Part of the Black Sun Ponyverse.

After Twilight's ascension to an alicorn, many more ancient evils escaped from their imprisonment and were attempting to destroy or conquer Equestria.

With the elements of Harmony busier than ever dealing with these new threats, Spike grows worried about the increasing danger they're being forced to put themselves in. Tired of being a burden, he searches for a way to become stronger so that he may help, hopefully discovering his own path along the way.

Cover by YoMilbert used with permission.
Special thanks to BigBadBari21 (chapter 1)
Theblacksmithbrony and TheSexyMenhir for proof reading.
Without you the story would be a whole lot more painful to read.
And to APoeticHeart for helping me with Zecora's rhymes.
Also music.

Chapters will be small 800-1500 words.
But will be released every two or three days.
Comments, critiques and opinions are welcomed.
Also check out MrSing and Kalash93 riff on it.

Dreams. We reach for them with our all, with every bit of our soul. We never think about falling short. Rainbow Dash and Spike have both reached and missed, and now they don't know which way to turn. But they soon discover that dreams are endless and with wings and each other, obtaining them is a definite possibility.

Twilight becomes alicorn of the stars. This is sort of a problem, because Luna kind of already was alicorn of the stars. Oops!

TV Tropes

Spike's dreams of Rarity are shattered, and at the worst possible time, for his friends will need him to make it through their greatest crisis.

Inspired by the United Kingdom entry to the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, "Love Will Set You Free" by Engelbert Humperdinck. From the second chapter onward, different songs serve as the inspiration, so check the comments for the links.

Title image by Jade (tehjadeh.deviantart.com).

After leaving on a second pilgrimage to find himself, Spike returns to Ponyville, physically larger and sporting an impressive array of skills and powers.

His plans for a calm life in Ponyville, however, takes a different path as he soon finds himself the desire of several ponies interests, friends old and new included.

Change breeds benefits, as the saying goes. Spike has yet to hear it ring true.

Spike loses a bet to Snips and Snails. The consequence? Ask Scootaloo out on a date. But what starts off as a frivolous punishment for the baby dragon ends up becoming much more rewarding than he ever expected.

The land of Equestria has been turned into a desert wasteland. And it's all Twilight Sparkle's fault! Dubbed the Cursed One by all ponykind, Twilight must now live in hiding to keep herself alive. Even her once close pony friends have abandoned her. The only one by her side is her number one assistant, Spike, who has becomes a gun wielding badass bounty hunter to keep her safe.

This story has no connection with what I call my TwiMacVerse. I've actually had this idea for a while. This also doesn't use anything from Season 3 as it has just started.

WARNING: This story contains some violence and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Also I'm aware that this image of Spike won't match the description of him in the story. It was the coolest pic of him I could find at the time. If someone wants to draw him in a more cowboy style, go for it and send me a link and I just might make it the new cover pic. ^_^

Cover art by John Joesco

Celestia asks Luna to teach Twilight dark magic. Twilight must pass Luna's class in order to graduate. As Luna develops feelings for her student, Twilight questions which princess she really wants to serve and protect.
(Twilight X Luna)

After finding her assistant missing again during her court duties, Twilight finds Spike with none other then Fluttershy and learns that the two have been a couple for a while. After overcoming her shock, she is told the story of how the two, unexpectedly, found comfort in each others embrace...

Spike ends up finding himself the object of affection for the cutie mark crusaders after saving them from danger after getting dragged along on one of their adventures. How will Spike handle this new turn of events will he be able return the girls feeling? Will the CMC stay friends? And most importantly who will be left heart broken in the end?

-This is set after season 3 so yes there will be a alicorn Twilight and Discord will be around.