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Equestria Daily Settings

  • Story: Growing Up

    by Cereal Velocity

    [Grimdark] [Shipping]

    Author: Vix
    Description: When he was younger Spike thought nothing would ever change. But part of growing up is learning that letting go is a part of life. He'd never forget them. Spike centric.

    Growing Up

    Additional Tags: Family, Changes, Loss, Love, Hopeful
    Wednesday, November 2, 2011 op 2:00 PM
    Labels: Author: Vix, Complete, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Everypony, Fanfiction, Grimdark, Shipping, Spike, Star-5, Story
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    72 comments:

    1. Ten_TaclesNovember 2, 2011 at 2:02 PM

      Hm, shipping and grimdark?
      About growing up?
      Sounds intriguing.

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    2. Ten_TaclesNovember 2, 2011 at 2:03 PM

      I also ruined your first opportunity.

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    3. HorconNovember 2, 2011 at 2:03 PM

      now im mad ^^^

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    4. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:03 PM

      hmmm 3rd? and shouldnt it be sad?

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    5. DPV111November 2, 2011 at 2:08 PM

      1: Why is it that similar stories/movies/games all come out close together?
      2: Grimdark Shipping scares the hell outa me.

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    6. keneticpestNovember 2, 2011 at 2:09 PM

      I'm afraid of the use of both "Shipping" and "Grimdark" as tags for the same story.

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    7. TenchiFreak5November 2, 2011 at 2:10 PM

      Just finished this, and I'm pretty sure that should be tagged [Sad] rather than [Grimdark].

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    8. Pojo458November 2, 2011 at 2:12 PM

      Dude.... that was sad...not grimdark

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    9. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:12 PM

      Hey, this wasn't Grimdark at all! It was sweet, and a little sad, but largely heartwarming. Wrong tag is wrong.

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    10. CynicalMuseNovember 2, 2011 at 2:16 PM

      Wrong tag is wrong! I am dissapoint.

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    11. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:17 PM

      By the way, does anypony know if this same story idea has already been written from Celestia's perspective? That I'd like to read.

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    12. DreamChaserNovember 2, 2011 at 2:18 PM

      Oh no, why shipping and grimdark together? I would really like to give it a shot, but Im kinda scared of GD.

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    13. DreamChaserNovember 2, 2011 at 2:19 PM

      @ponydoraprancypants
      Yeah, just read ur comment, thanks :) Wrong tags are wrong :(

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    14. MultiversityNovember 2, 2011 at 2:21 PM

      Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. To say anything else would be to try and put labels on this story, and frankly that would just ruin it.

      I commend you, writer.

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    15. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:23 PM

      The only way this could have been Grimdark is (and please for the love of Celestia nopony write this) if Spike grows up, only to realize that his destiny as a dragon is to eat ponies. :)

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    16. arthurthekittenslayerNovember 2, 2011 at 2:23 PM

      the tags are not really accurate. the shipping was really light, and I don't see grimdark at all, sad perhaps, but grimdark?

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    17. DublioNovember 2, 2011 at 2:24 PM

      Oh no, I'm afraid to read this. I want to go back to the world of "It takes a village" where Spike is grown up, but everyone else is still alive. Denial! I must stay in denial!

      Ok then, I'll go read it now, sorry for the melodramatics.

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    18. wackyponyNovember 2, 2011 at 2:26 PM

      I'm about halfway through and I'm not getting a grimdark sense or a shipping sense.

      this is just sad. =(

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    19. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:33 PM

      I'm the author, and you have my SINCERE apologies about the wrong tags. I wasn't sure how strict admins were about the tags around here, and I was honestly iffy about sending it in at all. So I kind of had a bit of a panic attack.

      GrimLIGHT - because there are mentions of death, though not explicit
      Shipping - there are mentions of RariMac
      Sad - I forgot to type this tag in the email. Dang.

      I went for sad with a hopeful tone, based on my own experiences of bouncing back from loss. But I kinda fudged this entire thing up >_< my apologies again. I'll refrain from this in the future.

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    20. PinkaminaTheMadNovember 2, 2011 at 2:34 PM

      this was really sad (i cried a couple times) but was also quite touching, also well written imo. good job on this

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    21. Royal Guard TictacNovember 2, 2011 at 2:37 PM

      I am so very, very sad now. Why would you do this to me?

      5 stars built upon sadness and sweetness

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    22. LastOfLancasNovember 2, 2011 at 2:39 PM

      There's not much Grimdark element (if at all) in this fic. Not much of a shipping, too.

      But, Sad is definitely there, and it should be reprimanded so.

      I've been reading a lot of Older Spike fics and, though written by different authors, I see those fics just connect one another (with this fic as a prequel). Narrative isn't outstanding but to my liking and pacing was not rushed at all. Transitions, though, were a bit abrupt at times.

      Overall, nice fic. Love to see more from this author

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    23. DublioNovember 2, 2011 at 2:40 PM

      Since you want to make us sad, here's a picture of Adult Spike looking at a photo of his friends.

      I hope you're happy now. -tears-

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    24. OzimulNovember 2, 2011 at 2:40 PM

      ;-; Bawwwwwwwwwww.

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    25. Royal Guard TictacNovember 2, 2011 at 2:41 PM

      @Dublio

      Stop that you are not helping anyone feel better only sadder

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    26. DublioNovember 2, 2011 at 2:47 PM

      When I read the scene with Spike looking at the photos, the above picture I linked is what went through my mind. I really hope Spike visits soon because AJ and Rarity don't have that much time left.

      Time has a habit of moving far too fast, especially for someone that has a longer lifespan. The older you get, the faster time will go. Hopefully Spike finds solace with Celestia or Luna since they have a similar experience.

      If a Dragon lives for two thousand years, and it's only been sixty five years, it's just going to get worse for Spike.

      Anyhoo, thank you for writing this story rustedrabbit. Even though the grimdark and shipping tags weren't needed, only the sad one. (You already mentioned this) It's always a good idea to get the stories in your head onto paper. I hope you write more someday, I'll be looking forward to reading it.

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    27. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 2:49 PM

      **SPOILERS - READ THE STORY FIRST**

      Steal a dragon egg. Instead of other dragons, have the baby dragon be raised by ponies, all of whom will die of old age while the dragon is still a juvenile. Because you are immortal, watch the whole thing and lol. Shades of Trollestia here?

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    28. wackyponyNovember 2, 2011 at 2:52 PM

      i'll finish it later, but you'd have to fuck up badly for this to not be at least a 4 star. <_<

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    29. DublioNovember 2, 2011 at 2:55 PM

      Listen to this while reading the story and it'll help you feel better. This music will remind you of a simpler time.

      Although it's not the same and some loved ones were lost, you will live on. Despite what happens in life, as long as you have the strength to keep going, that is all that matters.

      Since Spike is still young and hopeful, he'll still have a full life ahead of him, with lots of new relationships to have, new people to meet, and new adventures to go on. It may be sad now but this is just the beginning. Live on Spike. Live on.

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    30. AxelWolfenNovember 2, 2011 at 3:00 PM

      This was amazing, but very, very sad. I will admit, I cried. Thank you for this one, rustedrabbit. Now, to go find something to make myself happy again.

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    31. RiskyNovember 2, 2011 at 3:03 PM

      Ouch... my soul. You punched me in my once happy soul...

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    32. DPV111November 2, 2011 at 3:09 PM

      @rustedrabbit
      If the death is natural or accidental you don't need a Grim anything tag.

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    33. Twilight SparkleNovember 2, 2011 at 3:28 PM

      That was just about the saddest thing I've ever read, but also heart warming.

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    34. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 3:45 PM

      Now this is why I read ponyfics.

      One can pretty much tell how it´s going to end by reading the first few paragraphs,but it´s the beauty of the trip there that makes it great, just like life.

      I´ve waited for a read about Spike growing and dealing with loss for a long time and this one delivers just what I wanted and a bit more. Also, the "it would be a..." part was so awesome that it made something fall in my eye. Thank you :´)

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    35. OgopogoNovember 2, 2011 at 3:57 PM

      @Dublio, If I had listened to that song, I would be crying my eyes out.

      Remembering our youth, growing up and letting go are among the saddest things in our life. It is not about someone passing away, rather filling the void they leave in your life. Time heals wounds but the memories remain.


      Beautifully sad, and just as beautifully written.

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    36. Niels OlofNovember 2, 2011 at 3:58 PM

      Sad, but also beautiful and hopeful. Well done.

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    37. Tom HrabchakNovember 2, 2011 at 4:00 PM

      I think it's Grimdark because he's contemplating suicide at the end. I don't care. Still a pretty nice fic all around.

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    38. Lola LandaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:07 PM

      Made me think of Syntel (a movie made entirely on blender, by the blender team themselves).

      Watch that movie, it's awesome and sad (oh, and you must read this fanfic too)...
      ----

      Guys, grimdark doesn't mean bloody horror, just dark stories with a possible sad ending.

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    39. MrDiscordNovember 2, 2011 at 4:22 PM

      It's sad but it's good.

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    40. arianarocks1234November 2, 2011 at 4:28 PM

      So sad I love that pinkie died beside dash and when aj gaave spike her gift to him sweet story bravo

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    41. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:33 PM

      lol, usually when a sadfic like this is posted, some jerkass atheist pops up to bitch n whine about the implied afterlife mention.

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    42. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:35 PM

      and LOL @ another Grimdark tagging fail. Ah, EQD.

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    43. Brian J. NonanNovember 2, 2011 at 4:37 PM

      I've already read this before the post...does that mean it's a repost or did I stumble upon it somewhere...(I'm so confused)

      Still, It's a nice story, but more Sad than Grimdark

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    44. KnightRNovember 2, 2011 at 4:38 PM

      Dude this story best one iv read for a while and first thing to make me cry in over 4 years manly manly tears were shead for you use them well and i hope to see more of your work.

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    45. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:48 PM

      @mycutiemarkisagun

      Cite? Strawman? I for one am not jerk-assedly complaining ...

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    46. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:49 PM

      "To Be An Alicorn" handled this concept w/ more finesse IMHO, but its still a good read.

      @Rainbowslash

      lol I think its amazing/amusing how whenever a 4+ star sadfic gets posted there's always one guy who comments like "OMFG THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE CRIED SINCE MY GRANDPOP DIED 10 YEARS AGO, YO"

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    47. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:59 PM

      @ponydoraprancypants

      Hey now, if you're not Some Guy who feels the urge to argue about the theology of a Cartoon Pony Universe, you're in the clear. No shots fired in your direction bruh. But yeah, I've seen it happen w/ other fics where there's an offhand mention of life after death. Unnecessary anal retentive dickishness knows no race, religion, or creed.

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    48. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 5:09 PM

      @mycutiemarkisagun

      I've never seen anyone arguing about this, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It doesn't seem fair to call out ONE group, no member of which has shown up in this thread to complain, when as you say, dickishness knows no particular creed. Let's all, what is it, love and tolerate!

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    49. AnonNovember 2, 2011 at 5:29 PM

      I fear blender rape is imminent.

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    50. DjMajaroNovember 2, 2011 at 5:46 PM

      I'm not going to lie, this made me cry, not tear up, but cry. Bravo.

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    51. SebialeNovember 2, 2011 at 6:17 PM

      I just barely teared up. No crying though.
      3 or 4 out of 5.


      *sigh* It seems that now we shall have to deal with an influx of sad Spike stories. >.>

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    52. PaperCammNovember 2, 2011 at 6:51 PM

      Those tags suck. No offense to the story, it was great. But seriously, there's one that fits this: SAD

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    53. Ahiam94November 2, 2011 at 6:51 PM

      That was really depressing, and very well written good job.

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    54. EthanNovember 2, 2011 at 8:28 PM

      ~Appletank, got lazy changing my name since anyone else can just look at my profile.

      Hmm. I nice tribute Spike could do would be to write a diary. So no one would be forgotten, and he could look back at everyone's lives and how everything once was. He's going to be alive for a really for long time still, might as well make sure he never forgets his old life.

      Also, I got that little pit at the bottom of my stomach.

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    55. EthanNovember 2, 2011 at 8:51 PM

      Also seems like a great follow up to
      "A day for spike and twilight"

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    56. InfinionNovember 2, 2011 at 9:21 PM

      I dunno, ponies might live that long, but I would imagine pegasi to live ~200 years and unicorns to live almost 1000 years

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    57. UrthdiggerNovember 2, 2011 at 9:26 PM

      I'm not usually the one to cry... but I noticed my eyes watering up by the end of this.

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    58. BryanNovember 2, 2011 at 10:40 PM

      I recommend trying to get those tags fixed, the grimdark tag has lately become a kiss of death for me but there isn't really much I'd call grimdark in here. All ponies die of old age (aside from two), it's just part of life. Maybe swap the tag for [Sad].

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    59. RBDashNovember 2, 2011 at 11:31 PM

      Wow, what a great story. Idk if grimdark is the right tag, but it moved me to watery eyes. Well done

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    60. CottonmouthNovember 2, 2011 at 11:37 PM

      >Oh look, it's THIS fic again

      Still, it was well written.

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    61. Glimmer CrestNovember 3, 2011 at 12:12 AM

      Full grown Brony here moved to tears.
      Well done.

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    62. AnonymousNovember 3, 2011 at 2:02 AM

      like everyone else I gotta say wrong tags as Death does not equate to Grimdark that's when you have a psychopath on your hands. Sad would have been much more apt. more to the point I balled like a little baby I seem to be doing that alot with thease Spike grows up and loses his friends stories.... hrmmm

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    63. amddudeNovember 3, 2011 at 2:34 AM

      wow. Reading this story just made me think harder about this scenario. I was crying the whole time. argh

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    64. HillyanLugiaNovember 3, 2011 at 2:57 AM

      To the writer of this story, thank you.
      Words cannot describe how grateful I feel right now.
      This show and this story have managed to crack the dam that has been sealing my emotions for so long.
      Allow me to explain; since the death of my grandmother my emotions have been numbed to the point I felt almost nothing, no joy, no sadness, only the occasional flash of anger and short-lived laughter.
      I never thought that my eyes would ever again run red with tears but here I am with my red eyes. They aren't flooding the place but they are flowing like a summer spring.

      Again, thank you so unbelievably much,
      -Eldard Koorn

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    65. SCOTTTAKAHASHINovember 3, 2011 at 3:04 AM

      I don't think reading "Nightfall Over Sweet Apple Acres" helped my Manly Tears session at all.

      -Delta-

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    66. EquineNoxXNovember 3, 2011 at 2:07 PM

      Why oh why do I keep reading these fics mentioning the passing of the mane 6? Now I have to compensate for loss of salt and water!

      But it was a beautiful story though. Gets one thinking. After all, this is the way we all gonna pass. Growing old and weak, watching the world keep on going as we fade.

      Ugh... must go buy a new happy-face now!

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    67. DaBatGuyNovember 20, 2011 at 8:36 AM

      I liked the story, although it was another "Spike out-lives all his pony friends" plot.

      Also these tag are totally wrong. [Grimdark] is for blood, gore, violence, and sudden premature death not peacefully passing away from old age, and the only shipping was a brief mention of Big MacXRarity. This is more of a [Normal] [Sad] story.

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    68. HaloReplicasDecember 5, 2011 at 12:03 PM

      @Infinion
      You're thinking of alicorns.

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    69. DrgnwolfJanuary 1, 2012 at 6:27 AM

      I don't get why it's Grimdark It's sad more than anything else

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    70. TimedevourJanuary 7, 2012 at 11:15 PM

      This made me start to cry as soon as I read "Then Fluttershy got sick".

      I'm actually glad for the Grimdark tag, I wouldn't have found it otherwise. Very well written, I love it.

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    71. bronyboyMay 1, 2012 at 5:38 PM

      without this i would`nt have found it takes a village

      so thanks

      i guess

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    72. FightOrFlyTOctober 7, 2012 at 11:14 PM

      ... this actually made me cry...

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