When something in the Everfree Forest starts preying on the citizens of Ponyville, the ponies must decide where the line is between pony and monster and how far they are willing to go to protect those they love. Applejack and Rarity feel especially strongly when Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are caught up in the problem. Twilight seeks advice from Zecora but her friends are left to decide amongst themselves when the two go missing in the Everfree.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mare faces an attack of a different kind when a pony who would like to replace her accuses her of not protecting the citizens well enough, Scootaloo comes to terms with her own limitations and the ponies confront a question that forces them to face up to some home truths about their own lives and histories. What DOES make a good mother?