"We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes."
— Paul Laurence Dunbar

It started as a normal Equestrian morning, but doesn't it always? The princesses are frightened, and in Ponyville, a creature from a forgotten race walks into town. His kind hasn't been seen in over a thousand years, but even then he's still far from what he appears to be.

Arc 1: The First Day

Author's Note: Hey guys! This is my first story, so constructive criticism is more than welcome. I'll take this moment to say that I own nothing but my main character, the plot, and a few surprises which will appear later. All other characters and linked music are NOT mine. A word on music. At times I might offer two links to a song. The first is the OFFICIAL version, the second is the closest approximation to how I feel it is sung in the story. Just warning you, because I know some people hate covers. This story is rated teen for occasional language, implied sex, and gruesome imagery (mostly late in the story and in flashbacks). Now with technical out of the way, I wish you all happy reading, and I hope you have fun.

Edit: Bug the writer! He writes faster when you do.

Around ten years have passed since the final events of Tamed. A lone Pegasus, Fyreburst, meets with a mysterious contact about the whereabouts of a pony he lost many years ago. In his search, he meets up with a retired celebrity who quickly grows attached to his cause. The two search for answers as fate itself becomes their greatest friend...and their fiercest enemy.

DISCLAIMER: This is a sequel to Tamed so not having read it beforehand may leave some confusion concerning character behavior and plot elements. I would recommend reading the first story before continuing with this one.

Editor: Vertorm

Several years ago, Equestria saw its first human arrive on its soil. In the years he lived there he went through hardships, greif, and lonliness. But he also felt joy, happiness, friendship and even love.

The past is the past, but the things we put behind us are the things that define us.

Dan, a young high school musician, is angry at a recent turn of events that has made him resent everybody around him. However, he is contacted by Celestia and offered to be transported to Equestria to blow off some steam and relax. But Dan can't help but wonder if there's a real reason behind her offer.

Rainbow Dash, the Ponyville weather team captain, is known throughout the town as the stubborn tom-colt who has rejected every stallion who has come calling. But what happens when the human-turned-stallion comes to town and steals her heart?

With the time she has left, Rainbow Dash seeks what is truly important in life before moving on.

Alabaster Star of the Night Watch guard lost his wife a year ago to Diamond Dogs who broke into their home. But not just any Diamond Dogs. These Diamond Dogs claimed to be acting in the name of Nightmare Moon. His wife gone, and Alabaster fresh out of the academy, he is left alone to take care of their only daughter, Moonblaze.

A year passes, and Luna is back, claiming to be on the side of good once again. Alabaster harbors a strong hatred for the Princess of the Night, still blaming her for the death of his wife.

Alabaster doesn't know what to think when the solitary Night Guard routine he was so used to gets flipped upside down in the strangest way.

[Second person narrative]
[You + Rainbow Dash/Fluttershy]

You're a fast-flying, teenage pegasus colt with dreams of glory! Having just transferred to a new boarding school in Cloudsdale, you're looking forward to meeting new friends, joining the wingball team, and finally hanging out with fellow pegasi. This year's going to be so awesome!

Except you're the only pegasus around without a cutie mark. And everyone already seems to think you're a total loser, before they've even met you. And your only friend can hardly stand up for herself, much less you. And you're convinced a certain rainbow-maned mare is out to ruin your life. Yep, awesome.

This is the story of your high school days at Wingbury Academy.

The Wonderbolts are debuting a new show in the skies of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash is ecstatic to see a performance up close and personal. But when she is left speechless by their unbelievable techniques, she begins to question her chances. Lost in her thoughts, a very unexpected surprise throws her life into a roller coaster. A story of staying true to yourself and knowing when to listen to your heart, even if it isn't the logical choice.

Featuring art by: lortstreet54, shad0w-wo1f!, PenumbraGlow0290 Deviantart: bonnama, colorstirkeand rulette, Astrum

Also a small animation in chapter 2 by: HarlenBooks

This story has not been fully edited yet, i apologize for anything sloppy.

This story is a sequel to Flying Sky-High

So much has happened in the past year. Friends have been made, battles have been fought, and love has bloomed. Now at long last, Rainbow Dash has the chance of a lifetime: a chance to become a Wonderbolt and instantly be part of an elite squad. However, one of the key judges for the tryout is none other than her love: Soarin. He is bound by his profession to be fair and honest in his selection. Will their relationship give Dash an edge in the tryouts? Or will it strike her down before she even gets there?

Also what of the dark magic within Soarin? He's kept quiet about it for a while, but not all is as well as he lets on.

And what of the Shadowbolts? They scattered after the battle with Nightshade. Surely they didn't just disappear.

A story of remaining strong in the face of harsh challenges. Life and love can be tough, but strong hearts always find a way to prevail.

Originally Edited by: Kestrel (and on occasion: Lucky424)

New editors: Delphina34 and Zoljen

This Fic's length is a bit intimidating, but it is broken into four parts, each of which could be considered their own stories with clear beginnings and conclusions. I decided to keep it all together because it was how my outline was structured (aka i completely underestimated the length).

This is not a Gurren Lagann Crossover. The title was a coincidence. (But said coincidence has led to many references and characters that parody the anime)

Featuring multiple chapter illustrations by: Scootafail/Chiwee, PenumbraGlow0290 Deviantart: darkmoonrising, Colorstrike, and foxenawolf

I also like including pieces of fan art drawn by my readers if they drew certain scenes. So far i have included some fan art by: GlitterDash (Dev art: chessaw), Hopscotch, MyLittleXyo, Ice Blade, mlplover789 (aka NightyScribbles), EchoSong, sweet Isolation, Pie Is Epic, melovedogs123, CowgirlVK, CrystalMelody_kc, Noble Savage (Deviant art: thatdamntenpin), Those Kids In The Corner/Catalyst, natis120, eveyannie, PhonicBoom, bambiki, Randompig212, Schemmer, SOARINDASH1, Neonspirit, NorthernLights8, kikirdcz, Fuzzette, SilverWolfFTW, Cantil, Coco Candy, -_Rainbow_Dash-_, Lazzari, Valentine_X, Nightalein and Lucky Autumn

This story is a sequel to Head in the Clouds

Written for a small group contest. (Placed 1st! Thank you all for the support!)

Rainbow Dash and Soarin are extremely unsatisfied with how they left their relationship upon parting ways. Friends with benefits sounds nice, but once apart they both realize just how much the other means to them. Unfortunately now neither are in a position to confront the other and reveal what pulls at both their hearts: Love.

Soarin may be duty bound and unable to act, but Dash jumps at an opportunity that could turn their relationship into the direction they both truly want. A story of not accepting barriers. True love exists on all levels and distances.

(Note: this story was admittedly rushed for a contest. Looking back on it now, there are some inconsistencies, such as some of Dash's abilities. The end may seem a bit squished as well. I apologize in advance)

Edited by: Kestrel He did an awesome job :) featuring in chapter art by foxenawolf, eveyannie, PenumbraGlow0290 Deviantart: bonnama, and SpicedDemon (Commisioned for me by PlayBitz)

Chapter 11 animation done by: HarlenBooks, Equestrian Airship Productions