//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: The Trump Card // Story: Ace Combat: The Equestrian War // by PolishValsion //------------------------------// Regrouping after enemy’s assault, the fliers ready themselves. A bold plan is formed to destroy the superweapon. Facing their hardest mission so far, The heroines prepare to sortie, their spirits enforced. Chapter 9 "The Trump Card” February 7th, 2019 0745 hrs Canterlot A group of little fillies, who were recently relocated from Ponyville, were waiting in a room of a building that temporarily served as a school. They were clearly anxious, even the Cutie Mark Crusaders, three little ponies tied by friendship and a goal to finally earn their cutie marks as being the only remaining “blank flanks” in the Ponyville school. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were worried about their sisters, Applejack and Rarity. The former had returned to the front after a quick reconvalescence and the latter didn't send a single word to Sweetie Belle since the whole war started. She tried telling herself that it was due to Rarity's responsibilities, since she was also creating vests for the Equestrian Allied Forces and was probably very busy. Even Scootaloo, a filly who idolized Rainbow Dash, and one who always kept the other Crusaders’ spirits high, was visibly confused. Aside from them, Derpy’s daughter, Dinky, was also deeply worried about her mother’s safety, completely unaware that she was a part of Equestria’s greatest flying team. The Cutie Mark Crusaders managed to befriend her easily and kept her company. Recent events, along with sudden changes they all went through, slightly hastened their maturity, as they were now helping other fillies getting accustomed to their new situation. Cheerilee, who was taking care of the entire group, was very grateful for their assistance. The teacher had just walked into the room that was made to resemble a class. All ponies stopped their conversations and focused on Cheerilee. She looked like she had something important to say.         “Good morning, my little ponies,” she spoke with a tender voice.         “Today, we’re going to be having some special guests, so I’d like you all to get ready, as they should be here any minute. I believe you’ll enjoy their company.” Some curious whispers rolled along around the class soon after Cheerilee finished. Apple Bloom asked her:         “Who is going to visit us, Mrs. Cheerilee?”         “Forgive me, Apple Bloom, but I can’t tell you. That would have ruined the surprise.” As the morning sun was slowly emerging from beyond the horizon, Firefly and her friends from Mirage squadron were about to reach their destination; the very same building in which Cheerilee and the fillies resided. The pink pegasus was still feeling uncertain.         “How did I got myself into this?” she asked Rainbow Dash. “There are more important things to do than playing with fillies. What if we get an assignment?”         “Relax, Flash,” Lightning Bolt spoke.         “The main analysts are still working over the details of The Burning Talon data you gave to the princesses and Gale. If they learn something, they will let us know and we’ll fly to the castle in no time.” Cloud Kicker seconded her statements.         “Sometimes you should take that serious look off your face and smile a little, Firefly. I’m sure it would make you feel better.” Firefly didn’t respond at first, but Medley heard her muttering: “That’s easy for you to say.” It was hard to blame her for that attitude. Unlike the other pegasi, Firefly had a really rough life. The green pegasus approached her and gave out a friendly grin. It somehow made the atmosphere less tense. Rainbow noticed the building they sought and started descending toward it, with others following her. Derpy wasn’t showing it, but she was very delighted. She would finally see her daughter after weeks of uncertainty. Cloud Kicker noticed Cheerilee looking out of the window, too. As the pegasi landed before the entrance to the building, the cherry-colored mare went out to greet them.         “Thank you so much for coming. The kids are waiting. Please, follow me.” In the class, the fillies were still discussing and wondering who could be their “special guests.” Cheerilee then walked into the room and motioned the seven fliers to follow her in. The kids watched them enter one by one. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were rejoiced to see familiar faces of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Derpy among them. Before Cheerilee even got a chance to introduce the fliers, Dinky suddenly jumped up from her chair and ran toward Derpy, shouting: “Mommy! Mommy!” until she was embraced by the pegasus. Their eyes filled with tears of joy. Derpy didn’t wanted to let her daughter go... she wanted for the time to stop... for the war to end. But she knew that such moment was still away and had to cherish this little respite she earned with her friends. Others looked with heartwarming smiles at them. They perfectly understood what these two ponies were going through. When the emotions cooled down a little, Cheerilee gave a proper introduction:         “My little ponies, I’m pleased to meet you with the Mirage squadron, our aerial angels. These seven pegasi are putting up their best efforts to protect Equestria from the threat of griffin invasion. By my request, they have agreed to spend some time with you.” Once each of the fliers presented themselves before the fillies, Rainbow Dash took point:        “Since we have some free time, let’s get things straight. You kids have any questions?” It was natural they had. Each filly asked several of them, and the pegasi were more than pleased to answer, but the questions were not always easy. Some were asking if they’ll be able to come back to Ponyville or if this entire ordeal is just “one, crazy dream.” Two fillies were even worried about their parents, from whom they haven’t heard a word since they were relocated to Canterlot. Both Medley and Fluttershy were assuring them that everything will be alright, even though it was hard for them to lie in the children's’ faces. They knew this war would not end anytime soon, and there were going to be many sacrifices... With clearly visible anxiety in their eyes, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were concerned about Applejack and Rarity, but Rainbow Dash assured them they were doing fine.         “Applejack is back in top condition. I heard her team was conducting a special operation in Hoofington’s vicinity, lately. That’s very close to enemy positions, but they’re doing a fine job. As for Rarity, Twilight told us she rather complains about the uniform color and decided to repaint it from green to purple. She says it blends well with her mane,” the blue pegasus remarked. This certainly eased the tension. Sweetie Belle even laughed that it's very typical of Rarity. Scootaloo was more curious about Firefly, as she found her bearing striking resemblance to Rainbow. She came closer to her and tried to talk. While initially reluctant, Firefly actually opened up before Scootaloo after several attempts from her side.         “You and Rainbow Dash have a lot in common, Mrs. Firefly.” The pink pegasus chuckled, noting that it was the first time she was being called “Mrs.” in a long time and asked Scootaloo to call her just by name. The two then engaged in a conversation and Firefly learned that the orange filly held deep respect for Rainbow Dash. She pointed out her strong points: loyalty to her wingmates, her determination and improbable flying skills. Scootaloo blandly admitted that she wanted to be like Rainbow one day. But Firefly told her that she shouldn’t be thinking that way.         “Look, kid. Everypony is special. There are no two ponies who are the same. It’s good that you see Rainbow as an example to follow, but that’s where you should stop. You need to create your own image... otherwise, you’ll only be in Rainbow’s shadow.” These words didn’t put Scootaloo in good mood at first, so Firefly followed up, adding:         “Who knows... maybe one day you’ll become just like her. But you’ll start your own legend. Maybe even bigger than Dash’s. It’s all within you, kid. Remember that.” Firefly then started walking toward the others, when she heard Scootaloo whispering: “Thanks.” This made Firefly smile. Since the death of her parents, she slowly started feeling relief in her heart again. She looked at her wingmates, entertaining other fillies: Fluttershy was singing them a beautiful song, Rainbow Dash and Cloud Kicker played with a different group and Medley was telling some curious ponies about various beautiful sights she laid her eyes upon since she joined the squadron, as it allowed her to go to places she’d never been to before. Firefly then noticed Derpy on the side of everything, chatting with Dinky. She approached them and heard the little unicorn speaking to Derpy:         “Mom, you never told me you were a part of a squadron.”         “Um, well... I didn’t had a chance to tell you, Dinky.” She let out an excusing laugh. While Firefly knew that it would be best to not interrupt them, she wanted to talk and let her emotions loose. Thankfully, Derpy was more than willing to speak with her, as she sent Dinky to play with other fillies.         “You have a cheerful daughter, Ditzy,” Firefly noted, forgetting to use Derpy’s real name. She didn’t seem to mind that at all, though.         “She’s my entire world. I don’t want to ever see her suffer again, like on that fateful day... Firefly, can I have a request?” the grey mare asked suddenly.        “A request?”        “If we get a mission to take The Burning Talon down, can I be the one to destroy it?” This question utterly surprised Firefly. When she asked for reason behind the request, Derpy stated that this contraption reminds her of what the griffins planned to do with the fillies in the first weeks of the war. She hoped that if she could destroy that superweapon, it would ease her pain. Firefly understood, but tried to reason with her:         “We don’t even have a plan to carry the operation out yet. Once that is made, we’ll worry about getting to The Burning Talon and taking it down.” Derpy was expecting that kind of answer. Still, she felt saddened, as her ears flopped and she hanged her head down. Firefly thought of something. She asked Derpy an unusual question.         “I was wondering... why are you cross-eyed? Don’t you have a problem with that?” The grey pegasus looked at Dinky, playing and laughing, and replied:         “It’s true that at times I feel a bit strange, but my eyes had always been like this... ever since... since Dinky appeared in my life. Maybe I had a normal sight before, but I can’t remember that. I got used to this situation, and she doesn’t seem to complain, either.”         “OK, but I still don’t get it; can’t you get eye surgery or something?” Firefly insisted.         “No... it’s best to keep it that way.”         “But... why...?”  Derpy’s eyes met Firefly’s and she spoke with a quiet, but confident voice.         “One eye is there to watch over my daughter and see her grow. The other is to protect Equestria from danger and ensure that Dinky can live in it. That’s my resolve.” Firefly didn’t say anything to that, but quietly thought about what she just heard. Derpy’s words were the embodiment of pure love and care—feelings that Firefly was denied when her parents died. Somberness awoke in her soul again when she imagined them. Derpy saw that Firefly was sad and offered her a comforting hug. The pink pegasus returned it. Nopony seemed to have noticed it, though, but a bond of friendship was officially formed between the two mares. Time passed, and though the ponies had great fun and were no longer feeling worried, it all ended around 10AM when Lightning Bolt received a call from Gale, requesting their appearance at the Canterlot Castle. It seemed to be of utmost importance. The pegasi were readying themselves to leave, with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy promising the Cutie Mark Crusaders to remind Rarity and Applejack about them. When they were outside and ready to fly, Cheerilee and Dinky were seeing them off. The unicorn filly hugged Derpy again and seemed like she wanted to say: “Take me with you... don’t leave me again.” The grey pegasus was trying her best not to cry. She wanted to stay with Dinky and give her care, but there was a task ahead for her and her friends.         "Don't be sad, Dinky. We will come back and everything will be alright," she assured the little unicorn. Cheerilee promised to look after the fillies as long as it would be necessary. Understanding that there was no other way, Dinky waved at her mother sadly, holding tears. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came to see the Mirage squadron off as well. As they were taking into the skies, the fillies started cheering for them. Medley then heard Cheerilee exclaiming:        “May the sun and moon shine upon you, Angels of Equestria!” The fillies immediately caught that and begun to chant: “Angels! Angels!” as the pegasi flew back to the castle. Fluttershy was really moved by that, and others felt the same way. But Firefly reminded them of an important mission that was about to fall on their shoulders.        “You know, it’s actually a good thing you brought me here. I see now that life doesn’t have just the curves. It also has some straight paths. When we’ll go to destroy The Burning Talon, we must do our very best. If it’s to make sure these fillies will have a future, we WILL succeed!”        “YEAH!” the other pegasi responded, as they were approaching the castle, ready to land. Gale and the Wonderbolts were already waiting for them on the ground. ========== 1012 hrs Canterlot Castle, Briefing Room Once everypony made their way to the room where Gale was about to begin the briefing, they heard from the Wonderbolts that the situation was growing tense. While The Burning Talon hadn’t fired a single shot since Cloudsdale was taken over, anxiety was still ever-present in ponies’ hearts. It almost seemed as if the griffins decided a different psychological tactic: they were trying to defeat their opponents with fear. Constant turmoil and uncertainty would prove to be terminal for any hopes of ending the conflict before destruction would spread to levels beyond control. Gale called everypony to look at the giant screen, where the details of The Burning Talon were being displayed. As the fliers were analyzing it, Gale begun the briefing:         “Thanks to the data that Firefly managed to uncover, as well as the, pardon me for saying it, performance of The Burning Talon in Cloudsdale, we’ve managed to learn some structural details about it. For the last few hours, our specialists from the Department of Tactics were trying to come up with a plausible method of attacking this superweapon.”         “And? What did you learned?” Rainbow Dash was more than curious. Changing a screen on the projector, which was now showing the main structure that supported a giant cannon, Gale answered: “As predictable as it may sound, The Burning Talon is heavily fortified. It consists of four facilities equipped with jamming devices, which are known to interfere with any kind of communications. These are surrounded with anti-air artillery turrets, set to automatically fire at any unit that will be identified as hostile.”         “I guess that means us,” Medley thought. “Correct. These facilities and turrets surround the actual superweapon, which, beside the main cannon, is also supported by several smaller turrets, which fire short-distance laser beams. And while they have nowhere as much reach as the main laser, they can still cover the entire area around The Burning Talon”. Every detail Gale kept bringing up only seemed to make it more certain that this mission would be extremely difficult. He reminded the pegasi that the main laser can fire three times at rapid succession before having to be cooled down, but also brought up a new detail that further analysis uncovered. It was possible for The Burning Talon to fire just a single laser every thirty seconds, which greatly reduced the cooling process. The good thing about this alternate method of attacking was that its accuracy was severely reduced, as it would need to lock on different targets in quick succession. The red pegasus stated that it might be one of the keys to destroying the laser superweapon. He then got into actual mission details.         “This operation will be referred to as “Fire Extinguisher” from now on–” Gale suddenly paused, hearing Medley chuckling. But the green pegasus quickly became serious and knew it was no laughing matter. “It shall be divided into three, possibly four phases. Your first objective is to approach The Burning Talon without being detected by the enemy. To do this, you’ll have to fly at either very high or very low altitude.”         “How exactly high or low?” Lightning Bolt asked.         “Either below 1200 or above 12000 feet. Going anywhere between these values will cause their radars to pick you up and you’ll be mincemeat ,” Gale replied. Cloud Kicker’s curiosity reached its peak and asked Gale why The Burning Talon was designed in the first place. Before the red pegasus could answer, Firefly spoke first:         “They thought they could keep it all hush-hush when they said it would be developed as a defense system, designated for reducing any possible threats of avalanches. Y’know, using lasers to reduce falling boulders and chunks of rock to little bits.” The pegasi all agreed that this reasoning was beyond ridiculous. Everypony knew there were many much safer methods of preventing an avalanche, and one of the them was to stay quiet, as Derpy pointed out, causing other ponies to laugh. Gale then carried on the briefing: “If you’ll manage to slip past their radars and make it to The Burning Talon, Phase 2 of the operation will commence. Here, your job it to take down each of the jamming facilities. As long as they’re operating, your communicators will be next to useless. Don’t forget the anti-air turrets, too. They need to be destroyed as well.” Saying this, he displayed a picture of the four facilities and their defenses. All of them appeared to be made of a breakable material. Spitfire pointed out that it would also be possible that there might be actual griffin fighters stationed by the superweapon, too. While none of the reports confirmed that, Gale decided to include them as a possible threat. It would be better for the Mirage squadron to go and be prepared to face something more than just turrets and the jamming facilities rather than run into griffins without knowing it. Fluttershy asked if they can count on any support, but the answer was not pleasant and only rose more doubts. “The Burning Talon is operating around an area that is impossible for anypony who can’t fly to reach it. I’m afraid ground support is out of the question.”  All these factors combined so far and the possibility of additional enemy forces weren’t making the mission look any easier. Soarin’ then took point: “In light of this, we’ve managed to round up two additional pegasi squadrons that will cover your attack on the superweapon once you’ll get there. Although, considering the importance of the target to the enemy, I’m afraid there’s no way to avoid casualties from their resistance. Especially if some of them will be like those we’ve fought in Cloudsdale.”         “We’ll make sure the casualties will be minimal,” Rainbow Dash promised. Gale then changed the screen to explain Phase 3. This one was showing the structural data of the main tower, where the laser that fired at Cloudsdale was mounted. He explained that the only way to actually destroy The Burning Talon is to break into it, in an attempt to bring down the generators that power its core. There was a problem, however. The main tower was made of much more resistant material than the rest of the towers or the jamming facilities and making even a single hole in it would require either several focused attacks performed one after the other or a big amount of physical strength. At this moment, the ponies were not in possession of any weapon that would do enough damage to create an opening. However, Rainbow Dash had an idea, but stated she’ll be needing the help of everypony else.         “I’m going to try and perform a Sonic Rainboom. The force of the blow should be powerful enough for me to make­—” “Hold on! You can perform a Sonic Rainboom? Seriously?” Firefly asked. Other ponies, as well as the Wonderbolts themselves ,confirmed it, and told Firefly about the Best Flyer Competition that was held in Cloudsdale about two years ago. It was then that Rainbow Dash saved them and Rarity from falling to their doom with the Sonic Rainboom. A technique that many ponies believed to be just a legend was in time adopted as one of Rainbow’s signature moves. Fluttershy even mentioned that it wasn’t the first Sonic Rainboom the blue pegasus performed, but wasn’t dwelling too much into details. She only remarked that it helped her and her friends earn their cutie marks in a way. Firefly was fully impressed. “I guess there’s more to you than meets the eye, huh, Rainbow Dash?” she stated, making Rainbow blush a little. But when asked about the details of this daring maneuver, she explained that if there will actually be griffins waiting for them, the ponies will have to keep them away from her, while she’ll try to reach an extremely high altitude and descend as fast as she could. Hopefully, she would break the sound barrier and perform the move. While Gale pointed out that it was very dangerous, Rainbow reminded him that they didn’t have an alternate strategy, to which the red pegasus fully agreed. “ell, if the Sonic Rainboom will be successful, and you’ll manage to break inside The Burning Talon, that is when the Phase 4 comes in. You’ll have to find and shut down or destroy the three generators that power the superweapon. This should cause the main core to overheat and explode, destroying The Burning Talon. It should be enough to cripple the griffins long-range strike capabilities. If we’ll succeed, it might actually become a turning point in the war.”         “And if we fail?” Lightning Bolt asked.         “We won’t!” Cloud Kicker spoke.         “I know we won’t fail. This is a mission we mustn’t fail!” This kind of optimism was typical of the purple pegasus, but this time, determination went on par with it. It seemed the moments she had with the fillies this morning were still in her mind. Others also agreed that their job must be completed. When Lightning Bolt decided to do additional analysis, she discovered that the upper section of the main tower was apparently weaker than other parts of the structure. It led Rainbow Dash to be assured that it would be vulnerable to the Sonic Rainboom, which will become a breakthrough moment in this operation. Gale concluded the briefing, but before the pegasi could leave the room, a pink earth pony suddenly entered it. Fluttershy and Rainbow instantly recognized the pony as Pinkie Pie. She apologized for eavesdropping, but heard that the fliers were “feeling a little blue,” so she proposed to throw them a party in order to boost their confidence and spirits. Firefly smacked herself, squeezing her eyes shut as she dragged her hoof down her face.         “Girl, did you hit the ceiling with your head or something? A party before an assignment? That's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard!” Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash laughed, however. They knew Pinkie Pie well. They knew her parties had something special in them. Something that always made them feel better. Both mares agreed to her proposition and the pink pony burst out of the room, shouting that party will begin in the palace at 1500 hours, which gave the ponies about two hours to prepare for it. The Wonderbolts decided they would like to attend the party as well, considering they’ve decided to aid the Mirage squadron in joint operation. While Firefly was still unsure, the rest of her team kept asking her to come with them and she ultimately said “yes”. ========== 1524 hrs Canterlot Castle, Ballroom Pinkie Pie managed to spread the news about the party throughout the city and rounded up pretty much every citizen who was willing to forget about the horrors of war and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity even agreed to use their magic to illuminate the ballroom in hundreds of colorful lights. While Pinkie herself provided majority of the musical factor, Equestria’s best disc jockey, DJ Pon3, who was also invited, entertained the guests with various jumpy tunes, with hits such as “Equestria Girls” or the famous “Pony Polka.” Applejack and Apple Bloom tried to convince some ponies to join them in ‘bobbing for apples,’ but aside from the other Cutie Mark Crusaders and AJ’s friends, there weren’t many volunteers. The orange pony was reminded of the Grand Galloping Gala she attended with Twilight and the rest of the pack, and what a disaster that it became. For them, however, it was an experience which proved that friends help make everything more fun. The two princesses, Celestia and Luna, were often found speaking with various noble ponies and, from time to time, they even had a small talk with Twilight and Spike, possibly to discuss some details about different operations. Rainbow Dash just wandered around the ballroom, joining up a dance or two at one moment, and then went to talk with her friends that she hadn’t been seeing for some time. She also thanked Pinkie Pie for throwing this party. It really made her feel that, despite the ongoing conflict, the joy in the ponies’ hearts did not die, but went to a sort of slumber. As it went on, the ponies finally started to show signs of happiness, as even the noble ones were no longer disgusted by some wild dances that Pinkie Pie and Cloud Kicker were performing. It seemed as if time has slowed down a bit... But Rainbow noticed Firefly was looking slightly annoyed by all this and saw her leaving for an outside balcony. Before the blue pegasus followed her, she took a glimpse of Scootaloo showing some acrobatic tricks to a few spectators. When Rainbow found Firefly, she tried to speak with her, even though the pink mare wasn’t very talkative at first.         “You know... maybe what Cloud Kicker said about you was true. You should loosen up a little. After all, it’s a party. Everypony loves parties...” “It may sound like nonsense to you, Rainbow, but... I’m afraid I forgot how to have fun at parties,” Firefly confessed.         “It’s not that I don’t appreciate it... It just doesn’t feel right for me.” Rainbow got closer to her and saw her eyes gazing into the setting sun. The blue pegasus decided to try a different approach. “I know that you had a hard time, but... If you’ll keep on living by your past, you’ll go nowhere. You have to look into the future... Remember... Remember those fillies today?” Firefly looked at Rainbow. She knew what she meant. The rainbow-maned pony continued. “That short time we’ve had with them... and this party, too... It made me realize that despite all difficulties and hindrances, nothing can bring our spirits down. It’s like... this war somehow made them lie dormant in us... And they were waiting for a moment to awake. ... You know what I mean?” Rainbow had a feeling she was just talking random words. However, her doubts were erased by Firefly's smile. “... Yeah, I think I do. Times may be hard, but the happiness and optimism of the ponies will never fade away. Yet... I fear that I had lost these feelings and can’t seem to regain them on my own. I... I may need some help in that.” Rainbow Dash wrapped her left arm around Firefly’s neck and said, with a soothing voice: “Those feelings never left you, Firefly. Like I said, you just need to awake them...” At that point, they suddenly heard Pinkie Pie at the microphone. She was calling everypony to the main dance floor and asked Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and the other members of the Mirage squadron to join her on the stage. While slightly confused, Rainbow and Firefly went inside. Princesses Celestia and Luna took care of assembling the crowd before the large stage, where a band of three ponies was preparing their instruments. Even though there were drums, they didn’t have a drummer, so Spike decided to give it a try, to which the ponies agreed. Pinkie decided to try and sing a new song she wrote just recently, with some help from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who also joined the ponies on the stage. There, Pinkie asked Rainbow and the others to help her with performing it. While they had no idea what the song would be about, although Pinkie assured them they will know the second they will her sing the initial lyrics. She also motioned Twilight, Rarity and Applejack to join in, too. As DJ Pon3 provided the beat and the band started playing a rousing melody, made of violins, guitars and drums, which were occupied by Spike, Pinkie, her friends and the Crusaders begun to sing: -----------------         “Gotta stay fly! Gotta stay strong! Aces ready! All day long! Ain't no hiding from them in the big blue sky These fliers be comin' for ya from the left and from the right Not just fighters, it’s desire Like an eagle spittin' fire Turn around my friends, behind ya Chase’em down, down to the wire Achieving every victory written down in history This mission is the vision, so just listen, listen...! Gotta stay fly! Gotta stay strong! Aces ready! All day long! Gotta stay fly! Gotta stay strong! Aces ready! All day long!” ----------------- When the musicians went for a short instrumental break in between, Twilight and Applejack motioned Firefly and the other pegasi to take over the signing. While the pink pegasus was still looking puzzled about this musical number, her companions already knew what message they had to deliver to those who were listening. They already got used to the melody and were prepared to play their part. The band was about to carry on playing the melody and DJ Pon3 resumed the rousing beat. The Mirage squadron begun the second part. None of them had problems in singing... and without rehearsal. Pinkie and the others just stood in the rear, letting the pegasi take center stage and only coming out to join them during the refrain. ----------------- “Once we been betrayed There ain't no looking back Get ready for this raid because we are ready to attack Got the glory, got the guts We ate up, straight up, dangerous Face to face to us They’ve got no aim on us Once there was a time Once there was a wall But written in the stone Walls are made to fall Don't scratch all that harmony They won’t be layin' harm in here We’ll take it all from here And now you gonna see! Gotta stay fly! Gotta stay strong! Aces ready! All day long! Gotta stay fly! Gotta stay strong! Aces ready! All day long! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly!" ----------------- The entire ballroom was chanting with them during that last part, cheering on and encouraging the brave pegasi to give their best in the upcoming mission. Violins joined up briefly with the melody, while Twilight Sparkle and Rarity provided a beautiful solo choir. The Wonderbolts sang alongside the heroines, too. ----------------- “Somehow we’ll overcome We’ll be goin' home Ridin' through the flame Got our colors showin' So strong...for so long So strong...for so long!” ----------------- While the song was about to end, there was still one last number. Twilight and Rarity gave the crowd some more of their vocal beauty. Soon, Firefly finally realized what was going on. They were performing this song to give ponies hope. She felt much better. Then, the rest of the band, except for the ponies who played on the guitars and Spike, stopped playing for a moment. Pinkie Pie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders joined Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Lightning Bolt, Cloud Kicker, Medley, Derpy, Firefly and the Wonderbolts for the final segment of the song. ----------------- “So strong...for so long So strong...for so long So strong...for so long So strong...for so... Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y- Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y- Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y- Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y!” ----------------- A thunderous applause roared through the ballroom. As the band slowly hushed the song down, all ponies started cheering for the singers. The Royal Sisters looked at the performers, bowing before the crowd and thanking each other for the musical number, overjoyed by the words that they have passed to others. Their spirits certainly rose.         “It is just like you said, Tia,” said Luna. “We can always find moments for joy, even in the most desperate times. Your idea worked perfectly.”         “I only proposed it to Pinkie Pie. And she carried out her duty even better than I have hoped,” Celestia giggled.        “I’m so proud of them, Luna. I believe in them with all my heart. I know they will succeed,” the older princess added, embracing her sister. This night had allowed Firefly and her team to put their doubts aside. While they knew everypony was counting on them, they had reasons to not fail. They would fight for the future of Equestria.