Growing up is never easy, especially when you're a dragon among ponies and the closest thing you've ever had to a parent is a slightly scatterbrained young unicorn. When tempers boil over, can this makeshift family pull itself back together?

After nearly being mugged Twilight turns her considerable talent with magic towards self defense. When a fight with Luna goes farther that either of them wants it to, Twilight will need to find redemption in her new position as Luna's bodyguard and stop a conspiracy that wants to bring back a force more dangerous than either of them.

(About to undergo heavy reworking; stay tuned)

Long ago, there existed a great evil. Its greatest desire was to destroy all that ever was. It nearly succeeded, but was sealed away at the last moment. Since that time, it has slowly been regaining power. It is about to escape, and the world as we know it could cease to exist.

Will the Mane Six be able to stop this force before it is too late?

It's a big day for Fluttershy; a day of memories, dreams, pain and peace. But when Cutie Mark Crusaders bring her moment of calm to a sudden and terrifying end, she realises that the the three little fillies' adventures are getting a little out of control. To help them, to keep them safe, Fluttershy decides she needs to tell the story of how she met her strangest, pinkest friend - and confront some old nightmares in the process.

The Changelings have been defeated and Shining Armor and Princess Cadence have said their vows, but that still leaves the Mane Six and others with the issue of the strain on their friendships. And among all the guests present at the reception, a few of them are going to be suprised with what new relationships are formed.

A live reading by Alchemystudent is available here.

Over time we lose our friends; those we love, those who we share a piece of our heart with, but do we ever really lose them for good? Sometimes, true friendship and heartfelt love can transcend even death itself, and with a little magic, a shattered life can be made whole once again. Follow the after-years of Twilight Sparkle, centuries after the end of the show, and find out if a friend lost is a friend gone.... or just somepony waiting to step back into your life.

Note: If you enjoy this story, please comment on why, and if you dislike it, please specify how you would improve it. Enjoy!

Thanks to: Cream Puff for proofreading Chapters 1-7, and Golden Apple for proofreading 6-8.

This story is a sequel to The Rainbow's Surprise

On the day of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's wedding, Princess Celestia left Twilight a message saying that she should prepare herself if something happens. The next morning, Twilight awakens to find that all of Ponyville has succumb to a blinding fog. She must now travel a monster-filled town in search for her teacher and friends and try to return Ponyville back to the way it was.

Twilight Sparkle moves from Ponyville to Canterlot, and promises herself she will only be friends with her childhood friend, Fluttershy. Determined to not let romance or friendship get in her way of being the youngest pony to earn the Peace Prize, Twilight nonetheless is pulled into many friendships, and meets the mare of her dreams, Rarity. But will Twilight allow herself to be a normal young mare, or will she only follow her dream of becoming a scholar?

Co-author: Greatkingrat88 on DeviantART.

Beta reader for chapter one: Tailslover13

Want to download the story for your very own without having to highlight the whole thing? Well, Pinkie is granting your wish! Here are some download links!

Chapter 1 : http://www.mediafire.com/?oy1rnrwc64rmpt5
Chapter 2 : http://www.mediafire.com/?lpyyowx72hnccdl
Chapter 3 : http://www.mediafire.com/?osud6kf28zhqq43
Chapter 4 : http://www.mediafire.com/?voc2zkyon9mk416
Chapter 5 : http://www.mediafire.com/?b0br1b790phqjfk
Chapter 6 : http://www.mediafire.com/?63lwds6o6e8sbg9
Chapter 7 : http://www.mediafire.com/?7hu6pj2c69d3d75
Chapter 8 : http://www.mediafire.com/?qlhb2765hi9sd6r

During their mission to defeat Discord and save Equestria, Rarity discovers her feelings for Twilight Sparkle. When Twilight finds out, she does some research to find a way to make the fashionista admit her emotions.

Twilight is invited to Canterlot to compete with some of the greatest magicians in the world for the Moonstone Cup, a prestigious award for the most powerful and skillful magicians, unicorn and otherwise. Can she win? What sort of competition will she face?

Awesome cover image was taken from NoOneBahtim