Ace combat: Shattered Rainbows

by Brotato

Chapter 1

Over the past several years, scientists in Canterlot had discovered amazing breakthroughs in technology and magic. Following these breakthroughs brought many new inventions, one of them being the jet engine. This technology easily brought a golden age to Equestria's borders. The Princesses, Celestia and Luna, saw the many economic advantages with this technology. They Immediately used it for transportation of ponies and goods across the known world, thus solidifying itself as the fastest growing nation in the world.

Months after these discoveries, Equestria found itself under attack by the Gryphon Kingdoms up north. The Gryphons managed to steal and use their once peaceful technology to advance their borders with military might. Unable to fight against such a foe without their own aircraft,  Celestia quickly formed the branch known as "The Equestrian Royal Air Force", or ERAF.

Equestria was forced to further develop their military to prevent the gryphon invasion forces and funding skyrocketed as the war continued. While Equestria developed their jet fighters, the gryphons were already upon Canterlot. It took several days, but the capital of Equestria started to fall. As a last desperate action, Celestia offered herself as a prisoner. In exchange they would not hurt her little ponies, allowing them to retreat south. The gryphons agreed on the terms, shackling the sun princess while her subjects and Luna reluctantly retreated to the south.

A month had passed as the invading nation seemed sedated for capturing Equestria's capital. Luna, along with everypony who retreated and followed her, settled at Hoofington air base located far to the south. With the scientists with her, they continued their developement of a fighter jet to counter the gryphons.

Luna knew sooner or later the gryphons wouldn't be happy with just half the nation. They continued their conquest across Equestria during the spring. She was pleased however that their own aircraft was ready for deployment and sent them against the enemy. With a way to fight back, both nations found themselves at a stalemate. Wherever the enemy would attack, they were met with fierce resistance from Luna's fighters.

After several weeks of no sucess in advancing further, a cease-fire was ordered by the Gryphon Kingdoms. Surprised, but pleased the war had ceased momentarily, Luna agreed on the terms. She could only hope for a diplomatic solution...

Lightning Spark always awoke at 4:00 A.M. on the dot. He would then take a quick shower and afterwords get dressed into his cleanly pressed Navy blue flight-suit. His living quarters had been fitted for his tastes; mainly focusing on the necessities. Anything else he needed could be easily located on-base.

After finished with zipping up his suit, he stepped outside and stood in front of the auxiliary barracks. It was made from stone, just like the main barracks located inside Headquarters. The only difference was instead of bunk beds, it had single beds. Getting one of the rooms was considered a luxury, since privacy was so rare.

The cool Autumn breeze blew several leaves passed him, ruffling his black mane and tickled wherever his flight-suit wasn’t covering his yellow coat. Hoofington Air Force base was usually quiet this early, leaving him to do whatever he pleased for roughly two hours, occasionally spending his time at the gym or the small library.

He learned recently that a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle was to thank for the little sanctuary of literature. One of the off-duty guards who joined him in the library mentioned she was from Ponyville when the gryphons attacked. She risked her life to recover these books before they burned down her entire collection. Lightning had asked where Twilight Sparkle was now, but the guard merely shrugged.

Today was not a time for leisurely pursuit's however. He had received an order by his superiors to wait in front hangar one, which contained his jet. It was odd they left him with an order without a reason. While he followed the “I say jump, you say how high” rule, it didn’t make sense to just leave him alone outside. An idea started growing in his mind.

Maybe this is punishment for something I’ve done? I don't think I did anything wrong. Lightning then remembered the order was given to him by an infamous officer named Dusk Shine.

Dusk was always uptight, always wishing to impress his own superiors. Even if it meant trampling over some pony, it was worth it to him. Lightning didn't like him at all and sometimes wanted to kick his flank, but always held his hoof back. Better to just follow orders and blend in with the rest of the pilots.

He thought up other ideas. “Maybe he’s getting back at me for stealing that last piece of cake during Cloud Runner’s birthday? He was saving it for himself after all... but he already had two slices during the party! His imagination wasn’t helping as the ideas got more dreadful.

“Oh gods, could it be another jet inspection? Maybe Luna is coming personally! I haven’t cleaned my jet for a while now." Thinking for a moment, he shook his head. "No that wouldn’t make sense, I already had my inspection this month. Come to think of it... I Still don’t know who put those bags of sun chips in the cockpit.”

While deep in thought of other terrifying scenarios that awaited him, he visited the cafeteria for a cup of coffee to help calm his nerves. Most ponies swore on the stuff, treating it like a holy nectar. Lightning wasn’t acquainted of where the pungent liquid came from. It was pretty abundant though compared to tea leaves. Most forms of caffeine were from tea farms all over Equestria before the war. Unfortunately, being at war stresses luxuries inside the borders, and tea--especially the rare brews--was being treated like gold.

After strolling out to the front of his Hangar, he took a sip of his coffee as the edge of the sun appeared over the horizon, welcoming every pony the beginning of a new day. The base was just beginning to slowly bustle with activity as ponies woke up. Aircraft periodically took off and landed on the many runways next to the HQ in front of him. From behind stood Hangar One, along with eleven other wood hangars, each filled with several military aircraft. Finishing the small paper cup of coffee, he trotted over and tossed it in the nearest recycle bin before returning to his spot.

He pondered if it would hurt to get another cup, since there were no pony around keeping an eye on him. The only ones he saw were officers, but they were too busy talking amongst one another to even care. or the occasional lone Pegasus flying above, simply to stretch their wings. No, it was too risky. The last thing he wants is to get chewed out over a silly reason as getting a cup of coffee. Looking toward the sky, he closed his eyes; silently asking the cool air how much longer he had to wait.

“Hey! are you Lightning spark?”

Snapping out of his reverie, he looked up at the pale-blue mare who was hovering above him. “Yes, that’s my name. Do you need something, Miss?” He blinked several times, staring at her rainbow mane. “That has got to be dyed. Is dying your mane even allowed here?”

“Name’s Rainbow Dash and I’d prefer you drop the Miss. You’re making me feel old.” Landing in front of Lightning, she noticed him staring at her mane. “And no, It’s not dyed. All natural baby!”

“Uh-Huh.” Unamused, he glanced at her mane once more before continuing. “Anyway, you still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”

“Don’t get your mane in a bunch, flycolt. I’m just here to greet my new partner.” Still slightly grinning, her eyes gauged him up and down as if he challenged her to a race.

Lightning mentally smacked himself. He completely forgot the base had been looking for a replacement after his late partner, Pegasus Two, was shot down. “Oh no.” He cringed as a painful memory came back to him in a vivid flashback, causing his head to slump forward.

It was a trap. They had lost ten pilots during the skirmish over Ponyville and the situation didn’t look good. Locked in combat with numbers larger than theirs, he saw his best friend and partner get shot down.

“Eject Mist, eject!” he yelled into his helmet, purple smoke billowed out of the plane as it descended into the Everfree forest. He couldn’t see the plane after it entered the woods, but the line of smoke moving across showed it sliding a great distance before coming to a stop. Several seconds later, his partner’s plane let out a loud thundering boom as something finally triggered the magical fuel. All he could remember afterward was the sore throat as he screamed out her name.

His mental scream followed him back as he snapped out of the flashback. “Mist!” he gasped.

“Whoa. Lightning, you alright?” Rainbow’s face had a mix of confusion and apprehension as she took a step back. Lightning slumped after the sudden disorienting flashback ended. “I-I’m fine. Just the images are becoming more vivid. I’m sorry if I startled you, please don’t let this get in the way of our conversation.” He rubbed his forehead slowly, waiting for the slight dizziness to dissipate. “Where were we? Something about cupcakes, right?” He pathetically tried to change the subject.

She continued to stare at him, then raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re alright? You were standing there, looking at the ground for a good minute. Who’s Mist?”

Lightning stopped rubbing his forehead and glared into Dash’s eyes, which only made her glare back into his. “Everything is fine.”

“Oh, sorry. I guess a pony acting strange, then suddenly being angry for being asked a question is normal?”

“Yes... yes it is.” He didn’t want to tell her about his handicap. It would only make him weird in her eyes. The strange looks his friends gave him after telling them didn’t help.

“Look, either you tell me or I’ll talk with some pony to get you some... help.”.

“Stubborn mule,” he muttered, before letting out a long sigh. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but only if you promise to not tell any pony about my side of the story. There’s certain parts of this story I’d like to be kept secret.”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Following it up with a hoof in her closed left eye, Rainbow repeated the odd secret swear.

Furrowing his brow at the strange motion, he continued. “I first met Mist Dancer during flight duels on base, said we had to do it to keep moral up or some other reason. We used some of the older jet models and paint-balls for ammo, nothing lethal of course; officers prefer to keep their pilots alive. At the finals, both of us were the only pilots left. We were more like rivals than friends back then and I’m not bragging when I say I ‘shot her down’ easily. She set herself up to falling unconscious by ejecting out of the plane during a high-g turn. After ditching my plane and catching her did I learn she was testing me; trying to find out if I’m more then another skilled pilot who kills. I remember her telling me, ‘With our wings we fly, but through our hearts will others soar’. We became good friends after that and watched each others backs in future sorties.” He let out a chuckle. “To this day, I still wonder what she meant by that.”

“So what then?” Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable by sitting down while listening to his story.

Smiling, Lightning shook his head. “I appreciate that you’re listening to my past, but maybe I’ll tell you the rest later. Besides, I still need to introduce you to your jet.” Turning around and trotting to the Hangar door, he decided to spark casual conversation. “So how did your training go? I hope you learned something useful.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah I learned a little bit of this and that. Too bad the classes were as boring as watching clouds dissipate.” Her mouth let out a smirk. “Not like the best flier in Equestria needs training anyway.”

Lightning turned his head around. “Best flier in Equestria? I highly doubt that.”

Her jaw hung for a second before recovering. “I can’t believe ponies still have never heard of me. I invented the sonic rainboom for Celestia sake!”

Rolling his eyes and leaning down, he bit the door handle. The Hangar door creaked as Lightning slowly shifted it to the side. Finally opening it enough to get a good look at the jets inside, he spat out the handle. “So, what do you think?”

Both jets had the color of dark grey with a lighter shade on the bottom; the jet to the left looked in pristine condition, as if brand new. If she stood under it, she would have found each wing would be slightly larger than her full wingspan. The icon of the Lunar Royal Air Force--Luna’s cutie mark--was painted proudly on the right side of the vertical fin. The jet on the left had the number “Zero-Two” in bold font below it, while the jet on the right had the number “Zero-One”.

She glanced at the two airplanes and was immediately disappointed. "Lightning, why are they so... Dull looking?” She pointed a hoof at his plane. “There are cooler colors besides grey.”

“We’re in the ERAF, Rainbow, not arts and crafts class.”

The aircraft was most likely part of her training, but he thought it would be best to continue introductions anyway. Walking up next to his jet, he put his hoof on the wheel. “This is the F-16 Pegasus, it’s the most widely used fighter jet in Equestria. As a multi-role fighter, this baby can be fitted with anything from missiles to bombs, allowing it to complete any mission given.” Looking at the expression on Rainbow Dash’s face, it’s current objective of looking cool, was not going well.

“I still think it could be cooler.”

Putting a hoof to his forehead, he gave out a heavy sigh. “There’s more to jets besides dressing it up to look cool. A new paint job isn’t going to save you from a missile to the flank. In fact, you’ll just draw attention to yourself if your plane is different from the others. The last thing you want to do is get pointed out by the enemy.”

“Jeeze, you sound like the instructor in my flight class,” she groaned. “I prefer to go with a shock and awe approach. When they see my plane, they know who’s flying against them.”

“I admire your spirit Rainbow, but you have to get a reputation first. Have you ever heard the pilot call signs Mobius or Talisman?” He gave Rainbow a disapproving stare when she shook her head. “And she wonder’s why I’ve never heard of her before,” he thought. “I heard Mobius was the first Pegasus to take out a plane using his hooves after his aircraft was shot down. Talisman managed downing five enemy aircraft by himself, without a dent on him. What have you done besides whine about your plane?” His agitation was getting the best of him.

Rainbow Dash glared daggers at her partner. “Yeah well, I’ve yet to show what I can do. I’m full of potential, just you wait. I can fly just as awesome as any of those ponies!” she exclaimed loudly, shaking her hoof at him in anger.

As he stared at the hoof in his face, Lightning berated himself. She had a point after all. Mobius and Talisman started off just like her, a lowly rookie. Although, he did not think they were known for boasting their skill; he could only hope her ego was as good as her piloting. “I’m sorry Rainbow, I got kinda carried away there. You’re right, you still have time to prove yourself. I look forward to having you as a partner.”

Caught off guard by his change of attitude, she smirked. “Glad you’re finally starting to see things my way!”

“Let’s just say you beat your awesome into my noggin.” Bonking his own head, they both shared a short laugh. “I would gladly introduce you to Pegasus Two and three, but they’re probably still waking up. Is there anything else about my team you’re curious about?”

“Not at the moment, but I’ll let you know if I have any questions. Besides, I plan to meet Fluttershy at Hangar five after this.”

“Friend of yours, I assume?”

“Yeah, she joined the ERAF about a week ago and no pony told me. She’s very timid and easy to frighten.” Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck, nervously. “Actually, I’m hoping to make her leave. She’s not exactly military material and I fear something might happen to her.”

“Hm.” Putting a hoof to his mouth thoughtfully. “You don’t mind If I join you? I was going to the cafeteria, but my stomach can wait for now. Besides, maybe I can help change her mind.”

“A stallion who doesn’t put his stomach as priority? That’s a first,” Rainbow Dash laughed. “Sure just be careful, she’s really shy around strangers. Just don’t do any sudden movements... Or look at her... Or say Hi... Actually just stand still and not say anything at all.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Lightning reassured her, already making his way to Hangar five. “If she had the heart to join the ERAF, I’m sure everything will be fine.” Hearing a loud sigh behind him, Rainbow followed along-side.

“I said you’d scare her. She doesn’t take strangers very well.” Rainbow Dash planted a hoof on her face.

“I was just trying to be--”

“By coming up behind her like that? Look how that turned out,” she interrupted, pointing at the yellow and pink ball hiding behind another pony. Sighing, Rainbow walked up to her. “Fluttershy, he’s a friend. You need to stop being scared of every pony you meet.” She groaned when no response was given. “Lightning, go... stand over there.” Shoving her wing leader a couple hoof-steps back, it seemed to help as the timid mare peeked around the pony she was taking cover behind.

“Oh, OK.” Cautiously leaving her cover, she threw a nervous glance at Lightning. “Hello, Rainbow. How are you?”

"Great! though if Mr.Cloud-for-brains would’ve listened to me he would not of scared you so much.” She shot an irritated look Lightning’s way.

Lightning returned the look, but said nothing, else he might scare the timid Pegasus again.

“It’s all right, he was just being friendly. I was so busy talking with my friend here that I didn’t notice him behind me.”

Rainbow and Lightning both looked at her friend, who decided to place herself right next to Fluttershy. She had a bright red mane tipped with orange and a tan coat; her teal eyes were busy switching between them curiously. Rainbow was the first to speak. “And you are...?”

Fluttershy’s eyes shot up. “Oh! I’m so sorry for not introducing you. This is Flare Chaser, she was with me in my classes yesterday.”

Flare Chaser, nodded. “Pleased to meet you both. Fluttershy told me all about you Rainbow Dash.” She looked sideways at Lightning. “I don’t believe I’ve met you before though.”

“Lightning Spark, leader of 1st Pegasus wing, and I believe I’ve heard your name before. You’re part of the recently created AWACS team, correct?”

Her eyes lit up when he mentioned the acronym. “Yes, actually. That’s why I was speaking to Fluttershy here. She did an amazing job yesterday, I just wanted to congratulate her myself.” She glanced over at the pink maned pony who looked away and blushed.

Rainbow tipped her head in confusion. "A whack what now?"

"AWACS stands for Airborne Warning And Control System." Fluttershy quietly mumbled, still slightly red from all the praise she had gotten from Flare.

"Correct. She’ll be with my team to fly in that baby over there." She pointed a hoof at the large airplane outside of Hangar five, a strange protruding disc above it. "We use it as a mobile command and information center during missions. It receives and sends important mission updates to pilots directly from HQ, letting them have a vast advantage over the enemy.”

"Tending to so many animals in the past helped my multi-tasking skills, which I hear is very important for this job.” Fluttershy piped up. "I like to think each pilot I work with is an animal to care for. Knowing I'm always watching out for them, making sure they return home."

“Odd, I don’t see any weapons to defend itself. You sure this is safe?” Rainbow Dash was busy looking the large plane over.

Flare nodded. "My AWACS team is usually high in the air, far away from combat airspace. If any enemy planes try to attack, our allies have plenty of time to shoot them down.”

“I really look forward to working with this team, Rainbow. I hope you’re not mad at me for doing this.” Fluttershy stared at the ground somberly. “I know how you hate your friends being in harm’s way.”

Rainbow Dash gave her a stunned look, which caused her to fidget uncomfortably. "No, Fluttershy I’m not mad. To be honest, I came over trying to make you leave the ERAF, but now I see this is something you really want to do. I don’t want to keep you from doing something you really want to do.”

Fluttershy let out a bright smile. “Thank--”

Suddenly, loudspeakers across the base turned on, static filled the air before a voice spoke up. "Attention! wings one and two, please report to the briefing room." Obvious tension was in the pony’s voice as the loudspeaker continued to repeat the message. With a click, the voice and static ended.

Flare Chaser nodded at both jet pilots. "That’s your cue. It was nice meeting the both of you."

"Yeah, same here." Rainbow chuckled. "See you both later. Come on Lightning, let’s see what this is all about." They took to the air, zipping over to headquarters where the briefing was being held. “I’m sure it’s just a drill.”

"This isn't a drill every pony." A beige unicorn in dark-blue officers uniform and slacks was pacing in front of a projector in the dark. The image of Equestria's borders’ displayed on the far wall. All of the Northwest was under gryphon control. They were also pushing far east, making Hoofington AFB completely cut off from eastern Equestria via land. The image did not make the war effort look in their favor.

Rainbow Dash casually leaned against a wall, listening halfheartedly. Most of the seats were empty, since it was meant to hold all six wings in one briefing. She looked casually around the darkness and spotted Lightning sitting across the room.

"At about oh-six-hundred, one hour ago, we received an alert from Canterbury air force base to the east. We immediately sent two response scout aircraft to investigate. Once they were over Canterbury airspace, we immediately lost radio contact with them." Slight murmuring filled the room, which died down as the projector switched to a new image.

It was an aircraft, but Lightning sure as hay never seen it before. It's entire frame was sleek and long. Painted dark green and brown in the pattern of camouflage netting. What really stood out of the picture was the symbol on the tail fin. A long golden feather, surrounded with white border and black background. The number four in black bold underneath.

"This image was sent from one of our scouts, just before losing contact with them. It only proves our worst fears. The gryphon Kingdom has finally broke their own cease-fire pact." There was a pause in his speech as he let realization settled into every pony's mind. "You'll all be leaving for Canterbury Air Force Base in one hour.” Turning off the projector, he turned on the lights. "All of you, get suited up and be prepped for take-off in one hour. Good luck pilots.”

Rainbow Dash returned from the briefing to find Lightning in front of their Hangar, waiting for her. Slight fear tinged in her voice. "Hey Lightning, do you really think the gryphons are finally attacking?"

He shrugged, seeming to take the briefing as normal news. "It was bound to happen sooner or later.” He glanced at the equipment she had gathered. “You all set?"

"Yeah, yeah,” waving a hoof disarmingly. “Just like one of our drills right? Except... “ swallowing hard, “live combat." She could feel her heart racing, deep down she hoped this was all a sick joke or false alarm.

"Don't let your nerves get to you Rainbow. Just follow my lead and we'll both make it back safe and sound. I promise, Alright?" He let out a small smile which she returned.

"Yeah, let's get flying!"

They both flew up into their designated aircraft, going through routine checks to make sure everything was working properly. Crew-pony’s ran around their planes, doing last-minute inspections. One pony stood next to each open canopy, each carrying two teardrop shaped metal coverings. Rainbow Dash had learned about the strange devices in class. Called Wingdings, they kept her wings slightly open while surrounded by several soft elastics to keep them from getting tired or sore. Any movement her wings made, the plane responded. If she pulled her wings toward her body, the plane would go down. If she spread them, the plane would go up. Turns were slightly tricky. She could tilt the plane by having the corresponding wing expand, but then had to open her other wing to pull up.

The rest of the controls involved two pedals below her that allowed for precise horizontal movement, a throttle lever to the left for acceleration and at last the control stick to her right. It was simple compared to the devices on her wings. Front trigger fired guns, missiles were fired using the button covered by a safety switch on top. Usually the plane’s control stick controlled movement, but had been disabled since pegasai used wingdings.

After the pony secured the devices over her wings and connected it to the aircraft, she gave him quick thanks. Leaning back into the soft chair, two indents in back kept the devices from feeling uncomfortable; she was surprised how snug the entire plane felt, like it was an extension of herself. Seeing everything ready on the inside, both canopies were sealed.

Lightning was the first to leave the Hangar with Rainbow close behind as they entered the runway. Putting on her helmet, the speakers turned on as the control tower instructed pilots using the runways.

"Pegasus One, you are cleared for take-off. Good Luck sir.”

The back of Lightning's jet immediately roared even louder as he throttled the engine. Zooming down the runway and into the sky. Rainbow dash slowly steered her plane in place, excitement boiling over.

"Pegasus Two, the sky is yours."

“Don't I know it,” Rainbow Dash grinned, Strapping the helmet's oxygen mask over her mouth, she pushed the thrust lever forward. The plane shook slightly from the sudden movement as she sped down the runway. Halfway down she slowly pushed her wings open as the plane took off into the sky. She could feel her heart fluttering. After so many drills and training, she still loved the feeling of take off; even if she could not feel the wind in her mane. Watching the altitude indicator on her screen increase steadily, it began to close in on one-thousand feet. Pulling in her wings to even out her pitch, she flew into formation right next to Lightning sparks’ aircraft.

His voice spoke up over the head-set. “Wait until every pony has taken off then we'll all go at once. From what I hear, your friend Fluttershy will be joining us today on this flight."

“Yeah, yeah, Proper procedure and all that.” She looked out her canopy as they banked to the right. Several more aircraft were waiting to take-off and they soon would be making their way east. A shiver ran up her spine. She did not know if it was the excitement of flying or their mission, but something felt wrong. She repeated in her mind what Lightning said, to calm herself down. “Just follow his order’s and we’ll make it back. Sounds easy enough.”

Finally, all planes were in the air. Rainbow Dash counted eight jets total. After circling twice around the base, they all formed into a tight 'V' formation toward Canterbury.

“So I says, ‘Answer that and stay fashionable’.” Pegasus Eight had repeated the joke at least five times during the flight and it wasn’t getting any funnier.

Pegasus Seven spoke up. “It’s not funny anymore, Rain.”

“Both of you, cut the chatter.” The leader of wing group two, Pegasus Five, had had enough.

Rainbow Dash opened a private channel with Lightning. "Always breathtaking to be up this far, huh?" Rainbow glanced out the left side of her canopy. Far away, she could barely make out the southern tip of the mountain range over the horizon where Canterlot lie. To the right was endless sea and below several spots of cloud cover hid the bay called Bridle shores.

"Every time." Lightning responded simply.

“Got a long flight ahead of us... “ Rainbow nudged, hoping for him to continue that story of his.

“That we do.”
Rainbow was starting to get frustrated with his short answers and decided to take a direct approach. “Look, we don’t have anything better to do. Why don’t you continue your story about you and Mist?”

“Oh... Oh!“ He slowly said, realization creeping into his mind. “Sorry, didn’t get the hint. I suppose I can tell a little bit more.” Setting the aircraft to autopilot, he thought for a moment where he left off. “After several skirmishes against the gryphons I noticed we were getting... closer. You know that feeling you get when you see something you want, but you cannot take it? Well, that’s how I felt every time I saw her, but I couldn’t tell her, not yet at least. I remember being stupid and over-stepping my bounds once. ‘We’re in a war Lightning, romance is the least of my priorities’, she said to me. Though that look she gave me, meant something else entirely.”

“Whoa, Lightning. Settle down with the steamy romance. I’d like to see outside of my jet.”

“Sorry, just she sure was something. It’s too bad... “

Rainbow noticed the sadness in his voice. “What’s too bad?”

He couldn't tell her. Why couldn’t he tell her? “It’s so simple idiot. just open your mouth and say, she’s dead Rainbow! dead! I couldn’t save the one pony I loved because I wasn’t good enough. I’m not some ace pilot she thought she saw in me!” He thought up other stupid reasons to hate and loath himself, but pushed them away and tried to calm himself down. After several deep ragged breaths, he succeeded. Looking at his hooves he said quietly, “what’s wrong with me?”

“What the hay are you going on about now?” Rainbow asked, starting to get irritated in not getting a straight answer.

A familiar soft voice piped up before he could respond. "A-Attention all wings. My name is Fluttershy of the 1st AWACS team. Just want to say how happy we are to be joining you today on your mission. Good luck every pony!" Her voice dimmed, as if she sounded far away. “Was that loud enough?”

Glad that there was some pony else to talk to, Lightning cleared his throat. "Glad to have you with us Fluttershy. What is your teams’ name if we need to get in contact with them?"

"Oh, um, Shy Eye."

"Understood, stay safe Shy Eye."

Looking up, Rainbow Dash spotted the large plane flying over them higher in the sky. "Hey Flutter--Shy Eye, this is your first mission, isn’t it?"

"Oh, yes. Flare Chaser said it would be a good way to show what I can really do out in the field. I hope I don't let any pony down."

Rainbow Dash sympathized. “Yeah, same here. I'm sure we’ll both do great."

Several more minutes of quiet flying and the mountain ranges were far behind them. The clouds below became more dense, preventing any pony from seeing them at ground level. They would be in Canterbury airspace soon.
.
Flare Chaser spoke this time. "Canterbury AFB will be at range in thirty seconds. Prepare for possibility of aerial combat every pony."

All planes loosened formation, widening across the sky as they approached their destination. Rainbow Dash double checked armaments to take her mind off the expected battle. “Guns, check. Missiles, check. Flares, OK--”

"All planes, evasive maneuvers! missiles incoming!"

Rainbow froze up at the sound of a missile lock coming from her console. Several long white objects with grey smoke trails started rapidly approaching below. Training suddenly kicking in, she released flares and pointed her plane nose up to avoid it. They immediately lost their lock and exploded harmlessly into the sky behind her. "Where did those come fr--?!" A loud explosion rocked her plane, interrupted her thoughts. Looking toward the explosion, one missile managed to hit a target. The jet turned into a fireball as it plummeted, disappearing into the thick cloud cover.

"Pegasus Six has been shot down! her voice was distant now, talking to the rest of her crew. "Find who is firing at our planes. why are they not showing up on our radar?!"

As if being called out, a camouflage colored plane shot through the cloud cover below and began opening fire on Pegasus Seven, ripping the aircraft to shreds. The enemy aircraft flipped and began to fly back into the clouds.

"Come on Rainbow, we're going after him." Lightning's voice tinged with anger as his airplane zoomed down, with Rainbow close behind. The enemy aircraft reached below the clouds as they slowly began closing the distance between them. As soon as they broke through the clouds, another enemy aircraft strafed from the side. It’s gun buzzing, missing Rainbow’s plane by inches.

Lightning fired off orders to his wing. "Pegasus Two, split off and engage the new aircraft; I'll join after dealing with this one. Pegasus Three and four, they may be baiting us away from the AWACS. Stay above the clouds and protect them.” He pressed a button, switching communications to Wing Leader Two. “Pegasus Five, can you follow us below the clouds with the rest of your wing?”

“What’s left of it.” Wing leader two said grimly.

“It looks like more are coming from the north, count maybe three. Think you and Pegasus Eight can handle them? We’ll assist when we’re done with these targets.”

“Roger, Pegasus One. Breaking cloud cover... now.”

Lightning saw Wing leader two and Pegasus Eight burst from the cloud cover above and immediately shred two of the planes; the last one bugged out, retreating.

“Nice use of their own medicine Pegasus Five!”

It was the beginning of the fight and already two of their eight planes were shot down. Following Lightning's earlier order, Rainbow nodded to herself. The sleek jet that strafed her was turning to make another run. Facing her plane toward his, she began to play chicken. The familiar beep of some one locking another missile began to ring out in her cockpit. Keeping the plane in sight, her own missile began to lock-on, but it was too late. The loud whine of the enemy finally locking to her plane, followed by a missile, forced her to fire flares and roll out of the way. After the plane flew by, she lowered her thrust and made a high-G turn. The turn made her suddenly feel light-headed, but she was where she wanted to be, right behind the enemy plane. Her jet began the process of a missile lock again as the jet quickly began flying out of range. “Come on... Come on!”

The plane was about to leave range when a small red square on her screen surrounded the enemy aircraft. “Pegasus two, Fox One!" I always wanted to say that. Using her hoof deftly to flick the safety up on her control stick, she firmly pressed down the button. The enemy aircraft fired off flares and rolled out of the way, but he did so too early. The flares separated from the enemy aircraft before her missile could track them. As a last futile effort, the enemy banked sharply hoping to avoid it and failed as it smashed into the top back of the aircraft. "Aw yeah!" Rainbow Dash threw her hoof in the air victoriously, but the feeling was cut short as Lightning spoke up in a panic.

"Rainbow, I could use some help!” He spiraled his plane to avoid gunfire coming from behind.

Rainbow Dash looked for her partner’s aircraft and spotted him in the distance, still chasing his target. Two more camouflage aircraft chased after him, opening fire on his jet. "Hang on Lightning, I'm coming!" Increased her thrust, she quickly got behind the first of the two planes. Gripping the control stick, she pressed down on the trigger. A loud hum vibrated her plane as it let loose a stream of bullets. She missed, but it was enough of a distraction for the enemy to break off. She repeated the action on the other plane and hit this time, bullet holes cut through the left-wing and moved down across the aircraft into the engine. The wing immediately snapped off and the rest of the plane began to smoke, descending into a spiral.

With the two enemies gone, Lightning managed to lock-on the aircraft in front of him and fire off a missile, turning it into a giant fireball falling out of the sky. "Thanks Rainbow,” he gasped. “They almost had me there."

"I suggest you hold off on celebrating." Flare's voice was dull and quiet. "Fifteen more aircraft showed up on our radar after you engaged with the enemy. Wing two is gone... All of them."

Rainbow Dash felt a lump grow in her throat, almost choking her. "What about our wing? Are they OK?"

"They’re retreating with us, we’re a minute’s flight away from combat airspace. I've been trying to get your attention but you both were too busy focusing on the battle. You need to leave immediately.”

"Come on Rainbow." Lightning's airplane flipped over, pointing back toward Hoofington base, Rainbow Dash followed close behind.

"All fifteen aircraft are closing in on your position from the north. They went under the cloud cover soon as I they came up on radar, so you might be able to avoid them if you hurry. I'm sorry, but we couldn’t stay with you any longer without risking getting shot down ourselves. Good luck you two."

"Roger that." Lightning said grimly, knowing they were cutting it close. "Split off and don't stop for anything until we reach home." Both of them separated away from each other and accelerated their planes. Not far ahead, fifteen aircraft headed their direction to the right. “Buck! they’re already about to cut us off!”

Rainbow heard the annoying beep of yet another missile locking to her plane. Shortly after, five missiles were seen heading straight for her. Lightning was in the same situation, as several missiles were coming at him also. They both let loose their flares and shot up into a ninety degree ascent, into the clouds. The bright sun blinded her momentarily, but the annoying beeping finally ceased and Rainbow sighed. "We better pass over them before they fire on us again. They won’t stay under that cloud cover for long."

"Agreed--aw crap!" A lone plane had come up behind them and launched a missile heading straight for Lightning. He tightly swerved to the right, avoiding the missile. Gunfire was heard shortly after as his aircraft's tail-wing was completely removed.

"Lightning, are you OK?!"

Grunting could be heard as he struggled with the now tail-wingless aircraft. "What are you doing? When I mean don't stop for anything, I mean it!"

"But... "

"But nothing! I won’t be able to get back to base now in this condition." Another volley of bullets fired, tearing into the engine, thick purple smoke billowed out the back of his aircraft from the magic infused fuel. "Get going Rainbow!” his tone turned quiet as he continued. “I’d rather become a prisoner than risk losing you too."

The enemy plane flew by and Rainbow Dash got a glimpse of the tail insignia; the picture she saw during the briefing flashed in her mind. “It's the same plane.“ Anger welled up inside her, but reality quickly snuffed it out. She could not possibly take on that many enemies, it was suicide. “Alright, but I promise you Lightning. I will come back to get you.”

He chuckled darkly. “I’ll set up the party for your arrival.” Cutting off communication, he slammed down on a button beside his seat, popping off the canopy. Quickly grabbing the rail above him, his seat shot out of the plane, shortly following a parachute opening. He looked down as he saw the broken, peppered husk of his F-16 plummet into the water below. Sighing heavily, he looked back up as Rainbow’s jet flew back west. Thankfully the enemy jet that shot him down seemed content with its prize.

As he landed roughly on a high grassy hill near the coast, he took off his helmet and threw it angrily into the bay. Sitting down in the grass, he stared down at the tiny stalks. “I’m so sorry, both of you, I truly am. Why did I promise Rainbow Dash something so stupid. I bet I jinxed it when I said we’ll both make it back. I really need to know when to keep my mouth shut.” Burying his head in his hooves, he heard the sound of wings flapping and something snickering as it approached. “Time to go,” he muttered bitterly.

Queen Goldwing laid down in the throne room with several soft red pillows with gold lacing surrounded her. The only formal wear she chose to put on today was a simple, yet elegant fox-fur cloak. She was told the orange matched her eyes, but she ignored such things. The only outward appearance she cared about was fear. Fear and total obedience from all her subjects.

The grey stone walls looked grim compared to the rows of golden chandeliers lining the sides of the room. A thick purple carpet connected a pathway from the doorway to the pedestal where the queen would lay. Subjects would continually enter and exit the well used door, but today she wished to be undisturbed. Her best hunters were sent south to a pony town she knew nothing about and was about to meet them for a debriefing. Her orders were simple, get the attention of any enemy forces and let them feel the griffon’s aerial dominance once more. It was a simple mission, one that was performed many times over, she expected nothing less than perfection.

The entire room was empty except the queen and one of her close subjects, Blunt Beak. He was an obedient servant, but his constant nervousness usually kept him on her bad side. "You're trying my patience, Blunt Beak." The Queen growled, staring uninterested at the gryphon in front of her. "I do not like to be kept waiting.”

Bluntbeak bowed quickly, his small red servant cap almost falling off his head.“P-please forgive me your majesty. I’m sure there’s a reason they’re late. Maybe they--”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses.” She began raising her voice. “I will give them one more minute. If they do not come through that door–.” The large doors on the other side of the room creaked open as several gryphons in brown flight-suits filed in. Her face took on a bored, disappointed expression. "It seems your death will have to wait another day." Shooing away the pathetic servant, he quickly bowed before speeding off far away from sight.

The gryphon pilots filed in silently and stood before her, bowing their heads.

Her mood perked up at the sight, though not enough to deal with BluntBeak again. "Rise, my hunters. How did the mission fare?"

One of them stepped up, his head still slightly toward the ground. "My queen, the mission was a... success."

The queen narrowed her eyes at the pilot, even when not looking at her he began to shy away. She could sense the hesitation in the pilot’s voice. "Well, what is it? Come on now, there's no need to hide anything from your queen." Her words were as smooth as velvet, hiding her true intentions of bad news. She peered closer and noticed fewer pilots in front of her after the hunt.

"My queen, please forgive us--forgive me, when I say some of our own were shot down."

Figures. She kept her anger in check for now. Hiding it behind months of practice and a well placed pillow. "I see. How many planes and pilots did we lose?"

"Five for both categories, your majesty.”

“And how many did our enemy they send to their deaths? Twenty? Thirty?" She idly rubbed her talons together polishing the already gleaming ends.

There was a long pause before he stumbled out an answer, scared out of his feathers what he was about to say meant life or death. His eyes locked to her talons fearfully. "E-eight, your highness. Three of them managed to e-esca--"

If the queen was still hiding her anger, she was obviously having trouble as she threw the pillow at him. "I send twenty of you to handle a simple hunt and I find five of you were stupid enough to get shot down? Our aircraft are far ahead of their flying scrap heaps. Each pilot rigorously trained to handle any situation.” She was now leaning over the pedestal, looking down on the pilots; If she still had her wings, they would be extended to compliment her anger. “All that work and here you come telling me a fourth of you failed. A cub would've performed better!"

The entire row of pilots, except one, cowered in fear of the tongue lashing their queen was giving them. She cocked her head to the side, mentally counting the hunters in front of her again. “You dare lie to me? There are only fourteen of you, where is--"

The door behind them creaked open again as a lone gryphon made her way forward. She stood in front of the other pilots, looking up at Goldwing. "Sorry I’m late. Had to help drop off a prisoner we captured during our mission.”

"Ah, hello Feather four. I'm not surprised you were not one of the five who disappointed me this day.”

”No prob, glad to not be a disappointment,” she chuckled. “They didn't deserve to be a part of feather squadron anyway." Knowing the queen talon-picked each pilot for this special squadron, it was a brazen thing to say.

The queen gave a mirthful laugh at Feather Four’s backhanded comment. She always found her change of attitude refreshing compared to the other pilots. She picked at the gold lacing on the pillows thoughtfully. “I am quite curious, what made you think this pony was worth saving?"

“To be honest? I don’t know, but all hunters are trained to trust their instinct and mine said to keep this one alive. At least for now.”

"Indeed, instinct is something that should not be looked over.” Cocking her head to the side, she glanced at another not cowering with the others. “What about you Feather thirteen? Do you have an opinion for her actions?”

The gryphon under her gaze placed himself next to feather four. Three thin, jagged scars ran across his face, ending from his left ear to the right side of his beak. His voice was deep and held a formal tone as he spoke. “I trust Gilda’s actions as much as I trust yours, your majesty. You of all gryphons should know that we have trusted each other ever since the war started.”

“Hm, yes I’ve noticed,” Her voice slightly muffled behind another pillow she grabbed. She lowered it to continue. “Your report is finished, all of you may leave my sight.” As she watched them leave her presence, she thoughtfully ground her beak for a moment. “Gilda, Razorwing, go ahead and take some rest, you deserve it after all. I”ll see you both in a couple of days.”

As the last pilot left the large room, she got off the many red pillows and stretched, lifting her wing stubs into the air. She didn’t want that nervous wreck in her presence now, but time was valuable to her. “Bluntbeak! prepare transportation to Canterlot. I have a princess to visit.”