"Princess Celestia, these two numbskulls weren't obeying my orders."

"Is this true, sirs?"

"She was threatening those innocent mares," he pointed a hoof towards the girls, "rule 3-"

"I told you to obey her commands. You should obey Commander's, mine, Luna's or Shining Armour's commands. Especially Commander Dash. We cannot afford muck ups now. Dismissed."

Celestia and Rainbow entered the hall, followed by 5 very confused mares.

"Right, what is going on?" Twilight demanded.

Rainbow looked at Celestia. "Please Princess. We're in a difficult position now. We can't tell them."

"I understand. But they are your friends."

"They're my family. I want to keep them safe."

"They will feel safer if you tell them."

"Okay." Rainbow took a deep breath and trotted towards her friends.

"Girls, this is hard for you to take in but, Equestria is at war."

"What?!"

"And I'm the commander of the E.A."

"E.A?"

"Equestrian army."

"Ooohhh!"

"But why you as Commander?"

Celestia walked over to Rainbow. "Not only is she skillful in flight, but in sword fighting. She is even better than me. It's her second talent."

"But a pony can't have two talents, can they?"

"Oh Twilight, my dear student. Of course a pony can have two talents. Maybe even more. Fluttershy's main talent is caring for animals but she is as skillful as Rarity at sewing. Applejack's main talent is working for her farm but she is an excellent baker. Rarity is a creator of fine dresses and she is a good artist. Pinkie keeps everypony happy but she's also good at helping out. You are brilliant at magic and you are a very smart pony."

"Okay I get your point. But who are we at war with?"

"Daily-diamonds." Luna flew over to join the conversation. "A dark country far away. Named after a diamond cave. But they use dark magic."

"Daily-diamonds?! How come I've never heard of this country? I mean, I've read every book in my library...3 times!"

"They erased themselves from history. Never to be heard of."

"But why do they want to go to war with us?" Applejack asked

"They want to overthrow us. Murder every stallion, mare and foal. Burn every house. Bring back Discord. They don't believe in our good magic. Only dark."

"Gosh. Rainbow, looks like you've got your with cut out, dear." Commented Rarity.

"Don't you think I know that!" Rainbow snapped. "This morning while you were enjoying your breakfasts, my sector were trying to stop them coming inside the border." Her head drooped. "But we failed. I failed."

"Rainbow don't fret." Celestia soothed.

"Horseshoe village burnt and died because of me!"

"Rainbow, you were badly injured. You were lucky to survive."

"Hmmm."

"Woah. Ya mean tha Rainbow... nearly died?"

"Yes Applejack. They ambushed us. Using dark magic against us. We were no match. I tried to stop the leader of the attack, lieutenant Sparks, but he was to quick. He forced me watch as his soldiers slay everypony there." A tear rolled down her cheek.

"If I may inquire, where were you injured?" Rarity questioned. Celestia use her magic to point at every wound.

"A broken left hoof, mangled right wing, scar across left eye, numerous cuts and a stab wound to her right hip." Celestia's magic pressed against Rainbow hip. Rainbow winced and breathed in through her teeth.

Her friends looked away as they saw blood seeping through Rainbow's uniform. Rainbow collapsed onto the floor. Luna zapped up some bandages and gave them to Celestia. Celestia then wrapped the bandages around Rainbow's wound.

"Commander, you cannot go on like this."

"But Equestria...."

"Rainbow you've collapsed three times today."

"I'm fine!" Rainbow shakily stood up. But something or somepony caught her eye outside.

"Hmmm." Celestia stood up and walked towards the door.

"Wait!" Rainbow threw her sword and shot straight through an arrow, and pinned it against the wall.

"By god! Good shot!" Luna said.

"Still think I'm too ill to do my duty."  Celestia stood there gobsmacked but it wasn't for long when she realized what was on the arrow. Next Chapter: The Letter Estimated time remaining: 35 Minutes