This story is a sequel to Waking Life

During his attendance of a fair in Ponyville, Big Mac discusses topics with strangers.

Big Mac heads to town to sell apples. Along the way, he engages in conversations with strangers.

Equestria provides safety for all its citizens. There is no discrimination. No economic strife. It's a flourishing country under righteous leadership. For Twilight, it's the epitome of perfection. She never imagined that the life she knew could be ripped away in a moment's notice.
The invasion was swift and terrible. The attackers' king, a lying and manipulative stallion known as Salvator, has a different opinion of Equestria. Twilight doesn't believe his lies - his seditious claims about Princess Celestia. Her ruler can't be a tyrant. Celestia is perfect.
But then Twilight finds the clues. The clues that force her to consider the legitimacy of Salvator's claims and rethink her zealous devotion to Celestia.
Now, with both her life and the future of Equestria hanging perilously by a thread, Twilight must ultimately decide who she trusts. She then comes face to face with the most critical choice of her life - harmony, or freedom.

Cover art by the talented CMBrony. He graciously provided not only the picture for this story, but also helped enormously with story arc consultation.

Rated T for harsh language and moderate violence throughout.

Twilight stumbles upon a filly who claims to be something the alicorn never thought possible. After only a few brief minutes of talking to the little earth pony, Twilight's world is left fundamentally altered.

When Princess Celestia begins research into the fascinating world of creatures known as humans, she discovers one of their favorite art forms - movies! After decreeing films worthy of attention, the Princess invites Twilight Sparkle and her friends over for Equestria's first official movie night. Unfortunately, their pool of available films doesn't quite meet expectations. They settle on a little gem known as A Scanner Darkly. What could happen?

(Contains movie spoilers.)

Pinkie Pie loves her new powers. She gets them from an old castle hidden deep within the Everfree Forest. Naturally, she wants all her friends to share in the fun too. What could be more fun than playing with strange unearthly magic? All is not as it seems, however. Is it simply chance that she draws power from defeated foes, or is it something more sinister? Why do all the creatures in the castle refer to her as "master?"

She doesn't care. It's all just for fun.

Inspired by the game Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. (Copyright 2003 Konami)
Cover art by me. C:

Ever wondered what would happen if Twilight Sparkle listened to Lateralus by Tool? The results are quite interesting! Note: Experience may vary from pony to pony.