When visiting an orphanage in Canterlot with friends, Moondancer realizes she actually cares about one of the fillies and hits the books to investigate.
In the future of Earth advanced genetic engineering allows humans to mass produce sapient synthetic living beings with programmable minds and memories.
Lyra is just good enough at magic to be dangerous, and more than unlucky enough to unstone Discord as a result. Chaos magic is stolen, books are overdue, and lyres are used as clubs.