Part 1 of the Shadow Trilogy

As Twilight Sparkle enters her third year amongst her friends in Ponyville, she finds herself plagued with strange dreams of an unknown power whispering dark secrets to her. The voices speak of Power, of the strength to protect what she holds most dear, of the great knowledge she could attain, such that no force could ever threaten her lands, or her friends, ever again.

Though she shrinks from this voice, the lure of greater knowledge, of magical power far beyond what she currently knows is enticing and alluring to her, eating away at her resolve even as the lack of rest begins to wear her physical defenses down.

What is this voice, and what does it plan for the most faithful student in Equestria?

Note: Events diverge from canon following the events of "Games Ponies Play"

Part 2 - The Twilight Fall
Part 3 - The Twilight War
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This story is a sequel to The Code's Apprentice

Sequel To : The Code's Apprentice

The land of Equestria has been changed forever.

New monarchs sit upon the thrones of the Sun and Moon, the once almighty power of Harmony overturned to make way for a new Diarchy of Balance. Political unrest and turmoil have engulfed the land, and at the very center of it all, Princess Celestia - renamed Tia Sunbeam - seeks atonement for the crimes she committed in the name of Eternal Harmony.

With much of her power sealed away, Tia must live amidst the citizens of Ponyville as the world changes all around them. As Ponyville works to rebuild following the struggle between student and teacher, they must cope with the edicts of a new government determined to bring equality to all creatures, beliefs, and ways of life - even those that were long since banished to the dark places of the world.

Tia Sunbeam will struggle with her own deeply held convictions on the way the world should be, versus the way it will now become. She will face a truth she has long since denied, and realize the true meaning of Harmony. And perhaps, most importantly of all... She must make some Friends.

Cover art by SinSays at http://sinsays.tumblr.com/ - Go spend some money with her! :D
Oh, and go check out my new side story - Rise - It's going to become relevant here!
(character tags are not comprehensive! Some are being kept secret! ;3)

For a thousand years, the Code of Harmony has ruled Equestria, and the Code of Dissonance has sabotaged its works at every turn. Now the war for control over the land will come to a head, and one unicorn's decision may decide the fate of all.

For though she does not know it, Twilight Sparkle is the shining example of the Code of Harmony. Her teacher, Princess Celestia is Harmony's most powerful master and she knows her enemies are hatching a plan that threatens to cast down the Harmony of her throne and all she has sacrificed to create.

What she does not know is her foe seeks a new Apprentice to turn to his dark ways. A unicorn with seemingly limitless potential for magic, whose thirst for knowledge may yet lead her down a dark path, who is known to be such a faithful student of magic, eagerly seeking the truth no matter how forbidden it might be...

Sequel: Code of Harmony

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: The Silent Dirge

The name's Amethyst Star, but most ponies call me Sparkler. I'm a jeweler's apprentice and part-time foalsitter in Ponyville. I like to think that I lead a pretty simple life. Sure, my mom's a bit of a kook, my little sister's too smart for her own good (no really, she is), and my boss always sticks me with the one customer in town who thinks that we're running a candy shop. But really, that's pretty tame compared to the lives of some other ponies I could mention, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Hey, I said my life was simple, not boring.

Now, however, things are just spiraling out of control. See, my boss decides to let me run the store on my own for the first time, and just my luck, some jerkwad ransacks the place before I could even open up for business. They even left a note saying that more terrible things will happen if a gem tribute is not paid. Sounds like something out of a crime drama, doesn't it? But wait, it gets worse. I can't pay this tribute even if I wanted to. Why? Because this dock-hole thought it would be hilarious if he remained anonymous! Apparently, I have to guess the identity of this wannabe gangster! I'm sorry, but am I the only one who thinks that's just a little counterproductive?!

But wait, it gets worse! Because this guy isn't targeting my boss, oh nonononono. He's after me for reasons beyond my comprehension. And just to make things even more complicated, he's not bucking around. The day before, my mom was attacked on her mailing route by an unknown assailant, and the only reason she's still alive is because she was rescued by the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. Yeah, you remember that weirdo pony who kept showing up Rainbow Dash with her acts of heroism? Apparently, she's back now. Um, rejoice? I mean, I'm very grateful, but I'm also very confused.

Now, I'm not an adventurous pony. As you're no doubt aware, I've got enough craziness in my life as it is. But I can't in good conscience just ignore this jackoff and let him do whatever he wants. So, I guess I'll have to play the gumhoof and get to the bottom of this. Why do I get the feeling that I'm gonna end up regretting this...?

The story I'm about to tell you is real, although some details may vary depending on your point of view. Seeing as I already told you my name, it wouldn't make sense for me to change everyone else's. Also, this is not gonna be your children's bedtime story of gumdrops and ice cream, so all you kiddies clear out (no, not you, Dinky).

((Case 3 of the Mare-Do-Well Files))

My name is Spitfire. I'm the captain of the Wonderbolts; the best fliers in all of Equestria. As captain, I feel that I have a certain obligation to my team. In a sense, they're kinda like my family (and trust me, I'm usually not that sappy). So when our practice course is sabotaged and it almost claims Misty Fly's life, you can understand why that would make me kind of livid. Especially since we were practicing for this special competition meant to strengthen pony-griffon relations.

And if that wasn't bad enough, I also have this oddball stalker claiming that these attacks are gonna continue. No, I'm not kidding here. This weird pony dressed up like something out of a comic book says that if I want to stop these attacks, I have to find the dock-hole behind them. Hey, just a quick question. Why me? I mean, I'm concerned about my team and all, but I'm a Wonderbolt, not a detective! Heck, you clearly know more about what's going on; why don't you do the legwork and catch this guy?! For that matter, why should I trust you?! I don't even know who you are!

Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to snap like that. I'm just not in a good mood right now. And Celestia help anypony who crosses me, be it that assassin or the costumed freak. Because if I get my hooves on either one of them, it's not gonna be pretty...

The story I'm about to tell you is real, although some details are debatable. I'm not gonna bother changing any names because I know there's at least one smart aleck out there who's gonna try to figure out the real names, anyway. Oh, and all you parents out there might wanna consider sending your little ones to bed. I'm gonna delve into some pretty heavy stuff, and I don't want to traumatize anypony.

((Case 1 of the Mare-Do-Well Files.))

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: The Gemstone Godfather

My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am the Princess of Friendship; one of the rulers of Equestria. There was once a time when I was called the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. I used this identity briefly to teach my friend Rainbow Dash a lesson in humility. Several moons after that incident, somepony else has taken up the mantle, using it to protect ponies who are in peril. Very few ponies know the true nature of this enigmatic mare; I among them. The only thing known for certain is that she is a true hero.

But now, she has gone mad. Or at least, that's what we're supposed to believe after she allegedly crashed this year's Grand Galloping Gala. Personally, I'm not buying it. Like I said, I know this Mare-Do-Well. She would never do something like this. And as if to confirm my suspicions, there was a note left at the crime scene stating that an impostor is on the loose in one of four locations. Thankfully, I'm not alone in thinking this. My friends support me, and three ponies who have worked with Mare-Do-Well in the past agree that something is amiss.

This is their story as much as it is my own. Mare-Do-Well is our friend, and we have to be there for her just as she's been there for us. Whether she's in the Griffon Kingdom, Manehattan, the Mewlun Mountains, or here in Canterlot, we will find her and unmask her doppelgänger. Come along, Spike! The game is afoot!

The story we're about to tell you is real, although some details are ambiguous in nature. To emphasize this point, no names have been changed. It is also my duty to inform you that this tale contains subject matter that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Viewer's discretion is strongly advised.

((Case 4 of the Mare-Do-Well Files. It's highly recommended that you read the other cases first; otherwise you will get confused.))

POV Codex:

T: Twilight Sparkle
S: Spitfire
O: Octavia
A: Amethyst Star
M: Multiple POVs in the same chapter

This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: Wonderbolts Under Fire

My name is Octavia Melody. I play the cello for the Canterlot Ensemble, and I co-host a talk show on K-COLT Radio. I feel that music is a very important part of my life. It's how I express myself creatively, and while I can't speak for every musician out there, I know quite a few ponies who feel the same way. Which is why I was very excited to be given a chance to perform at the Manehattan Music Festival; an annual event where musicians from all walks of life gather to practice their art and enjoy the work of others. It is truly a music-lover's paradise, regardless of which genre you prefer. And as somepony who can appreciate all sorts of music (yes, even dubstep. Don't, tell Vinyl I said that), I was sure that this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Then I get a mysterious letter delivered to my hotel room saying that if I so much as play a single note ever again, my life is forfeit.

At first, I thought it was a joke (and a poor one, at that). Nopony in their right mind would take a letter like that seriously. But then, a terrible accident occurs at the festival in the middle of Vinyl's set. As it turns out, she got the same letter I did. In fact, the only reason she's still alive is because she was rescued by a mysterious mare dressed in a rather bizarre costume. I couldn't make this up if I tried, though Celestia knows I wish I did.

Now, I'm no detective, but I know a rat when I smell one. I can say with a good amount of certainty that Vinyl and I weren't the only ones to get that letter. But what lunatic would go to such great lengths in order to hold every musician in Equestria hostage like this, and to what end? I don't have an answer to this, but one thing is for certain. Whoever it is, they won't get away with it.

The story I'm about to tell you is real (but again, I wish it wasn't), although some details may be open to interpretation. For the sake of clarity, I have decided not to change any names. Also, I feel it's fair to warn you that this is not a tale for young foals, the faint of heart, or the easily offended. If you fall into any of these categories, I highly advise you to turn back now and find something a bit more pleasant.

((Case 2 of the Mare-Do-Well Files.))

Poor Daring Do. All she wanted was a nice relaxing vacation. No archenemies; no deathtraps; no ancient treasures. Just her, a few colleagues, and a front-row seat to one of the most incredible sights in Equestrian nature: The breezies.

Unfortunately, adventure has a nasty habit of finding Daring Do even when she doesn't want it to. While preparing for the breezie safari, her bumbling student Tailspin accidentally stumbles upon the evil designs of a retired empress seeking revenge. Seeing Daring as a liability, the ex-empress has her new ally place a curse on her, transforming her into the most fragile creature in Equestria.

This works. For about five minutes.

Now a few inches high and royally ticked off, Daring must get accustomed to her new body with the help of Fluttershy and the great entomologist Professor Windsday if she wants any chance at payback. Meanwhile, a guilt-ridden Tailspin drags a hapless Tree Hugger into the desert in the hopes of finding a cure. These are uncharted waters for everyone involved, but Daring doesn't mind that part. That's what makes an adventure great, after all. No, she's more concerned about being paired up with the two most annoyingly indecisive pixies in the world.

Cover art provided by the amazingly talented DavieRocket.

While lounging around Twilight's castle and airing some friendship-related grievances, Discord stumbles across a magic book containing letters from an inter-dimensional pen pal. As it just so happens, this pen pal also had sinister designs for Equestria, but was quashed by the Elements of Harmony. What's more, she's made amends since that day, and she's now Twilight's friendship student. Eager to bond with someone who can relate to him on a personal level and grow into a better draconequus, Discord packs his bags and heads off to the human world with Twilight's semi-blessing. His mission: Befriend Sunset Shimmer.

However, his plan has a bit of a snag. See, Sunset hasn't been keeping up with Equestrian events, and she never got the memo about Discord turning over a new leaf. As such, she believes that his sudden appearance doesn't bode well for Equestria, Canterlot High, or herself. Not only this, but the Sirens are privy to Discord's return as well, and they see this as a golden opportunity to bounce back from their own recent defeat. Well, Adagio does, anyway. Sonata doesn't want to live in a world that makes no sense, and Aria would rather maintain what little dignity she has left by not getting involved (or so she claims).

So while Discord is trying to earn Sunset's trust and show her what a good friend he is now, Adagio is trying to get in on an evil scheme that doesn't exist. And while that is going on, Sonata is appealing to the Rainbooms behind Adagio's back, hoping that they'll make Discord go away. With so much miscommunication thrown into the mix, you just know that hijinks are inevitable. Good thing Aria made popcorn.

Cover art provided by the amazingly talented Neighthirst.

Loop D'Loop is a changeling who has tried her best to integrate into the small town of Liveryburg. She has friends, a job, and she's happy. Now more changelings are attacking the town, and she's going to have to find a way to save everyone without revealing that she's the same as the monsters they're afraid of.