Equestria is a dream.

It is a dream that is more real than anything that had ever existed. A dream so real that it became reality. For outside the realm of the ponies lies one far larger - an empire that has been secretly ruling over the planet for generations before the supposed harmony came to be.

Sometimes, a pony goes missing, and no evidence of them is found again. Sometimes a pony mysteriously dies and is suddenly erased from history. Sometimes, one can hear ominous whispers in the shadows, asking if this one is "right", asking if this one is worthy of awakening.

Because dreams never last forever. And the world outside cannot wait for one to sleep in.