial law. I wanted to do something a little unique.

That is a very good point. In the comics they show that at least the larger cities have a police force, but generally in the show it seems like Celestia's never heard of Posse Comitus. I always made the idealistic assumption that both crime and foreign invasions were rare enough that combining the guard with the cops made sense, and nobody thought of a downside. Separating cops and the military, like pretty much all other legal safeguards, are invented after an abuse has occurred, so if there haven't been historical abuses of a power, it won't be strictly regulated.

Maybe he needs to run into a sobering experience? :pinkiecrazy:

Either he's halfway through his twelve steps already, or it will never happen, because changling assassins are about as sobering an experience as you can have. :applejackconfused:

5203205

:applecry:
Whatever you say. She should look on the bright side, clearly :moustache: tastes involve larger females.

:trollestia: Aheeehehehehehehe *snort* *snort*.

Who knows, there may be hope yet...

Oh man, that makes it way more intriguing, spinning it 180* like that. No wonder Fancy puts up with his friend's drunken shenanigans, he feels guilty about unloading a stalker on Blueblood and trapping him in a loveless marriage! That does make you wonder how Fleur nabbed her white/blond whale. Say what you will about Blueblood, he's been shown to have excellent skills in discouraging gold diggers.

Sometimes, defenses can be lowered. Sometimes, a dart slides past the shield and pierces the heart.

Sometimes, you find that being a princess is a worthy enough reason to live with a lush. :rainbowwild:

I blame the lack of professional country music in Equestria. When is Fiddlesticks going to start releasing albums about the Price of Harmony and selling hoofbands and cartstickers that say "I support the Elements?"

That would be pretty awesome. It probably won't happen until ponies equate "I wasn't eaten by timberwolves today" with "I live next door to Applejack." :facehoof:

That is a very good point. In the comics they show that at least the larger cities have a police force, but generally in the show it seems like Celestia's never heard of Posse Comitus. I always made the idealistic assumption that both crime and foreign invasions were rare enough that combining the guard with the cops made sense, and nobody thought of a downside.

This Equestria isn't nearly so idealistic. Ponies like the Flimflam brothers regularly get off scott free. It isn't unheard of for Diamond Dogs to kidnap ponies. Dragons have to be dealt with very, very carefully. There's the Unholy Abomination Attack of the Week...

All in all, not much of a shortage of need for peacekeepers. :ajsleepy:

Separating cops and the military, like pretty much all other legal safeguards, are invented after an abuse has occurred, so if there haven't been historical abuses of a power, it won't be strictly regulated.

Nightmare Moon seemed pretty abusive, you ask me. :eeyup:

5203336

Who knows, there may be hope yet...

How? Dragons and ponies are clearly biologically incompatible, you'd need some sort of potion from a master alchemist to pull it off. :pinkiehappy:

Sometimes, defenses can be lowered. Sometimes, a dart slides past the shield and pierces the heart.

Stallions marry mares that resemble their aunts, I guess.

Sometimes, you find that being a princess is a worthy enough reason to live with a lush. :rainbowwild:

Turns out no, if the story is any indication. No more than a pretty flank makes up for a scheming social climber. Maybe things went sour once the topic of the "royal succession" came up.

That would be pretty awesome. It probably won't happen until ponies equate "I wasn't eaten by timberwolves today" with "I live next door to Applejack." :facehoof:

To be fair, it might also be ponies equating "my town got wrecked by parasprites, bunny stampedes, fights over stuffed animals, and a magnet for jealous showmares hopped up on alicorn power, library-blasting centaurs, and Discord" with who they live next door to.

This Equestria isn't nearly so idealistic. Ponies like the Flimflam brothers regularly get off scott free. It isn't unheard of for Diamond Dogs to kidnap ponies. Dragons have to be dealt with very, very carefully. There's the Unholy Abomination Attack of the Week...
All in all, not much of a shortage of need for peacekeepers. :ajsleepy:

Sure, makes sense, this is a more grounded realistic story, and that will always invite in a bit more edge. I would say that those examples in canon, at least the first two, are more about the unbelievably forgiving justice system, but certainly Equestria is a dangerous place.

Nightmare Moon seemed pretty abusive, you ask me. :eeyup:

I dunno, if you go by canon she just went nuts and started wailing on her sister. Terrible, but not really an abuse of governmental power, unless alicorn magic counts as government power. Probably the safeguard they implemented from that was making Celestia do lots of cheesy photo op activities like brunches in small towns and that sun-raising ceremony every year, so she feels loved and less likely to flip out herself. And Chucklelot, that's clearly a NMM-safeguard.

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How? Dragons and ponies are clearly biologically incompatible, you'd need some sort of potion from a master alchemist to pull it off. :pinkiehappy:

I have not shown, through prose or appendix, if change occurs with potions or magicks. Twilight's become a breezie in canon, but I go deeper in my personal fanon. Power outputs matter, who's casting it, too. In Equestria, happy endings come harder for you.

Stallions marry mares that resemble their aunts, I guess.

*Chortle* I wonder if he recognizes the resemblance or not.

Turns out no, if the story is any indication. No more than a pretty flank makes up for a scheming social climber.

Hay, word on the street is that her flank is to die for.

Maybe things went sour once the topic of the "royal succession" came up.

Cough. Well, it seems like they'd have done something about that one way or the other. I mean, there had to be some physical attraction somewhere in there. At least at the beginning. Sour dispositions ruin the handsomest/prettiest smiles.

To be fair, it might also be ponies equating "my town got wrecked by parasprites, bunny stampedes, fights over stuffed animals, and a magnet for jealous showmares hopped up on alicorn power, library-blasting centaurs, and Discord" with who they live next door to.

In Fluttershy's defense, the whole Discord thing was Celestia's idea.

Sure, makes sense, this is a more grounded realistic story, and that will always invite in a bit more edge. I would say that those examples in canon, at least the first two, are more about the unbelievably forgiving justice system, but certainly Equestria is a dangerous place.

When your justice system is "Shoot it with friendship and see if it explodes or not"...

I dunno, if you go by canon she just went nuts and started wailing on her sister. Terrible, but not really an abuse of governmental power, unless alicorn magic counts as government power.

It's amazing the things you can do if you use Canon as a foundation instead of a fence. Sure, their final confrontation was a one-and-done deal, but there was the growing jealousy to consider. The time of seduction by the Nightmare Forces. The cloak and dagger rendezvous with various underworld entities who stood to gain from Celestia falling from power...

It was a pretty awesome story, all told. I may tell it one day.

Probably the safeguard they implemented from that was making Celestia do lots of cheesy photo op activities like brunches in small towns and that sun-raising ceremony every year, so she feels loved and less likely to flip out herself. And Chucklelot, that's clearly a NMM-safeguard.

Ah, Chucklelot. Birthplace of some very, very strange fan art. :unsuresweetie:

“Okay, nothing odd about that conversation.” She said with a leery smile. “Nothing odd at all.”

Nothing to worry about at all. :derpyderp1:

Calling on Daring Do, good plan.

Best Princess, Best Mom, nice.

I love Daring's multi-species work crew, fun.

and gave it a might shove

A mighty shove, I'm guessing? Anyway, I like the connection between Daring and Twilight's mom, that's definitely my favorite interpretation of that bit in the comics.

Hmn, I think Daring had taken it in the wings one too many times. Either that or it isn't a coincidence that she keeps taking it there in the books.

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Nothing to worry about at all. :derpyderp1:

Juuust a couple of normal ponies doing normal pony things. :raritywink:

Best Princess, Best Mom, nice.

Sometimes I'm subtle. Sometimes that takes too much work. :pinkiehappy:

A mighty shove, I'm guessing? Anyway, I like the connection between Daring and Twilight's mom, that's definitely my favorite interpretation of that bit in the comics.

Mine, too, though I've always had this fallback where Daring writes up her transcripts, and Twilight Velvet actually turns it into a story. Co-authorship, thus why she has a "Best Author' award.

Hmn, I think Daring had taken it in the wings one too many times. Either that or it isn't a coincidence that she keeps taking it there in the books.

Maybe a bit of both, actually. :twistnerd:

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In Equestria, happy endings come harder for you.

...especially when the masseuse sees you have scales! (Never have I been gladder that this :moustache: exists).

*Chortle* I wonder if he recognizes the resemblance or not.

You know after the wedding (that Celestia had to officiate) Luna was laughing into her pillow for 12 hours straight. With the Royal Canterlot Guffaw too, so it got blamed on a flock of nocturnal geese.

In Fluttershy's defense, the whole Discord thing was Celestia's idea.

In Celestia's defense, she thought it was understood that if you choose to live in the town next to the forest of hungry monsters, you've basically agreed that you are an adrenaline-addicted thrill seeker and the Equestrian government is obsolved of anything that happens to you.

When your justice system is "Shoot it with friendship and see if it explodes or not"...

Luckily Cadance murdered Sombra, otherwise under Equestrian legal precedent, she would have to co-rule with him.

It was a pretty awesome story, all told. I may tell it one day.

Well they certainly didn't take the precaution of locking up dangerous magic. But now I like to imagine there is a specific bill passed in Parliament forbidding Eternal Night/Day. And I do like your idea, I wished during the season finale Tirek went to Luna and was all "I've come to collect your soul. Also, I want my chariot back. "

Cough. Well, it seems like they'd have done something about that one way or the other. I mean, there had to be some physical attraction somewhere in there. At least at the beginning. Sour dispositions ruin the handsomest/prettiest smiles.

Now I hope there is a little Blueblood the 53rd or Lily Flower or something running around.

Ah, Chucklelot. Birthplace of some very, very strange fan art. :unsuresweetie:

What I wouldn't give for a comic that was just Cadance, Twilight and Blueblood's Chucklelot performances.

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...especially when the masseuse sees you have scales! (Never have I been gladder that this :moustache: exists).

:twilightoops:

I never seem to catch my own double entendres before I imply something that wasn't quite implied.

But now that the implication is there, it fits altogether too well. C'est la vie. :applejackconfused:

You know after the wedding (that Celestia had to officiate) Luna was laughing into her pillow for 12 hours straight. With the Royal Canterlot Guffaw too, so it got blamed on a flock of nocturnal geese.

Part of the joke is that she hired Spike to plan the bachelor party again. He bought a cake from Pinkie. Blueblood's eyes lit up like stars when he saw the giant thing roll in...

There was a resounding murmur of dismay when Spike started cutting it up and serving it.

In Celestia's defense, she thought it was understood that if you choose to live in the town next to the forest of hungry monsters, you've basically agreed that you are an adrenaline-addicted thrill seeker and the Equestrian government is obsolved of anything that happens to you.

Fluttershy missed that part of her rental agreement. :fluttershyouch:

Luckily Cadance murdered Sombra, otherwise under Equestrian legal precedent, she would have to co-rule with him.

I can only see good things coming from that.
He would revolutionize exercise with his "Staaaiiirrrsss EVERYWHERE" reform.
His intimate knowledge of crystals would bring scientific advances to every part of the world.
Rarity would finally have a decent pony to pine after.

Also, Spike murdered him. Honestly, how could you have forgotten already? :pinkiegasp:

Well they certainly didn't take the precaution of locking up dangerous magic. But now I like to imagine there is a specific bill passed in Parliament forbidding Eternal Night/Day.

To which every Equestrian would say, "What's parliament?" :rainbowwild:

Ahem. That's not to say they don't have a rough equivalent. I haven't quite come up with a name for the Gathering of the Mayors, but it's safe to say "Mayor" is roughly equivalent to the term "Governor."

And I do like your idea, I wished during the season finale Tirek went to Luna and was all "I've come to collect your soul. Also, I want my chariot back."

There are things older, darker, and deeper than Tirek. :flutterrage: Ahahahahahaha!

Now I hope there is a little Blueblood the 53rd or Lily Flower or something running around.

Not quite yet, I'm afraid. Not quite yet.

What I wouldn't give for a comic that was just Cadance, Twilight and Blueblood's Chucklelot performances.

:rainbowderp:

Ah, I, bwah...

Hmm.

That would make for a very, very interesting story, I think. There wouldn't be visual gags, it being a textual medium, but...

Hmm...

Huh.

I go to ponder.

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There was a resounding murmur of dismay when Spike started cutting it up and serving it.

Considering it's Spike, and the draconic penchant for throwing grudges, he should be relieved that Spike didn't pick up the cake and throw it at him. Besides, special cakes are illegal in Equestria, ever since Celestia's 500th birthday. (Poor Chippendale. I'm not sure if being eaten in one gulp or being stomach-pumped was worse. )

Rarity would finally have a decent pony to pine after.

I read a great story with that ship, but I forgot which one... But it would be great to see one of fabulous pony's romantic schemes pay off for once, and then see how Prince Blueblood gets along with Queen Rarity. :raritystarry:

Also, Spike murdered him. Honestly, how could you have forgotten already? :pinkiegasp:

Perhaps because Drake Hasslehoff (he's huge in the Crystal Empire) has been too busy reminding Rainbow Dash to remind me. I was going to point out how it was Cadance who fired the magic beam into the Crystal Heart that killed him, but then I remembered that it was the joy of all the Crystal ponies that powered the heart, so I guess it was like a community murder? Like a stoning?

I haven't quite come up with a name for the Gathering of the Mayors

I think it's a "gaggle," like with geese.

There are things older, darker, and deeper than Tirek. :flutterrage: Ahahahahahaha!

Surely you speak not of the Smooze, for nothing can stop it! At least, nothing 1000 years ago, when they hadn't developed sophisticated sandbag technology. :rainbowlaugh:

I go to ponder.

Dang, there are no thinking cap emoticons.

I was really wondering about the fahr-verse Rarity and when she turned into a changeling, but then it became clear. Interesting job position for Twilight Velvet, head of the Canterlot police is definitely not something I've seen her as before (though I can think of one or two stories that involve Canterlot police actually existing in addition to the royal guard).

“You might say that.” He took a deep breath to say something further, but gagged on the Everfree air. “Ugh. Daring Do in my shower is not quite as sexy as fan fiction led me to believe.”

Hah!

I really hope something terrible happens to Dulcimer.

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A mighty shove, I'm guessing?

Oops. I missed seeing that the first time. Yes indeed, I meant mighty. Thank you for pointing it out. :twilightsmile:

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Considering it's Spike, and the draconic penchant for throwing grudges, he should be relieved that Spike didn't pick up the cake and throw it at him. Besides, special cakes are illegal in Equestria, ever since Celestia's 500th birthday. (Poor Chippendale. I'm not sure if being eaten in one gulp or being stomach-pumped was worse. )

Chippendale later formed a team of Rescue Rangers with Monterey Jack, Gadget, and Zipper, giving up one line of work for another.

I read a great story with that ship, but I forgot which one...

The author is a close and dear friend of mine. :derpytongue2:

But it would be great to see one of fabulous pony's romantic schemes pay off for once, and then see how Prince Blueblood gets along with Queen Rarity. :raritystarry:

:trollestia: Hehehehehehehee.

Well, maybe, but not in this series.

Perhaps because Drake Hasslehoff (he's huge in the Crystal Empire)

Ha!

has been too busy reminding Rainbow Dash to remind me. I was going to point out how it was Cadance who fired the magic beam into the Crystal Heart that killed him, but then I remembered that it was the joy of all the Crystal ponies that powered the heart, so I guess it was like a community murder? Like a stoning?

That's a good way to looked at it. A crystaling, perhaps, or a loving. The Crystal Empire, where "I Heart U" is taken as a serious, deadly threat.

I think it's a "gaggle," like with geese.

Gaston the Griffon, Lord Mayor of Cloudsdale, takes offense at that.

Surely you speak not of the Smooze, for nothing can stop it! At least, nothing 1000 years ago, when they hadn't developed sophisticated sandbag technology. :rainbowlaugh:

Smooze was just a pawn. A means to an end. True, it ended up being an end to their means, but he's just one of the many monstrosities from before recorded history.

Dang, there are no thinking cap emoticons.

:duck::unsuresweetie::trixieshiftleft::rainbowhuh::applejackunsure::eeyup::facehoof:

But we do have rough equivalents.


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I was really wondering about the fahr-verse Rarity and when she turned into a changeling, but then it became clear.

Don't worry, you didn't accidentally skip one. Maybe purposefully skipped one, but not accidentally. :pinkiehappy:

Interesting job position for Twilight Velvet, head of the Canterlot police is definitely not something I've seen her as before (though I can think of one or two stories that involve Canterlot police actually existing in addition to the royal guard).

Twilight Sparkle's family is a band of fighters, literally and figuratively. My first thought was that she would be a veteran Royal Guard, which she still is, but moving along to Police Chief gives her reason to be active in the story. I figure she's not one to just lie down and retire.

Hah!

I figured that was either funny or cringe-inducing bad. :twilightblush: Either way, I get a reaction.

I really hope something terrible happens to Dulcimer.

You're gonna be waiting a while to see him get any sort of comeuppance. :scootangel:

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Chippendale later formed a team of Rescue Rangers with Monterey Jack, Gadget, and Zipper, giving up one line of work for another.

I didn't watch the show much, but weren't the Rescue Rangers always afraid of getting eaten by a giant, white, gluttonous cat?

The author is a close and dear friend of mine. :derpytongue2:

You know the reclusive author M. Y. Hobby?

Ha!

Spike should really record some songs and sell them in the Crystal Empire, like "Hooked on a Feldspar" and "Rhinestone Cow."

That's a good way to looked at it. A crystaling, perhaps, or a loving. The Crystal Empire, where "I Heart U" is taken as a serious, deadly threat.

I think "I heart U" was a quote from that famous Crystal Empire play, "Basic Instinct," where the actress stabs her lover to death with a sliver of the Crystal Heart. The actress was an inspired choice, but what else can you expect from a Crystal Pony named Sharing Stone?

Gaston the Griffon, Lord Mayor of Cloudsdale, takes offense at that.

Well too bad for him. There's only one of him currently, so a Wing of Mayors would be silly. By the way, since Griffon guns and gunpowder are still pretty rare and hard for non-Griffons to acquire/use, is it true that in Equestria, no one shoots like Gaston?

Smooze was just a pawn. A means to an end. True, it ended up being an end to their means, but he's just one of the many monstrosities from before recorded history.

Uh oh, I think things are going to get Hocus-pocus in Equestria soon. :twilightoops:

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I didn't watch the show much, but weren't the Rescue Rangers always afraid of getting eaten by a giant, white, gluttonous cat?

Umm... No, I don't think Fat Cat wanted to eat them so much as he was just hoping to pull of an evil scheme or two... But I don't really remember either.

You know the reclusive author M. Y. Hobby?

That depends. Are you referring to Miles Yosemite Hobby or Michael Yaeger Hobby?

I think "I heart U" was a quote from that famous Crystal Empire play, "Basic Instinct," where the actress stabs her lover to death with a sliver of the Crystal Heart. The actress was an inspired choice, but what else can you expect from a Crystal Pony named Sharing Stone?

Can't say I'm familiar with that particular play, though I wouldn't be surprised. :twilightsheepish:

Well too bad for him. There's only one of him currently, so a Wing of Mayors would be silly. By the way, since Griffon guns and gunpowder are still pretty rare and hard for non-Griffons to acquire/use, is it true that in Equestria, no one shoots like Gaston?

Not quite. Gaston is one of the Equestrian-born griffons, without many ties to the glorious homeland. Also, unless you're willing to pay an almost literal king's ransom on the black market, there is absolutely no firearm exportation from said homeland. He probably hasn't even seen such a weapon.

Yet.

Uh oh, I think things are going to get Hocus-pocus in Equestria soon. :twilightoops:

Eh, hocus pocus, alakazam, zoot zoot, bippity boppity boop. You've got your pick of magic words in Equestria. The most powerful is still 'please,' though. :derpytongue2:

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Not quite. Gaston is one of the Equestrian-born griffons, without many ties to the glorious homeland. Also, unless you're willing to pay an almost literal king's ransom on the black market, there is absolutely no firearm exportation from said homeland. He probably hasn't even seen such a weapon.

Ok fine, but tell me that at least no one fights like Gaston, douses lights like Gaston, and in a wrestling match nopony bites like Gaston (I imagine with a beak, that's got to be true). :derpyderp2:

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Ok fine, but tell me that at least no one fights like Gaston, douses lights like Gaston, and in a wrestling match nopony bites like Gaston (I imagine with a beak, that's got to be true). :derpyderp2:

There were a few comments on Lord Mayor Applejack to that degree about his political style.

"Noooo Ooooonnneeee....
Votes like Gaston!
Makes speeches like Gaston!
No one gubernates towns in the sky like Gaston!"

"I'm especially good with my filibusters!"

"Bring your ballots to Gaston!"

"A medalist in the Equestria games
That's where I got most of my fans
And now that I run in a different race
My political leanings are bland!"

"You know, Applejack, I've been thinking..."

:ajbemused: "Now that'd be a new one."

"I know.
Luna has taken Celestia's place,
and her sanity's only so-so.
The gears in my head have been creaking
This government thing is a breeze
There's so many bills that could now be passed
Luna can't understand legalese!"

5252742 Hey, remember that time I said comedy was your destiny, rather than serious adventure? (Or maybe it was Sith Lord Pinkie) :pinkiehappy: Clearly I was wrong, I should not have been using words like "rather" and "or;" instead I should have been saying "also" and "both."

This is why the very best long stories are like neopolitan ice cream, several complimentary delicious flavors all the way through.

Oh, and as for Gaston, I've heard that when he was a cub he ate four dozen eggs, 'cause he heard it would help him get smart, and now that he's grown he eats five dozen eggs, so his I.Q. is quite off the charts (self-reported). I just hope he's not skeezing on Sweetie Belle.

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Hey, remember that time I said comedy was your destiny, rather than serious adventure? (Or maybe it was Sith Lord Pinkie) :pinkiehappy: Clearly I was wrong, I should not have been using words like "rather" and "or;" instead I should have been saying "also" and "both."

Well, you didn't come right out and say "MyHobby, stick with comedy," but the implication was there. :derpytongue2:

I'm glad you think so. I've been trying to keep myself balanced, writing stories of both lighter fare and this, the slightly dimmer variety. I want to be well-rounded, because, like you said:

This is why the very best long stories are like neopolitan ice cream, several complimentary delicious flavors all the way through.

Absolutely. As far as storytelling goes, sad moments make the happier moments more special, and the happy moments give the sad that much more weight. It's wonderfully synergistic. Take this story right here, we open with a big shocker in the form of Celestia falling victim! That leads into an extended sequence of sorrow and mourning. It slowly perks up as we meet the citizens of Ponyville, until Dulcimer is introduced via chase scene!

Next chapter's even going to have a few lighthearted moments, just to keep the readers on their toes. :trollestia:

Oh, and as for Gaston, I've heard that when he was a cub he ate four dozen eggs, 'cause he heard it would help him get smart, and now that he's grown he eats five dozen eggs, so his I.Q. is quite off the charts (self-reported).

If he'd been in Ponyville a few years back, he'd have organized the mob that went to capture Nightmare Moon.

"Through the night
O'er the cliffs
Past the pony-eating flora
It's a Nightmare but it's no reason to hide

"Comb your hair
Swallow fear
Manticores are just a bother
The forces of good and evil will collide!"

I just hope he's not skeezing on Sweetie Belle.

:twilightoops:

:trixieshiftleft::trixieshiftright:

I'm not saying you just wrote a subplot for Rhythm and Rhyme, but I may be required to give you a co-writing credit.

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