Captain Spitfire of the Wonderbolts seems to have it all. Thrill on and off the job, the admiration of most of Equestria, a luxury house... She lives like a rock star. Like with most rock stars, the shiny surface is not who she is. When a near-fatal accident opens her eyes, Spitfire decides to spend her vacation time with her cousin in Ponyville and explore the magic of friendship.

"I am simply to tell you that it has returned." That day, that moment, started a chain of events that changed life for everypony in Equestria. The Crystal Empire was back. But what had happened the night before? How did the Royal Guard know about the Empire's return in time to save it? It all started the night before, on a routine Night Guard patrol flight gone wrong.