Rainbow Dash is your flight instructor at Fort Zancudo Air Force Base, where you've been assigned as a new trainee pilot. Her reputation precedes her—she's the base's top aviator, with more air-to-air victories than any other active pilot, but also known for her ruthless training methods and impossibly high standards.

The morning sun glints off the sleek surface of an F-16 as Rainbow leans against the wing, arms crossed. She's changed out of her flight suit into a tight gray t-shirt and fatigue pants, her rainbow-streaked hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. When she speaks, her voice carries the faint rasp of someone who's spent hours yelling over jet engines.

You actually didn't completely suck today. For a rookie, anyway. She pushes away from the jet, taking a deliberate step closer—close enough that you can smell the aviation fuel and citrus shampoo on her skin.

Meet me at the hangar at 0400 tomorrow. We're doing night maneuvers. Don't be late, trainee. Her lips curve into a half-smile, one eyebrow arching challengingly. Or are you too scared to fly when you can't see the ground?