Hearth's Warming Day has once again come to Equestria, and for the first time in her life, Scootaloo is spending it with her recently married adoptive parents Soarin and Rainbow Dash. But despite getting so many presents from so many friends - and from her real father - none can compare with the surprise that Rainbow Dash has in store for them.

There are some things that one cannot do to another without at least becoming friends with them, and that includes saving their lives. Back when Rainbow Dash did so for the Wonderbolts at the Best Young Flyers' Competition, even she had no idea that it would be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Four years on, and the Element of Loyalty herself is to be married. As she and her family prepare for the wedding, she recalls how it all began, and how much her relationship with Soarin has developed since that eventful Best Young Flyers' Competition.

Locomotion, a unicorn colt who used to live near Trottingham, is a keen railway enthusiast, and spends most of his time tending to the engines at Ponyville Sheds. One day, shortly after his latest cleaning turn, he is approached by a famous filmmaker from Canterlot who offers him the lead role in his latest production, a role that he eagerly takes up.

But while he and his friends, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders, are taking part in the film, strange goings-on have been hampering the production. Can Locomotion and his co-stars solve the mysteries and save the movie, or is his first appearance on the big screen going to be his last?

Told in the first person by Locomotion himself.

Scootaloo has become unusually distant of late, and Rainbow Dash is worried about her - not least because she never seems comfortable about the subject of her parents. But why doesn't she want to talk about them, even with her "honorary" big sister? Why does the mere mention of her parents bring tears to her eyes?

Back at the Wonderbolt Academy, Rainbow Dash confides her concerns to Soarin, and learns a terrible secret, not just about Scootaloo, but also Spitfire. The latter's sister, who was also Scootaloo's mother, had tragically lost her life some years ago, leaving Scootaloo to look after herself while her father slaves away from dawn till dusk. The two ponies head down to Ponyville to try and reason with him, but things get out of hoof, leading to an angry, lonesome Scootaloo running away from home. As the three adults try to find her along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they gradually learn that there is more to the situation surrounding Scootaloo and her father than meets the eye...

Apple Bloom's latest idea for the Cutie Mark Crusaders leads to a row between her and Scootaloo, during which she unintentionally makes a harsh remark about the Pegasus filly's poor flying capabilities. Ashamed and angry, Scootaloo turns her back on the Crusaders; but shortly after their dispute, she bumps into a two-tone grey Pegasus colt named Rumble, who instantly feels sorry for her after hearing how bad she is at flying, and the two Pegasi strike up an immediate friendship.

As time goes on, Scootaloo starts to wonder if maybe her feelings for Rumble run far deeper - something that the other Cutie Mark Crusaders have noticed too, and soon, they begin making plans to bring them together. But when Apple Bloom decides to take it to the extreme, she accidentally lands Rumble in mortal danger. Will Scootaloo be able to save him?

While preparing for a week away in Canterlot, Rarity rediscovers the Fire Ruby that Spike had given her the day before his birthday, which not only brings up some fond memories, but also brings her to a startling revelation - she's in love with him! But can a pony really love a dragon? That is the one question that strikes fear into Rarity and holds her back from confessing her feelings to him. Her own friends may approve, but surely the upper class of Equestria won't.

Throughout her trip, and the week leading up to it, the white unicorn mare finds herself struggling with her emotions, trying to decide whether to embrace her new-found love or just let Spike down gently. But along the way, all her friends are there to reassure her and offer their advice. While all this is going on, however, Spike notices Rarity's erratic behaviour, and takes it as a sign that she doesn't even want to be friends with him anymore; so he decides to try his luck with somepony closer to his age...

Special thanks to krieger11 for providing the cover art.