For centuries no one has successfully challenged the might of the Draconian Empire. They rule most of the known galaxy with a heavy, clawed fist. Yet on one small, insignificant planet, that is about to change. When Princess Luna steps into a nightmare, and onto another world, she will give the rebels something they've never had before: a chance to win. For although the dragons control the high orbitals, sending death down on the helpless world below, Luna controls the power of the moons. And it just so happens that the rebel world has four of them.

Cover art by NadnerbD.

Unlike most of my work, this story comes with no promises of quality, no promises of completion, and no promises that I will listen to feedback either. I am embarking on this project solely for my own enjoyment, because I am having fun writing it. I'm posting it only because I'm sure a few of you will also have fun reading it.

The Great and Humble Trixie Lulamoon's reputation could not possibly be any worse, but that is about to change.

Following the disaster with the Alicorn Amulet, Trixie turns herself in to the authorities to account for her crimes. In penance, she is tasked by Princess Luna with the defense of Hollow Shades against a shadowy and unknown foe.

Trixie will have to draw upon every trick and every scheme she knows just to survive. And when faced with a fate worse than Death, she will have to prove there is more to her than flash and spectacle, and learn just how far her magic can go.

And learn how to Rise.

A Side-Story of The Code's Apprentice and The Code of Harmony
Many, many, Many thanks to Hooves McCoy
and The Cacophonous Muse for their aid in editing this story.

There are many axioms in Equestria. "Go with the grain." "Count your blessings." "Strive to be happy with what you have."

And, though left unsaid, the most important one of all: "Know your place."

Although Flash Sentry loves Twilight, she can never know of his love. She can never return the feelings. It wouldn't be proper. After all, social order is more important than fulfilling one's own wishes.

Alternate Universe tag is due to the existence of a caste system in this story. Please keep that in mind as you read.

Thanks to Sir Rustbucket, Draconian Soul, Regidar, and Loopy Legend for editing.

Now Featured on Equestria Daily!

Now with a poem by Fiend from the Darkness!

Now with a YouTube reading by BlackIrisBalloon (and multiple voice actors)!

Now with a Korean translation by Kianoke!

Followed by What Hath Joined Together.

Rated Teen for mild violence and thematic elements.

Walking away from the smoldering ruins of Golden Oaks, Twilight said she was fine. As she bid her friends farewell and settled into the new crystal palace, she said all was well. Why then has nopony seen her in days? When Spike comes running in a panic, Applejack decides to investigate.

After all, in a world filled with change, a pony can always rely on the comfort of a friend when in need. In this case, Twilight is in need of a friend, and Applejack will be there for her.

Prereading by Tchernobog and Carabutt.
Editing by Auramane and Zaphod.

Cover art by Rossby Waves.

The Apple sisters fall down a well and can't get out.
They argue about what truly matters in life
as rain falls and the water slowly rises around them.

Featured on Equestria Daily August 7, 2014
Audio reading by Crafty Arts

After many hard years of living with weak and stunted wings, Scootaloo finally decides to end her life. On her way to her grave, she wanders through a snowy Ponyville night, reflecting on the past that has haunted her life. But despite her determination, some friends are too stubborn to see that there are things too broken to fix, too proud to lay down their belief that you can be more than is possible. Some friends are just too loyal to let you go.

The history of war may be written by the winner, but the Royal Historian is the one who provides the notes and background to the writer. The recent events that some have called ‘Mare Wars’ or ‘The Invasion of the Barracks’ are no exception. The Royal Historian has painstakingly compiled this folder of notes and background material on what should more accurately be called, ‘The Opening of the Guard.’

Please remember to return the folder back to the Royal Historian when you have completed reading, in the event we gather more material that needs to be included.

Musty Pages, Royal Historian

Source for inside photo
Featured on Equestria Daily and the Royal Canterlot Library
With sequel, The Night Guard - Night Mares
And an interview by Benman

This story is a sequel to A War of Words - The Opening of the Guard

For centuries, the stallions of the Royal Guard have protected Equestria from every danger imaginable.
Now they face a new threat to their position that will not be so easy to defeat.

Mares.

The story of four mares who answer the call to guard Princess Luna, and the troubles they go through to gain acceptance and respect in their new jobs. Or it could be considered to be the story of four interlopers into a traditionally male role and the underhanded tricks used to secure their position despite their obvious unsuitability for the job. Pick one.

Cover photo credit to the fantastic MuffinExplosion at DeviantArt.

Thanks to my editors: Peter, MSPiper, Featherprop, Seether00, GameKnut and Tek

Author's notes on the development of the story and characters may be found here.
This is a sequel to A War of Words - The Opening of the Guard which is featured on Equestria Daily

When all hope seemed lost, six ponies came together to form an unbreakable bond. In one swift stroke, the magic of friendship defeated Nightmare Moon and saved Princess Luna from the shadows...

But still the night remained.

A collaborative work with the immeasurable Eakin.

A dragon wanders through a starless night, into a land that banished him centuries ago. Never did he imagine he would return to the world that cursed his very existence, but when the sun and moon failed to rise one fateful day, something compelled him to begin the long journey home to the princess who shattered his heart.