A different take on alicorn ascension. Sixteen years after arriving in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle is excited to have invented a brand-new kind of spell, but it will come with consequences she cannot possibly anticipate. Meanwhile, threats in shadows around the world conspire to overthrow the Solar Throne. With her world turned upside down, she will have to come to terms with the role that fate has dealt her while straining to keep Celestia in power.

Now with a TVTropes page! Please show it some love! Also check out the official side stories, Designing Intrigue, and Love and Barriers! (With even more in my stories page!)

(Please Note: This story was started before any season three information was available. All episodes in season three and later are non-canon for this story, which also means there's no Crystal Empire in this one. In addition, the promotional map released close to the beginning of season three was also not available and is not compatible with this story. While the OC tag is active because there are OCs in the story, they're really just supporting characters. The focus is on Twilight.)

Also be sure to check out the Rites of Ascension Expanded Universe Group! We're working to develop the resources needed for other authors to try their hand at writing stories set in the Rites Universe!

The Book Two cover art was created by the amazing Silfoe! The original cover art can still be found at Violet Squiggle's deviantArt page.

Author's Notes, including proofreader's credits, can be found here!

"This is 100% Approved by Twilight's Library!"

When Cadance comes to foalsit Twilight Sparkle, she finds the young filly playing a pretend game of cards with her stuffed animals. Curious, Cadance joins the game, only to find Twilight is far more serious about her betting than she lets on. Can she help Twilight learn what's really valuable?

Originally meant for the Writeoff Association's January contest, "All In" but quickly surpassed the word limit and was never entered. I really liked it though, and finished it anyway.

When Coco Pommel is summoned to Ponyville, she encounters the last thing she thought she'd ever see: a Rarity who has completely lost the passion for her profession.

Moved by Rarity's plight, Coco will do everything she can to bring the sparkle back to her friend. But will she, an almost complete outsider to Rarity's life, be enough?

Editing duties courtesy of nanashi_jones.

Pinkie Pie really should have known better, some folks who could see were startled something fierce by her welcome wagon. That poor little filly had no idea what hit her.

And now she has to live with it.

Inspired by a scene from the story ...And it's freaking cold up here.

Featured for about five minutes on 3/26/15

This story is a sequel to The Poisoned Barb

Prequel reading is recommended to enjoy, as well as a steady reading pace.

I was once a woman in her twilight. I was once a mother and a wife. I was once a respected human being. I was once unquestionably happy.

Now I am Barbara The Dragoness; property of House Shine, Squire to Prince Solaris, Assistant to Apprentice Dusk Shine... and master of my own fate.

This is the story of my second childhood, and how I found the strength to keep moving forward.

Welcome to my new life.
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Cover Art by Koviry!

Pinkie wakes up sick one morning, which is just about the worst thing she can think of!

But Fluttershy will be there to make things better. Things are always better with Fluttershy around.

Also, check out the artist's deviantArt gallery! His pony stuff is all adorable, and I just went on a massive upvote spree of all his pictures on Derpibooru. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see a doctor. I think my heart has melted from all the cuteness.

Ever since Twilight came to town, Mayor Mare's position as leader of Ponyville has been slipping. With her destiny overshadowed by the new princess on the block, it's time for the old gray mare to move on.

Originally submitted as part of the February 2015 Writeoff "Closing Time".

**Now with dramatic reading by Goombasa!**

Cover art by harwicks-art.

Ponyville gets a new casino, but the owner is determined to keep it a family friendly place. Rather than try to fight vice with muscle or bribery he turns to the most powerful weapon he's ever encountered; the adorableness of everyone's favorite unicorn filly.

Thanks to Brumby_Run for both coming up with the idea as well as pre-reading for me. and to Alovelylittlecomplex for editing.

This idea was found on The Idea Exchange If you have an idea that you don't have the time to write or are looking for a story to write, go check them out, there's some good stuff on the forums.

This story could really use some original cover art, perhaps a picture of Sweetie Belle in a vest and I have no artistic talent. Can anyone help a brony out?

Sonata realizes that she may have a crush on Sunset. Not exactly knowing how to deal with her new found feelings, she asks Adagio and Aria for help, which probably wasn't the best idea.

In Equestria, everypony views heroes as stories for fillies and not to be taken seriously. However, in another reality, heroes do exist. When a dimensional transport portal goes awry, a certain vigilante finds himself in a colorful land full of ponies. And he isn't happy. Will Batman have to fight his way out of Equestria? Or can even the most dark hearts find peace?

Batman will be based off the arkham city batman universe with a few villians thrown in.
other heroes will be mentioned or have a minor role.

I OWN NOTHING.

Please comment and/or critque