//------------------------------// // Mission 1: Defending North Pony // Story: Ace Combat: Equestria // by TasteTheSun //------------------------------// Mission 1: Defending North Pony A flash of light appeared in a dark room, which then was replaced by The Princesses, and the mane six. They were trying to recover from the motion sickness. Luna lit up her horn to provide light and to find a light switch. After fumbling through the darkness, she managed to find one. The room was filled with light, which allowed it to reveal what kind of room it was. It was a war room. The circular walls were covered with digital maps of Equestria and its cities. There were computers, and recorders everywhere, and in the center was a long table with a map on it. Most of the mane six was in awe at the sight. Rainbow Dash, however, didn't find it so intriguing. In no time the room was flooded with ponies in either business suits or in barding. A member of the Royal Guard approached Celestia to give her a sitrep of the current situation. "Your highness, The Royal Guard got your message and are falling back towards North Pony, although we have had a few problems with the enemy. Some of The Guards are still trapped within most of the fallen cities." The princess sighed at the news. "How many cities have fallen under the control of these griffons?" she asked. "Well, since they performed a surprise attack on Canterlot, that paved the road for them to invade the nearby towns such as Cloudsdale and Ponyville. As well as all the other cities in Equestria." All six ponies gasped at the current news about their hometown being occupied by griffons. The Princess, however, soaked in the information and began to address the guard. "Well then, we must hurry and regroup our remaining forces and begin planning for a counterattack. For we are all Equestria has left." "Uhm about that, several griffon air bombers have penetrated our airspace and will be here in roughly 30 minutes." He said nervously. Both princesses face hoofed at that. "Great, why don't they just drop a mega spell and get it over with," Luna said annoyed. "I know it seems bad Luna, but this is no time for negativity. Ok now, most of the Royal Guard are either too wounded or too exhausted to fight them off-" Celestia was cut off by the rainbow maned pegasus. "Hey princess, let me fight them off, I'm sure once they see me, they'll be running back home to their mamas!" "Rainbow Dash, you can't be serious,” exclaimed Rarity "Yea, do you really want to go and fight those nasty griffons?" Pinkie Pie added. "Oh, you know it, well Princess, what do you think?" Rainbow dash asked as she flew up towards The Princess, only to be held back by Applejack who was holding her down by her tail. "That is very nice of you Rainbow Dash by volunteering yourself to do such a dangerous task, but, for your friend's sake, we think it's best that you stay here and help with our troops here on the ground," Luna said trying to reassure her. Rainbow Dash fell to the ground, as well as her jaw. Normally she would start arguing about it, but she couldn't argue with a princess, not even Twilight (most of the time). "I know you're upset about this, but trust us when we saw that we are doing it for your own good," Luna pressed on. Rainbow Dash kept her head down. "I hate to bother, but we have a situation that needs to be taken care of, so we will discuss this later, ok," Celestia said. Rainbow nodded. The Princess smiled before turning her attention towards the guard. "Ok, so like I was saying, we need some pony to go and take care of those bombers, and I think I know some ponies who can do just that. Private, call in The Wonderbolts!" The Princess commanded. "Yes ma'am, I'll send them in!" The guard said as he quickly trotted out the door. Rainbow Dash got up out of her depressive slump when she heard who had been called for. "Wait, your bringing in The Wonderbolts?" the princess nodded. "Yes! They're the best fliers ever, next to me, of course." Everyone rolled their eyes at that. When the guard came back, three pegasi in uniform followed right behind him. The three bowed before The Princesses in respect, and then one of them stepped up to introduce themselves. "Captain Spitfire, the leader of The Wonderbolts, reporting for duty," she said. Rainbow stood there, frozen with glee. Celestia turned her attention back to Spitfire. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, but I hope you don't mind if ask, but how come there's just the three of you?" "The griffon attacks took us by surprise. If it hadn't been for your order to fall back here, who knows what would have happened to us. Sadly, only Soarin, my niece Rapid Fire, and I made it out of Cloudsdale. As for the rest of the Wonderbolts, chances are they're either dead or being held, prisoner." Spitfire said with a depressed look on her face. The other two Wonderbolts, as well as the other surrounding ponies, lowered their heads out of respect, sadness, or even fear. "I hate to hear that," said Luna "Don't worry, well get those griffons back for what they've done. They're gunna pay!" Soarin exclaimed with such force in his tone. "In that case, you can start by taking out the oncoming bombers heading this way," she replied. "Go to the armory and have the ponies there fit you for barding." All three replied with a salute before heading off in the opposite direction. The Princesses turned their attention back to the other six ponies. "Ok now, as for the rest of you, Twilight, since you too are a princess, you will be our second in command. You will also help the Wonderbolts when they are out fighting. Keep them informed on the current objectives, as well as anything else that might pop up for them to take out," Luna commanded. "It would be my honor, your highness," Twilight said with a bow. "Now, Applejack, Rarity, we need you to go help in the armory." "No problem Princess, you can count on us," Applejack said, with a bit of pride in her tone. Rarity, on the other hand, grimaced a little. "I would help when it comes to the fate of Equestria, but I really don't feel comfortable working in an armory for roughians." "Now Rarity, I know how ya feel when it comes ta stuff like this, but like ya said, the fate of Equestria is at stake, an ya have ta do whatever it takes ta protect it. Now, if we go, maybe you can redesign the guard's barding," "We'll alright, but I better not get filthy while I'm helping," Applejack rolled her eyes at that before they both headed off towards the armory. "Ok, now that that's over with," Whispered Celestia to make sure the two ponies was no longer in earshot. When she was sure they weren't, she continued on. Just then Fluttershy was now recovering from her ordeal back in Canterlot. "Fluttershy! Are you alright!?" Twilight frantically. "I think so. I just had a horrible nightmare that I saw some griffons attacking Canterlot, and I saw some of them get shot! Oh, thank goodness it was just a nightmare!" Fluttershy said rubbing her eyes, as well as her head. But once she took in her surroundings, she began to worry if her nightmare was a reality. "Um... where are we?" She asked nervously. Twilight was about to tell her friend the truth until Celestia placed her hoof on her shoulder. "There's no time to explain. Fluttershy, you're good in medicine, why don't you go help the medics in healing the wounded?" "Well, I suppose, ok," whispered Fluttershy before flying off towards the field hospital, still confused on what was happening. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down in front of the princesses. "Ooh ooh, what about me, huh, what can I do?" she asked with so much energy. Celestia smiled and placed a hoof over the pink mare's head in an attempt to get her to stop bouncing, which did work. "Pinkie Pie, you can be Twilight's assistant. Help her in whatever ways she may need help with." Twilight panicked at that. Pinkie pie replied with a salute and a "Yes sir, ma'am, sir." Celestia lowered her head towards Twilight's and whispered in her ear. "Trust me, you'll thank us later." To Twilight, that didn't ease her worries at all. All that was left was Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, you can um... Go help in the barracks with the Royal Guard. Help them with anything they might need." Rainbow Dash only sat there with her head down in disappointment. She wanted to go and fight, but couldn't. It was tearing her apart inside. The Princesses were too busy with the situation that they didn't notice her. They motion for Twilight and Pinkie Pie to follow them. Then Rainbow Dash got an idea on how she could satisfy her will to fight. She got up and using her wings, stealthily followed The Princesses and her friends. *** Griffons. There were hundreds of them. They have taken over Ponyville, as well as the rest of Equestria. From what I hear, they have taken over our capital city of Canterlot. The ponies here have tried to escape this place, but the Griffons have surrounded Ponyville and are not letting any pony in or out. Life here has been terrible. The constant searches of our homes, the early curfew, and the way we were being treated are only a few of the many things these monstrosities have done to us. Fortunately, they have failed to discover my husband's radio that allows me to contact other in times of extreme emergency. My neighbor also has a radio well hidden in her house, and we would secretly contact each other on anything. Lately, she told me that the griffons were bringing large transports of materials from their country to ours. She claims that they are building something just north of here and that they're using ponies (mostly unicorns) for cheap labor. These are some troubling times we are in, but what's worse for me is the loss of my daughter, and quite possibly my husband as well. I am losing the will to move on. I feel the empty void in my heart consuming me. Then something changes within me. As I'm waiting inside Sugarcube Corner, one of the griffons there turns on the radio to listen to the broadcasts from Canterlot. The Griffons have taken over all the airwaves. A male griffon's voice came out of the radio and was promoting the griffon victory of taking over Canterlot. ".... And although some parts of the city are in shambles, the palace did escape unscathed." At least the palace survived the horrible ordeal from earlier. No doubt in mind it has already been looted of its priceless treasures that once were displayed there. He also announced that The Griffon Kings have arrived at the capital. "As The Griffon Kingdom, it is our sworn duty to govern this crumbling nation and get it back to its feet, starting right here in Canterlot. The Kings themselves said this. In other news, I found a group of foals here in front of The Grand Central Station. The area here has been reduced to nothing more than a pathetic slum. Step right on up here little filly. What do you have to say about this?" "Go fly with the pegasi, jerk," "OW! Hey, you little-." The radio was immediately switched off. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. It was my daughter, Marigold. She was still alive somewhere in Canterlot. I had to get to her, to reunite her with her mother. I have to get out here, somehow. *** Mission Briefing: Spitfire and her squadron were getting into their seats, although it was difficult since their barding was bothering them. They were waiting for the presentation to begin. The Princesses, as well as Twilight and Pinkie Pie, were seated next to them. The lights in the small room went off. A projector was turned on in the back. It projected an image of a map of Equestria on a white screen. A unicorn stallion in a general's uniform trotted up next to the screen. "Here's the current sitrep in your orders for deployment, effective immediately." "As you already know, several griffon air bombers destroyed our early warning radar network, allowing several of them to penetrate our airspace." "In fifteen minutes, we expect this bomber formation to strike Blossomforth Airbase and then move on to targets here at North Pony to stamp us out and put an end to this thing. Obviously, our Royal Pegasi fighters are really weak at this point in time." "It is mission critical that you kill the bombers and neutralize any hostile threats before they get past New Filly Island." “An enemy takeover of North Pony would mean an ultimate destruction of Equestria and its citizens. "Remember, you are the first and probably the last line of defense for North Pony, and the fate of Equestria lies in your hooves." The map on the screen changed to a different, much smaller scale map of an island. In the center were six red triangles and four white ones. "This is your deployment map. It shows all the primary and secondary targets in the combat zone. Of course, things can change quickly, but it should just give you an idea of what you're up against." The projector went off, and the lights came back to life. Soarin was the first to speak. "Well gee, no pressure, eh?" He commentated nervously. Everyone inside was ready to leave. On the other side of the door, Rainbow Dash moved her eye away from the keyhole and quickly fled through the halls, in hopes of no pony seeing her. ••• Mission Start The trio was on the runway, ready to take off. Several crewmembers were making sure they were in perfect condition. Finally, a stallion's voice came on from their radios. "Wonderbolt Squadron, you are clear for take off." With that, they took to the skies to fight off the attacking invaders. “Takeoff complete, good luck up there.” In the distance, Rainbow Dash took off after them but kept a safe distance so that she wouldn't be spotted. *** Back at North Pony, Twilight was placing her headset on her head with her magic. Once it was properly in place, she turned her attention back to the computer. On one side of the screen was a map of the surrounding area. In the center were three blue dots. They represented Wonderbolt Squadron. Twilight was about to switch on her headset to contact the squadron when she noticed Pinkie Pie in the corner of her eye. She turned and saw that the pink mare was wearing a general's uniform, with a cap and everything. "Pinkie, where did you get that uniform?" she asked. "From the closet over there. Boy, it was practically overflowing with them. Oh, I got you a cap too!" Pinkie Pie got out a cap and placed it on Twilight's head. "Ok then, why are you wearing that uniform?" Twilight asked again. "Well, since you're supposed to be second in command, and I'm supposed to be second second in command, we might as well look the part right. At least that's what Rarity says, and besides, they look cool!" She responded excitedly. "I think Rarity's fashion statements are starting to rub off on you, but anyway, aren't you afraid of what General Ironhoof might say?" Twilight nervously asked. Just then she noticed the general himself trotting by. When he was passing by Twilight and Pinkie Pie, he stopped, took one good look at Pinkie Pie from head to hoof. "Hmm, looking good captain," he said while saluting Pinkie Pie. She saluted back as General Iroonhoof trotted off. Twilight's jaw dropped to the ground. Pinkie Pie, however, was bouncing up and down with glee. "Ooohh, did you hear that? He called me captain, I'm a captain now!" Twilight closed her jaw with her hoof and turned back to the computer. "I'm going to pretend I didn't see that." She said. She looked up at the general's cap she had been given, adjusted it with her magic, and smiled. *** The three pegasi were already south of New Filly Island. They were creeping up on the bombers from behind. A voice came to life from their radios. "Airborne Warning and Control System now active, this is Twilight Sparkle here, do you read?" "Loud and clear!" Soarin replied. "Ok good, your call signs are as follows: Spitfire One, Soarin Two, and Rapid Two. You are all under my command. Six bombers on vector 360 have passed through the mountains and are on course for New Filly Island, continue north to intercept, over." "Roger that Twilight," Spitfire replied. They were closing the gap between them and the griffons. "Rapid Two, engage," she said. "Soarin Two, engage," he said excitedly. “This territory is all we have team. We’re in your hooves. Intercept those bombers.” "Attention Wonderbolt Squadron, maintain formation until the bullets start flying," Spitfire commanded. They quickly took out their AA assault rifles and were taking aim. The griffon bombers were in a two-column formation. Soarin was the first to fire at one of the back two bombers. Rapid Fire was the second to kill the other griffon. The escorts took notice and quickly went to deal with their attackers. "We're under attack!" One griffon said over the radio. "Don't worry, let the escorts deal with them." Another one said. "Only five miles away from the target." "Some pony handle those bombers," Spitfire requested. "I'll take care of those bombers, you and Rapid Two can handle those escort fighters," Soarin said as he charged up towards the remaining four bombers. "Rapid Two, you're with me, give Soarin Two cover," Spitfire commanded. "Copy that," replied Rapid Fire. “Soldiers of Equestria, resistance is futile. Throw down your weapons and surrender,” a voice broadcasted through the radio. “What bullshit is this?” Soarin asked. “Equestrian continental forces have surrendered to the might of our armies and have admitted defeat,” it continued. “This must be the enemy’s propaganda broadcast,” Rapid Fire replied. "Target is approaching the city, get over there immediately," notified Twilight. "Oh no, they don't," Soarin quickly fired at another bomber. "Maintain formation," one of them said. "Soarin Two, bandit at six o' clock!" Alerted Spitfire. Soarin turned around and saw a griffon flying right at him. He rammed into him and they both quickly went into a hoof fight. The other two Wonderbolts tried to help their friend, but couldn't since the other three escort fighters were pursuing them. Spitfire managed to get a perfect shot at a griffon and was able to take it out, but she was still trying to dodge the stream of bullets. “Our merciful government has taken it upon themselves to restore order to your former capital Canterlot, and yet you still waste away your final days playing war,” the broadcast continued. “Damn, nothing but lies,” Soarin said. "And.... NOW!! Bombs away!" one griffon announced. The bombers quickly released their cargo over the targets. "This is Blossomforth Airbase, we're under attack! The runway and facilities are hit!" "We kind of have our hooves full at the moment," Spitfire managed to reply. *** Rainbow Dash saw the battle going on above from the airbase, but she noticed that the Wonderbolts were in trouble. She anxiously searched for a weapon. She finally found an AA assault rifle off the side of a distracted soldier. She quickly grabbed it and took to the skies. "HEY!!!" The soldier screamed. "I'll bring it back later, I have to help my fellow ponies." She responded. She flew up high until she was at the same altitude as the other fighters. She quickly took aim at the pursuing griffons. It was a bit difficult considering they were a good distance away and they were moving around a lot, but she managed to align her sights with the griffon's head and pulled the trigger. The griffon fell towards the ground dead. Rainbow Dash quickly did the same to the other griffon. It too fell to the ground dead. "Ha, how do ya like that ya stupid birdies! Don’t be thinking you can come here and mess with us.” Rainbow boasted. “Ok, three down, one to go," she said as she quickly headed to go aid Soarin. “That was the fifth bomber out of the six. At this rate, we’ll get them all.” Rapid said. “Yeah but who’s shooting?” Spitfire asked. “How many bombers are left?” a griffon asked his buddy. “Only one left. Just stay in formation,” he replied. She got to a safe distance away from the two. They were rolling over each other like foals. It was bad because she didn't want to kill the wrong pony. It wasn't until Soarin bucked the griffon in the jaw, which sent him flying a few feet away from the stallion. It was Rainbow's big break. She rapidly took aim and fired. "Alright now for the bombers." She flew after said bombers and was able to get up behind them stealthily. She placed the gun inches way from the griffon’s head and pulled the trigger. She flew out of the sight of the other two griffons and flew behind them. She whistled to get their attention. They both turned toward the rainbows mare. "S'up guys," she said as she opened fired on the two. *** "Twilight, Wonderbolt Squadron, this is Blossomforth, got a visual of the downed bombers. Who's kill was that, make sure to thank them." "I'm not sure, but I'm gunna find out," replied Spitfire “All enemy bombers have been eliminated. Somehow we got every last one of them,” Rapid Fire added. “Wonderbolt Squadron, enemy bomber formation is confirmed down. I have to say you guys handled things quite well.” "That's a wrap-up, let's go on home, although all this praise is kinda making my face red," Soarin said excitedly. "Right after we find out who just saved our skins, and if you want Soarin, I can tell them you were gunned down and MIA," Rapid Fire replied. “Ha ha, real funny, harsh, but funny. Come on, let’s hurry so we can make it for supper. I’m starving.” *** Rainbow Dash landed on the runway of the airbase. A group of ponies surrounded her, thanking her for her valiant efforts. The soldier who Rainbow Dash took his weapon from made his way through the crowd and stood in front of said mare. Rainbow Dash gave a light chuckle and gave the soldier's gun back. He gave her a mean glare before taking up his gun and trotted off. Immediately after, the ponies made way for several ponies to approach the rainbow mare. Rainbow Dash cringed nervously at who was approaching her. "In case you're wondering, we're not mad in fact, when we heard who helped us up there, we were really glad it was you, so really, we want to thank you yet again," Spitfire said. Rainbow Dash replaced her cringing with a confused and yet a surprised look on her face. "Wait, what, really?" "Yup, we really owe you our lives for what you did, now come on, let's get back to base," Spitfire said as all four pegasi took to the skies, on their way back to H.Q. If Rainbow Dash wasn't really worried before, then she really was now, considering what her friends might say when she arrives. ••• All five of Rainbow Dash's friends were waiting for her outside of the runway. The princess trotted up next to the group. When Celestia noticed what Pinkie Pie and Twilight were wearing, she simply gave them a warm smile. Twilight secretly face hoofed herself at that. Just then they saw four figures coming in through several clouds. The four pegasi were coming in for a landing. They came to a stop right in front of the group. Rainbow Dash cringed once again as all her friends gave her angry stares. After clearing the knot that formed in her throat, she managed to speak. "Ok, before you say anything, I just want to say-" "HOW COULD YOU GO OUT THERE AND FIGHT ALL THOSE NASTY GRIFFONS! I MEAN COME ON, DOESN'T NO MEAN ANYTHING TO YA, AND-" Pinkie Pie blurted out until Twilight used her magic to close her mouth shut. "How could ya go back on yer word and go fightin' when the princesses told ya no," Applejack said with a bit of a harsh tone. Rainbow Dash only kept her head down. She couldn't look at her friends, especially the princesses strait in the eye. "Rainbow Dash, you deliberately disobeyed what was asked of you and put your friends through such worry. What do you have to say for yourself," Celestia said with a firm voice. Rainbow Dash continued starring at the ground. She felt a teardrop forming in one eye. "Permission to speak freely," Soarin interfered. "NO!!!" all five ponies said in perfect unison. "Permission granted," Spitfire interjected. Soarin puffed out his chest in an attempt to show no fear. "Listen, if it wasn't for her, then we would have surely been killed and those bombers could have probably leveled this entire island if given the chance. Why, we owe her our lives for what she did. It's not the first time she saved our skins, why if I had the authority, I'd make her an honorary Wonderbolt." "Which is exactly what I'm doing." "Huh?" everyone said in unison with confused expressions of what Spitfire had just said. Spitfire pressed on at what she was getting at. "Soarin's right. If Rainbow Dash hadn't come in and saved us, who knows what would have happened back up there. And plus, it was an act of duty, and isn't that what friends are for? Helping other ponies and need? That's something you all should already know." The five mares winced at Spitfire's words. "They are right, friends need to help their friends in need. Rainbow Dash, you've shown just that in saving all of us. We hope you can forgive us for any misunderstanding." Celestia replied with her tone now more apologetic. Rainbow Dash finally came out of her slump and stared straight at her friends who now looked ashamed. "Hey, it's cool, and sorry for you know, kinda making you all worried sick," Rainbow Dash replied. "Just promise us one thing Rainbow....," said Twilight. "...please be careful out there," "Yea, an try not ta get yourself killed. Who knows what we do without ya," Applejack joked. "Come on newbie, let's get you fitted for your uniform," Spitfire commanded. "ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she flew off toward the barracks. ••• Mission Debriefing “Thanks to your effort, the enemy bomber strike was averted, however, our victory will be meaningless should you fail the next mission.” ••• Questions, Comments, Complements Any errors are accepted, always room for improvement Be sure to like and follow me both here and Twitter(@Pony3T)