• Story: Somewhere Only We Know

    [Sad] This is the rarest of rare fan fictions: the one that not only grabs your attention while you're reading it, but keeps it after it's over. -Pre-reader #15

    I'm still stumped on what image to use for these human in equestria stories. Have some dash.


    Author: Patchwork Poltergeist
    Description: Every night in a little stable just outside of town, the mare lays down to sleep. And every night she has the same dream about her and her friends.
    Google Docs
    Somewhere Only We Know

    FF.net
    Somewhere Only We Know

    Additional Tags: Alternate universe, dream sequence, experimental, old friendships, humans

    156 comments:

    1. Getting "don't have permission to access" on the Google Docs link.

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    2. Anyone else notice that the title is the name of a song by Keane? Me gusta.

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    3. This is the most depressing, saddest story I have read on this site. It ranks up there with the end of the "Amber Spy Glass".

      I'm going to go cry in a corner now

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    4. @Kentora
      I did.

      Because Keane's awesome.

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    5. Ha! Fuck your "Cupcakes." This right here is how you really give someone a gut-punch.

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    6. well now i has a sad and need a hug or pie maybe both

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    7. It is sad, but yet there is its upside.

      The harshness of reality hurts, and yet dreams offer the life such souls belong to.

      In all, a story I enjoyed. May we all find such peace and happiness in our dreams.

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    8. Deep story, kinda makes you teary-eyed.

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    9. This kind of reminds me of Black Beauty.

      Good story, very moving.

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    10. Goddamn, but seeing that little "complete" tag under story posts is about the only thing that makes me read a fanfic.

      I'm so glad I did.

      The pacing is perfect. Another example of exactly why I like the format of the short story above all others.

      Mmm... my own little writing project is probably ready for some more attention now. Thank you, Patchwork Poltergeist. Your story is a testament to the power of literature.

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    11. That was unexpected.
      I rather much enjoyed it.

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    12. @Sandman Same here, except Black Beauty has an unambiguously happy ending and this doesn't. :/

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    13. Manly tears were shed

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    14. This is brilliant, and completely heartbreaking. Excellent work.

      Now I just need to cheer myself up... :(

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    15. I guess we can all relate to this in some way. Made me teary-eyed :( well done.

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    16. Beautifully written. I really felt it for this story. The 1st person narrative is a good choice, since it really helps the reader connect to the character. Every word felt powerful and emotional, And it's a subject that many can relate to.

      Dreams are a beautiful, fragile little thing. Never underestimate their power.

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    17. How was this "human in Equestria"?

      BTW, I didn't really feel much. I know it was sad, but for some reason it never really kicked me in the gut with sad. You know? Like it had a sad theme and premise, but it wasn't able to really affect me emotionally too much like "Bubbles" or "Forever is Forever".

      It was well-written and was interesting, but I didn't really get what I expected based off all these comments about how sad it was.

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    18. I echo the comment comparing this to Black Beauty. It feels very much like that story, what with all the melancholy reminiscing and having escapist fantasies and whatnot...

      Well written though! The pacing and description is nicely done; just enough to give some depth to the mentioned characters without making the backstories overlong. Verrah nice! :)

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    19. i really didnt get it...humans came and made them slaves or..? someone explain please :/

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    20. I wasn't saddened very much by this one, but I certainly found it very thought-provoking in its juxtaposition of reality and fantasy. The entire concept channels the comedy-tragedy of works like James Thurber's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", and I certainly can't complain when ponies are added to the mix.

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    21. Oh man.
      Oh MAN.
      Why did I read this? This was beautiful, but now...I'm sad.
      My goodness this was amazing. Never in a long time have I read a 'fic this emotional.
      Just...Not to get me crying, but just so...sad. But I love it. I really do.
      Brilliant.

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    22. Is it possible to feel upset and overjoyed at the same time?

      I started thinking about what her idea of heaven would be like in this story. I established that her 'heaven' was her dream world, and that was all there was to it. ;_;

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    23. @Thesyn Rainbow Dash is a pony in the real world that dreams she's in Equestria, where she and her friends are all still together and in their prime.

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    24. Dear Author,

      Fuck you.

      P.S.: 5 stars

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    25. The moment I saw the title, my first thought was this:

      http://www.furaffinity.net/view/5757437

      It fit almost perfectly.

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    26. @Tiroth

      oh god i just got hit with the sadness of it all...i guess thats what i get for reading it half asleep...thanks man.

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    27. Hmm. I might have to read this, if only because its title is also the name of a song by Keane. And the song is incredible.

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    28. @Thesyn I think it's supposed to be that the dreams are just that: dreams of another world where her and her friends are free. It's sort of a swap, where Equestria is just a dream world. At least, that's the impression I got.

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    29. @Tiroth I said "reminds" me of, not it is just like it. The way the horse side is told is what reminded me of it. Yes, it's a very sad ending and completely different than Black Beauty. Does this change the fact that both are good stories and very moving? No.

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    30. @Sandman Woah, I don't mean I think it's bad - heck, it deserves its five star rating. I just meant this fic doesn't pull its punches. Not that Black Beauty does either, but it at least has some hope at the end.

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    31. i really cant say anything that hasnt already been said, great story, still crying in a good way though. 5/5 (btw i hate sad storys ;)

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    32. If I wasn't emotionally stunted I would have cried!

      @Thesyn
      In reality they are ponies in what looks like industrial revolution (mid 1800s) England, but one can always dream...

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    33. Even after reading sad fics the past few hours this one still hit me...

      :'''''C

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    34. Beautiful story. I read the whole thing while I happened to be listening to this on repeat:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJsyMmC76aM

      I almost cried.

      Almost.

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    35. Dude I think that this story kinda fits bronies in general, ya know? We get to escape from the world by watching this great show and being in this great community.

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    36. Wow, just... wow.

      It gave me chills. Not as sad as some I have read, but it really was a bit of a gut punch.

      Closest thing I can think of is Watership Down, and the Rabbit's view of the world.

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    37. manlytears.jpg, slowclap.gif, fuckyeah.jpg, etc....

      This is sincerely the most emotional and incredible fan-fiction I have ever read. I appreciate the skill of the author SO much that for the FIRST time in my frequently posting, six-month Bronydom (other than YouTube comments), I will post with my handle to further emphasize my appreciation for his/her art (even though I REALLY love being an anon).

      I started tearing up at the amazingly crafted first line. I often look at a pure blue sky and wistfully wish I was happy enough to enjoy its true splendor. The first tear fell at the point Pinkie Pie asked about the knee. Because of the tags, I expected it to be a disabled human dreaming he/she was Dashie. The reality of it was far more powerful. Tears fell with embarrassing frequency throughout the non-italicized section. When the "reality" part was over (and my chest was spattered with tears), the return to italics made me weep audibly. The last line made me lie down, and cry like a little girl for a bit. I read it twice and had pretty much the same reaction both times.

      Patchwork Poltergeist, your work is why I visit this site over a dozen times daily. I enjoy almost all the fan art/fics, but always hope for a true gem like yours to surface, and move me to become a better person. Please choose to write fiction for a career, so that I can buy your work. I could rant on and on about my love for this piece, but it would become repetitive. I wish I could hug you right now, Patchwork Poltergeist, because after your fic, I really need a hug.

      /end love letter to Patchwork Poltergeist

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    38. You kicked me in the balls with this. Fucking fuck shit.

      5 stars all around. I never give five stars. I don't have anything to say that isn't already said.

      Fuck my life.

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    39. I'm getting flashbacks from reading Black Beauty many years ago.

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    40. Dat fucking writefagJune 6, 2011 at 12:29 AM

      I hope for the sake of the author that Celestia will take over the world and eradicate mankind in this story.

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    41. GUYS! It's not an old decrept horse having dreams about Equestria!
      It's Rainbow Dash having nightmares about being an old decrept horse!

      Right...
      Right?

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    42. It better be or someone is going to be slain.

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    43. And then Patchwork ruined Fall Weather Friends for everypony. (Or at least the opening)

      @Kentora
      Before I sent this in, I actually considered linking in this fanfiction's namesake (and inspiration), or an instrumental of it, but I figured it'd be laying it on too thick. Also, I couldn't think of a good place for it to try and synch.

      @Abjuron
      Wow, that might be both the longest and best feedback I've ever received. (And to think, half of today I was convinced it'd get totally ignored!)
      I'm glad that this story managed to do what I set out to do, and really, there's no better review than tears. *gives many internet hugs*

      @ Everypony Else:

      Good eye on the Black Beauty comparisons; a good deal of it was indeed drawn from it.

      Originally, this was actually planned to be a more grimdark story, but somewhere along the way, it turned more melancholy and bittersweet.
      I blame Pinkie Pie. She just wouldn't let me make it grimdark. Which is probably for the best.

      Also, Seth, how did you know that was EXACTLY the image I wanted for this story? Are you living in my brain? O_O

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    44. @ a href #c3672751879237118018 >Filiecs /a>

      No wonder she takes so many naps!

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    45. @Patchwork Poltergeist
      Is this really a first go for you? It was incredible. I don't think I've ever seen an author use font as a plot element.

      I'm going to... lie down... and write a critique in the morning. Writing a critique of perfection is hard though.

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    46. @NinesTempest

      It's a first go for Pony, though certainly not a first for fanfiction, or writing in general. I haven't written any fanfiction about a main character in forever though.

      It is my first time experimenting with font like this though, I'm glad it turned out as well as it did. (Though it made HELL for formatting in DeviantArt)

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    47. Reminds me of Buddha's Little Finger, except with ponies instead of Communists. Equestria is Dash's beloved Inner Mongolia.

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    48. This is beautiful, but so depressing! I swear, this will haunt me the next time I watch an episode.

      Gold stars. *sniff*

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    49. @NinesTempest

      You want? You can has!

      http://cunningcoyote.deviantart.com/art/Somewhere-Only-We-Know-211907630

      @Filiecs

      Yep, the way it's written for ambiguity, it can totally be read as either reality dreaming of the other.

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    50. @Patchwork Poltergeist I'd say this is up there with Circle of Friends as one of the most touching short story fanfics ever. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Absolutely astonishing work, and you make me wish I was a Rito so I could flippin' fly too.

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    51. @Thesyn

      I was sad, but then I convinced myself that Rainbow Dash was having a bad dream.

      Yes that's what it must be....just a bad dream. SHUT UP I WON'T LISTEN TO REASON LALALLALLALALA

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    52. @Patchwork Poltergeist

      I never actually considered that perhaps Equestria Dash was dreaming of Earth. But I now instantly accept that idea because it turns this story into the happiest thing ever.

      Anyways, a great story, wonderfully written. I appreciated the Keane reference if you were indeed intending to make it.

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    53. Amazing. Just wow.

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    54. Something about this just didn't click with me. It's incredibly well written, a very good story, but to me it just felt... melancholy. If I think about it hard it enough, I do sorta feel the sadness from it, but I just can't visualize this.

      Still a good story though.

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    55. Taking a sip of my own medicine having bashed out some sadfics, I read this.

      My eyes were moist and I had to go hug my pillow for a while.

      I like the contrast between Equestria and...the not-Equestria. Heartbraking.

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    56. This was a great story. Seriously.

      I don't like to discriminate and say one world is "real" and another isn't, so I'm going to just assume both Dashes are dreaming about each other.

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    57. The whole premise of this story really appeals to me. The contrast between how Dash and her friends appear in her dreams versus reality, the melancholy air that runs through it - it's wonderful and so incredibly bittersweet. I shed manly tears indeed.

      Thank you for writing it Patchwork.

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    58. Tryin' so hard not to cry right now. This is really, very, incredibly good. Thank you, Patchwork.

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    59. I had to comment again....

      @Anonymous said it best

      Dear Author,

      Fuck you.

      P.S.: 5 stars

      --------------

      This is what the [Sad] tag was made for...

      @Filiecs
      I'm going to be telling myself this all day long, well, all week long.

      ---

      DAMMIT SYNCHTUBE! Don't play Fall Weather Friends

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    60. Gods, that's going to stay with me for days. That has really gotten to me.

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    61. that broke my heart...

      dammit...

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    62. @Patchwork Poltergeist
      Okay I'm going to be a post modern asshole and disagree.

      that last line made it seem like earth-dash was dreaming of Fall Weather Friends every single time she had a dream of being Rainbow Dash, so I don't understand how that's entirely possible, unless both are reliving the same day over and over.

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    63. what did i just read.
      why did i just read it.
      can i haz regret? im just sad now...
      great story.

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    64. Wow ... that was a damn good story.

      Very sad, but very good.

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    65. I feel tempted to read this...

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    66. @Patchwork Poltergeist

      I think Pinkie asking Dash about her leg kinda suggests that Equestria is the dream and Earth is reality. If she didn't ask Dash if her leg felt better, then optimists could look at the Earth side as a dream and Equestria as reality, and pessimists could think vice-versa.

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    67. Though that being said, it is a wonderful piece of literature that really does make you think.

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    68. @Asgard314
      Yeah, I know, I just like to give a little spot of hope to a few brokenhearted bronies out there.

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    69. Dat fucking writefagJune 6, 2011 at 2:17 PM

      Poltergeist, does heaven exist?

      Since all the ponies' death is near in the "reality", Equestria becoming everypony's heaven is the only hope I can get out of the story.

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    70. Not. Gonna. Cry. Not. Gonna... *sniff* BAWWWWWW

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    71. I liked it, but I didn't really feel sad over it. Something must be wrong with me.

      Most of the time while I was reading, I was just thinking about how the mane cast must look as realistic Earth ponies (since Applejack seems like the only one that could actually exist color-wise, because the others are brightly colored). I was also thinking that AJ's irl "cutie mark" could be injuries from the repeated branding she's received.

      Completely missing the point here, Anon.

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    72. @ Patchwork Poltergeist
      Psst
      If you don't want to break the hearts of bronies, you gotta not write things this sad!

      See, now we need something to cheer us up, but it can't be ponies cuz that will make it worse. :p

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    73. I watered up almost immediately after the first transition, I admit; and I also admit that I came close to absolutely losing the battle entirely several times after that. More surprisingly, it didn't seem like a straight sadfic when I was reading it, so I suppose I was just catching on to little hints that the author tucked away without realizing it. Using Dash didn't help me any, because it is hard for me to not lose it when these kinds of stories of are written about her.

      A fantastic story, and the pacing is perfect as stated above. That being said, I'm not sure I caught the implication in the ending that people above said they were completely losing their shit over, and against all good sense I'm going to ask if one of the Bronies who read this story can help me understand what was going on.
      I will admit that I started tearing up again as I came close to the final sentences, but I couldn't quite place why I was doing so.

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    74. @TenchiFreak5
      >IRL She was reminiscing of how she wished she could run with Applejack again
      >"Not a bad pitch, for a pony who works with her head in the clouds," horse-shoe throwing
      >Last two lines are the same as the start of the fic
      >Guess

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    75. @ NinesTempest

      I'm afraid I just don't get it then. I caught all of that, but I assumed that the general melancholy of the fantasy when compared to reality is the reason that it bothered me.


      But some of the reactions I've seen to the story make me think that I should have gotten something more out of it than that, and the thing that I automatically came to my mind didn't seem like it was actually what happened.

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    76. If someone is this far in the comments BOOM SPOILERS

      @TenchiFreak5
      It... it's more of a harsh rendition of Equestria, that it doesn't exist and the "Rainbow Dash" we know is just a dream of a sad horse who is reliving one episode over and over again. That is supposed to be the sad, but honestly it's more of a gut-punch to the possible reality of this scenario. I didn't find it sad, just kind of... an eye opener. Forgive the trope but "fridge horror," only with sad, explains it I think.

      Honestly almost every sad fic people say they cried, but I think I've only cried twice? One was Forever is Forever and I forget the other one completely. Oh well. I'm cool.

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    77. So, one reality is supposed to be a dream?

      The way I interpreted it was they were in Equestria the whole time, but at some point humans came and enslaved the ponies and Dash was dreaming of the old days.

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    78. @ NinesTempest

      Oh, shit. Reliving the same episode. Now I get it. I didn't catch that distinction. I saw that her dreams were starting the same way, but I assumed that the description of the sky was a metaphor for her feelings while she was dreaming (compared to her normal life), and after that things would go off in a different direction with each dream.


      That does explain why people were treating the ending as a gut punch much more than I was. That explains everything, actually. Much obliged.

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    79. SPOILERS
      ////////

      The way I read it, the ponies in their canon forms don't exist. They only exist in that form in the dreams of Rainbow Dash, who in this fic is a regular mare who I assume is living on Earth.

      In Dash's dreamworld, she is the Rainbow Dash in the show, with wings, endless freedom, etc. The other ponies exist in the real world too but they are just regular mares like Dash. They too are represented in her dreams as the canon ponies. They are just exaggerated versions of Dash's old friends based on whatever personality quirks they have in the real world.

      Although I don't think she's just dreaming about Fall Weather Friends over and over. I think the implication is that all of the canon episodes exist in tired old Rainbow Dash's mind.

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    80. For some reason, the fate of real-life Rarity in this hit me really hard. Animal cruelty all up ins. :(

      Yeah, this really much made me see the show in a new light. Great story.

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    81. it was incredibly touching. i couldn't help but feel sad for rainbow dash....

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    82. @All the bronies in here who think they're somehow missing something: You aren't.

      Writing affects different people in different ways. My eyes didn't even get moist to this, but this is because I'm really not given to crying at all. It doesn't seem to be in my nature. I don't think I've ever genuinely broken down and cried about something, it's always been half-forced.

      Just because I didn't cry doesn't mean I wasn't affected however. In fact, this is the single most powerful fanfic I've read, period.

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    83. So far, this is the only of three fics that have made me almost tear up - tearing up, the other two being Forever is Forever, and Tales.

      God this shit is good.

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    84. Ima gonna go cry now.

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    85. Personally, the reason this story really connected with me (and, likely, why it connected with so many bronies) is the connection we have with Rainbow in this story. We go about our lives, letting ourselves get lost in seas of gray; we see old, lost friends friends, we long for past happiness, we suffer old wounds. And then, for a little bit, we can escape to a world of bright colors, beautiful magic, and unending friendship. Even if it is fleeting and it's the same day we've watched a thousand times before...

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    86. Very well done story, Mr. Patchwork. Very descriptive and always engaging and interesting.

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    87. WHY.JPG

      I haven't cried so hard since Mufasa's death...

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    88. From a technical point of view, I can't really fault it.

      I can't say I liked it, though. It just simply wasn't to my tastes.

      I did, however, view the story differently from most of the users who have commented so far.

      The more cynical posters have taken the view that the world with humans is the real world and Equestria is just Dash's dream. The more idealistic posters have flipped them around.

      I'm taking the view that we're looking at the same day as experienced by two alternate universe counterparts of Rainbow Dash. One is a fairly ordinary horse from a universe with humans and technology no later than the 19th century. The other is the world full of intelligent ponies we know and love.

      So, how does the alternate universe view account for the description of the human-world Dash as being old? Well, quite simply, horses don't live as long as humans. So, if Dash is in her early 20s in the series (young adult for a human (which is how she's treated in-universe)), and her counterpart is the same age, then the counterpart who is an ordinary horse is going to be in her old age simply by being a shorter-lived species.

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    89. This was really well written. I have to disagree with everyone about the saddest part, I think it's when Pinkie mentions Dash's knee. I mean, the last couple of lines aren't exactly the same as the first. Nothing in the fic itself really implies that it's the same dream each time.

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    90. that was realy sad...very well written...but sad
      i guess reading the comments made it a liitle bit worse.... i thought she dreamed the old-mare-stuff...mow that i know its not... i guess i´ll hold on to my imagination and maybe won´t be depressed for days ^^

      anyway... that was a very good read, realy moving

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    91. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    92. @Patchwork Poltergeist

      This is definitely one of my favorite fanfics of all time. I love the underlaying theme and the importance of dreams that it underlays. It has the capability to depress people, but I take it as a reason to love life a bit more and be grateful for your friends.

      That being said, Celelestia Radio is hosting a fanfic reading contest. I've wanted to enter it, but haven't found a decent fanfic to read until now. Would you mind if I read this piece for the contest?

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    93. T__T
      Manly tears
      Me Gusta

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    94. God dangit! Stop making well written stories that sadden me and somehow manage to creep me out at the same time!

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    95. Rainbow dash is my favorite pony....
      and thinking of her....chained, or tied up like that..... saddens and angers me....


      but this was a fine fan fic.

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    96. "Oh, Applejack."

      NNGGHHHH
      Every time.

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    97. God, this is a haunting story.

      The scene with the waking world Applejack will likely be burnt into my mind for a long time.

      Ouch. And I mean that in the best possible way...

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    98. Listen to the guy whose fannish handle comes from a unicorn getting chopped during the French Revolution:

      To paraphrase my writing partner's comment upon watching "The Passion", I have read one of the best fanfics I don't ever want to read again. Ever.

      After reading this one, I could not watch an episode of MLP:FIM for three weeks because of the flashbacks. Occasionally I still shudder when I see a cutie mark and see a branding iron.

      I told my writing partner to avoid this one. Reason being he's had experience in a Horse Rescue organization, rescuing and rehabbing abused horses, and the RL sequences in this fic would hit way too hard.

      Headless Unicorn Guy

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    99. That... that was really sad.... 5/5 stars easily...

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    100. soooo, we are a rainbow dash dream?(←hoping)

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    101. Wow... that sure hit me hard. Wonderful fic. Your style is wonderful. Please, keep writing!

      6/5

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    102. Kimba the White LionAugust 14, 2011 at 1:21 AM

      @Patchwork Poltergeist

      Hey Patchwork,

      First off, lemme say I read this story 2 months ago, I've read it numerous times, and I still tear up every time I think about it. I read this while playing Claire De Lune, and now I tear up every time I hear that song.

      For 3 days after I read this story, I couldn't function normally. I had that lump in my throat when I spoke, and the world constantly seemed rainy (I blame teary eyes). It also happened to be my dog's birthday and I choked up on the phone when I called home. Now all I do is wonder about what she dreams, what she thinks of when I go off to college for month at a time, whether she misses me.

      I didn't even read the story writing this review and there's a tear streaming down my face. You have redefined sad for me. Hopelessness really hits me hard, and I still haven't recovered.

      I want to be mad at you, but I can't. You've truly written a sad, powerful, wonderful, moving, incredible, touching story, which still affects me to this day.

      - Kimba -

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    103. Wow, this story really makes you think. It definately made me teary eyed. I think everyone else has covered what's so great about this story, so I can't really come up with anything different to tell you. All I have left to say is 5/5. Well done.

      P.S. Off topic, but can someone please tell me what happened to the story "Forever Is Forever". I've seen it brought up in the comments, but I can't find it at all. And I really would like to give it a shot.

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    104. Dammit, saw the title and cried for half an hour.
      You've changed not only my plans for today, but even my attitude about the world, all from the damn title.

      I want to be able to do that, and now, maybe I can...

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    105. *sniffles and wipes a few tears* I can't, nor do I ever want to imagine Rainbow Dash or any of them like that...... they are a part of my childhood...... I love them.

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    106. Dude...you got me to cry. Now I'm afraid to watch the show because I'll think of what it really means and lose my shit.

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    107. I can't believe I'm about to say this.....

      But this is another way you could give this an optimistic ending....

      https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0Bz0uoaPEmWsHOThhODkyNjgtMjIxMi00NTRiLWExNmEtNTllMzhjZDBkYmNi&hl=en%20

      It's an alternate ending to Cupcakes... but it actually could apply here too... and it helps bring a sense of calm back to Equestria.

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    108. Filiecs is right!

      It's not the mare having nightmares.... it's Rainbow Dash having them!

      Equestria's the reality and the real world's the dreamworld..... it has to be!!!

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    109. and btw, I'm the one who gave the alternate ending and part of my childhood comments... so now the individual has a name.

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    110. This was... beautifully written, gut wrenching, tear inducing...
      Also I'm glad to hear so many of you like Keane, that's my favorite song by them :3
      But honestly, I think I'm going to stop reading the fanfiction. I've only read two, this and Cupcakes, and both were terrifying. The only thing that can save it for me is the happy ending alternates. Sad times are had by all involved D':

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    111. @Dashmaster

      You read the most grimdark of all pony fics and one of the saddest and you want to give up on fics in general?
      Try avoiding fics with the grimdark and sad tags instead.
      You like Friendship is Magic, right? There are plenty of amazing 6 star stories that expand and enhance the show without hurting the characters you love and making you cry.

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    112. I read the first part, the end, went back up, went and read some in the middle... OH GOD.

      I think it's getting to me already. :/

      This isn't the kind of sadfic that a hug will make better, is it? AAAAH! *runs away*

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    113. It was very tricky, but I managed to find 'Forever is forever' for those who asked.

      https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CWoMxLRH8XbaKgGAcv364-3WDQY8N2KiiX9zkblijiA/edit?hl=en

      Also, it's been a day since I read 'Somewhere only we know' and it tears me up every time I think about it.

      Truely one of the best stories I've read in my life. 6/5

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    114. So I made two mistakes this evening.

      1) I read the entirety of this fic before heading out of the house with my brother.
      2) I turned on my iPod and put on a playlist.

      Normally, this wouldn't, and shouldn't, have been a problem. I mean, yes, I was still a little melancholy from the fic I'd just read. And yes, maybe watching the gray rain clouds in the sky were a little more depressing than usual. And yes, perhaps the desaturation of colors from a weeks worth of rain and clouds mutated into a tiny tumor of sadness on my throat, choking me up at near indiscernable levels. So, I turned my iPod on to improve my mood.

      Now, I make no apologies for my taste in music - I listen to a LOT of Japanese pop music. After all, I studied the language a little, and have some basic proficiency in translating speech; when the singer sings his moonspeak, I usually have a good idea of what the lyrics are all about.

      And then this song came on, and it was all I could do to hold the tears back: http://db.tt/Sj8CnB7

      The song opened disarmingly enough; The smooth notes of a violin cuts cleanly across the gentle rhythm of a keyboard, like a path winding through a forest as the rain patters down softly on leaves and earth alike. I relaxed into my seat and my post-fic melancholy, ready to enjoy the uplifting lyrics.

      Oops, sorry - THREE mistakes.

      To the horror of my manly pride, everything in this song reminded me of the Dash from the fic, beginning with a subconscious reminder of the imagery that "real Dash" woke up to when the font changed, and ending with an unbroken spirit amidst dreams, a fit and flying Dash racing back to her friend Applejack. It was like a burst of colors, a rainbow of hope amidst all the stormy gray I drove through, and it took everything I had not to sniffle in front of my brother.

      This is my translation of the first verse and chorus of the song; words written in ALL CAPS are "Engrish" left untranslated from the original lyrics. Enjoy your man tears, bronies. I... I need to go wipe some dust from my eye. And also sob uncontrollably on my bed.

      ----
      AROUND THE WORLD ~Shin Seikatsu Ouen mix~


      Here before my very eyes
      An aimless future unfolds for me;
      I'd been watching it all alone.
      Even though I could see the way,
      I had been merely spending days
      Passing the hours marching on my own.

      Even though I had no idea what dreams were even for
      "Where am I even going?"
      I'd begun to ask myself this.

      TAKE ME AWAY from all the BAD DAYS,
      WANNA BE FREE and chase my own way;
      I'll make it to your side travelling on my BRAND NEW ROAD.
      TWILIGHT fades to its last beams,
      But hearts are lit by the strength of their dreams
      And they will burst into this world, Shining down upon the path on which we'll go!
      -----

      tl;dr: After reading this wonderful, wonderful fic, a moonspeak song nearly made me cry like a filly. Five out of five, and damn you for changing my world forever why isn't this rated six stars.

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    115. Holy loneliness Batman.

      If I ever feel too happy and want to shock my system, all I have to do is give this a call.

      There's no happy ending, there's no way there could be a happy ending, there's only the sadness...and the loneliness...oh how could I forget the loneliness...

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    116. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    117. Ouch. I'm not given to crying, but the Applejack bit had me very close.

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    118. Oh man, I felt numb after reading this. Just like the whole left side of my body just had a weird case of goosebumps. THEN, I cried afterwords. Manly tears shamelessly shed.

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    119. Ow, so very sad.
      Of course, it is also a painful mirror of ourselves and our devotion to these beautiful ponies that live only in our dreams. A very accurate mirror.

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    120. Why. Why must I keep reading sadfics.

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    121. @Thesyn Let me explain it like this: Have you ever heard of "St. Elsewhere"?

      Essentially another hospital-based show, it is best remembered for the finale: where it's revealed that the ENTIRE SHOW was just made up by an autistic child.

      This fic essentially uses that twist, by having "Friendship Is Magic" turn out to be a dream a horse in OUR reality has.

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    122. This makes me feel cold inside...

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    123. 5/5, Really like the first person perspective of Rainbow Dash. the foreshadowing, transitions, and sorrow was all really good to read. Felt like a real mind, going through a real thought process, not some crap fan mind where THERE mind gets thrown in.

      But, i never really got hit by [sad]. I see where you tried to put it in, but i couldn't really relate i guess. But, the storyline was still brilliant and well written.

      -Good job, good read.

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    124. Wow. That was a sad story. Though, I do have to point out, normally a horse that broke its leg would be put down on the spot.

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    125. @DJilliill
      True, but Dash didn't break her leg per se, just badly injured it. (Though honestly with the spill she took at the speed she was going, Plot Armor is likely the only reason why it was a sprain or twist instead of a break.)

      That and Dash is the only horse he has left at this point and can't afford another one.

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    126. This is my first time reading My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfiction, and this story is one of the best (and eeriest) stories I've ever read.

      Still wrapping my brain around the notion that they're all just "normal" ponies. I wonder if other animals really do dream... I suppose we're the ponies, aren't we. And MLP: FIM is sometimes our escapist fantasy, just like it's Dash's fantasy in the story. So meta. On so many levels.

      Now if you'll excuse me, I have three midterms to study for. I'm also going to listen to "Winter Wrap Up" about eight hundred times while crying into a mug of hot chocolate.

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    127. well im not even sure what to say. it hit hard. nicely done.

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    128. A+, brony. Beautifully written. A very interesting concept you have there, very deep. The entirety of Equestria is just the fantasy of an old mare whose life is boring and bleak. She dreams up a new world... One that's exciting, and colorful, and cheerful, and perfect. And all her friends are there. They're technicolor, but nevertheless, they're there.

      Personally I didn't have my tears jerked here, but I'll be thinking about this story for quite a while. It wasn't sad to me...it was just amazing and incredibly deep. :O I guess my tears are jerked by tragedy...

      This actually reminds me of that person that made a panel-based "ending" to Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. The entirety of the world was just the imagination of an autistic Frankie, and the snowglobe she always stared at...was the home that all the friends were kept in. Oh boy, was that sad. Not in the boo-hoo way, more in the deep way.

      I guess that's how this story falls into the "sad" category. It's deep. And beautifully written. 13/13, brony.

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    129. Sorry to say this, but I didn't find anything sad at all about this. I can see how Equestria in Rainbows mind was something she loved to see when she fell asleep, and how her real life was much more dull and grey than Equestria, but this story just didn't hit the sad-spot.

      Still a good story though :)

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    130. For a second there I thought her master was taking Dash to a glue factory. No idea why I thought that, but it was disturbing to say the least.

      Thanks for this lovely short story, awesomely done!

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    131. My eyes reared up when I read this. Especially when the Keane song started playing in my head.

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    132. I missed this when it was posted, but I've fixed that now. This was one beautiful story... sad, yes, although it didn't really make me tear up. I think what I like the most about it is that it doesn't firmly establish one world as only imaginary and the other real - the reader is free to interpret either world as the dream or reality, and that keeps it from being overly depressing for me. Very nicely done.

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    133. I can't imagine wearing blinders. It would be like playing MW3 all the time!

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    134. @Gryffinz

      /)O_O(\

      Someone, quick!
      Draw a picture of a pair of eyes "reared up"!

      This is an amazing and powerfully emotional story that proved that it is possible for mere words to utterly destroy your day... for 3 days.

      I return to this page after so many months. By the date of the saved file, I found this fic in June.

      When I first read this short story... It just wrecked me. I shed tears, I struggled the next day. My job sucked, I had no money, I was behind on bills... I could only focus on how miserable the real world was being to me.

      This story gave me my very first pony dream. It was the kind of thing you just don't ever want to wake up from... but you do. I now only remember that it was a pony dream. I can't even recall what it was about.

      I recommend the story, but if you have even a relatively empathic type personality... well, imagine if your brain had a sack... this story will kick it squarely and hold nothing back. Just a forewarning.

      I was reminded of this fic due to the recent parody reading by "Rainbow Dash Presents:" The parody is good, but it is parody. Don't expect it to take the story as seriously as it truly is. It's a fun take on something soul crushingly good.

      Read this first though.

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    135. I see a lot how this story relates to Black Beauty but seems to go in more depth of our own personalities and the way we cope with the many stresses of life. Creating our own home in our imagination is one of many, sometimes it's not perfect but what we wish for instead. Showing that at least you can always find a source of happyness, even if your the only one who sees it.

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    136. @Hivemind

      Yea I felt the same way, dash is also my favorite pony and still nothing :P. The only thing I've ever really shed a manly tear from was the memories comic. Either way an amazingly deep story.

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    137. Oh my gosh...This is...beauiful. The idea the story revolves around was original and amazing, and you did an outstanding job making the most of it. You are a very talented writer, and what a touching story you have written.

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    138. I actually went and wrote my own followup to it....

      Patchwork, I hope you're not mad...

      I just had to do it for my own healing proccess...

      If ya want to add it to your thing, go ahead... all I'd ask is for one thing...

      Credit on the link.

      http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7528302/1/Comfort_from_Reality

      Again, all I'd like is credit

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    139. Why have I not commented on this yet? Also, why is it not 6 stars?

      I have a hunch that people read this and then were so depressed by the concept that they 1-starred it just because they CAN'T HANDLE THE AWESOME.

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    140. Reality sucks. Life is so limiting

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    141. This story is legitimately heartbreaking. Probably the most intense and thought-provoking of the "sadfics" I have read... trouble is, that is why I shirk to recommend it to ponies... It actually robbed me of sleep. It is quite brilliant. Giving a song title to this fic is the best thing Keane have ever done in my mind!

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    142. This is the second most beautiful fanfic I have read. Artistically, it is on par with My Little Dashie. Not nearly as emotional, but I enjoyed reading it every bit as much.

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    143. I watched FiMFlamFilosophy's parody first, it didn't help to soften the blow at all.

      My head is pounding and I'm having trouble breathing from the crying.

      5 stars

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    144. @Kits

      This is sadder than the ending of fist of the north star movie, when ken got done fighting and entire army but in the end the town gets blown up leaving only ken alive, and forcing him to carry the wishes of the dead on his shoulders...; (

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    145. This is an amazing story. It didn't affect me as much as it has some others, but it was a nice melancholy nonetheless. The one thing I want to know is what happened to Fluttershy; Dash clearly knows her (and if Cutie Mark Chronicles can be applied, was one of the first ponies at the stable), but I wasn't able to find a mention of her. Unfortunately, I can kind of see her personality being that of a rather timid foal who died many years ago, and Dashie's just holding on to her memory. Chronicles may support it.

      And taking the story of the series into account, it seems reasonable to extrapolate that Dash and Fluttershy were once living at some other stable, and since then have moved to (were bought by) the current one, where Applejack, at least, likely was already. So not only have the six scattered and been crippled in one way or another (though we don't know about Pinkie, Twilight, or Fluttershy) the stable itself has also run into troubles; it was buying new ponies about fifteen years ago, and has since sold all but an ornery old mare with a bad knee.

      Like the pre-reader said, this certainly keeps a hold on you even after you finish—in my case, resulting in over-analysis of the backstory. So while it might not be one of the most emotionally affecting I've read, it is still one of the best. Thank you for putting it up for us!

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    146. "DEAR GOD HELP ME
      OH GOD
      AAAAAAAAA"

      that's me

      i'm the zombie from half-life, backwards

      this fic

      aaaaaaaaaa

      you wound me sir

      aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

      5 stars

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    147. @WovenTales
      Wow, good guess dude! Yeah, in my own little canon for this story (which is way more detailed than a one shot has any business being, Dash's owner has a totally irrelevant backstory) that's exactly what happened - Fluttershy died as a yearling. I never exactly decided on how, which is partly why it's not actually in the story.

      Meanwhile, if it helps anyone sleep easier at night: Twilight's doing pretty darn okay being a mount for a doctor and Pinkie's just hanging out as a silly family pony (and actually died of old age before the story currently takes place).

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    148. @Patchwork PoltergeistThe Twilight information is interesting (and I really wish had been put into the story), but it's confusing (and the opposite of uplifting) to find out Pinkie Pie died of old age. While clearly "Dash" was no longer young, I never felt that she was actually at the age where she could die of old age, especially considering it's stated Applejack looks to be twice her age (meaning that for her to look like that, it'd have to be plausible for someone to live to be twice Dash's age, making it odd that she would be in "die of old age" range).

      Honestly I think that's my biggest problem with the story. I really wish more information about the "real world" had been provided. Information on what's going on for Twilight, more information on what things were like in the past, more information on what things are like in the present...really makes me wish someday there might be a rewrite or sequel to somehow go into more detail on that, as you seemed to have indicated you had it more fleshed out than was apparent in the story. Because I thought the premise was great, but wish it had been done in more detail.

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