They have shredded the flesh of her virtuous people, burned her beautiful farms and forests, and smashed her shining cities for decades. And for no reason but it is their very nature. They know no pity. They offer no mercy. They feel no remorse. They are blacker than the blackest night and more deadly than can be imagined. They are Umbra.

It has been thirty years since they returned.

Few truly remember what Equestria was once like, in a day when ponies knew no true horrors.

Twilight Sparkle grew up knowing only of the ever-hopeless fight against them. This near-friendless academic will learn the true meaning of terror, the true meaning of purpose, and the true meaning of sacrifice.

With Canterlot now the final stronghold of a once proud and free world, hope has been reduced to one final choice. A dark secret buried for millennia may hold the answer for Equestria’s salvation… or, its ultimate destruction.

Heartfelt thanks to :
BernardDK for his awesome artwork and his endless enthusiasm for the story.
Recon777 for his tireless work editing my inane ramblings into something readable.

He has written a little prequel to this story : Ashes give it a read, you won't be disappointed!

Prereaders : Pawz, Orionwolf, Chaos Phantasm
Thanks to Journeyman for giving me the inspiration for this little tale.