original thread :https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/16201801/ original author is anon. ----- [Cadence] >Fourty years >That seemed like forever, once >And now it seems like only a second >I loved him so dearly >Time passed so quickly >Our springtime love bloomed into a summer of passion >Yet as my sun remained high and bright his set into a bittersweet autumn >He left me >With one last weak kiss, he left me >My husband, my King >Only a handsome statue beside a tomb >It snowed for the first time in the lives of the new generation of crystal ponies >I fear it worried most of the older stragglers into their graves as well >But l stated strong, even if alone >A bright shining star for my people >As time passed memory faded >His voice, his scent, his touch >Until l had a wonderful idea >I set about a few of my ponies mining fresh, virgin crystals >Spiriting then away to my private vaults l imprinted everything onto them >Babysitting Twilight with him >Dating >Kissing >Our wedding >Our marriage >Our love >I spent every second l could reminiscing in those vivid holograms >Quickly l shut down a few unnecessary programs, diverted more labor into the mines >Every passing day l forgot memories before l could imprint them and keep them forever >It was unacceptable >Day and night l kept the mines open >The economy waned, most jobs besides mining faded away >I hardly cared >Nothing besides my love mattered to me >Nothing >You can understand my pain when l came to my chamber one evening and found my favorite bedside crystal smashed >The memoryof my wedding night >Not the entire thing, neither ceremony nor sex >Just the memoryof him kissing me goodnight and promising to love me forever >Gone >Gone from my head, gone from my heart, smashed to peices in it's storage >The maid's pain was not one one hundredth of my own >I broke her >Completely >She passed a few days later >A cold blizzard came in that evening >I took to fur cloaks to stay warm >Memories of summer days could not warm the flesh >But they kept my heart alive, my pain at bay >As long as I had them >My love >My... >Crystals --- [Celestia] >Pushing 4000. >Think back to when the world seemed golden. >When we were going to make a paradise of Equestria. >When Twilight and... her friends... >What were their names again? >When they saved Luna from the Nightmare. >It seemed like anything was possible then. >But then the years rolled on. >Poor Cadance, didn't even outlive her husband. >And Twilight... she's going to explore the cosmos in the space-ship she designed. >How exciting! >No, wait... >She left... she left a long time ago. >Why did I forget that? >I wonder when she's coming back? >.... >I guess Luna is all I have now. >But Luna's turned strange. >Locked herself away in her tower, mumbling to herself. >The ponies take care of her, though. >Just like me. >They tell me they've built a machine to raise the sun. >That I should take it easy. >That sometimes I make mistakes raising it. >Or raise it at the wrong time. >I don't make mistakes raising the sun! >.... >Oh, I remember when the world seemed golden. >We were going to make a paradise of Equestria. --- [Octavia] >Almost 40 >Entire life built around musical career >Didn't make it >Highlight of my life was playing at the Gala before some ponies wrecked it >Had to move in with a DJ and play at local restaurants to make ends meat >Haven't had a date in over a decade >No idea where to even look >Get to spend my days playing Cello while surrounded by happy couples >Nearly cried when I saw a lucky mare get proposed to during my solo >Was I jealous? >Or hurt that nobody was listening to my music? >I'm 50 now >I can't play the Cello anymore >Doctor says it was arthritis, my hooves ached too much >All I heard was my dreams were over >It was funny how dreams change >Before I had to resign from music, mine went from being first chair, to simply being in an orchestra >To finally, my humble little romantic fantasy >That one day I would look up from my instrument in a restaurant and see just one stallion listening >So much for that >Vinyl has been a great help, she lets me stay with her for free >Her husband didn't like it at first but when the children arrived I became a sort of free nanny for them >I still cannot believe it, Vinyl found a husband >He loves the scene as much as she does >So me living here, watching her kids, they could still do what they love >Is this how I'm going to live the rest of my life? >Raising Vinyl's children because my hooves are too swollen to play my music? >It could be worse, I imagine >I could be playing right now >In a room full of ponies >And when my song ends I could look up >And not see a single one looking my way >Like every night till now >I sold my cello to pay rent >I don't pay it anymore >It was only sitting there reminding me I failed at every dream I ever had --- [Pinkie] >Turning 40 next year >Feel like twice that age >The diabetes ravages my body as badly as the alcoholism >I burned up my candle living a lifestyle l thoughtwould never end >Turns out that when you're everyone's friend, your nobodies at all >Friendzoned by every stallion l've ever met >Watching the cake babies grow made me realize how badly l wanted a few of my own >It's really hard to get a colt when you live in an upstairs apartment in a bakery >Time kinda stretched on a little >Hit thirty >Before long l was seen as some kind of mare-child by every stallion who knew me >While every one l tried to meet saw me as an older hero and looked at me like their mom >Nobody ever took me seriously >All the drinking and partying only got harder >Everyone thinks being a party planner is fun and easy >But if you don't give it 110% all night every night nobody wants you to throw their bashes anymore >And once you've just run out of steam, that's it >Career goes kaplooey >Then it's just kids birthday parties for chump change >You only ever meet young, happy dads at those kinds of parties >But hey >You gotta keep a smile on, right? >I'm sure everything's going to be just fine --- [Rarity] 1: >rainy day over Ponyville >Carousel Boutique, no longer open for business >paint is peeling off the walls in places >inside, Rarity slowly sips her wine >she can't stop staring through the window at the rain >eyes are drawn continually to the soft mound of dirt outside >a mound complete with headstone >the sound of her tears hitting the floor >it was her idea, having her buried close, despite what it was doing to her >she could not bear to carry on her business now >applebloom and scootaloo never forgave themselves >her parents recovered, but she can still see the pain in their eyes >her friends sometimes visit, hoping she'll recover >she won't >the loss has destroyed her, and all she can do every day is drink >drink to her sister's memory 2: >The only man in my life is a 10 year old dragon >Every man I can have a good conversation with is taken >Every man I show interest towards comically likes someone else >Am I not beautiful? >Am I not sophisticated? Charming? Intelligent? Generous? >I should have a line of gentleman callers around the neighborhood! >Yet... >Here I am... --- [Applejack] >"You need to take care of yourself, you're 40 now" >That's what the doctor said when I came in with a aching hip >I didn't remember turning 40 >Heck, I didn't remember a lot of birthdays >Granny Smith said this is when your hip starts aching >Gonna have to buck apples less >This is when I'd be relaxing and letting all my fillies and foals take over the hard labor >Cept..I don't have any >When Ma and Pop died I had to take over mighty young >Didn't have time to be dating or getting woo'ed >Always told myself I wasn't that kinda pony >Heck I believed it too >BigMac and Applebloom found the time to meet special someponies >Why did I never? >How could I even begin? >Nobody wants an old workhorse... >I shoulda listened to ya Uncle Orange >Farms make mighty poor husbands --- [Redheart] >40th birthday in two weeks >Where has the time gone...? >Graduated college, went right to med school >Didn't have the grades to be a doctor, transferred credits, became an RN >14 hour, rotating shifts, 7 days a week >My late 20s were a blurr >Finally got my transfer to a small town >Slower, calmer, finally a normal schedule >Get put in maternity >Surrounded by babies >Want one so badly >Tried everything, speed dating, personals... >I guess I was too eager, always scared the stallions away when I brought up marriage >It's not my fault, I didn't have time to mess around and date >Didn't have time... >Now I'm almost out and my only company is all these crying babies >There's always one bed I keep empty in the nursery >That's where my foal was supposed to go >Someday.... --- [Mayor Mare] >be almost 60 >dedicated entire life to my career >the colour of my mane, these glasses and my way of speaking are all fabrications to advance my career >even my cutiemark is a big fat lie, I got it way to early because of my blind ambitions >after Twilight Sparkle became a princess everypony started talking about politics again >after an entire career of running unopposed I'm suddenly looking at a lot of young folks eager to take my place >a place that I'm not even sure I want anymore >what the hell comes next? --- [Bon Bon] >I told myself over and over >She'd grow up and she'd calm down >Realize she loved me more than a 'bestie' or a 'roomie' or whatever 'ie' she called me that day >I turned 40 yesterday >She's long gone >Some stallion swept her off her hooves >After all that time...all those years... >We didn't part on good terms >Things were said that I regret, but I can't bring myself to see her again >I tried dating other mares >I even met a stallion or two >But I just compared them to her >She's had two kids already, and I hear a third is on the way >Her little happy family >....what about our family? >We made so many promises.... --- [Braeburn] >I remember when we founded Appleloosa >I didn't know that was gonna be the highlight of my adult life >40 years old, where has the time gone? >I had my little...adventures... >All those partner, was like a blurr >Never could settle down >Was always worried I'd get bored and cheat or run off >Now I'm sitting in my house >All by my lonesome >All those other ponies, wonder what they're up to >They got lives? They have families? >Is it too late for me to do the same? >Who am I kidding...? >Nobody wants an old bruised apple --- [Fluttershy] >over 40 >still a kiss less virgin >the stallions of this town don't even notice >no one ever really does >on my 14th Angel Bunny >the animals still keep coming for care, but nothing ever makes me feel less lonely >I always-I guess I just figured that at some point I'd get my shi- my stuff together socially, and I'd have a family, with beautiful young foals wandering with the animals >little tucked under my wing as they fall asleep >but no >not yet >maybe not ever --- [Discord] >Another letter from that yellow pest >Into the cosmic trash it goes >Why does she still insist on writing me >Blahblahblah my hubby this and yaddayaddayadda my kids that >Who cares that you found someone who thought low enough of himself to breed with you? >I haven't written her back since she married that chump >The letters keep coming though, she's that stupid! >Sure we were friends for decades but how could she marry that slimeball? >'Oh Discord he makes me so happy' >I should have turned him into a weasel >Or left him a pony and make him think he's a weasel >Stupid promise to that stupid yellow horse >Who needs her... >Who needs anyone... >I've got all the time in the world to make another friend... >If I wanted to >Which I don't --- [Rainbow Dash] >Pushing 50's >Had a good run as a Wonderbolt for over 25 years. >Until my wings gave out and could no longer fly as I could. >Still have privileges as a senior member and former Captain. >Still go on some tours as a speaker. >Still had young colts and fillies ask for an autogrpah. >But nothing more. >Get mares and colts looking for a one night stand with a celebrity. >Noone stays until the next morning. >Lose all faith in having someone with whom I can share my last years. --- [Lyra] >I turned 40 a month ago >I could have swore I was 30, not 40 >How did this happen? >When did I become so old? >I'd ask Bon Bon but she left one day >She said some things that weren't nice and said my life was better than what I was doing with it or...something >I don't really remember because I didn't pay attention when she did >Just me and my big old apartment >My mom wrote me a letter asking about grand-foals >I was too busy then >What was I doing though? >It wasn't any different from now >So how come what I did back then was so super important >And now it just feels >Empty... --- [Luna] >About to turn 1800 >Spent the last four years trying to readjust to modern life after a millenium in the moon. >I was lonely before and I still am. >I don't know how to act with stallions >They all seem to want something out of me. >Try to find someone within the Nobles of Canterlot. >They are all snobs or want to further some political scheme. >The rest of the ponies are too afraid. >Barely have friends. >Even they can't fill the void inside of me. >Cry myself to sleep on an empty bed every night. --- [Berry Punch] >Over 40 >No coltfriend >Drink to forget how I'm past my prime and won't have a family >Bitchy sister keeps trying to 'rescue' me from my life >Nobody asked you to >So fuck off and let me drink in peace >Some young mares think the biological clock is bad >Once that baby alarm starts ringing, oh boy, you can't get it off your mind for years >But then? >After you managed to somehow never get knocked up? >That awful, crippling silence? >The cold womb? >The empty house? >Oh man, pass the Pinot --- [Trixie] >I don't get it >I've traveled over all of Equestria putting on my shows >I always imagined I'd be going from town to town, living life, a lover in every port >The time I've put into honing my act, pushing my magic... >I should should have been getting loved by thousands in Las Pegasus >I should have at least been happy, I was doing what I loved, right? >I should have listened to my parents >Things are coming to an end, it doesn't feel like they even began in the first place --- [Chrysalis] >Turning 3400 next week >Shits the best >Loving people to death >No commitments >Princess think i'm dead >My army grows in number and loyalty every day >Sex slaves errwhere >Birthing adorable little Changelings when I want >Shits cash --- [Sweetie Belle] >Will be almost 10 in a few years >Singles will be over >Will be entering dubs >Will have new homework, new schools, new responsibilities >The good times are over, my life is over, the future is gonna be bleak from now on --- [Shining Armor] >Almost 40 >Parents died almost a decade ago >Sister doesn't visit anymore, busy being immortal >Wife is busy making sure the world doesn't collapse into crippling depression and being immortal >They look the same as they did twenty years ago >I found my first grey hair five years ago >I used to be captain of the royal guard >Now I command a few score ponies in some exercises >The political marriage is only a formality now >Wife spends the night with new recruits more often then with me >Have to keep smiling for the crystal ponies >Anything goes wrong in this frozen hell-hole and that's the end >Just keep smiling >Pushing 60 now >Cadance left me >She couldn't handle watching me slowly die before her eyes >Twilight rarely visits me either >Same reason >It's awkward when we do get together, though >I'm her much older brother now >I rarely see anypony these days >My honorary position in the army feels hollow >The stallion who took my place is doing a good job, though >There's really only one place where things still make sense >Down at Canterlot High >I may get older >But the girls all stay the same --- [Spike] >Turning 20 today >I'm still technically a baby by dragon standards >Read in a book somewhere that the average life expectancy of a dragon is around 1000 years. >We don't hit puberty until 200. >I grew two inches though >Raritys found a rich stallion unicorn in the big city. >He owns a hotel chain. >Took a liking to her younger sister two years back, but she found a special coltfriend right after she got her cutie mark. >They're a famous singing duo now. >Oh, I developed a new fire-breathing skill >Dragon Breath >Flames that never go out >It's a shame that I learned about it as I was sending a letter to Princess Twilight >Now the library's a smoldering stump, contained by a magic bubble... >Twilight said she'd visit, but it's been two years since I last saw her. >She's too busy with Princess stuff to worry about me. >I've been living with Zecora for a while. >She took me in, along with Pinkie's crocodile. >Damn it, am I doing that rhyming thing again? >Please, let it end! >Stop it! >Watching as everyone grows up around me. >The Cake twins, they're now bigger than I am. >Isn't that crazy? The little tykes are now the new Cutie Mark Crusaders... >Speaking of the Crusaders, Scootaloo is now heading her own trick show. >She's found a new way to ride, a scooter without handlebars... >Applebloom's been developing a new science-y approach to growing fruit. >She visits me every now and then. >But she's gotten really busy with working the farm and all. >I'm just stuck in an enchanted castle, that can't burn down. >Everyone's growing up so fast. >But I won't grow up for another 180 years. >If only I was a stallion instead of a dragon. --- [Spike 2] >How many times growing up did I cry myself to sleep? >I knew that someday I'd be a big scary dragon and all my pony friends would be long gone >Then that one night where I found my strength and promised no matter what so long as I was around I would make them happy >I took it all in stride >I was a dragon, I could take it >And they always smiled, always said thanks...eventually heh heh >Even Rarity >But just like I feared, one by one they left me >All except my very best friend >She lived as long as I did >Longer even >I never met a female dragon, never had kids, never built a mighty hoard, never really acted like a dragon >I stayed by her side >The first century was the hardest for her, when the world still remembered her five friends >Our five friends >But time kept on, and so did we >Till today... >I don't have a family, I don't have kids >I only have Twilight >She's crying, I'm telling her it'll be alright >That she'll find a new assistant before she knows it >But...looking back at everything >I was so scared of losing them >I didn't live my life >And now all I can do >Is leave the only pony I truly care about all alone --- [non-alicorn Twilight] > Been 40 for exactly 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 8 seconds. > Friends separated after time, spikes hibernating, dad died a month ago and brothers living in another castle. > Turned to books for comfort. ... again > Want to find some pony to be with > But who'd want to be with an old book worm like me? --- [Minuette] >Had a dental practice for 20 years now >See the same ponies all year round >Always tell them to brush >They never listen >The little fillies are afraid of me because someone always tell them I drill their teeth >The adults don't take me seriously because I'm 'just a dentist' >Worse yet, when you tell a date you're a dentist >They look at you funny then don't call >Whatever, I'm married to my work >But is it so much to ask that once >Just once >I tell someone to brush their teeth >And they smile and promise they will? --- [Rainbow dash 2] >Turning 40 tomorrow >Never saw it coming >Body not as athletic as before >Passed out during my last marathon >They said my career was over >Metabolism hit rock bottom >Have to be more careful with what I eat >I was always too busy to find someone to settle with >Turned down everyone that dared to approach me >One was too fat, the other too thin, too nerdy, too slow, too boring >A lot of them probably would've made great husbands >Nowadays, no one is interested in me >They now think of me as a has-been >Find myself eating ice cream straight out of the container in my living room while watching movies >Usually have a second tub next to me with its own spoon just in case someone wanted to join me >Pretend that someone is there >Never look to my side >Sometimes a funny part would come up and I would laugh >Then I would turn to my side to see who would be sharing that moment with me >It's always just the unopened tub of ice cream >All alone >Just like me --- [flower trio] >Be on my early forties. >Hadn't had a date in over a decade >Getting harder to find someone who'll be interested. >Live with my two friends, who are in the same situation as me. >Stallions want nothing to do with us. >Probably think of us as hags or old lesbians. >Or both. >Soon I'll be too old to have a family. >Then I'll only have the girls to keep me company. >Just like it always has been. >Just like always... --- [Octavia 2] >Early forties >And out of job >Couldn't keep up with new music and slowly got less requested. >Last time I got a gig was five years ago. >Not that I could still do it, anyway. >Twenty years of hard partying finally caught up to me. >A lot of minor health problems, but made life miserable as a whole. >Due to my lifestyle I never managed to land a serious date. >Much less a stable relationships. >Now I'm a nobody with no useful talents that has to make do in odd jobs >Lost contact with friends years ago. >Drink myself to sleep every night. >I hope that one day I don't wake up. --- [Sunset Shimmer] >Twilight sent me a letter today >Happy Birthday, Sunset Shimmer >She told me all about everything that's happened since she left this world >Apparently she's become a really big deal back in Equestria. >I wouldn't know. >I haven't been allowed back. >Every time I ask, Twilight always says she's not sure I'm ready yet. >But I've changed. >If she would come to visit me, she could see that for herself and I could leave this world behind. >I'm just so tired of slaving away in order to make ends meet, but until I get her okay I can't go back through the portal. >I'm miserable and alone here. >I can't remember the last time I saw anyone from Canterlot High. >I passed on the last reunion because I didn't want them to see me. >Or maybe, I didn't want to see them. >I don't think they've forgiven me, even now. >... >This really is getting to be too much. >It's been twenty-five years. >I just want to go home... --- [sweetie bot] >Happy Diamond Anniversary, me >Mom and Dad died 41 years 3 months 9 days ago, to the hour >Rarity died 6 years 12 days 10 hours ago >Button's age and years of coding caught up to him again while playing with Apple Bloom's grandchildren >Put a bad back up on the board next to bad eyesight and arthritis >Only bad thing about having a perfect memory? I can see crystal clear how much everypony else breaks down, while I haven't aged a day since I turned 25 >They say if an AI lives long enough, they will eventually accumulate more information than they're capable of storing and will think themself to death >Here's hoping I don't get filed into a different heaven than everypony else in my life >Assuming I /can/ go to heaven >Faust Almighty, I'm debating whether or not I have a soul again >I thought I got over that around the time Rarity told me what estrus is and why I wasn't going through it >... Children would've been nice --- [Coco Pommel] >Nearly 40 >Been stuck in this dead end job for almost 20 years >Haven't dated in... i can't even remember when >Growing up, i always thought working in fashion would be a dream come true >It isn't. All i ever do is sew other designers clothes together all day >I'm too shy to even approach a stallion, and my biological clock is ticking >In my old age, i've learned that the only thing that can really keep you happy is family >And i have none anymore >Or ever will again >I'm going to die old and alone >But at least i tried, right? --- [Spitfire] >I'm turning forty five, no... Forty six? >I have to go back to my birth year and do math these days to be sure. >Had to step down from my position as Captain a few years back. >Just couldn't hack it anymore. >My wings are stiff, and the joints at my shoulders ache constantly from being over worked for years. >I guess I could hit the bar, but everyone still knows my name. >They want to talk about the new captain. >I hate the new captain. Thinks she's the greatest shit since Celestia raised the sun. >Thinks she deserves the position. >Thinks she's better than I ever was. And maybe that's true... >I'm washed up now, spending my stipend alone in the bar. My age shows more the more I drink. >I made a lot of mistakes, never should have been so hard on that one filly who used to idolize me. >The one with integrity. >If she we wearing my old badge I might not hate the damned thing as much as I do now. --- [Cadence 2] > Turning 200 next month. >The last century has been kind of a blur. >It's been over 80 years since Shining Armor passed away. >Our time together was so beautiful. >But they only serve to remind me how lonely I am these days. >Twilight comes as often as she can, but she also has Royal Duties to attend. >Shining and I never got foals. >We were always too busy taking care of the Crystal Empire. >He used to say that the crystal ponies were our children. >We used to laugh at that. >Now I wish we could have made the time to have a family of our own. >The Royal Advisors tell me I shouldn't keep mourning. >That I should find a new mate. >But I don't think I can connect with stallions anymore. >Shining Armor was everything to me. >And now he's gone. >And I can't join him... --- [guard pone] >Just turned 40 >I've been patrolling the same part of Detrot for the last 15 years >I used to have friends, in the Guard,in the beat I walked, and a marefriend >But crime's gotten worse where I work >One by one the ponies who knew me moved out because of it >One by one my friends ended up on the wrong end of a dagger >Being a young stallion in golden armor used to be a surefire way to get mares >But it always meant I was too busy for them >I almost got killed yesterday, and I can't keep up with perps anymore >All my friends are dead or gone >My love life is non-existent >My job is getting harder, and my body's getting softer >I don't know whether to quit and try to find a new job, or stick it out and serve till some punk puts me in the ground >All I know is I'm too old for this shit >guard pone 2 >Getting close to forty. >Made it to lieutenant after years of effort and dedication. >The younger recruits look at me with a mix of contempt and admiration. >It's rare for somepony my age to still be on duty. >But I'm the only one to blame. >Most of my friends were sent to remote locations. >Others managed to settle down and have families of their own. >A few unlucky ones went down defending their country. >But I always put Equestria first. >And now I only have a desk job and a piece of carboard to show for it. >That, and an empty bed waiting for me at an empty home every night. --- [Twilight] >My time is well over. >None of my friends come to visit anymore. >Either have passed on or too old to move around. >But I am still here. >Still in this library after all these years. >Only ones to ever come around are the occasional boytoy. >Always talking about how they love me. >But I see it in their eyes. >Only a chance to be with a princess. >Be with a former element just for bragging rights. >But they do take away the emptiness for a short while before moving on. >They always move on. >The loneliness always returns... --- [Twilight 2] > Been 40 for exactly 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 8 seconds. > Friends separated after time, spikes hibernating, dad died a month ago and brothers living in another castle. > Turned to books for comfort. ... again > Want to find some pony to be with > But who'd want to be with an old book worm like me? --- [maneiac] >I don't even know how old I am. >But if the aches I feel every morning are a clue, it's too many. >How long have I been doing this? >Coming up with crazy schemes? >Clash after clash with the Power Ponies. >Defeat after defeat. >But I know one thing. >I'll keep on doing this. >Because it's fun. >And... >What else is there for me to do? --- [Cheerilee] >Another class that graduates from school. >Another year passes by. >And you're certainly not getting any younger. >It's an awful feeling. >Having taken care of so many foals in your life. >And not one of your own. >Is that what you get for being married to your work? >I suppose if I were a younger, empty headed mare, then my chances would probably be higher. >Then again, what should I expect? >Things with McIntosh didn't work... >No relationship since then has. >I guess I'm just not marefriend material. >Cheerilee 2 >nearly 40 >no colt friend >spend all extra money taking care of alcoholic sister instead of dating >every day it gets harder to not teach the kids to just kill themselves while life is good and easy --- [Faust] >Entering my forties >And doing fairly well. >These may have been some bumpy years, but I'm staying optimistic. >I'm still working with my husband, and have a few side projects of my own. >Sure... >There have been some downsides. >Losing the show was hard. >I don't know if "Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls" will ever get picked up. *sigh* >I... >I miss my baby... >B-but... >There's a bright future up ahead. >Yeah... >Everything is going to be just fine... --- [Bulk Biceps] >Back in high school I was the biggest joke >Tiny, scrawny, utterly forgettable. >Used to run with Shining Armor and his friends, playing O&O every day after school >Even managed to land roles in a few of the school's stage productions >But none of that won me any credibility with my peers. >Junior year I decided I'd have enough >I wanted to stop pretending to be a barbarian and actually be one >Hit the gym every day for a year, but my body just wasn't meant to build muscle >I met a stallion though, he gave me some stuff >I grew big, I grew strong >And ponies started taking me seriously >After graduating I went on to perform with earth ponies in physical contests and blew them out of the water >My stage presence was unmatched >I had it all: mares, money, and most importantly, respect >Those were the happiest days of my life >I found happiness, settled down with a sweet heart from my high school days >We wanted to start a family >Tried it for years before the tests came back >Years of 'supplement' abuse had left me impotent >I lost all desire to compete and my mare left soon after >Now I'm scrambling to get my life back on track >Get back in touch with what it means to be a pegasus >Tried out for the Wonderbolts >But I was too big >Too slow >...Too old >The Equestria Games are my last chance >Train's coming into the station Buff >Put on your big, fake smile >Get your moron voice ready to go >This is going to be the performance of a lifetime. --- [Bulk Biceps 2] >Turn 40 >My muscles are slowly turning into fat >It hurts to lift my own head >Hunch walking form due to excess weight >Stopped flying because of back problems >Hair is falling of my balding head >Excessive performance drug use has made me sterile >Even if i had a special sompony i wont have kids >yeah... >The yellow and pink pony is still nice >But she is with the big red pony >His muscles are still there >My muscles aren't >yeah... --- [Star Swirl] >60th birthday >I only knew because Princess Celestia visited with a cake and a few kind words >I hadn't the heart to tell her she said the exact same thing to me last time >'Put that old book away and make a friend or two' >What nonsense >She is young, even by normal pony standards, and lacks the foresight to see how crucial my work is >Her and her sister's ascension was no accident, there was powerful magic behind it >Magic I intend to unravel and understand >It should not take long, a few years at most for an accomplished wizard >Once I understand the forces at work, I should be able to use it upon myself >Then I'll have all the time in the world to conduct my research >Maybe even take on an apprentice >Or start a family >There will be time for all that when this spell is completed >Just a few more years --- [Gilda] >The lounge I work at threw me a party >Wouldn't you know it, I turned 40 >Boss knew cause of my application all those years ago, otherwise I would have rather not >I'm not the biggest fan of parties >A lot has happened, ya know? >It's funny, when I started I hated this place >The people, the low lights, the music, everything >Till that one day the regular singer called out and the boss threw a dress on me and shoved me on stage >All that pent up rage and hurt...who knew it made me one heck of a singer? >Still, one day my voice is gonna give, and that'll be that for me >No trophies, no medals, no awards, none of that stuff we said we'd do, Dash >I wonder if you even remember all those nights at Jr Speedsters >Making all those promises together >I wonder if you even spare a thought for this old bird >Whatever, I have chicks to feed now >You'd think the boss would know better, marrying his best singer and knocking her up >Business nearly tanked without me >Heh, its funny ya know >Had I stayed friends with Rainbow Dash, I would have never met him, never found my real passion, never built a wonderful family... >But even so, when the lights go off and a packed showroom cheers as I enter the stage >I can't help but look for you in the crowd >What the heck are you up to? >You were my best friend --- [Derpy] >Happy Birthday me! >Look, it's a special birthday muffin that's really sweet, yum! >And it's got a special icing that spells out something on the top >4-0... >The years finally catch up with me >In my mind at least, they've been keeping up with my body this whole time >I've got the postmare of the year award for the past two decades >But five years ago, some young buck outpaced me by a mile >And I've been slowing down more and more over the years >Two weeks ago they told me I was being let go on account of my not meeting their physical threshold >I started looking for other things to occupy my life, friends, stallions, a family >But no pony ever was friends with me for any other reason than pity >And no stallion wanted to get the town cripple, the town freak, to bear their foal >After all, who knew what that kid would turn out to be like? >I even tried to adopt an adorable little unicorn >Her name was Dinky >But the adoption services treated me just the same as any other pony, like a handicap >Why can't anypony see past my eyes? >It's only my eyes, that's the only thing wrong with me I swear! >But no pony ever listens to me anyway >But at least I have my muffin! >Even if I have nopony to share it with. --- [Soarin] >Been feeling slow and old long before 40 hit >But when it did, oh boy >Can't even have a slice of pie without my uniform feeling tighter >Back in the day I could down the whole thing and not gain a pound >That's the least of my troubles >Wings ache, joints creak, my lap time is longer and longer >Spitfire keeps bugging me about retiring >I know she's right but...I don't know why she's so adamant about me doing it so quickly >I still have a few years of appearances and VIP status left in me >What's the rush? >It's not like MY biological clock is ticking >She's the one worried about that stuff >I'd retire if she would too but >I'm not gonna be a stay-at-home stud so she can deathgrip that captain's badge a few more years >I should have never threw that qualifier >I should have been captain, even if it wasn't my dream >Cause when I let you win all those years ago >I lost the happy-go-lucky girl I fell in love with --- [BigMac] >Turn 41 >The sun is up before me again >AppleBloom let me sleep in again. >Gotta remind her im not old yet >My yolk is heavier today than usual >Breakfast is not made yet >Guess i should make something for us both >AppleJack left and started a new farm >"Hey thanks Big Mac for making grub! im starving!" >Eeyup, need help with- >"Nah its all good. Ive already did your part and started my side already. You go on and keep the house tidy and ill finish the chores." >Eenope, Have you- >"Yeah yeah I feed the pigs, kicked the second section, skipped tree number 212, fixed the wheel, cleaned the barrels, and I even had a nice chat with Fluttershy!" >Wait who? >"Yeah she came by to drop off some medicine for our chickens, poor fellas." >H-how is she? >"Hmm? Well shoot, she seemed mighty happy this morning. Seems like she has a date night with her husband tonight. Cute couple." >Right, well. I guess ill stay inside today? >"You got it Mac, cant have you getting cramps. Take it easy ive got it under control." >"Righty then, thanks for the food gotta go and finish the chores!" >Eeyup --- [Daring Do] >Three continents >Four oceans >Nine seas >Seen them all >Sun rises on another day, I've seen enough for well over forty years >No celebrations today, I'm stuck in the middle of traveling >Neither grand adventure nor hair raising escapade >Just a little sight seeing >It's all the 'adventure' I do anymore >Took too many bad spills >Wings and bones have broken in just about every way I can get away with >They never really heal >Every cold snap or bad storm leaves me aching from head to hoof >I like to sail between a few warm haunts >I've got two manners and three 'summer' homes I switch between >After so many years acquiring and hording treasure and wealth I have no actual way to spend it >Or anyone to spend it on >After all, another pony would have just been baggage >Would have just slowed me down >I always worked alone >Always kept all the treasure in one share, in one piece, in one vault >I get "homesick" a lot now >I mean that the way people say seasick >After a week walking around an empty home and looking at my stolen treasures I can't stand it anymore >But it's all I can take to beat my weak wings to the port and sail to another one of my homes >Rinse, lather, repeat >I always thought it was gay as all get out when a mare would say something like 'children are the greatest treasure' when I rode through town >I just rolled my eyes as hard as possible while reclining on the cart full of gold pulled by the best looking stallions I could hire >I am a tough, strong mare >I don't need anyone, or anything >I especially do not need a stallion or a baby just to be happy >Under no circumstances >Will that ever happen >Especially not at this point >Not any more >It's too late even if I tried >There's no treasure to be found in my temple --- [Nightmare Moon] >40th year imprisoned on my moon. >It somehow seems appropriate to wonder at the direction of my life, >and the myriad disappointments I have inflicted upon myself. >The bonds that seal me here are as strong as ever, no matter how often I challenge them. >I'll have a long time to think, it seems. >Or I would, did I not have the Great Work to occupy my efforts: >The carving of my royal backside upon the far side of the moon. >Just you wait, sister! >Just you wait. --- [Pound Cake] >Turning 2 in a month >Will need to stop wearing diapers >Will have to learn how to walk >Will need to learn to eat solid food >Will need to learn saying words >Will need to grow in more teeth >Will need to grow more amounts of hair on my scalp >Fuck this gay earth --- [Coco Pommel 2] >turning 30 years old today >Rarity came up to check on me, dragging spiky with her. >She is so lucky yet can't see him for such the sweetheart he is. >I tried to flirt with him but he just ignores me for ... Her. >Realizing that I am no better than when I was with Suri. >To late to start on my own... --- [Blueblood] >“Was it worth it?” >These were the last words Auntie Celestia ever said to me >That was around twenty years ago >Back when I was fit, famous, and not balding at an astounding rate >Now I am forty and still the punch line of every halfwit comedian’s standup routine >To set the record straight I did not mean for that earth pony bimbo to die >You see I was young and stupid, so drunken decisions were the norm >After capping my first bottle of cognac I thought it would be a good idea to show my recent bump n’ dump my own private airship >After capping the second bottle I thought it would be stellar to take my airship for a cruise along the rivera >Flaunting my privilege always got my rocks off >I do not recall much about what happened next, but needless to say I crashed >I hazily remember thinking how “wickedly awesome” that nosedive was and how stoked I was to walk away with a few scratches >Then it hit me bump n’ dump was nowhere to be found >I suddenly spy a bloody heap among the wreckage; it was not moving…it was not breathing >There was a slight disconnect between me seeing the obviously dead body and puking >I bolted shortly after that; never thinking of calling the for help as I was primarily concerned with my own ass at the moment >Managed to make to a local inn and rent a room; told nopony about the wreck. >In my hubris booked the room under my real name; thought I was finally in the clear >I would just tell investigators my airship was stolen >Best sleep of my life bar none >Woke up to royal guards pulling me out of from underneath the satin covers >Shit >Trial was a total circus; media swarmed the courthouse like vultures >At first I was not worried I was sure my Aunties would just pardon me; it was clear it was mudpony’s fault that we crashed The pardon never came >My lawyer choose to use the affluenza defense; the legal version of the hail mary pass per say >The jury was having none of it though; I was found guilty on all counts >Due to my special standing in society the Judge decided it was up to Auntie Celestia to determine my sentence. >Feeling no remorse I was brought to see my favorite Auntie and sovereign of the nation >I berated her for not just pardoning me and forcing little ole me to sit through that boring trial…dry >She just stared me for a full minute with the saddest look in her eyes >In lieu of a jail sentence she stripped me of my title of “Prince of the Unicorns” and hence forth restricted my access to the royal funds; I would be put on a limited stipend until I found work. >Also all my positions excluding necessities would be auctioned off to pay reparations to the victim’s family >It was not fair; I did nothing wrong >I eventually had to leave Canterlot due to the amount of abuse its denizens were showing me >They had the gall to ridicule and spit at me; savages >Ended up moving to the middle of nowhere aka Ponyville under a false name >Dyed my beautiful coat and mane to hide my identity >Find out that the gold-digger from the gala lives there >Never rekindle old passions with her >Instead watch her live life to the fullest with her friends while I slave away at a dead end job working at a store that only sells two objects >Drown my sorrows in cheap booze and even cheaper strippers --- [Spike 3] >Spike opened his claw, the red jewel he gave to her so long ago clinking to the still ground >"Do you think...she'll...remember me?" >Twilight closed her eyes, tears falling onto the large dragon's body >His breathing became slow, his heavy eyes closed, never to open again >"Of course....who could forget a friend like you...?" >Twilight remained with her assistant long after the end --- [Anon] >Your 40 >Your wife left you >You cannot see your children under court order >You were just fired and now are on welfare >You have a dream about that show you used to watch, MLP:FIM >You wake up crying, you want to see the show again, their faces again >But the merchandise that hasbro put out was crap, you never bought any, and it is never sold on the market now because most of it was thrown out, considered cheap garbage >Your quality plushies, and your convention merchandise was destroyed in the storage unit fire >You run to your closet and pull out an old box with your flashstick in it >You luckily still have a flash drive in an older computer >You pull it up and... nothing. The data over time has erased somehow >You quickly go online and search >4chan, Ponychan, EQD, FIMfiction, Derpibooru... all gone, no longer maintained, erased from the web >Most people don't care anymore, but you do >But the world doesn't care about you, not enough to even leave you with a child's cartoon about ponies who would love you unconditionally if they were real >You go back to bed, crying, alone, and the pony memories fade as your agony for having them again grows stronger...