Freshly graduated from West Hoof Academy, 2nd Lieutenant Storm Kicker decides to enjoy what little free time she has left before accepting her commission with the Long Patrol. And what better way to let down her mane than at the millennial celebration of Celestia’s reign, on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration?

Well, there is the pesky little detail of a pesky little sibling who decides to tag along and be a pest. Still, it’s the last chance she’ll have to spend time with Star, so they make the most of it. It’s all fun and games, plus she'll have plenty of chances to needle her little sister along the way.

At least, until the two sisters are asked to look into the disappearance of a family friend; it soon becomes apparent that not all is well in Canterlot.

Part of the Winningverse.

A chance meeting with a cute young dragoness puts Spike on top of the world. However, it quickly becomes clear he may be forced to chose between his pony friends or the girl who captured his heart.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Pony discuss life, truth, and ear scratches.

[Comedy] [Slice of Apple]

11th place finish in the Writeoff.me short story competition “Forbidden Knowledge”

Out of possible spite, Princess Celestia has given Anthony four of her personal guards to help keep him out of trouble for the day.

What trouble, you ask? None. But that won't stop the Royal Guards from looking for some anyways.

Another entry into the "Anon-thony-verse".

In the dawn of Equestria, several ponies were given unique jobs to aid the Princesses in making the world around them run smoothly. Of the offices created, by far the most important was given to a pony by the name of Mortis--the office of death. His job was simple: he was to collect the souls of ponies dead before their time, and send any lingering spirits--in the forms of ghosts--back to eternity.

Centuries marched by, and Mortis grew weary of his job. He appealed to the Princesses, who saw the pain in his inability to live a normal life. Princess Luna gave him a task. She said that if he could give the office to another pony--willingly--he could live his life as a normal pony, and vacate the office of Death.

Thus, the office changed many times over the years. The office brought with it some power, and much responsibility. In time, without fail, whoever held the Death cloak eventually wanted to pass it on, and the rules to do such never changed. Now, the current Death, a pegasus by the name of Dashing Cloud, is ready to move on. An earth pony by the name of Rose Petal is nominated, the only pony alive who could fill the role.

But, as she will quickly find out, Death is not a job for the faint of heart.

(Idea for personified Death "borrowed" from Piers Anthony. All else is my own brain's creation)

When relaxing in a secret hot spring, Rarity has an encounter that, one way or another, will change her life forever.

Another entry for the Monster Mares Story Contest

The Long Patrol is an extension of the crown. It brings the rule of law and the princess's banner to the far reaches of the kingdom, the places where harmony fades and the wild chaos of nature still reigns.

In times past, all the tribes took part in the patrol. Today, it is mostly pegasi and a few gryphons. The distances they travel are simply too vast for anyone without wings.

Like most gryphons who join, I wanted to get away from my kind. I dreamed of the adventures I would have and the friends I would make. I certainly got those.

I just wish the price weren't so high.

[My entry for the EqD Summer "Outsider Insight" contest.]

WARNING: THIS STORY IS DANGEROUSLY SUGARCOATED. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Anthea is blind. Turquoise Blitz is half-dragon, half-pony. Naturally, the two are drawn to each other, though the fact that their mothers are also best friends may have played a helping hoof as well. With most of their lives spent together, either with the rest of their group of friends or on their own, it makes sense that they would fall in love. With Turquoise's quiet personality and Anthea's unfortunate condition, it makes even more sense that nothing would happen for a long time, despite practically everypony in town believing them to already be a couple.

Then, one long time later, the two decided to stay out late and go stargazing.

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Inspired by the cover art you see above and the wonderful world created by Ms. kilala97. Characters and artwork used belong to her, obviously. For more on them and their world, check out her account!

Dedicated to LuminoZero.

The Oldest and Strongest Emotion is Fear
-Lovecraft

The town is engulfed in fog. A pony sits in his cabin, fearful of what lurks outside. It wants inside, and it scratches at his door.

Living behind a mask is difficult enough. It becomes unbearable when the mask you wear becomes known for what you do best. Then the mask becomes a part of you, an inseparable part of you own being, one that looms over you even when it does not conceal you. This is the world that Scootaloo lives in every day. Every waking moment is a balancing act between her masked talent and her contrived personality.

This is the story of Swan's Mask.

Special thanks to Auramane for prereading/editing and the half dozen of others who gave me great feedback!