Upon her first use of darkness its taste lingered within her mind, creating an ever growing thirst and revealing her true desires. With her recent elevation to an alicorn and princess she begins to find her desire for power insatiable. Small seemingly inconsequential steps grow into giant leaps, pushing her senses of morality and reason.

Besides, doesn't the ends justify the means? For a queen can accomplish so much more than a princess....

********
Special thanks to Omny87 on DA for the inspiration.
FEATURED: 7/1/2014 THANK YOU ALL!

Twilight's coronation was just recently, and nothing has gone wrong since. But alas, it could not last. King Sombra returns, and this time Equestria will not be rid of him so easily. Twilight finds herself in the caves beneath Canterlot, where she will learn secrets that are best left undiscovered.

Another super villain appears in Equestria! A former villain that was sealed away by Celestia and her sister, Luna, over a 1000 years ago (again). But now he is free and causing a rampage throughout the world! Now it is up to Twilight and her friends to stop him! But first, Twilight has to give Celestia a piece of her mind by withholding information about ANOTHER sealed away villain that escaped because of moronic reasons. Seriously, this is like what? The sixth one?!

Started Writing this in early 2017 but never finished due to reasons, so it takes place before season 7.

Featured 7/4/19 - 7/8/19!

Given the successful befriending of Discord, Princess Celestia deems that no longer will villains be defeated but instead reformed. While most have the chance to submit willingly or continue to fight, King Sombra is given little option. Brought back from the dead and stripped of all his powers and strength, it's all become a game of futility. Now Sombra only wishes he could have stayed dead all along.

Edited by spigo.

A Sequel to Dark Magic: It has been two years after Midnight's defeat and Queen Luna is making great progress in restoring Equestria. Her progress in restoring Midnight back to Twilight is not going so well. After an unexpected draw back, she with the help of other rulers must find a cure for the darkness before time runs out.

"Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."

Mere months after the events of "A Canterlot Wedding," the memories of cold shoulders and dismissals remain fresh in Twilight Sparkle's mind, which causes her to question her ability to face the next task that Princess Celestia bestows upon her.

Alone, she must find a way to protect an entire empire. She's afraid and unprepared, but when a mysterious stallion lends a hoof to her success, she soon discovers a friendship that threatens to blossom into something much greater.

(6/9/2016): Made it to the "Featured" page again! You're so awesome, guys!

(( "Of Magic and Masquerades" is the first story in the Crucibles of Harmony series. It is an alternate take on "The Crystal Empire," with some alternate events from Season 3 and minor Twilight/Sombra shipping. ))

After being introduced to Dark Magic, Twilight has used it to her advantage multiple times(using it for Zecora's potion, finding the Crystal heart). Twilight starts to experiment with it, causing her to grow obsessed. She's noticed that its beginning to change her. She must stop herself from succumbing to the darkness before her friends loose her forever.

Following the return of the Crystal Empire, Twilight begins some intensive research into the history of the Empire and its late king. Modern historians know next to nothing about the enigmatic dark mage. Who was he? Did he have family? Loved ones?

The answers to those questions changes everything the Element of Magic knows about herself, and in doing so catches the attention of a shadow that yet clings to the frailty of life...

Cover art made by Skijarama!
Reading can be found here.
Edited by RC2101_Copey.
Featured on 20/10/2018.
Russian Translation: Here

This story is a sequel to Losing Sunlight

Sunset Shimmer hasn't needed a family in years, but now that Twilight's introduced Sunset to hers, Sunset wishes she could do the same. The best she can do is bring her home to meet Princess Celestia, which would be hard enough for Twilight without mixing new magic with anxiety.

Sequel story to Losing Sunlight. Not necessary reading, but if you like this, you can check that out afterwards. Cover art by the talented SunsetSlight. Special thanks to Dubs Rewatcher for editing. Scribblefest 2018 Entry.

Twilight did her duty. She saved everypony she could, except herself. Now trapped by an evil cult, in more pain than she has even been in before, and dying on a sacrificial altar, she calls for help. The Nightmare answers.

Will Twilight become the next evil to threaten the world or will the Nightmare simply be glad to have some freedom? One thing is for certain, Twilight's life will never be the same again.

The Editors
Cander (CH 1-Current)
Yutah123 (CH 8-9)

Now with an excellent reading by StraightToThePointStudio (Currently only up to CH 30)

And we even have art!
[Warning Spoilers] Twilight's Nightmare Art