The year was 1940, and all was well. The Crystal Empire, Equestria's ally to the north, was experiencing a new era of economic growth, under the kind and wise rule of Princess Vero Amore and Prime Minister Sombra. Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, having just graduated from the Royal Academy of Magic, were ready for the next steps in their lives, Shining taking a commission in the Equestrian Army and Cadance taking some time to relax in Canterlot before returning home.

But no good thing can last forever. Before the summer had closed, Princess Amore had died, Sombra had declared himself King, and the two nations were at war. Lieutenant Shining Armor was sent to the front lines, while Cadance remained behind with Celestia and Luna to prepare to take her role as the Crystal Empress.

This is their tale, the story of the Crystal War, told through letters, journal entries, and newspaper articles.

A tie-in story to Ponyville Noire, set nine years before the start of the story.