This story is a sequel to π

After Twilight Sparkle made her biggest secret public much earlier than she'd originally planned, the lives of the Element-Bearers and their closest friends somehow managed to become even more complicated than they already were. Yet despite the flurry of all of the added activity this brings, Princess Celestia decides to undertake a particularly ambitious project: the reformation of Discord. She delegates the task to Penumbra Noctis, who, more than anypony else, can empathize with the draconequus' situation, and who is therefore best suited to showing Discord the magic of friendship. On the surface, it's a very reasonable plan.

Unfortunately, Discord has never had much patience for reason.

This is the fifth and final story in The Petriculture Cycle. Reading the first four stories, which begin here, is highly recommended.

Artwork by Page Turner. TV Tropes page by an unknown number of anonymous persons on the internet.

This story is a sequel to Inner Demons

Play this song first!

Equestria's Darkest Hour was only the beginning... The end of days are fast approaching...

Twilight faced her darkness and made peace with it. Now she can face who she is, and not a moment too soon. The greatest battle in Equestrian history is about to begin, and she'll need to understand just how deep the darkness in her heart goes in order to face the threats to come. However, in preparation for the worst event in Equestrian history, she'll have to protect a mare that may be the key to everyone's destruction. Even worse, she has to deal with an old enemy/former friend that's intent on saving the world her way, which means killing the life that Twilight wishes to protect. But can a demon truly do an angel's job, or is Twilight simply deluding herself?

"Can I atone for my sins...?"

For years Diamond Tiara has been contending with dark feelings, night terrors, and blackouts she can't explain. When Apple Bloom, the love of her life, was here, she could handle it. Now that Apple Bloom is gone though, Diamond Tiara's sanity is slipping, and she's becoming something horrible. Good news, she's beginning to understand what she is now. Bad news, she hates it, because the more she learns, the less likely it seems she can be saved.

"Wh-what am I?! Apple Bloom, help me!"

She is the Guardian of Equestria, sworn to defend the golden land of Terra from any and all threats. Vale's life was saved by a Unicorn who's heart was more pure than even her own, but now she has to carry on her life and continue her own mission. That should be simple, except for three things standing in her way. Midnight has once again chosen to stand against her, the lover of the one who saved her won't leave her alone, and strange foreign emotions plague her, hindering her mission. All she knows is that something in her heart is saying this isn't right.

"What's holding me back...?"

These three, and others surrounding them, will play an integral part in the events over the next month. As for what their places on the board are, unfortunately that's not entirely up to them.

Note: if you haven't read the other stories yet, STOP NOW and read the following:
Inner Demons
Inner Demons: 10 Years and Inner Demons: Fragments of Truth (these can be read in any order, but only after Inner Demons)

Cover Art by my friend The Spectralist!

Inner Demons II added to the TV Tropes page?! WHAT?! Go here to read it!

Spike lived the last three years in the Everfree Forest together with his zebra teacher. After a long time of thinking, he realized that he didn’t belong here and began to long for a place he could call home.

He then begins to travel across the world in order to find a new home. In his journey, he will find the most unusual creatures, friends, and lands. Maybe he will also find a place he belonged to.

Sequel to I'm Getting Underpaid For This.
It is not necessary to read the first story to understand this one.

We all know our beloved dragon, Spike. He is kind, helpful and never complains about unfair working conditions. He helps where he can and tries to live a happy life while being Twilights' number one assistant.

What if Spike wasn't that? What if he would be a sarcastic and cynical flank-hole? What if he had enough of the way Twilight handled him? What if he leaves Twilight and searches for his own life?

Well, let's see how this plays out.

Now with a sequel.

Dated pre-coronation, and will not take the changes of it into consideration.

There is a secret in Equestria. A secret the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle doesn’t dare to believe. Like puppeteers pulling on marionettes, they have influenced Equestria for better and worse since the fall of Discord. So far they have been benevolent, but their potential for evil is vast. What’s worse, she doesn’t know their name. She doesn’t know their mission. All she knows for certain is one thing.

That they all seem to be zebra.

When a dark enemy begins hunting the young wizard Twilight Sparkle, the walls of the fortress library of Candlekeep cannot protect her. Not even her mentor, the archmage Star Swirl the Bearded, can keep her safe. With a price on her head and the shadow of death on her heels, her only hope for salvation is the Magic of Friendship. Perhaps, with powerful allies at her side, she can find answers and uncover the truth about her destiny.

(This story is inspired by the Baldur's Gate CRPG series by Bioware, but you do not have to be familiar with BG to understand its events)

Featured on Equestria Daily
Cover by Bluest Ayemel
"I love this fic. Keep it up!" – Sethisto (on the EQD page)
"From it's fantastic character development of Twilight and fast pace and exciting action, The Sword Coast is an excellently written and well thought-out story." – Amy Clockwork

Side stories: Tales of the Sword Coast
Sequel: Shadows of the Crystal Empire
Warning: Comments contain spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

Twilight Sparkle is a gifted student and scholar. When she attempts to harness her creative side by writing a science-themed sensual romance novel, however, things rapidly get out of hoof. Can her friends stage an intervention before she humiliates herself (and them) at a prestigious literature recital?

No. No, they cannot.

Featured on 5/19/2013
Princess Twilight has taken her place as the newest member of the royal family. After some time Discord becomes Twilights personal advisor and they are driving each other crazy. In more ways than one.

With their partnership comes many changes to Equestria and Twilights political power has started overshadowing the Royal Sisters.
This was Celestia's plan all along, but it doesn't stop there.

What would you do if your world was crumbling? What would you give up to save it? Would you sign a deal with a God of Chaos? Well Twilight is in a situation where she has to sign the dotted line, but then is this a bad thing when your signing your soul away to the god of Madness? Who knows. After all he has had other contracts.... and those worked out.. sort of
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*******THE ENDING OF CHAP. TEN HAS BEEN CHANGED***** I suggest you read it... unless you wish to get lost once I throw up 11.

I would like to thank, Lurker Who also got me thinking about this story and putting some life into my mind regarding it. Thank you for your feedback!

BrainstormSurge who has taken the time to edit chapter 1 2, and 3, I never expected someone to walk up and (hopefully) be willing to edit "the contract", so thank you.

Sapphire Secrets is my next thanks, your comment gave me the idea to gut the second half of chapter three and rewrite it. So thank you for taking the time to give me feedback.

Everything seemed to be alright the day that Discord came back to Canterlot under the watchful eye of Celestia as a (mostly) redeemed draconequus. But the luxurious life of royalty is so... BORING! "Do something creative," they said, "It'll be fun," they said. Thus it was that Discord sat down and began writing the worst stories he could imagine! But between posh living, running a ministry, court dates, random quests from Celestia and Luna, and learning about the magic of friendship, surely these stories can't be that bad, can they?