Scootaloo wasn't quite sure what she expected when she found a letter from her "secret admirer" asking to meet her after school, but it wasn't an invitation to the school dance. Nor was it spending Hearts and Hooves Day with Silver Spoon.

Prereading and editing by Formerly Committed, Jondor, and Timaeus.

Special thanks to bats and Formerly Committed for giving me the prompt this came from.

Art originally by Cuppae

This story is a sequel to The Challenge

Rainbow Dash has been happily engaged to Princess Twilight Sparkle, the love of her life, for several months. She's taken her on Hurricane's Way and shared in the rites of pegasus courtship. Too bad she forgot to tell mom and dad before they found out by reading the paper.

But that's just fine. It gives them the perfect excuse to go visit their little Dashie and meet the mare who stole her heart and became the wind beneath her wings.

A commission for Elzzombie, who also drew the lovely artwork for it!
Preread by Timaeus.

This story is a sequel to Hurricane's Way

It's no secret that pegasi have a long, proud history as the warrior tribe. Their race boasts some of ponykind's greatest military minds, fearless legions that struck fear into the hearts of any who dared oppose them with their mighty lightning lancers and thunderhead squads.

Honor, duty, and protecting their own kind were the very foundation of the old legions, a notion that holds true to this very day. The strong protect the weak, and the weak stay safe under wing, grateful for their care.

But just how do they make such a big decision? Who determines the stronger pony out of two so closely bonded?

For all those questions, there is but one answer:

The Challenge.

Preread by Cynewulf, Jondor, and Timaeus. Thanks, guys.

Cover art by FairDahlia.

Long ago, Commander Hurricane set an example that still resonates with all pegasi who fall in love with their ground bound kin. Every pegasus knows the story, the tradition is deeply engrained and held dear to their hearts.

Now, if only Twilight could curb her curiosity long enough to enjoy and appreciate just how important she is to Rainbow.

Pre-reading and editing assistance by Melon Hunter and Timaeus.

Art originally by ELZZombie

There is a tradition sacred to every member who has ever put on the storied flight suit, one that makes the wings itch to fly and brings a tear to the eye of the most stony-hearted of all pegasi.

Lead the way, kid. The sky's yours. We're right behind you.

Welcome to the Wonderbolts.

Prereading and editing help by Fahrenheit and Timaeus.

Special thanks to Fahrenheit for brainstorming this with me.

Cover art by fleebites.

Sometimes, things just plain go wrong. Somepony bumps a hoof against a table end or accidentally sets their elbow on a hot stove, just silly little mishaps.

But when Princess Celestia's routine is thrown into chaos, strange things happen. If only she had her morning tea, everything would be just fine.

Appearance, talent, or attitude? Which is more important? What truly makes a mare who she is?

Spitfire asks herself these questions as she watches Rainbow Dash change her image to join the Wonderbolts. But does she really want to let the young pegasus she's admired for her skill and integrity change who she is because of a silly rule?

Preread by Fahrenheit, and Timaeus.

Cover art by viwrastupr.

It's tough to be young when growing up is all you're after.

You'll always want to reach for the sky, for that great big light above your head,

But as you are now, you just can't do it yet.

So you bide your time as the world opens up around you,

Watching and waiting, for that Star Overhead.

Growing up is hard.

However, thirteen-year-old filly Twilight Sparkle doesn’t quite understand that yet. Her life is a dull treadmill she can’t seem to get off of, as everything around her is shrouded by fog. Even when she looks up, the blue skies in Underhoof are always the same. Though, that all changes when she makes a simple wish upon a star at her best friend’s request. Life being hard is beaten into her head (quite literally) by a new force that changes everything in an electric and explosive fashion.

Star Overhead is a modern music video set to the soundtrack of life and sung by a filly who doesn’t understand the words. Things are unclear, the world won’t explain itself to you, and nopony understands anything.

The blue skies in Underhoof are always the same.

This story is heavily inspired by Fooly Cooly. For the best experience, please listen to the songs at the beginning of each chapter in the author's notes.

Now with a review!

In a sunburned Equestria, Rarity leads the pleasant life of a clothier in the tiny town of Spurhoof. She’s got a successful business, a capable assistant, and the respect of the place she’s called home for six years. Maybe she never achieved her foalhood dreams of fabulosity, but at least she’s comfortable. What more can a mare ask for?

Then a band of outlaws decide to pay Spurhoof a visit, and their leader’s eye has settled upon Rarity. Soon she’ll have to fight not only for her life, but maybe her very soul. Will her diamond turn dull under the hot Equestrian sun, or will adversity make her shine all the brighter?

Print copies now available for purchase on Lulu!.

Now featured on Equestria Daily.

Inspired by Fallout: Equestria and the song Bulletproof Heart by My Chemical Romance.

Other stories inspired by music:
Escape
Ordinary World
Bed of Roses
Drops of Jupiter
How to Save a Life
Forgive Me, Friend
Time for Tea

A big thanks to my brainstorming fellow and ever-awesome friend SorenPixels, who has helped me ponder the plans for this story since its inception.

Additional kudos to Danger Beans and Cerulean Voice for their help with the first few chapters.

Big thanks to the fantastic author Viking ZX for taking time out of his busy schedule to be my Alpha pre-reader.

Last but certainly not least, my gratitude to my gang of Beta pre-readers: Babroniedad, Lord-Commander, Merc the Jerk, Snowybee, Soge, and Wanderer D!

I was not prepared for the absolutely stunning world building or the incredibly well done characters. [...] This is a work of absolute art. — Equstarte Marine Sebaste

Reading and re-reading (and re-reading) this story was an amazing experience. It will always be one of my favorites! — Wanderer D

I dare say this is a masterpiece of the fandom. — FanOfMostEverything

It's a gorgeous, vivid-drawn setting you've crafted for this, and it hits its gritty Western beats and epic scope with aplomb. Rarity's character journey in this is a stellar one, and her gradual sink into (and recovery at the brink of) [...] darkness was wonderfully and believably told. — Carabas

Cover art commissioned from the fantastic bakki, with title work generously donated by Novel-Idea.

Very few ponies have ever gotten a dressing-down in person from Princess Celestia. So at least Berry Punch has that going for her. Even though what she did wasn’t technically illegal.

My entry Honorable mention in Shrink Laureate's Season 9 bingo writing contest! I've used all 5 cards of the prompt.

Featured on Equestria Daily.