//------------------------------// // Sky Kid // Story: The Demon Comes On Rainbow Wings // by Stellar_ //------------------------------// As she stepped into the on-base bar that was the Sky Kid, she was instantly hit with the smells and sounds that came through the door. The sound of a soft harmonica and guitar combo and quiet conversations combined with the smell of a burning wood fire and cooking food told her instantly that this would be her favorite place on the base. It was an aviation geeks dream. Memorabilia hung all over the walls. Pictures of past squadrons stationed on the base, dating from black and white photos of interwar biplanes from the 30s, to more modern supersonic jets, the most recent dated only two years ago. Collections of medals, painted pin-ups in provocative poses on metal sheets from retired aircraft, various paintings keeping with the theme, a few machine guns and other weapons, and a whole bookshelf in the corner filled with stacks of thick books. Plastic models hung from the ceiling engaged in mock dogfights while an old black and white television hung above the bar displayed the news. To the side, Gryphus and Nagase sat together, one playing a harmonica and the other strumming a guitar. This place was heaven. In awe, she crossed the room, aware of a few eyes that tracked her as she went. Ending up at the bar on the far side of the room, she sat down at one of the stools. “You’re that newbie, uh… Prism, right?” Behind the counter, a brown dragon stood, polishing a goblet that appeared to be made of solid gold and covered in encrusted jewels. “Uh… yeah, that's me.” She said, still staring at the cup. “Sanka was in here a few minutes ago talking up a storm about you. Said your pretty good.” He flipped the Goblet over, placing it top down on the counter. “Said you would be coming in, actually.” Rainbow couldn’t help but be surprised at this. “Really?” The Dragon nodded. “She seems really fixated with you, actually. I guess it's just because you two are the only females on the base. Or…” He went silent for a moment, before resuming. “Anyways, four kills for your first sortie isn’t anything to scoff at, so, as is custom...” He gestured to the casks against the wall behind him. “First drink is on the house.” “I don’t suppose you would have anything Equestrian all the way out here.” He shook his head. “Nothing currently. We’re all out, and command has more pressing matters to attend to than us running dry.” “Give me whatever you got up currently then.” The Dragon nodded and withdrew, giving Rainbow a chance to look around more. There were several faces here that she had yet to meet, most sitting around the scattered tables. A pack of Diamond Dogs played a game of cards, occasionally glancing over their shoulders. A Dragon and a Changeling sat around another one of the tables, although with the Dragon’s eyes closed and the Changeling staring off at some unknown distant object, they clearly weren’t interacting. “Here ya go.” The dragon returned, placing a glass of some kind of dark red liquid in front of her, foaming slightly. Taking one look at it, Rainbow picked up the mug and downed half of it in one go. “Ugh…” She shuddered. “That's powerful stuff.” She smacked her lips. “...Cherry?” The Dragon nodded. “Hm.” She shrugged and took another sip. Suddenly the front door slammed open, and Rainbow turned to see, to her surprise, two Changelings walk in, a scowl clear on the first one’s face, while the one following seemed much happier. While them being Changelings wasn’t in itself surprising, what was surprising was that they were pre-reformation Changelings, black body, hole-filled legs and all. “So, how was your little wild goose chase boys?” The bartender asked. The lead Changeling rolled his eyes. “Oh shut up Horde. And wipe that stupid smirk off your face and bring us some drinks will ya?” The Dragon didn’t say anything as he turned to help them, though the smirk remained. The two Changelings made their way to where the Dragon and other Changeling sat, sliding onto stools beside them. “So, you two miss us?” “Like a cold.” The Changeling didn’t take his eyes off the TV, though he got a small scowl once the two of them had sat down. He was a light purple color, and taller than the other two Changelings. “Oh, you know you love me. Right Skull?” “Fuck off Saturn.” “Whoa, okay.” The Changeling held up his hooves defensively. “Well someone's unusually pissed…” “So, judging by the scowl as you two came in, I’m guessing that not only did your little break away to chase glory end in failure to secure any kills for yourselves, you also wasted fuel and damaged your aircraft, didn't you?” Horde asked, coming up to the table. “Just give us our damn drinks, Horde.” “You’re too predictable!” Horde laughed as he returned to the counter. “So…” She leaned forward slightly. “Horde huh? Strange name for a dragon.” He shrugged. “Yeah, I get that a lot. Truthfully, it's not my actual name, just one given to me by the guys here. I come from a family a little too dead-set on keeping things traditional, and so named me in the ancient Dragon tongue.” He laughed. “No one outside my family has ever come close to pronouncing it correctly, so I stopped trying to get people to. And since I also run the PX, my “horde”, hence the name.” Rainbow nodded and drained the glass, before gesturing to the four sitting at the table. “Who’re they?” “Shift Squadron. You shoulda seen them up during the intercept, they fly Fishbeds. The big purple is Rubicon, he’s the Squadron Leader. Shift One. He’s normally pretty chill, unless he’s yelling at the rest of his squadron. Then the two twins are Saturn and Orion, Shift Two and Three. Saturn is the bigger one, in case you couldn’t tell them apart. The two of them never leave each other's side. And the Dragon is Skull. He’s the self-proclaimed badass, him and Pixy usually clash.” “So, a squadron of misfits and their handler.” She laughed. “Like I haven’t seen that before.” “Pretty much. Want a refill on that?” “No thanks. So you mentioned Pixy…” “What you want to know about?” “Just his background, you know, stuff about him.” “Mhm. Honestly, if it’s his past you want to know about, you’d have more luck asking him yourself. No one knows much, tries to keep it under wraps. All I know about him is that he apparently fought in the Changeling Civil War before signing up here, based on what he told me one time, but he hasn’t mentioned it since. Only other thing I can tell you is he never writes anyone and rarely leaves the base. So, I’m guessing he either has no family or doesn’t want to keep in touch with them.” “Hey, Horde!” The Changeling who Horde had identified as Saturn came up beside her, waving his empty mug. “I heard my name.” “Speak of the devil, I was just telling Rainbow here about you and the rest of your squadron.” “Yeah? What kinda lies you spinning about me?” He placed the mug on the counter. “Well, let's see… You’re a liar, reckless, selfish, and don’t care for anyone besides yourself. You disobey orders, and often drag you and your brother into dangerous situations where the rest of your squad has to come and bail you out. Me and everyone else on their entire base are honestly surprised you haven’t gotten yourself killed yet. Shall I go on?” The Changeling laughed. “Hey, I care for my brother too!” He turned to Rainbow. “Can you believe this? He does this with every new recruit Telling them all this crazy shit about me, trying to paint me in a bad light.” “I dunno, all the things he’s said seem pretty true from what I’ve seen. You steal kills too don’t you?” Rainbow kept her eyes straight ahead, not looking at him. “Hmm?” Before Saturn could react, he found a hoof punch him right across the face. “Ah!” The Changeling recoiled, and stumbled a bit, stepping back. “What… in the name of the Holy Mother was that for?” “That, was for my kill you stole,” Rainbow said, sitting back down. “Plus, you have a very punchable face.” In the meantime, Horde was doubled over laughing. “Oh, you should have seen the look on your face! Priceless! I love it when the new recruits get sick of your shit!” The Changeling was unamused. Glaring at Rainbow, he raised a hoof. “Why you…” “Hey!” Horde interrupted. “No fighting in my establishment!” “But…” He pointed an accusing hoof at Rainbow. “She started it!” “And you deserved it. Now sit down and don't make me throw you out again.” Saturn opened his mouth to protest, but then gave up and slid the empty mug towards Horde. “Just fill it up so I can get outta here.” “Well, that was a surprise,” Gryphus said as he and Nagase made their way over, the two of them sitting beside Rainbow. “Hey, Horde, two more over here!” “Always fun to see Saturn getting punched around,” Nagase said as Horde made his way back over, and was about to say more when the front door opened. “Hey! Pixy!” Gryphus waved the griffon over as he walked in the door, seemingly carrying something heavy on his back. Seeing Rainbow sitting there with them, the Griffon groaned and walked up to the counter, attempting to put some distance between him and the Pegasus. “Anything for you Pix?” Horde asked as he returned, three drinks in his arms. “Just another refill for this.” He heaved a metal grey-blue gas tank onto the counter. “What's this, the third this month? You know we're gonna run out of these if you keep using then at this rate. Might have to get Sanka to start welding for you.” “Heh. Never gonna happen though. Don't tell her this, but she's too imprecise to work on the small stuff I need. Where is she, by the way?” “Don't know. Working on a project probably.” Picking up the tank off the counter, he looked it over. “Ya know, I should probably start charging you more for these…” “You do that and I might actually consider getting Sanka to do the welding.” “No you won't.” “Hey, you going in back?” Rainbow asked. “I've got a request.” “...Hmm, yeah, I think I've got a few stockpiled. Have to check though.” He said after hearing what she needed. As Horde disappeared from sight behind a door, Nagase turned to Pixy. “So, Pixy, how's finally being under someone's command feeling?” “Annoying. Especially to someone who's an inferior pilot.” The last part was accompanied by a glare towards Rainbow, who just rolled her eyes. “Eh, you'll get over it.” The Griffon huffed at that. “Wait, Pixy, you got assigned as a wingman to Rainbow? What'd you do to get on their good side?” Saturn, who was still sitting there, asked Rainbow. “Nothing sexual I hope.” This received him a smack on the head from Nagase. “Don't you Changelings know how to behave in front of a Mare? I swear…” She turned to Gryphus, who was snickering. “And don't get me started with you, mister.” “Alright!” Horde returned, carrying what was requested. “Here's your thing…” He lifted a new tank onto the counter. “And, Rainbow, for you…” Placing a gun case on the counter, he slid it towards Rainbow, who opened it. “Five magazines, one assault rifle. I'm hoping you know how to use that thing.” “Of course. That's basic training.” She shut and locked it with the provided key. “Well, I'm out for tonight. Hoping to finish these modifications before next sortie.” Pixy picked up his replacement tank, hauling it over his back. “Remember to record what you modify! Manufacturers will pay lots to anyone who can improve their designs!” Horde called after him as he left. “I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive!” Pixy shouted back, the door closing behind him. “So yeah, you're definitely going to have your hooves full with him. Good luck.” Nagase patted Rainbow on the back. “Wait… Pixy got assigned as your wingman?” Horde asked, surprised. “Didn't you just arrive here?” “To be honest, I don't know exactly why they decided to pair the two of us together. Guess my record was good enough to assign me a squadron.” “You came from the Equestrian Royal Air Force, didn't you? If you were an officer there that might be why.” “Hm.” She stood. “I should get going. Got a few more things to do before I turn in for the night. Settling in, you know. Thanks for the introduction guys.” Horde smiled. “Yeah, thanks for stopping by. And make sure to stop by later and buy more of my stuff!” Nagase and Gryphus waved, but said nothing. She stepped out into the cold night once again, her breath visible in the air. She turned as the door shut behind her, and began a slow, steady trot towards the edge of the airbase, passing the command tower, service buildings, hangars, and a few of the outside barracks, before reaching what she was looking for; a low-lying building in a more army-centered portion of the base, the area it was located in clearly a staging area for tanks and other such vehicles, with garages and helicopter pads on the concrete. The shooting range. The walk over, while a relatively quick one, gave Rainbow time to look up at the night sky, the weight of the gun case clanking against her leg as she walked. It was beautiful tonight, the sky unnaturally clear after the snowstorm earlier today. With most the base lights blacked out, all the stars normally blocked by light pollution could make their appearance, shimmering silently in the sky. The moon, Luna’s moon, was at a crescent tonight, It was barely visible tonight, but it shone bright like always. She paused, and frowned slightly. Five dots that were definitely not stars moved slowly overhead. She turned her head toward the direction they were going. In the distance, the lights of Directus, Ustio’s capital. Only a little less than eighty miles away. It was going to be a hard fight. A breeze ruffled her feathers. She stepped into the range, feeling around on the wall for the light switch before flicking it on, the fluorescent lights blinking to life. It was a good size, five lanes, each with a pony-sized silhouette hung at each end, around 50 feet away. Standing at the center lane, she placed the weapon and it's accessories down on the table, the bullets clanking against the wood. The M16. She picked it up, spinning it around in her hooves. It was the main service rifle of all the Equestrian branches of the military, and countless other countries as well. It was dependable, easy to produce, and with its all-black finish, looked scary and powerful in the hooves of soldiers who wielded it. Pulling a pair of dampening headphones over her ears, she placed the loaded magazine into the gun, clipping the second one onto her chest. She held it up to her shoulder, and, feeling it's weight in her hoof and the metal of the trigger on her skin, she closed her eyes. In front of her, she formed an image. One of a pony. She could picture him clearly. She would have shuddered, but this time she was prepared. She barely even registered the first shot, the recoil unfelt and the sound muffled behind the earphones. But she saw the Stallion before her stagger, a bullet wound now square between his eyes. She growled. She emptied the full 20 round magazine into the imaginary pony, before letting it fall from the gun. Before it had even hit the ground, another was in its place. The wasn’t flashy or spectacular, but it was quick and efficient, something needed in the middle of a firefight. The last bullet casing fell to the floor with a clatter of brass. The weapon empty, she let it drop slightly. Letting it now hang at her side, she stepped up and called back the hanging target. Forty holes, all in the face and body. She smiled. Good to see she hadn't gotten rusty. From the outside, Pixy pulled back from the window, scowling. He had seen enough. He watched his cloudy breath dissipate in the air. So, it was clear that what he had read from her file was true, though it was clear it didn’t hold the full story. He turned and looked back at Rainbow. She had only shown up early that morning, and was instantly given an officers rank and command of her own small squadron. From what he had seen during today's mission, her flying clearly marked her as someone who had extensive experience flying, so she wasn’t some civilian flyer out here for the thrill. And the reload she had demonstrated was taught to special forces members. But she had come from the Equestrian Air Force. It was clear Equestria would join the war any day now, they had been supporting ISAF since the beginning. So then why was she here, when she could have simply fought when her squadron was deployed? She was running, he concluded. He looked up towards the starry sky. What could she be possibly be running from that she had to leave Equestria and end up all the way out here? He sighed and began to walk back towards the Sky Kid. Well, it's not like he could blame her. They were all running out here.