Thirty Minute Pony Stories

The cheers of the crowd pounded in her ears as she rose to shaking hooves, smiling a watery grin at the ponies around her. Spreading her wings out for balance, she began walking to the stairs. The audience loved it, applauding even louder than before, Pegasi leaping into the air and Earth ponies whistling their approval obnoxiously.

It was unbelievable that she was here, that she had made it this far. She remembered a few months ago when it had all began. It was the time of year to elect a new Mayor for Ponyville and it was no secret that Mayor Mare wasn’t exactly a treasured community official. But Derpy, Derpy was different. She had ideals and plans, feelings and ties with the community. She knew what it was like to work hard and be left out, she knew what it was like to find her place and protect somepony she loved.

Derpy promised peace and safer streets, streets that weren’t ravaged by random cliffs, unsafe retirement homes, and uncovered wells. She supported lower taxes, especially on things like baked goods and other important necessities. She went out and spoke with the local store owners, her words slow and slurred, but her tone understanding and loving. She was just what Ponyville needed, a leader who was down-to-earth and truly knew the citizens of Ponyville.

Her campaign had been fueled by an energetic and supportive Elements of Harmony. Twilight managed her campaign, directing the others into various areas of campaigning. Rarity designed posters, “Derpy for Mayor!” buttons, and other campaign merchandise, Dash went door-to-door with Fluttershy and did banner flyovers during speeches, Applejack spoke with other small business owners and middle class ponies on Derpy’s behalf, and Pinkie converted her welcome wagon into a campaign band wagon, dragging it with her everywhere and offering a good word from Derpy as she passed by. Twilight had originally offered to write her speeches for her, but Derpy refused kindly. They only way to connect with the ponies, she figured, was to speak as she would if they were just talking over muffins at Sugar Cube Corner or passing by on the street.

And it had worked, to everypony’s surprise, Twilight’s especially. After collecting all the final polls, it was concluded that Derpy was ahead by 14%. Things were looking good, and now it was time for the new Mayor to be revealed.

“You’ve got this, Derpy! Hooves for Mayor! Hooves for Mayor!” Somepony yelled out, starting an electric reaction from the crowd.

“Hooves for Mayor! Hooves for Mayor!”

Derpy just offered her usual, genuine smile to the crowd and went so far to extend it to Mayor Mare next to her. The current Mayor returned it with a stiff, exasperated one, but the cheers from the crowd kept Derpy smiling despite Mare’s coldness.

“Citizens of Ponyville!” cried Chairmare Amendment, raising her hooves and silencing the crowd. “The votes have been counted. I extend Ponyville’s most sincere thanks to those who voted. As you well know, voting keeps our system alive and running and grants you the freedoms and rights you deserve. And now, without any further ado, the Council of Ponyville is proud to present…our fine town’s new Mayor…”

The crowd held their breath, hope and anxiety etched on each face. But not Derpy’s. She knew that, although she’d be disappointed if she lost, she knew that she would be fine and move on. She had her friends and her daughter, she had her life to carry on with. Even if she didn’t win the election, she had already won what was most important: the respect from the community. Even here, they had their biases, their insecurities about those who were different, but those had been put to rest. In her mind, she had already achieved her victory. Life was finally looking up.

“…Derpy Hooves!”

She felt herself moving, but nothing seemed real. The crowd was shrieking, the old Mayor was leaving dejectedly and muttering to herself, her campaign office…no, her friends, were racing on stage and knocking her down with one big hug.

Yes, life was looking up for Mayor Derpy Hooves. 

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BSB Comments:

This was great. I loved the triumph of Derpy as she had something to stand for and a vision for a better Ponyville. The ending lines about putting to rest insecurities and biases was lovely, and I just really enjoyed the whole tone. I also really enjoyed the part about her campaign office becoming her friends, and the whole Elements supporting her. Good job!