A Canterlot stallion, Shadow Star, is running from his past and tries to lie low in the little town of Ponyville, but a daring rescue lands him with fame and Derpy. The two become more than friends and learn about each other's dark pasts, but Shadow's past catches up to him and he is forced to think about committing a horrible act. Having been a search and rescue pony, Shadow finds there is more than just saving ponies from physical danger, and he may be the one who needs to be rescued.