The star system Omega Centauri was just another oddity on a map to scientists in the not too distant future. However when they found the star was orbiting an earth-sized, earth-like planet instead of a black hole as its motion had suggested, a mission was scrambled to investigate this most unusual of celestial behaviors.

Hamstrung by politics, and nearly crippled before it began, the 'Lone Ranger' mission was reduced to just one crew member and left to his own devices.

These are the logs of Arrow 18 and its lone commander. This information is classified TOP SECRET by the Global Space Agency.

Do NOT tell the princess.

Here’s how Fluttershy puts her life in danger:

“I love you, Discord.”

And here’s how one sentences her to death:

“I love you, too.”

Amazing reading by Lotus Moon.

Idol Hooves holds a special place in Equestria. He's probably the only exiled changeling to serve in the Royal Guard, or at least, that's what he expects, as exiles don't really broadcast that fact. However, it's well known that Princess Celestia loves all of her little ponies, and her guards perhaps more so, and that makes it one of the best ways for a changeling to discreetly feed.

But how does a changeling even get there, let alone get exiled in the first place? For that matter, why would it ever go to Canterlot? Set a number of years before the series proper, before Luna’s redemption, Idol details how he was exiled, the ponies he’s met, and the series of misadventures that led him to joining the Royal Guard, and should continue a good ways into the series, as something of an alternate perspective.

Soon, he’ll have to deal with a boisterous new princess to serve and a royal wedding in the works bringing a third to power. Will his old instincts bring this new life crashing down around him? What precipitates Chrysalis’s ill-fated assault on Canterlot? Is it really so wrong for a changeling to enjoy good craftsmanship to an obsessive degree?

New cover art provided by the fantastic Carnifex

And a TVTropes page here.

And an Ask Blog of questionable canonity!
Out of Idol Curiosity

Fanart by Norad2! Major thanks! Short For a Royal Guard

Art by Egophiliac of Idol and his Daring Duckie Please don't tell him what that brush is meant for.

Rating updated to (T), it's a bit darker than (E)
Comedy Tag added as well
And changed the character tags a bit.

On a clear spring night in Ponyville, when the chirping of early cicada and flutter of dandelion seeds gives way to the lovesong of crickets and the tantalizing elixir of jasmine and lilac, one can see clear to the spires of Canterlot high above. These are nights without fear, where boogeymen take the evening off to play at hackey sack in the thickets, and foals leave their bedroom windows open to giggle away their thoughts of tomorrow while the warm breeze kisses their cheeks goodnight.

On one such night, He who is called Regret stabs a restless mare deeply. With the help of a motherly friend, she will confront Him once and for all.

The songs appearing in this story feature original lyrics adapted from the following sources:
1: "Vinny's Lullaby" Karman/Bagdasarian; 1985 (Performed by June Foray for the Alvin and the Chipmunks special: 'A Chipmunk Reunion'.)
2: "Dream a Little Dream of Me", Andre/Schwandt/Kahn; 1931 (Popularized by Mama Cass Elliot with the Mamas & the Papas; 1968.)

#1 was chosen for this story due to a fondness by the author. #2 was chosen because the author frequently sings it as a lullaby, too.

Years have passed since the Great War. A retired Twilight Sparkle visits the grave of one of Equestria's fallen heroes and sits down to rest and converse.

This story is part of the AU canon "War's Generation," but may be read as a standalone.

My Little Pony and its contents are the property of Hasbro, Inc. and its affiliates. Please support the official release.

Cover art is a public domain image from Free Images.

What has four legs, wears a bullet-proof vest, can hear you through a solid concrete wall and has a set of highly-trained fangs that can exert up to seven-hundred pounds of pressure per square inch?

One word; Bungee.

Bungee has been a Military Working Dog for as long as he can remember, trained from a pup and turned into a highly effective member of the armed forces. He sniffs out bombs, clears rooms, scouts compounds and assists with flanking manoeuvres to disable dangerous personnel. More than just military equipment; Bungee is a brother in arms. A warrior.

But when a mission goes wrong and Bungee chases a high-value-target through a magical portal; how will the German Shepherd adjust to life among talking ponies?

And how will he manage to complete his mission if he’s considered a pet instead of a soldier?

Rated Teen for violence.

Fleur Lumineuse, daughter of Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, has made a mistake. A serious one. She never intended so much harm but, even with her eyes now open, can she make amends?

Sometimes, what a pony really needs is somepony else to reach out to them.

AShadowOfCygnus did an amazing Audio Recording of the story!
Rated "Highly Recommended" by PresentPerfect's Fic Reviews!
Also recommended by one of my own favorite authors: Crystal Wishes
Good heavens, this made it into The Royal Canterlot Library?!

When the Windigos attacked, the ponies had to find a way to put an end to the distrust and anger that fed the frozen fiends. The unicorns found a way. No more earth ponies, no more pegasi, no more problem.

A thousand years later, Princess Twilight Sparkle thinks that her ancestors may have made a mistake. Fortunately, she knows a way to test her hypothesis. She names that way 'Rainbow Dash.'

Spike carries each of the most important ponies in his life home after a long day.

A commission-turned-gift for B_25

UPDATE: A Spanish language translation for Carry Me Home is now available, made by Spaniard Kiwi on his deviantart.

UPDATE (2024): Them's Writin' Words podcast did a wonderful review of this story. I appreciate all the thought and work put in to their critiques and all the kind words.

Princess Celestia. The Unconquered Sun. The Day and Dawn of Equestria. The Commander of Light and Flame.

Currently, terrified out of her wits. A single piece of parchment lies before her, ready to receive the words that she has longed to speak for two years. This letter could change everything, could end her loneliness, could grant her the love she's always hoped to find.

Or it could destroy everything, terrify and alienate her student, and render the relationship they have to so much ash.