Xix is a Changeling who was thrown out of the hive from the friendship explosion. After losing his wings from it, he knows going back is not an option.

Running on nothing but fumes, he somehow makes it into Manehatten. Around the pony holiday 'Hearthswarming', a mare decides to help him after finding him starving and dying.

Is she his hope? Is this mare going to turn into a sufficient food source? Something more? Or will she abandon him and leave him to fend for himself again?