In a world where she sees from a distorted perspective, all Twilight Sparkle can do is cling to the one pony she knows will never let her down: her teacher, the princess... no matter which princess her addled brain tells her that is. Twilight's used to rewriting letters, but when she's the one being rewritten, she finds the sensation to be altogether different.

Many thanks must go to my awesome editors, Varanus, Ebon Mane, shortskirtsandexplosions, Seattle_Lite, and Nick Nack.

Featured on Equestria Daily and The Pony Fiction Vault.
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The most powerful sorcerer in history rescues a young Princess from her own curiosity, and helps her found a new Empire. But the sorcerer has her own reasons for doing so -- and they're not nice reasons...

In canon, Sacanas is only mentioned in passing as the creator of the Staff of Sacanas, used by Tempest Shadow in her attempt to conquer Equestria. Yet what kind of sorcerer would fashion a staff designed to steal the magic of alicorns? Why was Tempest, while wielding the Staff and its power, so implacably, coldly vicious? And why does history seem to say so little about such a powerful mage? There's a backstory here, and this is my take on it...

One final note: I do not agree with or defend the opinions expressed here. My intent is merely to explore the question: can a pony somehow end up doing all the right things, for all the wrong reasons?

This is the moment that she has been waiting years for.

After all this time, Equestria's new ruler pays a visit to her most valuable prisoner to fully map out her failure. Years of deception, manipulation, and betrayals have led to this one moment, and she intends to savor every look that crosses the Princess of Friendship's face.

And after, when the alicorn truly understands how perfectly she was played, there will still be one final bit of business that needs to be settled...

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My first new story since October 2017, and Day One of the Seventh Anniversary Story Bomb.

Cheer up, Twilight. It's not every day somepony changes species. In fact, no pony has ever changed species. It's something new and you like discovering new things. Granted, Equestrians don't like new things, especially things that fundamentally alter their government. So maybe there is reason not to be happy after all.

Twilight Sparkle has a secret, one she's never told anypony, in fact, she believes that her secret is more shocking and terrifying than any known to ponykind. But little does she know that Celestia, Discord, and Tank have terrible secrets as well.

As secrets are revealed and bonds of trust shaken, will Twilight have the courage to reveal her darkest of secrets?

(Now has a sequel.)

This story is a sequel to How to Climb a Mountain

Twilight has a problem. After a noble by the name of Duke Bull Horn comes to her castle demanding that she take his son to the Gala as a date, Twilight loses her temper and lets it slip that she already has a date. Fearing the criticism she will get it she indeed does show up without a date, Spike suggest that she take the Captain of her recently formed guard, Flash Sentry. While Twilight initially rejects Spike's idea, Flash himself willing volunteers to take her so that she can avoid the criticism that the Duke might pin on her should she show up alone.

Will the Gala be better than the first one Twilight attended, and will this date become something more? Or will the nobles ruin everything and cause the night to go down in flames?

Brief disclamer: this story is meant to be a prequel to my first story "Gone, But Not Forgotten," though I only realized it could be prequel about 4000 words into typing it, so excuse if it somehow has minor inconsistencies.

MAJOR UPDATE: New rewrite version out and ready for reading. Same story, but BETTER! Also, NOW WITH SEQUEL: How to Propose to a Princess

ALSO ALSO: Now with PREQUEL, How to Climb a Mountain. It never ends. Though it should be noted that the prequel is not needed to enjoy this story. (1/14/2020)

Alterative tags to label the story:
Beautiful Twilight, Playful Banter, Rarity Teasing Twilight, Annoying Nobles, Spike's Idea, non-chaotic Discord, Hungry Twilight, Silly Flash, Celestia playfully teasing Twilight, Luna Threatening Flash, Rarity Threatening Flash, Dancing, romantic strolls, interruption of romantic strolls, more chaotic Discord, the plot demands things, questioning all of reality Pinkie and Discord Tag-Team, moonlight dancing, and kissing.

Image belongs to the very talented jucamovi1992 on deviantart.

Now translated into Chinese: https://fimtale.com/t/32563

An adolescent, and starving, Changeling Princess has captured Princess-to-be Cadence, and on the night she was supposed to start foalsitting, too. Cadence refuses to feed her love until the job is done. Chrysalis knows what she needs to do.

(Chrysalis Vector Artist): weegeestareatyou
(Cover Creator): Psyga315

Orphaned as a filly, a young pegasus named Kaviyayu is raised by an adoptive Earth pony family in a secluded, peaceful village. When a strange unicorn drops by the village, Kaviyayu and the other foals are captivated by her tales of the world, as well as her various spells and illusions for their amusement. But there's something about the way she doesn't speak of her own family... how she never removes her traveller's cloak... how she seems to take a very strong interest in Kaviyayu...

Who is this mysterious mare, what does she seek, and just what is so special about that pendant she wears?

This is the tale of how a seemingly ordinary filly rose to become both a princess and a beacon of love to ponies all over Equestria. Based on the back-story of Princess Cadance, as given by G. M. Berrow's pony novella, Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell. Also loosely inspired by symphonic metal band Nightwish's sixth studio album, Dark Passion Play.

Cover art by the lovely Ayemel.

Now with its own musical accompaniment courtesy of The L-Train!

Pre-reading by Noble Thought, Prak, The Albinocorn, ThatOneWriter, JustAnotherTimeLord, vren55, Majin Syeekoh, Foals Errand, Comet Burst, and Chris. Edited by ChromeMyriad, Titanium Dragon, Noble Thought, Prak, NightWolf289, PresentPerfect, and Chris.

Now featured by:
Fimfiction.net (Feature Box, 01/01/15)
Equestria Daily (01/19/15)
The Royal Canterlot Library (Off-site) (07/13/18) (Onsite) (07/20/18)

Approved by Tag-a-long's Book Club!
Approved by Nonpareil Fiction!
Highly Recommended by PresentPerfect!
Recommended by the Pleasant Commentator and Review Group!