Three thousand years ago, Equestria was ruled solely by Alicorns. However, when an unknown foe in the form of a black cloud attacked and began to cover the entire world, destroying everything it touched, the Alicorns were powerless to stop it. It is only when the Tree of Harmony sacrificed itself that the monstrosity was stopped, but it left the once peaceful land in ruins and all but a handful of Alicorns as either earth ponies, pegasi, or unicorns. Without the Elements of Harmony to repair the land, each Alicorn took some of the depowered ponies into their care as they themselves began to try and repair Equestria.
While some Alicorns still treat their ponies with care and respect, just as their ancestors did three thousand years ago, many now treat normal ponies as nothing more than slaves. The life of these ponies is hard and sometimes brutal as they are looked down on and treated as dirt by those above them. Equestria remains broken due to the toxic magic still infecting the land and the only hope to remove it is to find the Element of Magic, the only Element not to be found over the last three thousand years.
It is into this world that Twilight Sparkle is born, a powerful unicorn training under Lady Celestia and Lady Luna. She lives as a Keeper, someone responsible for maintaining the knowledge from before the destruction of the Tree of Harmony. But unknown to her, her destiny is about be revealed as a prophecy predicted by Celestia's mother begins to come to fruition.
When the Element of Magic is found, the child of magic shall ascend. This child shall liberate the ponies of Equestria, and bring an end to the tyranny of the alicorns. When the Elements are liberated, Freedom Shall Ring.
Cover art belongs to southparktaoist on deviant art.
My first big, multi-act story. Advice and feedback is appreciated, but please be nice.