Strange and dangerous happenings take place in and around Ponyville, starting with a fire in the Everfree Forest, and the return of an old enemy. But the usual team of problem solvers, the Mane 6, are no where to be found; they are on vacation, as per the orders of Celestia herself. In order to combat a new threat, a new team, headed by Princess Luna, must be found. But can there really be an Alternative Six?

Hope is the faith of the young. Losing everything she holds dear, Puppysmiles embarks on the adventure of her life to find her mother, her hopes of meeting her again driving her through the horrors of a world not of her making. Too bad the Wastelands doesn't care about hope.