Sweet Apple Anthology

by Bad_Seed_72

Closing Credits And Notes

Thank you to everyone who read, favorited, voted, or commented on this story. This story was an exercise in another style of writing and a personal challenge: i.e. could I show Babs Seed and Apple Bloom growing up? Could I show their jump from the ending of "Tangled Roots" to its Epilogue? And what of everypony and everywhere else--from Appleloosa to Manehatten? I hope, dear readers, that I have done this journey and these seven years justice. Truly, I feel as if I have grown as both a writer and a person from writing it.

The trilogy will conclude in "Severed Roots". This story returns to the typical story format (instead of the anthology format) and I hope you all enjoy the final installment. Some of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) OC's will be returning, including some faces we haven't seen since "Tangled Roots".

A Note On OC's And Canon Characters

The following characters in this story are original characters drummed up by my imagination:

-Card Slinger and Boone
-Doctor Triage (Bernie Madhoof's physician)
-Bernie Madhoof's assistants, bodyguards, and (otherwise unnamed) King's Knights
-Aunt Barbara (Braeburn's mother)
-Sunshine and Pa (deceased parents of Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom)
-Chief Brutus (Manehatten Police Chief)
-Pickaxe, Skagway, Dyea, and various Appleloosian background characters (fellow miners, unnamed Buffalo, etc.)
-Turner the bartender/barber ("Libra's stallion," reunited with Babs Seed in the Epilogue.)
-Allspice the camp chef

The following characters in this story are referenced in the canon, but their appearances, personalities, backstories and experiences have been created by me:

-Citrus Blossom (in the canon as the nameless older sister of Babs Seed);
-Aunt Orange/Libra Scales (in the canon as Aunt Orange, with a different appearance that I assign to her):
-Uncle Orange/Bernie Madhoof (in the canon as Uncle Orange, with a different appearance than I assign to him).

The following characters are canon characters that I have used in this work of fanfiction, altering/using their backstories, personalities, actions, and experiences for the purpose of this story:

-Sheriff Silverstar
-Braeburn
-Babs Seed
-Apple Bloom
-Applejack
-Big Macintosh
-Granny Smith
-Sweetie Belle
-Scootaloo
-Diamond Tiara
-Silver Spoon
-Filthy Rich
-Featherweight
-Pinkie Pie
-Rarity
-Rainbow Dash
-Sapphire Shores
-Little Strongheart
-Chief Thunderhooves

Thanks again for all the support, feedback, and for reading!

Comments

[Bad_Seed_72]

2325031

Awesome poem! Mustaches are in order!

2325609

Hehe yeah, sorry about the lengthiness of that one. Glad you liked it, though!

2326807

Welp, the story is now complete, so you've got the rest to read when you get a chance. Glad you enjoyed it, and no worries! We all have lives and things to do. I have a ton of stories I need to catch up on, myself...

[Aatxe360]

I was about to get myself to sleep when these final chapters popped up. I shook the sleep from my eyes and buckled down to what I know to be a great read. I enjoyed how you ended this one, with a cliffhanger, knowing there will be that third story. Everything's set up now, and now we're waiting with bated breath to see how it continues.

A small error I found: " ...converting the land of apples into the den of oranges... " You kinda need that 'n' there.

I'm actually surprised Madhoof hasn't thought of trying to attack Sweet Apple Acres directly. Maybe he isn't mad enough yet. Maybe those were some of the orders he had for Boone.

Glad you touched upon the other CMCs, even if only briefly. I will go and sleep now.

P.S. I kinda wanted to add this to my group, but not really enough AJ...or is there? Hard to think on sleep deprivation.

[Baree]

When I saw three new chapters the first thought that came to mind was "Crap, that probably means its over."

Very glad to see there will be another follow up though. This is probably my favorite story on here I am reading at the moment that updates frequently. Top three at least.

[That Guy]

Really enjoyed this story. Seriously cannot wait for the finale! You've done a great job writing these! Although...

“So, let’s go ahead, and raise this bar.”

You went there >.<

[RoboRed]

“So, let’s go ahead, and raise this bar.”

...I C WOT U DID THAR.

Dang, they all grow up so fast, don't they? And the story's gonna be getting even better. I expected Madhoof to be making a move, possibly towards Appleoosa in general, but I never expected that Babs' & AB's bar would be caught directly in the crosshairs.

Yep, this is going to be interesting indeed (and there will be much asskicking in the future...). I can't wait for the third part of the trilogy.

[Jayellow]

Here it is, my final review. This moment has been one long coming. As much as I wish this story did not have to end, at the same time I do not feel sorrow. I am glad to see such a wonderful end to a great story, and will patiently await the sequel. But I'll stop before I say anything I have already written.

Here it is, the final review by myself for Sweet Apple Anthology. I wrote it in a more professional manner, unlike my previous reviews. Hopefully, though, you will still enjoy it.

Thank you for writing such an amazing story. I'm not sure I can truly express how grateful I am that you made this. Hopefully, what I have done will suffice.

For the last time on Sweet Apple Anthology,
-RisingOne

[The philosopher]

This is one of those stories that make me wish I could hit the "like button" twice.

I would give you the proper amount of mustaches to reflect the quality of this story, but I'm on my phone. No emoticons.

But that's alright, I don't think we're suppose to go over 20 emoticons anyways.

[Aatxe360]

2330621

Wow. I'm impressed by your review on the story. I see you around every so often. I don't think you didn't have to Gdoc it, but meh.

[Jayellow]

2331956

At nearly a thousand words, it would have been a dominating block of text on the comments page, which would have drawn attention away from other commenters. I didn't want to take up so much space on the page that all of the other comments would seem rather short in comparison.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2327983

Thanks for the catch, Aatxe! This has been fixed. Glad you liked the story and I hope you managed to catch some sleep! As for your thoughts on Bernie, Slinger, and Boone, well, that's what SR's gonna be for.

And since it's your group, I think it's up to you to decide. Applejack's role is more prominent in some chapters than others. Same with TR. But I tagged her in both stories for a reason--she plays a big part, even if only in smaller doses. So...up to you!

2328084

Glad you enjoyed the story and hope you enjoy "Severed Roots" as well when it is released!

2328213

Sequel is coming soon, my friend! And I hope you enjoy that as well!

2328897

Thanks, my friend! Happy you enjoyed the story! Although, yes, unfortunately, I did have to go there. I couldn't resist!

2329533

I've seen you've posted the link to the review, so I must check it out! Can I even begin to articulate how awesome it is to have a great reviewer like yourself? Seriously, reading your detailed feedback has just been a treat.

I giggled writing that line of Libra's, too.

2329618

Thanks, QuakeScape! It is awesome fans such as you who make writing this story twice as fun--one part, the joy of writing it, and another part, hearing back from you all. My goal from the very get-go (with Tangled Roots or any other stories I have written or will write) is to please at least one reader. I'm glad to count ya among those readers, because you provide me with awesome lyrics! (Among other things, of course.)

Hmm...SR will have lyrics in each chapter...interesting thoughts...

2329660

Oh, you! What I did there, it has been discerned. LOL. But glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you enjoy the third installment also! Yes, there will be a lot of ass-kicking. From whom and to whom, we'll just have to see!

2329852

I imagine it's a big one!

2330546

You hit the nail right on the head. He no longer has Libra, leaving his mare for another mistress--Hatred. And he courts her daily, nightly, ceaselessly.

It shall be his undoing.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2330672

Thanks, philosopher! As much as I would like to see a barrage of Spikes with mustaches (simply because mustaches are awesome) my phone has the same issue. And wouldn't wanna get any comments blocked due to silly emoticon rules!

2331251

Thanks, Shadow_Wolf! I am glad this has been a great ride for you. It definitely has been for me. I truly enjoyed writing Skagway/Soapy, even if he was only a minor character. Regarding King Orange, you were correct in your suspicions. When the chessmaster loses for the first and last time at his own game, it shall be quite a defeat.

That quote is beautiful and lovely and I thank you profusely for posting it. So true...

2331774

They all commented on Ch. 24 or Ch. 25, my friend.

2331802

Thanks man, and thanks for the awesome GIFs!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2330621

Wow. Just, wow. This review has more than sufficed, my friend. In the same breath that I wish to say, "You're welcome," I must add, "Thank you." Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. I really, really do appreciate it, as I do all your commentary and support. Your eloquence and honesty is both engaging and touching within your words...no amount of animated GIFs, emoticions, or pretty words can express my gratitude.

So, simply, thank you, RisingOne.

I hope the final installment proves to be as great of a ride as the first two stories were for you. Thanks again, and I'll see you around--Severed Roots and more!

[The philosopher]

The trials of life are deaf to mercy,
hearing no pleas nor begs nor bribes,
They only know the fair, unbiased law
of the unexpected,
No punishment planned, no fortune predestined,
only swords and riches aimlessly tossed.

Twisting turns and tangled roots lead you astray from your calling,
towering mountains daunt your courage,
expanding oceans, ravenous waves, sink whatever endurance holds you,
shadows of doubt snuff flames of hope,
somber wretches eagerly waiting to consume you
and deserts of lies and promises of gold bury fools of hope in sand.

Brandish your weapons, for they are greater!
You are armed with stubbornness!
What mountains aren't climbed are pushed,
waters not sailed you swim!
The light of hope is weak, but your light is faith!
Unquenchable fires drive away the darkness,
What evils hunt you find you waiting with teeth and claws!

No stray road deceits you, for the path is clear through your eyes,
illuminated by the stars of the west, treasures laying beyond its horizon
not promises of gold, but a covenant of life!
No treasures uncovered or sluiced, treasures of a fool's hope,
but riches built of love and strength, gold of a visionary's dream,

the house of a family, a chapel of love,
built of stubborn oak, sweat and dreams,
shining brighter than any metal
look forward, see how it shines,
look back, see how far you've traveled.

[Shadow_Wolf]

2332209
There is no greater victory then beating someone at their own game, for never shall they recover from that loss. And let me tell you... I'm definitely looking forward to that moment (but I"m not vindictive at all )

My favorite bit with Soapy, by the way, was when he told Babs "Only my friends call me Soapy" and then after she saves his life he just says "Call me Soapy." You can't really get a more concise and profound declaration of friendship than that. And thank you, I'm glad you liked the quote, the Crow is an excellent movie (which I highly recommend if you've not seen it) and that quote has always been one of my favorite parts of it

[Aatxe360]

2332179

I edited my group and added it as you can see. It didn't feature her enough to just add it, so I'm going to start including other Apple fics that I enjoy reading.

And I think I got too much sleep. Rarely do I snooze for 18+ hours.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2332792 2333102

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the final installment when it is released!

2333358

I laughed more than a little when I wrote that particular thought of Babs'!
Thanks for the follow! I will be sure to stay on track, and I'll put out a blog post when the final installment is submitted.

2335151

denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw1021_Rainbow_Dash_says_youre_awesome.gif

gifninja.com/animatedgifs/295167/bro-you-re-awesome-rock-on.gif

Seriously, that poem is a perfect, eloquent summation of this story, and I can't give you enough animated GIFs to express that. So, thank you, philosopher!! Keep being your awesome self!

2335426

You? Vindictive? Never!

Agreed. Soapy was a stallion of few words, but those were among his most important ones. I must see that movie now. Thanks for the recommendation.

2335834

Thanks for adding it to the group! I'm honored to be included among your list of Apple fics you enjoy reading!

18+ hours? Done that a few times in my life. Not lately though. I'm a little jealous.

[The philosopher]

2336639 Thank you! I hope it lived up to the amazing story it was written for! Sweet Apple Anthology was fantastic! I can't wait for Severed Roots!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2337093

It sure did! I'll look forward to your poetry for SR!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2343103 2343175

iambrony.steeph.tp-radio.de/mlp/gif/61315___safe_spike_animated_brohoof_over-a-barrel_buffalo.gif?1344080285

fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/167/5/c/fluttershy_yay_gif_by_skyper17-d53osl1.gif

iambrony.jsmart.web.id/mlp/gif/190380__UNOPT__safe_animated_apple-bloom_hug_babs-seed_gif_spoiler-s03e08.gif

images.wikia.com/mlpfanart/images/3/3e/Twilight_human_clapping.gif

Seriously, thank you for these poems, Wayword. They brought a huge smile to my face and captured both the spirit of adventure and the love between Babs and Bloom here. Bravo, sir, bravo. Looking forward to what words you will craft for SR...I'm sure they will be wonderful.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2347536

And now I have a mental image of Babs and Apple Bloom hammering a "No Zebras or Mules Allowed" sign on the entry to their bar.

(I'm a bad person )

Thanks, Kishin! I appreciate the compliments! Glad you enjoyed this little tale of mine, and hope you enjoy the third and final story as well. The best of hope to you on your endeavors as well, my friend!

[smackajaweea]

amazing genuinely amazing i can't wait for you to finish the trilogy yet at the same time i don't want it to end and i would be willing to follow whatever you right in this universe until the end of time

[Bad_Seed_72]

2348529

D'awwww.... Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my second story in the trilogy and I hope you enjoy the third!

[Cold Spike]

MOAR!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2361509

More comes in the third and final story of the trilogy.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2362276

Indeed, they did!

2365508

Agreed, perfectly suitable!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2368222

Thank you, sire! Glad you enjoyed it!
Agreed, more deep than most liquor advertisements!

[Biker_Dash]

Finally finished this one. Looking forward to the conclusion

[Bad_Seed_72]

2382968

Hope you enjoy the third story!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2387520

Can't say that wasn't an influence here.

[Rebel Brony]

Okay, loved this story.

I might whined joining the marines. Kinda unexpected.

I'm thinking of being adventurous one day and watch the older generations of a show, I shall keep sword and shield ready and a cross around my neck

How are you?

And somehow came across a fanfic for mlp tales. Don't ask, just don't.

Well, I think that's it. Oh and I got a skype.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2427232

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the third story (which should be ready for release within the week!)

Marines? Thought you were going Navy originally. Ahh, well, either way, awesome and good luck!

You'd better! There be monsters before G4!

I'm doing pretty awesome! How about you?

All of my wat... MLP tales? I think I know which one that is...had a GF for a while that only watched that, then I introduced her to FiM and she was hooked. (Success!)

Awesome! If you wanna IM, hit me up via PM for my username there.

[Rebel Brony]

2429205 Good to hear about the story.

Yes, I was gonna try to go Navy. Marine recruiter called me and I talked to him, So Now I'm not sure which one I want. The Marine recruiter seemed more helpful though.

I wanna see about getting a picture of a knight or crusader defending himself against either G1 or G3 ponies now, I need an artist.

I'm great, and losing weight.

Yes, I came across a fanfic. It was weird, and not great. It did inspire me to one day make videos of me riffing(MSTing) stuff.

Okay.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2429580

Oh, I see. I know folks who've gone into both Marines and Navy. Both seem to be doing well. Just depends on what you want to do (rate) I suppose.

How dare you anticipate the downfall of the Knights! G3 shall save us all!

Awesome to hear!!

Heck yeah, riffing videos are hilarious. I'm kinda curious as to what the story was though.

[Rebel Brony]

2430777 If you want I can send a link to the story.

As the last hope to defend the world against the horror of G3, I must fight to death and avenge all who fell to wrong. FOR EQUESTRIA! FOR FREEDOM!

[kamikazitwinkie]

I remember back when I was looking around this site for a decent story starring Babs, and Tangled Roots was the best I found. I think you were about half way through it when I started reading, and I'm pretty sure I read the whole thing in a day. I absolutely loved it. The compelling characters you write, the cruel hardships that Babs goes through, and the captivating world you built all served to keep the story in my favorites list even after it was done. And I thought it was done at the end of Tangles Roots.

And then I saw the sequel in the featured list, and freaked right the hell out.

Three days later, and here I sit writing this. You kept up the quality from Tangled Roots all through this story. I still love Babs; her and Apple Bloom are just adorable. You also write some very compelling villains in Card Slinger and Bernie Madhoof.

I look forward to seeing things come to a head in the third story, because you can be sure I'll be there.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2430982

FOR FREEDOM!

Haha sure, if you want to. :)

[Bad_Seed_72]

2440032

Wow, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed both of the stories. I'll be releasing "Severed Roots" soon and I hope you enjoy the ride I have planned in that one as well. Thanks again!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2472817

Thank you, my friend! I'm glad things got turned around for you.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2477238

Isn't he? He and the_philosopher are epic at poetry.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2482044

Thanks for reading! We'll have to see if you're correct in the next story.

Indeed, they are not as involved; after all, Chief Brutus (the police chief who comes to Bernie in this chapter) seeks his aid because Celestia cut funding to the Manehatten P.D. That, coupled with Bernie's manipulation of the press, makes for a pretty tight-knit operation. Got the courts, police, and media on your side? You can get away with a lot, in my opinion...

Yup, it was supposed to! Good on you for catching that!

[The Unwritten Scrypt]

2484098
10 hours, 25 chapters, ~150,000 words...I did it, all in one day...aren't I loyal? Now, to sleep...then it's the rest of Severed Roots...

[Bad_Seed_72]

2489928

Holy crap! If that's not super-flattering loyalty, I don't know what is! Getr some sleep, my friend!!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2497898

I love Rainbow Factory too. Wow, thanks! I hope you enjoy the rest of this story!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2507949

1. I do have some awesome commenters. Wayword and Philosopher in particular are quite talented poets.
2. Glad you're enjoying the sequel so far! Let's see if you are right about Diamond...

[Bad_Seed_72]

2511583

Thanks! Glad I provide some decent going-home reading material!

2511650

"They call me mellow yellow...that's right." You've got it. And yes, we shall see the extent of his descent into madness...

[Bad_Seed_72]

2520407

Thanks. This was a very emotional chapter for me to write as well, as I have contemplated doing the same thing before. Glad it provoked a lot of thought and feeling.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2533446

Thanks, I was going for the "adrenaline rush" sort of feelings here in the end. Well, from the Epilogue of Tangled Roots, we know that Babs and Bloom were together in the end. The characters of course do not know this, and it might influence their views of it. As to whether we can control the emotions of the heart, I don't believe we can. We can, however, choose how we act on them, and whether we give into them or not.

2530959

Thanks! What goes around comes around!

2531031

I couldn't hide my liquid pride at the end writing it, either.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2541205

Liquid pride is best pride.

Paint my body white with 3 diamonds on my butt..

Oh my!

2541303

She sure did.

2541550

They are indeed adorable, heh. And yes, they are in a lot of trouble...

2541780

I'm sorry! Please send your boss an apology on my behalf!

But seriously, I'm flattered, thank you.

[Bad_Seed_72]

2547662

I'm glad you're enjoying the story! And yes, Bloom definitely did deserve her mark from this chapter. I know what you mean--once I'm done writing for this series, I will be a little sad, too. But you're right. All things must come to an end.

2548779

Thank you! I hope they're happy tears!

[Bad_Seed_72]

2552522

He really is freaking amazing. Wayword, youze da best.

2552526

Agreed!

2556220

Thank you!

2556830

Thank you for reading this one as well, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it! Yes, Babs definitely does have her bitch moments, but I think she's a good pone in the end, LOL. R.I.P. Greyhoof, he was a good stallion. We'll be seeing more of her father in the next story, which I hope you enjoy as well! Thanks again my friend!