Sports and Politics II
The next few days, all things considered, were surprisingly peaceful, at least in Ponyville. The speaker didn’t dare return, it was clear he’d get no support. Rarity spent most of that time indoors, finally getting her order for Fancypants done. Applejack’s farm work caught up for her, keeping her home. Twilight, meanwhile, was having troubles of her own.
“My dearest Twilight,” she read Celestia’s letter out loud, “I have heard of these troublemakers. They are on the streets of Canterlot as we speak, trying to stir up trouble. Under other circumstances, I would simply ignore them long enough for the controversy to die down. Fear and paranoia tend to burn out quickly, especially when confronted with logic. However, under the circumstances, I fear more proactive measurements must be taken.
“I wouldn’t worry for Spike’s safety, at least not yet. These ponies need public approval, and in order to get to Spike they would have to harm ponies, which would be bad for their image. I would still recommend you keep him indoors for a while. Also, due to the protests I must currently deny your application for adoption papers. I’m sorry, Twilight, but given the circumstances it might be best for all of us to wait until this dies down. I promise to send you the necessary paperwork as soon as I can. I will send further information as it becomes available.
“Sincerely, Princess Celestia.”
Twilight shook with rage. Not at the Princess, but at the conditions. After everything, Spike still wasn’t getting his happy ending...
She shook the thought off. Spike was her son, no matter if she had some piece of paper designating it so. She had more immediate concerns to worry about.
She picked up a copy of Warning Signs of Abuse and sat it on her favorite reading table. Rainbow Dash was still counting on her.
CELESTIA THROWS GOOD BUDGET TO ATTACK DOG IN LEAN TIMES
Celestia scowled at the headline. Perhaps waiting a bit before giving Twilight her raise would have been smarter, but she still couldn’t stand it. She knew most of the ponies complaining about the proposed tax increase would be taking milk baths throughout the whole ordeal. Not that such a thing was likely to happen now. Fancypants had successfully contributed about half the needed funds, with Jet Set raising another fourth through his various auctions, the damage wasn’t going to be as long lasting as first thought.
CHANGELINGS: HOW’D THEY SLIP UNDER CELESTIA’S RADAR?
She sighed at that one too. Cadance, alone, in those caves for weeks, could have been avoided if only for some attentiveness on her part.
The next article caused her to gape.
TWILIGHT SPARKLE: ATTACK DOG TO THE END
Twilight Sparkle has continued a position of support to Celestia despite rumors of some less than savory dealings behind the scene. We have previously noted the dramatic pay raise that she has received in her service of our dear tyrant. Perhaps this is less a case of brainwashing, and more a case of her being paid generously enough to work for such a cruel...
The paper burned to ash before Celestia’s anger. She fumed. Such an accusation... it...
“Sister?” Luna called, entering the room. the Princess of the Night entered with a few papers levitating behind her. She curiously glanced the floor where the ashes of the former tabloid had been before looking up. “Is everything...”
“Yes,” Celestia said, “I just... there are some arrows even I have trouble bearing. What have you brought me?”
“More bad news, I’m afraid,” the younger alicorn muttered, levitating the papers to her sister. “There’s a petition going around Canterlot to evict Shining Armor as Captain of the Guard, another to have Master Spike deported to dragon territory, and demands there be a cut in Twilight Sparkle’s funding.”
She sighed as she looked over the demands. “Any news on the changelings?”
“We have confirmed they were in the desert territories,” Luna informed. “There were more than enough sightings, and we found a mountain that was clearly used for a temporary base. We have searched for a trail, with the Appleloosian militia and the buffalo tribes assisting. The bison in particular have expert hunters, and they seemed all too willing to help.”
Celestia nodded. “They do love Equestrian cuisine,” she smiled. “I remember visiting. Chief Thunderhooves developed quite a sweet tooth for pie.”
“Still,” Luna said, “perhaps it’s time we called in Shining Armor from his honeymoon. Things are looking bad politically, he needs to be here.”
The Princess of the Sun was quiet for a moment. “After the wedding, they deserve some quiet...”
“Do not let your compassion get the better of you, sister. Remember how you excluded Cadance from suspicion during the wedding?”
Celestia looked like she had been stabbed. Luna went on. “You cannot put your loved ones’ comfort over running our kingdom. You know what I’m saying is right.”
“...I know,” Celestia sighed. “That doesn’t mean I have to like it. Very well, I’ll have word sent to bring Captain Armor home. In the meantime, we’ll leak that he took his honeymoon at my insistence. Given that these ponies seem eager to target me in particular, that should take some of this off him.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Luna asked skeptically. “Your own name is being tarnished...”
“My rule has been long enough that I can absorb it,” she said sternly. “For all the bravado this group shows, such a major change seems unlikely.”
“Are you still suggesting that we simply wait for this to die out?”
“...No. A few days ago I would have recommended it, but things are beginning to get out of control. I think we need some proactive steps.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I will agree to meet with a representative and let him plead his case. It doesn’t matter how much he kindles this fire, fear and paranoia tend to fall under reason and logic.”
“I suppose...” Luna nodded, “though they do not seem like rational ponies...”
“Perhaps not, but they will still not last long. Things will calm down, hopefully once we find the Changeling Queen.”
“Very well... any word on how Twilight Sparkle is handling this?”
“The group is not as popular in Ponyville as in Canterlot... thank goodness... so she and Spike are relatively safe. From what I hear, that group has bigger problems.”
Rainbow Dash knocked impatiently on Scootaloo’s front door. After about half a minute, the front door opened, and Quick Delivery greeted her. “Hey... what can I do for you?”
“Uh, yes...” Rainbow began, a little off guard. The mare seemed a bit dazed, her eyes seemed to be looking past the cyan mare and at something in the distance. “You’re Scootaloo’s mother, right?”
“Oh yeah... you must be Rainbow... Dash,” she said, as if she was having trouble forming her words.
“Yeah... I’m here because of Scootaloo inviting me and Soarin’ to have dinner with the family.”
Quick looked confused for a moment, then brightened up. “Oh yes, we wanted to thank you for the flying lessons... and of course, we’d love the opportunity to meet a Wonderbolt.”
“Yeah. Well, I sent a letter to Soarin’, and he got back to me with a response. We can have the dinner Saturday night.”
“Oh that’s good, that’s just what Speedy was planning... so you’ll both be by tomorrow?”
Rainbow Dash blinked in confusion. “Um...”
“Oh! I mean Satur-next Saturday! Oh, sorry. I’ve just been working so hard lately I can’t think straight. Anyway, I’ll pass the message along to Speedy.”
“That’s great. Can I talk to Scootaloo real quick?”
“Oh, no, no... poor filly fell asleep after the last training exercise.”
“...I see. Well... alright, I’ll see you in about a week.”
“We sure will. Good night!”
Rainbow Dash lifted an eyebrow before glancing up at the midday sun. “Right... see ya.”
With that, Quick Delivery closed the door. Rainbow Dash stared at the wooden barrier for a moment before turning around. This whole thing was suspicious. Quick Delivery seemed off somehow, but there was little to be done about it now.
She wanted to barge in and see her number one fan, to see what was going on... but then what? Even if she did find anything, it would be their word against hers, and being arrested for breaking and entering wouldn’t help the case.
Sighing, she took to the air and flew off. Maybe Twilight had found something.
Scootaloo pressed her hooves against the glass as she watched Rainbow Dash fly off. She pulled up every inch of her willpower to stop from rapping the glass to get her attention.
How can she help me anyway?
Before Rainbow Dash came along, she was a good little girl. She might have been clumsy, but she obeyed her father. Then she met Rainbow Dash and became so confused. It was doing what she said that made her dad angry.
She couldn’t remember being this scared. Throughout her whole life, through everything, her father had never physically hurt her. It was so jarring, like she had been wearing blinders her whole life that had been just knocked off.
Had her father always been like this? A bit condescending, certainly, but was it all intentional? This whole time...
Or... was he? She had tried doing it Rainbow Dash’s way, and look what it had gotten her. She had been fooled, so easily. How? Rainbow Dash had told her she needed to stand up for herself. Maybe her dad was right...
But... good parents didn’t hit their kids...A good parent wouldn’t have done what her father did.
Apple Bloom’s sister spanked her the last time she misbehaved, she remembered. This was no different, wasn’t it?
But Rainbow Dash said...
But her father said...
She flopped onto the bed. She pressed her front hooves against her head. She was so confused, if felt like her brain was going to split in two. She wished she could just go to sleep and escape the confusion. She wished she could go back in time and undo what had happened. She wished Rainbow Dash would fly in and whisk her away. She wished her father would come in and tell her she was forgiven.
She wished a lot of things. She wished she knew what she wanted.
“Alright, alright, settle down there,” Mrs. Cake cooed to the foals surrounding her. “There’s plenty for each of you.”
The foals all jumped as the baker passed out sugar cookies to them. She smiled at each smiling, happy face, but stopped on one.
This filly looked dirty. Not raggedly so, more like after a hard day of play. But she seemed thin, as if she wasn’t eating, and her expression was more of relief than excitement.
“Here you are, dear,” she said, trying to keep a straight face. The pink filly snatched the cookie. “Thank you,” she said, sounding more genuine than it should have, before turning. Even with her back to her, Mrs. Cake could tell she was devouring the treat like it was her first meal in days.
Quickly, Mrs. Cake made her way over to her husband and whispered in her ear. “You see that filly over there?”
Looking to where her wife was pointing, he nodded. “She seems a bit raggedy. Why?”
“...I don’t think she has a home.”
Mr. Cake blinked. “An orphan? Are you sure?”
“Not entirely. But I’m going to find out.”
“Cup, what are you...”
Carrot never got to finish that sentence, because at that point his wife saw the filly heading towards the exit. Thinking quickly, the mare moved to intercept her.
“Excuse me, sweetie?”
Pinkie stopped and looked at the baker. “Um, yes?”
“You seem like a nice young mare. What’s your name?”
“...Pinkie,” she said, as if unsure.
“Well, Pinkie, would you like a cupcake to go with your cookie?”
“Yes,” she answered immediately.
She smiled, leading the young one into the back. “I’m about to put a new batch into the oven. Why don’t you help me? I can teach you how to make them.”
“That’s neat! My parents only ever taught me how to make bread.”
Mrs Cake lifted an eyebrow. “Oh? Your parents are bakers?”
“Oh no,” she said, stumbling over her words. “They just liked to cook. They taught me how to do a little...”
“Well then, let’s see if we can’t help you improve your skills a little more...”
Day had turned into night, and yet the filly showed no interest in going home. In the past few hours, she had made cupcakes, muffins, cookies, and cakes. True to her word, she had some knowledge in baking, and took to the new recipes quickly.
Celestia had lowered the sun, and Mrs. Cake sent her to their restroom to bathe. While she was doing this, she quietly got the guest room ready, making sure to lock the window.
When Pinkie came out clean, the Cakes served her dinner. She ate hungrily, despite all the sweets she had eaten that day. After dinner, Mrs. Cake tucked her into the guest bed, where she instantly made herself comfortable.
Mrs. Cake gently patted Pinkie on the head before speaking. “Pinkie... do you have anypony else taking care of you?”
Immediately Pinkie turned white. Her mane seemed to deflate. Even without answering, Mrs. Cake knew the truth.
“Oh, I... um... what makes you think that?”
“Well, you made yourself awfully comfortable here for somepony who would have somewhere else to go.”
Pinkie shifted, trying to think up an excuse. But Mrs. Cake’s eyes bore right through her, and she sighed. “No... I’ve been on my own.”
“What happened to your parents?”
“...They...” the filly was silent for a good long while. Mrs. Cake just sat silently, waiting. “...died.”
The older pony gently rubbed her mane. “Why have you been living alone?”
“I... I don’t want to go to an orphanage.” Suddenly she leaned forward, wrapping her forelegs around the baker. “please don’t tell anypony! Please, please, please!”
Mrs. Cake hugged her back, and gave her a few minutes to calm down. Finally they parted.
“Why don’t you get some sleep tonight? I’ll talk with my husband about this tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Pinkie dropped. Mrs. Cake hesitated for a moment, then kissed her forehead. This seemed to ease her, she let her head hit the pillow.
“Good night, Pinkie,” she cooed, reaching the bedroom door and flicking out the light. She closed the door behind her, then, slowly so Pinkie wouldn’t hear, she locked the door. No need to risk her running away.
Mrs. Cake watched as the filly she had raised played on the floor with the twins. The day she had come into the bakery, they were unsure what to do with her.
They had vowed to report her to the authorities, but they never did, both because she was a joy to have around, and because she proved invaluable help around the bakery.
Before long, they were calling the guest room “Pinkie’s room”. Before long, they were sending her to school, attending Parent-Teacher conferences, and watching her perform in her school play, taking several pictures and showing them off to their friends and customers.
Eventually, Pinkie was noticed by the Mayor. She sent word around the orphanages, but nopony had reported her missing. There was little point in taking her back anyway, if she actually was happy. No point in adding one more foal to the already overwhelmed system.
There was never an official adoption. Pinkie never started calling them “Mom” and “Dad”, they never referred to her as their daughter. But everypony saw it that way anyway. There was no need to have it spoken.
And now... learning that they weren’t truly the only family she had left... it was a bit jarring.
She trotted over to Pinkie and nuzzled her gently. Pinkie paused, then returned the gesture.
“Are you feeling better?”
“...Not really,” Pinkie moaned as Pound and Pumpkin cooed, latching onto Pinkie. “My stomach’s still churning.”
“It’s only another week,” she tried to reassure. After a few moments, she spoke again. “You know... we never regretted taking you in. Ever.”
“I know,” Pinkie actually laughed. “I never regretted coming here.”
“You know regardless of what happens, you’ll have a home here.”
Pinkie nuzzled her foster mother again. “I know... and thank you.”
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I always do wish the show would give us more heartwarming family moments, like the ones you created between Twilight and Spike, Rainbow and Scootaloo, and Pinkie and the Cakes.
Short, but interesting.
Celestia... just burn those bastards already. and Darn Speedy you little... ARGH
All that feels for Pinkie
I take back my comment from the previous chapter... Tartarus is too good for Scootaloo's father... her mother... the jury's still out on that one
Pinkie's family I'm hoping will turn out for the best and that at the very least things will be cordial if not warm, as for the rabble rousers... let's see what a thousand years of rulership has taught Celestia
A bit short, but overall an excellent chapter as always :)
Hmmm... bit more build up, but not much.
There is one thing that annoys me through. The fact that there is no reason why Princess Celestia and the Royal Guard messed up. They simply did, and its rather jarring.
This chapter felt really short. I know it was about half as long as the previous chapters, but I think another issue was that the scenes were all over the place. We started with political intrigue, then to a check in on Scootaloo, and lastly to a heartwarming scene with Pinkie Pie. By the time you start to invest youself in a scene, the narrative immediately jumps to another one with different emotional tones. This chapter could have definitely stood to be longer or more narrowly focused.
Also, I'm now doubling down on my previous suggestion that Scootaloo's dad is under some kind of mind control, charm, is a changeling, or SOMETHING! Now knowing that the physical abuse of Scootaloo is a new thing, Speedy's actions in the previous chapter rings even more false to me than it did before.
Poor filly Pinkie.
I'm just waiting for Scoots shitbag dad to to get surprised at an actual wonder bolt showing up (he clearly doesn't think Rainbow's worth anything and thus wouldn't believe her claim to actually know one) then for Dash and Sorin to kick his sorry flank all over the shop when his ambush fails to catch two of the most awesome ponies on the planet.
Really, Child Labor? You might want to put a "Dark" tag on this story if you're going to......I'm completely joking. please don't hate me
Don't know why, but it feels like this is the first chapter that focused on something for each of the side stories.
Anyways, this was another really good chapter, and I'm content with everything you shared in it...feels like a big one is coming soon though.
I hate to say this mate, but shit happens from the worst of people to the best. I've accepted that a long time ago ever since I signed up. The best you can do is persevere and try to succeed.
Good chapter, really, but I was over the edge of my seat after the previous one's ending, and now more build up?
Also, You seem to be recycling chapter tittles a lot, but I didn't see the "Sports" part here, so that isn't working very well
Dose any one else think that Olive Branch and his group might be genuine terrorists? I mean he did send dragons to attack ponyville just so he could blame it on his "enemies". we don't even Know what his goal is yet; for all we know he could just be starting shit just to start shit, though Speedy delivery's comments about a project imply a planned coupe.
2185270Not necessarily, there are cases of abuse getting worse when the victim confronts the abuser but at the same time can not escape them. also keep in mind that abusers almost always escalate eventually. Abuse of any kind is about power and dominance, as the victim becomes better able to resist, the abuse get's worse so that the abuser can break there victims spirit, thus rendering them unwilling to resist. Scoots standing up to bastard delivery probably caused him to escalate his abuse ahead of schedule. here's hoping that the poor filly runs away and gets help before next Saturday. and as always a painful death to Speedy and Olive
I need to stop reading things which are sad...
Hmm, Chrysalis gets thrown out of Canterlot and not even a month later Celestia is being attacked by an unknown group. Nothing suspicious going on here.
And now the 'Dark' tag is missing.
Magical changing tags.
Kill speedy delivery must kill and must kill olive branch
Regarding what's happening with Pinkie's story...the Cake's unofficial adoption of her is a beautiful story. I'm reserving my judgement on Pinkie and her birth family until I actually see them.
On the events surrounding Spike...the instigators deserve every punishment a sick, twisted, diseased mind can come up with.
As for Speedy Delivery...I have something rather special in mind for him...
So Applejack gave a spanking to Applebloom?
So... what makes her any better than Speedy? She hugged her afterwards? That single line almost completely destroyed the Scootaloo storyline, because it gives her a rationale for a parent or sibling using violence to discipline their youngers. And as all kids, she is ashamed that she did something wrong, and is afraid to tell anyone else about it, because she blames herself.
EDIT: I had to add that I hate this story. Whenever a new chapter appears, I know it's going to make me feel worse, yet I can't stop myself from reading it in hopes that one of the characters actually has something nice happen to them. And that's why I also love it. No other story on the site has me torn up so badly. Gah.
2185380 Or then again he can cause even more scandal with pulling one of the Wonderbolts into the dirt as well. To me it seems more like he wants to use Scootaloo to get Rainbow Dash to get Soarin' to the dinner. To what end? Who knows. I just hope it isn't something lame like a foalnapping.
The show provides aww moments between close friends but you make deep beautiful moments between characters that have mothers to sons, parents to daughterS, and a big sister to a little sister. Rhis story is something truely remarkable. When I see that you updated today I immediately got a smile on my face.
Even though this isn't about good times or easy going lifestyles I thik that's what makes every precious moment you make between the characters, comforming each other all the more touching. You know how to change the tone of the story in a heartbeat and make me feel this way in one scene and then another feeling in the next scene. This is one of the best sad MLP stories I've ever read. Please keep updating this.
The way Quick Delivery is acting makes me think she was abused and it affected her cognitive abilities. I may be overthinking this, but maybe not.
This chapter was really good. I think you did an excellent job of capturing the psychology of a child who's been abused, the self-doubt, questions, and overall confusion felt very genuine. Scootaloo's mom seems to be under some sort of hypnotic suggestion or possibly drugs, makes me curious as to if she's also a victim of Speedy's obsessive need for dominance. Celestia seems to be handling the political situation as best she can without resorting to violence (personally my solution would be: "You want violence? Fine." followed shortly by incinerating everyone I deem a threat to the peace) and I feel for Twilight and Spike, those two really deserve a happy ending.
I see in this story you tried to touch on everypony. That's why it seems rushed, but I understand why you did it. Just touching on a couple of these issues in depth, might have had people getting more restless about the ones not touched. Plus I know life can get in the way. I look forward to see what will happen next. I am very sure that the dinner at Scootaloo's will be very...enlightening.
2185577
There's a difference between spanking a kid when they misbehave and using psychological and physical torture. My dad spanked me as a kid, but I never saw him as abusive. Scootaloo's child mind is having a hard time distinguishing between the two.
2185437
But that's why it doesn't ring true to me. If he was so off put and disturbed by Scootaloo standing up to him, it would have made more sense for him to snap right there and then. Instead he plays it cool *I mean James Bond villian cool* and takes the time to manipulate her to further the conspiracy's goals before going to town on her. He treats her like she's an adversary to manipulate, not his daughter that he's infuriated at.
“Well, I had to take advantage of an opportunity. You were simply stupid enough to fall for it.”
Yep, I still cringe when I read it.
Also, I disagree with the notion that emotional abuse always has to escalate to physical abuse. There are tons of very overprotective parents out there that would never lay a hand on their child. Think Marlin from 'Finding Nemo'.
Emotionally berating someone can be just as damaging as physical abuse, but since its not seen as abuse makes it in some ways worse. THAT'S what made Speedy a GOOD character for this story. Here was someone who didn't listen, who marginalized his daughter. Sounds pretty similar to the first story and Twilight's situation, doesn't it? He wasn't an evil parent, just like the rest of the mane 6 were not evil friends in the original story. He was just overprotective and aloof. Now, he's either a schemer with no redeeming qualities, just another cardboard villain, OR the story is going to have some kind of Deus Ex Machina which makes all this angst pointless.
Missed opportunities.
2185577 You really can't compare disciplinary spanking to abuse, the two are about as different as oranges and apples. The thing with Applejack spanking Applebloom is that Applebloom did something genuinely wrong (the show provides plenty of examples for that) and potentially even life-threatening to herself and her friends (again, plenty of examples in the show). As Scootaloo has no proper role model for how parents are supposed to act and how discipline should be done, she assumes that the beating she received is the same or similar to the aforementioned spanking. This is, of course, quite wrong.
The psychological and emotional aspects are more important than you give them credit for. There is a COLOSSAL difference between harming someone and punishing them. With a punishment it is extremely important that the recipient understand WHY they are being punished, and what the correct behavior is, so that they might learn from it and grow. Harm is the act of causing physical or emotional pain to make one's self feel better, with no regards to the victim. So yes, Applejack hugging Applebloom and talking with her after her punishment is a big deal, and a good example of how disciplinary punishment should be properly administered. Speedy Delivery ignoring and locking Scootaloo away after beating her is the difference between parental authority and child abuse.
2185437
I'm pretty sure Olive Branch isn't actually Olive Branch anymore. Funny thing about Changlings, they can change into the form of another pony. Speedy, though I hate him, sounds like he's operating under Changling magic. I would go so far as to say Olive Branch could be Queen Chrysalis, if not one of her higher up "officers".
god i hope scootaloos dad gets a bucking from rainbowdash right to the face! juries still out on the mom....
2185577 there is a big difference between occasionally spanking a child when they misbehave and child abuse
-spanking is (or at least used to be) a fairly common form of punishment in rural households (such as Sweet Apple Acres)
Scootaloo is confused because she doesn't seem to grasp the difference between the two (which is perfectly understandable in her situation) and is grasping at straws to help figure out what to do
Pinkies story.... MAXIMUM OVERFEELS!
Commence read.
Pinkie.
Just not anyone's day.
2185685
no, a buck to the face isn't good enough, he deserves a sonic rainboom impact TO. HIS. NUTS!!!!
Okay, exposition, Celestia planning, Scoots still having a rough time, Quick Delivery clearly either drunk or high, and...oh. Well. Pinkie's story. Yeah.
I'm going to try to head that heart attack off at the pass now.
Part of me doesn't want to view Scootaloo's story, yet hopes to see more anyway. Will be reading more as it comes, just hoping there won't be too much on the dark side of things.
2185476 You know that would be an intresintg plot twist if the ponies leading the assult on Celestia were actually changelings in disguise that would explain why they've yet to attack Luna for not showing up when the invasion began.
I know Celestia can't and never would use violence to solve her problems but if it were me I'd issue a statment saying "If you really think you're better at runing this country then me then by all means go ahead and overthrow me. See what happens when I'm not around to take care of things. You think it's so easy to run a country, well I'd like to see you try." I'll bet that would get them to back off.
I have a feeling Rainbow Dash will barely manage to keep her cool when that family dinner roles around. Speedy Delivery is the worst father of all time and he's not even faithful to his wife since he let's some other mare tell him how to raise his child. And for that matter Olive Branch is even worse since she has twice disrupted the peace of Equestria and ruined innocent ponies lives all for the sake of some crusade against Celestia. And the worst part is that because of all this Twilight can't offically adopt Spike, I sure hope Olive Branch is happy.
As for Clyde. Well he's got one chance to make things right but he can't admit he was wrong then there's no hope for him.
2185946
dude, your a genius! hey writer person! put this guys idea in the story!
Did you reupload? Why do I have 2 notifications for the same chapter?
Anyway, here's to hoping Speedy Delivery gets what's coming to him soon. I can't wait to see him brought down hard.
Where are the multiple like buttons at? I feel a need to like like this!
I want another chapter please!
2185653There is a difference between emotional abuse and being overprotective though. an over protective parent is genuinely concerned for the child way a parent who acts the way that speedy delivery did is doing for the control. I will concede that emotional abuse dose not necessarily escalate to physical abuse, but I have heard of it happening that way more often than not. As for the delaid reaction to scoots growing a backbone, it may be possible that, while an abusive parent by default, Bastard delivery's involvement in Olve branches plans has resulted in him getting more extreme. Olive egging him on, if you will.
2185680I admit that that is a possibility, there seems to be very little evidence to support that theory. but we will see with time
Headline
Ponyville dragon banished to Dragon territories.
Headline
Elements of Harmony vanish, rumored to be heading for dragon territory
Headline
Talk of Secession near Everfree Forest, Town of Ponyville to take vote soon.
Headline
Monarchy dissolved: Princesses celestia and Luna step down
Headline
New Everfree Republic offers leadership to former Princesses
Headline
Everfree Republic becomes Principality of Everfree
Headline
Massive secession movement in Equestria
Ya know what I don't get? What is this groups motive? I've seen comments saying it's changelings but I don't think it's a changeling plot. For one, what would changelings gain from causing so much paranoia, fear and hate. Assuming they feed only on love, or emotions of a like nature, then doing all this wouldn't help them any. Until anything solid is found it looks like this group is just a bunch of fools that want to take power.
Stop hurting my feels!
2186147 i wpuld love to read that adventure it would be one the same level as within and without... wonder if he would write it...
Wow. Just...wow. The depth of this story, man. Post Nuptials was great in that it was a heartfelt, believable story that tied up a lot of the canon's loose ends (I've pretty much headcanoned it). But this...this is something else. This is an exploration into several mature topics. It goes deep man, and every time I go in after it I come out...differently. Every update you manage to invoke emotion. A thrilling, endearing, and beautiful tale. I await the near future where everything REALLY falls apart. Please, though, try not to kill us all, won't you?
2185148 Amen to that.
2185197 Now THAT certainly won't solve anything. That's exactly what the usurpers want: for Celestia to snap.
2185317 Best. Fic. Of all time. I would be okay with that.
2186147 ....Go on....
Alright, having just read the last three chapters in succession (I got a bit behind)...there seems to be a fairly simple solution to all of these problems, except possibly Pinkie's.
That solution is fire. Lots and lots of fire. Honestly now, just claim that Olive Branch and her dark little friends are changelings or something (which, bonus, they might be) and purge the lot of them with a nice little cleansing flame. And Speedy...well, actually, I changed my mind. Fire is too easy for him, too quick. For him, we need something a touch more...twisted. And, while I'm generally loathe to mention...that...we do have a handy little guide to slowly torturing a pegasus to death.
And Rainbow Dash administering said torture would be so delightfully ironic.
That aside...alright, I might catch flak for this, but Scootaloo needs to...whatever the female...pony equivalent of "man-up" would be. Her father is a twisted, evil, hateful little bastard - she needs to realize that fact, accept it, locate something suitably heavy, and next time he walks in the room, crack him upside the head with it. Then repeat said cracking until such time as he stops twitching.
Really, if this doesn't end up with him dead in some suitably cathartic fashion, I'm going to be rather annoyed. Not to say I don't like the story, mind, but seriously, this is one of those situations were murder isn't just a solution; it's the best solution.
2185640
Lets hope that Rainbow Dash will save the day for our poor Scootaloo
2185594to me it seemed more like she was drunk.
A bit short, but still enjoyable and quite worth the weight.
In other news, I would really love to see a story about the Cakes raising Pinkie. You're the perfect writer to do it, too.
Also, can you help me with a name? I need one for a brown, old, traditional earth pony, in a position of minor power at a monastery, that will likely never be mentioned again, but still needs a name. Any ideas?
2186137
See, that still doesn't feel right to me. For a guy that is supposed to be all about control, he seems more interested in her being out of the house than anything else. He's not forcibly pushing her to to do something or be something specific in life. He's not interacting with her at all it seems. I do agree the character has shot WAY past the overprotective tier, which is one of my primary sources of disappointment with the character.
And that's the other part of my disappointment. The character has blown past the Moral Event horizon. His only chance at redemption is if he's somehow being controlled by Olive Branch. So, in the end, he's either a irredeemable monster with all the depth of a afterschool special villain, or he's an unwitting victim making all of this drama pointless. We'll see. Maybe Darth can pull it off, but it's not going to be easy.