Ponyville was just supposed to be another check in the bank and a few more locally provided perks. Instead, it was the biggest setback of Svengallop’s career.

Or so he thought. Twilight Sparkle has a proposition for him…

Principal Cinch managed to leave Canterlot High with her dignity largely intact. Of course, that leaves the question of where she went afterwards. While the two schools celebrated the continuing existence of the universe, Cinch went off to sulk.

It just so happens that one member of the Canterlot faculty knows precisely how she sulks. And in his experience, he plays an essential part in the process. He may have shirked that duty for quite some time now, but tonight, he'll take up the mantle once again, whether Cinch likes it or not.

An entry in the F*CK THIS PROMPT! 9. Prompt: A major villain is a completely sympathetic character.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and in Canterlot, that means it's time for the biggest Hearth's Warming parties in the nation. Going by the Gala, enough formal splendor is sure to attract Princess Celestia's attention.

Isn't it?

My gift to Petrichord in The Incredible Amazeballs Jinglemas Secret Santa Compilation, now with corrected typos that I really should've caught the first time around.

Once again, Flash Sentry walked into Twilight Sparkle. However, this time, she was a different Twilight than the one to whom he was accustomed. Sadly, no one thought to tell him that. Now he needs to make it up to this Twilight... assuming he can find her.

And get her to listen to him.

And just how does all of this work, exactly?

(Note: Sunset also makes a significant appearance, but I hit the character tag cap.)

Ever since Sombra's defeat, the Crystal Empire has revered "the Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious" as a hero and a savior. When he (and guests) are invited to the first Crystal Ball in over a millennium, Twilight expects to hear that endearingly overblown title all night.

She's half-right.

A refined entry in the November 2014 Writeoff Competition. Prompt: "Title Drop." Takes place between Seasons 4 and 5.

This story is a sequel to A Mad Glimmer

The plan had been perfect, taking everything from Twilight Sparkle and trapping her in a no-win situation. Then Twilight showed Starlight the alleged consequences of her actions.

But there's a bit more to the story. Starlight Glimmer has paid a heavy price, but there's one more debt to call in.

After all, Discord doesn't make idle threats.

Story contains spoilers for the Season 5 finale, potentially disturbing imagery, and nuts. Story still does not contain Nikita Khrushchev or shoes.

Rarity has expanded her business into Canterlot and even helped Rainbow Dash fly with the Wonderbolts. This may just be the greatest moment of her life.

And yet, on the train back to Ponyville, she can't help but think about what could still go wrong. Fortunately, one of her friends is here to listen to her worries... though Rainbow Dash seems to have her own concerns at the moment.

A condensed and refined version of an entry in the November 2015 Writeoff Competition. Prompt: Out of Time

Also, in case it needs to be said, the cover image does not accurately reflect the train in the story; it was just the most appropriate thing I could find on Derpibooru.

Celestia sends Twilight her last, greatest assignment. The lost masterpiece of Star Swirl the Bearded!

The spell that the greatest mage of all time couldn't figure out.

The spell given to her by the mare who thought releasing Discord was a good idea.

The spell that, upon closer inspection, seems about as stable as Rarity's emotional state and as safe as Rainbow Dash's usual workout.

... Maybe Twilight should double check with the princess first.

Winner of the Rage Reviews F*CK THIS PROMPT 6 contest. Prompt: "Equestria is getting a new Alicorn Princess."

No two-bit seamstress is going to get one over on Picky Pepper. She wanted the Princess Dress, not some weird knockoff. After all, the customer is always right.

Of course, Picky isn’t the only customer in the world…

The sirens are defeated and Sunset Shimmer has restored her magic. All's well and good, right?

Of course not. What begins with Sunset's friends wanting to have a very important talk with her will escalate until the fate of at least one world hangs in the balance.

Rated Teen for cosmic calamities, trace amounts of waifu theft, and a bit more skin than Hasbro is likely to show. Cover by iisaw.

The Story Shuffle short stories "Aftershock" and "Rock On" take place in the same continuity as this story. The background details of "Fish Out of Water" apply, but the story itself does not.