Statistics
is a short experimental piece of fan fiction by My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic author xTSGx.
It is essentially a list of everything Princess Celestia did without her sister following Nightmare Moon's banishment to the Moon. Celestia bitterly remembers each fact and dimension of the loss of her sister. She thinks of all the ponies who have live and died over the course of that millennium. It is sad and reflective, but ends on a happy note as she thinks of the reuniting of the Elements of Harmony that redeemed Luna.
It could be compared to Hemingway's Six-Word Story, in that it uses short and perfunctory descriptions to convey emotion and story.
As always, spoilers:
Statistics provides examples of the following Tropes:
- Darkest Hour: For Celestia, this was the entire thousand years she spent without her sister.
- Drivento Suicide: Something Celestia attempted out of guilt three times.
- Flash Fiction: At only 1,000 words and with a very simple premise, this fic arguably lies on the longer end of that genre.
- Hope Spot: At the end, Twilight is able to assemble her friends and the Elements and save Luna and defeat the Nightmare once and for all.
- I Should Have Been Better: Celestia spends "Nine thousand, three hundred and eighty four hours" appreciating Luna's wonderful night like she feels she should have done all along, as well as spending money and passing laws to encourage all of Equestia to do so as well.
- My God, What Have I Done?: Celestia certainly feels this, but is forced to reflect that is was necessary to save her citizens.
- My Greatest Failure: Mentioned twice by name.
- Noodle Incident: A large portion of the story references battles and wars we never see, failed attempts to bring Luna back that are not described, and other Faithful Students besides Twilight who are not mentioned by name. Each one reminds Celestia of her loss in some way.
- One-Word Title: A common feature of many xTSGx fics.
- Sufficiently Analyzed Magic: One of the statistics notes that "eight point six terajoules" of magic was released by the Elements.
- Survivor Guilt: Celestia feels this after her battle with Nightmare Moon.
