Career-criminal Silent Shadow has been captured again and is expecting another vacation at one of Equestria's rehabilitation clinics. Instead, she has a meeting with Celestia to learn just why the kingdom is crime-free.

Featured on Equestria Daily 09/02/14

There really is no excuse for forgetting something as important as a hoof-written law. But Celestia forgot. And now, a thousand years after she wrote it, a law comes into play mandating that Celestia take a two-month sabbatical from her duties as Princess of Equestria.

So what happens when she has to step down for a couple months and leave Luna by herself in the bloody gladiator ring that is Equestrian politics? What happens when Celestia has to disguise herself and mingle with the populace of Ponyville without them knowing?

The short answer to that would be "a string of hilarious chance encounters, sisterly banter, romantic mishaps, and a political coup that was decades in the making."

The long answer, of course, is this story.

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Rated Teen for swearing and sexual humor.

Cover image is by enma-darei

Storm Stunner is a pegasus with aspirations to join the Royal Guard: the noble ponies responsible for maintaining the peace and prosperity of Equestria. At least, that's what it says on the cover.

Follow his journey as he joins their gilded ranks, and learns just what life is really like as one of Equestria's finest.

This story is a sequel to In Her Majesty's Royal Service

After guardsponies Storm Stunner, Crack Shot, and Check Mate proved instrumental in stopping an interdimensional incident that threatened to annoy the city of Canterlot, the Royal Guard made a realization: perhaps they might just be able to serve functions beyond pulling aerial chariots and trying not to blink in public.

Now months later, they're finally starting to get somewhere with each of the odd regimens they've designed; it's a shame that three of their number will have to miss the progress to follow. In recognition of their prior bravery, quick thinking, (and to a smaller degree their dumb luck), Princess Luna has given Storm, Check, and Crack Shot a special assignment: to visit the lands on the borders of pony control, to sample the local flavors, and to maybe even take a picture or two. One might dare to call it a vacation.

However, expectations mean little so far from home, and despite Luna's wishes to keep the guardsponies out of harm's way, the world can easily change in a thousand years. The three guardsponies may be forced to deal with the inconvenience of their vacation turning into an adventure.

First Story: In Her Majesty's Royal Service

A different approach to Rainbow Dash's story in Episode 2. The most loyal of ponies faces the most difficult test of her virtue; does she hold the greater loyalty to her friends' wishes and esteem for her, or their safety and wellbeing?

Rainbow Dash has a secret. A secret she has kept since she was a little filly. If it gets out, it could be the end of her reputation, the end of her carrier, and even the end of her friendships.

And what's worse, is that a resent shortage threatens to expose her.

(Inspired by Don Ko and the image to my left.)

(It should also be noted that this story is non-canon both in relation to the actual show and in relation to my personal Head-canon, which is what I usually like to write about.)

After a small vacation to the coastal city of Withersdale, Twilight Sparkle uses a spell to expedite the return trip for her and her friends. However, despite the more or less successful outcome, upon arriving in Ponyville, the Mane Six realize that something is seriously wrong. Can Twilight and the others find out what's happening and fix it before things get even worse, or will they fall prey to the world that's steadily falling apart around them?

A short introspective story of how Luna came to be banished to the moon, and the aftermath of her return.

Fair warning, though, a quick skim or a casual read might leave one confused about what's going on. Conversely, I believe that taking your time to read and connect the details will answer any, or at least most, questions you might otherwise have.

And finally, any constructive feedback you might have is welcome, whether it's positive or negative. If there are issues that need to be fixed, it's better to know.

Picture used with kind permission from LifeSequenceBreak.