Midnight was nervous. She felt apprehension in her chest, and a bead of sweat streaming down her face. Normally she would have a drink or smoke a cigar to calm her nerves, but she couldn't do any of those things, not now. All she could do was ask.

“How do I look?” She asked.

Quill examined her, “You look lovely as always.” He answered.

“Is my mane straight?”

“The straightest.”

“Are you sure? There's not a strand out of place?”

“Your highness, you look fine. Now it wouldn't do well to keep her waiting.”

Midnight concurred. “I guess you're right. But just in case.” She levitated a breath freshener to her mouth and sprayed it. Better safe than sorry, it wouldn't do to have others smell tobacco on her breath. Frankly she wasn't too open about her unladylike habits, a majority of Equestria pictured her as the epitome of what it meant to be a princess, not a beer guzzling cigar chomping soldier. But she couldn’t put this off, no use to keep her waiting. She trotted down the hall, eyes forward on the door before her. She hesitated as she placed a hoof to it. But summing up her courage, she pushed it open and stepped inside.

“Mother, I've arrived.” Midnight solemnly said.

“Ah Midnight.” A sultry voice beckoned. “Come in my daughter.”

The room Midnight stepped in was a large ornate chamber. Golden in color with patterns of the stars, sun, and moon. In the middle of it all lay a grand throne where a pony sat. She was an alicorn at first glance, her coat a silver color, adorned in silver colored armor, covering most of her body but leaving her wings and horn exposed. A vast golden mane flowed behind her, and her face was hidden behind a silver colored mask. Her cutie mark was a trio of planets, the center pink, while the smaller ones at its side were green and blue. She was no mere alicorn, for she was Empress Galaxia Eternal, ruler of Equestria, and Princess Midnight Shimmer's mother.

As soon as Midnight neared the throne, she knelt down respectively. “Mother, you summoned me?”

“Yes. I merely wish to implore about your progress. I heard you collected a powerful esper?” Galaxia rose from the throne, stepping down the stairs and to her daughter.

“Yes Mother, we captured it two nights ago. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but-”

“Worry not my child, as Empress my duties keep me busy.” Galaxia said raising a hoof, her hooves adorned in a golden armor. “I recently heard that Commander Ravus collected another esper.”

Ravus, hearing his name made Midnight tense up. She didn't like him. Something about him just unnerved her. But she kept silent for he was her mother's most decorated officer.”

“Our goal is nearing ever closer.” Galaxia mused.

“Mother? If I may ask, why are we collecting espers?” Midnight asked. She had never questioned her mother before, but she had to know, to have some reassurance.

“Why for the betterment of Equestria my daughter.” The empress stood at the bottom of the stairs, turning to the side of her daughter. “Midnight, do you recall the story of the Rending?”

“The Rending?” Midnight repeated. “Of course, it destroyed a lot of Equestria and the world, and brought forth the chaos mist.” Everypony had heard the story, being taught of it in school and in stories.

“When the Rending tore Equestria asunder, many cities fell. Canterlot fell, the Crystal Empire fell, but Ponyville remained strong. Twilight Sparkle, our ancestor unified the fractured pony races, and turned the simple village into Paradise City. We are her lineage, and we must follow her example, to better Equestria for all of ponykind.”

She had heard the stories of her ancestor many times. Her story was what motivated Midnight. Everypony knew of Twilight Sparkle, how she started off as a simple unicorn student, before finishing Starswirl The Bearded's incomplete spell and achieving the rank of alicorn princess. She was long gone now, but her descendents still ruled Equestria in her stead.

“So worry not about this, and simply follow that story and live by it's lesson.” Galaxia explained.

“Lesson?” Midnight said, slightly confused.

“That ponykind is the greatest race to grace this world. Where other races fell weak, our kind endured. While the griffons may have their spirit, and dragons their strength, our kind has kept this world whole since time immemorial.”

Midnight nodded, taking in her mother's words. “Yes Mother, I understand.”

“Good, you may leave now. Return to your duties.” Galaxia ordered.

Midnight nodded, bowed, then turned around and left. Empress Galaxia waited a few moments, until her daughter had fully left the room.

“Your daughter is soft.” Galaxia heard the voice behind her.

Standing behind her throne, stepping fully into view was a tall knight like figure, his eyes glowing.

“That may be, but she is loyal.” Galaxia responded.

“But is it absolute?” The knight asked.

“She will not stray from me.” Galaxia reassured.

The knight remained motionless. “I sense uncertainty in her, and uncertainty could lead to betrayal.”

Galaxia said nothing to that, but thinking up a response, she spoke. “We shall see.” Turning around, she returned to her throne. “So, you are certain this Tempest is the key?” She asked.

“Indeed, my Destroyer will bring the chaos to Equestria.” The knight answered.

Underneath her mask, Galaxia smiled. “And in that chaos, we will find our strength.”

XXX

“So how did it go?” Quill asked as Midnight returned from her mother's chamber.

“Fine I guess.” She answered.

But not everything was okay. “Princess Midnight, is something troubling you?”

“I'm fine Quill.”

“Your highness, I can tell when something is bothering you. We've known each other since we were small foals. You can tell me.”

Midnight came to a stop. Her face fell down and she let out a sigh. “I don't know, my mother she's become different.”

“Different? Different how?” Quill asked.

“She just seems so distant. I don't understand how, but she's not the mother I remember.” Back when she was a filly, she and her mother had been so close, but now.

“I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I mean running Equestria can't be easy.” Quill said in reassurance.

“I guess.” Midnight answered. “I just wish I knew what the real point of this all was.”

All these collecting espers. Her mother said it was for the benefit of Equestria, but somehow she just felt uncertain.

“Maybe you should take your mind off of this?” Quill suggested.

“You're probably right Quill. I'm probably getting worked up over nothing.” Midnight told herself.

And she told herself that over and over, as she walked down the hall.

XXX

Tempest was in darkness, everything was a blurry vision. He thought he heard something. Then he could see it, a distant light. Slowly it grew until it swallowed his vision completely. His eyes snapped open instantaneously.

“What? Where am?” He looked around, finding nothing but metal walls. He tried to move, but found all of his legs were bound. “What the? Why can't I move?”

“So you're awake.”

Tempest's eyes looked about for the sign of the voice. He looked to his left but found nothing, then to his right, he caught somepony. Standing before him was a unicorn he had never seen before, white coat, both skin wise and clothing wise, and a metal apparatus upon his left hoof.

“Where am I? Who are you?” Tempest demanded.

The pony glared coldly at him. “You are in Paradise City, the royal palace.” The unicorn answered. “And to answer your other question, I am Commander Ravus Blade of her majesty's army.”

Tempest's mind was still fresh, but he gathered as much of his thoughts as he could. “So you serve the empire?”

“I don't serve, I command!” The pony harshly spat. Slowly his tone softened. “Do you remember what happened? Before you fell unconscious?”

Tempest thought back. His mind was still drawing a blank. All he could remember was pain, death, and “Glory.” Then it all came back to him.

“Judging by your face, I can tell you are confused.” Ravus said. “Let me enlighten you.” He walked over to Tempest's side. “I take it you encountered a creature of great power no?”

“Creature? You mean that demon?” He recalled it's red and black form.

“That creature was an esper.” Ravus corrected.

“Esper?” Tempest tasted the strange word in his mouth.

“Surely you know of the legends?” Ravus studied Tempest's face for any signs of clarity, but he found none. “An esper is a creature of great magic and power. They lay hidden in stones scattered across Equestria. In ages past, ponies would form pacts with espers gaining their powers and their servitude.”

“Why would ponies want the service of monsters like that?” Tempest said in disgust. He had seen the destruction this so called esper had done to his village, and frankly he didn't understand how ponies would form pacts with them.

“Power of course. And it would appear that very power resides in you now” Said Ravus.

“What?”

“Our readings have picked up esper energy emanating from your being.” Ravus revealed.

“Inside me?” Tempest looked to himself, then he remembered, what the voice in his head had said.

“Frankly we can't have that. We need your esper you see, so for now, we're going to figure out what to do with you.” Ravus loomed above Tempest. “And I suggest you cooperate, otherwise your pegasus friend could meet with an unfortunate end.”

“Pegasus? You mean Firefly!?” Tempest said alarmingly.

“I care not for her name. But the threat is real.”

“If you lay one hoof on Firefly I'll tear you apart!” Tempest proclaimed.

Ravus merely smirked and faced his back to the table. “I suggest you get comfortable, you're going to be here for a while. You two!”

“Yes sir!” Twin voices spoke up. Tempest craned his neck forward and noticed two guards ponies. Both of them garbed in imperial uniforms. One pony was short and squat, two bucked teeth poking out. His mane a dark brown, and his coat gray. The other pony was tall and lanky, his coat green with an orange mane. He had a noticeable goofy expression. The pair of ponies were both unicorns.

“Begin the extraction process.”

“You got it Commander Ravus sir.” The squat unicorn said in a slightly raspy tone.

Both the two unicorns saluted while Ravus left the room. The two unicorns went to a control panel, adorned with various buttons and levers.

“Alright Wedge, Commander Ravus gave us a job to do and we can't mess it up.” The squat unicorn said.

“Okay Biggs, but what does he want us to do again?” The tall unicorn said in a slow witted voice.

“Ugh you know? Start the extraction process?” Biggs reminded.

Wedge held a dull expression upon his face. “How do we do that?”

Biggs was about to answer but his voice never left his mouth. “You know? With the buttons. This one.” He pressed a button, but nothing happened.

“Maybe this one?” Wedge said pushing another button.

“No you're doing it wrong.” Biggs said once more pushing a button.

“No I'm not you are.” Wedge argued.

The two continued to rapidly push buttons, still trying to complete the process. Tempest watched it all with confused eyes. Frankly these two weren't around when they handed out brains. But with all of their button mashing, it finally drew the attention of something. Above him, there came a metallic whirring as something came down. It was long and syringe like coming down smoothly.

“What is that?” Tempest asked himself.

Before he could get his answer. A beam of light shot forth from the end point and into Tempest. Right away, Tempest felt a great pain overtake his chest. It felt as if something was ripping out of his body. He tried holding on, not sure of what he was grabbing. He wanted to be free, to find Firefly, and get out of here. He willed, he called, he desired. He needed power. And that power released. A great energy ignited in his being, and when it was filled, he let it out. A store of force impacted against the table, smashing it and the restraints. Biggs and Wedge, who were still arguing, looked up and both grew frightened as they could see the power spewing forth from the unicorn. They were thrown from their spots, hitting the wall. Tempest soon found all four of his hooves on solid ground.

Immediately, his mind went to work. “Okay, where is my sword?” Then he spotted it, thrown in a corner. Using his magic, he levitated it to him unfolding it as he did. Then he heard a groan. He looked to Biggs and Wedge. Biggs was lost in unconsciousness, but Wedge was coming to.

“Oh my head.” Wedge said, but gulped as he felt the tip of a sword against his neck.

“All right. Tell me where my friend is? The pegasus!” Tempest ordered.

Seeing that he was a little outmatched, Wedge nodded, “Okay, okay, I'll take you too her. Just don't hurt me!”

The lanky unicorn got up and led Tempest down the hall. They traversed through until they reached a staircase. They headed up and through it another set of halls. Tempest came to a stop as he noticed through the hall, there were various doors; prison doors.

“Just this way!” Wedge led. They ran until they came to a sudden stop. “She's in here.” Using his magic, he levitated a key card out of one of his pockets and scanned it against a panel. The panel beeped. The door instantly opened and inside, Tempest saw a familiar sight.

“Firefly!”

The pink pegasus looked up and grinned as she saw her best friend. “Tempest!” She zoomed out and grabbed Tempest in a hug. “Are you okay!? What did they do to you!?”

“Nothing. I'm fine. What about you?” Tempest asked.

“They just threw me in here.” Firefly answered.

Tempest felt a wash of relief. He was glad his friend was okay, but they had a more pressing matter to attend to. “We have to get out of here.”

“I know where, there's an airship hanger. I can take you there.” Firefly assured.

“Really?” Tempest found this a little too easy.

“Yeah I saw it when they dragged me in here. We need one of those key cards to get through.” Firefly explained.

Swiping the keycard, Tempest pocketed it. “Got it.”

That was one thing down, but they still had something else to deal with.

“So are you guys going to let me go or what?” Wedge asked in a bored tone.

Both Tempest and Firefly looked to him and sneakily grinned. The next thing Wedge knew, he was thrown in the cell and the door locked behind him.

“That should keep him occupied for a while.” Firefly said.

“Yeah, let's just hurry and get out of here.” Tempest urged.

The two were about to set off, when all of a sudden, “Wait! Ponies wait!”

Both ponies came to a stop. They looked around for the voice, but found nopony. Then they realized, the voice was coming from the door opposite to them.

“Yes ponies! Can you hear me?” The voice asked.

“Um yes...who are you?” Tempest asked.

“A prisoner. Unjustly imprisoned by wicked pony guards.” Said the voice.

Firefly raised an eye. “Oh really?”

“Yes, yes! True! They call me thief, said I stole, but I'm innocent!”

Tempest felt an instant sympathy, his weakness of trait of being a pony. Firefly on the other hoof wasn't so convinced.

“Look, Mr. Mysterious voice, we sort of have to escape and all and I'm sorry you're imprisoned but we can't-” The panel on the door beeped as Tempest scanned the key card. “Tempest! What are you doing!?”

“Look I haven't been here long, but I'm not just going to leave somepony behind.”

“Yeah but-”

“Oh thank you pony!”

Tempest widened his eyes in shock, for the voice was not somepony, but somedoggy. “Oh kind pony, oh gracious pony! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” The dog said kissing Tempest's hooves.

The dog in question was large as he stood up, taller than a pony, standing on two legs. His arms were large and seemed gorilla like in stature. It wore a blue vest coat with two pockets sewn in. Overall the canine looked exactly like a bipedal black and white border collie with yellow eyes. Tempest and Firefly had heard of such creatures, but had never seen one in person.

“You're a diamond dog?” Firefly asked in surprise.

The diamond dog rose to his feet placing both hands together. “Yes! Yes!” He said shaking his head jubilantly. “Dodger is my name! Thank you for freeing me!”

Firefly felt suspicion, and she expressed it to Tempest, “Tempest we can't trust a diamond dog.”

“What? Why?” Tempest asked.

“You know what everypony says, they're thieves and thugs and all they want to do is dig for gems. Heck he probably did steal something.”

Dodger looked sheepishly, face become crestfallen at the accusation, tail hanging limp.

“Firefly you can't just judge someone based on their race. I thought you were better than that?” Tempest said in disappointment.

“Yeah but, I didn't mean-” Firefly flustered.

“Look he's here now and honestly I don't have a real strong taste for the empire right now.” Tempest exclaimed. “Besides, maybe he can help us?”

“Yes! Yes! Dodger can help! Help ponies! Dodger is good doggy!” The diamond dog assured.

“See he wants to help.” Said Tempest.

Firefly still wasn't convinced. Though she wasn't a racist, she hadn't heard good things about diamond dogs, but she trusted Tempest's judgement. “All right. But I'm watching you so don't try anything funny.” The pegasus warned.

Dodger nodded. “No, no, won't try anything funny.”

The trio then set off, Firefly leading the way for she knew the correct path. They traversed down the hall and came to a stop.

“Hey you!” Two guards appeared, and they didn't look happy at the escaped prisoners.

“Uh oh.” Tempest exclaimed.

“Looks like we're going to have to fight.” Firefly said getting ready.

Dodger looked at the oncoming soldiers. Though he felt nervous, he decided to prove himself useful. Taking a breath, he charged forward. As soon as he neared the guards, he did a flip in the air, palms scraping against their bodies. The guards ignored the dog, and continued forward. But as they moved, they found something very odd.

“Hey...I'm...slowing...down.” One of the guards said.

“Yeah...me...too.”

Both guards tried to move with all of their might but found it increasingly hard. Eventually, they collapsed, too tired to move. Taking the moment, both Tempest and Firefly passed the guards.

“What did you do to them?” Tempest asked.

“I stole their time.” Dodger declared.

“Stole their time?” Firefly repeated.

“It's a thie-er Diamond Dog technique. I steal their time and make them slow.” Dodger explained.

“How is that even possible?” Tempest asked.

“Well Pegasi have their breaking, so I guess diamond dogs have their tricks too.” Firefly reasoned.

That was as good as an explanation as they were going to get, so they continued onward down the hall, leading into another room. This one was spacious, with walkways leading up indicating a second floor. Several vials were about, some of them containing shining stones.

“Hey Tempest, some of these look like the stone you found in the caves.” Firefly noted.

Gaining a closer look, Tempest did note a resemblance to the stone. The esper stone.

“Um ponies?” Dodger's voice fearfully broke through.

The sound of marching sounded out, from above, and ahead. Guards poured in, and some dropping from above.

“Firefly, is that the way through?” Tempest pointed ahead, where the guards lay.

“Unfortunately yeah.” Firefly answered.

Tempest knew there was no other way. They had to fight. Taking out his blade, Tempest brandished it. Firefly did the same with her hoof guards. Dodger fidgeted in his coat and pulled out twin daggers, though he fumbled a tad. The guards stood their ground, as did the party, and then, they charged. The sounds of clashing rang out as weapons went to work. Both sides fought well, Tempest showing no fear as he used his sword play, even casting in a few sword spells here and there. Firefly dashed through the throng, using her back legs to kick. Dodger on the other paw was was having a bit more trouble.

“Come on wait stop!” He pleaded. ”Can't we talk about this?” But his pleas fell on deaf ears. He was forced to use his daggers, but he did more dodging than fighting.

Firefly was dealing with two burly earth ponies. She pushed against one, but the other one gave her a mighty kick. She flew backwards hitting one of the vials causing it to crack. The soldiers towered over her.

“End of the line girly.” One of them spat.

Firefly glared up at them. She wanted to put these soldiers in their places. She knew she was outmatched, knew she needed help, but there was no one to answer her call. That is until, someone did.

Behind her the stone began to hum. It shifted in it's place before long a loud crack came from the glass. The stone burst through floating in-between Firefly and the guards. The stone grew brighter until at last it exploded with energy. Firefly shielded her eyes feeling a strange warmth spreading throughout her body, as if she were near a fire. That warmth comforted her and steadily she opened her eyes. When she opened them fully, she lay there in awe. Floating before her was a large creature, demonic in appearance, with bronze skin and red long wavy hair. Large horns pointed up crowing the creature with triumph.

Everypony and everydoggy present gazed at the new creature. Tempest knew what it was, for he had seen this before, back in Mareia.

“Another esper.” He half said, half growled.

The esper roared and dove into the soldiers. It pounded on them one by one, flames accompanying it's hits. Some of the soldiers attempted to flee, while those devoted to their duty stayed and fought. The esper wasted no time in fighting them off, but it didn't want to waste precious seconds whittling at small fry. With a roar, it extended it's flame powers sending a surge that knocked all of the guards off of their hooves. They fell lifelessly on the ground. Tempest stood his ground, sword ready to strike against the creature. Dodger cowered, tail between his legs. Firefly just lay there, uncertain of what to do as the esper turned to face her. It's eyes bore into her, firmly, but no animosity.

“So you're the one who called me?”

“Huh? What?” Firefly wondered. “Did you just speak to me?” She asked the creature.

“Don't just lay there slack jawed.”

“Hey! Who you calling slack jawed?” Firefly challenged.

The ester crossed its arms and nodded. “Heh. I like your spunk kid. Okay. You're in.”

In a flash, the esper shrank in size, forming into a ball which flowed into Firefly. Firefly felt a bit of pain, gritting her teeth as something was bound. The pain soon subsided, leaving her breathing upon the ground.

“Um? What just happened?” Firefly asked.

“Well, it appears that the espers are getting choosy.” Everyone looked to see Commander Ravus Blade stepping into the room. At his side were a platoon of guards. The unicorn eyed the room glaring at the three escapees.

“I can see our security needs improvement, but your little escape plan ends here.” Ravus stated. From his face, it was clear he wasn't going to allow them to leave.

Seizing the moment, Tempest took his sword, slashing between Ravus and themselves, casting a fire spell as he did. A trail of fire followed momentarily barring Ravus and his men from following.

“Come on let's go!” Tempest urged.

He, Firefly, and Dodger quickly fled. Firefly took the lead this again, bringing them further towards their goal. They ran for who knows how long, going past rooms and fighting an occasional guard here and there, but at last, they reached their destination.

“We made it!” Firefly cheered.

Sure enough, they were in the hanger bay, several airships stood by, many sizes, but more so, they had made it.

“We need to get that door open. Is there some kind of manual control for it?” Tempest asked.

“I'm on it!” Firefly flapped to the air and dove towards the hanger door. She landed and searched for any sign of an opening switch. Thankfully, there was one. She pressed the switch, and sure enough the door began to open.

“Get them!” They heard behind them.

Ravus and his men poured through prompting Tempest and Dodger to join Firefly.

“We need to pick an airship and now!” Firefly exclaimed.

There were so many to choose from, but their eyes settled upon one that was just right. A small vessel, based around a ship with engines and propellers in the back.

“I didn't know they still had airships in this model.” Firefly noted.

“Must be a surveying vessel. These things aren't as protected as the higher models, but they get the job done. So I've heard.” Said Tempest.

“Less talk more flee!” Dodger barked.

The three of them boarded the vessel, but they reached a problem.

“Does anyone know how to fly one of these things?” Firefly asked.

“Um excuse me pony, but I've had some experiences with machines. Not an expert but have flown crafts before.” Dodger admitted.

“Well it's better than nothing.” Tempest accepted.

Dodger took the wheel, pulling on levers and pushing some buttons. In short time, the hum of the engines roared and the propellers began to spin. The airship got to the air slowly and clumsily, but it took off. It seamed out the door and into the city.

“Whoa! Tempest look!” Firefly pointed overboard.

Tempest joined his friend and what they saw made them gasp. The whole of Paradise City stretched on. Huge towers pointed upward to the heavens, buildings of all sorts, it truly was a paradise. Looking behind them, they saw the royal palace, a great series of towers, coming together into a grand conglomeration.

“Shame we don't have time to enjoy the scenery.” Tempest lamented.

“Yeah, but getting out is a lot more important.” Firefly reminded. “Just where are we going?”

“I don't care, so long as it's away from here.” Dodger whined.

Firefly rolled her eyes. “Can we drop him off at a kennel somewhere?”

The tiny airship floated towards off above the city, it's destination? Anywhere but here. They were so lost in their victory that they failed to notice the palace. On it's side, several small holes opened up, and out shot metallic spheres. The spheres trailed after the airship, moving fast and stopping just above the deck.

“Um what are those?” Firefly asked.

“Beats me?” Tempest answered.

The spheres hovered above, trailing after like persistent fleas. Instantly, the spheres broke apart and from them something dropped. At first, it appeared as if fire had come forth, but they were round like fireballs. The party then noticed something, the fireballs had arms and mouths, and glowing eyes.

“Wait I read about these things, their called bombs!” Tempest analyzed.

“Bombs?” Firefly questioned.

“Some kind of daemon. I can't believe it, the empire is using daemons?” Tempest couldn't understand it. Ponykind had always been afraid of daemon type monsters. Kill on sight as they said, but here they were using daemons as cannon fodder, literally. The bombs didn't stay long, they burst into they floated behind the airship, hanging onto the propeller area.

“Um okay? They didn't attack us?” Firefly speculated in confusion.

Tempest had read something about bombs. Read how they worked. They were felled by ice attacks, but they had a pattern. They would often absorb hits, prolonging the battle before they did what bombs eventually do.

“Oh no.” Tempest gasped.

A loud explosion rocked from behind. Dodger was thrown from the wheel. “What happened ponies!?”

Tempest and Firefly were in the same position as their canine companion. The airship faltered, it's engine and propellers heavily damaged.

“Grab the wheel!” Tempest hurried over to the wheel and grabbed hold, turning it to the best of his ability. Though he knew nothing of driving, he did his best. Slowly the airship sank, but Tempest did his best to keep it afloat.

“It's no use! We're going to crash!” Firefly screamed.

Tempest could tell that, but he had to make sure it was at least a clean crash. He steered the airship as it descended. Luckily they had traveled far towards the city limits, and landing towards fresh greenery, a forest. There was no use, he couldn't hold it in the air any longer.

“Hang on!” Tempest warned.

The airship descended farther and farther, until at last it crashed into the trees. The vessel broke through wood and leaves, coming to a resounding halt. The forest gave out it's sounds of nature, as the Everfree Forest had new guests to entertain.

Author's Note

Another chapter done! And here we are introduced to the group thief. Dodger the diamond dog. Personally I've always liked the diamond dogs, and I am a little disappointed we haven't seen more of them in the show. I mean I know the diamond dogs were antagonistic, but griffons and dragons have been antagonistic on the show, and we eventually got good members. Besides, I heard in the comics it was said that the diamond dogs featured in Dog and Pony Show, were criminals banished from the diamond dog kingdom. I think I'm doing something unique by having a non pony party member. I mean it would have been so easy to have all the party members pony, but hey, Equestria isn't just home to ponies.

I really hope this story gets more attention. I think people would enjoy it if they gave it a chance.