Sunbeam Sparkle is not a good pony. She might not be pure evil, but she is ruthless, ambitious, and so power-hungry that she would even aspire to usurp Celestia's throne. Worse, she succeeds in manipulating Celestia into not only surrendering rule over Equestria, but her immortality as well.

It is often said that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. In most cases that’s true. Many good ponies have begun with good intentions, but slowly lost their way. However, this is not always the case. A rare few virtuous ponies have the character and strength of will to resist temptation, and are never corrupted by their authority.

Even rarer, there comes a time when gaining power makes a pony better than they were before. This is one such story.

This story is a sequel to Winning Pony: Road Not Taken

Years before the events of Winning Pony: Road Not Taken, Sparkler didn’t know her big sister. She didn’t have one.

For as long as she could remember, Sparkler had been in a foster home, under the care of Equestria’s Foal Services. It hadn’t been perfect, but life had been pretty good while she waited for somepony to adopt her.

Thirteen years is a long time to wait, though, and she had all but given up on ever leaving. Given up, until she found everything she knew suddenly and violently pulled out from under her. Hurt, scared, and alone, she’s found herself in a sea of new faces. Some help, some smile, most just fade into the background.

None of them seem interested in her, though. Not enough to take her home.

Bon Bon and Lyra play sweet music.

Do not read this.

Losing your virginity is a big milestone for anypony. Especially when you finally hook up with the pony of your dreams in the process. There was just one problem for Blossomforth: when she woke up the next morning, the other side of the bed was empty. Cloud Kicker wasn't there.

Sure, Blossomforth understands why Cloud Kicker wasn't there for her. Cloud's been going through a rough time lately, and maybe their hookup wasn't timed very well. However, knowing that doesn't make Cloud's absence hurt less, nor does it make Blossomforth any less lonely. Perhaps this is a sign that she needs to put some serious thought into where her relationship with Cloud is going, before things get too far out of hoof.

Part of the Winningverse. Takes place concurrently with Chapter 18 of The Life and Times of a Winning Pony.

Freshly graduated from West Hoof Academy, 2nd Lieutenant Storm Kicker decides to enjoy what little free time she has left before accepting her commission with the Long Patrol. And what better way to let down her mane than at the millennial celebration of Celestia’s reign, on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration?

Well, there is the pesky little detail of a pesky little sibling who decides to tag along and be a pest. Still, it’s the last chance she’ll have to spend time with Star, so they make the most of it. It’s all fun and games, plus she'll have plenty of chances to needle her little sister along the way.

At least, until the two sisters are asked to look into the disappearance of a family friend; it soon becomes apparent that not all is well in Canterlot.

Part of the Winningverse.

I am eternal, and death is my steadfast companion. The passing of each generation of my little ponies weighs on me; every one of them is a fleeting, irreplaceable treasure, a snowflake dancing 'round a fire. I want to save all of them; I have the ability to save a few. I have saved none.

Blossomforth is fresh out of college and ready to take on the world. Sure, moving to Ponyville to get a job on the weather team is going to be a bit of an adjustment, but it's nothing she can't handle. Besides, Rainbow Dash seems like a fine boss. Everything is looking good for our favorite watermelon-maned pegasus.

Then she meets a pony named Cloud Kicker.

Part of the Winningverse

Rarity has a secret. Well, two secrets. First, she has a crush on one particular pony. And second, she has been writing a story for the object of her affections, to reveal her love. But when word gets out about her literary abilities, suddenly all of her friends want her help on their own writing projects. And all of them need to be done by Hearts and Hooves Day! Could Rarity not be the only one with a hidden agenda here? And how exactly will she manage so many projects in such a short period of time?

(Updated with some editing help from the superb Exuno)

When Rarity and Rainbow Dash took their first steps down the road of romance, they had hoped telling their friends would be their greatest trial. However, when the complications of an injury leave one of them disfigured and the other racked with guilt, they find themselves leaning on each other to simply maintain balance in their lives.

Sequel to Third Time's a Charm

Rainbow Dash and Cloud Kicker have been good friends for years now. But when Cloud Kicker comes to Ponyville for one last visit before heading off to join the Royal Guard, Rainbow has to face some difficult questions about just what she wants to do on what might be their last chance to hang out in a long time. Her decision might be a little easier to make if Cloud spent less time thinking about banging and more time thinking about her awesome friend, Rainbow Dash.

Obviously, this calls for a night on the town. And booze. Lots and lots of booze.

Part of the Winningverse.