Things in Equestria had changed, to put it simply. The once peaceful nation was being ripped apart, and as much as everypony tried to stop it, no-one could. The Griffon army came from the north and had slaughtered and burnt anything that dared to stand in their way. Cities were flattened, innocent Stallions, Mares and Foals had been dragged from their homes and murdered in the streets in front of those unlucky enough to witness it. Some said the dead we're the lucky ones. Horror stories from Griffon work camps had swiftly made their way to curious ears. Each story was different, but each were as blood curdling as the last. Too slowly the Royal Sisters had formed a defence force, and by the time they had, half of the country was under Griffon occupation.

The war had raged on for a year, and every day Rainbow Dash willed it to end. She'd been one of the first to volunteer to the Pegasi section of the Royal Defence Force (RDF). She'd felt sad that she was leaving her friends behind, but she wanted to kick some Griffon flank. Within a week she knew that the war wasn't going to be all fun and games as she'd expected, but she had put her head down and fought for her country, princesses and freedom. She worked hard, and this hard work had been noticed by some of the top Ponies in the RDF, and had quickly gained a name for herself. Within the first three months she'd been given her own squad, and within 6 she had been made a Commander, the 2nd highest rank available. Every Pegasi knew of Commander Dash as being the best fighter in the RDF. She was feared by Pony and Griffon alike, even whispering her name could cause a deep fear in the hearts of most. Her favourite weapon were her trademark 'Foldable Hoof Daggers', a pair of 10 inch blades that were strapped to her forehooves and could be deployed at the flick of her hoof.

The war, however had taken its toll on Dash, she wasn't the same pony she was a year ago. She'd seen things, done things that had changed her. Her already short temper had shrunk further, but her natural fighting and natural leadership skills had vastly grown. She had also become a master tactician, and had swiftly fitted into her new role as a Commander. However, a darker side to the once over confident Pony had emerged. She no longer cared for showing off, she just got the job done as quickly, but as cleanly as possible. She had shown that she would do anything for the RDF, and would do even more for the survival of a Pegasus. She had been criticised for being a 'Pegasus Extremist' as she would put the safety of a Pegasus before that of a Unicorn or Earthpony. Not only had her mentality changed, but so too had her physical appearance. She wore many a scar on her body from all the battles she had fought. Her mane was also cut short, but her tail remained the same length for personal privacy, bit everypony knew that they would be gutted if they even glanced at her in a sexual manner, no matter who they were.

The leader of the Pegasi division of the RDF was a Black Stallion with a short brown mane called Captain Scorcher, and Dash hated him. She knew he hated her, but she didn't care, she was the most successful Commander and was contesting him for leadership of the entire Pegasi army. When war had broken out, the best fliers and best leaders had all been given important and high up roles. That didn't bother Dash, she knew they deserved their roles as Commanders, she even got on well with most of them. What had really pissed her off about Captain Scorcher was that nopony had ever heard of him before the war, yet he was given arguably the most important role in the RDF. Spitfire hadn't even been approached for the role, but had been handed a role as a Commander. Dash didn't trust Scorcher, so she definitely couldn't serve and follow him. He had gone out of his way to try to deny Dash as her role as Commander, but a new Commander was needed, and of the nine remaining Commanders eight had voted yes for her to be given the role, and only Captain Scorcher and one other Commander voting no.

At first, Dash had been completely loyal to the RDF, she still was, but as the war got worse and worse, she slowly started to stop fighting for the Princesses, and had started fighting for her fellow Pegasi. Frequently in the past the Pegasi had requested independence from other pony kind, but every time they had been refused. Dash beloved that the Pegasi should be allowed freedom from the Princesses and from their endless weather duties that had been demanded of them. They were the key force in the war, yet they weren't allowed to lead their own army, that responsibility fell to Celestia. In public, with her fellow Commanders she was forced to address her as Princess Celestia, and bow every time she graced them with her presence, but deep down she truly hated the Princess, but couldn't speak up in fear of being prosecuted for treason, and she was too close to having the might of a the Pegasi army at her hooves to throw it away. Instead, she preached her views to herself, silently repeating the words 'Pegasi First' in her head. She wouldn't sing the national anthem, she wouldn't salute the flag, she wouldn't wear the royal insignia. Instead, she had her own flag, her own insignia. She would get what she wanted for the glory of the Pegasi of Cloudsdale, no matter what it cost. Her main problem however, was winning the war, because independence would be nothing if it were to be taken away from them, should the Griffon scum win this terrible war.

Author's Note

If there are any artists out there, I would be honoured if you could help with my cover art. I have a very simple request, so if you would be kind enough to help, please message me. Thank you :D