This story is a sequel to My Neighbor
John Arrow is many things. A husband, a father, a friend, a veteran of World War II and Korea. He's a laborer and a mentor, a man of simple faith and plainspoken morals. The sort of Good Samaritan who makes the world a little brighter.
Mr. Arrow knows Applejack. He doesn't know Sunset Shimmer, and he doesn't know the two have a history. But when a chance encounter in the wake of the Fall Formal brings them together, none of that matters. All that matters is that someone needs his help.
Sunset Shimmer doesn't think she's worth the effort. Mr. Arrow disagrees.
This story shares a canon with My Neighbor and Their Neighbors, and My Neighbor's War. None are required reading, but all give context, and it is highly recommended that you read My Neighbor first.
Cover art from Free-Images.com.
Sometimes, what you need is a friend. And sometimes, what you need is a father. How luckily that he happened to be both.
John Arrow is best pony.
I love how grounded your writing style is.
The first word that comes to mind in reference to Mr. Arrow is "solid". Second comes the archetype of "oak".
Yes, yes it does. Not every day you can find really good biscuits and gravy. So easy to get mixed up on the salt.
I am forgiven, though I did/do/will not deserve it, how can I not follow such an example?
Heh, I'd elaborate/exposit/pontificate on forgiveness, but there really isn't anything more to say that you didn't already say.
Aye, spite may be a great motivator, but there are better/healthier ways to keep moving than constantly whipping yourself on.
Very nice story you have here.
awesome
Do one where he has to deal with the Anon A Miss shenanigans that'd be fun
We're off to a great start with this story in my opinion. Mr. Arrow is a good man.
What a lovely ending to a great story.
These stories, dear author, have gained you a follower!!
Having just discovered these stories, I can say that these are all gems! You have a new follower.
10535214 There are never enough like him no matter how many there are
Well, to be fair, it’s probably because of certain circumstances around her for that particular gap in knowledge, in particular the idea and implementation of masculine, feminine, and neuter declensions since English lacks these entirely.
Regarding his actual concern, kind of, ya. Not sure about other schools cus our only foreign language class was Latin which meant that even D students had a passing familiarity with more common Greco-Roman myths. That being said out of the three best known epics: The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid, only the (is there a word for what’s between former and latter?) Odyssey is really engaging in written form, rather than a dramatic telling that used to be the case. The Iliad honestly has the idiot ball get tossed around a lot plus a stupid amount of divine intervention. Also fuck Paris, why are we blaming Helen when she was kidnapped and even if she’s volunteered to stay that’s probably Venus acting sketchy. Anyway, The Aeneid was supposed to make Augustine look good, which it did cus he was Emperor and also Patreon/commissioner, but in a tongue-in-cheek manner where we say how awesome he is but he doesn’t act like it. Also it never got finished. Odyssey’s cool though, it translates well.
Now if only we could replace that piece of trash called The Great Gabsbey. Seriously I’ve never met someone who read it who genuine liked it. So much better material.
Mr. Arrow dishing up some hard but simple lessons. Thanks for helping me realize I'd already done some solid forgiving in my life.
Also, nice using Sunset's VA's name.
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That’s a great idea where Mr. Arrow can talk to the CMC.
I've been missing your style of writing, glad I picked this up.
I've always liked Sunset, and I love the little subtleties that she's actually a pony and looks at humans differently that come through here.
It's the worst feeling, to see another person on the verge of despair.
Beautiful. That is the only word I can think of to describe this gem of a chapter. I kick myself for not reading this sooner. You have a gift my friend, thank you for sharing it with us. God love you.
Going in the favorites, can’t praise this story enough.
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I sincerely believe that everyone needs a Mr. Arrow in their lives...myself included.
Even if I lived to be 120 years old, I feel that I would only ever be fractionally as good a man as him.
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Thank you kindly.
I'm sure Mr. Arrow would say that he doesn't think of himself as an extraordinarily good man. He's an ordinary flawed man and he knows it (we just don't see much of his flaws because he's quiet). To paraphrase Chesterton, a saint is just someone who knows he's a sinner but still tries to do right. Mr. Arrow is based on some saintly men I know; they all have flaws and shortcomings. What makes them good men is that they keep trying, even when they fail. Mother Teresa once said, "We don't have to do great things, only little things with great love."
I guess my point is that I didn't write Mr. Arrow to be perfect, but rather to be an ordinary person who tries. And if enough people try to do these little things with great love, they'll be good people in spite of their flaws.