Princess Celestia has been keeping a dark secret from her subjects for a very long time. It's not an easy truth to tell, but if anyone can accept her after learning it, it will surely be her most faithful student.
All his life, Iron Will has been strong. He's transformed ponies from doormats into dynamos. He's never fallen in a fight, he's never given way in an argument. And now he is dying.
Twilight heads off to negotiate the return of the bat pony tribes to Equestria, escorted by Indigo Zap. Lust at first sight rears its pretty head, and Zap does her best to make the oblivious Twilight want her in turn.
Odd how some things stick in one's memory—certain places, personalities, sounds, even smells. Touching on one of these elements can cause a lifetime of experiences to come flooding back. And just as quickly, they're gone.
"Howdy, it's Applejack. Sorry I missed your call, leave a message after the beep and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!" Why isn't Applejack answering her phone? And why is her inbox so full? A short story told through voicemails.
Ask Applejack, and she'll tell you Pinkie Pie can be a few apples short of a bushel. They've always been good friends, but what could they possibly have in common? Turns out there is an answer to that question.
On the Pie family farm, there are only rocks. It's a life Pinkie moved away from. Back home, after a tragic event, her sister Inkie wonders if she should do the same. After all: it's hard to have a life worth living, with only rocks.
Pinkie Pie has always served admirably as Element of Laughter, and it's time for the princesses to show their appreciation. In fact, they have a special assignment, something they've never tried. It will be the best surprise she ever had.