As a slightly alternative universe to the cannon, the cutie mark crusaders each earn their individual, nonlinking, cutie marks. And while they will always be friends forever, life is strenuous. Ponies get new jobs, some acquire fame, and some of them go off to start a fresh life with somepony else tugging on their heartstrings.

Not everypony is happy with the hoof life has given them, or the life given to the ones they care for. Will the cutie mark crusaders be able to handle the real world? Will family bonds be torn apart by betrayal?