Tempest gazed at the garden before him. The young colt could see an assortment of plants positioned about. Carefully they were situated so anypony could appreciate their beauty.

“Tempest?”

Tempest heard the voice behind him. Turning around, his face grew in elation. “Mommy!” He shouted.

And the dream ended.

XXX

A slow groan escaped Tempest as he came to. He felt a slight twinge in his lower left leg. Probably fell on it funny. “What happened?” He asked himself. A sharp pain surged through his head as he opened his eyes, rising upward to get back on all fours. His steps wobbled a bit, but he found his balance. Or at least what he could do based on his position. And his position was certainly at an angle. Looking about, all he could see was the wreckage of the airship. Broken piles of wood lay about, the steering wheel was torn from it's place, laying harmlessly on the ground. A great chasm lay in the center. Tempest looked about for a sign of any life.

“Firefly!?” He called, searching for any sign of his friend.

He looked deep inside the crevice, hopping down for any sign of his friend.

“Ugh!” He heard the voice in the dimness of the inner hull.

“Firefly!”

The shape of a pink pegasus moved about, coming into view as she heard Tempest's voice. “Tempest?” Firefly spoke up.

“Yeah. I'm up here.” Tempest alerted.

Firefly put a hoof to her head. “Ugh. Did I get plastered on cider again, because my head is killing me.”

“No, you probably just hit your head on the crash. Is everything alright?”

Firefly waited till her vision adjusted, finding it somewhat difficult as she couldn't fully see in the darkness. She could make out a bit of light just above in the crack. Not wasting any time, she flew up escaping back into the open world. That turned out to be a big mistake, as she nearly felt herself falter and fall. She landed upon her hooves a little woozily.

“Okay...shouldn't have done that.” Firefly told herself.

Tempest trotted over to her, placing a hoof upon her shoulder. “You okay?” He asked.

Firefly took a few moments, to allow the pain in her head to subside. “Yeah. I think I'm fine.”

Both ponies stared at one another, still taking extra care to hold their balance. They were together, but there was someone missing.

“Wait? Where's Dodger?” Tempest asked.

Firefly looked momentarily confused, but then remembered. “What? The diamond dog?” She looked around. ”Probably got thrown from the ship during the crash.”

Tempest looked a little worried. “I hope he's okay.”

“Why do you care about him? I mean we just met him.” Firefly said in confusion.

“I just hope he's okay that's all.” Tempest assured.

Firefly sighed, Tempest always was a caring sort, even to strangers it would seem. Firefly was more caution prone. Frankly she was the kind of pony who listened to the majority of what everypony said. And it was mentioned that diamond dogs didn't have the best reputation.

“Ponies?!”

The pair of them looked over the edge to see a familiar shape staggering into view.

“Dodger!” Tempest called.

The diamond dog came into view, paw over his head. Firefly looked down, surprised at the sight of the canine.

“You survived?” She said.

Dodger looked on, smiling as he saw the two ponies. Firefly descended down, while Tempest used his magic to levitate himself down.

“Oh ponies! I'm so glad you are alright!” Dodger said excitedly. “When I woke up I was alone and I thought that something-”

“Yeah we get it, you were worried.” Firefly interrupted, somewhat annoyed by the diamond dog's exuberance.

The trio were at last able to get a good look at their surroundings. Trees surrounded them on all sides, the night sky hanging above, the moon shining down upon them. The sounds of nature were all about. In the distance an owl hooted, while something gave a little shriek.

“Where are we?” Tempest asked.

“I dunno...but I guess we landed just outside the city.” Said Firefly. She knew Equestrian history, and knew the layout of what was in the past. Paradise City was built on the foundation of Ponyville, and outside Ponyville lay... “I think this is the Everfree Forest.” Firefly guessed.

The Everfree Forest. The only stretch of Equestria that wasn't controlled by ponies. Everything grew and sprang on its own. Ponykind stayed away from this forest, for fear of the dangers inside. And now they were right in it.

Dodger was more emotional upon mention of this realm. He looked about, fearfully scanning as his tail rose.

“E-E-E-Everfree Forest?” He stammered.

“Yeah,” Firefly said raising an eye, “that's what I just said.”

The diamond dog ran both paws upon his head, pulling on his ears. “Oh we cannot be here! No! No! No!” Removing his ears from his head, and hugging himself. “This place, it's a bad place, yes, yes.” Looking around, the canine's ears lowered. “This place isn't just called the Everfree Forest. They also call it the “Evil Forest”.”

“Evil Forest?” Firefly and Tempest repeated.

“Yes! Because of monsters and killer plants and all sorts of nasties!” Dodger exclaimed.

Both ponies looked alarmed, but softened, especially Firefly. “Eh It's nothing we can't handle.”

Dodger looked at her as if she were crazy. “Did you hit your head pony?”

“Would you stop calling me pony? I have a name. It's Firefly.”

“Firefly?” Dodger repeated.

“Yeah, and he's Tempest Noctis.” Firefly said pointing to Tempest.

“Just call me Tempest.” Tempest specified.

Dodger looked as if he were tasting the names on his tongue. “Tempest, and Firefly. You ponies sure have odd names.”

“Oh like Dodger is any better.” Firefly countered.

“That's enough you two, let's just get moving.” Tempest instructed. “The Empire could be on our trail.”

The three began their trek, through the woods. They had no concrete path, just farther away from the city as possible. But there was a small lingering part of their minds that told them this was a bad idea. They had heard stories about the Everfree Forest. Tales of what the legendary heroes of Equestria had encountered. This place was where they fought against Nightmare Moon, purifying her into Princess Luna. It was a tale told as bedtime stories for little colts and fillies. Why heck, Nightmare Moon was still the basis of the holiday Nightmare Night. So much history here, but they hopes they wouldn't become apart of it. Of the deceased variety of course.

Still, as they walked, some lingering thoughts hung.

“Do you want to talk about it Tempest? Firefly asked.

“About what?” Tempest answered.

“You know? About Glory Shine, and the village?”

Tempest stopped walking. “There's nothing to talk about.”

“Come on Temp, don't be like that.” Firefly urged.

“Like what?”

“You know? Holding it in.”

“I'm not holding it in.” Tempest countered.

Firefly sighed, flying in front of her friend. “Yes you are. Look talk to me. I know you liked her.”

Tempest turned his head away, “Yeah...I did.”

Firefly felt some apprehension in her words. She could tell from Tempest's face that she was probably the last pony to offer sympathy from Glory Shine's death. “Look, I wasn't Glory Shine's biggest fan, but I didn't wish this on her. And I'm truly sorry that she's gone. I know you two would have made a good couple.”

Tempest smiled. It had been his first smile since his village was destroyed. “Thanks Firefly. I really needed to hear that.”

Dodger, who had missed out on most of the story for these two, simply titled his head in confusion. Suddenly, something reached his ears. His canine senses could feel something in the air.

“Ponies!” He hissed, momentarily forgetting that his newfound companions didn't like being called by their species.

Both Tempest and Firefly looked to him, Firefly looking more annoyed. “What?” They both asked.

Dodger lowered himself down, ears and tail falling. “Something's here.”

Both Tempest and Firefly then heard something, sounding like a twig snapping. The trio looked about to find nothing, just trees that towered above them. Then came another twig snapping, again only to find nothing. Then, when they thought it was simply their minds playing tricks on them, they suddenly heard it, a low growl. Suddenly, something leapt from the dark space between the trees. It zipped past them landing just on the opposite side. Everyone gasped as the new creature stared at them with it's glowing yellow eyes. At first glance, it appeared to be a wolf, but the form was crafted from wood and leaves. Everypony new this type of creature, for they were a common threat in forests, especially the Everfree.

“A timber wolf!” Tempest shouted, brandishing his sword.

Firefly likewise stood ready with her hoof guards, while Dodger clumsily got out his daggers.

The timber wolf snarled and leapt towards the trio. Tempest was quick to act, and charged up a fire blade and slashed at the wolf. The flames ignited against it's body. The timber wolf let out a pained howl, and slunk back off into the woods.

“Well that was easy.” Firefly quipped.

Dodger's ears and tail raised from their lowered position as he felt the danger pass. But, his senses were still on alert. That only occurred because of one thing. And he knew it the moment he heard the assembled growls. The trio looked up to see more timber wolves springing from the woods. All three members of the party took a look and didn't really like their odds, so they did the only sensible thing to do.

“Run!”

The three of them bolted. From that spot right then and there. They ran further down, not taking care to notice their path. All they cared about was getting away from it all. All the while, they heard the growls and howls of their pursuers. They kept looking on ahead, never straying their sight. But as they ran, they couldn't help but feel as if they were being pinned. And that became a realty as the timber wolves leapt in front of them. There were several of them, all conglomerating into a huge throng.

“Okay! Turn around!” Firefly announced.

The trio turned around to see another assemble of timber wolves coming together. They were pinned on both sides.

“Okay. It looks like we have a problem here.” Firefly announced.

Tempest raised up his sword, “I'll say.” He quipped.

Dodger fearfully looked at the two groups of fellow canines. “What are we supposed to do?”

The ponies were at a loss at what to do. There appeared to be one option, and it would seem as if they had to go with it.

“We could fight our way out.” Tempest suggested.

“Fight our way out of this?” Dodger exclaimed.

Tempest had to agree, the odds were not staked in their favor. Still, nonetheless, “What choice do we have?”

The timber wolves were uncaring towards their prey's problems. All they cared about was using their teeth to tear into flesh. The two groups prepared to pounce, while the trio of adventurers stood ready to act. Yet, they didn't get a chance to. A loud explosion rocked the front timber wolf group, scattering them in a frenzy of wooden pieces.

“What the Tartarus was that?” Firefly exclaimed.

The timber wolf group stepped backwards as they looked at what stood in the middle of their throng. The creature stood up on two legs, though they appeared to be hind ones. From the distance it stood, they could tell it was hooded, and it brandished a long spear. The timber wolves snapped out of their stupor and leapt towards the figure. With a quick swipe of its spear, the timber wolves were scattered apart. As soon as it was done, the figure zoomed forward, spear in claw and headed towards the second timber wolf group. The trio of Tempest, Firefly, and Dodger moved out of the way and as they did, they noticed one thing: the figure had wings.

In a flash and a swipe, the figure decimated the other timber wolf group, crashing into it with it's spear pointed outward. The timber wolves quickly rebounded, but the hooded figure made quick work with it's spear. Pieces of wood fell to the ground, right at the figure's feet. Soon, only a few timber wolves were left. Once they saw their fallen comrades, they whimpered and quickly scampered off. The figure took a few moments to settle itself down. Slowly it removed its defensive stance. The staff portion of it's spear lowered till it reached the blade. Taking it, the figure put it in a holster on it's back. Once it was fully still, the trio could get a good glance at the figure's features.

The figure itself held the overall shape of a lion. Brown furred right down to the legs with a feline tail. But the upper body was adorned in copper features and yellow talons for it's front legs. The body was adorned in pouches and straps around its legs. In-between the spear holster, two large wings spread out. A lavender hood obscured the face, but the outline of what appeared to be a golden beak stood out. The figure relaxed it's stance, wings folding in, and a claw went up to the hood, removing it. The face revealed was eagle like in appearance, matching the upper body. A fringe of feathers hung down in a bang.

“A griffon?” Tempest said in astonishment.

The griffon looked at the assembled party, cocking it's head back in shock.

“Well, well, this is a surprise.” The griffon remarked in a female voice. Flapping her wings, the griffon flew towards the party, landing just in front of them. “A unicorn, a pegasus, and a diamond dog...okay, odd little ensemble you have here. Even stranger that you two are here. The diamond dog I can understand, but this place isn't the best place for little ponies to venture about.”

Tempest and Firefly didn't know what to really make of that statement, but they were grateful. “Uh thanks miss. You really saved us.” Tempest expressed his gratitude. He held his hoof out, which the griffon took and shook.

“No thanks are necessary unicorn, timber wolves are real pests in this stretch of green, couldn't stand by and let them consume some hapless travelers.”

Suddenly, Dodger leapt at the griffon's claws and kissed them. “Oh thank you wonderful griffon! Dodger is forever grateful!”

The griffon quickly removed her claws from Dodger's lips. “Um, It's Gusty, Gusty Highwind, not griffon, alright?” Smirking to herself, she looked to Dodger, “And I'm guessing your name is Dodger right?”

The diamond dog nodded. Looking rather embarrassed at his display.

“So what about you two? You have names?” Gusty asked.

“I'm Tempest Noctis.” Tempest greeted.

“Firefly.” Firefly likewise greeted.

Gusty eyed the ponies, stopping at Firefly. She narrowed her eyes, as if she were attempting to get a better look. Firefly noticed it too, even more so when Gusty widened her eyes.

“Um? Is anything wrong?” Firefly asked with some suspicion.

Gusty shook her head. “No, nothing, you just reminded me of someone I used to know...that's all.”

Firefly look unconvinced, but accepted it anyway. “Okay.” She remarked awkwardly.

“So anyway, to repeat my previous question, what are you doing here?” Gusty asked. “I thought you ponies liked living in your comfy homes.”

“We're on the run from the empire.” Tempest answered.

“The Paradise Empire? Man what did you do to piss them off?” Gusty asked.

“It's a long story.” Firefly answered.

Gusty looked to Dodger. “And what's your story?”

Dodger was about to answer when Firefly cut him off. “He's a thief, we busted him out of jail.” The pegasus remarked rather bluntly.

Gusty grinned to herself. “Well you're a motley crew aren't ya? Anyway, as much as I'd like to hear your life story, we shouldn't stay here for too long. The timber wolves could come back, plus there's other kinds of freaks in this place.”

The rest of the party held the same sentiments. They had been standing too long here already, and that could only invite further trouble.

“Come on, I'll take you to my camp.” Gusty offered.

As she started to walk, she noticed that the trio wasn't following her. “What's wrong?” She asked.

“Why are you helping us? We're complete strangers.” Firefly asked with suspicion.

Gusty shrugged. “Hey. It's the right thing to do. But if you want to die or something you can stay. You're choice.”

Tempest nudged his friend. “What's with you and being suspicious about non ponies?”

“Well it just seems a little odd that some griffon just shows up to save us.” Firefly countered. “I mean don't you remember stranger danger?”

“You're being too paranoid.” Tempest quipped, and followed Gusty.

Dodger merely shrugged and followed as well. Firefly stood there for a few seconds, before she too followed. She had to admit, perhaps she was being too paranoid. But griffons were another race that wasn't known for their good graces. They had all heard the stories about how the griffon kingdom fell. After loosing their idol, their kingdom fell leaving Griffonstone to rot. Though in years before the Rending, things had improved. Griffons became kinder, being more open to the concept of friendship, but sadly the Rending had squashed those notions in an instant. The griffons became more secluded, keeping to themselves, only coming into the open at sparse moments. It would seem that ponykind was the only race to really flourish after the Rending. Firefly had guessed she was pro pony based on her kind being the dominant race in Equestria, and most of the world. They controlled the sun and the moon after all. But she shook it off, and joined her companions.

Gusty led them down the forest path. Well, path was too generous of a word, considering that there was no path, but Gusty seemed to know where to go. They kept walking as the sounds of nature surrounded them. They at last came to a stop near a campfire pit, home made from the design.

“All right, everypony and doggy get settled.” Gusty instructed.

Reaching into her pack, she pulled out some tinder and a flint stone. After striking against it, she managed to get a fire going. Everyone present leaned in closer to gather the warmth.

“Are you sure we're safe here?” Tempest asked.

Gusty started at him, her face rather blunt as she delivered. “No, but this place isn't exactly known for it's safety.”

Tempest had to silently agree. He supposed this place was better than nothing.

“You think the empire is still following us?” Firefly asked.

“Doubt they would risk the soldiers for just a couple of runaways.” Gusty reasoned.

Though their escape had left a big dent in the empire's otherwise flawless streak, the dangers this place presented were pretty real. They just had to leave it to chance.

“Well goodnight everyone.” Dodger yawned as he curled up.

Likewise, everyone turned in, settling down and getting comfortable. Soon everyone settled in, everyone except for Gusty. She still lingered awake as she stared at Firefly.

“Could she be?” She wondered.

Her mind began to drift, further back in her memory, but soon passed it aside and too joined the others in slumber.

The trio had become a quartet, and now they were at peace.

XXX

Luna surveyed the dream realm. It was an endless void filled to the brim with dream bubbles. Even in her new role as protector of the crystal, she still delved into the dream realm, if anything just to capture a remnant of her old life. She looked around, delving through so many dreams, considering which one to assist. Unfortunately, it would appear that nopony really needed her assistance. It had been too long that she had stepped onto Equestria's soil. Her name existed only in memory. Not just her though, no one other had faded into memory.

“Oh Celestia.” Luna murmured to herself. She often dreamed of her sister when she slept, but those were only dreams. It hardly compared to the real thing. Pushing that aside, she continued to look amongst the dream realm, but as she stopped, she looked to four dreams in particular. Looking inside, she noticed one dream belonged to a griffon. Looking inside, she frowned, and pushed it aside. That dream was a bit too complex for her. She looked at another dream, this one belonging to a diamond dog.

“My. That's a big slab of meat.” Luna remarked. Pushing the dream aside, she stopped at one. She peered inside it and smiled. “Tempest.” She ran a hoof up to the bubble, caressing it lovingly. She peered inside it, not sure of what she would see, but did it anyway.

XXX

Tempest was lost in darkness. All he could see was an endless black.

“Hello? Anypony?”

No answer followed.

He trotted through it, hoping to find a sign of life.

“Tempest.”

Tempest stopped, recognizing the voice. “Glory?” He turned around, and there she was. A smiled played upon his face. “Glory! You're alright!”

But Glory didn't smile back, she simply frowned. “Why didn't you save me?” She asked.

Tempest was at a loss. “What?”

Then in an instant, the darkness vanished. In it's place stood the ruins of Mareia. Glory Shine stood in the center of it all, face still somber.

“You killed me!” She suddenly declared. “You brought the stone, and destroyed everything!”

Tempest stepped backwards. “No...that's not...I didn't.” He stammered.

Just then, something appeared behind Glory. It was large, a mixture of red and black. It was something that Tempest recognized. It was the esper.

“You?” Tempest said half in fear, half in anger.

The esper spread out it's wings, sending a huge shockwave of energy that knocked Tempest off his hooves. When he looked up, the image of Glory vanished into dust, leaving only the esper.

Tempest was at a loss on what to do. He couldn't attack, couldn't move. In retrospect, this was all his fault. If he hadn't found the stone, it wouldn't have awakened the esper, and Glory Shine would still be alive.

“It is. It's my fault.” He muttered.

“Tempest!” He heard a soft but firm voice.

In a flash of light, the esper and the Mareia ruins vanished, leaving only the darkness. Tempest looked up and noticed something was descending. When the light cleared, the figure stood featured. It was a tall pony, taller than any pony he had ever seen. Her coat blueish with a black path wit ha moon for a cutie mark. What he did notice was that she held a horn, and a pair of wings.

“An alicorn?” Tempest said in astonishment.

Tempest knew the stories, that the rank of alicorn had to be earned, save for an instance of a natural birth. But two ponies came to mind. Ones spoken of in legends of Equestria's past. For that moment, it made Tempest wondered. Could she be?

“Tempest, do not blame yourself for your village's destruction.” The alicorn spoke.

“But it's my fault. Because me of, Glory Shine and all of those villagers are dead, and me and Firefly don't have a home anymore.” He lamented.

The alicorn looked down on him, not condescendingly, but full of warmth. She lowered herself to Tempest's level and stared at him gently in the eyes.

“Tempest. You did not bring the chaos mist. Even without the esper, the village would have still been overrun.” Said the alicorn. “Sometimes we cannot control our fates, only steer it in certain directions.”

Tempest looked up at her, and he noticed something in her eyes. There seemed to be some unrecognizable emotion. Was it longing? A desire? Tempest didn't have time to dwell on it as the alicorn continued.

“We all have our stories. And I just know in my heart, your story will have a happy end.” She said with a smile.

With her task finished, she flew upward, disappearing into a flash of light.

“Wait! Who are you?” Tempest called, but he received no answer.

XXX

Luna left the dream with a sigh. Not even the faintest smile played upon her face. She had wanted to say something, but the moment she was with Tempest, those words fell. Immediately, she was crestfallen, so much that she didn't even look into the next dream. Firefly's dream.

Author's Note

And so I leave this here. Next chapter, we will get a look at Firefly's dream. I also introduce a new character. The dragoon of the group. Just to let everyone know, I don't intend Gusty to be a descendent of past griffon characters, like the pony characters are, but I admit Gilda was an inspiration for her design. I gotta say, this story is a little hard to manage, trying to find which parts to portray and put, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Well, enjoy and please leave your thoughts below.