//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 
// Story: Letters from North Everfree 
// by FriscoPony 
//------------------------------//

That flight back home was a long one. We could fly easily now that we weren’t going into the face of battle, but the 22nd pegasi division was reduced to such a small amount that they were going to come and live with us. We had gained a new squad member, a strong winged stallion named Asteroid Run, tough as nails. His coat was a dirt fire orange, and his hair was a gold hue with red highlights. He was a good flier, almost as fast as spitfire, and was one of the few pegasi that didn’t get injured during the battle of Neighagra falls. Even with all of that, most of the flight home was a silent one; even I couldn’t get the image of all of the dead corpses out of my head. Thank Celestia there weren’t any missing limbs on the ground either or else none of us would make it home. The air was still, and quiet, until we at last got halfway home. I looked over at Spitfire to try and start a conversation with her, but now that she was our squadron leader, she had a lot on her mind now. I just wanted to help, now that I was the second in command as well.
“Spitfire?” I asked looking over at her.
She turned over and looked at me, with a look of regret in her eyes. I could tell she didn’t want to be disturbed. “What is it?”
“Are you alright?” I asked looking at her with concern.
She only turned her head around and paid attention to the direction that she was flying in, but she then turned around back at me, eyes closed, as I could tell that she was regretting the scene at north Neighagra. “Ace,” she said intently, “I’m fine, I promise.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “If you’re thinking about what happened to everyone back at Neighagra, you’re not alone. It’s stained everyponies mind.”
“I know,” she said looking back at the horizon. “It’s just that now that we know what we’re up against, and by the looks of things, the kings really know how to brainwash a pony properly.”
I nodded, and then noticed the watchtower our on the horizon. “There it is, good old Camp Eclipse. Only lived here for less than a combined total of 24 hours and I already consider it home.”
Spitfire smiled, “you and me both,” she said, “Except I’m more of a veteran, 2 days on you Ace.”
I could only smile, it was the first time that I had gotten my mind away from the horrors of Neighagra just a few short hours earlier, which seemed like an eternity had passed for all of us. The fact of the matter was that we were finally heading home for Camp Eclipse to rest, relax, and recharge ourselves for when we were next called into action to serve our country, and the princess.
When my hooves finally touched down on the smooth tarmac of the runway and I could finally close my wings, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath of the fresh forest air. It was a smell that I knew I couldn’t describe or match with any other smell that I was familiar with, but it was better than the smell of gunpowder from the artillery shells, and  whatever explosive magic odor that was left over as well. I never really did look up at Camp Eclipse when I landed; I just sort of sat there on the runway and took my first deep breath of somewhat safety, whether that’s the right word or not to use, I didn’t care. I was just happy to be away from the Battlefield, even if it was at basecamp. 
“Have you seen this yet?” asked Spitfire giving me a gentle nudge. She sounded as if she was surprised and a little disturbed, if not scared. “Look what they’ve done to Eclipse.”
When I heard that line, I opened my eyes, and sure enough things had drastically changed. The barracks had been expanded largely. Cannons could be seen from the armored division, and the large artillery guns could also be seen in position ready to roll wherever they were needed. The Infirmary tent had now become a small field hospital as it had expanded form 4 tents in a row to a large series of connected tents. The most disturbing sight of all was the sight of bringing the wounded from Neighagra. A temporary rail line had to be built in order to bring the wounded from neighagra by hospital train which was officially commissioned as a direct order from Celestia herself after catching word of the fierce battle.
“Dear sweet Celestia…” I said looking out at the new Camp Eclipse. 
“I know this is our home away from home,” said Soarin, “but this is a small city.”
“That’s the point,” said a familiar voice walking towards us. It was Shining Armor in his officer’s uniform not wearing any armor, shirt and tie, dress coat, and a hat with the emblazoned symbol of the royal guard in golden thread. “It is good to see you again Charlie Company,” he said stretching out his hoof toward Spitfire.
Spitfire smiled and grabbed it giving a firm hoof shake. “The same to you as well Captain,” she said saluting him. “Might I ask why you are here sir, and what has happened to Camp Eclipse? This is the headquarters of the 43rd pegasi division.”
“It was,” said Shining Armor nodding his head. “After the battle and the read casualties, we got a note from the Princess as an official order saying to merge the divisions into battle groups so that you could go into battle together instead of separated to avoid what happened to the 22nd.”
That really struck a nerve with me; I can still remember watching those pegasi coming down onto the runway one by one like a parade of death. Wings lost, Limbs on the ground, blood everywhere, the sights of war. The smell of death was also strong that day; it seeped through the whole base camp like a fresh cake out of an oven in sugar cube corner in Ponyville, just a few short miles to the north. It stained my mind as I tried to listen to what Shining Armor had to say.
“Because of what happened,” Shining Armor continued, “she has issued that the 43rd, the 54th, and the 32nd are to be merged to become the 115th battle group, of which myself, Cloud Storm, and one of your own have been ever so chosen to lead.”
“One of our own?” said Soarin confused. “Who?”
Shining Armor then looked over at Universae, who was caring to some of the wounded from the battle of Neighagra. “Princess Celestia saw it beneficial that Universae had become such a strong leader so quickly, besides the fact that he still needs to learn responsibility.”
“I’m not surprised,” said Asteroid rolling his eyes. 
“Even under those circumstances,” he said, “Universae is a good leader, and he is among those who will lead you responsibly into battle.”
“But why my sudden promotion?” asked Spitfire interested. “I only lead my squadron when it was necessary. 
“And you will continue to do so lieutenant,” said Shining Armor, he then turned and looked at me also with something for me. “Please step forward Ace,” he said.
I could only wonder what for, I just fought alongside everyone during the battle, I never really did lead anypony; I was just there. “Yes Sir?” I said stepping a hoof forward. 
Shining Armor then gave me a pat on the back. “You will be Charlie Companies Secondary leader; therefore I am promoting you to Second Lieutenant, one rank below Spitfire.”
I was quite surprised; happily surprised, but also confused. “Might I ask why sir?” I said looking confuse. “I didn’t do anything; I was just there to serve as I could and defend my friends, I was never out for a promotion in the first place.”
Shining Armor nodded, “I know,” he said, “but every squadron needs a person of humility and sacrifice to be a leader in case one leader falls. When Blitz fell I saw that you kept your squadron all together and following Spitfire’s orders in the chaos over Neighagra field. I think that is a quality that a leader should possess, but Spitfire showed a little more leadership then you did, which is why she is getting the promotion to being squad leader over you. Do you understand?”
I didn’t understand really, but I guess I couldn’t complain. “I guess I do,” I said gently brushing off my mane. 
“Good,” said Shining Armor with a smile. “You all fought hard yesterday,” he said. “The next few operations will be days, maybe even weeks long, this was just a light skirmish but when we really get into the in-depth missions of invading Marina and Reigns, that is when the missions will turn into long ones, but for now, take some time to be with each other, and also meet your new squad mates as well. You’re dismissed.” He then gave a salute to us.
“Yes Sir!” with that, we began the walk back to our tent, but on our way back, everyone was happy for both me and Spitfire. 
“Congratulations,” I said to Spitfire smiling at her.
Spitfire smiled back, “thanks Ace, the same to you. We have a lot of work ahead of us, you do know that right?”
I nodded, “I’m aware,” I said. “Let’s just head back to good old Charlie 9 first and get some rest.”
“Amen to that,” said Soarin following close knit. 
~~~
That night was the first night we really had to ourselves, we didn’t have to up until 1200 hours for details of what could possibly be the next mission. We of Charlie 9 had decided to hike out for the night, and set up a small campfire in a patch not far from the camp. Charlie 9 had gone from only 4 ponies to 10. There were now 4 pegasi, 2 unicorns, and 3 earth ponies, totaling in about 6 stallions and 3 mares. That night we decided to just get a chance to get acquainted with one another since we were going to be spending a long time with each other until this blasted war was over. So we decided to share a part of our lives with the group, Spitfire, since she was squad leader, went first.
“Well, my hometown,” she began, “Is Cloudsdale, born and raised. Of course I came out of the Flight School for Enterprising Pegasi and it gave me the tools to become stronger, and it also opened my wings to how fast I could go.”
“What was your fastest speed,” asked Asteroid Run curiously roasting a marshmallow over the fire.
“Soarin knows,” she said looking over at Soarin who was eating a smore. Soarin only nodded as he continued chowing down on the perfectly cooked mesh of chocolaty sugary goodness. “Soarin was with me when we went to Flight School, so we’ve been together for a long time; he’s my little brother in a sense.”
“LITTLE?!” exclaimed Soarin.
“Cool it Pie Boy,” said Spitfire as she blew a flame off her marshmallow. “Like I said, my fastest speed came as a surprise, not only to my Coach, but to every pony. No pony expected that my wing power was up to 12, 2 over the standard number, I was only a filly. When I finally came down and my hooves touched the ground, a trail of flames followed suit. I guess I was flying so fast I started a fire, and lo and behold, this cutie mark appeared that same day.”
She then showed off her small flames cutie mark, it suited her well after her experience. “So what happened afterwards?” asked one of the unicorns. 
“Well afterwards, I left flight camp and got into the Wonderbolt Academy and made it through there with really high rankings, so when I get back home after this war is over, I’m going back to the Wonderbolts,” she then looked back over at Soarin who was eating a smore. “That includes you too Sky Diver.” 
Soarin blanked out at the thought. “Sky Diver?” he thought to himself. He then smiled, “I like that nickname, why’d you choose that?” 
“Because at the rate you’re eating you’ll be falling out of the sky like ditzy doo dropped a rock on you,” she laughed. 
Soarin then shrugged his shoulders as every pony laughed at him, but eventually he soon gained a new respect for being a part of the Wonderbolts. 
“Alright Asteroid,” she said towards the Pegasus who was keeping a rock balanced on his wing, “What’s your story?”
Asteroid dropped the rock, and he grabbed a stick, a marshmallow, and began roasting it lightly over the campfire. “Well,” he began, “I’m from Las Pegasus.”
“Here we go,” said a Mare rolling her eyes. 
“No, I’m not a spoiled colt Star Dust,” he said shooting the rock over to her. “I was born in Fillydelphia, but my folks wanted to move out to Las Pegasus so that they could live a life among high class pegasi that aren’t just found in Canterlot. The place actually isn’t as spoiled as you think either, it’s full of hard working pegasi, good number of them too, and it just so happens to have its share of bad apples as well which makes it a little more famous.” He then made a quick smore out of the marshmallow which had been cooked to a perfect brown. 
I was actually intrigued by his story. “So what do you want to do,” I asked taking a bite of my marshmallow.
Asteroid Run merely finished his marshmallow and wiped his mouth clean. “I want to go into music,” he said. “I play the trumpet so I get a lot of time to practice here with the bugle and all. I just can’t wait to get back and see my mother again; things haven’t been quite the same since I told her I was leaving for the guard.”
Everypony nodded their head with understanding at that, even I had to admit that my brother back at home was concerned. “Alright,” said Spitfire cutting in, “now for the new ponies, you tell your story, AND say your name and where you’re from.” She then pointed her hoof at an indigo mare with black and white hair. “You’re up first,” she called.
The mare then finished her marshmallow and cleared her throat. “My name as you might have probably guessed,” she began, “Is Star Shine. I’m from Ponyville, which is just to the north of here. Lived and worked and played there my whole life. I work as a store owner who sells wood workings made by my wonderful special somepony, Timber Bucks, who is back in Ponyville running the shop while I’m fighting this war.”
“Why didn’t he come with you?” asked Asteroid Run. 
“Well, when I told him I told him that someone had to stay and run the shop in case business kept booming, so he agreed to stay behind and chop the wood as well as sell what we make.” She then pulled out a small wooden heart which hung from a string around her neck. “He made this for me before I left, so basically I take it with me wherever I go.” Everypony nodded agreeing that was something special.
The circle continued on as we met the rest of our squadron, until at last it came to me. “Alright Ace,” said Spitfire with a smile, “You’re closing out the night.”
I finished chewing on what was left of marshmallow wondering what I was going to say. I didn’t want to embarrass myself, or more a less make myself look like an idiot. But when I looked out over the fire, I could see nothing but smiling faces that were happy and content with meeting every pony. Among those faces was Spitfire, the one who made me smile the most with her orange eyes and her beautiful smile. I couldn’t help but smile back as I finished my marshmallow.
“Well,” I began, “I’m from Manehattan for starters. I have a brother back at home named Wolf, who is a writer, so he doesn’t want anything to do with war in his stories, so he decided to stay at home while I went off to war. I was one of the top flyers in my class as well so I rose through the ranks and I graduated right before I enlisted for the royal guard. I had no clue that this war was going on when I signed up, did anyone know really?”
Everypony looked at me. “No we didn’t know now that I think about it,” said Spitfire. “They kept it a secret until we actually got here, and they said the war has been raging on for about a month by the time we got here.”
This made me upset. I got up, and walked back towards the officers barracks. “Where are you going?” asked Spitfire getting up and following me. “I’m coming with you; please tell me where we are going.”
“We’re going to get to the bottom of all of this secrecy.”
~~~
Spitfire and I stood in front of Shining Armor’s tent as we were determined to figure out what was with the secrecy surrounding the war. “Commander,” said Spitfire gently opening the flap. “A word please.”
“Not right now,” came a muffled voice from behind the tent. “I’m sure that this can wait until the briefing tomorrow at 1200, return to your tents.”
“But sir,” said Spitfire.
“That is also an order,” called Shining Armor from behind the tent’s closed flap. 
I had enough of all the secrecy, and stormed in. Shining Armor was sitting at his fold desk with a stack of papers on his left, and his helmet on the right. His commander’s cap was also hanging on the side just above his cot. He was very disappointed. “Lieutenant,” he said a she rose up from his desk, “What is the meaning of this?”
Spitfire walked in behind me closing the flap. I was intent on finding the truth, even if it meant a possible demotion. “Commander,” I began trying to keep my voice low and calm, “I have nothing but the highest respect for you, for your rank, and what you have done in the name of the Royal Guard, he said.”
Shining Armor then relaxed, “well that is very kind of you to-“
“BUT,” said Ace cutting him off midsentence, “I cannot believe you would hide this kind of information from the public that innocent stallions and mares are dying at the hands of tyrants. People only know that their loved ones go into the royal guard, and then get a letter saying that they “died in the name of Equestria. No offense sir but that is crap.”
“Watch your tone lieutenant,” said Shining Armor also trying to keep his emotions down. Spitfire even grabbed my hoof. “Please, listen to him,” she said. But I only got more upset the more I looked at him trying to remain calm at the situation.
“Tone?!” I said grabbing a picture of the dead corpses on the ground from the battle 2 days before, “This is sad, that ponies all over Equestria don’t know that they are in danger of dying, and they carry on thinking that they are safe and that everything is at peace! You’re going to let these ponies’ names die in vain? You’re going to let my former squadron leader Blitz die in the shadows? You’re going to let a great leader, Oxycroccus, die in the shadows of doubt that the Royal Guard is refusing to let come into the light?!”
“ENOUGH!” said Shining Armor slamming his hoof down on his desk. 
I fell silent. “Shit, what have I done,” I thought silently. Spitfire then stayed close by.
Shining Armor then walked around his desk, and stared me down. “Let me tell you something stallion,” he said with anger in his tone. “You may think that this is unfair; you may think that this is downright cold keeping all of this a secret from everyone else in Equestria, you may even think that we are just brushing dead corpses aside saying ‘oh they’re dead, it doesn’t matter anymore’ well guess what, you’re wrong.”
“Oh am I?” I said backing my claim. “Then why? Why all of the secrecy? All I want to know is the truth.”
“You can’t handle the truth!” shouted Shining Armor in my face. He then walked over towards his helmet, and put a hoof on it. I was greatly disturbed, if Spitfire wasn’t there, Celestia only knows what I would have done. “Look,” he said. “We don’t want other ponies afraid. It’s true that we need them to know that they are always protected no matter what, but if news of this broke out to other ponies, it would be a panic attack scenario. The sky is falling, we’re all done for.”
“Sir,” said Spitfire chiming in, “Ponies need to know.”
“I agree with you Lieutenant,” he said. “We cannot teach the subject of war to young fillies and colts. More-a-less, it would be an optional teaching in flight school and magic school. It would be taught by the veterans that walk away from this and share their stories, but other than that, the dark pony war could fade away from history, never to have happened, except in who it is passed down to.”
Shining Armor then walked over to me and put a hoof on my back. “Promise me,” he said to me, “That you will never forget this war, and the first chances you get you tell some pony what happened, exactly what happened.”
“I will sir,” I said saluting, “Spitfire will too, we all will.”
Shining Armor then returned to his desk. “Go get some rest,” he said. “The briefing is tomorrow at 1200 hours. You’re both dismissed.”
“Yes sir,” I said as I walked out of the tent closing the flap behind me.