Could it possibly be time for some more MLP fanfic reviews? It could, you know! As usual, I'm looking at five stories this week. Also, as usual, they're a varied bunch. Still, I think the overall quality is pretty good this time round – and the week's top fic is really quite something. Read on!
Pick of the fics
Old Friends by RBDash47
Other
Sad/Slice of Life; 2K words; Mar 2014; Everyone
The date is misleading; all but a 105-word deleted scene existed a year earlier. Whatever, this is a beautifully written one-shot, an exercise in restrained emotion. It relates the story of a mare's lifelong experiences with her oldest friend. If you don't see the reveal coming, and I didn't, it will assuredly knock the stuffing out of you. Very nearly scored a 10; in any case, quite superb. 9.5/10
Other stories
Bing Bang Zam! by Pegasus Rescue Brigade
Flim and Flam, Derpy, Carrot Top and OCs
Comedy/Slice of Life; 14K words; Dec 2012; Everyone
Flim and Flam, channel-hopping on their TV (in Equestria?) are startled to find another pony using their famous catchphrase. They decide there's only one place to head: to court! It's pretty funny and the OCs are well-drawn, if not all terribly sympathetic (by design). I'm not at all keen on the portrayal of Derpy, though, and that stops this from getting a really high score. 6.5/10
Flutterhug by Servant Phoenix
Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Silver Spoon and Derpy
Slice of Life; 3K words; May 2014; Everyone
This was written in an attempt to write "the cutest, most heartwarming short story" possible. It succeeds nearly totally, and the fact that it doesn't quite do so is simply a function of its deceptive depth. There's a particularly satisfying subplot involving Silver Spoon, though I have to say I felt a bit sorry for Noteworthy. You'll see! 7.5/10
Princess Celestia Hates Tea by Skywriter
Celestia and Twilight
Comedy; 9K words; Oct 2012; Everyone
This one is interestingly written in what I assume is Celestia's "voice" of rather flowery language. It works pretty well, too. The Princess finally admits to Twilight, after centuries of drinking tea at formal occasions, that she can't stand the stuff. Unfortunately, her admission has unforeseen consequences. Good fun, with a memorable royal speech and an extremely well realised OC side-character. 8/10
A Simple Prank by Bob From Bottles
Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy
Slice of Life; 1K words; Jun 2014; Everyone
Pinkie is getting all worked up about a prank that went wrong. Twilight and Fluttershy become concerned and go to speak to her about it. A lightweight, undemanding story that I found mildly amusing. It felt a little too short, though it was written for a minific write-off contest, so this may have been unavoidable. 6/10
Skywriter does tend to get a little bit mellifluous, whether his main character is a Princess, Twilight, or even Ms. Harshwhinny; a couple of times in the past that's bothered me, but here it didn't. I guess I see her as a mother figure to Twi, and kind of expect her to talk down to Twi a bit as a result rather than use her full vocabulary (not in a condescending way, but in a "she'll always be a little filly to me" manner). YMMV and all that.
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