Villains make good storylines, especially when we only had a limited amount of time to explore them in the show. Thankfully we have fanfiction! Dive into a bunch of awesome ones below.
Thanks to Whisper Key for the scouting.
Slice of Life
Three Second Chances by TCC56
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Probably the best thing to happen in Discord's long life was finding the magic of friendship. As much as the old Chaos Lord might complain, without it he would never have found so many that were dear to his heart.
When that heart finds itself empty, he comes to the Princess to ask a favor: allow him the opportunity to bring friendship to other dark hearts. All she has to do is lend him a statue.
The rest is in his chaotic claws.
This View of Life by Powderjaggy
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Discord and Fluttershy go on a nature walk. They talk about life, and also death.
Discord Finds Out if Pinkie is a Draconequus by Soothing Stone
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Pinkie Pie has mystified Discord for a long time. How is it that she can regularly break the laws of physics, be everywhere at once, and never run out of energy? In many ways, she reminds him of his own abilities. That gets him thinking about things, and a lightbulb goes off in his head.
This brainstorming gives Discord a rather interesting theory, one he's eager to find out if it's correct. If so, it would delight him to no end. Of course, he has to put his theory to the test, in the way only a draconequus can.
It might be a good idea to pray for Pinkie's safety right about now.
Discord Day Care by Viking ZX
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Months now. That's how long I've been serving penance. Cleaning hallways, doing chores, running errands. All for my actions in siding with Tirek.
But I've been good. I've been on my best behavior. I've said my apologies. And now, I'm almost free.
Just one, last, little job left.
A Trip Down Memory Lane by Wise Cracker
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The time streams are in disarray after Twilight and Starlight's escapades. Continuity is threatened, and futures that shouldn't be are at risk of bleeding over into the consensus reality.
Princess Luna's on cleanup duty, leaving her with the task of travelling to all the likely outcomes and making sure they stay within their own continuities, so no villains turn out to have not been defeated in the present. A usual night of travelling outside of her body and fixing things.
Unlike usual, she gets some company in the form of a draconequus. One who apparently has some things he needs to get off his chest, regarding how he's been treated and all the other villains have.
Seems Luna's not the only one with a few chips on her shoulder...
A Better Way To Be Dad by Jade Ring
https://www.fimfiction.net/
When Lord Tirek asks Cozy Glow what seems like a normal question, he has no idea the floodgates that will open... and how his relationship to the little villain might ultimately be changed.
A House for the Holidays by Miller Minus
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Troubleshoes don't ask for much from Hearth's Warming. He don't need no gifts, no festive meal, not even a group of friends to share stories with. No, he's always been happier all by his lonesome anyways.
All he's ever wanted for Hearth's Warming is a nice warm house to spend it in. And this year is the first year he might not have a house at all.
Lucky for him, he's got a whole year to build himself a brand new one.
A Lighter Shade of Gray by SPark
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Does King Sombra like rock crystal candy? What happens when a lonely lumberjack finds an amnesiac villain on her doorstep during a snowstorm? Will the power of friendship overcome Sombra's desire for revenge? Read on to find the answers to all these questions and more.
Seasons by Equimorto
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The Storm King was defeated. He was turned to stone, and his body was shattered. But it's not over just yet. He has servants, still loyal to him, roaming over Equestria. Soon, the remains of his body will be gathered. He shall be whole again, and ponies will cower before his name once more. Soon. Very soon. Any day now.
Comedy
Dearth by Amethyst_Dawn
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Over the years, Discord has become a great friend to all of the Elements, and several ponies beyond their clique. However, he thinks he might be getting sick when he notices something about himself.
When Discord summons Twilight to talk, the poor Alicorn has no idea what she's in for.
It's only natural for chaos to ensue. But when the second most chaotic being in the universe joins in, nopony is safe from confusion.
Golly! by TheSlorg
https://www.fimfiction.net/
It's been thirty years since Princess Twilight's coronation. Equestria, now with an abundance of heroes, has pretty much become as peaceful as its ever been—and with Luster Dawn coming to full grips with the magic of friendship, Twilight can finally relax.
At least, she would if it weren't for Cozy Glow escaping from her prison every other day.
He-Man, The Mightiest Hero In Equestria™ by Blueshift
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Twilight has been defeated and now no pony can stand in Tirek's way.
Thankfully, He-Man is no pony!
Stay in school, kids!
Plural Possessive by Aquaman
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The plan, he thought, was perfect. Instead of returning to the mortal world as a shade of his former self, King Sombra would transmute his soul into the body of his greatest foe, using her influence and power to destroy Equestria from the inside and take vengeance on the Princesses that stole his beloved empire.
There's just one problem: after her fight with Tirek, Twilight Sparkle changed her address. This turns out to be a much bigger problem than Sombra thought. A Dinky-Doo-sized problem, to be precise.
Upstart Villainy by Compendium of Steve
https://www.fimfiction.net/
For Bowser, King of Koopas and Tyrant Supreme, it's hard enough trying to take over a kingdom, steal a princess, or commit misdeeds in general. But to have someone else come in and say they'll do it better, especially after he called dibs way back in the day, is plain disrespectful. Just who does this four-legged clown think he is anyway, and what ill-tidings does he bring to an already terrorized kingdom? Nothing Koopa Kool, that's for certain.
Absentee Father of Monsters by Rambling Writer
https://www.fimfiction.net/
In the distant past, Grogar created thousands upon thousands of monsters and set them loose to ravage the Equestrian countryside, sowing fear and terror in their wake. It was a magnificent time of anarchy like none seen before or since. When he was driven underground, Grogar could no longer control them, but what of it? As he bided his time, consolidated his power, the monsters were still loose, doing exactly what he made them to do.
Except, much to his chagrin, some monsters were reformed. This includes a certain draconequus.
And said draconequus is so happy to see his dad again.
Never Leave the Sun On by Amethyst_Dawn
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Granny Smith can be summed up in several ways: wise matriarch of the Apple Family, experienced farmer and mother, and that old coot who shouldn't be left in the sun for too long.
Unfortunately for the fearsome Storm King, he's about to find out what happens when she is left in the sun for far, far too long.
The (Second) Rise and Fall of the Storm King by TheDriderPony
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The Storm King has returned to Equestria, fully restored and stronger than ever! This time, he's made sure to account for a few important 'meddling ponies' in his plan alongside the princesses and other figures of power.
With the Bearers of the Elements trapped far away from Equestria, how will they ever save their home?
Well, the way they always do: With strange new friends and the powerful forces that have guided them all along.
Sad/Dark
Trinity by alarajrogers
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Once upon a time there was a family, of two pony princess sisters and the lover of the older princess. And then everything went bad.
Three poems. Three aftermaths.
Darling by Pickleless
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The Tree of Harmony loved her little rogue ever so much, it was such a shame she could never voice it.
The Rook Triumphant by Halira
https://www.fimfiction.net/
For many long years, Twilight Sparkle worked to try to reform Cozy Glow. She'd be released from her stone prison periodically for a new reformation attempt, and she'd inevitably end up trying to conquer Equestria again. Being turned into a statue became a regular habit for her over the years. There were always more chances to conquer Equestria, always another attempt to reform her, and she wasn't aware of the passage of time each period she was committed to her prison.
Until one day, she was released again—only to find no one was there.
The Price of Salt by RoMS
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Cozy Glow dreams within the stone—a dream so deep, so long, and so faint nopony knows about it. Except for Discord. Diving in secret past Morpheus’ jaws, Cozy is Discord’s stone to roll uphill.
A Letter to Cozy Glow's Parents by the dobermans
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Good parents want what's best for their children. It can be very difficult, however, when things don't go as planned.
Sympathy For The Devil by Bad_Seed_72
https://www.fimfiction.net/
While locked away in Tartarus, Lord Tirek finds that his ultimate desire has been fulfilled.
The Absence of Light by Gordon Pasha
https://www.fimfiction.net/
King Sombra had long been corrupted by darkness. To rid him of it, Radiant Hope was forced to make a terrible sacrifice.
Now, Sombra may be free, but he has lost the only pony he ever really cared about. To get her back, Sombra must descend into the Prison of Shadows and brave the wrath of his own people, the Umbrum. But even with the unexpected aid of Princess Cadance, the quest to save Hope will be a treacherous and perilous one. And as he plumbs the depths for answers, Sombra may find it hard to live with what ultimately comes to light.
The King In Crystal by Headless
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Today, King Sombra is reviled as one of the darkest and most evil beings to ever blight the face of the world. When the Crystal Empire was freed from his grasp, the people of Equestria were more than happy to forget him.
But Sombra was not slain, and he has not forgotten. He alone knows the truth behind his tyranny, the reason for his fall.
And he will be remembered.
Familiarity by Obselescence
https://www.fimfiction.net/
When a familiar presence enters the free Crystal Empire, the scattered remains of King Sombra begin to take shape once more...
Remnants of the Crystal King by Troutking
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Twilight discovers the journal of King Sombra, and the unexpected secrets within.
Shipping
The Ending of the Beginning by Jade Ring
https://www.fimfiction.net/
At the conclusion of the Battle of the Bell, the three villains were incapacitated by a giant cupcake. But when the cupcake was poofed away, the trio of doom were nowhere to be found. For over a year, Equestria has stood sentry against their inevitable attempt at revenge.
Now two retired monarchs are about to discover that somehow, against all odds, the greatest threats in Equestria's history may have found the impossible; a happy ending.
The Fairy Tale Fiasco by LaWombat
https://www.fimfiction.net/
No important political meetings to attend? Check! No letters to answer? Check! A magical and child-safe gift for Flurry Heart that she's sure to love? Check!
Her schedule was clear. Shining and Cadence were off on vacation. She'd prepared all her materials. Twilight Sparkle was more than ready to spend a fun-filled weekend babysitting her favorite niece.
But she wasn't prepared for King Sombra's return. Nopony could prepare to be trapped with him inside a storybook of fairy tales.
And nopony's ever ready for an unhappy ending...
All That Lingers by Ice Star
https://www.fimfiction.net/
The night that Cadance discovered the ghost of King Sombra lurking in the Crystal Palace should have been the worst of her life. Her greatest enemy is now lingering in her own home... and she knows that she's going to get to the bottom of this.
There hasn't been anything going on in the palace for a long time, and the tyrant's ghost will only prove to be a problem... won't it?
Dusk-Lit Waltz by Nicknack
https://www.fimfiction.net/
In the capital city of Griffalia, Gilda leads a luxurious life of royalty—even if she doesn't care or know how good she's got it.
When she's suddenly thrust into an arranged marriage with the leader of another kingdom, she's going to have to learn some of the harder lessons of life, about family, and about herself.
Drama
Plugged In by Impossible Numbers
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Sunset Shimmer owns this world. She can do whatever she likes, play whatever games are devised, run around in a high-tech simulation the like of which has never been seen, smelled, heard, touched, or tasted before. And why wouldn’t she, when the Spirit of Chaos himself is her own personal game master?
But sooner or later, all good games must come to an end…
Glow In The Dark, Shine In The Sun by TCC56
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Despite all attempts, Cozy Glow still hasn't been shown a path to friendship. No pony has been able to get through to her, and she's only gotten worse with each attempt.
Reluctant to return the filly to stone again, Princess Twilight has one last option. One pony she hasn't tried. Or in this case? One person.
Sunset Shimmer.
Can Sunset do what no pony has been able to?
A Night in Tartarus by SockPuppet
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Dr. Minuette will treat any patient. Even Cozy Glow. Even if dentists don't usually do Tartarus calls...
Set sometime between Seasons 8 and 9. Inspired by the old fan name for Minuette, "Colgate the Dentist."
Adventure
Something Cosmic by DannyJ
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Twilight and Discord are a long way from home, and have to journey through a realm of madness and chaos to get back to Equestria. Fortunately, this is Discord's speciality, so Twilight is in safe hands. Less fortunately, all the local gods want him dead.
The Bonding Stone by Some1Else
https://www.fimfiction.net/
Rarity’s schedule is booked. A commission for a wedding dress is nothing new, but finding the right gift for Spike’s upcoming birthday party leads her into three chaotic quests that take her across Equestria and into a locale beyond time and space. All the while, an unlikely ally is at her side ready to help with the gift and the dress. At her expense.
Random
The Musings of Discord by J_Xayph
https://www.fimfiction.net/
As Discord's statue sits in Canterlot's sculpture garden, his age of chaos forgotten, he cannot do anything but think. But what does he think about? Love? Friendship? The meaning of life? Definitely not. He was lord of chaos, not some optimistic philosopher pony. What is he to think of except mayhem?
