In the summer of 1016 at the tail end of a long, bloody war between Equestria and the Changeling Hives, the tides have turned in ponykind's favor. Changeling forces have been pushed back to Vesapolis, and every element of Changeling society has been mobilized against Equestria. Every passing day, the prospect of invasion becomes bloodier and bloodier while peace remains as far away as it has ever been.

Forced into making a hard decision, Celestia sits in her office and awaits the end of the war.