An explosion rocks the Crystal Empire, destroying the Crystal Heart and most of its infrastructure, yet leaves its populace largely intact. Its power drained and its leadership scattered, new villains descend on the husk of the Empire to pick it apart like scavengers. At the same time, the Mane 6 must find missing Princesses, combat new and old foes, reignite hope within the hearts of the crystal ponies and prevent all of Equestria from being drawn into an even greater conflict.