Fallout Equestria: M.I.A.
By CivilWarPony
Part One: Old Legends
Two months had passed since Airborne and his friends found the greatest Pegasus in Equestria’s history, the threat of the Grand Pegasus Enclave had been diminished and now Airborne was itching for the next adventure to appear on the horizon. Earlier that day Rainbow Dash had sent a message to Airborne for him to come to her office in the New Wonderbolt Academy. Airborne was puzzled at the summons but flew his way through the cloud filled streets of New Cloudsdale towards the New Wonderbolt Academy. Arriving on the grounds of the Academy was like stepping back into a past Airborne could only dream of one that didn’t involve ghouls or raiders but instead was a past that every pony kept alive in stories and songs of the glory days of Equestria when they were ruled by the legendary alicorn princesses Celestia and Luna.
Approaching the Academy, Airborne can see the new recruits flying around the track testing their wing speed while others get on an antique Dizzatron and get spun around until they fly off dizzily then crash into the ground. Airborne lands in front of the main Academy building, and he looks at the mural painted over the entrance. The mural depicted Old Cloudsdale in its glory days before the War. Pegasus’s flying here and there either going to work or enjoying themselves at a favorite eatery. Airborne thinks, “I wouldn’t have mind living in Old Cloudsdale before the War, it seems pretty and a lot better than roaming the Wastelands with death leaning over a pony’s shoulder every minute.” Trotting up the stairs to the Academy, Airborne makes his way towards Rainbow Dash’s office. Many of the Cadet pony’s whisper as he goes by, perking his ears up Airborne can hear them saying, “There goes Airborne, did you here he saved Rainbow Dash?” another Cadet replies, “Yeah, I also heard he survived getting blown up by that bomb the Enclave had on that massive Cloudship. He is awesome!” Airborne smirks at the comments and puts on a stoic look to impress the Cadets as he passes by them.
Arriving at Rainbow Dash’s office, he looks at Rainbow Dash’s secretary a female pony named Grey Cloud. Grey Cloud looks up from her piles of papers stacked in front of her and says, “Wait a minute Airborne, I will let Rainbow Dash know you are here.” Airborne pushes his hat back and says, “I thought she was expecting me?” Grey Cloud replies, “She is but currently she is in a meeting with Commander Hurricane Wind, until she comes out of her meeting with him please take a seat.” Airborne sighs and turns trotting over row of seats against the far wall then sits down in one of them. Inside of Rainbow Dash’s office he can hear a heated argument between his old friend Hurricane Wind and Rainbow Dash. From the tone of Hurricane’s voice he could tell he was harping on the same subject he had discussed with Airborne two weeks prior to Rainbow Dash’s summons.
Even though the Enclave was defeated and New Cloudsdale secured against any future threats, the Dashite’s hadn’t been able to meet their obligations in the rebuilding of Equestria. Raiders still plagued travelers on the roads, ghoul attacks were frequent and the remains of Red Eye’s forces were consolidating into a new force in the Wasteland. The remnants of Red Eye’s forces called themselves the Red Remnant and they had already cut a bloody swath of carnage through the Wasteland. Hawkbeak’s Talons had made it their priority to find and destroy any Remnant groups operating near major caravan roads and outposts. But they were stretched thin and were relying on Fluttershy’s followers for support. Hurricane Wind begged Airborne to pressure Rainbow Dash into committing more troops to aid in the destruction of the Red Remnant but the truth was there weren’t enough Dashites to patrol Equestria’s skies. The years the Grand Pegasus Enclave spent hunting down any fugitive Dashite had begun to take its toll. They were short hoofed in regards to pony power and didn’t have enough ammo to take on a full scale assault against the Red Remnant’s headquarters in the ruins of the city of Coltpolis.
The door of Rainbow Dash’s office bangs open and Hurricane Wind trots out huffing in anger. Turning to see Airborne sitting down he says, “Maybe you can talk some sense into her cause I can’t. Arguing with her is like trying to convince a Hellhound not to tear your face off.” Airborne watches as Hurricane Wind leaves the office then sees Rainbow Dash looking at him with an exhausted look. She waves her hoof at him and says, “Come in Airborne. We need to speak” turning to Grey Cloud she says, “Make sure no pony disturbs us” Grey Cloud replies, “I will Ma’am.” Airborne quickly trots into her office and listens as Rainbow Dash closes the door behind them. Taking a seat before her large desk he notices the photograph of her friends before the War and asks, “So, how have you adjusted Rainbow Dash?” she flops down in her chair and says, “To be honest, not well. I didn’t expect that I would be awoken so late to find out that the world I knew, the world I had a hoof in destroying would be completely gone. I keep expecting my friend Twilight to walk through my door and lend a hoof in helping me run this place. But she is gone like so many others.”
Rainbow Dash takes the photo in her hooves and gazes at it fondly, she continues to say, “I miss them all so very much. It’s like having a piece of my heart missing and the void left by them aches so bad that sometimes I wish I was dreaming and that I would hear their voices again calling out to me to come with them on a picnic to our favorite spot in Ponyville. But having Fluttershy still here helps the loneliness that I feel and I will always carrying the memory of my friends in here” Rainbow Dash gestures to her heart. Airborne nods his head and says, “I can relate, I lost so many of my friends to the Enclave and I miss Darkstar every day and I think about him sacrificing his life so I could continue on my journey to find you.” Rainbow Dash places the photograph and says, “I haven’t forgotten what you and your friends have done for me or how much you have sacrificed to get me this far. I will return the favor someday Airborne count on it.” Airborne looks at her and says, “So why did you call me here Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow gets up from her set and says, “I am sure you are aware by now that the Dashites have yet to contribute in any way to the ponies below beyond what limited supplies we have. What Equestria needs is Dashite troops patrolling the skies and fighting any threat that raises its ugly head in the Wasteland. What we need are troops and weapons to aid us in our struggle to define ourselves in this new world.” Airborne looks at her puzzled and says, “How do you plan to do that Rainbow Dash?” She turns to look at him and says, “With help from the past.”
Airborne eyes widen and he replies, “How exactly are we going to do that?” Rainbow Dash smiles and says, “A few hours before the Last Day, I met with Soarin in Canterlot. I am sure you have heard of Soarin of the original Wonderbolts and I told him to evacuate to the Stable 200 near Mareston and await further orders. He was to await my orders, I had planned on rendezvous with them at the Stable but when the zebra’s launched the balefire bombs things fell apart so fast, I could see the mushroom cloud from Mareston rising high into the sky from Ponyville. I knew they must have died in the blast but part of me hoped they had made it to the Stable before the blast wave reached them. Inside that Stable are the weapons and supplies we need in order to finally contribute to Equestria in a meaningful way.” Airborne looks at her and asks, “How do I fit into all of this?” Rainbow Dash replies, “I figured that a pony who braved the frozen wastes of the Crystal Empire and made it back from the brink of Death itself would be the type of pony I would need to complete this mission for me. But there is another reason I want you to go there Airborne, I want you to find out the final fate of the legendary Wonderbolts and if they are alive to bring them here because having them on our side when we finally take down the Red Remnants will improve our chances of success.”
Airborne thinks about it and replies, “Alright I will do it, after all my wings have been itching for another adventure and to be honest it would provide me an opportunity to get away from these starry eyed Cadets. I don’t think I am cut out for fame” Rainbow Dash chuckles and says, “I am glad you agreed to go and I don’t everypony is able to bask in the awesomeness of their own legends not like me of course.” Airborne replies, “I would rather have remained an unknown pony than have my legend touted about by these recruits who look to me as a hero. I don’t think I have a big enough ego to handle it like you do Rainbow Dash. But will I be going alone on this mission or will I have help?” Rainbow Dash smiles and replies, “I will be sending a few of my best ponies with you and I imagine Starshine will want to come along as well I would hate to have to tell her no then have to deal with the consequences of her being angry with me.”
Airborne says, “So where is Mareston? I have never heard of it before” Rainbow Dash replies, “It is in the north along the sea near what was the border between Equestria and the Zebra Empire. During the War it was one of the first cities to fall to the Zebra’s but eventually we took it back and set up a permanent Wonderbolt presence within the city. I had the Stable built nearby when it became clear that the zebras were up to no good. The area is now known as The Tomb for the amount of ponies that died there during the War. I am sure you have heard the stories about that place” Airborne gulps nervously and shakes his head replying, “It is said that nopony who goes there has ever returned. It’s a place where the radiation from the bombs dropped there still lingers in everything you touch from the ground to the air you breathe.”
Airborne asks, “What makes you think they are still alive at all and that they aren’t dead or worse?” Rainbow Dash replies, “Stable 200 was equipped with the best technology Stable-Tec had to offer. Inside there are cryogenic freezing chambers that could keep a pony frozen indefinitely. Originally the technology was developed to keep critically injured ponies alive long enough for them to reach a hospital but as the War became worse the tech was repurposed to keep high ranking ponies alive in case the worst happened.” Airborne slumps down in his chair and says, “Alright but why can’t we get the supplies some other way? There must be other Stables that haven’t been cleaned out or taken over by the Red Remnant.” Rainbow Dash shakes her head and says, “We must get our supplies there that Stable if it hasn’t been compromised already it has a lot of weapons and Pre-War tech that you won’t find any where’s else besides the area has been taken over by a vicious ghoul named Marrowmuncher. He and his ghouls are among some of the worst abominations that roam the Wastelands; I don’t want some ghoul arming himself with the weapons stored in the Stable. Before you leave I will supply you with plenty Rad-away and some masks to filter out the radiation in the air.” Airborne nods and says, “I will make it a quick trip and be extra careful not to end up as a ghoul’s meal.”
As Airborne gets ready to leave Rainbow Dash’s office, Rainbow trots over to him and hands him a small folded document and says, “Please if you find Soarin give him this” Airborne unfolds the small document and sees it is an old photograph of Soarin and Rainbow Dash at some party. She says, “That was taken at Princess Cadence’s and Shining Armor’s wedding. I cherish that photo more than anything when Soarin gets it he will know it is from me and what it means.” Rainbow Dash blushes slightly and hides her face underneath her rainbow mane. Airborne says quietly, “You were in love with him” Rainbow Dash nods and says, “Yes, I was. We were to have been married but the wedding was to take place a few days after the Last Day but it never happened. Instead of a wedding I got the Apocalypse instead as a gift and I never saw Soarin again after that.” Airborne puts the photo in his saddlebag and says, “I will find him whatever it takes Rainbow and I will bring him back to you” Rainbow hugs him and says, “I know you will Airborne just be careful out there.”
Airborne quickly races out of the Academy and is surprised to see Starshine standing outside of the Academy with two other Pegasus. Starshine smiles at Airborne saying, “I guess Rainbow Dash gave you a pretty good assignment otherwise she wouldn’t have sent somepony to come and find me.” Airborne trots up to Starshine and nuzzles her saying, “You won’t believe who we have to find now” Starshine nickers happily then stops taking two steps back from Airborne saying, “Who do we have to find now? The final resting place of Princess Luna or some relic that belonged to a pony ages ago?” Airborne shakes his head and excitedly says, “No, we have to find the original Wonderbolts!” Starshine cocks her head and says, “Oh, is that all. I thought we would have to travel to find somepony lost out there in the Wastes, oh wait that is exactly what we are doing. How could you even think this was a good idea? After what happened last time I figured you had enough of being shot at by crazy bandits or running from ghoul’s hell bent on ripping you to pieces?” Airborne replies, “This is important otherwise Rainbow Dash wouldn’t have asked us to find them and after all you know me I cannot pass up and chance to see what Equestria was really like before the War.” Starshine snorts in frustration and says, “So where are they?” Airborne replies, “In a Stable 200 near the city of Mareston in the north and that area is now called The Tomb.”
One of the ponies behind Starshine says, “The Tomb huh? Sounds like fun, just point me in the direction and we will take down any enemies we find there.” Airborne looks at the two Pegasus, the male who spoke is light blue in color with a white mane and tail with yellow streaks and his cutie mark is a propeller with two wings attached, the other is a nervous looking female who’s coat is pink, her tail and mane are green in color and her cutie mark is a sun behind two puffy white clouds. Starshine looks at them and says, “Airborne meet Baleout and Sunrise, they will be accompanying us on this suicide mission.” Baleout trots up to Airborne and shakes his hoof saying, “I am glad to finally meet the legendary Airborne himself. I have heard a lot about you, and I am really excited to becoming on this journey with you.” Airborne blushes and replies, “The pleasure is all mine, so how long have you been in New Cloudsdale?” Baleout replies, “I came here with my two brothers Kipperwing and Wingspan but they were killed in the battle with the Enclave a few months ago and even then I didn’t participate in the battle itself. I was still a Cadet here at the Academy up until I graduated a week ago.”
Airborne looks at him and says, “You have been out of the Academy a week and now you want to come with us?” Baleout shakes his head excitedly and says, “Yep that’s about right besides if you think I am not qualified you won’t find a better shot anywhere in New Cloudsdale. I can hit a target out to a thousand meters and nail it every time. Besides someone has to watch Sunrise’s tail otherwise she might get lost or something.” Baleout gestures to Sunrise whose ears perk at the mention of her name. She nervously waves a forehoof at Airborne and Starshine saying, “I am..umm glad to be here. I will umm…be your expert on all things radiological and I hope umm…my talents will get us through this alive.” Airborne smiles at her and says, “I am sure you will do just fine.” Airborne flaps his wings and soars into the air followed by Starshine, Baleout, and Sunrise. He makes his way towards the New Cloudsdale Armory, when they arrive they find Hurricane Wind waiting for them.
Hurricane Wind looks as they land and says, “So, you finally convinced her to send out some help right?” Airborne says, “You could say something like that. We are actually on a rescue mission to be more exact.” Hurricane Wind replies, “Who are you going to rescue down there?” Airborne replies, “The original Wonderbolts” Hurricane Wind’s jaw drops and he says, “Rainbow Dash found them? What makes her think they can help us?” Airborne replies, “She knows how short hoofed we are here and besides the Stable has weapons and Pre-War tech we could use here so if we find the Wonderbolts we will be able to fight the Red Remnant on equal footing and play our part in rebuilding Equestria.”
Hurricane Wind shakes his head and says, “Fine, just be careful Airborne and Starshine take care of each other down there.” Hurricane flaps his wings and flies away, Baleout watches him leave and says, “Dang, I guess things are pretty desperate if we are going on a wild pony chase to find the Wonderbolts” Airborne nods and says, “Yes but we will find them so don’t worry about it and keep your mind on the mission.” Trotting into the armory Airborne dons his old Enclave armor and straps on his battle-saddle. Starshine helps Baleout into his battle-saddle who says, “I have never worn a real one of these before. It’s a lot heavier than I expected.” Airborne checks over Baleout’s armor barding and tightens down the straps saying, “Better to have a snug fit then some bullet pierce your heart while you aren’t looking” Baleout leans over and whispers, “Have you ever been shot?” Airborne nods and quietly replies back, “Yes, but don’t worry about that after all I will be watching your back and we have plenty of supplies to bandage up any wound we get down there so relax.” Baleout breathes out a sigh of relief and looks over at Sunrise who is getting helped into her armored barding by Starshine he says, “I am glad we are all going down there together otherwise I would probably end up dead within a few hours.” Starshine finishes helping Sunrise into her battle-saddle and says, “Are we already to go?” Airborne nods and tightens the strap on his well-worn hat and puts on his goggles saying, “Yep, let’s go.”
Airborne trots out of the armory and towards the exit drop-off to New Cloudsdale. A Pegasus in heavy armor gives him the go ahead signal and Airborne stares down into the bright blue abyss below him. Feeling the breeze batter against his wings as the warm sun soaks into his coat, Airborne looks back at everyone and says, “Let’s go!” Airborne leaps off the edge of the cloud city and disappears into a cloudbank followed by three other ponies that speed towards the earth like feather rockets. The wind howls in his ears as they descend farther down out of the clouds, the warmth of the sun replaced by the cold wetness of the clouds around him. Tucking in his wings he speeds farther through the clouds, behind him Starshine yells, “Airborne, slow down!” Airborne doesn’t hear her; the rush of the wind in his face consumes him filling his soul with a giddiness he only feels when he is flying. Breaking out of the thick cloud cover Airborne leaves a cloudy contrail in his wake.
Pulling up Airborne levels out looking over the blasted Wasteland that was once the glorious and magnificent land of Equestria. Baleout says, “Does this place ever change?” Airborne shakes his head and replies, “Sadly no it doesn’t.” Baleout looks at the twisted mangled wrecks of cloud cars and bombed out buildings that dot the landscape like blackened thorns. Flying towards the directions Airborne received from Rainbow Dash he says, “Tighten up formation, I would rather not present a target for the raiders down there” Sunrise yelps and replies, “There are raiders down there who are willing to shoot at us?” Starshine replies, “Raiders, and much worse so let’s not get turned into pony cheese and do as Airborne says.” Airborne banks left and the small group of Pegasus follow him towards the distant sea ahead and to the last place the legendary Wonderbolts were seen alive in Equestria.