This is technically a prequel to Lies We Tell Ourselves, but can be read without reading it. It's recommended you do, though.

After Rainbow Dash gets in trouble, Fluttershy and Sunset go to find out why. They discover that there are some people worth fighting for. Literally.

Part of my Transverse AU!
Originally written for Quills and Sofas Speedwritings LGBTQ+ Extravaganza contest. Thank you to everyone who read the original version of this (not much was added or changed honestly). Also submitted as part of the Pride and Positivity Event! Consider donating to the following charities, please:

• Transgender Law Center
• Palestine Children's Relief Fund
• Sewa International (Indian charity collecting funds for COVID relief)

_{Violence tag is for implied violence and mentions of blood.}

When Rainbow Dash interrupts Rarity's morning makeup routine, she learns a lesson about the importance of keeping up appearances.

Second-place finalist in the Quills and Sofas Speedwriting Trans Pride contest.

An entry into the Pride and Positivity event.

During a morning-time inspection with Rarity, Princess Twilight meets a special pony that she's never even heard of.

It's not every day that you meet a new alicorn, especially one that isn't called a Prince.

Shoutouts and credits to Popamile for commissioning this fic, and love to the background character. They treasure him enough to want to know more about his life, and that's something I think we all feel. Credits for the art go to Sugar Morning, over on the derpi.

Celestia has witnessed many things in her centuries of life, among them being many sunsets that have involuntarily pained her. But even a pony as ancient as her can be taken by surprise. Especially when it involves a filly’s innocent actions.

Inspired by the adorable Art by BranewashPV that you can see as the cover.

Managed to hold second place in the Featured Box for a while!
Actually reached top of the Featured Box!

Now with a reading by StraightToThePointStudio: Check it out!

And also a Chinese translation by TheFlint44

中文译文（Chinese Translation）：https://fimtale.com/t/25307

Sunset dropped her contact lens and needs everyone to stay still until she can find it.

Sometimes, watching those we care about suffer can hurt more than anything.

Iron Will doesn't sit down and take pain in stride, though. He's gotta fight back. Like an angry bull. So when the ignorant jerks up at the state capitol decide to be idiots, he has to figure out a way to make things right again.

Only sometimes, there's no perfect catchphrase for the job.

First place entry in the Quills and Sofas Transgender contest.

My entry for the Pride and Positivity event. Please consider donating to one of the following charitable causes:

• Transgender Law Center
• Palestine Children's Relief Fund
• Sewa International (Indian charity collecting funds for COVID relief)

Cover art was a gift from a friend, applejackofalltrades! Thank you so much!

Much gratitude for my fellow Q&S members for their support/suggestions/prereading: applejackofalltrades, themoontonite, Undome Tinwe, The Red Parade, Silvermint, Bicyclette, wishcometrue, The Hat Man, Vis-A-Viscera, and Atom Smash.

Additional editing/prereading provided by ninjadeadbeard, Jarvy Jared, and Arkane12

"And we are absolutely certain that's a settlement? That Rhysling already has Indigenous populations?"

"Yes, Commander. There is no doubt. An engineer can fix the probe, but he would not know how to talk to them."

"Alright. Forget the engineer, then. Get me the linguist."

Coverart by SagebrushPony (not on Fimfiction).

Preread by Sunnypack, Shinzakura, Ghuntz, and Admiral Biscuit.

French language support by Conflicting views and Sparktail. German language support by Purple Smart. Russian language support by Alkarasu.

This story follows show canon until the end of Season 1.

Featured on 30 June -- 4 July 2021.

Trixie is Starlight Glimmer's wife, and Maud is one of Starlight's closest friends. Whenever Trixie is around Maud, she acts very nervous and refers to herself in the third pony, almost as though she's performing on stage.

Starlight wants to know why. Could it have something to do with Trixie and Maud both being transgender?

This story is part of the Pride and Positivity event, which encourages readers to donate to any of the following charities:

• Transgender Law Center
• Palestine Children's Relief Fund
• Sewa International (Indian charity collecting funds for COVID relief)

It was not that long ago that Sunset Shimmer was crowned a new princess of Equestria. Her mentor, Princess Celestia believes she is ready to be a leader and has proven on multiple occasions she is the true Princess of Friendship. Sunset is quite unsure herself but with her friends alongside her, she's sure she will prevail.

"Doesn't this story sound familiar?..I know it does to me.."

Entry for the Swapped Roles contest.

Cover art done by Noodlezss

Wow, I got featured again! Featured 6/27/2021

My story has now been judged for the contest and ranked so I’ve turned off comments now. I’m not interested in having to listen to more drama. This story will be continued with better explanation to it then this one-shot because I see it’s problems and I think it deserves better but that’s about it. Please respect my decision.

When Sunset started imagining her and Twilight together? That was weird. They were friends! Best friends! Friends who saved the world from evil magic creatures and who danced together and teased each other and…

“Oh boy,” Sunset muttered out loud.

Written originally as part of Quills and Sofas’ B Contest (B is for Bisexual!) and expanded to this (the original version was only 500 something words :O). The prompt used was “The colour of the sky”. Thanks to everyone there who preread the original version during the contest!

Submitted to the Pride and Positivity event. Please check out the donation links below and donate if you can!

• Transgender Law Center
• Palestine Children's Relief Fund
• Sewa International (Indian charity collecting funds for COVID relief)