Long ago, a war tore Equestria in two. Only through the sacrifices of their leaders was peace able to be restored to the land, and those corrupted by hate exiled from Equestria. With peace restored, Equestria went through generations of prosperity, but grew to be an isolationist nation whose only outside influence came from the Gryphon Kingdoms. Many began to forget of the war, and the stories of the evil exiles living in lands beyond the borders slowly became stories that mothers would tell young fillies and colts to keep them from running off alone.

A recent conflict between an unknown entity and the Regency of the Royal Equestian Sky Navy leaves Celestia in a state of unease about the condition of the outside world, and rumors abound that the entity may be a sign of the exiles making a move to return to Equestria once more. Luna quickly offers to design a ship and fill it it with some of Equestria's finest to venture beyond the kingdom's borders. The hoof-picked crew, composed of bat ponies, pegasi, unicorns, Earth ponies, and even a gryphon are all the top of their field, and each were selected because of a unique skill that will be indispensable on their mission. Their hearts are filled with anticipation and excitement, each an explorer in their own right. They believe they are ready, but will their resolve really last on an extended voyage? Is it merely naiveté, an ignorance of the perils that could lie beyond the sheltered lands of their home, that is keeping them from turning back?