DarkCloud and SpringSong have gone through the orphanage system for almost their entire lives, and they have branded themselves as brother and sister. Nopony wants to adopt the two, and so they have moved from home to home hoping they would find a place they truly felt it. When they arrive at the Mountain Orchard orphanage, they find comfort with the huge stallion and soft-spoken mare who are willing to call them family from the get go. And while that's all well and good for the pair, DarkCloud has an affliction that has leeched off his health since he was small, and the skeleton is steadily approaching.

After emerging from the hive for the first time, the young prince finds a world lit by the harsh light of the sun, and the gentle glow of the moon. He becomes entranced by this new world and is determined to learn whatever he can about the world beneath the light and dark in the sky. As he develops relationships with the inhabitants of this world, he is pushed to question himself on whether or not he should stay and lead the hive, or walk amongst the ponies and the small group who call him "friend".