It has been one of the closest guarded secrets of Canterlot's royalty. Deep in a specially constructed dungeon, surrounded by warding spells and powerful magic barriers, exists an enigma. Within a cage that could only be described as something out of a nightmare, it waits and watches all of Equestria. A creature that cannot age, is immune to disease, does not thirst nor hunger, and resists all injury. But, it also holds secrets and knowledge that could safeguard the kingdom. Its powers are frightening, but it is civil enough for debate when patience permits.

Princess Celestia has sought counsel with the creature before, enduring it making deal after deal for its services. The Princess walks a fine line when dealing with it, knowing full well anything could give it an advantage despite its imprisonment. She has had to go back on her word in these dealings, and from this a deep animosity between them has been born. It is a necessary evil as she is convinced this is a being capable of untold evil far and above anything Equestria has ever dreamed of. So long as it remains within the confines of its cell, her kingdom is made safe. So much magic has been woven to ensure that, there is little chance of escape.

So long as the magic holds, there is no danger. So long as the cage remains strong, the nameless creature stays enthralled in his cavernous dwelling. If that were to change--if the magic failed--not even the wisest could say. But one thing is assured, it does not bode well for Equestria.

Sombra wants to sleep. He really does. But he can't. Why? Because he's lonely.

The Crystal empire has begun to recover in the time since Sombra was believed to be obliterated by the power of the Crystal Heart. Crystal ponies the empire over are beginning to settle into new lifestyles, trying to adapt to a completely alien time.

The young lord of the Slate Ridge region of the Crystal empire has finally finished tying up loose ends after the funerals of his two parents before he's called to the capital to suffer through the suspicions of his fellow (he uses that word hesitatingly) nobles.

Though he seems like a well-meaning stallion despite a few...physical oddities, H.R.H. Princess Cadenza is soon to learn a secret about our young lord's bloodline that could have a few thousand of her loyal ponies shaking in their crystalline horseshoes.

And not to mention what the stallion in question will hear about in his father's final words.

I mean really! Who leaves that sort of outrageous announcement in one's will anyway?!

(( This is my first story everyone! I got this idea while mourning King Sombra's distinct lack of any sort of back-story whatsoever. I would -deeply- appreciate any constructive criticism, as this project is mostly to assist with my writing. I'm not so much interested in spelling corrections, but any clearing up you can do for my grammar and sentence structure will be welcomed with open arms. Tell me what you think of this first chapter and if it could warrant further updates. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy! ))

(( Featured !? *faints* ))

In the capital city of Griffalia, Gilda leads a luxurious life of royalty—even if she doesn't care or know how good she's got it.

When she's suddenly thrust into an arranged marriage with the leader of another kingdom, she's going to have to learn some of the harder lessons of life, about family, and about herself.

This story was written as a commission for yamgoth, as part of the Las Pegasus Unicon Relief League Auctions. Tagged "Alternate Universe" because Sombra got nuked at the end of Season 3, Episode 2.

King Sombra survived the power of the Crystal Heart, and for a moment, it seemed as if his victory was assured. And then something unexpected happened...

He stepped on a nail.

CRACK FIC!!!

Heroes.

Whether they are supermen with incredible strength and speed or alicorn princesses with the power of magic, they fight a never ending battle to uphold truth, justice and friendship. They are the pillars of the world, keeping it safe when all else fails.

But what if those six pillars are reduced to one? Can a single hero hold up the weight of the world? That is what the new ruler of Equestria Twilight is trying to figure out when a superhero enters her life. Strong, fast, impossibly white teeth, the hero All Might is the lone pillar that holds up his world. And perhaps this hero can show her how to be that lone pillar.

Or perhaps she will show him why one pillar cannot stand alone.

After a tragic accident, a human ends up in Lord Tirek's body, as part of an attempt to reform the villain after his recent escapades. While the hero of our tale is trying to make sense of his new surroundings, the rest of Equestria thinks that the most terrible threat that their world has ever seen is back...
And the powers that be are definitely not happy about it.
New Cover Art By Shadow Bolt

I am here. Right behind you when you're not looking. In your dreams when you can't help it. In your thoughts when you finally notice. Always watching. Always stalking. Bringing fear to your heart. Making it spread through your existence. Until fear is all you are. Then you're ready. Then you're mine.

A story about a brony somehow ending up in Equestria... In the Everfree Forest... As Slender Pony.

Rated Teen for Gore.

This story has been featured at 14:24, Oct 29! (Moscow time) [PROOF]
Feature again today. 11:48, Oct 30! (Moscow time)

Velvet Sparkle and her family are relaxing away from the hustle and intrigue of Canterlot, when her foster grand-foal falls ill. To help pass the time and comfort the filly, Velvet recounts the story of her younger years. It is a tale filled with loss and heart-ache, vengeance and redemption, hatred and love, and a small filly, lost in a land vastly different from Equestria, that just wanted to go home. A tale whose origins were formed before the founding of Equestria itself, and the struggle that birthed the great nation.

It is the story of how Velvet Sparkle met the Queen in Stone.

A Myths and Birthrights side story.

Edited by Honey Mead
Art by Companda

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.