After finding a chess set in the library's storage closet, Twilight is eager to play a few games and turns to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Teaching the two most competitive ponies in Ponyville a new game should be a snap, right? RIGHT?!

This 1000 word story explores the origin of the three races of pony and the events surrounding a war that nearly destroyed Equestria. Some mild gore.

Every year, on Applejack's birthday, Applejack and Big Macintosh smash a barrel. It's a tradition they've had since Applejack was born. A tradition that started with their pa, and one they're proud to carry on.

Because some barrels need to be smashed, to be the best pony you can be.

Rainbow Dash flies east.

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence forced the Changelings out of Canterlot, scattering them across Equestria. Luna flies in during the after party, and wonders what she missed.
When she finds out though, she isn't all that happy. The princess of the night, having slept through the changeling invasion, leaves Canterlot. In an attempt to aid the changelings.
Will she suceed? Or will time have broken any bridge she had formed?

AN: This is the pseudo-sequel to Stargazing Together. While it's not at all needed for this story, it will fill in some holes. And obviously I want you to go read something I wrote....

With the recent premiere of the Equestria Girls movie in Equestria, everyone is overjoyed at its success. Except for Spike, who doesn't like that fact he was the only character to be a dog instead of a human in the movie. Which leads to him calling upon a revolution for change on Equestria. Yeah... things blow out of proportion really fast.

Thanks to Bass21, Linkerman, and LDSocrates for pre-reading it! And thanks to jlm123hi for making the cover image!

Twilight is approached by Applejack with a strange request - to join her that night for a run, but all is not as it seems. Why is Applejack so nervous? What could this be about?

Sombra had always been a good child. He never did anything wrong intentionally, and was always ready to help others. Then one day, he snapped. He fell down to the darkness, and he slowly turned into the ruler he became.
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WANTED:

The newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle has set up a bold new initiative to discover new magic, and is sending out an open call to the unicorns of Equestria to apply for her research team. No experience in magical theory or research necessary. Enthusiasm and out-of-the-box thinking a must. The Equestrian government is not responsible for any physical, emotional, or magical trauma experienced during the course of the project or the application process.

Cover art by Page Turner

A re-imagining of the core story of the canon show as though it has originally been targeted toward older audiences (this entails humanization).