Gilda's days are nothing to write home about. Meandering, empty, the sort of dull bleakness that made one lose their highs and lows.
With any luck, however, today there might just be a break in the routine.

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Written for the Villain Exchange Program

It happened quick. That's what most survivors don't realize. They talk about how it felt like they had hours to react to avoid disaster. They don't realize. It happens in a flash, an exhale, a heartbeat's time. And then, after that heartbeat, what then? After they exhale and take their next breath, what happens?

They learn to live again.

*AN: Written originally for the monthly Write-Off challenge, like usual I was a massive retard and misread the due date. So, rather than letting the poor thing die in obscurity, I thought I'd at least put it on site in case anyone might enjoy it.*

When Rarity is at the end of her rope in need of an emerald to finish an order, Jack comes through with the only one to be had in the town or surrounding countryside. But Rarity recognizes it; a gift she gave Jack long ago, when they were schoolgirls and Rarity was unable to decide what her feelings for Jack were. Knowing that the farmer kept it all these years makes her reconsider her stance on the rough cowgirl.

Original idea I shamelessly lifted from Bookplayer, go and give her some love! Prereading thanks goes to Bookplayer and XL9. Editing done by Jake the Ginger.

Sometimes being old friends is rough.

Timing is everything in the relationship, especially when it starts to deepen. A thing Jack knows too well. But she wasn't one to give up, even if she wasn't the best at describing what she felt. So when she finally had a chance to come out regarding how she feels, she jumped for it, even if what she wanted to say isn't what Rarity wants to hear.

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Specal thanks to my awesome editor Peregrine Caged, and my fantastic prereaders Bookplayer, Jake the Ginger, and Xl9. Be sure to look at their stuff, because my write-fu is far weaker than theirs.

Artwork by Fahu, go take a look!

While normally far from the type to play video games, especially violent ones, Rarity finds herself convinced to join the girls in playing Black Sunset, one of the most popular games in the country. It's not long, however, until the game has her thinking about what's going on with her life. Namely, Spike. While the years had both washed over them, blossoming her into a mature, college educated woman and Spike into a fine lad himself on his junior year in high-school, his obvious interest in her has yet to fade. Rather, it's grown stronger.

A part of her yearns for the simpler times, back when he was a child with a childish crush.

But another faint, diminutive part of her is curious. Wanting. Wanting to sit back and listen to him. Listen to him express himself to her.

In his own way.

Thanks for the featured guys! It's a great honor!

Wrote for the contest in the Sparity group. Check out some of the other contenders, I'm sure they'll be top notch!

Special thanks to Peregrine Caged and Jake the Ginger for editing and being bros. Addational pre-reader thanks also goes to:

Xl9
Mr.101
and RainbowBob

Thanks guys! Couldn't do it without you.

"Ooh! Ooh! Let me tell this one, Jack!"

"Tell what one, sug?"

"About the time we hooked up, silly-billy!"

"Pinkie, it ain't much of a story."

"Says you! It's got adventure and danger and food and kissing and—"

"Adventure? We were gone off the farm fer like two hours tops."

"Well, yeah, but it was in the Everfree! Spooky!"

"Ya know what? Fine. Go ahead an' tell 'em. I'll jus' grab myself a drink."

A collaborative piece written with Jake the Ginger. Check him out, he's loads better than me. Plus he has better hair.

"All it takes is a bit of hope and grit to make things happen." That's a mantra Jack Apple has lived by for years, and one that's served her well. Ever since what happened in her hometown, hope and grit are about the only thing that have kept her going, spending dollars and making dimes as a boxing trainer in Manhattan.

Twila Shields is a new face in town from the almost mystical city of Camelot. What she lacks in social grace, she makes up for with an almost uncanny intelligence.

Together, they soon find themselves on the cusp of changing history. It all comes down to one fight against the champ, and a bit of hope and grit.

Inspired by the Rocky series (Obviously). Special thanks goes to Bookplayer for the initial set-up of the idea, and for being a swell pal. Go read her stuff, yo.

Addational thanks goes to Jake the Ginger and Peregrine Caged for editing. Couldn't do it without you, bros.

Your brief foray into Equestria in the previous episode didn't go as planned--you have the bruises to prove it. But, as your stereotypical 1950's dad would say, "You need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. And for God's sake, shave that beard on your neck!"

Good ol' dad. Always giving advice that you flagrantly ignored.

You are transported to Equestria. Clearly you’ll be the raddest, most handsome and lovable pony of them all. They’ll make you king. They’ll be your friends. You could even have anypony you want because you're awesome. Such as the beautiful mare Fluttershy, who's been calling to you with her sweet, sweet flank since episode one. So...what are you waiting for?

On a simple errand for Zecora, Big Macintosh inadvertently stumbles onto something that could have repercussions to Ponyville- something that could effect Equestria as a whole. It's up to the mane six and their companions to right an unrightable wrong.