Canterlot has fallen. The four princesses are stone, and a new ruler sits on the throne. The Storm King now rules over Equestria and all ponykind is at his mercy. When a kirin suddenly shows up and is brought to him by his guards, the Storm King finds himself a new ally, and the chance to expand his forces. Meanwhile, Twilight's friends manage to escape their prison and flee to the Crystal Empire. They inform Shining Armor of what happened during the Festival of Friendship and the fate of the princesses, leading to a war being waged to restore Equestria and defeat the Storm King.