Over the horizon, the sun began to peak. The unicorns responsible for raising it, used every ounce of their magic. Long ago, their beloved princess of the sun was responsible for raising the celestial ball of fire, but due to her loss, the task fell to the unicorns once more. Just like in days of yore, before the founding of Equestria. As the sun rose, Paradise City became awash in activity. Many ponies awoke to start their day. Businesses opened their doors, workers getting ready for the daily grind. But the most activity sprang up within the royal palace. Soldiers went to work on their patrols, the royal family awakening to attend to their duties.

The same could be said for princess Midnight.

The princess awoke with a gentle yawn, just as the morning rays hit her window. Her room was very ornate and furbished, containing all that a bedroom needs, especially a vanity mirror. Picture's lay around, images close to her heart. One in particular lay upon her nightstand, it was herself as a filly, her front legs hanging around a chocobo in a hug. Her childhood pet, a cherished memory.

Banishing the last vestiges of the dreamscape from her mind, she rose out of bed, and went to put on her clothing and armor. Though a princess, she knew she was more than just a pretty face. She actually wanted to help her country, not just stand around and look good. Besides, being a princess of Equestria meant bettering it. Even if that meant she had to fight.

Suddenly, there came a knock on the door.

"Princess Midnight?" A voice called from the other side.

"Oh Quill? Come in." Midnight beckoned.

The door opened up to reveal her friend and attendant Quill Pengrove.

"Good morning your majesty." Quill greeted.

Midnight let out a sweet chuckle. "Oh Quill, skip the formalities, you can just call me Midnight."

Quill smiled. "I know I know, you've mentioned this to me several times, but I shan't call you anything less of your status, unless prying ears are listening in.

The princess knew her friend had a point. Casual as she was with Quill, she knew others wouldn't stand for this lack of formality. Especially her mother.

"Well alright." Midnight agreed. "Say, up for a little breakfast at that cafe?"

Quill perked up, for they knew their favorite spot to eat. A quant little cafe filled to the brim with breakfast goods. An egg and dandelion sandwich would hit the spot right about now.

Though Quill appeared happy at that bit of news, he did have his duties, and his face fell. "I'm sorry your majesty, but I'm afraid we won't be able to go."

"Hmm? Why not?" Midnight asked.

Quill stared firmly at her, signifying things were serious. "It appears that your mother has summoned you."

"My Mother? This early? What about?" Midnight asked.

"I'm not sure, she just wanted me to fetch you." Quill revealed.

"Fetch me?"

"That's all I know."

As brisk as this was, she had to obey her mother. It wouldn't do any good to ignore a royal summon. The pair of them traversed down the hallway, working their way to the throne room. They arrived at the large double doors and pushed them open.

"Mother?" Midnight called.

She and Quill fully slipped inside, trotting over to the throne where the Empress sat. But she wasn't the only pony there. Another stood waiting.

"Commander Ravus?" Midnight spoke in surprise.

The white colored pony barely turned his head, but enough to address the princess.

"Highness." He muttered.

Midnight stood at attention in front of her mother, while Quill stood a respectable distance behind.

Empress Galaxia Eternal looked down at her assembled subjects. One her commander, the other her daughter.

"Welcome. I bid you both good morning, but I'm afraid this isn't a social attendance." The empress spoke. Both Ravus and Midnight stood at attention, ready to hear what was needed. "I have received reports that a new esper has emerged."

The very news of a new esper got them to attention. "An esper mother?"

"The signal appears to be towards the woods near Ghastly Gorge." The empress stated.

The woods near Ghastly Gorge. That caught Ravus and Midnight by surprise, but they listened well.

"I want you two to go collect it." The empress ordered.

Both Ravus and Midnight bowed their heads.

"You're highness, it will be done." Ravus spoke.

"Yes mother." Midnight stated.

Raising up a hoof, Galaxia waved them off. "Excellent, you have my permission to leave."

All the ponies present left the room, leaving the empress alone. As they left, their minds were awash with fervent thoughts.

"An esper in the woods near Ghastly Gorge?" Midnight thought. "That place seems too small for an esper to appear." She of course was basing this off of the fact that so far espers had appeared in larger locations.

"Princess." Ravus's voice broke Midnight out of her thoughts. "I'll get the ship prepped and ready."

"Thank you commander." Midnight bid.

The commander went on ahead, disappearing off into the distance of the hallway. Quill was the first to speak as soon as he and Midnight were alone.

"If I may be frank with you princess, he gives me the creeps." Quill stated.

Midnight looked on ahead, watching as Ravus left from view. "The commander is just...driven..." She excused.

Ravus had proven himself a loyal soldier and a great warrior in his service, so his loyalty to the empire was unquestioned. Yet still, although she admitted to herself, the commander appeared...cold. But coldness hardly clashed against loyalty.

"Let's just go on ahead. After we're done we can head to that cafe okay?" Midnight beamed.

That brightened Quill's expression. "Though I imagine for breakfast we'll be receiving wafer rations.

Wafer rations were enough to provide energy, but hardly filling. Nevertheless, they were good for breakfast in a pinch.

"Yes looks like. "Midnight agreed.

Though their morning plans were a tad disrupted, Midnight held a great belief that things would go well. They would capture the esper, eat a better breakfast, and then Midnight would relax with a good book and a cigar.

Yes, so far it would appear to be a good morning.

And so, the two ponies left to join their entourage.

XXX

As the morning favored those in Paradise City, the same could be said of the party leaving the Everfree Forest.

"Boy! I'm glad we're out of there." Dodger exclaimed.

Tempest felt the wind against his mane. "Yeah, good old open air."

"Yeah, if I had to sleep another night in that forest, I don't know if I could catch a wink." Firefly added.

The night after the plants was a hectic ordeal to say the least. They had such trouble getting back to sleep as they attempted to stay on alert for fear of anything else that might lurk within the forest. Thankfully, their trek out was uneventful. It was as if a veil was lifted over the forest leaving them open for freedom. But enough lay within them for as they escaped safely, they still had questions upon their mind. But for now, they concentrated on what was ahead.

"Trotville?" Gusty announced, reading the sign that directed them towards the upcoming town.

"Should we head there?" Firefly asked.

Tempest looked ahead, and noticed the image of the town dead ahead. "Looks like as good a place as any."

Dodger let out another yawn. "That's fine, just so long as we can get something to eat."

Sadly there wasn't too much to eat along their way out of the forest. Probably a good thing due to the Everfree Forest being unpredictable. Ponies were used to certain comforts, and they were best suited to controlling their own world.

"We got enough money?" Firefly asked.

Hearing that, Dodger sank down low.

"I think I got some." Tempest said looking through his pockets.

"Don't worry my little ponies. I got us covered." Gusty said. Everyone looked to her in surprise. "Hey I'm a griffon, we griffons know how to hold our gil."

Then it was settled. The group would head into town. And so they did, the townscape growing larger as they neared. As soon as they did, they found their entire view had altered. There they lay, within the outskirts of Trotville. From first glance, it was a humble burg, reminding Tempest and Firefly of Mareia. The entire town was breaking away into a hustling sequence. All of them gathered around, going about their daily businesses. It was all so serene.

"They aren't going to start singing are they?" Gusty asked.

"Excuse me?" Tempest asked.

"I mean, I don't want to sound like I am stereotyping, but from what I understand, ponies are prone to breaking out into spontaneous song." Gusty explained.

Tempest and Firefly looked to one another.

"We've never sang." Firefly admitted.

Gusty likewise looked surprise. "Wow. Don't that beat all."

"Singing or not, I just want to fill my gut." Dodger whined.

"All right all right, let's head stock up on supplies." Reaching into her pockets, Gusty fished out a handful of gil, and handed them to the ponies. "You two stock up on essentials like potions and such, while me and Dodger get some food."

And so it was settled, the quartet split up and headed to separate parts of the town. Tempest and Firefly headed towards the item store in order to stock up on curatives. The moment they entered, they heard a little ding as the bell signified there were new customers.

"Hello there! Welcome to Curative Stock!" The shop pony greeted Anything I can help you with?"

"Oh, yes, we're just wondering if you have any potions and antidotes.

"Why yes we do, we have just about everything imaginable." "Oh we have potions!" The pony's voice suddenly took an increase in pitch. "We have lotions! And antidotes to cure your ill."

Firefly and Tempest looked at the pony with wide eyes. "Um? Is he signing?" Firefly asked.

"I think so." Tempest said.

Both ponies watched as the shop keeper continued to sing away, unknowing or uncaring that he was garnering strange looks.

Tempest and Firefly looked at one another, slightly embarrassed that their kind was sinking into a stereotype.

"Let's just do some shopping." Tempest suggested.

Grabbing a cart, Tempest and Firefly went to work.

"Do you really think we can trust Gusty?" Firefly asked.

Tempest looked to her. "I think so. I mean she's helped us."

"Yeah but something seems off about her." Firefly noted.

"Are we really going through this again? I mean you already showed suspicion about Dodger." Tempest reminded.

"I mean it, I don't know how to explain it, but something just doesn't seem right about her." Firefly explained.

"Firefly, you got to break out of this pony superior mindset." Tempest chided.

"Come on Temp, you know I'm not a racist or anything." Firefly defended.

"Maybe not, but we can't just judge another based on their race." Tempest spoke solemnly.

"Like you with espers?" Firefly quickly reminded.

Tempest halted, and realized what he had just said. "Still, you haven't even thanked Dodger for saving you."

Firefly knew Tempest had her there. "Let's just continue shopping."

And so they gathered all they could, and when they returned to the front, they noticed that the shopkeeper was still singing.

XXX

Dodger and Gusty went their own way towards the grocery store. Luckily, Trotville had enough goods to satisfy them. Most of them were for pony tastes however. Usually oats, fruits and vegetables. No meat, which saddened Dodger.

"Guess other races don't really get out much." Gusty said noting the lack of other race edibles.

Dodger himself looked especially disappointed, as he stalked the aisles. But at last, he came to a stop and went onto a full on tail wag.

"There!" He pointed. The canine darted ahead and picked out something he wanted. "Please buy this!" He pleaded.

Gusty looked at the item the dog present to her. "A doggie treat?"

There it was, wrapped up in paper. "Yum Yum Doggy Bone."

"Yes please, it reminds me of the treats my mother used to bake for me!" Dodger pleaded. He went on his legs, going into a begging motion, making whining noises as he did.

Gusty watched it all, slightly amused at the puppy like antics. Guess even adult diamond dogs couldn't shake off their canine nature. Much of it was driven into their beings. Sort of like how Griffons and gold went claw and claw.

"Fine. We have enough money." Gusty said gathering up the treat, and grabbing a few more essentials.

They went up to the front desk and bought all they needed, putting them away into packs, save for Dodger who quickly opened up the treat and gobbled it down greedily.

"Heh, guess you diamond dogs are more like your four legged cousins than you initially seem." Gusty remarked.

Dodger licked his muzzle of any crumbs, his tail wagging in full force. Suddenly, he grabbed hold of Gusty's claws. "Oh thank you oh kind and gracious griffon!"

"Hey! Hey! Watch it! You're slobbering all over my talons!" Gusty said moving away from the dog's saliva drenched mouth.

The diamond dog quickly realized what he was doing, and got to his feet. "Aheh, sorry griffon." A glare from Gusty quickly corrected him. "Uh I mean, Miss Gusty ahehehe."

"You know you really have to do something about that slobbering disposition. I mean nobody likes a suck up. Maybe cept arrogant creatures who are secretly insecure." Gusty remarked.

Dodger suddenly flushed with embarrassment.

"Have some pride, I mean you diamond dogs are tough and resilient. Even after your kingdom crumbled, you are still going strong. Why in some aspects I think you are stronger than ponies."

The fact that the griffon was saying that diamond dogs, often viewed as the underdogs (no pun intended) as stronger than equines, the ones who effectively controlled the rise of the sun and the moon, was a huge compliment. So much that Dodger beamed up in pride.

"But don't get too big for your britches." Gusty reprimanded as she noted the canine's growing feelings of importance.

Dodger grew a sour expression. "Geeze make up your mind."

"Let's just go, we should meet up with the budding lovers heh." Gusty said, still stuck in her mind that Tempest and Firefly would make a cute couple.

Sure enough, the two stores were close enough apart that the quartet was able to reform.

"So, you two lovebirds get some shopping done? Gusty chuckled.

Both Tempest and Firefly turned red, "We're not love birds!" They defended.

Gusty noted that, and chuckled all the more. "Defensive defensive."

"Well anyway, we got the items so we can get going!" Firefly said, hoping to deter the conversation away from the subject of her and Tempest potentially being an item. But that wasn't all she had to say. "Um Dodger?" She said, looking down, and kicking up some dirt upon the ground.

"Yeah, pony? I mean Firefly." Dodger answered.

Firefly still looked with some hesitance, but quickly snapped to attention. "Look Dodger, I just wanted to say I'm-"

"Somepony help!" A young voice called out.

Everyone present looked to see a young filly running towards them. She obviously was coming to nopony in particular, just someone who was nearby. Tempest was very nearby.

"Hold on kid, what's wrong?" Tempest asked, lowering himself down to the filly's level.

The filly's face lit up with delight. "Oh good, a big pony!" the filly stated happily. "Please, it's my brother, he's in trouble!"

"What about your brother?" Firefly asked.

The filly looked sheepish as she began to tell her story. "My brother and I were exploring the old mines. We weren't supposed to, but we wanted to and-"

"Well that was mighty stupid of you kid." Gusty remarked.

The filly looked away, clearly ashamed of her decision.

"We got attacked by monsters and we ran in opposite directions." The filly stated. "I wanted to go after my brother but I was scared and-"

Gusty stopped the child, placing her claw upon the child's chin, lifting it up gently.

"Just relax kid." Gusty stared warmly into the child's eyes. "Just so us the mines, and we'll go rescue your brother.

"If he's still alive." Dodger exclaimed.

That provoked a small yelp from the filly, and in return, Dodger received a painful nudge from Gusty.

"Thank you Miss Birdy Lion!" The filly exclaimed.

Gusty smiled back and corrected, "I'm a griffon." Looking to her comrades, she asked. "So you guys up for this?"

Dodger really had no choice but to follow, but Firefly looked to Tempest. In fact, everyone was looking to Tempest. The unicorn felt all eyes on him, and although feeling slightly uncomfortable, he knew the final decision rested upon him.

"Well..." Tempest thought hard. Then with a look of firm resolve, Tempest declared. "Let's go!"

And so they were off, the party ready to undertake a great mission of importance. They just hoped the young colt was still there to save. As the party left, they were soon out of earshot and didn't hear somepony say. "Who was that filly?"

Then another villager said, "Don't know, never seen her before in my life."

XXX

The ship soared through the air, floating away from the formation of Paradise City. While on board, Midnight stewed with thoughts. First off, their vessel was small, only enough for a small brigade of soldiers. It was enough that she had to ask. "Why such the small platoon?"

Ravus turned away from the monitor and looked to his princess. "The scanner results have listed a small signal. Shouldn't much trouble, but still, we ere on the side of caution."

That was enough for Midnight. Even at a small size, they knew that an esper was powerful. But still, small was small. Midnight could feel her nervousness creep up. Suddenly she felt something levitate near her.

"Cigar?" Quill offered.

Midnight smiled and took it with her magic. Using her horn, she lit it up, took a drag and exhaled.

"My you certainly fit in like one of the boys don't you?" Ravus remarked.

Midnight looked at him, slightly in surprise and insult. "Excuse me?"

"Pardon princess, slip of the tongue." Ravus excused.

Therefore Midnight ignored him and awaited their eventual arrival. Suddenly the ship gave a lurch, a clear sign it was descending. Outside, the ship sank towards the ground, coming to a standing halt. The hatch opened up, allowing the pathway exit. A small group of troops emerged, with Midnight, Ravus, and Quill leading the front.

"All right! Spread out and locate the target!" Ravus ordered.

"Yes sir!" The soldiers chorused and spread out amongst the small wooded area.

The only ones that didn't stray were the trio of Ravus, Midnight, and Quill.

"Um? Shouldn't you go with them Commander?" Quill asked.

Ravus shot a cold look towards the unicorn, one that made him recoil. "My troops are capable of handling themselves. But what about you? Shouldn't you remain on the ship?"

Quill felt himself shrinking underneath the commander's gaze, but then, he felt the shadow of Midnight leaning towards him.

"I trust Quill with my life." Midnight defended.

A smile played upon Quill's face. He knew he wasn't a warrior but more of a scholar. At times, he felt that he was of no use to the princess. But to hear her say otherwise was a great relief to him.

"Thank you princess." Quill said expressing his gratitude.

The trio looked on ahead in the forest. The armor of the soldiers glistening from their far off positions. They slowly trotted ahead, finding nothing worth noting about their surroundings. There was no trace of any magic in the air, no visual signs of the esper. Nothing. And frankly, they didn't know what they were looking for. An esper that gave off a small signal was unheard of.

"So what exactly are we looking for?" Quill asked.

Ravus remained silent, his mind and eyesight focused ahead. That was how he was: dedicated to the cause. It was no surprise he was one of the empress's greatest and most trusted enforcer.

"Commander Ravus? Perhaps you should go look with the soldiers, I'll be fine." Said Midnight.

It became apparent that Ravus was standing nearby partially due to wanting to protect his princess. But there was another reason Midnight wanted him to look otherwhere.

"Are you certain princess?" He asked. Midnight responded to him with a nod. Though he had misgivings about the matter, he knew that he had to obey an order from a royal. "As you wish."

Ravus trotted off to join his men, but as soon as he was out of earshot, Midnight spoke.

"He's cold." She said. She levitated her cigar to her lips and took a puff.

"So I'm not the only one?" Quill asked.

Midnight exhaled a smoky breath, "I know he's loyal to the crown, but he just unnerves me so." Midnight suddenly let out a weary sigh. "Here I am, talking about somepony behind their back. I was raised better than that."

"Princess, you really mustn't be so hard on yourself. Everything doesn't have to be so ordered with you." Quill reassured.

A smile crossed Midnight. She looked tenderly at Quill. They had really known each other a long time, so much that they had gone beyond merely servant and master, but friends, best friends even.

"Thank you Quill. Really you're one of the few I can really relax around."

Quill's face flushed in embarrassment. "Princess Midnight. You're embarrassing me."

Midnight let out a small chuckle at her friend's flush. It was almost funny to see him get so hot in the face.

"Well anyway, we should get looking. We don't know when it will-"

"You know you really shouldn't smoke. It's bad for your health."

Midnight paused. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"That voice."

"Voice?"

"Princess. Come to me." The voice said again.

Suddenly, Midnight felt a flash in her mind. It was brief, but enough that she found herself feeling faint. Her steps faltered, and her cigar fell to the ground.

"Princess!" Quill shouted.

Midnight staggered as she felt her head grow light. Everything began to blur, distorting and encircling into a mess. At last, she fell, and she knew nothing.

"Princess Midnight!" Quill ran to her, shaking her in an attempt to awaken her. But to no avail.

XXX

Midnight saw nothing but darkness. It surrounded her on all sides. As far as she stared, there was nothing but inky blackness.

"Hello? Anypony?" Midnight called.

"Princess?"

Midnight looked ahead. "Hello?"

"So you can hear me again. It's been years."

"Years. What are you talking about?"

Right in front of her, right at her hooves, an emerald colored light shone. Midnight took a few steps back as the light materialized, taking shape into something small. As the light died down, the shape became clear, and standing there lay a green colored creature. At first glance, it appeared to be a fox like creature, but what was most noticeable, was the red colored jewel in the middle of it's forehead.

"Finally. It's so good to see you again." The voice came again, but the creature's mouth did not move.

Midnight stared at the creature. "What are you saying? Have we met before?"

The creature nodded. "I'm sorry to mislead you here, but I felt it dangerous to project myself in the palace."

"Project? Wait? Are you the esper?" Midnight asked.

Hanging it's head down, the creature let out a mental sigh. "So you really don't remember me. That's understandable, ever since your mother changed, I had to hide myself from even you."

"Hide yourself?" Midnight repeated.

"Don't worry. You'll wake up, but be careful. They're bound to notice my presence now." The creature spoke again.

"Your highness." Another voice broke through the darkness.

"You're starting to wake up now. I'll have to go soon."

All around, the darkness started to turn a shade of white, it spread, covering everything and encircling the princess.

"Wait! Who are you!?" Midnight shouted.

The creature stood there motionless, even as the white overtook it. Right before it was claimed, a single name entered the princess's mind.

"Call me, Carbuncle."

And Princess Midnight Shimmer woke up at last.