Trixie's line of work is dangerous. But she's a careful showpony, and that's why she's only died a few dozen times in her career. She thinks this is normal.
Tears freezing on her cheeks in the cold mountain air, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes. In her final seconds, she could think of nothing but her daughter... Scootaloo... (Sequel to Guardians of Many Hues)
Something awful must've happened to Applejack, because she isn't in school. Rarity isn't friends with her, but she's the only one bothering to do anything, so she must rescue Applejack from whatever ails her! But she's still not Applejack's friend.
Rainbow Dash is trying to adopt Scootaloo, but the filly has a shameful secret. She doesn't know what she is, only that she can't eat like other ponies, and anypony who knew would hate her forever.
Several hundred years after the death of her friends, Twilight struggles with a clouded mind and endless heartbreak. But perhaps some things, those that live deep within, must be confronted...without friends at her side.