Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. While Equestria has been a land of peace and harmony for much of its history, it has also seen its fair share of battles.

This anthology of past battles aims to give the reader an unbiased view and historic perspective of some of the most pivotal moments in Equestrian military history as well as a view into the minds of the most brilliant and eccentric commanders of their time.

These are their stories.

The requests come in, the paintings go out, and the Bits arrive later. That's the shaky system "Rainbow" has managed to work out for herself. A life lived through letters is a little lonely, but she can at least be certain she'll never be seen by someone who recognizes her copypasted face.

You'd think a Rainbow Dash replica would remember that Twilight uses Spike for everything mail related.

Now with a Youtube reading!

And a written review!

This is an entry in the Snippet Series, an anthology of old oneshots that I (and my good buddy Str8aura) wrote based around interesting pics I found. New ones will be posted every Thursday for the foreseeable future.

They say that good armour is a Royal Guard's best friend.

Sometimes, it might be a little more literal than expected.

After all, it isn’t every day that one receives shameless self-promotion from their protective attire.

After the drama that was her brother's wedding, Twilight returns to the Golden Oak for a bit of rest. However, upon her return she discovers that someone else has arrived there. Someone she never excepted to see again so soon, and certainly not for the reasons they say they're here for.

Ember is not a diplomat by choice. It sort of just comes along with being dragonlord, because who else are you going to send, Garble?

Ember doesn't do diplomacy, though. She does anger. And fire. Sometimes a bit of shouting. That doesn't go over well with ponies, though.

Luckily, Thorax is on hand to help out.

In, and out. Get the ponies to agree what she wants, and leave. That's all this has to be. So why is there so much paperwork?!

And why does she feel so angry?!

Takes place before the Series Finale, and after Triple Threat. Rated teen for gratuitous anger, mostly, and threat.

Editing help provided by Boltstrike58.

Written for the Imposing Sovereign's II contest.

When the mane six go to see a Wonderbolt's show in Canterlot, Fluttershy decides to not go as crowds of that size make her too nervous. So, Princess Celestia decides to spend the day with her instead while her friends are away. The two decide to play a few simple games of chess to pass the time...

Find this story and more in a print copy! Just click these words here!

_{Art by mrs1989.}

Flat teeth or fangs? Velvety smooth coat or firm carapace? Mane or headfin?

Thorax frets over which face he wishes to show the crystal ponies his age. Fortunately, there's somepony willing to offer a word or two of comfort and support, as well as teach him a life lesson that will stick with him forever.

Preread by Fahrenheit and Timaeus.

Loosely inspired by this piece by Starshade001. Used as cover art with permission from the artist.

Youtube reading by Chaotic.

Pinkie Pie has a secret. Actually, more like fifty secrets. 

See, Pinkie isn’t really Pinkie. She’s actually a whole hive of changelings, working in shifts to absorb as much love as they can. Ordinarily, that works out fine for Grasshopper and her sisters--but what happens when somebuggy breaks the rules? 

Note: This story uses colored text for some important bits. Readers with colorblindness or using monochrome displays may have trouble. If it's getting to be too much of a problem, drop me a line, and I'll see what I can do!

Edited by Krack-Fic Kai. Thanks, Friend!

Inb4: Yes, this AU makes no sense and doesn't stand up to scrutiny. But it's a Pinkie Pie story, for Chrysalis's sake. Just enjoy it.

Celestia is a princess, elegant, regal, and certainly not secretly trying to mess with everyone around her for her own amusement...

Brought to you by watching Jordanis play Untitled Goose Game a bunch. Plus having Celestia be the goose instead of making Celestia deal with the goose was also his idea, and he edited it super well, so pretty much this is Jordanis' story, I just wrote bits of it.

Story is now complete!