"The first time I came back, I thought it was a miracle. By the fifth or sixth time, I knew it was a curse."

Death is a reasonable fear, but it is also a constant reassurance. A promise that no matter how bad things get, they will one day end.

That promise was broken, leaving Rainbow Dash to pay the cost.

A very last minute entry for the 2024 SciFi Contest III.

Special thanks to ScreamQueen and Rb for prereading and valuable feedback.

General content warning: Some depictions of blood, death, and debilitating injuries, but no graphic descriptions. Some existential horror.

You are a unicorn stallion, who wakes up to find that you fell asleep while on the Friendship Express and have missed your stop in Ponyville. Now you have to wait until you reach the next stop in the Crystal Empire in order to return home.

Fortunately across from you is another traveler, who might be a little odd but is still willing to accompany you on your journey. She is a chimera pony hybrid by the name of Amble Barb.

Edited by: ShadowblazeCR

Proofread by: Strays

The cover art was created by: LaptopDJ, a great artist who was very patient with me.

I would also like to thank, The Graceful Articuno, for helping me with the title.

This story was written for Viper Pit's Hybrid Story Contest.

I kind of wanted to experiment around with the second person perspective, while also trying to write some more Monster Mare stories. Please feel free to look into the Monster Mares Group for more stories.

If you liked this story and would like to see me write more in a similar format, then please comment and let me know.

This story is a sequel to Which Head is Which?

You are a unicorn stallion, making preparations for a Hearth's Warming celebration with the Apple Family, when you come across an old acquaintance. As it would turn out your friend, Amble Barb is in Ponyville, visiting family and decides to invite you to come along.

What sort of holiday fun will you and Amble get into? Let's find out.

There is actually another story in the series, that was meant to be released before this one, however due to certain circumstances I had to save it for another time. Now that shouldn't affect the enjoyment of this story, but still I thought I would mention it. When I release that story, I will include a link to it here and vice versa. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fortunately, if you have read my story, All Eyes on You, then you will know most of what is really necessary to know to enjoy this story... I think.

Cover Art by: marking.

Preread/proofread/edited by: Quillian Inkheart.

Feel free to join the Monster Mares group for more monster mare stories. Who knows what kind of monster mares you might find there.

[Second Person Perspective]

Once a year, you come around with a simple task. Most of the time, it means nothing. You are normally dismissed without another thought.

However, when you find out Princess Luna has been asking for you, you can't help but worry that something is wrong.

(Scene written for confirmed-by-voting best pony Luna. A bit of a mystery fic. See what details you can glean from the dialogue to determine who the character is and what they are talking about.)

Fluttershy is your friend. She has been for awhile now. You hang out with her quite often, doing many activities together.

But lately, she's been having you meet her alone in a local park for picnics, and during these picnics, she's so... quiet. Perhaps there is something on her mind...?

Got the inspiration for this story by listening to "Quiet" by the band Lights

Coverart by Miokomata

Proofread/edited by Deus Foalt

This story is a sequel to Lovesickness

Following the lovesickness debacle, your relationship with Chrysalis has been strained. Your deal still stands, but... things are different now. And with some troubling rumors going around about your favorite bug, her motivation to leave the house has only gone down.

However, that doesn't mean you've given up on her. You still believe in her ability to do the right thing, and it is that belief that caused you to get into an altercation with some of your closest friends. But when that altercation escalates as a result of Chrysalis's actions, you find yourself taking on a serious injury that could very well be fatal.

It comes as a shock to everyone when Chrysalis scoops you up and makes a break for it. Although her motivations are unknown, it seems that she is dead set on keeping you away from the ponies that could help you.

But with no friends to assist her, where can Chrysalis even run to, and what could she possibly be planning?

You have been paired up with Sci-Twi for a school project. Unfortunately, you've been absent so she agrees to meet with you at the library to talk about the work - and maybe more.

Part of the MLP ASMR series on YouTube.

Lively Hollow, after having been foiled by the forces of harmony a very long time ago, hides among the earth ponies of Maretime Bay. Without access to his shadow magic, or life magic, he has started selling baked goods.

This story is a sequel to The Princesses Bodyguard

After an unexpected arrival during the night at the lighthouse, Hitch discovers that one of the surprise visitors might have a connection to a recent cold case. But it all goes down hill when it leads him back to another solved murder which apparently was not solved at all. Unbeknown to him and his police force, they would be opening a dark and ancient wound...

In the aftermath of the Changeling incursion of Canterlot during the marriage of Shining Armour and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Equestria gears itself for war against the Changeling menace. Against a foe that can take the shape of anypony, assume their life, and undermine Equestria from within, the Royal Pony Sisters create a new institution to monitor their Royal Guard for any Changeling corruption, cowardice, and incompetence: the Commissariat. As total war rages across the land one hero stands out above the rest; Commissar Blueblood, Hero of Equestria. Or at least that's what the propaganda says. The truth, as ever, is far more complex, as the esteemed Blueblood is merely looking for an easy and sedate life. Unfortunately, fate has a habit of throwing him into increasingly dangerous and suicidal missions, which he must survive with a combination of self-preservation, lying, and sheer blind luck, even if doing so only fuels his soaring reputation!

Equine military fiction in the style of Ciaphas Cain and Flashman.

Cover art done by me.

Proofread and edited by the always dependable Setokaiva.