This is a side story to Second Princess of the Night

Equestria lies in a state of peace, having returned to its comforts after the string of recent incidents, each of them capable of vast destruction in their own right. But the series of threatening events has yet to end, and an evil from the past re-emerges with the darkness it had once walked. With its return, Princess Twilight Sparkle vanishes, a sister perishes, and the traditions of old bloodlines that had been kept secret now reveal themselves.

It is said that a hero is destined to do great deeds, and that through careful guidance and growth, they will topple any foe or evil that stands in their way. The young are often trusted as the bearers of these hopes and ideals, to be a new generation to fight the sins of the past. Yet despite the claims of heritage, or the careful guidance of wise teachers, even the most promising of heroes will still perish. Regardless of whatever books you may have read that said the hopes of the future lie in the youths whose unknown destinies have been thrust into their lives, one simple fact will remain. The good die young.

The stories of the world are so often focused soley on those who change the world. But while those characters are the ones who have the greatest impact, so often is forgotten of the ones with a much smaller impact. The characters who make only a few appearances, or are entirely behind the scenes. The unknown musician, the royal tinkerer, the young adventurer, the dry butler, and more. They all have a tale of their own, and these are their stories.

A series of short stories set in the story "Second Princess of the Night", showcasing the time during the bat ponies stay in Skyline Tower.

Cover picture is Gotham from Batman: The Animated Series

King Sombra came from an old age, a time where darkness and evil were prevalent across the land. The Princesse's power and influence were weaker in those days, for the land of Equestria was divided amongst many kingdoms of lesser Princesses and Princes. But out of all their ruling neighbors, The Four Shepherds held the most power of all, even threatening Celestia and Luna's kingdom. However, all of that changed when they vanished for a thousand years, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity. Until that is, when the Crystal Kingdom reappeared, along with one of the Shepherds. King Sombra, however, was thankfully vanquished swiftly, but the following peace of his defeat would not last as long as anypony might think. A new force sets its eyes on the recently coronated Princess Twilight Sparkle, one that seeks to restore a lost heritage and remind the land of who is the true owner of the night. For when one evil is smitten, another appears in its place. And King Sombra was only the first in line.

Set before Season 4

Note: Dark tag is meant for Light Dark

Special thanks to my editor Ladrian for his diligent and superb work. I wish I had him when I first started this story because maybe then the early chapters would have been much better.

Special thanks to Stanku for revisions and prereading this story. It would be at a much worse state had it not been for his detailed opinions to each and every chapter, and letting me know where I can improve.

10/2/2014 : Woah... it's on the featured list... *cue squealing and fist pumping* THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

This is a side story to Second Princess of the Night. Note, some details, scenes, and characters won't be known or will appear confusing if you have not read the linked story.

Sun Petal was a young mare, one full of life and desire to explore the world. But the world isn't as kind as she thought it would be. No, not in the slightest. The world is full of tragic stories, and just like so many, hers is but a bright but brief spark among others. Though her spark is small, however, it is the deciding fate of two ponies. The first being the new Princess of the Night who learns of a terrible price to pay to protect those she loves, and the second being her younger brother who's own fate will be dark but unyielding as he finds his reason to fight.

This story is a sequel to Second Princess of the Night

With Twilight and Ruby Sparkle settling into their new positions as rulers, they oversee the transition of the bat ponies to their new home. But now that two of the Four Shepherds have appeared, Equestria must prepare itself for the rest. The next Shepherd will be unlike Sombra or Night Walker, as he threatens not only Equestria, but the kingdoms of the other races as well. Awakening from his mysterious slumber, he will carve his way across the land, intent on regathering his unwilling army. But before he manages to travel to the edges of the world, he will leave a parting gift in his wake to Rainbow Dash and four other ponies he chanced upon. With her life forever changed, Rainbow Dash prepares herself for her new fate, as well as finding her place among the ponies that share her future.