Twilight and her friends are sent to the Crystal Empire to investigate reports of attacks on Princess Cadence's archaeological teams. The trail leads to Blackhoof Valley, the homeland of King Sombra. There they find themselves face to face with a mysterious gray alicorn and are soon entwined in a perilous and emotional adventure.

-This story was originally written in 2014 and takes place in the cannon as of midway through season 4. See Author's note for details.-