Fluttershy finds birdsong wonderful. Regardless of what that birdsong is about.

Written for Bicyclette's A Thousand Words contest. Has a Chinese translation done by hehelover.

Frayed Arrow never expected to discover a new species, let alone a sapient one. The Vespiquines - or "wasp ponies" as they're colloquially known - proved to be quite receptive to the idea of Harmony and rapidly integrated into Equestrian society.

There's just one thing about them that's eating her up inside.

This story was inspired by the following prompt: "How would you attempt diplomacy with a carnivorous species has to lay parasitic broods in other intelligent species who cannot survive the hatching process in order to reproduce?"

Thanks to Equimorto and various Anons for proofreading and providing feedback to the story.

Written for the "A Thousand Words" contest.

Millennia after being banished from the face of Equestria, King Sombra stirs restlessly in his lightless prison, held alive only by his dark magic and the desire to take vengeance against the Elements of Harmony. Especially the one who sent him there.

Harmony, however, is an inscrutable force. One willing to grant him a second chance in a world far different from the one he remembers.

For now though, he only needs to head towards the light.

Many thanks to Equimorto for spending almost two months on meticulously proofreading and critiquing this story.

A small band of guardsponies find themselves surrounded in their city. Their enemy already savors her victory, but she will learn that even the darkest night must yield to the Sun.

A nurse has seen it all. A combat medic has seen even more.

Princess Celestia sends her elite Household Battalion—"Celestia's Own"—south, far beyond the borders of Equestria, to break the slave trade and to free the oppressed. Medic Redheart, a young rookie among the Guard's hardened veterans, is with her Battalion every step of the way.

She's never told anypony her story. Until now.

A side story/prequel to my The Ponies in the Caves and A Story to Relate To, but reads independently.

This story is fantastic. There wasn't a single chapter that didn't give me chills or bring a tear to my eye. The way you describe the selflessness of the soldiers, and Redheart's unrelenting drive to save them, no matter the personal cost, was exemplary. I look forward to more of your work.

-SGTBRONY

Has a Black Company feel to it with the medic POV. Great story so far!

-Lerris

Cover art by Pabbles, by commission. Thanks!

With massive thanks to the folks in the Discord for comments and advice, and Totallynotabrony, Raleigh, Sledge115, and ChudoJogurt for detailed pre-reading, in whole or in part. Any remaining errors are fully my own.

Author's notes and commentary blog, with big spoilers.

The sea is by far a dangerous place, any sailor will tell you that. Between the howling storms that no pegasi control and the traitorous shallows that led many a ship to their doom, they are filled with threats of many kind. Captain Tidebringer of the HLS Sea Flower was about to learn however, that some threats come shrouded in mystery. When he and his crew board an abandoned vessel, they stumble upon something that was best left alone. And now, judgment has been placed upon them.

This story is a sequel to The Ghost of Coltistrano

In just fifteen months, the story of what transpired in Manehatten Bay spread to all corners of Equestria, and whispers of a cloaked crusader from beyond the grave began to rise from the mouths of its citizens. Eyes of thugs linger on the sky for a moment longer, pirates shiver at the sounds of their very ships, and the members of Shield Wall's conspiracy breathe easy knowing their wicked business is long behind them. Over, but not yet forgotten.

Wounds left behind from such business now fester, denied time to heal as tattered shadows linger over the heroes of Manehatten Bay, threatening to shatter the oaths they swore and undo the gentle peace they sacrificed so dearly to preserve.

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Finally, the sequel to The Ghost of Coltistrano is complete, expanding upon the world and characters and diving deeper into the themes of heroism and sacrifice explored in the previous installment. As always, there are some hidden little easter eggs are references to other pulp hero properties I hope you enjoy recognizing. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out the final installment!

Again, cover art provided by the ridiculously helpful Siansaar!

Human wants to get out of bed and do housework. Pony wants him to stay in bed with her and not do housework. They resolve this conflict

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Hey! Audio!

Twilight’s castle is on fire, and she doesn’t know what to do. So, she logically goes with old reliable: get Spike to write a letter to Celestia.

Celestia is unsure if her former student is sane. Spike is just wanting to put the fire out.

Luna just wants to ensure that her sister doesn't predict the Third Griffin Invasion.

Based on a true story. I wish I was joking.

Pre-read/edited by: Muggonny.

Cover art by: omegajim, which was then edited by Crowley.

Profanity tag only because of one line that's not even in English lmao.

An army marches upon Canterlot with a single intent.

Kill the Princesses.

I appreciate the story being shared around, commented on, liked, enjoyed, all that jazz.
Check out my profile for more fun little dark stories.