"Zion is a land of mystery. The Griffon Empire's gift to Equestria, Zion's land is harsh; ripe with snow covered mountains, very few farmlands, great cities, and scorching deserts. The inhabitants of this land have learned to cope with the rough environment and the exotic creatures that roamed the lands. When The Princesses made the pact with the Griffon Empire is uncertain, but the combined efforts of both the ponies and griffons have helped create sprawling cities, both, on the flat lands and deserts, as well as cities that perch on the nearby Jagged Claw mountains...."
-A Pony's Guide to The Known World

Civil unrest in Equestria has led to a seemingly new world for the ponies within its borders. The Princesses have declared martial law to keep peace, and Royal Guards are being trained to prepare for the worst. Celestia, Luna and Twilight must also ease the tensions brewing between the Equestrian Monarchy and the rebels who claim the princesses rule is unfair. Cadence and Shining Armor struggle to maintain peace in the Crystal Empire after The Separation. All of Equestria seems to be in complete disarray.

Aegis is a Royal Guard, fresh out of training camp, nervous, but eager to begin his first assignment. Although news of the Princesses sending Royal Guards to a land long forgotten have spread through Equestria, they can't be true can they? And if they are true, then he won't be one of the many sent overseas. Will he?

I have no friends. I'm not allowed out of the house. My parents constantly fight with each other, and sometimes I fear that the ponies outside will find out that we are in here. But it's alright, because I have one place where I can feel safe. One place where I can let my thoughts go free. That is until someone comes in and disturbs the peace.

When reports of ponies disappearing into the Everfree Forest, the Royal Guard sends in five ponies into the darkest denizens of the unexplored forest. Upon entering, the group attempts to find the source of what is causing ponies to turn up missing, but unravels a new mystery along the way, one that will test the will of each of the guards.
(Teen for language)
(Damn writer's block got to me on this. Might be a while before I update it. Sorry.)

Life in the city can be hard, especially in one filled with ponies that only care about themselves. For Aurora, a life of silence and minding her own business is how she thinks she would spend most of her life. When she meets with her friend's friends, she begins to think about how wrong she was, and how careful she should be when it comes to meeting others, because, as always, ponies aren't exactly what they seem to be.