The only subject she felt unconfident in was one that Celestia had rarely spoken of—call it metaphysics or transcendence, spirituality; Celestia seemed only to exercise power in the corporeal world. Maybe Twilight already knew as much as her teacher, and it still wasn’t enough. She didn’t know where her friends had gone in their passing, nor what magic of friendship lingered past the days of their deaths.

Twilight Sparkle has a very strict schedule and checklist that she follows every day to make sure she gets everything done that she wants to. So when that checklist goes missing, panic is inevitable. But she's about to learn that sometimes it's what we don't plan that becomes something memorable.

This is just a one-shot fluff from the world of my Midnight Star stories. However there is no prerequisite reading to enjoying this little story.

This story is a sequel to Forever This Second

Prodding from peers and her highest instructor led Twilight Sparkle to release all the magic she had stolen. What it would do was beyond her, a simple human facing down what was not of her own world. Her research in these matters ran deep; but theory was brought to reality in that one moment.

It was discourse that brought her there, and discourse that filled her mind for the first time.

A holiday mystery in Canterlot, unsolved for as long as anypony can remember, leads a teenaged Twilight to ask a simple question: Why steal cake?

As her favorite detective has discovered in every book of the Sable Sleuth series, it's often the simplest of questions that will lead a pony down unexpected paths. As Hearth's Warming Eve approaches, and the deadline for the next theft looms, will Twilight Sparkle be able to unravel the mystery behind the Cake Thief?

Cover Art by the talented Simbaro.
Editing by Minds Eye

One cannot experience the unknowable without being forever changed. Now Sunset Shimmer must struggle with that truth as she tries to remain reconnect with the world she once left behind.

Warning: This Story features Mysticism, Magic, Wonder and Awe. If these things offend, I give my pity.

One day Trixie shows up at Twilight's door. She has decided to atone for her misdeeds through an ancient Unicorn tradition-becoming Twilight's slave.

This story is a sequel to It's a Dangerous Business, Going Out Your Door

The great adventure achieved its goal. Twilight Sparkle was cured of her deadly horn rot, her friends came back safely, and everything can go back to normal.

Except, of course, that such an upheaval is never truly forgettable. It leaves its mark on all who take part in it, touching and changing them in ways they may not, at the time, completely understand. Like the pressure in the earth that turns coal into diamonds, the stresses of disaster--or its near aversion--alter the natures of ponies, and alter the relationships between them. Twilight Sparkle, on a seemingly ordinary day, is about to learn that first hand.
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This story has been floating around since shortly after Dangerous Business' completion. At the time, I envisioned it as the first in what would be a whole cycle of stories, building up to a monumental, multi-story tale very similar to what eventually became Besides the Will of Evil. It's not quite 'canon' to BTWOE--for one thing, Twilight and Spike's relationship here isn't what it is in there, since the later clarifications by the showrunners were taken into account with the later story. However, I like to think that the spirit of this story still informs the later, larger story. Astute readers will also see a clarification of something that was only hinted at in BTWOE. I hope old readers enjoy their fond memories, and that new readers enjoy what has long been a fan favorite.

There are several characteristics that most heroes have. They come from underdog positions. They fight not for themselves, but for others. They believe in unity and fairness.

There are several characteristics that most villains have. They have all the cards. They destroy what others have built. They take pride in vanquishing their enemies.

Starlight Glimmer was supposed to be the hero. Twilight Sparkle was supposed to be the villain.

And yet, sitting in the Princess' guest room, Starlight wonders if she was wrong.

Preread by WublessFeat.

Starlight took a chance and decided to give friendship a try once more. With nowhere else to go, she stays with Twilight. Being such a powerful magic user, Twilight doesn't feel like letting her go would be a good idea. But how much has Starlight really reformed? She spent much time following the purple pony princess. Perhaps she can use her understanding of the mare towards another end.

Art by BlackWater (me)

In the war against King Sombra, a young mare realizes who she is. Not a war hero. Not a savior. She won't go down in history. In the grand scheme of things, she will be remembered by a tally on the wall.

This is her story. Her reckoning. She won't be a memory. She will be a statistic.

Based on the 'King Sombra' future from S5 finale.