500 Word MLP:FiM Fanfic Challenge

[Ashbad 969]

UPDATE; PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS NEW TOPIC, WHICH HAS ALL UPDATED ENTRIES IN A LIST, READY FOR VOTING STARTING FRIDAY: http://mlpforums.com...hallenge-voting

 

 

Need something to keep your mind off the wait for Season 3, intra-community "drama", or the fact you have ideas for short fanfics that could never be 1000 words long and therefore be accepted by FimFiction or EqD?

 

If so, enter the challenge of writing a fanfic about MLP:FiM... using only 500 words. Sounds easy? Just wait until the competition fires up!

 

Guidelines:

 

- The word count of your fanfic must be no more than 500 words, and no less than 250.

- It actually needs to be about MLP:FiM.

- No OCs.

- No Gore, Clop (GrimDark is fine as long as it's SFW)

- No trollfics. Please, just don't.

 

.. And that's about it.

 

Just a fun competition for all to enjoy! Maybe I'll judge all the posted entries once we have a lot of them to find the top 3 or so, but overall this should be a silly and fun contest.

 

 

*** Note: these won't be submittable on FimFiction, which requires all entered stories to be at least 1000 words. ***

 

Due Date: August 17th (by Noon, EST (GMT -5))

 

I'll leave you with a related quote:

 

"I'd write you something short, but I just don't have the time." ~Mark Twain

 

 

 

 

COMPLETED ENTRIES:

 

I have compiled a list of all submitted authors and their stories. These stories are © 2012 by their respective authors, who hold full ownership of them.

 

 

List of completed entries:

 

 

Finesthour/Crona/Incognito

 

Spike cleared his desk of all unwanted items that blocked room for his elbow so he could continue to write on the parchment that laid flat in front of him. Picking up his trusty quill, he began to move the tip once more. He had remembered what Twilight told him to put down, as she was not here at the moment. She told him that she was extremely busy, and needed some alone time in her room. Being the trusty assistant he was, Spike did not question her motives in the slightest. He wrote:

 

Dear Princess Celestia,

 

Today I learned that you need to take care of your friends, even if you barely know them at all.

 

Today I am going to help Big Macintosh with his problems, thanks to what I have learned.

 

I hope I can make him feel very good.

 

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle.

 

After Spike finished writing, he spat his green fire out at the parchment, and it was sent away to the Princess herself. After it disappeared and the smoke vanished out of the window, he began to think about what exactly he just wrote. He thought to himself,

 

“What exactly did she mean by making him feel better?” Being the lad he was, Spike could only think of impure things, so he decided he needed to find out himself. Jumping off of the chair at his desk, he began his trek to Twilight’s room. Slowly he stepped up the stairs that led to her room, careful not to bring attention to himself. He knew that her door would most likely be closed, but he did not want to take any chances.

 

Once he reached the top of the stairs, Spike exhaled his breath, which gave him great relief. She did not hear him walk upstairs, so he could now find out exactly what she was doing. He used the very tip of his clawed feet to lightly walk to her door, panic rising in his chest. If she caught him eavesdropping, he could be in a lot of trouble! But the moment that he reached her room, his panic skyrocketed.

 

From inside the room, Spike could hear a voice screaming,

 

“Yes, take it Big Mac! How does it feel to be beaten so bad! You love it when I do this, huh? Feels good, say it!” Another voice called out to hers,

 

“Eeeyup!” Spike had heard enough. He put his claw on the handle of her door as fast as he could and swung it open. Much to his shock, he found Twilight and Big mac in the center of the room, sweaty as can be. As Spike ran into the room, he could see them both playing Go fish, with cards spread around the room. Twilight looked up at Spike as he came into the room with shock apparent on his face. She said to him,

 

“What’s the matter Spike? I’m just making Big Macintosh feel better!”

 

 

 

NLR Soldier

 

The old woman shook the rain off of her white fur coat as she walked into the nursing home. The receptionist, a young woman woman just out of school, stood when she recognized the visitor. She opened her mouth to offer a greeting, but the old woman silenced her with a wave of her hand. Removing her luxurious outer garment, she handed it to the receptionist, then silently walked past her.

 

In another setting, the old woman would have chastised herself for treating anyone so dismissively, but on evenings such as this one, it was all she could do to maintain her composure. She dreaded coming here, but forced herself to make the journey once a year. As she approached an unmarked door, an armed guard stood up, removed his hat and muttered “Your M--”

 

“Leave us” she commanded, cutting him off abruptly. He nodded silently, unlocked the unmarked door and left. She swallowed hard, and tried to stop her fingers from trembling as she reached for the door knob.

 

The room behind the unmarked door was dark, and as the old woman entered and closed the door behind her, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. As she did every year, she found the room’s lone occupant -- a frail woman who had once been beautiful -- sitting on the bed, facing away from the door. As always, she was silently gazing through the barred window at the rainy night sky. If she was aware of her guest, she gave no indication of it.

 

After a long silence the older woman spoke, her voice just above a whisper. “I don’t know if you ever listen to me when I visit, but...” She stopped herself to steady her shaky voice. “After you killed our...and the fire, well...” she cleared her throat and continued “...I couldn’t bring myself to believe he had been hurting you, but I understand why you did it.” A long pause followed, with the older woman standing by the door, and her sister quietly gazing out the window. Unable to stand it any longer, the old queen opened the unmarked door and turned to leave. Glancing back one last time she whispered “I sent you here to protect you, dear sister. Everything I’ve ever done was to protect you.” With silence as the only reply, the queen left the room.

 

She walked past the guard, who politely avoided her gaze. She took her fur coat from the receptionist and walked back outside into the rain. Glancing over her shoulder at the Crescent Moon Retirement Home, she whispered “Happy Summer Solstice, Luna.”

 

 

 

Eljordo

 

Luna lies awake upon the barren rock, set adrift amongst the beautiful night sky. Her

night sky. The night used to be her domain, but it mattered little to her.

The nights no longer greet her with a courteous beauty, but only with loneliness and

despair. She gazed at the night sky as she lost herself to her own thoughts. Her night sky

was truly a beautiful sight, but it was nothing with no one to share its marvels with. Her heart

begins to ache at the sight of a certain blue marble, floating peacefully among the stars. It

almost seemed surreal, knowing that it was so close, yet will always be just far enough

away to taunt her with the life she could be leading.

Luna could not bear to look upon her once wonderful home, knowing that it will

remain just out of her grasp. She gently buries her head between her front hooves, trying

her best to suppress the tears.

Her thoughts were her only companion, and she would get lost in them easily.

She dreamt of walking through a plane of freshly cut grass, the warmth of the sun

lovingly embracing her as she enjoys the peaceful summer morning. A soft wind gently

graces her face as she is greeted by the ponies around her; young and old, lovingly they

held her. The sound of fillies playing and the birds singing brought joy into the soul of the

Princess of the night.

She opened her eyes, only to be greeted by the barren rock and the cold,

unforgiving night. Her eyes swelled with tears as her world crumbles around her. She yet

again must cope with the knowledge that never again will she feel the loving embrace of

another, nor enjoy a simple breeze of summer air.

Luna turned her gaze again towards her former home, resting in the night sky. She

begins to speak.“I can only pray that you forgive me my sister. I have wronged you, and for that I am

truly sorry.”

A lone tear trickles down her face as she lets out a soft sigh.

“I would trade all of my immortal gifts in an instant, just to halt this wrenching pain in

my heart. Just to feel the touch of another, to witness they’re smiling faces…”

Luna continues to choke back the tears.

“I hope that someday, somehow, I will be loved as you are. I wish to never feel this

empty ever again. Maybe… Maybe somewhere, a loving embrace waits just for me…”

 

 

 

Resolution

 

Thinking

 

 

Princess Cadence was sitting in her spiral tower, reading a dusty old book on the Lunar Republic and Solar Empire, called ‘Celestia – The Misunderstanding’. Cadence was waiting for her friend, Luna, to get here so she could (attempt) to learn how to raise the moon. In return, Cadence would attempt to show Luna her love spell. Luna said she had some royal business to attend too and would be there by 2:00. Right then, it was 1:56. Cadence let out a low sigh. Luna was always late. She went back to her book. She almost tore the book into tiny pieces at her feet from what she was reading.

 

“Chapter 1 : The Great War

Princess Luna, Sister of Princess Celestia, was very upset that her sister had gotten a pet Phoenix, but hadn’t had the time to get Luna one. Because of this, Luna created a secret organization of ponies that hated Celestia and wanted to bring down her tyrannical rule. They named themselves the ‘Lunar Republic’. In turn, Celestia made the Solar Empire. The two raged on, war after war. Around 1000 years later, Luna refused to raise the sun. Naturally, Celestia had to do something about it. She gathered the Elements of Harmony, and defeated her sister. As you can see, some call her a tyrant, but she was just doing her job – defending Celestia. The real di** is Luna. She started this whole mess. Please, call 1900-NoMoreLuna if you wish to put Luna back on the moon.

Chapter 2 : A False Friend

About a year after coming down from the moon, Luna needed a partner in crime to help defeat her sister and rule Equestria under her tyrannical rule. As much of you should know, the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor has taken place. Well, Princess Luna saw opportunity at this. She called the Changeling Queen, Chrysalis, up and told her to take over Canterlot, and she would help. She helped the changeling attack! Well, after the changeling act failed, she needed more help. So she turned to the wife, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza to help her. They became the best of friends. But, little does Cadence know, Luna is using her-”

And that’s all Cadence read before tearing that book into pieces. She stormed down the spire, echoes of her stomping residing in the castle. Once she got to the bottom, the innocent face of Princess Luna was before her.

 

“You-!” Cadence yelled, throwing the book in Luna’s face. Luna rubbed her face wicked fast, and looked at the book. She picked it up, and flipped through the pages. She looked up at Cadence, a frown on her face.

 

“Well?” Cadence asked.

 

“Look at the author.” Luna replied, pointed toward the bottom of the cover.

 

The name ‘Shining Armor’ was etched there.

 

Cadence screamed, and grabbed her cell phone. Luna stared.

 

“Uh, what are you doing with that-?” Luna asked.

 

“1900-NoMoreLuna.” Cadence replied, her cell phone up to her ear.

 

 

 

~Chaotic Discord~

 

The Odd Couple

 

“Like dominoes, Tia. Cute, amusing dominoes.”

 

Though the voice taunting her from behind danced about in Celestia’s head like a bad migraine, the pony princess stood tall and firm, gazing out the shattered remains of a palace window. The gaping hole in the once beautiful painted glass now opened up a view of the streets of Canterlot below. Screams of horror and confusion traveled through the air in shrill tones, as the once stuck-up noble ponies of the city ran for their lives, pursued by animated objects of various sizes.

 

“It wasn’t hard,” the spirit of chaos reflected, completely unperturbed by the anarchy outside and floating about in the air. “Your ponies have some very glaring weaknesses, Tia. I was rather saddened; I was done with all but your scholarly student before they even got to the center of the maze.”

 

“You will not win, Discord. You cannot stop them with your tricks.” Celestia spoke abruptly, digging a golden-decorated hoof into the tiled floor. Her gaze demonstrated both sorrow and hate. Her kingdom, her subjects, her everything; it was burning to the ground right in front of her eyes. Not flames of smoldering wood and straw, but of god-like magic, turning the peace and harmony on its head. The mother of Equestria, alienated from her own people, unable to help them, or to save them.

 

She no longer commanded his kryptonite. To her, Discord was untouchable.

 

“Oh come now, Tia, there’s no need to huff and puff…that is, unless you plan on blowing my house down.” Discord mused, his serpentine body coiling around the princess’s. His large oafish face leveled with the majestic pony, and their eyes connected firmly. While Celestia shot daggers of pure loathing, Discord gazed back with maleficent glee.

 

“Your precious ponies have no chance, my dear.” The wizard of mayhem stated merrily, using a single claw to twirl the end of Celestia’s mane teasingly. “Even your most faithful student has given in; I saw it with my own eyes.”

 

“You underestimate the power of connection and friendship, Discord. You always did.” Celestia seethed, all at once vanishing in a burst of golden magic. A moment later, she reappeared across the room, by the wide open hallway doors. While Discord flipped his wound-up body around to look at her, the princess glared to him with a knowing frown.

 

“I have already taken measures against your tricks. Twilight Sparkle will never let her friends down, and you will do well to remember that. There will always be harmony in the souls of ponies, and it can never be extinguished by the likes of you.”

 

“Honestly, I come all the way up here to keep you company and all you can do is give me speeches.” Discord pronounced with a heavy sigh, making a silent gagging motion. “Very well then, Tia. As it so happens, I have a throne to attend to. I bid you good day.”

 

In a burst of white light, the spirit was gone.

 

Celestia smirked.

 

 

 

Bronynonymous

 

Long ago in a land called Equestria, there existed a force of evil known as “Discord”. A equine named Celestia alongside her sister Luna, had waged a war against Discord spanning centuries. Discord knew he was outmatched, and also knew that sooner or later he would be overpowered. Discord wanted to make sure that before he was overthrown, that he had spread as much chaos and confusion as possible.

 

Discord dropped his plans of evil and began a journey, searching for a being chaotic enough to fulfill Discord’s dreams of chaos. His searches took him all over the globe, but all Discord found was disappointment. For no being on this planet could live up to his high expectations. Discord didn’t give up, he took his search to other words, spanning the universe. Each world Discord visited left him sorely disappointed. After visiting thousands of worlds, Discord was about to give up. His search had ultimately gotten him nowhere and only prolonged the inevitable. He decided to search one last world before returning to Equestria and to his defeat.

 

Out of all the worlds Discord had visited, this one reminded him the most of Equestria. From the blue seas, to the green and spacious lands, it definitely looked like Equestria, and Discord hated it. Discord began studying the sentient life from this world. And what he saw brought him so much joy that a tear came to his eyes. He noticed these beings were truly chaotic and evil. These creatures had wars where bloodshed was a common and accepted loss. There were hungry adolescents starving and dying each and every day. In this world existed deviants who would ask for pleasure and if they did not receive it, would take it forcefully. Oh, Discord was pleased indeed. So, Discord took thirteen beings from this world and transported them back to Equestria, believing that his dreams would be made into fruition.

 

The creatures he abducted protested, they wanted to go back to their world, and they pleaded with Discord, saying that they would do anything. Discord told them that he would take them back, if they spread as much chaos as possible upon the land of Equestria. Discord unleashed all thirteen creatures into Canterlot. Quickly the beings created chaos, kidnapping, enslaving, even killing some ponies. Celestia saw this and readied a spell that would destroy the beings and the world they came from.

 

There was one lone assailant that approached Celestia when she was not looking. His knife readied to bite into Celestia’s flesh. But before he could put his knife in her back, an adolescent creature intervened, stepping in the path of the knife, and dying. Celestia saw this and felt a mixture of sorrow and hope. This simple act of kindness made Celestia change her mind. She transported every foreign creature back to their original world, and sealed their world off from Equestria forever, so they would never meet again.

 

 

 

russelshy

 

one day in ponyville fluttershy was taking a stroll in to town when all of a sudden she realized her family was coming to ponyville (fluttershy) oh dear my family will be here soon then she flew as fast as she could when she got home she saw angel(angal angel angael idk ill go with angel) the bunny tapping his foot impatiently when he saw fluttershy racing twards the semi messy home (fluttershy coming to a stop says) oh my angel you dust ill get the books soon after she started there was a knock on the door (fluttershy) who is it (unknown voice) its us (fluttershy) one second she started to panic her family was there she said to angel softly ill stall them you clean here ok angel crossed his arms in disaproval then she said you wouldent even do it for carots angel looked at her his eyes narrow then he opened hi eyes is arms unfolding and smiling (fluttershy) good then she opend the door slowly hi mom hi dad hi russellshy hi the family said in unisen (fluttershy) we should go to shugger cube corner now like right now theve got a new cupcake i want to try and youll love it mom the color is blue your favorite (mom) well that does sound nice lets go when they arive at shugger cube corner pinkie pie greets them with her party canon surprize your the hundreth people to walk in this door when she blew the party canon it frightened fluttershy she droped to the ground and yelped when she got up from the ground she said pinkie you remember my parents (pinkie) yea mr and mrs shy how are you hi russ your so big how old are you (russellshy) im 13 years old (mr shy) we heard you have new cupcakes (pinkie) *gasp* pinkie smiled and said my blue boom cupcakes will make your taste buds expload with flavor (fluttershy) they wont realy exlpoad will they (pinkie) no silly if they did i wouldent have ate five already ok pinkie well take 4 please okey dokey lokey then she went in the kitchen when she came out (#472) pinkie had 4 blue cupcakes on 4 plates here thats 4 bits please (fluttershy) here you are when tey got back to fluttershys place she opened the door the end of part 1 it had to be 500 words sorry its a cliff hanger i gots to follow rules i thanks for reading if you want more then ask

 

 

 

MallaJong1

 

A Thousands Years of Friendship

 

"Hey, Princess Luna. What are you doing all the way out here?"

 

Spike noticed a dark, elegant figure standing still within the bounds of the Royal Canterlot Gardens. The iluminescence radiating from the graceful night of orb shone upon the tall allicorn in ease. A simple yet utterly ethereal scene presented itself to the young dragon as he inched ever closer. The Royal Princess of the night was quite beautiful this fine evening.

 

"Young Spike, We did not sense you." Luna turned her head, slightly startled out of her reverie. "May We ask why you are not partaking in festivities at the reception party?"

 

Spike brushed the air in front of him. "Ah, they're all having fun out there. They don't need me right now."

 

"Why do you believe there is no need for your presence?" The dark allicorn inquired.

 

"No, it's not a matter of being needed or not, Princess. I'm actually here because I was trying to get away from the noise for a bit. You know, for some peace and quiet." Spike assured with a smile.

 

"We understand, Young Spike." Looking downcast, Luna muttered in melancholy. "A change of atmosphere can do good for the soul, one might mark. A completely new environment..."

 

Spike immediately noticed the morose tone of the Princess's words. "Princess, mind me for asking, but is everything okay?"

 

The glow from Luna's starry, ever-flowing mane served as a mesmerizing centerpiece to the opaque setting.

 

With a tear sliding down her cheek, Luna sniffled. "Young Spike, it's just so hard. We-we still feel isolated in such a modern world. The times are so difficult for a being who's dwelled on the moon for one thousand years!"

 

In the middle of the precious gardens, the Royal Princess lowered her head and cried. Spike, shocked by such a development, found himself acting without much thought.

 

For the young dragon suddenly held the allicorn's head near his chest. As he softly carressed Luna's mane with an open hand, Spike whispered. "It's alright, my Princess. I'm here for you. And I'll always be here for you."

 

Tears continued to slide down the dragon's scaly chest. "Wh-what you speak of is -"

 

"I'll always be here for you, Princess." Spike held up Luna's head and stared gently into her eyes. "I can live for over a thousand years, remember? We can experience the changes of time together. Because, no matter what, I'll support you the entire way."

 

And, in a moment filled with both friendship and magic, he kissed her. As their lips came apart, Spike spoke. "I apologize, Princess. I don't know what came over me. I-I just couldn't see you cry any more."

 

Luna's eyes studied the dragon, a light visible and expansive within them. "Please, call me Luna."

 

The moon maintained its humble spotlight for the two in the middle of the garden. And like the odd pair staring at each other below, the moon smiled.

 

End

 

 

 

cuteycindyhoney

 

An Unaccountable Problem

By Honey Moon

 

 

 

“Who?” the voice insisted as Spike wearily opened his eyes. “Who?”

 

“Spike the Dragon.” He muttered sleepily as rolled over. “Spike the SLEEPY dragon!”

 

“WHO!” Strong talons gripped the blanket covering the slumbering dragon, and gave a tug.

 

With a sharp spin, Spike tumbled from his snug bed onto the wooden floorboards. “Owlicious, what gives?” he protested while rubbing his tail. “It’s still night time! I thought you were supposed to assist Twilight while I was sleeping!”

 

The owl gave a final hoot, and with a flap of his wings headed down from the loft into the library proper.

 

Spike shook his head. He got up and headed for the ladder. Was something wrong? When he went to his nice soft beddy-bye, Twilight had been engrossed in her studies, trying to condense the true meaning of friendship into five hundred words or less. One look told him that things weren’t going awfully well for his scholarly friend.

 

The purple unicorn looked up when she heard a sound. “Oh Spike! This is terrible! How can I summarize the magic of friendship in fewer than five hundred words? The Princess is going to be so disappointed in me! Who knows what her punishment would be for such a failure!”

 

“WHO?” the owl hooted.

 

“Exactly!” Twilight buried her face in the pile of crumpled scrolls on her desk. “What if she really sends me to magic kindergarten this time?” She looked up and let out a sad little moan. “What will happen then?”

 

Spike looked at his beloved friend and sighed. Twilight’s eyes were rather bloodshot, and had taken on a sort of wild appearance. Her usually neat and tidy mane was in a distinct frazzle. This looked like a bad one! “Twilight, calm down! I’m pretty sure the princess was only teasing when she suggested a word limit. You do tend to get long winded when you write, after all.”

 

“I do not!” The exasperated pony began trotting around the room. “I just carefully explain each and every point. I must be sure the reader understands!”

 

Spike climbed onto the desk and looked at one of the scrolls. “This looks okay. How many words is it?”

 

Twilight cringed. “Five hundred and twelve! Oh Spike! What if the Princess dismisses me from my post as librarian in Ponyville? What if I never see my friends again?”

 

Spike picked up the discarded quill, and began rapidly reading over the document. “It is apparent…That is why…You will note…” The dragon clicked his tongue and dipped the quill into the ink.

 

“Spike, what are you doing?” cried Twilight. She closed her eyes and concentrated. In a burst of magic she teleported six feet, and arrived at the desk a fraction of a second sooner then if she had just walked. “That’s my best attempt! Why are you marking it all up?”

 

Spike smiled and held up the corrected document. “Five hundred words exactly, not counting the title and author line! Twilight, you really should use contractions!”

 

 

 

Blue

 

“Quite the party, eh?”

 

We took our presence to the balcony outside the vivacious celebration of the chamber; one which existed for reasons that escape my memory.

“‘Quite’ is the least of words I would use to describe it.” said I.

 

“Indeed. And I intend to liven things up a bit more…” replied my friend. He held up a medium snifter of some fluid, noir as night.

 

“What is that?”

 

“Here, take a sip.”

 

He offered his glass, and I took a whiff. Immediately I was aghast at its acrid spirit.

“Hf! So SALTY, that must be 50%! Where did you GET that?”

 

“It’s Soy. I asked the headwaiter.”

 

“Soy. At 7:30 in the evening.”

 

His eyes fixed non-straight but hungrily at the dancing assembly just inside the door. The twists and whirls of so many delightful mares in their enhancing dances and myriad conversations amongst all the other guests had so thoroughly engaged his gaze.

 

“Blueblood my friend, the night is not the only thing young in there. Besides, I had to get something to suit the gown. See that dark damsel over there on the right?”

 

My friend gave a subtle point to one mare standing near a few of the other stallions from the day guard. Her shadowy dress stood out quite vividly from their bleached coats.

“Yes, Black Gleam or something like that. Actually she’s the reason we’re out here- have you smelled her perfume?”

 

My friends eyes drifted upwards somewhat.

 

“Ravishing, isn’t it? I’ve smelled it before; it’s called something-Panther I think.”

 

“It made me nauseate, it smells like machine oil.” I regarded flatly.

 

“I know, it’s intoxicating.”

 

If only the expression “yellow” referred to stupidity instead of cowardice, then Pole’s looks might match his wits- I say so facetiously because he IS my best friend, but at times I really wonder why.

 

“Do you think I stand a chance?”

 

Oh not this again. And here I was hoping we’d be able to see that florist I wanted him to meet. There’s always next week I suppose.

“Northy, if there’s anypony in Canterlot that stands a chance at making a foal of himself, it’s you.”

 

“Courage!”

 

“Luck!” He gleeful, I sardonic, held up our glasses and punctuated the cheers with a clink. I took another sip of my vino, but he gulped his entire poison whole, remarking with a throaty exhale. It reeked.

 

“There now, your brain will presently match your breath.”

 

“Come now Blueblood, you’re supposed to wish me charisma!”

 

“And you were supposed to meet me at Marigold’s tomorrow morning.”

 

Promises give way to tradition I suppose. He turned and started back inside.

 

“Touché. Well, fare-thee-well, Blueblood- I shan’t know when next we meet!”

 

And away he disappeared into the mix of the party once again, leaving me in the cool calm of the balcony’s solace. Out of all the things that he might wake up with tomorrow morning, I knew for certain that among them would be a splitting headache.

 

 

 

MoonFeather

 

The heavy rain fell from the sky like the pegasi were tap dancing on the rain clouds. It was a miserable day in Ponyville. The clouds were as dark as burned cotton candy, the wind as cold as a windigoes heart.

 

I was scanning the Foal Free Press in search of anything that could lead to a case when Ms. Sparkle came in with some fresh coffee. She filled the cup and sat the pot on a filing cabinet in the corner.

 

“If that’ll be all Mr. Spike, I think I’ll be off for the day. There’s still some work for Princess Celestia that I need to do.”

 

“No problem, Ms. Sparkle. It’s been slow, I’m sure I can handle it on my own.”

 

She began walking toward the door, “There is one pony that just came in and would like to see you. She wouldn’t tell me what it was about, but if you’d like to speak with her I’ll let her know.”

 

“Send her in,” taking my feet off my desk I tossed the paper aside. I never could understand why all the stories in it seemed to concern students at the local school. I knew this could be a slow town for a gumshoe, but finding out which student had stolen the apple off Cheerilee’s desk wasn’t exactly the kind of work I was looking for.

 

I straightened my tie and polished my claws against my jacket when the door opened and she walked in.

 

She was a sultry dame with a coat as white as virgin snow. Her sapphire eyes were tepid pools of sorrow. A perfectly coifed mane framed her immaculate face.

 

She was a dish of sweet strawberries and clotted cream and my mouth watered as she sauntered over to my desk. Whatever the case was I knew I would take it, just to give myself one more moment to bask in her beauty.

 

“Oh Spike, it’s horrible! You simply must help me!” her voice tremored as she spoke, tears sparkled in her eyes. “My most precious gem, the Everfree Emerald, has gone missing!”

 

I stifled my excitement as I realized that here before me stood not only the most beautiful pony I’d ever seen, but at last, a case worthy of my talents. I leaned forward on my desk. She gave a sniff as she fought back tears. “You’re my only hope. You will help me, Spike, won’t you?” she reached out a hoof and placed it softly over my claw, “Spike?”

 

“Spike…. Spike! Are you listening to me? I need you to take a letter to the princess! Seriously, ever since Rarity came by an hour ago it’s like your mind isn’t even in the same town as you. What goes on in that head of yours?”

 

I looked around at Twilight’s library as the threads of my fantasy dissolved like gossamer. I pulled out my quill, ready to take a letter, happy to know Twilight would never know just what did go on in my head.

 

 

 

Zoop

 

A tired sigh erupted from the freshly parted lips of the lavender mare as she sat alone in her library, shattering the silence that had permeated the room so perfectly just scant moments prior. She had been trying - struggling, really - to forestall the inevitable, despite knowing all too well that it was a fool's errand, doomed to failure from the start.

 

Sometimes, she mused to herself, you just have to accept reality - no matter how much it may run contrary to your hopes, desires, and wishes.

 

Another sigh, accompanied this time with a wave of melancholy that poured over her as though it were some manner of violent tidal wave. This wasn't how she wanted things to turn out; her plans had been perfect, her schedule immaculate - everything had fallen into place so perfectly, with but a single exception that had been thrust upon her, entirely outside her control. She had thought it but a minor detail, barely worthy of long-term notice, but now... now she realized that it had been all for naught. Her scheduling, her planning, her meticulous pre-preparation check-list, all of it had been laid to waste, rather magnificently at that, by a single little detail.

 

Her lips parted once more, releasing this time not a tired sigh, but a wavering groan of vague irritation at her present predicament. Her face shifted into a frown as her thoughts began to shift into a new direction, her earlier stubborn refusal to give in now being replaced with a growing sense of defeat, one that she did not seem able - or now particularly inclined - to shake.

 

Her horn flared to life for a brief moment, flooding the dimly lit room with a pale purple light as she harnessed her vast reserves of magical power for the mundane task of snapping the book she had been reading but moments prior closed with startling ferocity, before tossing it haphazardly to the side, sparing it not even the briefest of second glances. She'd pick it back up and place it in its proper spot on the shelf in the morning, she thought, glancing out a nearby window at the night sky above Ponyville, knowing full well and without a single shred of guilt that it would most likely be her assistant that would end up returning the book.

 

She yawned deeply, before rising up from her seated position and moving toward her bed. She had been looking forward to finishing the most recent Daring Do novel tonight, but had been distracted by an expectedly unexpected visit by one of her best friends; though it hadn't been a long visit, it was enough that she was able to blame it for her inability to finish her book on time - an issue that would have a cascading effect on her schedule for days to come.

 

She could - and no doubt would - dwell upon it further in the morning. For now, she just wanted to sleep.

 

 

Yes, my goal from the start was to tell as little of a story as humanly possible while still hitting five hundred words.

 

 

 

 

Sugar Plum

 

“Derpy!” shouted Berry Punch, “You gave us the wrong mail, again!” Derpy had only just taken a few steps, and was about to take off for her next stop, but hearing the pony made her hesitate. She turned around to see an angry mare stomping her way towards her with a few letters in her hoof. Derpy gave a smile as her eyes began to flow in opposite directions. “Derpy, this is the last straw! Every day you do this! Look at this letter. It’s for Big Macintosh! Not for me.”

 

“Oh, we-...”

 

“No, Derpy. I told you this is the last straw. If I have one more problem with you, I’ll see to it that nopony will want you as mailmare anymore, got that?”

 

“Okay, Punch Cherry...”

 

“It’s Berry Punch, Derpy. Now go on, shoo, you have a job to do.” With that, Berry Punch turned her flank on Derpy, and stomped her way back into her house, slamming the door behind her. Derpy looked down at the ground and saw a few letters lying scattered about the ground. She crouched down and picked up the letters one by one, her eyes misleading her to make multiple failed attempts, and put them back into her saddlebag. Her smile had faded as she now looked back at Berry Punch’s house. With a melancholy sigh, she spread her wings, and flew off.

 

One by one, she stopped at everypony’s house, dumping incorrect mail into almost each and every mailbox in Ponyville. When she had finished, she flew back home, where her young filly was waiting for her.

 

“Welcome back, Mommy!” Dinky Doo cheerfully bursted out as her mother walked through the door.

 

“Oh, hi, Dinky,” Derpy pushed out from her lungs as seemingly happily as she could.

 

“How was work?”

 

“Oh, um, it was... good, honey. Thank you.”

 

“What are we going to have for dinner?”

 

“Uh, how does hay sandwiches sound? I can, uh, make some muffins, after, too!” The mentioning of muffins brought a slightly larger smile to her face. Dinky responded with a kind of “mhm” and nodding combination. “Okay, I’ll go start making it, then.” With that, Derpy left for the kitchen, where she took out a large kitchen knife and a head of lettuce, even though she said hay sandwiches earlier. After turning on the sin, she attempted to put the head under the water to clean it off, but only got about half of it to even get slightly moist. She then proceeded to place the head of lettuce onto the counter, and begin to try and cut it using her large knife, though, she missed with every shot at it, making loud thunks come from the kitchen counter. She knew that she was missing, and that every day, she was doing something else wrong, and the thought brought forth tears to her mismatched, yellow eyes. Something was wrong; with her, her life, her eyes, her voice, everything. She just didn’t know what.

 

 

 

Shadow Chaser

 

Dear Spike,

Is it hard to be the only dragon in Ponyville and would you ever want to leave for more grand work?

 

Most days I do what I can to keep busy, but sometimes working for Twilight just isn't rewarding. I mean, sure I get to go on some crazy adventures with her but most days I'm left to my own devices at the library. Left to clean and do chores. To do the shopping we need in Ponyville. I don't mind it all but I've always wanted something more. Not the dragon colony. That wasn't my style. I fit in here and that's okay, but just once I'd like to have my own adventure. Without Twilight and the gang. There was the time with the diamond dogs but I needed help on that. Twilight says this is all just part of me growing up. I think I'm just restless. Aren't dragons supposed to be out in the world?

 

I get kinda lonely too. The first time I ever felt like I mattered was when Fluttershy asked me about my life's story. Twilight never asked me about my life. Then again, she has been there my whole life. She's always been there for me. Them and Applejack, we don't talk much but I know she cares. Like when I got my ticket for the Gala, she was waiting outside for me, and she was all smiles. I can't believe I almost kissed her though. But speaking of kisses.. Rarity's kisses are the best. So maybe they're always on my cheek but that's okay. I know she cares for me. I can't believe I almost crushed her on my birthday. She really saved me. Rarity saved me and then Dash saved both of us. Dash has saved plenty of ponies though. She's a pretty good practical joker too. I still laugh remembering Twilight's hair on our first trip to Ponyville. But the prank queen is Pinkie Pie. The prank and party queen. She's always good at cheering me up. In fact, they're all great at cheering me up. They're all just great. To answer your question, Princess Celestia, yes, some days it's hard to be the only dragon in this town and some days I wish I could do more in my life. But I just couldn't leave them. Even if I wanted to.

 

Edited August 20, 2012 by Ashbad

[Pinkazoid 3,493]

-No Clop

BLASPHEMY!

 

I'm not a writer, nor have I tried to actually write something xD

[Ashbad 969]

BLASPHEMY!

You know me well enough to know that if it weren't on a SFW pony forums site I'd allow it

 

I'm not a writer, nor have I tried to actually write something xD

 

Now's time for a first!

[Shift 4,272]

I'm totally entering, and have the most epic idea for an entry. It's about- *gets muzzled* Aw, I can't say it? Well, i'll work on it.

[Ashbad 969]

I'm totally entering, and have the most epic idea for an entry. It's about- *gets muzzled* Aw, I can't say it? Well, i'll work on it.

 

Awesome, can't wait to see what you come up with!

[NavelColt 22,879]

Sounds interesting ^^ If I can think of an idea, I'll certainly enter.

 

BTW, I assume simple romance shipping does not fall under 'clop', right? As it would not involve anything that would render it as 'clop' =p Not a guarantee, but I've been meaning to write something AppleDash-y, and this is the perfect simple chance to do so.

[Pinkie D Pie 1,036]

Hmm, If I can think of some idea, I will defiantly do this. Shipping is allowed right, as long as it doesn't go in to clop?

[Ashbad 969]

Concerning both posts:

 

Clop is shipping, but not all shipping is clop keep the sex out of the picture, and it's all good. Go for it, simple sweet shipfics are always nice.

 

Sounds interesting ^^ If I can think of an idea, I'll certainly enter.

 

BTW, I assume simple romance shipping does not fall under 'clop', right? As it would not involve anything that would render it as 'clop' =p Not a guarantee, but I've been meaning to write something AppleDash-y, and this is the perfect simple chance to do so.

 

you definitely should enter!

 

Hmm, If I can think of some idea, I will defiantly do this. Shipping is allowed right, as long as it doesn't go in to clop?

 

You too!

[NavelColt 22,879]

Concerning both posts:

 

Clop is shipping, but not all shipping is clop keep the sex out of the picture, and it's all good. Go for it, simple sweet shipfics are always nice.

 

 

 

you definitely should enter!

 

 

 

You too!

 

K, gonna bother you with one more question then ;P

 

I might base my story around an art piece from DeviantART, and would include it as a linked image along with the story. The picture itself has no real explanation about it from the author so it's very open-ended, so creativity is abound. That okay, too?

[Shadow Chaser 633]

This sounds awesomely challenging. I may have to try my hand at it. Unfortunately, most of my fics and chapters for my fics are only getting longer and longer. Cutting down to 500 words would be tough.

[Midnightive 458]

I've never made a fan fiction and i'm not a very good writer. But could i try and do it? When i write (badly) It ends up being kind of long?

[Mirad 217]

Heh, this doesn't include me ...

Since I'm a dark and grimdark writer, I'll just get back to making bad things happen in the ponyverse...

[AnonBrony 1,468]

500 words? I'm not writer but if i were to write a story... its gonna be WAY longer than 500 words. just seems too short. And mine would have OCs and quite possile some dark elements... yeah i guess i'm not gonna enter the challenge...

[~Lawful Jordo~ 2,066]

I have very limited experience writing, and 500 words seems pretty much impossible for a descent story arc (Some of my Roleplay posts are longer than that lol)

 

But I guess I can give it a go, when I have some time to spare.

Edited August 7, 2012 by Eljordo

[Ashbad 969]

Excellent guys, have fun with this indeed, 500 words will be tough to match, but that's the point!

[~Lawful Jordo~ 2,066]

Alright, I've got a pretty good Idea, but it's probably been done to death lol xD

 

When is the due date? And do we just post them here?

[Gone for good 1,593]

Alright, I've got a pretty good Idea, but it's probably been done to death lol xD

 

When is the due date? And do we just post them here?

 

What this man said. I'm pretty interested in taking part, even though my writing skills are probably atrocious.

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

No grimdark? Noooo!! Grimdark fic is best fic.

 

Still, I might give it a try. I would never in 100 years have enough time to write a full-length fan fic of any kind, but the extremely short format you've outlined could work. I have one idea that is simple, involves no OC/clop/gore/shipping/self-insert-BS...but it's slightly grimdark and could be could be a little alternate universey.

[Ashbad 969]

Okay, updating the first post with new rules and submission date. Check it again in ~5 minutes

 

EDIT: yeah, it's updated now.

 

K, gonna bother you with one more question then ;P

 

I might base my story around an art piece from DeviantART, and would include it as a linked image along with the story. The picture itself has no real explanation about it from the author so it's very open-ended, so creativity is abound. That okay, too?

 

Sure, why not!

Edited August 7, 2012 by Ashbad

[~Lawful Jordo~ 2,066]

Also, minor gripe, could you post who's all in this little event in the OP? Just so I can keep track of the competition <.< >.>

[Ashbad 969]

Also, minor gripe, could you post who's all in this little event in the OP? Just so I can keep track of the competition <.< >.>

 

Sure, I'll do that later tonight once more people have the chance to enter.

[SongBrony 419]

I would write one, but I have to write a 50,000 word story for NaPoWrMo. Plus I can't write a 500 word story. My first chapter has over 1000 words.

[Sne 36]

I usually write with OCs I was kind of forced upon (and went along with it) but I do have a nice, unique idea for a story with Fluttershy.

 

The problem is, I don't know if I want to frivol away the idea on a 500 word story.

[Finesthour 7,287]

Challenge accepted.

Prepare to face the wrath of a Crona fic.

 

I'll probably either make you cry, or laugh.

 

Done. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m6P3u-Mp5BNJVAuH1MeZA6LsYI_W-WRWIXVvu0y3H5M/edit

Edited August 7, 2012 by Crona the Critic

[FedoraMemes 582]

Challenge accepted.

Prepare to face the wrath of a Crona fic.

 

I'll probably either make you cry, or laugh.

 

Done. https://docs.google....XVvu0y3H5M/edit

 

Seriously, dat fic.

 

Yeah ok, I'll enter. I need to get an idea, but writing comes naturally to me.

 

I'll see what I can do.