//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: A Break Before The Storm // Story: The Equestrian Intelligence Agency // by General Soarin //------------------------------// Team Hawk Equestrian Intelligence Agency EIA Ponyville Headquarters, Ponyville, Equestria 5 Hours After Launch of Operation Harmony “Did your message get through to Celestia?” asked Spitfire, as Sky Hawk walked into the small lounge, a somewhat tired look on his face. “Yeah, it should get into her hooves in a couple of minutes.” He replied, as he plopped down on a red couch. Spitfire flashed a small smile, before she sat down next to him. “Well, while you were off filing that report, Rainbow went into her office a while ago, and she’s been in there ever since. I’m guessing she’s either sleeping or looking through case files.” She replied, her voice somewhat distant. Sky Hawk sighed, before gazing back at the ceiling. “She’ll probably be fine. We’ll just need to find Laurence and reunite the Elements, and soon. Nothing that we can’t handle.” He replied in a reassuring tone. Spitfire nodded, before she turned to look out the window. “You know, I’ve heard a lot about you from various mission files. What exactly prompted you to join the Agency?” asked Spitfire, a certain curiosity in her voice. Sky Hawk was silent for a few moments, before breathing deeply. “I joined to serve Equestria, and be the best that I could possibly be. After serving in the Air Force during the Griffin War, Celestia saw my potential, and sent me a letter inviting me to join the newly formed EIA. I decided to accept the offer, and ended up doing a lot more than I expected to. I’ve completed countless missions, and have earned the trust and respect of my fellow agents. It makes me proud to know that I’m helping Equestria be a better place.” He explained, a mixture of emotions in his voice. Spitfire nodded, before turning to face the brown stallion again. “And how well do you know Rainbow?” She asked. Agent Hawk snorted, before facing the Wonderbolt captain. “Pretty well actually. That mare has been a pain in my plot ever since she joined up a few weeks ago. She competes with me over just about anything, from getting to early morning training faster to seeing who can take out the foreign leader the fastest. Mostly I’ve been annoyed with her, though I’ve also got a certain respect for her. She always does a good job when it comes to completing missions, even if she’s trying to do them better than me.” He replied, a mixture of annoyance and pride in his voice. Spitfire smirked, before shifting herself into a more comfortable seating position. “Well, you’ve dealt with her for this long. You know, I think I’m starting to like ya. Why don’t we hang out after this operation ends?” She exclaimed, genuine interest in her voice. Agent Hawk pondered for a moment, before shrugging. “Sure, why not? “ He replied curtly. Spitfire smiled, before turning to face out the window again. “I have a bad feeling that things are only going to get worse in the future. He already has the power of four of the Elements, it’s only a matter of time before he gains control of the other two.” she murmured, a hint of despair in her voice. Agent Hawk growled, before shaking his head. “For as long as I still breath, Laurence will NOT get his hoofs on Rainbow. She’s my partner, and that bastard will not take her away from me.” He replied, an angry tone in his voice. Spitfire was shocked to hear the fierceness in his voice, but she quickly dismissed her feelings and placed a hoof on Sky Hawk’s shoulder. “Don’t worry Sky Hawk, he won’t get his hands on Rainbow. We’ll stop his plans, no matter what the cost.” Spitfire replied, a supportive tone in her voice. Sky Hawk smiled, before slowly closing his eyes. “I may not be part of the elements, but I’m feeling really tired.” He muttered. Spitfire laughed, before looking at the brown stallion. “You’ve flown from Canterlot to Ponyville, then back to Canterlot, before finally ending up back in Ponyville. That’s quite a lot of flying, even for a EIA agent. Maybe if Rainbow Dash still had her boost, she wouldn't have a problem doing that, but it’s certainly going to be hard for you.” She replied. Sky Hawk snorted, before shifting into a more comfortable position. “Well Spitfire, I would like to see you go farther without resting.” He retorted in a slightly annoyed tone. Spitfire literally fell straight off the couch laughing, which elicited a growl of annoyance from Hawk. “I’m a filippin Wonderbolt pal. Hay, I fly those distances all the time in pre-event exercises!” She exclaimed, as her laughter started to subside. Agent Hawk opened his eyes again, before glancing over at the Wonderbolt. “I swear, just because you’re a Won-” Hawk began, before he was cut off by somepony screaming. “SWEET CELESTIA, MAKE IT STOP!” It was Rainbow. Sky Hawk was up in an instant, and immediately started running for Rainbow’s office, with Spitfire in tow. They quickly reached the office, and Sky Hawk kicked open the door. Rainbow was writhing on the floor, beating on her head with her hooves, her eyes glowing bright red. Sky Hawk attempted to step into the room, but Spitfire’s hoof stopped him. “Wait! We should make sure she doesn’t lash out at us!” She exclaimed. “I’m helping her now, or she might hurt herself!” Sky Hawk shouted, before roughly shoving Spitfire out of his way and quickly walked into the office. He approached Rainbow, before she suddenly lunged out at him, causing him to jump back. “Tsbz bxbz eqpn nf Kbvqfmdf! J xjkk mps bkkpx zpv sp dbosvqf nf bt xfkk!” She shouted in a mysterious language, now back on her hoofs. Sky Hawk cocked his head to one side, before stepping forward. “Rainbow, what the buck! What’s wrong with you?” He asked, a deep concern in his voice. Rainbow growled, before rushing forward, knocking Sky Hawk off his feet. “J tbjc tsbz bxbz! J xjkk avdljmh tsba zpv je zpv dpnf bs nf bhbjm!” She screamed, a hidden blade unsheathing from her left sleeve. A shocked look came upon Sky Hawk’s face, before he cleared his throat. “Put the blade away Rainbow. You don’t want to force me to do something I’ll regret.” Sky Hawk warned, his voice wavering a little bit. Rainbow stepped forward, before her limbs suddenly gave way underneath her. The glow in her eyes started to dim, and she soon passed out. Sky Hawk just stared at Rainbow’s limp form, before he slowly sat down. “I can’t do this. Rainbow almost stabbed me for Celestia’s sake!” He murmured to himself, as Spitfire entered the office. She walked over to Agent Sky Hawk, before she placed her hoof on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, we can do this. Don’t give up on me now.” Spitfire stated, a supportive tone in her voice. Sky Hawk opened his mouth to speak, when another agent appear at the door. “Agent Hawk, you need to come with me. Princess Celestia just arrived, and she’s looking for you.