Expectations. Fame or infamy. Family. Friends. Work.

They all define everypony in different measures. Sometimes the feeling is positive... and sometimes... sometimes it gets to be a bit much.

Summer has arrived in Ponyville, and all of the colts and fillies are ecstatic about the long break from school. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are among those excited about the summer and they end up going on an adventure for the ages. There's only one problem. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are tagging along with them. However, what none of them realize is that many undiscovered secrets of Equestria are waiting for them. What are these secrets? Why are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon traveling with the Cutie Mark Crusaders? What challenges will these fillies face?

Thanks to Frostfur and Howling Wolves for proofreading this story.

Rarity helps a beautiful mare pick out the perfect hat in her boutique.

As seen on Equestria Daily.

Star Power isn't Twilight Sparkle -- but she does play her on TV.

This story has an audio version!

Written for the December 5th Writeoff Contest. Prompt: "Behind closed doors."

Scootaloo has held a dream in her heart for a long time, and it's no secret that she idolizes Rainbow Dash. However, she has to face that sometimes dreams are unreachable. Sometimes chasing after them leaves you shattered.

A short first-person introspective fic from Scootaloo's PoV

An alternate universe story, in which Twilight Sparkle was born a pegasus, not a unicorn. Because of this, she isn't Princess Celestia's personal student at the School for Gifted Unicorns, and she can't wield the Element of Magic. Can she still help save the world from Nightmare Moon? Or will she fall under the dark powers of nightmares?

This was somewhat inspired by Rainbooms and Royalty, a story in which Princess Celestia picks Rainbow Dash to be her personal student.

Applejack's life is turned upside-down after she suddenly inherits the full powers of a goddess. She insists that it isn't a big deal and that she's the same pony as always, just bigger. Meanwhile, everypony else starts making demands on her and placing expectations on the 'new princess'. When the constant stream of petitions and gawkers starts interfering with farm work, Applejack reacts a bit strongly. Luna, fearing the worst, is determined to rescue Applejack from corruption, further irritating the farm pony. Will Applejack accept her destiny, or is destiny what you make of it?

Luna's disposition worsens after Twilight Sparkle once again outdoes the Princess by fighting back another evil foe. Princess Luna wishes to speak with somepony, and finds that a therapist is her only possible choice.

Cover photo by Leyanor.
Featured on Equestria Daily (somehow) on 12/19/2012.

Raising the sun isn't an easy job. Celestia knows that better than anypony. It requires vision and creativity, and she can only do her best work when the inspiration strikes her.

But, as is true with all good art, nobody else cares about that.

The magician's art lies in the act of misdirection. This is true even in a world where magic exists. Trixie has mastered the art, but how much of her act is true magic, and how much is an illusion? And what if that same question applies to her entire life?

Discover the truth about Equestria's most Great and Powerful showpony, in a story told in a most unconventional manner...