Sweetie Belle is finally returning home after a long stay at Carousel Boutique.
This time, she really hopes things will be different.

Winner of wishcometrue's 'Going Home' contest for the Quills and Sofas Speedwriting Group. The story was originally written in one hour, this version has received some refinement.
Thanks to Flashgen and Zontan for editing, and all who preread in the contest.
CW: Themes of child abuse, physical abuse & trauma

Rarity orders a collection of gems from the crystal empire to give her new designs that little bit extra. Included in the shipment is a magnificent ruby that is far more than what it seems. After the gem reveals that it has inherent magical properties, Rarity and the rest of the Elements of Harmony are pulled into an adventure complete with living mannequins, the Mirror Pool, life and death struggles in the Crystal Empire, and a budding romance between two of the most unlikely of ponies.

(Winner of the Crack Ships Inc. June write off contest.)

King Sombra is resurrected from the dark magic of a gem found by Rarity. Twilight takes it upon herself, as the Princess of Friendship, to attempt to help him. However, Celestia has warned Twilight that his heart is "black as night" - can he even be saved? Should they even bother? And what of the gem that resurrected him?

When trouble once again comes to Ponyville is seems as though Sombra's time is up. Twilight must decide if he is to be imprisoned or allowed to roam free and it seems Rarity will be the ultimate deciding factor.

SEQUEL: The Umbra Queen

[Picture from Grumbeerkopp on Deviantart]

This story is a sequel to The Umbra King

All is well in Ponyville. At least, that's what everypony says. One by one the residents of Ponyville begin acting strangely, calling into question the feeling of dread Rarity just can't seem to shake. A dark presence has slithered its way into Ponyville... one Rarity is sure she's felt before...

Will she be able to save her friends in time before its too late? Will the pony she fell for return, like in all her dreams? Only time will tell and she's quickly running out of it.

(Artwork [with permission] from NastyLady on deviantart)

This story is a sequel to It's a Dangerous Business, Going Out Your Door

EDIT: 6,000 unique views! Thank you so much to everyone who has read and enjoyed this story.

TVTropes Page

An ancient evil has awakened. No, really, it has. From the depths of time, a black, noxious threat has risen up after millennia of imprisonment. It washes like oil over Equestria, swallowing up towns and uncovering terrible secrets long buried. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity are prepared to combat this great darkness. However, to do so, they must uncover the truths about the Elements of Harmony, and the truths about the ancient forerunners of Equestrian culture. What they find will challenge their conceptions of their own places in history and ponydom's place in the world. The six Bearers of the Elements must draw upon their friendship and the strength of their hearts to stand firm against the darkness. If they fail, it will mean the end of everything.

This story is a sequel to My Little Mages: The Grand Gala

It is the day after the Grand Gala and while everything seems normal a foe that was once bested is ready to make her move.

Nightmare Moon, with the aid of Nightshade, now possesses Rarity has taken a new name, Nightmare Rarity and with the Tantabus torn between his loyalties, Luna must reach out to the rest of the Elements of Harmony bearers to stop Nightmare Rarity. However, the Princesse of the Moon has more secrets which might undermine her only hope.

Can Twilight and friends save Rarity? Can they unravel the truth? Or will Nightmare Rarity accomplish her goals and plunge the world into an everlasting night?

Cover art by ZantyARZ and used with permission.

Queen Celestia's six sons, Spike, Discord, Cheese Sandwich, Soarin, Fancy Pants, and Flash Sentry are to be married under royal law. The six of them are hesitant, but dutiful. At a Royal Ball thrown in hopes that the six of them can choose a mare to wed, they meet six mysterious girls who captivate them immediately. Uninterested in the suitors that come to call, they decide to take a break in Ponyville.

When they arrive in Ponyville, they reunite with the six girls who are willing to let them stay awhile. As the six brothers struggle not to fall for the girls they meet, Queen Celestia frantically sends her best guards on a search for the Princes.

Based on the title of 'Seven Brides For Seven Brothers', but not the content.

This story is a sequel to Blast At The Beach, Part Deux

This story is also a sequel to A Leg Up

At a mid-week get together at Pinkie’s house, Applejack and Rainbow Dash finally settle their differences from six months prior.

Part of the AppleDash Diaries and the SciTwi Shimmer Chronicles.

Contains mild violence, mild cursing and implied sex.

Big thanks to TheWingman for proofreading.

Uncropped cover image source here.

No matter what it may seem, or what is presented, or what you may read, please know this is a happy story.

Rarity hopes you'll remember that.

She'll try to remember, too.

Entry to the Quill and Sofa's Speedwriting's #34th contest - "Going Home". Originally ~700 words, but expanded so it could be posted as a stand alone story.

The bags are packed, the passports acquired, the tickets bought. Today's the day. But not every trip is a vacation, and anticipation feels a lot like anxiety. This surgery is a very big deal for Rarity, and it could be the biggest test of their relationship yet. Can they weather this storm?

Proofread by GaraTheAuthor
Cover by Rawrienstein

3rd Place Winner of the Sunset Shipping Contest: Journeys!