Starswirl comes to the Crystal Empire to take a break from exploring and teaching. Mistmane asks him to help her with keeping Flurry Heart's magical powers in check for a while. Starswirl accepts, and the two learn how powerful the foal can be.
A world with 9 interconnected realms, 8 arbiters are chosen by the Cosmic Tree that connects them. They must unite to find harmony and prevent the coming of a prophecized tragedy.
After writing his book, Stygian decides to visit the Crystal Empire for a bit of relaxation- meaning research. He meets a certain Crystaller on the way...
As the Pillar of Beauty, Mistmane is distressed to find her home left to decay, but a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to set things right again. Meanwhile, Daring Do is nearby, exploring a creepy temple, home to a dark secret.