This story is a sequel to A Taste of Stardom

A new normal brings new problems. Chrysalis has a job - a good, well-paying job she actually enjoys - and one of the conditions for keeping that job is the mandatory yearly physical. Well, that should be no problem for the Queen of the Changelings... right?

(Reading 'Taste of Stardom' first is highly recommended.)

Bright lights! Busy streets! The hustle and bustle of city life! All of this means absolutely nothing to Queen Chrysalis, who is currently huddled in the darkest depths of the Everfree, talking to her pet log. But changelings - true changelings - are always hungry, and Chrissy hasn't fed in a long time. Attacking ponies and stealing their love is a risky proposition, though, so her options are limited. Necessity reminds her of a target she can feed upon safely... even if it means travelling to the heart of Manehattan itself.

(Now broken into smaller, easier-to-consume chapters. Takes place before Season 9)

To escape from Tartarus is nearly impossible, even for one of great magical power. When you've lost your powers and are little more than a withered old centaur, it's even harder. But Tirek has a plan, one that will draw in a creature from a world where life is cheap, hats are plentiful, and gravel is king. Will the Spy take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned vacation in this new world, or will he see the population of friendly, innocent ponies as just a fresh selection of backs to stab? It could be both!

(Takes place before the beginning of Season 9.)

I'm sorry, friendship is what now? How... quaint. Well, we don't believe in magic here. We believe in science. Delicious, magical science!

Twilight Sparkle is (by sheer coincidence to her name) a Spark: someone who is able to use questionable science to create miraculous devices that defy the laws of reality. She's still learning, though, and can't quite get out of a slump that endangers her career. Soon, however, a quintet of mysterious beings will cross her path, throwing her into a battle against an otherworldly foe. Her only hope is to push her talents to their limits, discover what lies beyond the enigmatic Intertwined Gate, and show them... show them ALL!

(This fic is based on the excellent webcomic Girl Genius, taking place several decades after the current time of the story.)