Luna has been locked away in the moon for fifty years. The only company she has is the darkness that swirls around in her mind: the Nightmare.
When Luna begins to loose any hope of escaping, the Nightmare Moon leads her to an alternate Equestria, where darkness and the evil rule. Once there, Nightmare Moon tells her to search for the Nightmares: eight immortal beings who rule over this odd new world. With their help, she can fully embrace the power of nightmares and bring down her sister once and for all. But Nightmare Moon has some different plans...
Meanwhile, an alternate Discord begins his plan to escape, but when he learns of Luna's posession, he will do everything in his power to stop her from succeeding.
However, after Luna trains with a few of the Nightmares, she becomes something neither Discord or Nightmare Moon managed to foresee. Something all creatures fear... Human.

In the year 2028, the rule of Celestia and Luna has ended, and taking their place is a large, red, cyborg pony named Equilarsous. The cities and towns have become steampunk ghettos, filled with death and tragedy. The main six, holders of the Elements of Harmony, have scattered. Twilight works as the librarian of Canterlot, enjoying her job immensely. Rainbow Dash has joined the Equestrian Guard after learning that the Wonderbolts had abandoned their jobs and disappeared. Applejack is a poor farmer, barely keeping herself and Applebloom alive. Fluttershy fled to the forest after hearing of the new ruler, saying that he is an evil pony that will bring darkness abound. Rarity makes dresses for the rich in Canterlot, and is able to speak with Twilight nearly every day. Pinkie Pie is a baker who still lives in Ponyville.
After spending ten years unaware of the evil that is spreading thoughout Equestria, the main six are brought together again by a mysterious pony named Stormfax, who claims to be the disowned son of Equilarsous. He tells them that the land has fallen into chaos, and only the Elements of Harmony can revive it. But, after hearing this, Equilarsous will do everything to stop them from succeeding... even if it means the death of hundreds.