Twilight has been assigned by Princess Celestia to study Dark Magic, something that has almost virtually died out. One day, halfway through her assignment, she receives a surprise visit from the Princess herself, who gives warning that dark and trying times are coming, and returns home. A confused Twilight then begins searching for large problems, both inside Equestria and out. When she discovers a major threat that nopony is prepared for, things quickly go downhill. Equestria seems doomed to total destruction, until a hooded pony appears with an offer. An offer that could either save them from catastrophe, or make things much, much worse...

Story is canon until Twilight becomes an Alicorn.

The idea for this (as well as the title) came from the game, Dark Cloud. I am not affiliated with Sony or Level-5 in any way.

Sequel: Dark Genesis

Cover by yours truly.

==== Originally Written: Fall 2011 ==== EDQ Link ====
After a party to welcome the season of Nightmare Night, the library becomes the target of strange activity. Minor annoyances prelude greater events, and soon Twilight and Spike each take action to handle the situation in their own way. All the while, questions hang in the air. What lingers amongst the shelves? What watches from the corners? What stands just behind you only to disappear when you turn to look?

What is in the library, and what does it want?

Congratulations, Equestria Legends Online is now side-story compatible: These other authors would love your support in their own adventures in this virtual world. You can find them in The Equestria Legends Online Fan Group, located here.

It's the year 2020, and millions of people are raving about the new game console known as Nervegear, which will literally take a player's mind into the game. But thousands of bronies are raging about a new pony game made for the Nervegear. After several months of waiting, the game is released, as a way for the players to actually travel to Equestria as ponies themselves.

But... things become screwy when Discord appears. Whether it was in the game design or not, this being of chaos has gained control over the virtual Equestria, trapping every brony wearing Nervegear inside the game. However, there is one way to get out. The bronies in the game must find and acquire the Elements of Harmony, which Discord has hidden throughout all of Equestria. But there is one drawback: If a player dies in the game, then the Nervegear will fry their brains in the real world, killing them on the spot. If they die in the game, they will die in the real world.

This idea was given to me from the Japanese Anime, "Sword Art Online." Please, no hate comments or dislikes for this fact. At least read the first chapter before outright disliking it.
Thanks to Raybony for making the cover art for this story.