Equestria is fighting for its life in a total war against the Crystal Empire of the despotic King Sombra and every pony is called on to give their all to protect their homeland. Having lost her wing through an act of defiance against the evil tyrant, Captain Rainbow Dash lies recovering in hospital when even more tragic news strikes the gallant pegasus, driving her into a deep depression.

But in one of the darkest moments of her life, Rainbow Dash learns that courage comes in all sizes, and that Hope flies on a wing and a prayer.

This story is based on the Crystal War arc of my story "How Twilight Learned to Stop Worrying and love the Baddies" and should be considered a canon prequel to that arc.

Cover art from the collection of the incomparable NC Mares

Written as a Patreon reward for my long-term supporter Raging Mouse. Thank you for helping me write stories. This one's for you