Queen Chrysalis had a much deeper reason for attacking Canterlot. For them, she would do anything, but what would they do for her?

Written for the Everfree NorthWest Fanfiction Competition.

In the dawn of Equestria, several ponies were given unique jobs to aid the Princesses in making the world around them run smoothly. Of the offices created, by far the most important was given to a pony by the name of Mortis--the office of death. His job was simple: he was to collect the souls of ponies dead before their time, and send any lingering spirits--in the forms of ghosts--back to eternity.

Centuries marched by, and Mortis grew weary of his job. He appealed to the Princesses, who saw the pain in his inability to live a normal life. Princess Luna gave him a task. She said that if he could give the office to another pony--willingly--he could live his life as a normal pony, and vacate the office of Death.

Thus, the office changed many times over the years. The office brought with it some power, and much responsibility. In time, without fail, whoever held the Death cloak eventually wanted to pass it on, and the rules to do such never changed. Now, the current Death, a pegasus by the name of Dashing Cloud, is ready to move on. An earth pony by the name of Rose Petal is nominated, the only pony alive who could fill the role.

But, as she will quickly find out, Death is not a job for the faint of heart.

(Idea for personified Death "borrowed" from Piers Anthony. All else is my own brain's creation)

There's only so much failure a changeling can tolerate. For Shade, once was enough. Years of training and preparation in the hopes of achieving a new life for himself and his colony wasted because of the negligence of their leader. It's time to try a different approach; if force won't work, then maybe peace and diplomacy will. What could go wrong?

A chance encounter in a creepy forest; A tree filled to the brim with books; A brief and sudden rain shower. These are all things that will change Shade's life forever.

Dinky has grown up enough to stay home by herself while her mother Derpy is out making deliveries. But Dinky isn't so happy about this when a major storm rolls in from the Everfree Forest and her mother doesn't come home that night.

Upon hearing some negative comments about her appearance, Princess Cassara begins to question why she's the only pony x draconequus hybrid in all of Equestria. She wonders why part of her is like her mommy and the other is like her daddy...

We don't have enough Discord x Celestia or family-themed fanfiction. I'm on a quest to change that!
This dude drew Cassie. Go tell him he's awesome!

Celestia wouldn't let Luna have more cookies. Luna devises a plan to get more.

In the warmth of her cloud home, Rainbow Dash is about to turn in for the night when she hears Scootaloo crying outside in the middle of a vicious blizzard. Plucking the freezing filly from the snow, Rainbow hopes to provide some much-needed comfort for the otherwise tough young pegasus, but she uncovers a disturbing reality that she knows she cannot handle alone.

Knowing only one pony that could really help her out, Rainbow enlists Twilight’s help, determined to set things straight for Scootaloo. But what Rainbow doesn’t know is that in her efforts to provide a better life for the filly, her friendship with Twilight will develop into something more.

Edited by Alcatraz, Rated Ponystar, Rocinante, Ponysopher, Marshal Twilight, Knight of Cerebus, ShimmeringStallion, and Jake The Army Guy

Proofread by Neko Majin C

When the forces of nature come crashing down on a cold night, Scootaloo takes refuge in the only place she can call home: The Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse.

Frightened and alone, only the arrival of a young mare with a mane and tail of rainbows can settle the filly. Scootaloo will soon discover that sometimes the pony who means the most to you as an aspiration, can also be the pony whom you take refuge with at the end of the day.

This story is a prequel to, My Sister, Scootaloo

* Featured on 06/23/2012!
* Edited by Double R Forrest
* Was written prior to Sleepless in Ponyville

It's almost Mother's Day. Scootaloo comes to Rainbow Dash with a startling question, but then backs off, feeling ashamed she asked it. Rainbow Dash, taken off-guard by the question, starts to question both herself, how she feels about Scootaloo, and about her past...

Mort, also known as the Pale Pony (of Death), has been tasked to take time off from his rigorous duties of reaping souls. Seeking guidance, he is directed towards the town of Ponyville, to learn about the magic of friendship from Twilight Sparkle and her friends. All he needs to do is keep his true nature a secret. That shouldn't be too difficult...right?

Special thanks to Specter-Von-Baren and Pyrite Foolsgold for their help in proofreading and editing this story, as I really needed it. Additional thanks to Pilate, Chuckle5, Unimpressive Vagaries and Admiral Biscuit as well! Couldn't have done it without all their help!

Credit for the title card goes to Siansaar, AKA Carnifex.

For another excellent take on Mort, check out Sip's version!