About a week before the war began, the Wonderbolts were doing an annual tour of Equestria, performing in various cities. The prime place to view the show was Cloudsdale, of course, but I wasn't able to make it there. I was busy perfecting several of my own routines just outside of Ponyville. I went to see them when they performed there. During the routine, a streak of color blasted through the sky. Six colors, in fact. Faster than lightning, Rainbow Dash rocketed past the Wonderbolts before performing a Sonic Rainboom. The Wonderbolts took it well, and used the blast to further their own routine, as though it had been planned. Autographs were signed afterwards, and I asked where I could find the rainbow streaked pegasus I had seen. They said they weren't entirely sure, but that they had seen Rainbow Dash floating towards a small collection of clouds. I chased after her; she had sported the most impressive flying I had seen in years.
I didn't find her, but I did find someone of far greater importance; Princess Celestia. The mighty ruler of Equestria. The one who raises the Sun in the morning, even today... And I couldn't have cared less. However, I didn't ignore her; I felt that would be foolish of me in the extreme. She spoke to me:
"Hello, young pegasus. Might I ask why it is you're running away from the tour? All the fun and excitement is behind you, not in front."
"I know princess, but that mare that performed a Sonic Rainboom -"
"Ah, yes, Rainbow Dash. She's an incredible flier, but rather arrogant at times. I suppose you want her autograph?"
"Not at all, princess; I want to make friends with - was it Rainbow Dash?"
The princess smiled at me knowingly, as though she could see every thought I was having; I almost felt violated.
"Most excellent; Rainbow Dash is the most loyal pony in all of Equestria. You two should get along well together." She spoke with a twinkle in her eye, and proceeded to take me to Rainbow Dash.
As it turned out, the patch of clouds I had seen was Rainbow Dash's home in the sky. Against the night sky, the rainbows spewing from the clouds - as well as the clouds themselves - were rather beautiful. However, nothing could possibly compare to what I saw when she stepped out. At Celestia's call, she flew from the dark recesses of her cloudy home. She was the most amazing sight I had ever seen. Her coat was the color of the sky, and her mane shone like the Sun. Six spectacular colors were in it, just as a rainbow. She looked at me with a confident smile. Her eyes were the color of roses.
"Hey there. You saw the show? Y'know, that's not the first time I've done a Sonic Rainboom." Her voice was strong and confident, with a hint of arrogance. Somehow, I managed to speak.
"Yes, I saw. It was the most spectacular flying I've ever seen." She jumped down from her cloud, and landed in front of me with speedy grace.
"I know. Everyone knows I'm the best young flier in Equestria, and I've got the trophy to prove it."
I was finding it easier to talk to her as the conversation carried on.
"Well, you deserve all the praise you get. I'm amazed the Wonderbolts haven't taken you onto their team yet." She blushed slightly, and was about to say something when a flash of green fire appeared next to Celestia.
"Ah, a letter from Twilight Sparkle. Let's see... Oh... Oh my!" The princess' face suddenly changed from pleasantly watching our conversation to one of horror. She looked up at us both.
"We have to fly to Ponyville. Twilight's opened a portal to another world... And there are strange creatures that walk on two legs on the other side."