Sombra, or whatever it is the Crystal Heart left behind, has ventured forth and conquered his new domain behind the till at a McTrotnald's joint in Manehattan. As he seeks to consolidate and expand his newfound kingdom he quickly finds a host of potential new subjects to subjugate befriend. If only they weren't mostly mafia, bat gangs, changeling yakuza and bicycle ponies complete wackos after his hot sexy plot power and might....

Coco Pommel, a decent definitely-not-thestral, lives a decent life, works a decent job, earns a decent living. She is certain the fashion house she works for, Mane Event, is going places, even if it's currently stuck on the second floor above a McTrotnald's joint. She is oblivious to the fact that she is the much-coveted object of adoration of many stallions. She is oblivious to many things. But she finds it hard to be oblivious to the ruckus that comes from that fast food restaurant downstairs, harder still to resist getting dragged in...

Neither expected to ever end up stuck together, at least not this way. But as they quickly learn, there's no living on expectations in the poor but lively Manehattan slums of the Four Hooves District. Together with the band of misfits and social outcasts that make up their lives they must go out and seize it - their Midnight Empire.

Contains the following strong themes underneath: struggling against oppression, discrimination and biggotry, poverty and desperation,. This is a story of unity in diversity, of love and friendship that transcends differences, and the pursuit of freedom.

Now exponentially more epic thanks to our favourite editor Dumbgamer99 who has kindly returned to do another of my works. Be sure to thank him by checking out his page!

Featured 4/7/14 - 6/7/14! Many thanks to everyone who made this possible!

Written to the tune of The Manehattan Smile by Matthew Mosier which I think nicely captures the feel of this story.

Cover Art: Oh hey, my ponies actually resemble ponies now. I mean, look, you don't have to turn the pic upside down, close your eyes and imagine the ponies anymore. Previous cover art here.

This story is a sequel to Gears in the Void

Beyond the Crystal Mountains lies the Frozen North, its original name long forgotten behind a barrier of icy spires and temperatures low enough to flash freeze a pegasus. The last attempt to revisit the birthplace of ponies failed decades ago, and the princesses believe it is time for another attempt.

Two weeks after the events of Gears in the Void, Sterling Gears is still adjusting to what she has lost, but when a hero and the princesses ask her to do what she does best, how can she refuse?

The North awaits. She just has to answer the call.

Part 2 of The Tinker's Journey.