Equestria's relationship with Taurusia, the Minotaur country, is becoming more and more tense. To make matters worse, Celestia is forced to pick between acquiring a powerful yet sketchy ally, or an enemy. She does what she thinks is best.
A human soul is stuffed into King Sombra's body. Having no idea what's going on, and thinking he is in some kind of coma, he just casually strolls into the Crystal Empire.