Author: Midnight Shadow
Description: Summer Sparkles and Apple Blossom want to ask the grand matriarch of the apple clan for her consent to their marriage, and get an answer - and a task - they don't expect.Nightfall at Sweet Apple Acres-Chat Room
Additional Tags: sadness, life, gifts, marriage, memories
All Parts after the Break!
[Sad] Rainbow Dash
Description: Time has passed on, and Rainbow is no longer the captain of the Wonderbolts. Her wings wont carry her, and a pegasus that can't fly is not much of a pegasus. A visit to Twilight will let her have one last flight in her balloon...Nightfall: The Last Sonic Rainboom
sadness, life, mail, flight, sonic rainboom, rainbow dash, twilight, scootaloo, derpy
[Sad] Fluttershy
Description: Fluttershy has lived a long time "alone" in her cottage - but she'sOn Fragile Wings
not really alone. She has all of her bunny-friends to help her get
through the day. However, she is well-loved, and whilst waiting for a
visit from her niece, Feather Blossom, instead is visited by two
ponies. One the somewhat-ordinary Bright Eyes, the other...is Luna.
fluttershy, bunnies, loneliness, butterflies, freedom, fluttershy, luna, angel, derpy
[Sad] Rarity
Description: House Rarity has gone from strength to strength over theThe Fourth Gem
years, and whilst Rarity is no longer a young filly, she still
commands power and respect. However, she has been working *very* hard
to get this, her latest fashion show, on the road. In the midst of the
pandemonium, in the midst of panic and plush, Rarity confronts her
three daughters with a secret that has been many years in the making.
[Sad] Pinkie Pie
Description: Pinkie Pie, the Party Pony of Pinkie Pie's Party-tacular Party Emporium has created a masterpiece of a party for Princess Luna's birthday, but something is missing... and not only with the party. As she adds that little extra something to her humble soiree, she finds what she is looking for in a little foal, her grand-daughter Fizzy Pop.Party On (New!)
Additional Tags: fun, parties, explosions, ghosties, giggling
Entire Story: All Links
177 comments:
I was able to get a pre-read out of this.
ReplyDeleteI don't normally read sad fics, but this one was sad and cute all at the same time.
We never want to think about things that far into the future, but alas. We welcome those who come in our wake.
ugh. some of these are just ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteThe second chapter isn't working...
ReplyDeleteRegardless, i'm not sure why you put this as sad. It sorta reminds me of the end of Watership Down, which was more of a real hero's death instead of just...blah. I felt more inspired than sad.
I dunno, maybe it gets sad later? Maybe i'm just weird. Anyway, i like the way you intertwined the families and everything. It's good!
oh, i guess i meant the overflow isn't working. duh.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHad the pleasure of reading this on Ponychan. Was awesome then and is still awesome now.
ReplyDeletesecond link is wrong
ReplyDeletethis is not as sad but pretty interesting the way they pass on the elements of harmony to their childs
I could only read the first part, because the second didn't load, but...
ReplyDeleteOh, my heart. I'm close to tears...
That second link is just a back up in case we get too many readers on Google Docs. I think it's just the one part.
ReplyDeleteNo... I wasn't prepared for it at all...
ReplyDeleteI don't think it should be classified as sad. i kept waiting for the sad part, and then I got to the end and thought "Here it is!" But then it ended. I went through again, and it reads fine for a normal story. It just lacks any real conflict, I think. But the way you wove together the familes, and revealed it was great! You might be better as a shipper!
ReplyDeleteWow... That was pretty deep. I'm... Speechless at the moment. I can't find the words to describe how I'm feeling...
ReplyDeleteAmazing...
Call me ignorant but how is Apple Blossom Twilight's grand-daughter? She said Apple Bloom is her mom, and I sure as hell know Apple Bloom is not Big Mac's daughter.
ReplyDeleteOnly one issue I see: "Tweed" would technically be Blossom's aunt, not her grandma.
ReplyDeleteOh geez! Oh my god!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this was dazzling!
Simply stupendously beautiful! So deep, so sad, but god, it's just beautiful!
I'm crying right now. My own grandfather just died last week, he was my last living grandparent. I only found out today he had been a Marine.
ReplyDeleteSince he lived across the country from me, it hasn't become real until just now.
Thank you, for helping me start to grieve.
There is no second part - poor overworked blogpony put up some weird blogger link.
ReplyDeleteyou can find the "published" version here:
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1jN7YgmrWmxlXAuQUBP7fduCEL8IrB6wpGN1pRV3Ho5c
it's the same one, just without the cap and without the chatbox.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeletewell she's grandmother by right of being the oldest living "apple" which makes her grandma apple (I've titlized the position) - but you're right, technically.
alternatively it's magic, and I ain't gotta 'splain nuffin' :D
*sniff*
ReplyDeleteH-hang on, I've got something in my eye.
that picture is possibly the cutest piece of fanart I've seen yet.
ReplyDeleteFic was pretty good too.
Yeah, we've seen plenty of these stories. But it was written decently enough. [small SPOILER] Only think I didn't care for, I was waiting for Apple Bloom to make an appearance. Sadly, didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteJoyous man tears shed. Very good read, nice take on future generations and the passing of the current.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what's the problem with the people comments saying this isn't sad or that it's not good ?
ReplyDeleteIt's touching, and it's sad... Ending of part one, with Twilight Sparkle finally joining the afterlife, joining the friends that had left so long ago... Finally able to rest, her heart at ease.
Honestley,Tweed is a much more 'silly' name than Twilight Sparkle.
ReplyDeletepart 1: manly tears....
ReplyDeleteWill Part 2 be repaired soon ?
ReplyDelete@Nova25
ReplyDeletethere's no part 2!
and honestly, with all of the "meh" comments, and my usual dislike for reading (yet alone writing) sadfics I didn't think there would be one.
On the other hand, I've given tasters of what happened to the rest of the mane six...
@Midnight
ReplyDelete>Nightfall at Sweet Apple Acres-Secondary<
What's that then ?
...and the ''meh comments'' are just from some meanie-pants, with little understanding of the true dynamic of sadness in stories...
But anyways... Do whatever you want.
And many a manly tear were shed. Very touching. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteThis one was written much better than the first one, and I will admit that I shed manly tears throughout.
ReplyDeleteso you're gonna wrute about everypony form the mane cast death in that case many many tears will be shed
ReplyDeletethanks kwj and tenchifreak5 (and ALL commenters! all authors love feedback!).
ReplyDeleteThis was written on a plane, so maybe mild sleep deprevation helps, eh?
I wasn't planning to but it does kind of look like I'll be writing the rest of the mane cast. we'll see.
I'm way too scared to even considering reading that last one!!!! D''':
ReplyDeleteThat was the saddest thing i have ever read
ReplyDeleteatch... MY TITLE! :'( it's been theifed!!!!
ReplyDeleteF**king Rainbow Dash, just has to go out like that. Christ, I'm shedding manly tears right now. First chapter didn't hit me that hard, but both of them combined... motherf**king painful.
ReplyDeletePart two. so EPIC! Beautiful!
ReplyDeletei think i got something in my eyes........
ReplyDeleteOh my God, the second one... ;__;
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't help I was listening to this while reading: youtube.com/watch?v=oQaZ85Unet0
Manly tears... Manly... manly tears... reminds me of Bubbles. Good job rainbow, good job.
ReplyDeletedamnnnn i cant handle it when a description of their deaths is written so well, my brain paints a picture and plays a song for me, That was Part 1
ReplyDeleteNow Part 2: I dont even know how to describe it but wow ;_;
Confound these ponies they drive me to cry.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'd like to take a few seconds of both my time and yours to damn you. Why? Because I'm now crying like a baby, kissing goodbye to whatever innocence was left in my body. I'd also like you to know that the follow-ups you will write will probably have a similar effect on me, and for that I'd like to damn you in advance.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
A reader who enjoyed you fanfic. A lot.
Whyyyy do I keep reading [sad] fics?
ReplyDeleteI think I hate myself.
...these were fantastic.
Read the second story... manly tears were shed here... manly tears were shed.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I can bring myself to read either of these. The description for the second one alone makes me want to cry.
ReplyDeleteEh, it was nice but the language was too...formal-ish. They sound like they're telling ancient tales to chill the bones or should be speaking in iambic pentameter, not the more natural way of speaking the actual characters use.
ReplyDelete1st one just built up the emotion. 2nd one put me on the borderline of crying. I expect to see some more emotionally powerful stories from you in the future Midnight. I Rainbow Dash salute you as being an example of great fanfic writing.
ReplyDeleteI nearly cried.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm at work....
Hope you're happy. Cos I'm sad.
Wow. I’ve read fics like these before, but these have undoubtedly had the biggest impact on me. They’re wonderful and I’m going to be thinking about them all day now. I loved how you showed Dash and Twilight passing on their legacy to the younger generation and how aware they were of their past actions, (like Dash regretting her treatment of Scootaloo). Whether you write more or not – these are perfect as they are. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the language worked well, in that it reflected how much older they’d become.
The first part was pretty good and my eyes got a bit moist at the end but Rainbow's story even made me shed a few tears. The beginning of her will was incredibly in character and I couldn't help but chuckle and cry at the same time. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThat far into the future... I welled up when Twi was telling who went first. And Pinkie died in her sleep...
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing, for as mild as it is, is heart-riveting. I'm on the verge of crying after reading part one.
YOU CAN'T LEAVE US LIKE THAT TWILIGHT
I have to read this.
ReplyDeletenow.
The description alone has brought manly tears to my eyes.
>Dashie~~~
How this isn't full of 5 stars i don't know.....
ReplyDeleteI'm going to my room to cry a bit now..
After welling up reading the first part, I have tears down both my cheeks and my nose is wet. Rainbow's been my favorite since day 1. She just... had to go out like a hardheaded ol mare.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a good cry in quite some time.
ReplyDelete...thank you.
Manly tears were shed. Although, heh, I guess she beat Scootaloo into space...
ReplyDeletePart two was more sad than part one. I read it and just wanted to craw into a corner and have a good cry for a bit.
ReplyDeleteTo the author:
Your writing style reminds me of a fan fiction writer I had the pleasure of corresponding with back in the late 90's when I was in my Sonic The Hedgehog fandom. He called himself Dan Drazen and he wrote the most epic yet sad Sonic fan fictions around. He had a nack for killing of characters specifically Sally but he was very respectful. By the time you got to the end of his stories you were emotionally drained but in a way you welcomed it.
That is how I feel when I read these two fan fictions and I look forward to the inevitable remaining chapters.
again thank you.
I havent read the 2nd story yet . . . im im afraid to. Just thinking about rainbow not being able to fly brings a knot to my throat . . . . .
ReplyDeleteThese are sad, but they've had good lives; just dying shouldn't be a sad thing. There is no tragedy, there is no mistake. They've lived how they wanted, and had the best lives they could have.
ReplyDeleteI don't see this as sad. As the first story ended; tears may be shed, but the warmest of smiles each of them probably had.
Though, from a strictly mechanical perspective, I think there was just a little bit too much tell, and not enough show. I would have prefered to see more reactions or emotional impacts, but it felt almost stiff (at least in the first story, the second one was great).
I'm guessing you'll go through everyone in order now, after showing Twilight. I suppose I'll have to read them. But I can't bring myself to see them as "sad," due to a simple lack of tragedy.
I think The Last Sonic Rainboom is as good as a sad story can get. What else is there to say?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this . . . i dont think i could read another one like this. It was absolutely beautiful. It tore me up to read it . . . having to stop numerous times i knew what was happening . . . even when Twilight didnt catch it. I knew what was going on when she asked to have the package delivered. I really wish i didnt read this . . . but as NinesTempest said. This was absolutely beautiful, it was a saddening story but yet a happy one. I love how it ended and while my chest hurts and i still regret reading this story. Im glad i did and i envision thats EXACTLY how Rainbow would have wanted it. While i basically cried, it was joyful . . . . My heart screams for joy for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you Luna . . . . .
And Thank You Midnight Shadow for this "Glimps of Beauty"
My head will be held high and i stand rigid to salute our Hero, The Amazing Rainbow Dash, Equestrias Best Flyer. The only pegasus to achive A Sonic Rainboom three times in her life, and proving that with a strong will, Undetermained mind, Anything is possible. *Silent Salute*
There may not be tears falling from my eyes, but it is harder to see. It's a very rare occurrence for that to happen to me. These stories do manage to accomplish it though.
ReplyDeleteKeep flying Rainbow
After listening to the song Rainbow Rhapsody . . . and ( omg why did i do it. ) re-read her final rainboom section. . . . I cannot believe how well that song meshes with the feel of her final flight . . . . Im deathly afraid of heights . . . . IRL . . . . . but after finding the knowledge of how rainbow describes flight . . . . i wish i just could experience it the way she does once im my lifetime.
ReplyDelete...and I'm crying.
ReplyDeletePart Two was really, really good.
Fuck. I'm crying. Or close to it.
ReplyDeleteA few of the songs I was listening to lined up with what I was reading almost perfectly. Specifically "Room of Angel" on Dash's flight.
Oi, I'm hurting. Amazing stories, great work Midnight Shadow.
@Midnight
ReplyDeleteSee... there's a part 2 ;) (though it's a prequel, and not a continuation of Part 1)
But seriously... This is great sadness. The good kind. One that is right.
I don't think I ever read a story that was able to share and convey this specific feeling -so well and so clearly-.
There's some sort of -happiness and understanding- in the sadness of those stories. Especially the Second one.
They make you sad, but at the same time you think : ''It's ok. That was right.''
I never say this about anything other than girls but the 2nd story ..... was beautifull.
ReplyDelete(D4SHTH3R4INB0W)
(Reading Part 2)
ReplyDelete>Nothing, not even a single tear or sad thought.
>final 2 paragraphs
SUDDENLY MANLY TEARS OUT OF FUCKING NOWHERE.
This was one of the first sad fics I read. I still tear up every time I see a sonic rainboom...D:
ReplyDeleteAUGH! MY HEART! I can feel the fibres being tugged! WHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness these stories are the good kind of sad. Things happened how they were wished by the characters, but it felt like I was actually losing something. Great work.
BUT I DON'T WANNA BE SAD NO MORE!
Part 1 made me feel sad.
ReplyDeletePart 2 had me choked up.
Part 3 had my sobbing like a little filly to the extent where I couldn't read the screen and had to wait a bit to finish it.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteI'm with you brony, I'm feeling exactly the same.
;')
Part 1 hurt a little bit. It was hard to follow but sweet and sad all the same time.
ReplyDeletePart 2 nearly killed me. That was so like her... I don't think she could wait around in a bed.
Part 3 didn't get me until the very end, though. It was a bit... brighter than the other, not as dramatic. More... softspoken, I guess you could say.
*sigh*
Hehe... Bright Eyes... I like that.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteSame here. These stories are all well done, but this latest one Was just effective at pulling the heartstrings from start to end...
Princess Luna as the Angel of Death. Interesting...but, yeah; it kinda fits. I hope she's the one who takes me when my time is up.
ReplyDeleteLuna == The Grim Reaper
ReplyDeletePart 1- choked up
ReplyDeletePart 2- a couple manly tears
Part 3- crying like a baby
Luna is the black rabbit yes?
ReplyDeleteThis one felt a bit forced but was still very enjoyable.
These stories inspired me to live my life to the fullest...
ReplyDeleteAnd when my time comes I will look back at this and remember what I have Achieved and notice that it was all started by a story...
so that I will remember that I can now die happy..
I love this anon above me! ^
ReplyDeletethe fluttershy one was beautiful the rainbow dash one was very very good i still have yet to ready the first one..... DO IT NOW
(D4SHTH3R4INB0W)
read the first one writer i love you.
ReplyDelete(same guy as above =P)
OH dear Celestia . . . . Im going to hate myself . . . I dont know why i read these . . . i havent made it thru a single one in a single reading . . . . Dashies being the hardest . . even now the lump grows :'( *shakes head vigorously, and breaths deeply* I didnt read chapter 3 yet, but im going to tonight when i get home from work. They are beautiful . . . . . each one so far. But the thought of the content has me cringing like a little foal in the corner during his first thunderstorm. I never ever wanted to think about "this" of or for any of my favorite mares. I read The first two stories both in one day. I was soo messed up from them. I litterally hid from otherpony fer a good 4-5 hours. . . . . . .
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to embrace them all . . . . never letting go. Cause you never know when, and if you let go, whether it will be the last time. . . . . .
This one came close to watering my eyes up, but didn't have nearly the effect on me that Chapter 2 did. Still a touching little story.
ReplyDeleteWhere did the name "Bright Eyes" come from? I've seen it used in a couple of fics now (though I admit that they may all have been written by the author of this one), and I'm curious.
These were excellent clopfics.
ReplyDeleteOh god. So much sadness. So much reflection on mortality.
ReplyDeleteSo good. Thank you for this.
I both hate and love reading these types of sad fics.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you used Luna as the gentle angel of death.
My eyes grew misty just reading the intro and even considering the fate I suspected that might befall our ponies. I only read Part 2 and shed pony tears through the last half of it. I knew I shouldn't have read it, but I had to when I saw that Rainbow Dash was involved.
ReplyDelete*SPOILER ALERT*
I always wonder why fans do this to the characters they love. Most of us are attracted to FiM by the joyous interactions and fresh discoveries of the young pony friends and as you learn more about them and their world your emotions get invested in the story. Yes, you want a little danger and conflict in their lives, but my fantasy interest generally does not include them growing old and dying. The whole joy of the series is the fresh and new and I use fantasy as an escape from reality. I don't enjoy wallowing in deep reality in my fantasies.
The foreshadowing was not very subtle. We pretty well knew what was going to happen within the first few paragraphs. It was fairly well written, though I was confused about lineage and names and marriages regarding Twilight's husband and Applejack and the foals and fillies playing at Twilight's hooves all of which seemed kind of pointless anyway as far a short story like this was concerned. It was also thrown right in the middle of when we were learning about Rainbow Dash's request.
I don't plan on reading Parts 1 and 3, but who knows after a few days of recovery I might want to find out what happens. :)
Anyway, it made me think and cry, which I guess is good. Thanks for writing it, Midnight Shadow.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's part made me cry...
ReplyDelete@ Virga Rainboom
ReplyDeleteThe lineage stuff was explained more thoroughly in the first chapter.
ow. beautifully done.
ReplyDeletehowever, fifth paragraph into Fluttershy's account, the last sentence seems to have been accidentally cut off. "With plenty of sunshine and the wonders of nature surrounding her, she le."
Well, apparently I'm attracted to the aura of suck that is emitted from this stories. Go figure.
ReplyDelete@TenchiFreak5
ReplyDeleteJust her bright yellow eyes, and it was probably an attempt at a realistic pony name for derpy.
And then Fluttershy's was actually sad because she didn't want to pass.
ReplyDeleteGorramit.
Wait... Rarity...? What?
ReplyDeleteYeah, apparently these aren't strictly in order, especially considering the first chapter.
ReplyDeleteThe second chapter, in particularly, was very well written, and certainly did touch the heart. It certainly, too, is realistic for Rainbow Dash to want to go out on her own terms.
ReplyDeleteStill, a couple incongruities struck me, besides that people were suspicious and still ended up doing nothing. The other is that they'd not come up with some way to halt the disease, or at least remove the pain enough so Dash could function.
Then again, that'd be a different story, and an interesting idea. Even a grounded Dash would be a hell of a teacher.
these might make chuck norris cry
ReplyDeleteDude the flutter shy part got to me man........
ReplyDelete@Minalkra
ReplyDeletegoogle docs derped. "she led a full life".
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, and I'm glad you liked it (even if it made you sad).
I don't know why, but I always feel strangely attracted to sad fics.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this one had a nice, emotional tone to it. Reminiscing, feelings, desires, all under the veil of a distant reunion with their ponyselves and their friends.
Another very well written chapter.
ReplyDeleteYou know, since we already sort of know what will happen to the other ponies with the exception of Applejack, I wonder if there is going to be some sort of prologue at the end of it all. I guess I'll have to wait and see.
Darn you for makin' me tear up. D:
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad :c
Hey yo midnight, you make stories that pull on strings that I thought snapped a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteCheers mate.
I red the three chapters in a row. They were all awesome, they really make me sad.
ReplyDeleteFelt sad when reading the first one.
ReplyDeleteGot choked up and almost cried at the second one.
Completely lost it at the third one.
I read each one the day they were originally posted, but this last one was the one that hit me the hardest.
Very good stories, Midnight Shadow.
I started to cry at fluttershy's part, it's so sad :'(
ReplyDeleteRainbow Dash's and Twilight's parts also are very sad
is it just me or are these getting progressavly sadder?
ReplyDeletetwilights was touching
rainbows made my eyes water
but I down right bawled after reading fluttershy's
Never stop writing these, each one brought me to tears, and I absolutely love it. Never ever stop.
ReplyDeleteoh god all of these make me cry.
ReplyDeleteoh my god that was the sadist thing ive ever read
ReplyDeletepart one had me with watery eyes
part two had me with tears running down my face
but part three was epic in its impact which didnt hit home until the funeral, im actually welling up writhing this comment
well done, well done, diamonds for you
On Fragile Wings made me cry more than i've ever cried in my life...goodbye....Fluttershy...
ReplyDelete(I haven't read the 3rd part yet)
ReplyDeletei think the most interesting part of these are the endings. i would call it a "sad" fic so much a as i would call it a touching one. [obvious spoiler] i think people today are just to quick to associate death with sorrow. (If you ask me Irish funerals are the way to go). Twilight brought happiness with her passing and rainbow got to feel young again.
***
on an off note: at the end of the second one (i read these back to back) all that was going through my head was a line from Billy Jole's song "piano man":
"he says, 'son, can you play me a memory,
I'm not really sure how it goes,
but it's sad and it's sweet and i knew it complete,
when i wore a younger man's cloths.'"
(i think I'm just dumb though...)
I'm not one to shed a tear for storys but I think this time I should. Greatly written story and really touching.
ReplyDelete*reads 1, tears*
ReplyDelete*reads 2, chokes back some weeps*
*reads 3, bawls his eyes out, throat croaking in pain, as his roommate watches, rather confused.*
I love the Herd.
Chapter 3 - Fluttershy - Another masterpiece of the *True* Art of sadness from Death, respectfull, in all its Grand dignity.
ReplyDeleteBut, i must say that I am confused by one detail.
The 'day' that Luna accepted to give Fluttershy... what happened to it ?
When Feather Blossom came, she was breathing, but we learn nothing else before it jumps straight to Big Mac...
Did Feather Blossom went and gathered everypony, so Fluttershy could give a proper 'farwell', like she asked Luna ?
I would have liked, if that part had been added...
@Nova25
ReplyDeleteIt's rather simple, Fluttershy went and opened the door for Luna, who i now assume is there in body and spirit.
She had a heart attack after opening the door.
She asked Luna for one more day in Equestria to say goodbye to all her friends, even if they didn't hear her, reunited with the spirit of Angel Bunny, she danced away, free of pain to spend the day.
and.. *sniff* L-Luna, decided to grant her that day, a day for each life she had touched,*sniffsniff* her spirit would remain on Equestria as long as somepony remembered her. *bawls his eyes out*
Every time I cry... and every time I come back and read more.
ReplyDeleteVery realistic and very touching. I feel like this is what actually would happen.
I... GORAHHGDH *CRIES*
This isn't fair... I'm going to have to keep reading these too.
Commendable. I'm filled with sorrow and happiness and some sort of other mixed emotion melting pot. I can't say I enjoyed this, but I can't say I didn't. Even if they're sad they're some of the best stories.
Beautiful, majestic, and the best of anything that I have read in years. I feel no shame in literally weeping after reading these wonderful stories of both the sadness and beauty in death. It is not often that I tear up while smiling (it is not often that I tear up, for that matter) but your fantastic writings have.
ReplyDeleteMy hat off to you good sir, and I hope you make many more.
This series of fics is truly deserving of it's sad tag, in the best way possible.
ReplyDeleteIt take a lot to get me all teary eyed like these did, but you really managed to pull our heartstrings with them.
I cried. I'll admit that. I bawled my eyes out.
ReplyDeleteAfter the third chapter though, I think I was crying more for Luna. Although perhaps fitting, it seems unfair for her, after the grief she's gone through, to also have to be Death.
Oh Dang I'm crying!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I read It out of order...
I read The Last Sonic Rainboom First. (Part 1)
Then On Fragile Wings. (Part 2)
Then Sweet Apple Acres-Chat Room. (Part 3)
And to be honest it made more sense that way.
I feel Part 2 = 1 Part 3 = 2 And Part 1 = 3
But thats just my opinion
Oops,
ReplyDeleteSweet apple acres-chat room. (Part 1)
The last sonic rainboom. (Part 2)
On fragile wings. (Part 3)
But still, dang I was not prepared.
Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. :')
The Last Sonic Rainboom. You got me choked up. I'm normally not one to cry at fics. Bravo, with many a tear, bravo.
ReplyDeleteStory #1 crushed my soul, I literally don't want to read more because I'll only cry too hard. :(
ReplyDeleteI cannot get myself to see anymore MLP after reading things like this...
ReplyDeleteBut thank you.
the last sonic rainboom made me cry manly tears.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful series of fics, heartwarming and sad in the best way. I must ask though, when is the next update? And who is the next chapter going to focus on? (I'm honestly not sure if I can handle any of the other's deaths, but I must know!)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "The Last Sonic Rainboom", I don't think I can handle any more of this. That had me bawling my eyes out.
ReplyDeleteI... it was sudden and kind of weird and felt a lot less necessary than any of the previous ones and I barely know what her daughters looked like or Jewel and oh god what is this mess...
ReplyDeleteI... didn't like it as much. Sorry.
Weeping, just gotta keep weeping.
ReplyDelete@NinesTempest
ReplyDeleteThis has been the hardest to write, Nines, and I was expecting not everypony to like it as much.
It's a different type of ending because that's how I felt Rarity would be - and the germ of an idea that I had demanded this, more showy spectacle.
Part of the feeling is supposed to be the fact that Rarity just ran out of time herself and whilst I know I won't have pulled it off for everypony I do hope I did her justice.
As I said before in the chat, this latest one was a bit more cathartic than the previous to. Where as they were generally sad, in a way that seeped into you slowly, this one was more like a cork popping. Everything came out in a rush and it all hits at once. After that, it's just a relief. So it doesn't come off as being as sad. Not that it's any less dramatic or appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI think that the dialogue could be broken up better to make it a little less difficult to read. It kind of runs together (which is fine for Rarity's bits, but when her daughter's speak, I think it should be set apart)
As I said, I could tell you were having a tough time with it. Some things just need to come out, though, so you can move on.
Still, a good showing none the less.
The pacing on this one was perhaps a bit too fast, and there wasn't enough description, but I was still impressed with the tone of this one. As Sali said above, this one isn't sad so much as... fitting.
ReplyDeleteAnd while they were certainly all fitting, this one had a different impact. It was a sort of somber heartwarming ending, with Rarity going out on her terms in order to help her daughter out.
Spoilers
ReplyDeleteHmm. Yeah, it doesn't quite have the impact of the other chapters. I have no problem with the angle of the daughters. That works fine. I don't even mind the fact that the emotional impact isn't as heavy.
Two things bother me though. One: Rarity knows she is overexerting herself. She probably knows she is basically killing herself as well. As touching as it may be that she does it now for her daughter, the one she feels (not without reason) she has let down so far, I can't help but wonder if Jewel would not have preferred to have some time to spend with her now that she has learned the truth. Even if it would only be a week or so. It just seems kind of selfish from Rarity. I suppose Rarity felt she had to do it now, send her fourth daughter into the world and as part of her company... Hadn't she done it at that time she would probably not have had the chance again. Still, it irks.
Secondly... Why have all the others got a send-off from Luna and/or Celestia, but not Rarity? Not in person, anyway?
@Baree
ReplyDeleteLuna and Celestia were there...I should have showed it perhaps, but I couldn't put in the scene without changing the flow of the story...I may do the directors cut version and put it in :)
@Midnight Shadow
ReplyDeleteI assumed as much, but its good to hear you say it.
Dear princess celestia
ReplyDeletewhy the fuck do i keep reading sad stories
i thought after --
*the rest is an illegible tear stained smear*
read it all in one sitting... mistake
well done sir
I also made the mistake of reading all of these in one go, with the exception of "The Last Sonic Rainboom", which I'd thought to be its own one-time thing. I mistakenly thought after reading that one, I'd re-calibrated my sadfic threshold.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got to "On Fragile Wings" I utterly lost it. As beautiful as it was, it was just as infinitely sad; the loss was as tangible as if I were there.
Never stop.
Damn, I've only read the first part, and I'm about to start bawling. Sad as all get out. And, yes, as jenovaii pointed out, it is very reminiscent of the epilogue in Watership Down (I have read that book 5 times, at least)...hero's death or not, it still makes me sad!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I read the second part, and now I'm crying...whyyy...Rainbow Dash...
ReplyDeleteI feel as if my heart has been trampled on by a million hooves. That was intensely emotional. Dare I read the other two?
Now I've read the third part, 'On Fragile Wings'....so many tears in my eyes now, and I feel tired and weak. Okay, I think it's time for bed. Reading three of these left me feeling so exhausted, somehow. That's not to say that they're in any way bad...actually, it's a complement, and a testament to how well written they are. The sadness is so raw, and true, and it's digging into me. I don't know if I'll read the Rarity one. But those other three...wow.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now I'm off to cry myself to sleep, I guess.
Seriously should not have read part 4 BEFORE an exam.
ReplyDeletePart 2... wonderful... I just don't know if I can read the others now.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, haven't cried like this in years. Think I needed it...
It's all good work, but I think out of the four parts so far, I liked Rarity's the best.
ReplyDeleteThat first one actually made me cry. Dear god I feel manly right now. First fic to ever make me do that. Just so... sad. But endearing. man, dribbling on my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteI must say that Part 4 was quite touching.
ReplyDeleteAll grown mare, understanding and fully accepting the poignant revelation... All 4 daughter had the same elegant wisdom of Rarity.
It may not has been as 'sad' as the previous 3 stories, but this was fine; as it had a different, and more subtle, feeling to it.
Giving the last thing she could, one last push, to a daughter of which she would have wished to give more time in her life.
...Maybe one small thing was missing;
In the other stories, we had a scene where their spirit would be seen interacting (Luna, Celestia...) before departing, which was missing here.
@Nova25
ReplyDeleteThis was a case of me wanting to do it, but I just couldn't make it fit the feel of the story.
I will however come back to it, and it will help explain a few things...
I just remembered why I shouldn't read pure sad. It's got the opposite effect on me. Bittersweet stories, bitter-sweet endings or Pyrrhic victories will make me cry like nothing else, but sad... just makes me smile. This story made me a happy, happy man.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about the mane 6 dying the way they would have wanted to, having lived to old age that makes the world seem that much brighter. There's an end to all things, and you give them the best endings they could ever dream of.
Your writing is excellent and I hope one day, when you're done, to see the last two entries. You made my day.
What is it with sad fics now? like all thos grimdarks few days ago...
ReplyDeleteinteresting nevertheless, I'll give it a go someday.
Oh man, the Party on story made me laugh and cry and then laugh again!! Pinkie went out with a bang, but she wouldn't be Pinkie Pie if she didn't do something over the top! And the ending, oh man, her Granny Pie knew exactly what to do! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if this one was going to continue. Glad it has, another awesome addition.
ReplyDeleteGood to see part five got up without a hitch. Back pats all around!
ReplyDelete@Cassius
ReplyDeleteI owe you guys a bunch for making it that much better. thank you.
Moar comedy tags. There has been a lot of grimdark and sad tags lately.
ReplyDeleteWhy do we do this to ourselves? The reason I love this show so much is the pure joy that it brings to this world. That's the whole point of bronyism, we're rejecting the cynicism of the world for brightly colored ponies.
ReplyDeleteBut we know we must live in this world, and even though we will never see this stories on screen, maybe it helps us understand our world a little bit better.
I've read quite a few [sad]'s that have really gotten to me, but these have just been devastating in their perfection. We have one more to go, though I wish Pinkie's could be set last so as to end the cycle on a hopeful, happy note.
oh man, whos cutting onions in here.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot for tears to appear. These stories very nearly got me there, but not quite.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping you do Applejack justice, see if it changes the track record :P
Each one has been awesome. And the Pinkie one....wow.
ReplyDeleteThis was very good. I love future fics. You portrayed the characters very well. It was sad, but not depressing. Very good job :). Write more.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Pinkie Pies story. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteREALLY loved it. That was favorite sad fic next to "The Centerpiece of My Collection". The ending was superb.
ReplyDeleteThis seems really touching. I think I might read this some years down the road. I don't mind far future or sci-fi fics like End of Ponies or FO:E, but I just don't find it appropriate for myself to read about the ends of the lives of a group of characters who, in current cannon, are around a decade younger than me and I have only been familiar with for a year.
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting for this for months. You didn't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I should smack Midnight Shadow or shake his hand for making me cry manly tears five times in a row....probably go with both.
ReplyDeleteNever before ponies have I cried from pure emotion.
This was... very touching. The depth of the characters and their life histories make the impact of Luna's Final gift that much more heart-wrenching.
Bravo man. Bravo.
-Delta-
[Sad]
ReplyDelete[Sad]
[Sad]
[Sad]
[Sad]
[Sad]
[Sad]
Sweet Celstia, could you get any more in one post?!
Oh goddesses, the tears... they won't stop falling! And dang how manly they are falling...
ReplyDeleteGood job, man! I haven't bawled my eyes out like this in a long time!
I am honestly a little sad that Applejack's is going to be the last story. I can understand why from a story perspective it'll be so, but I really liked how Pinkie's story ended. Not so much on the sobbing sadness part.
ReplyDeleteAlso, yeah. So many manly tears. All of the manly tears. WHY DID I JUST PUT MYSELF THROUGH THIS? WHYYYYYYYY?!
Every single one of these stories absolutely ruined the respective nights (and early mornings) that I devoted to reading them... but in a good way. Stars and stones, they were sad.
ReplyDeleteTwo in particular stood out to me. "The Last Sonic Rainboom" and "Party On" both hit me pretty hard. Leave it to Rainbow Dash to shuffle off her mortal coil in one last blaze of glory and Pinkie Pie to ensure that only smiles would be left in her wake. An excellent job, Midnight Shadow, I fully expect Applejack's story to bring me to blubbering tears too =).
I can handle sad. The "d'aaaw I wanna cuddle the one who has now a really bad time" kind of sad.
ReplyDeleteBut I can't handle soul crushing sadness of desperation, you know? ._.
First night I read the whole Fanfic (all 5 stories) I didn't slept at all, because I was crying. The next day I startet to cry whenever my thoughts went to that story again (impossible to make it unread @.@)
Now it's the third day and my eyes still mist up when I think about this marvelous work and get reminded of it whenever I see something only remotely related to this (i.e. seeing Fluttershy with her bunnies or Rainbow bragging about her skills)
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy definately hit me the most, while there where some funny moments in Raritys and Pinkie Pies story to liften up my spirits a bit (Who would have thought of Rarity to make "this and that" *cough* )
You really did a great job in writing a truly hearth tearing story about the last day of each of the friends and although I guess I'll be a sobbing mess again I will read the last part of your Fanfic once it's done.
@Arsith
ReplyDeleteI didn't just cry manly tears. The sadness transformed me into a female and I cried girly tears until I dehydrated and died. And while dead I met the spirits of the Mane 6, and cried so much that I died as a ghost, which made me come back to life as a man again so I could then cry manly tears.
Parting is such sweet sorrow; and no more sweeter nor more sorrowful could be any partings than these.
I will slap anyone who say this show is for girls
ReplyDeleteYou need extremely well developed characters in order to have grown men cry at their fan written deaths
I salute the little pony team for doing what noone has done in a long time
Made me cry
*sniff*
@Calvin Brower Calvin, I completely agree. Never before ponies have I cried like I cry when reading some of these fanfictions.
ReplyDeleteUntil this day, I did not cry, manly or otherwise, at any fanfics. But the very last line of Pinkie's story, I lost it, completely and utterly.
ReplyDeleteSo I finally got around to reading Party On, and I must say, you exceeded all my expectations with that one, Midnight.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't hurt like The Last Sonic Rainboom did, or have the somber pangs that On Fragile Wings did. No, this most recent one made me smile. I was grinning like a loon at the end of it and I have to say, it fit Pinkie to a T.
This is probably my favorite fanfiction series...
-The mention of Luna watching the tower ‘’exploding twice’’ was pretty subtle, and also an amusing memory to ‘remember’.
ReplyDeleteAll good things must finish with a Big ‘Bang’, one once said.
-Pinky Pie, the now ‘Granny’ Pie, giving the same advice she once was given by her own ‘Granny’ to her grand-daughter... A nice touch, indeed.
The cycle continues... and the show... the show must always go on.
...this last one will need its quote.
> “A test?”
> Then, to the horror of her mother and to howls of laughter from Luna, she began to burp the alphabet. She burped the alphabet loudly and proudly, and she burped the whole thing.
-This end... is the kind of end where you can only think : ‘’This could only have ended that way, and no other way’’.
In fact, this ends this story on a very simple and light note, one at the same time sad, yet ‘funny’ in its own way... all in the famously mysterious Pie’s ways.
-----
Again, it is one more VERY fine addition to this series. A new story, charming in its own particular ‘sober way’, more than respectful to the character... to ‘who’ the character was, and its last moments.
...how to say this... An ‘happy end’, in the only way Pinky Pie would possibly have wanted it to end, I would say. ... :)