Twenty years ago, an egg born to the most powerful of all dragons and his mate was laid. Fearing the hatchling's potential, an evil, power-hungry dragon led a campaign against the dragon king's stronghold. To protect their child, the king and queen sacrificed themselves to take down the villain while entrusting their child to their closest friend: the alicorn Princess of the Sun. Five years later, the egg hatched and the young dragon has since been living a peaceful, happy life among the ponies, especially the one who was responsible for his hatching, completely unaware of his past.

However, the evil dragon has returned and plans to led an army of dragons in the conquest of Equestria. To save the land and his friends, the young hatchling must learn his true destiny and discover the great power he has within.

Contains Sparity as the main pairing, with FlutterDash and FlashLight as secondary pairings.

When a blizzard descended upon the Crystal Empire, everypony felt their fear of the unknown return. Twilight and her friends were instantly on the next train, and found the Crystal Empire almost as if it had never been saved in the first place. Fortunately, the crystal ponies were standing strong against the onslaught, and their city was not in danger.

That did not mean Twilight was not in her own danger, as she walked the short distance to the protected part of the capital.

Spike the Dragon has lived in Ponyville for a few years. Everything was as close to perfect as perfect can be, until Spike was accused of a crime that he did not do. He was sentenced to be exiled from Ponyville effective immediately. The dragon could hardly believe his fate as all the ponies he had been friends with turned on him so quickly. Even the mane six turned at his pleas. Only the CMC stood up for Spike, but being still young, no one took their word seriously. Now Spike goes on a Journey for a new home.

Also my pal theMyth assisted with this story by contributing ideas and editing pieces.

"Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."

Mere months after the events of "A Canterlot Wedding," the memories of cold shoulders and dismissals remain fresh in Twilight Sparkle's mind, which causes her to question her ability to face the next task that Princess Celestia bestows upon her.

Alone, she must find a way to protect an entire empire. She's afraid and unprepared, but when a mysterious stallion lends a hoof to her success, she soon discovers a friendship that threatens to blossom into something much greater.

(6/9/2016): Made it to the "Featured" page again! You're so awesome, guys!

(( "Of Magic and Masquerades" is the first story in the Crucibles of Harmony series. It is an alternate take on "The Crystal Empire," with some alternate events from Season 3 and minor Twilight/Sombra shipping. ))

An alternate take on the ending of Episode 24: Owl's Well that Ends Well

Driven away from home by jealousy and loneliness, Spike finds himself in the cave of a rather large dragon. However, instead of attacking, the great beast takes him under his wing, teaching him to become a proper, vicious dragon, filling the emptiness left by his friends with rage. But, when Spike's small size and immaturity take him to the brink of frustration, the magical alternative his new "friend" proposes could change the course of his life forever.

While Twilight Sparkle and her friends go off to fight a dragon, a distressing thought occurs to Spike - as a dragon, he won't always be loved. As the insecurity sets in, he makes a brash decision: running away to pursue a life of crime!

Equestria, known for it's love and harmony, finds itself in a war against a dark alliance that knows no bounds. All hope seems lost when a pony loyal to Canterlot is corrupted and joins the alliance. Can Equestria survive this war or will it be shrouded in darkness and hatred forever. Warning: This story is not canon. For those who dislike non-canon stories, this one may not be for you.

(Originally conceived as a oneshot, this story has become a series of them because of the massive popularity of the first installment and how it was featured on the front page.)

Pairing: Soarin/Rainbow Dash

Chapter 1: Meet the Parents Rainbow Dash has a brilliant idea: since she hasn't seen her parents in awhile, why not bring her new boyfriend with her to visit them? Unfortunately for Soarin, this means meeting her father and mother (Firefly). Will the Wonderbolt survive the visit? Will I ever learn how to do comedy? There is a single yes and a no between these two important questions.

Chapter 2: Meet the Scootaloo Soarin unexpectedly finds himself introduced to Rainbow Dash's number one fan, Scootaloo, and once again finds himself learning a bit about Dash's world. Warning: Might make you squee.

King Sombra is a lot of things if not patient, but even he has a point where things go from bitterly trapped to unbearably boring. Torture would be nice! If she had the guts to entertain him in the old fashion way. No such joy for him...just bored, alone and still dead set on his vengeance, even if it is unanswered for. Just endless waiting. Endless nothing. No freedom to even pace his confines. Just an endless, tormenting nothing...

And yet...

For the first time in over fifty years...

He heard a knock on the door...

(Mind blowing art by futuristicspacetiger )

Equestria is as most pony's know it all but gone. King Sombra and his Queen rule with an iron hoof.
Five mares and one Draconequus spend their time in a dark prison cell. Until one day they are visited by someone Discord never wanted expected to ever see again.
His older Brother.
Inspired by the fantastic Lost into Shadow. and its Sequel.