An idle inquiry into Celestia's past sparks a dangerous journey in search of an ancient evil. Twilight and her friends confront changelings, saboteurs and worse in their search for the creature that devoured the alicorn nation. But when Twilight's decisions endanger those she loves the most, she encounters an enemy she has no defense against; her own despair.

Dedicated with love to my amazing girlfriend Kristin, who doesn't get the 'pony thing' but still buys me the occasional plush. And to my old friend Martin (AKA Ash), who is one of the nicest, funniest (and cuddliest!) guys I've ever met, as well as being the inspiration for Pin Feather.

Cover art made by the talented dSana senpai.

This story is a sequel to Long Road to Friendship

It is a new year for Sunset Shimmer; a fresh chance at real happiness with her five best friends and her girlfriend. But Sunset is constantly troubled by her uncertain future, and haunted by the consequences of her past.

For her battle against Princess Twilight has drawn forth ancient forces with eyes on the last bastion of magic: Canterlot City.

As darkness closes in, Sunset must find her light and guide her friends to defend their world against old rivals and legends best left forgotten, all while dealing with their ever-looming futures.

But when graduation comes, what will Sunset Shimmer do? For she is still a stranger in this world, with or without her friends, and the road before her guarantees nothing.

Of course, with the universe conspiring against her, it'll be a miracle if she even makes it that far...

Story plot edited by HenryAnthonyCourtler
Pre-read by DrakeyC
Wonderful cover art designed by HanasakiYunarin!
Text added by Amber Spark!
The page of Spectacular Tropes!
Presenting the French translation!

Even for ponies such as Twilight Sparkle, magic is something that's both easily understood, yet full of unknowns at the same time. Wondering about the mysteries surrounding magic and its relationship with Equestria as a whole after an innocent question, Twilight tries to research whatever she can about the subject.

However, there is something ominous brewing in a distant land that may relate to Twilight's questions about magic, but solving some of those mysteries will require more than just research. She'll have to overcome her most dangerous challenge yet in order to uncover the truth.

"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one." - James A. Froude

Twilight Sparkle begins a great journey when Luna appears to her with grim news. She must gather the gang and again set out to save all of Equestria and beyond from a return of darkness. Their travels will take them to places none could have imagined, both in the physical realm and within themselves while exploring the depths of immortality and the origins of the world. Twilight must face her inner demons as well as great emotional turmoil as the journey brings about feelings she never thought could exist. Will her forays into the dark places of the world and her own heart break her..?

Disclaimer: Story takes place after the events of Season 2. It disregards Seasons 3 and 4. My apologies if this upsets you.

'A wise man once told me that 'Proper story's supposed to start at the beginning'.

We all know how this story starts. We all know how a thousand years ago, the Princess of the Moon betrayed her sister, the Princess of the Sun, and how a thousand years ago, Equestria lost one of its leaders.

What we never knew was that, a thousand years ago, two follies were created: a truce... and a promise.

And now, both of those have been violated.

We are about to pay the price.'

[Humanized ponies]

The past always comes back to haunt the present, there is no escaping the inevitable. For decades, Celestia has kept a secret from her student. A secret she made out of pain, and through pain will be revealed for all to see; for Twilight Sparkle is the secret daughter of the Sun.

Now, there will be consequences.

Consequences, they come in all shapes and sizes for every decision. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. These words are lessons that Princess Celestia should know, bits of wisdom she practices in her rule of Equestria. How is it then, that when faced with a decision, she chooses the one that would inevitably bring the most pain? How is it that she couldn’t bear being recognized as the mother of her child? And why? Twilight Sparkle is about to find out.

Disclaimer: (I do not own the picture; Title Picture owned and designed by KitsuneHino; Source: http://mel-rosey.deviantart.com/art/By-my-side-364777307) (I do not own any of the characters, places, events, etc. outlined in this fanfiction, MLP FiM does under Hasbro, give them the credit.)

As the eternal regent of Equestria, Princess Celestia's knowledge of magic is without equal. Over her long life, only a few gifted ponies who had a great destiny before them have had the honor of learning at her side. Sunset Shimmer was one such pony: one of Celestia’s best and most promising students. As she learned at Celestia’s hooves, their bond strengthened until they became far more than student and teacher to one another.

Sometimes those closest to us are the ones who can hurt us the most.

[Note: This story does not directly tie into Equestria Girls]

Being the Princess of Equestria is busy work. Luna would know. She raises the sun and moon everyday, looks over the dreams of her beloved subjects, and, well, runs Equestria. Now, in addition to all that, she must find herself a protégé, before her sister's banishment ends!

But, that isn't the problem. The problem, is that three particular fillies stand out for the role!

Who will she choose? Can these three fillies become friends? Who will become Equestria's future savior!?

I guess you'll have to read to find out~!

First story of the Trio-verse.
Cover Art commissioned by Cloureed. Thanks again~!
Also want to thank Izanagi for the help with editing!

What if Twilight was orphaned before her acceptance into Celestia's school for gifted unicorns?
what if she and the princess of the sun became inseparable? What if Twilight starts calling Celestia mommy after their lessons?
What if Celestia loves it?
Inspired by the cover photo

The Summer Sun Celebration has gone off without a hitch, leaving Twilight embarrassed and confused. She is sent to remain in Ponyville to learn about friendship, the most powerful magic ever. However this task is interrupted by an unwanted guest. Not only is Twilight forced to put up with her new houseguest, she's starting to feel a change coming over her, taking over her mind. Can she resist the call of the night, or will she fall entirely into the grasp of Nightmare Moon?