The book was empty. Purely empty. Each page was as blank as the last. There were no words; there was no title. There was nothing but page after page of blank, white paper.

So Twilight reads it.

This story is a sequel to When the Man Comes Around

The tenth story in The Journey of Graves.

After much too long away, the Ponyville girls finally make their triumphant return with marshal in tow. Spike, who's been holding down the fort at home, is definitely glad to see them back, especially since it means the return of his beloved Rarity.

Only... what's a boy to do when the object of his deepest affections turns out to be taken?

Princess Celestia orders the invasion of Earth. Things don't go as planned.

This story is a sequel to When the Man Comes Around

The ninth story in The Journey of Graves.

Graves is gone, departed for parts unknown without so much as a backwards glance. A quick farewell and a cold goodbye is all the marshal left before severing every tie he ever had to Ponyville, including those with Rarity.

Why? He's a soldier and it was obvious he'd one day have to leave. But the way he left, so abruptly, even callously... it just doesn't seem right. Could it be that there's something more to his departure than meets the eye? Or are thoughts like that merely fancy and wishful thinking? To find the truth, Rarity and the girls start down a long, winding road that will hopefully bring the grey eyed soldier back. Hopefully.

Sweetie Belle can't sleep at night unless she cuddles her special blanket; which makes her nervous about an upcoming sleepover. She doesn't want her friends to find out and make fun of her. But if she doesn't have her blanket, how will she ever go to sleep? She accidentally cuddles with somepony instead.

Inspired by this picture I found while searching Google.

Rewritten on 12/30/14

Twilight punches Flash Sentry in the face.

Several times, actually.

Twilight Sparkle is called upon to negotiate trade arrangements with the griffons. Of course, all her friends join her for what should be a casual pleasure cruise in the airship Canvas Streak. After all, this is her first REAL test as a princess, and why shouldn't they support her?

Late one night, though, Applejack feels restless and goes up on deck to watch the stars. She considers her life. She considers her family. She considers her friends. She considers the freak storm approaching from the south.

In retrospect, it might have been better to let the crew handle that and head back below deck.

Now alone on a small island, Applejack must survive and wait for her friends to come pick her up... even though the freak storm is blocking them off. Surviving's easy. Waiting's easy too! She can do this.

....she can do this....

Image by WhiteDiamondsLtd.

There is no rule stating that one cannot be a geek AND also be buff.
I defy the rules.
Now, I am here in this anthro Equestria because reasons.
I am the Muscle Wizard, and I cast Magic Fist.

Inspired by Malideus.

A long, long time ago, there was a knight who set out on a noble quest to save a fair maiden and, if possible, slay the dragon keeping her captive.

Only... things don't always go as planned.

Many thanks to the incredibly talented hattonslayden for letting me use this picture for the cover art. Check out his work some time!

Update: featured? Oh my... I feel all tingly inside...