Rainbow Dash turned a small piece of yellow paper in her hooves, alone in her cloud mansion. She'd received it this morning, and the reality of what was happening hadn't fully hit her yet. Glancing down, she scanned the note for the hundredth time that hour.

Ms. Dash

We are writing to inform you your application to the Royal Defence Force for the Protection of Equestria has been approved, and takes effect immediately.

You are expected to report to Canterlot for initial briefing before being sent to Cloudsdale to group with your fellow pony-type. Further instructions will be given on arrival.

Shining Armour

This was the right thing to do, she knew it. She was the best flier in Equestria for Celestia's sake, and had saved the land at least a dozen times already, so why not again? She'd kick some flank for a week, the griffons would surrender to her awesomeness and she'd be back drinking tea with Rarity before she could even get an armour fitting.

She chucked to herself and folded the note, ruffling her mane and taking flight towards town. She hadn't told anyone she'd applied, not even her closest friends for the sake of worrying. She knew they'd only whinge and moan, telling her it was 'dangerous'or'potentially fatal'. What did they know anyway, as if she'd give some birdbrain griffon the chance to touch her.

Landing outside Twilight's Library, she strolled in without knocking. She didn't have much time left in Ponyville, so she wasn't going to waste it. AS expected, Twilight was reading a book on something - Dash didn't understand even the title - completely oblivious to her friends arrival.

Dash dragged her hoof on the ground and coughed "Twilight. Do ya have a minute?" She chuckled, a hint of nervousness in her soft laugh.

"Oh! Rainbow Dash" She smiled and stood, nodding "What can I help with?" Twilight had only got a little busier since the break out of war, nopony was really feeling the effects of the war yet anyway, she just dealt with small things that Celestia didn't have time for anymore.

Dash didn't beat around the bush, not uttering a word as she revealed the piece of yellow paper. Twilight didn't need to read it to know what it said, she'd seen them before. Her smile faded, looking up into the pegasus' eyes "Rainbow... This isn't a funny prank..."

"It's not a prank Twilight. It's my duty, my responsibility. I'm loyalty remember?"

The Princess opened her mouth to speak, before stopping and thinking. It took her a minute to nod "I can't tell you what to do, Dash... I'm so proud of you... It's just"

Rainbow wrapped her hooves around Twilight's neck "I know what you're going to say. I'll be safe, you know me, I can be clever if I need to" She chuckled, nuzzling her friends mane.

Twilight didn't respond, only letting out a small sob and holding Dash close for three long minutes before finally releasing her, eyes damp and flowing with tears "Come home as often as you can Dashie, I know you'll have won us this war in a month"

Dash chuckled and nodded "Of course! Most awesome pony in Equestria, remember?" She winked at her friend, turned, and left. She could feel herself welling up no matter how confident she was, but knew it would only be harder for Twilight if Dash was crying too.

It was a beautiful Ponyville day, so Dash decided to take a slow walk through town, enjoying the atmosphere. Ponies were going about their day to day business as if nothing was wrong. Dash flexed her wings, her toned and athletic body an impressive sight to anyone that bothered to look. Deep down Dash knew that joining up wasn't going to be as easy as she hoped, but she was still filled with pride at the fact she was defending her country.

"Hey, Rainbow!"

Dash's ear twitched, turning her head to meet the sound. She glanced across the town centre and smiled, trotting over to a small table outside of a cafe in the square. "Hey guys" She beamed, looking across her four friends "What are you all doing here?"

They pointed to their iced drinks, smiling. Rarity, wearing a rather over the top summer hat and sunglasses gestured to a chair "Join us, please? Do you have the time, Darling?"

Dash shrugged "I have an hour or so..." Chuckling nervously again, she sat down and studied each and everyone of her friends.

"What's wrong Dash?" Shy muttered

"Hmm? Nothing? Why do you think something's wrong?"

"I've known you long enough to tell if somethings bothering you..." She smiled softly

"Fine... Here" She tossed the yellow note onto the table, biting her lip and sitting back "I leave tonight"

The four looked at the bright paper, each reading it the best they could without moving it. It was safe to say they were surprised from the crescendo of gasps from around the table "Rainbow Dash! Did you intend on ever telling us or just... Disappearing?"

"I wanted to tell you, just..."

"Y'all didn't want us to talk ya outta it?" AJ frowned, looking at her rival "'Cause ah'm only proud of ya - and we know I ain't lyin'"

Dash blushed and nodded "Thanks AJ... It just felt like my responsibility, y'know? Are you gunna join?"

"Ah would, but, y'know... Farm and Bloom to look after"

Dash nodded slowly, smiling still. She was sure they each had their reasons, and she sure as hell didn't want to start an argument before she left "I just hope you all know I'm doing this because I know it's the right thing to do... And I promise I'll visit!"

The four were sobbing as they each took their turn to give their farewells and good luck messages, Dash spending a total of ten minutes in a hug.

Dash felt bad, but she couldn't wait to get away from them. She loved them, of course she did, but she wanted to get stuck in with her new military career. She left right after for Canterlot, flying swiftly to the capital. The city had changed, some shops had already been adapted to help the war effort, although there were no major changes.

Canterlot Castle was heaving with ponies, the courtyard packed with both stallions and mares, all of whom queuing for different desks and marquee's erected in the courtyard, each for different reasons.

As Dash walked through the mass congregation, she took in the sights. Medics, Engineers, Tacticians, Magicians... The list went on. She wasn't anything specific, heading to the 'Airforce' desk and approaching the stallion behind it. He looked bored and tired, but that was none of Dash's concern.

"Hey" She spoke plainly, sliding over her yellow paper "Rainbow Dash, reporting for duty" She chuckled softly at that.

"Something funny?" He raised an eyebrow "Is war a joke to you?"

Rainbow was taken aback, but shook her head, straightening up "No Sir, I was just..."

"Just? I?" He mocked, shaking his head "Just sign next to your name, take your ID and get your armour"

Dash gritted her teeth, not going to let the stallion get to her. She was a solider now, she had to act tough. Glaring, she signed her name, snatched her card and strutted off. "I wasn't expecting a hero's welcome, but jeez..." She grumbled "No-one even recognises me... I've saved these sorry bastards loads already..." She wasn't looking where she was going, bumping into a white mare "Ugh. Sorry..." She muttered, thinking nothing of it as the two walked their separate ways.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading!