Twilight had always been a diligent researcher. She would routinely pour over every book she had at her disposal in preparation for every royal assignment. Except, sometimes books can only teach one so much. With this heretical idea in mind, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash decide to take it upon themselves to make sure Twilight keeps her wings clean, and doesn't embarrass herself in the sky.

"I'm Yah-Shee and he's Arrell, and it's our job to analyze their weapons, armour, and skills to find out who would win an Equestrian Death Battle."

This story takes the concept of Death Battle and carries it over into Equestria, pitting different ponies and other Equestrian creatures against each other in one-on-one fights to the death to see which is superior. Extensive research is done on both combatants to figure out who would win, and is presented as a written battle to be more entertaining.

Readers are asked to suggest possibilities for battles in the comments, or by messaging me. You are allowed to suggest OC characters, as long as they are from a story that is at least somewhat well-known.

"But for now, it's time for an Equestrian Death Battle!"

Although she is ashamed to admit it, Rainbow Dash sleeps with a Spitfire plush. But that gets her thinking...what would it feel like to cuddle with another pony instead of a doll? Now she is determined to seek out her friends and find out.

I have always been alone in this forest. I have always feasted in this forest. I call this forest home and those ponies that travel through it are my prey. I devour all those who fear me, all who come to face me. They fear me for I am Fear incarnate. But now...I have met one who does not fear...and I am unsure of what do with her...

Image by the very awesome thewraithofwolf

A different take on alicorn ascension. Sixteen years after arriving in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle is excited to have invented a brand-new kind of spell, but it will come with consequences she cannot possibly anticipate. Meanwhile, threats in shadows around the world conspire to overthrow the Solar Throne. With her world turned upside down, she will have to come to terms with the role that fate has dealt her while straining to keep Celestia in power.

Now with a TVTropes page! Please show it some love! Also check out the official side stories, Designing Intrigue, and Love and Barriers! (With even more in my stories page!)

(Please Note: This story was started before any season three information was available. All episodes in season three and later are non-canon for this story, which also means there's no Crystal Empire in this one. In addition, the promotional map released close to the beginning of season three was also not available and is not compatible with this story. While the OC tag is active because there are OCs in the story, they're really just supporting characters. The focus is on Twilight.)

Also be sure to check out the Rites of Ascension Expanded Universe Group! We're working to develop the resources needed for other authors to try their hand at writing stories set in the Rites Universe!

The Book Two cover art was created by the amazing Silfoe! The original cover art can still be found at Violet Squiggle's deviantArt page.

Author's Notes, including proofreader's credits, can be found here!

"This is 100% Approved by Twilight's Library!"

Macintosh has been dating Twilight steadily for over a year and a half now, but as their secret begins to come to light, will their relationship break under the stress as an unforeseen trouble brews on the horizon? Will it remain strong under fire from not one, but two over protective siblings?

And how does Twilight's growing, 'condition', effect all those who call Twilight friend, family, and lover?

<---------------D'awful Twilight and Big Macintosh drawn by cartoonlion on DeviantArt

With a simple little note from a certain blonde Pegasus, Forest Rain's dark life brightens forever.

Inspired by Forest Rain's song, Great To Be Different. Forest Rain gave me full permission to use his OC and lyrics to the song. I have Youtube PMs to prove this.

I've spent the majority of my life tilling the desolate land in which I live. Every day, I wake up to move useless rocks from one location to another. This is an archaic line of work that my family has clung to for generations. It is a dull, grey existence.

Today, I have woken up in a strange room, lying in a bed that isn't mine. I'm surrounded by five mares whom I've never seen in my life. They claim to be my friends, and expect me to bring joy to the hearts of everypony.

Joy? I don't think I've ever experienced this for myself, so how am I supposed to thrust it upon others?

My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, and I'm not sure what to make of this situation.

She never saw herself as a caretaker, nor did she foresee gaining a sister, but after taking in a homeless filly, Rainbow Dash finds herself in a new role.

Playing the big sister for the only Cutie Mark Crusader without a family, Rainbow Dash finds she still has a thing or two to learn about sisterhood. After butting heads with Scootaloo one too many times, Rainbow Dash consults an expert on the subject.

This story is a sequel to My Sister, Loyalty

* Featured 06/23/2012
* Written prior to Sleepless in Ponyville

After a decade of protecting Equestria with the Elements of Harmony, Ponyville is a very different place. Or maybe it's exactly the same. Either way, the Bearers of the eight Elements of Harmony better get to the bottom of it.

A slightly more mind screwy adventure story than my usual, that will be updated irregularly.