Ponyfic Roundup 279

Read it Later story count: 227 (-4)

Back to a regular edition of Ponyfic Roundup today. I've been very busy with one thing and another over the past week, and at one point I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to get this post up today. Thankfully, I just about made it in the end! There are four stories under my somewhat rickety microscope this time, and they are:

Where Does Magic Come From? by Berry Delight
ReSpec(t) by Petrichord
If Memory Serves by Pascoite
Big Sister by DeeJay Pon3

★: 1 | ★★: 1 | ★★★: 1 | ★★★★: 0 | ★★★★★: 1

Where Does Magic Come From? by Berry Delight
Twilight and Celestia
Comedy/Random, 2k words; Sep 2016; Everyone

During the celebration at Twilight's new castle after Tirek's defeat, Twilight approaches Celestia with a question. The answer she gets is not what she expected at all.

That's because the reply Celestia gives her – in strict confidence – is absolutely ridiculous, and certainly one I've never seen used before. Here's the thing, though: as the story points out, Tia's explanation ties into a number of canon events and (more or less, if you don't look too closely) actually makes sense of some of them. Actually, there's one particular thing – involving Tirek's initial escape back in S2 – that I'm almost inclined to adopt as headcanon. There's a little bit of awkwardness in the prose ("...her sister, Princess Luna") but it's not dreadful by any means. Don't expect this to leave you gasping with admiration – but if you're in a very silly mood, go for it. A high two for me, though perhaps a three if you're in the right frame of mind. ★★

ReSpec(t) by Petrichord
Luster Dawn, Griffons
Drama/Horror, 2k words; Jan 2020; Everyone

Luster Dawn fixes a simple problem in a complicated way.

The first 2020 story to feature in Ponyfic Roundup! This fic was written in 60 minutes for a writing challenge. I like the way that, in different parts of the story, Luster Dawn's behaviour is reminiscent of both Twilight, Starlight and even Sunset Shimmer; perhaps it's just how princesses' protegées work. Like some of her predecessors, learning when not to go for the magical approach could certainly benefit Luster. Being E-rated, the horror isn't too terrifying, though it depends on your feelings about the fridge variety – that comes at the end. That payoff is very nicely set up, too. A high three and well worth a few minutes. ★★★

If Memory Serves by Pascoite
Rarity and Apple Bloom
Drama/Sad/Slice of Life, 5k words; Dec 2013; Everyone

Odd how some things stick in one's memory—certain places, personalities, sounds, even smells. Touching on one of these elements can cause a lifetime of experiences to come flooding back. And just as quickly, they're gone.

Apple Bloom goes to visit Rarity in the hospital where the latter says she works. The mystery of where she's going and why Rarity is there is rather quickly resolved – it's not a huge leap from the short description above to realise that Rarity has dementia. What we get is a beautifully observed portrait of a young pony trying her very best for an older pony she cares deeply about but who is no longer quite the mare she once was. It's uncomfortable and moving both at once, especially when Rarity's memories and abilities are – realistically – a mixture of perfect, just slightly twisted and wildly off-base. We gradually learn more about what her visitor has sacrificed for Rarity, and that too is both uncomfortable and moving. Little touches abound, such as Apple Bloom's caution and relaxation over certain subjects of discussion. There is one final twist, but I won't even hint at that. My regard for this outstanding fic was only heightened when I read it through again, knowing the ending, and it still hit me very hard. One of Pascoite's best, and that's saying something. ★★★★★

Big Sister by DeeJay Pon3
Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack
Random/Sad; 2k words; Sep 2011; Everyone

Scootaloo wishes she had a big sister like her friends, Sweetie Belle and Apple bloom.

The author of this fic only published the one story and then disappeared. Written when S2 had barely begun, the tale has some nicely nostalgic touches, such as Rainbow's use of the Buccaneer Blaze, ponies sitting on cushions rather than chairs, and Fluttershy being close to the CMC. Unfortunately, it's not generally compelling. Scootaloo is a homeless orphan who sleeps in the Crusaders' clubhouse, which may not have been eye-rolling in 2011 but certainly is now. Scoot goes from barely being able to hover to doing serious aerial stunts in the course of a single lesson from Dash. The fic is not very well written – at one point, "Yelled the Ponyville Mayor" begins a paragraph. How does it all end? You can doubtless guess. ★

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Next time on Ponyfic Roundup: stories reviewed should include Alaborn's That Distant Shore.