The Pony of Shadows. For generations, this creature of myth has terrified every pony who heard about it, and it became known as the source of all the darkness, cruelty and wickedness in the world, the wellspring from which evil flowed. Twilight, who has led her friends against many foes in the past, seeks out this ancient enemy of her people, to vanquish it once and for all.

But when she finds it, she and her friends instead discover a different story. One the young Princess would never have expected.

Canterlot High is a pretty great school to go to, thanks in no small part to the students there. However, as with any school, it has more than its fair share of odd, unexpected and just downright crazy moments. But, let it never be said that the boys and girls there can't handle some craziness in their lives. Fun, romance, excitement, the suspicious lack of any regular classes, Canterlot High has it all.

Besides, for all the ups and downs the place has, it's not as if they have a pair of nigh-immortal magical beings from another universe watching them all, right?

Rainbow Dash and Applejack want to kiss each other. There is no denying that. They both want it, they both know the other one wants it, so now all that remains is for one to just go ahead and make the first move.

But, this is Rainbow and AJ we're talking about.

During her time in isolation from her village, Autumn had given up hope of ever having any real bond with anyone. In spite of this though, her years alone were occasionally uplifted by a certain travelling stallion. One she found herself growing quite fond of. Now, even after having been reunited with her people, Autumn longs to see him again.

Today, she gets her wish.

Twilight Sparkle, though aware that her life would undoubtedly have unexpected turns, never once imagined something like this. A dream, or perhaps, something more than that. Visions of another mare, so very much like her, who wishes to speak with her. A mare who looks to this young earth pony, and sees potential. And perhaps, just maybe, a chance to learn of her life, and impart a little bit of wisdom here and there.

Cover art by the incredibly talented NekasZer0

Scootaloo has always had fun with the class assignments that Cheerilee gives her, and today, she is partnered with another of her classmates to see it through. However, as they work together, Scootaloo learns that her partner in this might not find this work as easy as she does.

Pinkie is a shipper. That is something nobody can deny. But, when her friends stop and finally have a talk with her about it, they come to realise, for the first time, just how much she loves it.

Spike has helped in looking after Flurry Heart before, but never by himself. But, when all others become unavailable, he finds himself alone with that responsibility, and so does his best to look after the little Princess.

There were few things in life that brought Princess Celestia more calm than a stroll through her gardens. And after a long day of ruling, she decides to do just that. But, to her surprise, she finds a young colt hiding there, afraid to go out and play with his friends. When the Princess asks why, she learns that, just maybe, he could use some words of encouragement.

Tender Taps was a quiet lad, always keeping to himself. But lately, it seemed as though he was avoiding people more than usual. He was always avoiding looking at the girls in the school, blushing fiercely whenever any of them so much as glanced in his direction. Most students don't know what's going on with him, but Sunset Shimmer does. So, one day, she decided to talk to him and tell him something that, perhaps, nobody else was ever going to.