A year after their battle with the Storm King, Equestria is getting ready for Twilight Sparkle's 22nd "Before-the-Actual" birthday party, which is expected to be a party of special magnificence. But when events lead her to an attack on Mt. Aris by strange creatures, Twilight and her friends, both new and old, travel into the inhospitable western lands outside of Equestria. Soon, they discover that they are the only hope their world has against an enemy from the past...one that seeks to destroy all life forever.

But even with the aid of the princesses, and their friendship, can they truly defeat these beings of utter evil, these...Dark Kin? And why do they want the princess's magic so badly?

Update: Made recent changes to the title. Disliked the old one; it was too long; Currently trying to establish a firm story outline, because I've been writing mostly blind, and I don't want to do anything that could confuse the audience.