Sweetie Belle suffers an existential crisis when she accidentally discovers that she's a changeling.
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
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11218791
I just had a thought, but it could also be that their being at the school isn't a full-time job. Perhaps they are only employed as substitutes. After all, the day we see them there is the same day that the Main 6 had their monthly get-together. Apple Bloom was probably substituting for Applejack, Sweetie Belle for Rarity, and Scootaloo for Rainbow Dash. Although when it comes to the Main 6 who would likely have left that job, Rainbow Dash would probably be one of them, becoming a full-time leader of the Wonderbolts. In fact, if any of the three little sisters wouldn't need to take over just yet, it's Apple Bloom. Yeah, Applejack would probably have to run Sweet Apple Acres with Granny Smith gone. But she could probably make time for being a teacher as well.
Perhaps it's even the case that none of them retired (well, Twilight would have retired at that point to be a full-time Princess). But the CMCs may have their own CMC class, but fill in as substitutes when need be.
It really can be fun theorizing things like this.
11219221
I actually didn't copy/paste any quote. The TED Talk comment was more of a joke than anything else. But I will admit that in general, the idea isn't my own. I just expanded on someone else's idea. The multiple steps that I referenced were my own. I didn't copy anybody else with them. And I'm not arguing that luck is why someone has talent. But I also don't hold the position that a cutie mark is necessarily talent-based either. A cutie mark is about who that pony is. And that may not be connected to a specific talent. In fact, Rarity's talent is broader than what some people claim. Her special talent is basically about being able to see beauty that lies beyond the surface. Or at least, that's my interpretation. That can also be worse as potential beauty, but I worded it how I did because of her ability to find gems. Rarity wouldn't have gotten her cutie mark if it weren't for her magic drawing her to find a geode, which at first she thought was just a rock. She used the geode to make her costumes look fabulous. But the other way I worded it was for the sake that she wasn't satisfied with the costumes she had created in the first place. She saw that they could've been better than they were. Rarity's special talent is an eye for detail. She translates that ability into her passion for dressmaking.
But one of the first steps in her success is in fact luck-based. And that's being an Element Bearer. Or to be more accurate, the other Element Bearers. In Season 1, she was convinced to put on a fashion show for a few notable ponies in the industry. But when she made her friends the dresses that they wanted rather than what her vision was, the fashion show didn't happen as well as had hoped. She was lucky that her friends were able to convince them to stay for a second fashion show. Rarity was lucky to have her friends help her out like that, and her friends wouldn't have been as close as they are if it weren't for the Elements of Harmony. Rarity's talent was always deserving of notoriety, but it was luck that got her that notoriety.
I was thinking in terms of the second movie where she was wearing what would be her wedding dress, then it transforms into a mocking jay style. It was less about being filly and more about being majestic and awe-inspiring. Another direction it could go is to make the dress look like it's on fire. Not as literally as in The Hunger Games, but I'm sure Rarity could come up with something that could create the illusion of fire. In fact, I think I can picture in my head how that could be done even in the real world.
11219236
My point is that she doesn't own it herself. And the point was Diamond saying that to her to prove a point. I have nothing against Spoiled Rich saying it was her home (from a narrative point of view anyway, because who doesn't have issues with her attitude?).
As for that theory, I know of a fanfic that did something very similar with Applejack's Aunt Orange. Except that she's not a brown-noser like Spoiled Rich is.
On a side note, you kinda have to feel sorry for her, because who, as loving parents, would name their child Spoiled Milk?
11220473
The problem with that happening in the show is that after it goes through the editing process, that natural progression ends up being stripped away. That's not necessarily a bad thing depending on the situation. But the original script for Rarity Investigates wasn't a Film Noir style but a Court Drama style. In other words, it was less like Dick Tracy and more like Law and Order.
I was at the Bronycon during the panel when M.A. Larson read his original idea for the script.
11220535
Agreed.
11220587
Yeah. That's an unfortunate name that is just asking for trouble, but the one I actually felt the sorriest for was Trouble Shoes, the pony who has a cutie mark specifically for bad luck. That is the first and only pony I seen where Starlight's talent to remove a cutie mark would be a blessing here, because neutral luck is still better than consistently bad. Despite the CMC's attempt to put a positive spin on it, I look at this situation from a larger perspective of Trouble Shoes going home from a decent to a good day on the job at the rodeo only to see his house is on fire because of bad luck. To make matters worse, one of his relatives died and he has to pay for the funeral so he can't afford to have his house replaced either. The constant pressure of bad luck which has a comedic spin in niche circumstances seems to result in an overall horrible life from what I can tell. Trouble Shoes is seriously the only one whose cutie mark does seem so cursed, it really is worth it to have it removed.
But, in that case, this all started with his name. Parents in Equestria really need to be super careful about what they name their kids.
11220593
All of that above is new information to me but it doesn't surprise me. It's something to consider for the writing process too. Probably doesn't always happen that a story ends up getting severely changed in the editing process, but it can happen. For them, maybe that ends up as yet another layer of the surprise. The surprise on how much it gets changed while out of their hands.
Incidentaly, was the original draft for Rarity investigates M.A. wrote/read any good in your personal opinion?
11220932
It's also evident that names don't always match the cutie marks. It's just that ponies will change their names to suit their cutie marks sometimes.
As for Trouble Shoes' cutie mark, the idea that an upside-down horseshoe means bad luck is actually very subjective. And it has to do with what the position symbolizes. A horseshoe resembles a 2D image of a container. And inside that container is luck. Right-side-up represents the "container" holding in the luck, while upside-down represents the "container" spilling out the luck. But there are people who will put an upside-down horseshoe above a door for good luck because anyone who walks through the doorway would have the luck being poured onto them. Perhaps the reason he had bad luck was because he perceived the meaning to be bad luck. Perhaps if he perceived the meaning to be good luck, perhaps his life would've been very different.
11220938
It was good. It's hard to say whether it was better or worse than what we actually got, but it was just a different setting. A lot of it was still the same, but that difference between a Film Noir and a Court Drama could've made it significantly different. There are also plenty of scripts that go completely unused. But often, the editors will reject the original concept until the writers edit it more and more until the final product is ironically the original script that was rejected. The editing process is sometimes redundant like that.
That was the end?!
My thoughts:
1. THAT WAS AMAZING AND I DEFINITELY WILL RE-READ THIS AGAIN
2. NOOOO WHYYY IT'S DONE ;-; IT WAS SO GOOD I WANT MORE /lh
seriously though, this fic was really good.![:pinkiesmile:](https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/pinkiesmile.png)
although, with the fic being tagged as incomplete, I feel there's gonna be an epilogue of some kind.
11221111
it would have been nice to receive confirmation of that. As it stands, I have my doubts, but I can see how reframing an opinion can lead to a different fortune.
11221114
I used to dream about getting my work published and paid for it, but the comments above put a realistic spin on the price for that. I personally like creative integrity, although it puts more of the burden on us. We are usually the ones who have to edit our own work. Thanks to that practice, I have gotten better. I've even edited some other people's work on this site. That also improved me and further highlighted my strengths and weaknesses once I had a comparison.
11221246
Thank you so much. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
Fyi: Perhaps if you check out some of my other stories as well, you might get a similar enjoyment. Fair warning, though, one more is hidden behind the M maturity rating, but like this story, it is precisely because of exactly one chapter. it's one of my more successful stories too.
11221373
Definitely will check them out!![:pinkiehappy:](https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/pinkiehappy.png)
Yay!
11221366
Well, there are websites that let you self-publish books. So there are people who agree with you about creative integrity. And unlike working for a publisher, you won't have to worry about meeting any deadlines either. And you can set your own costs too. Though they would often have a minimum requirement, but that's for the cost of materials.
I expect there to be either an Epilogue or a Sequel (or both, but that's beside the point). We know that Button is okay, but we need to see it. Sweetie's parents need to see that she's okay, as well as the CMCs. All of the paranoia in Equestria needs to be dealt with. We need to be sure that Twilight's okay. And the most important details that need to be addressed, Starlight Pinkie Promised that she would help the Changelings, so that needs to be addressed. And most important of all, everyone needs to meet Raven, the Changeling that was in Sweetie's head all this time. Sweetie considers Raven like a twin brother and vice versa. So I think Sweetie's parents should get a chance to know their new son. Also... is Raven technically a Cutie Mark Crusader now?
I can just imagine it now. Sweetie drags Raven around town to meet her friends. Raven objects to this, but the fact that he's not resisting as much as he could suggests that there is a part of him that can't help but like Sweetie. They meet up with the CMCs "You're really just doing this to introduce me to your friends?" Raven would ask in a deadpan tone. "Whether you like it or not, they're your friends too." Sweetie will insist. And then they make him an honorary Crusader. "I'm not a Crusader!" Raven insists. "But you were part of Sweetie Belle, and she's a Crusader. So that makes you a Crusader too." Scootaloo says. "And yer also her friend. And any friend of hers is a friend of ours." Apple Bloom includes. "So what kind of cool stuff can you do as a Changeling?" Scootaloo asks. "I'M NOT SOME SIDESHOW ATTRACTION!!!"
And then there's meeting the parents...
"Welcome to the family!" Cookie Crumble says, giving Raven a hug. "I'm not a member of your family!" Raven insists. "Mother, please respect is personal space." Rarity says before turning to Raven. "But mother does have a point. You helped keep Sweetie Belle safe, And we are very grateful for that." "I was just keeping myself safe. Sweetie being safe was just a bonus on your part." Raven says. "But it still helped our daughter nonetheless. And that means that you're welcome here anytime as far as I'm concerned. Even if you never take us up on this offer, there's no harm in accepting the offer." Hondo Flanks says. "Fine..." Raven would grumble.
Button Mash...
Button looks at Raven. Raven looks at Button. Button runs away crying like a foal. Raven turns to Sweetie Belle. "Seriously, what do you see in him?"
School kids and Cheerilee...
"I can't believe Sweetie talked me into this..." Raven grumbles. "Today we have a special guest. The Changeling who Sweetie Belle shared a body with." Cheerilee introduces. "So, what can you transform into?" "Can you show us your fighting moves?" "So are you a good Changeling or a bad Changeling?" "What's it like being in Sweetie Belle's head?" "HEY!!!" "I am NOT some sideshow attraction!" Raven says again. "Honestly, I think a demonstration would be a good idea." Cheerilee says. Raven looks upon the classroom and sees a sea of puppy-dog eyes.
One Demonstration Later...
The class had moved outdoors to the demonstration. Raven isn't quite sure how to feel about having all of these children in awe of him rather than fear. Even the ones who did give off some fear were still overwhelmingly in awe and amazement. And then there's Scootaloo, who was now obsessed with Raven (to Rainbow's chagrin). Cheerilee looks back at the pile of rubble and destruction that used to be the Schoolhouse and Schoolyard. "I think we can end the day early after that." Cheerilee says awkwardly.
Pinkie Pie...
"Ooo! I need to throw you a Welcome to Ponyville party! Oh, and a Thanks for Saving Equestria party! And a Congratulations on Getting Your Own Body party!" Pinkie says as she grabs Raven and drags him to the aforementioned parties. "No...Wait...Sweetie Belle...HEEELP!!!" Raven struggles, but try as he might, his superior Ghost strength just can't escape Ponyville's Pink Party Pony Pinkie Pie's Perfect Peril.
There's more that I probably could do if I took the time to plan it out. But my version of an epilogue (for Raven anyway) is already going far past the single paragraph I intended to do. It was originally a funny little idea that just grew.
Another thing that needs to be addressed is what they'll do with Sweetie's original body. I mean... What do you do with a dead body when the original owner of the body is still alive? Perhaps the "Clonelings" will ask to take the body for potential experimentations to find a way to genetically modify the body as a makeshift Changeling Queen, or perhaps find a way to use it's genetics to help find a way for Changelings to reproduce without a Queen. If they could use genetic modifications to create Changeling/Pony hybrids (which Sweetie Belle technically already is), it could fix things. Though the Clonelings may not approve of it as much as the rest of the Changelings, since they wouldn't truly be pure Changelings anymore.
If Sweetie Belle sees Raven rather than her own reflection in the Mirror Pool, what would happen if she used the Mirror Pool? Could Raven separate from Sweetie Belle and get his own body back? Or would it, because it's in projection in her mind, mean it would just copy Sweetie Belle's image? Or perhaps a combination of the two. If that truly is Sweetie Belle's body now, would that include all of its biologies, including reproduction? And if so, if the Mirror Pool gave Raven his own body back, would it come with the added feature of making Raven a Queen (or at least a Changeling capable of reproduction)? If nothing else, it could still be considered a new body, which could entail the possibility of allowing Raven to reform it into his own image.
Called it. I swear I didn't know that was gonna happen. But to be fair, I didn't expect Sweetie Belle to be so straightforward about it. I would've had her think about it, before asking Raven what he thought would happen.
I'm not sure if I should say if I called it or not. But I will say that I believe this would've been the outcome seeing that Button's original body is still alive.
I'd criticize this. But I'll assume it has something to do with Sweetie Belle's healing light. Perhaps it transferred to Button's original body through Sweetie Belle's original body while there was still a connection. Perhaps even the case where Button actually did die, but Sweetie brought him back to life and sent him back to his body.
11221382
Great! Look forward to hearing from you more.
11221527
I might have encountered this before, but just in case I haven't with the specific example you have, I'd be interested to know if there is a link I can follow. If you provide one, I'll appreciate it and save it just in case.
11222100
https://www.lulu.com
https://www.ministryofimage.net is specifically MLP related
Apparently, I found a site called https://reedsy.com/
Other than those, I don't know of any others off-hand.
11221896
Lol! Yeah. I could totally see Pinkie doing this. Any excuse for a party is well justified in her head.
I was almost gobsmacked by the level of detail you proposed for theories for the epilogue. I even commented to someone else on Discord tonight that one of the comments I got on False Face practically is a fanfic in its own right.
And then I thought to myself, "Why not?" You know, if your heart is set on it, you can make your own version of the epilogue for this story, or even a full fic if you wanted to. And if you do, I'd love to read it. It would be so cool to read about someone else's ideas about new adventures for Raven and his new group of friends/family, albeit perhaps a touch reluctant on his part.
Gah! I am tickled pink that this story is so charged with energy that it helps inspire others to their own ideas. That is largely why I post these. That, and to entertain. I really like setting fire to the imagination. That's practically how I have lived my whole life, and I think there is value in the ability to see the world beyond what it is and rather to what it could be.
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You sure did, and you also called it well about Button's recovery. You did seem to miss that Futurama reference though.
extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Good_News_Everyone.jpg
11222124
Thank you so much for those links. I saved them in "publication" folder which is listed under "story' on my web browser.
Also, I guess you're still up. I had about 10:30 pm when I received your reply.
11222143
I just might take you up on that offer to make my own version of an epilogue. It wouldn't be too long because it is supposed to be the aftermath. But it'd be fun to make real. I did it how I did because I think the reactions are more amusing than actually trying to explain their reactions.
I think I did catch it. I just didn't think I needed to mention it.
And just so I don't need to make a second post to respond...
11222149
Let's just say that other people are already up by the time I usually get to sleep. I am trying to get on a better sleeping pattern, it's just that I like doing things at night when things are quiet. And I get so focused on what I'm doing that I lose track of time. I guess I'm like Twilight like that. Especially when it comes to brainstorming. I thrive on brainstorming. You saw the theories I was thinking of as I read the story. I've had worse sleeping habits before though. On the plus side, I probably could take advantage of this and watch the sunrise.
And it's currently 5:47 AM here. It's late enough that it could be considered early.
11222098
:D
11222283
There are multiple comments here that made me smile, such as:
I look forward to reading it.
I actually suspected that was the case.
In multiple ways, I can relate to the above. Brainstorming is fun! And it is nice to see the sunrise. Furthermore, I also appreciate the peace and calm of the night.
Hail Luna, Princess of the Night! May the wonder of the stars ever twinkle on.
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At first I thought Button was a changeling, and they were just using him to mess with them. But then it turned out the ghost was mad with hunger, and things kinda made sense