Triggered

Sometimes a pony can have an experience so terrible it leaves a mark on their psyche. A memory so intense it can come surging back at the slightest provocation, interfering with their life and putting the ones they love in danger.

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Metool Bard

Metool Bard #1 · Jul 6th, 2015 · 3 · ·

I've seen cases where people try to use ponies as a mouthpiece for things they disagree with. It has never worked. Well, not until now, that is.

If it wasn't for your Author's Note, I wouldn't have realized that this story had a message behind it at all. It just appears to be a simple story about Bon-Bon facing specters from her previous life, which already makes for a wonderful thought-provoking tale that stands on its own. I was afraid for poor Bon-Bon, and I love how understanding Lyra is about her situation. It was a sweet little one-shot.

But the fact that it had a bigger message to deliver is just the icing on the cake. The theme was portrayed with a lot of subtlety that blended in seamlessly with the events of the story. Nothing felt forced or melodramatic, especially considering what you were talking about. Bon-Bon didn't have to even think about the bugbear for Celestia knows how long (and she might actually know, seeing as she's the one who dissolved the anti-monster agency). Seeing it again just might've caused something to snap within her psyche. A trigger, if you will.

While the delay on the trigger might be debatable (she seemed in control of the situation in the actual episode), this is an excellent excellent story. It didn't need to have a greater message, but the message it did have wasn't shoehorned in. That takes a masterful level of skill, and for that, I salute you.

Piecemeal Pony

Piecemeal Pony #2 · Jul 6th, 2015 · · ·

Well done.

DragonShadow

DragonShadow #3 · Jul 6th, 2015 · 2 · ·

6174004

Thank you very much for your kind words. I don't know how well it carried in the story, but the idea was that the Bugbear itself wasn't the trigger. While it was a reminder of its existence and caused the relapse, the actual trigger was the darkness. It was nearly pitch black during most of her fight with the Bugbear, and she says to Lyra that she had her episodes in the past when she was in the dark. Which is why it happened when it got dark outside.

I don't blame you for not getting it though. If this wasn't clear that's my fault as the author, and I'll endeavor to explain things more clearly in the future. Thank you for your feedback.

Metool Bard

Metool Bard #4 · Jul 6th, 2015 · · ·

6175587 Eh, not your fault. Rereading it now, it's actually pretty obvious that's what you were going for (Bugbear + darkness = Shell shock for Bon-Bon). I was just a bit of a derp for not realizing it.