//------------------------------//
// Tally-Ho 
// Story: The Final Crusade 
// by Enfield 
//------------------------------//

The month of July seemed to be nothing but endless rain and humidity that was unbearable to be in. But one day was the perfect summers day, there were no clouds in the sky, the temperature was perfect and there was no humidity or wind. James picked this particular day to see if his Spitfire was in flying shape, Dave took James and the Crusaders to the flying club airport where Dave and James learned to fly. The hanger that held the Spitfire sat on the other side of the airport, James took the Crusaders down to the hangar while Dave filled out forms in the club office. James unlocked the door to the hangar and switched on the lights. The lights took some time to power on, once they did, light flooded the hangar and revealed a Mark II Supermarine Spitfire. 

The plane was a two seater training aircraft with the classic camouflage and decals. The propeller had five props and the wings still had holes where the guns were mounted.
“Here she is,” James said running his hand across the wing.
“Why did you bring us here?” Sweetie Bell asked. 
“So you can see what I can fly,” said James, he dropped his flight bag and started to examine the front of the plane. 
“So you’re going to fly this today for us?” asked Apple Bloom. 
“That and something else,” James said turning to face the Crusaders, “One of you has always wanted to experience flight, they did once and now because of what one of you did a while ago I’m going to let you fly with me.”
“Wait,” Scootaloo said pointing at herself, “You mean me?” 
“You’ve earned it,” James said, “So, are you coming?”
Scootaloo couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Take me with you,” she said over and over again as she jumped up and down. 
“I will, I will,” James chuckled, “First I wanted to show you the modifications we had to fit to the plane.”

Scootaloo moaned but followed James as he showed the modifications that were fitted to the Spitfire. James explained that the plane had to be up to federal standards in order to be allowed to fly, the plane cockpit was fitted with a modern GPS and radar along with improved communication. The engine had been improved so it could fly at greater speeds and fly at higher altitudes, James also pointed out the larger fuel tank that was fitted, new tires were fitted as well. 
“So is that all?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Come on, I want to fly already,” Scootaloo whined. 
“There are a few more things I want to show you,” James said walking under one of the wing tips, “Do you see these here?”
James was pointing to a series of small red cubes inserted into the wing. The Crusaders each looked at them closely.
“What are they?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Flares,” said James, “Each one is a cluster of three.” 
“Why do you need flares?” asked Sweetie Bell.
“Just in case a missile comes after me,” James said, “One set of flares dumped and I’m free.”
“How will you know if there’s a missile chasing you?” Scootaloo asked, a little unbelieving of what James had fitted to the plane.
“I had a defensive sensor system installed along with a targeting system that replaced the old gun sights,” James said.
“Wait,” Apple Bloom said, “This thing is armed?” 
“Four machine guns and two cannons,” said James, “All of which are fully functional but unloaded for now. There’s also a smoke dispenser that I wanted fitted in case I end up at an airshow.” 
“Come on lets go,” Scootaloo said, a little annoyed because she knew that James was deliberately stalling. 
“Alright I’ve kept you here long enough,” James said, “Let’s wheel this out of here and set it up in the open. 

James and the Crusaders managed to pull the Spitfire out of the hangar and park it out on the grass next to the runway. As James preformed the preflight checks Dave came back from the office.
“Have you seen it up close?” Dave asked. 
“How old is it?” Sweetie Bell asked. 
“Older than my dad if that’s what you’re asking,” said James. The Crusaders laughed a little.
“Very funny,” said Dave.
“Can we get this over with?” Scootaloo asked, “I’m starting to get bored.” 
“Almost done,” said James. 

After several minutes James had the Spitfire ready for takeoff, he helped Scootaloo into the rear seat and then clambered into the pilots seat himself. As Scootaloo strapped herself in James handed her a headset, as she put it on she couldn’t help but notice James wrapping a long white scarf around his neck. 
“What are you doing?” Scootaloo asked.
“Making sure I stay warm,” James said strapping on his helmet, “You’re fine but I always get a draft hitting me when I fly over a thousand feet.” 
“What do I have to do back here?” Scootaloo asked.
“Sit back and enjoy the ride,” James said, he then switched to a banter accent “Chocks away!” 

James started the engine and the Spitfire roared into life, releasing the brakes James steered the plane onto the runway. He lined the plane up in the middle of the runway and tried to get a better look of the landing strip.
“I have no idea how much tarmac is in front of me,” James said, “Never mind, I’ll make do with what I’ve got.”
“Can we take off?” Scootaloo asked.
“I might get a little bumpy but yes,” said James. 
James pushed the throttle to the max, once he gained enough speed the plane leveled out and he saw that the runway was about to end.
“Here we go!” he said pulling the stick back. The Spitfire slowly raised off the ground and then ascended into the sky. James retracted the landing gear and turned the plane around. 
“I need to say this now Scootaloo,” James said, “If you feel a little airsick tell me and I’ll ease up a bit and try to fly as straight as I can. Also if you feel as if you can’t keep your  lunch down there are a few bags in the pocket to the right of you.” 
“Thanks James,” Scootaloo said, “But why are you telling me this?” 
“Because of this!” said James. He pulled the joystick back and then had the plane turn sharply to the left, Scootaloo was screaming, James could tell that it wasn’t screaming because she was scared but excited. James knew that he was probably make Scootaloo a little queasy but she would thank him later, he then leveled the Spitfire out.
“You okay back there?” he asked.
“Again!” Scootaloo shouted, “I want to tell Rainbow Dash about this.” 
“You can tell her you pulled off a barrel roll,” said James, and with that he had the plane spin several times, he stopped and pulled off a few more tricks. Scootaloo couldn’t have been happier, she told James all of Rainbow Dash’s tricks and James recreated them as he flew. After a while James stopped so he could recover from the dizziness, he also checked up on Scootaloo who had grown quiet. 

“Are you alright?” he asked.
“You’re the best,” said Scootaloo.
“You’re a little quiet,” said James, “You feeling okay?” 
“I’m fine,” said Scootaloo, “Just a little glad that you’re not doing any more tricks.” 
“How’s about we do a flyover of the club?” James asked, “You can see all the planes from up here.” 
“Sure, I bet Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell will want to see this,” said Scootaloo. 
James flew over the flying club and circled the area looking for his dad with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell.
“Over there by the building,” said Scootaloo. 
James span the plane around and banked to see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell waving up at them, Scootaloo waved back and James responded with a British salute. James flipped the Spitfire over and gave a small wave to his dad then flipped the plane back upright and flew around the airport so he could land. 

After the landing James and Dave put the Spitfire away in the hangar, James realized that Scootaloo was still in the back. James clambered up the wing to get her out as Dave locked the main doors to the hangar.
“Are you okay?” asked James.
“Never been better,” Scootaloo said. 
“Come on, we have to go now,” James said helping Scootaloo out of the cockpit. 
“I’m done with flying for a few days,” said Scootaloo, “Those were some amazing tricks you pulled off.” 
“Let’s save this conversation for later, I need to lie down,” said James.

He and Scootaloo left the hangar and James locked the door when they were outside. James felt a little dizzy from his flying but he was getting used to it, Scootaloo on the other hand looked a little green but perfectly happy. After a long and careful drive James and the Crusaders were back home and once James was through the door he went to his room and collapsed on his bed. Scootaloo followed and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell couldn’t resist joining them. It had been a long and exciting day for Scootaloo, she felt a little guilt because Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell didn’t get a chance to be in the plane. 
“Hey James,” Scootaloo said, “Why not next time you take Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell in your Spitfire?” 
“Great idea Scootaloo,” said James, “How about it, kids?”
“I don’t really like flying,” said Sweetie Bell. 
“I did have one experience flying,” said Apple Bloom, “It didn’t end well.” 
“Aw really?” James said.
“Thanks for the offer though,” said Apple Bloom.
James shrugged and lay back and let the Crusaders use his TV. James sat there with them wondering how they would get back to Equestria. But a few more problems arose; Had they forgotten where they came from? Would they be willing to go if they were able to get back? What would Rarity and Applejack think of him for taking in their little sisters but exposing them to extreme danger such as the bombs and the hurricane? James told himself to not think about it until that day arrived, that is, if it did.