During a visit to the human world, Princess Twilight Sparkle was taught some of the basics of how the internet works by her human counterpart. She planned to have a field day surfing the web to learn more about her human friends' world.

However, thanks to luck and previous activities, Princess Twilight was led to a "mature" website. Being born a pony and raised in Equestria, she didn't understand the true gravity of what she was seeing. Worse, none of that boded well for the human Twilight...

After a major accident forces her to take an early retirement from the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash decides to pursue another one of her career passions.

This story is a sequel to No Room In This Hell

I've seen it happen before. Ponies get bit and come nighttime, they turn. 

I dunno if they're even really alive at that point, but I know they're strong as an angry bull. It's like they don't care about anypony else anymore, not even themselves. They bite. They've got these fangs and they bite like a rabid dog. 

I turn to look at Rainbow. They got her, too. But we were quick. We got rid of the wing they got 'er at. I think… I think that'll help. 

Originally written for Quills and Sofas Speedwriting’s Lyrical Contest, where we had 24 hours to write a story based on a lyric or lyrics of a song of our choosing. Thanks to everyone who preread (I swear I’ll list y’all later).

There's a saying in Equestria that "Keeping the harmony doesn't come cheap." Many owe the saying to the countless ponies—and the Elements of Harmony themselves, no less—who have sacrificed so much to keep a lasting peace in Equestria against all threats.

Twilight just didn't anticipate a more literal component of this... or rather, a monetary one. On the bright side, she now knows to never trust her friends with money again.

It’s often been said that horses ponies cannot operate automobiles.

Whether that’s true or not, ponies shouldn’t buy a car beyond their skill level, even if they’ve got the bits to afford it. It’s only a matter of time before the car winds up a twisted wreck in the woods.

Now with a reading by StraightToThePointStudio

Cheerilee dwells alone in sterile white rooms. The disembodied voice that calls itself the Chancellor tells her she has an important task - a duty to her students. Come what may, Cheerilee is a teacher. She will do what she must.

Second place winner in the Quills and Sofas 'Cheerilee' character contest.

Quietly, Sunburst has pined for Twilight Sparkle. Though his feelings run deep, his words fail him. He knows love isn't his expertise, so to resolve things he goes to the best - the changelings.

A special thank you to Techno Flare, Sledge115, RDT and iAmSiNnEr for assistance with proofreading and feedback.

Featured 05/23/2021 - 05/25/2021!

This story is a prequel to Sol Invictus

Just keep walking. So long as the sun is on your right, you'll stay alive. Just keep walking.

Thank you to Zontan, Red Parade, Atom Smash, Drider, Grand Moff Pony, Exodd, Aurora Dawn, Vis-a-Viscera, YourUncleFuncle, Shaslan, and a special shout-out to Seer, who wrote a phenomenal sequel, Sol Invictus!

Tied for first place in the Sketch Contest for the Quills and Sofas Speedwriting Group. The prompt was a few YCH-style sketches, and we were to write something that the sketch could be used for as coverart. We're on Discord here if you'd like to join us.

The world ended.

That, at least, is what it sounded like. Screaming, howling, and then deathly silence.

A month later, Cheerilee and Scootaloo emerge from their shelter in search of food. As they search among the dead bodies of their friends, only one question comes to mind:

Where are the unicorns?

--------

Written for the Quills and Sofas Cheerilee contest.

Featured on May 18th, 2021!

Princesses Celestia and Luna would quite like to retire, now that Twilight Sparkle's ready to take the throne. But Twilight doesn't seem to have gotten the message.

Reading by Straight To The Point Studio

Thanks to Solstice Shimmer and MitchH for putting up with my random thoughts.

Cover image: this + this