As far as Golden Harvest is concerned, the newlyweds who live next door are fine ponies. But Carrot Top, the mean little voice inside Harvest's head, doesn't see them quite the same way.

Written for the 221st Writeoff competition with the prompt, "The Hugs Went Away Again," the original version of this story took 2nd place. It's been extensively rewritten and expanded since then.

One missing pony? I'm sure they'll turn up eventually. Numerous reports of loved ones disappearing during the night? There are still plenty of ponies left in Ponyville. A murderer? Why nopony has seen one of those in years! What makes you think there's a murderer in town? The number of deaths getting larger... well whatever it is we can stop it. And I mean it.

Another average rainstorm marks another average day in Ponyville. Creatures predictably flee to their shelter of choice to escape the cold drizzle. A predictable routine in this microcosm of Equestrian. Yet, even amongst the mundane, each day is unique for its own reasons... In Carrot Top's case, she just happens to find herself sitting across from an actual fire breath, a mass of scales and muscles, that could crush a pony easily, dragon. No need to panic, hopfeully...
Just another average day...

While this is technically a follow-up to That time Carrot Top fell into a rut it is not needed to read this story.

Life is full of all sorts of potholes. Some bigger than other, some deeper than other. Some potholes' falls hurt, other might even completely break you. Some potholes, however, can change your life.
So, what is a mare to do when she finds herself falling into one?

What better way to spend a snowy day than making a carrot casserole and cinnamon applesauce cookies? When the pantry offers no applesauce, it’s up to one filly to make the journey through the snow to get it.

Carrot Top's best friend crashes a balloon into her garden.

Originally written as an entry for Everfree Northwest 2021's Iron Author speed writing contest, where it won an honorable mention. I recommend checking out everyone's entries, they were all amazing.

The original draft was shorter than the word limit for FIMFiction, so consider this version an "extended cut" of sorts. Some additional dialogue was added, and some lines were rearranged, but it's as close to the original draft as possible. I've added the original, shorter draft -- which is the one I prefer -- as the second chapter.

This story is a sequel to The Prisoner of Zebra

When Flash Sentry (HERO OF EQUESTRIA) and Carrot Top (aka Special Agent Golden Harvest) are sent to the frigid peaks of Yakyakistan on a diplomatic mission, Sentry finds himself facing a fate worse than death!

He honestly should have expected as much.

Volume 9 of the Flash Sentry Papers.

Something beyond the locked doors has the intention to harm. Three ponies decide to stay inside- what's out there? Bad weather? A bugbear? Nopony knows.

I drew the Cover art.

Enjoy.

If you're reading this on your birthday... don't be afraid! Happy Birthday!

I don't know what I am, but I know where I am. Equestria, magical cartoon utopia. A place that's basically a dream come true.

So why is the only thing I care about finding another drink?

Art by ExoticEon

Featured June 4, 2021. Thanks y'all!
Again on June 17!
Also August 17
And August 26
And October 17
And so on and so forth.

The fruit of Sweet Apple Acres are grown with skill, experience, and love.

That last part makes them nutritious for changelings, a fact which Applejack is only now about to learn. But the changelings themselves have known for a long time – after all, they are some of her closest friends.