Back in their high school years, there was a chance meeting between Shining Armor and Prince Blueblood. These ponies couldn't be any more different, but it turns out that each of them has something to teach the other... though there's no telling whether Blueblood will listen.

This short story was written for the EFNW 2015 Pre-Con Contest, where the thematic prompt is "Making New Friends." Check it out, and best of luck to everyone who enters! Cover art is from Pika-Robo's DeviantArt page. Check it out, too!

Ah, social pressures. From dressing like others to keeping quiet about what you really think of things, just about all of us have something to fear from those we think to be our "peers", don't we? This is true for some ponies more than others, especially when fondness for one outside their circle may go a little beyond enjoying a common mare's music, or giving a royal listener the occasional friendly glance.

Exiled from Valhalla during a battle against an invader, Sleipnir finds himself in a strange world with no easy way home. But with the help of his new friend, Prince Blueblood, he'll adventure across Equestria in search of a way back to his own world... and along the way, make new friends and teach Blueblood what it means to be a hero.

This story is a sequel to A Teacher With No Class

After his encounter with Ms. Cheerilee and her students, Prince Blueblood decides to leave Equestria and wander the Everfree Forest in hopes of making the world a better place through his absence. With the help of a rhyming zebra and a restless ghost, he struggles to learn more about himself, his lineage, and his ultimate destiny. And if he's lucky, maybe he'll even find a reason to survive.

On the day after the Grand Galloping Gala, Princess Celestia receives a request for audience from her "nephew", Prince Blueblood. What on Equestria could he want from her?

- - -

Blueblood has the distinction of being just about the only character that's roundly hated and despised by the MLP:FiM fandom. This was my attempt at a bit more sympathetic treatment of him; here, he's a proud and snobbish doofus, but not a complete douche. This is a stand-alone story, at least for now, but it could also be the prologue for a series of fics describing Blueblood's career as a questing knight, and his redemption as he learns a bit of humility, compassion and the true value of nobility.

Cover art by sbshouseofpancakes, here: http://sbshouseofpancakes.deviantart.com/art/Ew-279877693

Monarchic Melancholy: The Reign of Blueblood the Beleaguered.

Prince Blueblood, least popular member of the Royal Family has rather confused sentiments regarding his role in society. However, the fates are never kind, and push him into a position which he neither wants nor feels himself suitable for.

All four Princesses suddenly go missing in the middle of the night. Prince Blueblood, Unicorn Prince, government functionary and paranoid cynic is instantaneously elevated to the highest rank in the realm, to the general dismay of both himself and the population at large. Against him are the arrayed forces of popular opinion, the noble houses, the Equestrian bureaucracy, Shining Armor, and incompetence, to say nothing of the impending threats posed by ancient evils and foreign powers. Overworked, bitter and panicking, Blueblood must attempt to keep Equestria in one shape - against threats from foreign powers, internal dissent or evil forces - until the Princesses return or are found.

Blueblood-centric, with heavy focus upon Canterlot life, politics, governance and intrigue.

Multiple POVs including Canterlot characters, the Elements of Harmony and OCs. Set after the end of Season 4.

Initially based upon an idea prompt by Nemospecific on the Give Blueblood some Character! group forums.

Celestia has spent a thousand years moving her ponies like pawns on the board.

Sometimes she forgets that lies can hurt more than the truth, until she is called out in one last letter.

Written after a discussion in the comments of An Age Long Since Passed. Thanks to Zealous Shift and The Great Derpsby for inspiring it!

Whilst enjoying the company of Twilight Sparkle and her friends in the doughnut shop immediately following the events of The Best Night Ever a disappointed Princess Celestia send a letter off to Prince Blueblood explaining the implications of his failure of the "Rarity Test", among other things...

During the next Grand Galloping Gala, Fluttershy thought she never would find love as Rarity tried to. Most of the time, she was usually alone and kept away from her friends that lavished in the joy and entertainment. However, as she stood on the balcony alone, left to stare into the night sky, another soul was there with her, he too feeling the same.

(Beginning a new style in providing a source, the credit to the image cover goes to this fella highlighted. Enjoy the winter, and happy upcoming Thanksgiving).

When Rarity blew up at Blueblood at the Grand Galloping Gala, it was a turning point for the young stallion. He learned once more to apologize, his beloved Aunt Celestia said she was proud of him for something of his own doing, and upon reflecting, it made Blueblood think;

Am I worthy?

Do I deserve to be here?

If so, why am I here?

Those questions, he could not answer. But that is why he left; to use the gift instilled upon his flank and find out those questions with the hope of returning as a better pony.

A good pony.

A great pony.

Warning: If you hate Blueblood, this is not a story for you. What would one expect from such a title?