We all know of King Sombra and his cruel regime over the Crystal Empire nearly one thousand years ago. The enslavement of thousands and the deaths of many more. Finally, how our benevolent princesses overthrew his tyranny and sent the once mighty people into a deep hibernation from the flow of time. This is common knowledge in the modern world of Equestria after its return, yet what if I showed you the truth that was hidden behind the veil of lies?

Notes*
1. Foremost I would like to thank my prereader Ryan Darling for taking the time to go over my work.
2. My inspiration for this was by the Ranger Apprentice series and SillyFillyStudios, Fall of the Empire, trailer. I take no credit for either of these, and I am not part of the latter's creation.
3. Artwork: Atohas from Deviantart
4. I used the Equestria and beyond map for a reference point.
5. The human tag relates to what would have been ponies in the Crystal Empire are instead humans. Everything else has been left unchanged.

Well, without further ado, please enjoy.