//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Horizon of Despair // Story: Ace Combat: The Equestrian War // by PolishValsion //------------------------------// Crushed by the betrayal of her old friend, One of the heroines drowns in sadness. The friends are there to help, but it’s up to her, To find the strength and escape this state. Chapter 12 "Horizon of Despair” April 13th, 2019 0510 hrs Canterlot Hospital The pegasi of Mirage squadron were growing worried. None of them got a blink of sleep the other day. It was pouring outside. The majority of the pegasi have been too occupied with war and the ongoing griffin offensive to focus on the weather, which led to dark clouds gathering over Canterlot. Lightning Bolt and Derpy kept on walking back and forth, unable to stay in one place. Fluttershy was very anxious. Both Rainbow Dash and Medley suffered terrible injuries in the battle over Ponyville. The nurses were doing their best in order to make sure everything would end well, but nothing was revealed as of yesterday. Cloud Kicker tried to cheer Fluttershy up. Firefly was more angry than sad, cursing her lack of perception.         “I should've known. They were trying to separate and pick us off one by one... Rainbow... How could I've been so stupid?" Suddenly, the door opened, and Nurse Redheart came out. The five pegasi instantly turned to her and started swarming her with questions regarding their friends. Firefly had to calm them down and let the nurse speak. She saw their uncertainty and worries, but spoke slowly.         “I won’t be lying to you, girls... They are both in pretty bad shape. But don’t worry; their lives are not in danger.” The ponies sighed in relief.         “Well, that’s some good news,” Firefly remarked.         “However, Medley’s wings are badly injured. Several bones are broken, some even crushed. She won’t be able to fly for at least two months,” Redheart added with a glum voice. Cloud Kicker was visibly anxious, too. She asked if Medley will ever be able to take flight again and the nurse said that she will. Thanks to a special potion that Zecora, a zebra living in the Everfree Forest and an old friend to Twilight, had supplied the medics with, Medley’s bones will be restored, although Nurse Redheart warned that the process takes a long time and is quite painful. Firefly didn’t know who they meant, so Fluttershy told her, in brief, how they met Zecora. When she heard of the griffin offense, she decided to supply medics with various potions. They would help where conventional methods failed. When Fluttershy asked about Rainbow Dash, Redheart's face turned sad.         “She suffered numerous wounds... but I’ve soaked the bandages with a salve. They should be healed within a few hours. However... I’m more worried about her mental state...”         “What do you mean, nurse?” Lightning Bolt asked.         “She appears to be absent... and only stares into the ceiling with those empty eyes... not wanting to talk with anypony. I’m getting really worried,” she admitted.         “Poor Rainbow...” Fluttershy said somberly.         “Can we go see her?” Redheart was hesitating at first, but knew that it would be for the best. She could cure ponies’ physical wounds, but the case of the blue pegasus was different. The medic allowed the five fliers inside and left them with Rainbow Dash while she went to tender other patients. They started approaching the bed slowly, but stopped before they got closer. All of them saw how badly Rainbow was injured; the bandages were covering most of her body. Her dissonant serenity was what worried the winged ponies the most. Fluttershy walked up to the bed and looked down at her friend. The blue pegasus didn’t seem to have noticed her at first.         “Rainbow... Rainbow Dash... can you hear me?” she whispered gently. “Please... wake up. It’s me... Fluttershy...” That name finally caught the wounded pony’s attention. She slowly turned her head to the left and saw the yellow pegasus. Rainbow’s face gave out a shadow of a smile.         “Hi... girls,” she spoke with a dejected voice. The other pegasi approached their friend.           “Are you hurt badly, Rainbow?” Derpy asked. She didn’t respond, but it was obvious that she was suffering. When Fluttershy asked her how is she feeling, Rainbow’s voice started breaking down:         “Everything hurts me, Fluttershy... My head... back... hooves... stomach... Even my heart and soul. I-I... I feel like a part of me... died inside... never to r-r-return...”         “Get a hold of yourself, Dash!” Firefly exclaimed. “There’s no need to dramatize. You and Medley are both alive!”         “And the nurse said she will be able to fly again... eventually...” Cloud Kicker added without convenience. The ponies tried to make Rainbow feel better, but she seemed completely ignorant about them, drowning herself in torment.         “You don’t how I feel... None of this would have happened... if I wasn’t an idiot. I’m just... I’m just a pathetic winged equine... always putting others in peril.” The amount of despair and anguish in Rainbow’s voice was overwhelming. The Mirage fliers tried to think of a solution, but they didn’t know what to do. When Rainbow Dash kept insulting herself, Firefly suddenly burst:         “Stop! I don’t want to hear this! That’s not like you, Rainbow! Snap out of it!”         “Firefly...” Lightning Bolt was shaken by her attitude. At this moment, she sounded harsh, like Rainbow’s insults were hurting her personally. Fluttershy came even closer to Rainbow and saw her eyes. She gasped. They indeed seemed blank, as if they lost all of their natural shine. When Cloud Kicker got closer and examined the blue pegasus, she expressed visible concern.         “This is bad... very bad... I’ve seen this before... one of my friends was in a similar state. He got better within a few days, but... this is different."         "What's happening to Rainbow Dash, Cloud Kicker?" Derpy asked, fearing the answer. The purple pegasus explained that the betrayal at Gilda’s talons which Rainbow Dash experienced could have shaken her very soul. This amount of shock was slowly turning her into a catatonic. The blue mare could be having a mental breakdown. Others looked at Rainbow with worried faces.         “Rainbow is on the verge of giving into utter despair... If this happens... we’ll lose her...!”         “NO!” Fluttershy shrieked. “Rainbow... Rainbow! Please, say something! Anything!” To make matters worse, Firefly just got a call from Gale. It would seem that the griffin army was preparing a siege on Stalliongrad, a city to the east of Canterlot and the third largest urbanized area in Equestria, often renowned as the land’s granary. The huge stockpiles of food and other various supplies, which included some of the latest research technologies, were of utmost importance. The Mirage squadron was assigned to assist the Wonderbolts and other ponies capable of fighting in defending the city. The battle could have lasted for days, maybe weeks... Firefly noticed that Rainbow’s bleeding stopped, so her wounds would be cured shortly. She ordered other fliers to assemble and asked Rainbow if she’s coming, too. But what the blue pegasus said was unexpected.         “I can’t go....”         “What was that?” Firefly asked. She seemed to be losing patience.         “I just... I can’t. I feel so... crushed...”         “But your wounds will heal soon. Rainbow, we need you!” Lightning Bolt said. It seemed to have fallen on deaf ears; the blue pegasus was still blabbering to herself. Firefly couldn’t hold it anymore and exclaimed:         “I can’t believe this... I never thought I’d see you act so weak... Everypony makes mistakes! Quit blaming yourself! What don’t you understand?!”         “You just don’t get it...” Rainbow mumbled.         “I’ve been tricked like an amateur... I-I have walked straight into a trap...”         “And that’s the only reason?!” Rainbow didn’t answered. Firefly lost it.         “You know what? TO HAY WITH YOU! If you'll keep telling yourself all that crap, you might just as well stay here for good! We don’t need that kind of a flier in our team!”         “FIREFLY! How could you...” Derpy whispered. The pink mare insisted that the team should go with her, but the pegasi had no intention of leaving Rainbow’s side, stating she needs them more than ever before. They saw Firefly was about to explode with anger. But, suddenly... her voice became timid and resigned:         “Fine! I’ll be outside... just don’t keep me waiting for long!” But just as she was about to leave, the doors opened and four other ponies got inside. It was Twilight Sparkle and her friends.         "Is... Rainbow here?" Twilight asked. "We've heard she was severely wounded, so we came to see if she is alright."         "If this will ease your worries, she's alive," said Firefly. "But good luck trying to talk to her. She's nothing more than a wreck of a pegasus now."         "How dare you! Take that back!" Applejack growled. She was piercing the pink mare with her green eyes.         "You're Applejack, right?" Firefly remembered her. "Look... I'm not in the mood for arguing. Just... let me out of this room. I can't... I don't want to stay here any longer." She stormed off. Other pegasi, with the exception of Fluttershy, were about to go after her. Lightning Bolt wanted to give her some stern talking to. As Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack approached the bed, Rainbow was just staring at the ceiling again, completely absent. It brought up more worries for the ponies.         "Fluttershy, darling, who did this to her?" Rarity asked. Fluttershy slowly told them about Gilda’s treacherous actions, how Medley tried to save Rainbow and how dearly she paid for that heroic act.         "So it was Gilda who hurt Dashie so much?" Pinkie Pie said angrily. "When I get my hooves on that meanie, I'll..."         "Forget it, Pinkie. I deserved it..." Rainbow said quietly. Pinkie's face instantly turned sad. Applejack couldn't understand Rainbow's attitude. She was known to be headstrong, but as she was seeing her best friend in a state that made her resemble a fallen statue, she frowned.         “Twilight,” she pleaded, “can’t you do something with your magic?!”         “I’m... I’m sorry, Applejack... but no magic can cure a pony out of despair,” she replied with sorrow. Applejack couldn’t believe it.         “So yer sayin’... There’s nothing we can do to help Rainbow?! After everything she did for us? No... That ain’t fair...!” Her pain could have been leaned on. Rarity tried to give her comfort. Much to their dismay, Rainbow kept calling herself “unworthy” and “pathetic.” It was devastating the ponies to the point that even Pinkie Pie felt dejected, and the last bits of smile faded from her face. Ultimately, they knew that helping Stalliongrad in repelling the griffins was top priority... yet they couldn’t bring themselves to abandon Rainbow. In the end, they had no choice and started to leave the room. Fluttershy stayed a little behind and tried to call out to Rainbow once more. She looked at her.         “You’re still here? Forget about me... go help the others. Medley needs more attention than me... I’m nothing more than a useless—”         “Rainbow! Please, look at me!” The sudden rise of volume in her voice silenced the blue pegasus and her eyes met with Fluttershy’s. She was getting more desperate.         “Rainbow... please... No... I beg of you! Don’t give up...! You mustn't give up! If... If our friendship has any meaning to you...” She leaned toward the rainbow-maned flier and kissed her forehead. It hit her; this gesture somehow made her realize something... But Fluttershy was already leaving the room.         “Please... Come back to health... and us. We’ll be waiting for you... I will be waiting.”         "Flu—Fluttershy...!" Dash tried to reached her hoof out to Fluttershy, as if she tried to make her stay, but she closed the door and left. The pain was immeasurable. Rainbow started sobbing and let out a loud scream, banging her legs against the bed in frustration and repeatedly cursing herself...         “I-I-I-I’m so... pathetic...! I’m... a failure.... a coward! A COWARD!” ----------------- 0724 hrs Lightning Bolt, Cloud Kicker and Derpy caught up to Firefly. She was standing alone before the large hospital building. The rain was getting more intense. The white pegasus came closer and decided to speak her mind:         “Firefly, we need to talk! How could you be so harsh toward Rainbow Dash? She’s going through personal hell! We should be helping her... but you only keep yelling at her and everypony else instead!”         “YOU'VE GOT IT ALL WRONG!” Firefly yelled in frustration. The three pegasi noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks and mixing with the raindrops, her entire body soaked wet.         “Thunder... you really think I don’t care about Rainbow...? Or any of you, for that matter? No, you’re wrong... you’re wrong... I just couldn’t listen to her, blaming herself... It was like looking in the mirror...!” She sat down in a puddle, covering her face with hooves.         "What are you...?" Lightning Bolt started before suddenly realizing what the pink flier meant.         “You don’t mean... your parents...?” Derpy guessed. Firefly bawled, slumping to the ground. It was true. Rainbow’s breakdown reminded her of her own. Cloud Kicker approached the pink mare and looked at her with empathy. She offered a helping hoof and aided Firefly in getting back on her legs.         “It’s OK to cry. You don’t have to act tough all the time. I can tell you feel the same pain as we do...”         “A leader is supposed to be tough!” Firefly exclaimed. “But... I guess I’m not worthy of such title... I don’t know what to do anymore... I feel lost.” She sounded resigned. Derpy was trying to convince her to remain committed to the task. Fluttershy just came out of the building. Her mind was focused on Rainbow. She heard her faint scream from behind the door, barely resisting the will to re-enter the room and calm her down. When she saw her friends comforting the blue-maned mare, she immediately knew what happened. Their leader was hiding her feelings the whole time, but couldn’t do it any longer when she saw her trusted wingmare suffering so much. Lightning Bolt expressed her apologies to the pink pegasus.         “Listen, Firefly. You can have regrets if you want... It’s only natural. But know this: before you came, we were all normal pegasi. Thanks to you, we became the pegasi capable of defending Equestria when it found itself in danger. Never forget that. We owe much to you. And we’re not going to fail. Neither you nor anypony else!” she said with a strong tone. Firefly was truly grateful for all these kind words and wiped the tears off her eyes. None of the fliers forgot about Medley either. They wanted to go and see her, too, but time was running short. Plus, Firefly wasn’t feeling positive about going back inside. Twilight’s company was also planning to fly to Stalliongrad, as they were supposed to lead their respective units. The purple unicorn suggested to get to the eastern city using the Twinkling Balloon. The Mirage pegasi were offered to act as their escort. Before everypony took flight, they’ve made a vow.         “You’re right, girls,” Firefly said. “We must not give up. We’ll keep fighting! Let’s fly to Stalliongrad! We’ll be fighting for both Equestria and our friends! And let’s hope that they will come to aid us when they get better.”         “They will,” Fluttershy assured her. “Rainbow is a strong pony. She will make it. And will arrive in Stalliongrad before we’ll know it.”         “I agree,” Twilight added. “Let’s make haste for now. This next battle might have a decisive meaning on this war... We cannot fail!”         “We won’t! I’m gonna fight for Rainbow and Equestria!” Applejack exclaimed.         “Let’s get movin’, everypony!” ========== 1031 hrs Nurse Redheart slowly opened the door to Rainbow’s room. She saw that the pegasus was calmed down and willing to talk to her. She asked her to get up from the bed so she could remove Rainbow’s bandages. While on it, she told Rainbow about her friends going to Stalliongrad and preparing for the upcoming battle. The nurse wondered why Dash couldn’t come with them. At first, she didn’t speak a word, but as Redheart was about to take the last set of bandages from her back, she whispered:         “I don’t know what’s going on... What's wrong with me...? My body wants to fly with them... but my heart keeps me grounded. And it drives me crazy! What’s happening to me?!”         “I... I really don’t know, Dash... If Zecora was here, she might have known... she has greater spiritual knowledge when it comes to psyche.” The blue pegasus understood that, but still, the pain in her continued. When she kept on remarking about her weakness, Nurse Redheart interrupted her:         “What your friends were saying was right. You need to stop being so awfully selfish! You only think about your failure... but have you bothered to think what would happen if they were to lose at Stalliongrad? The griffins will have total domination over us. Not even Canterlot will hold against their offence, then... Worse yet... they may not even come back...” Rainbow was somewhat shocked hearing that. “So, they actually went there...” she thought. Before she could say anything else, a loud shriek echoed through the corridors.         “What was that?” Rainbow asked.         “It’s Medley, the poor thing...” the nurse answered, finally removing the last bandages from Rainbow’s cheeks. The blue pegasus looked worried.         “Is she... being operated?”         “No... Didn’t you hear what your friends have been telling you?” Rainbow didn’t respond. She felt even worse now, because she willingly ignored her friends’ advices and pleas for help. Nurse Redheart explained to her about the potion and the process of regenerating wing bones. Medley’s screams could be heard even though the door were closed.         “She doesn’t deserve this...” Rainbow mumbled. “I should be there instead... This is... It’s ALL MY FAULT!” The nurse didn’t say anything initially when Dash insisted she was guilty of everything, but then told her to go and talk to the green pegasus. This was the least Rainbow could do to make her feel better. At first, she refused, claiming she would not be able to look at her face... But eventually, Dash was convinced. In her state, even that was uncertain, but she could at least ensure Medley that she was still alive. Nurse Redheart said:         “You should know... The first thing Medley asked about when she woke up was about your condition, Dash. She and the others are visibly worried about you. Go and see Medley. You have my permission. ...You shouldn’t let your friends down,” she added when Rainbow was leaving the room.         “Maybe I failed them already...” the blue pegasus replied somberly. ----------------- Regardless of her doubts, she went to Medley’s room. Her screams had died down. As she got inside, Nurse Tenderheart didn’t want to let her in. But Rainbow said that Redheart allowed her to visit the green flier. Due to these circumstances, the medic pony let her in and left the two pegasi alone. Rainbow approached the bed. Medley’s face lit with a smile upon seeing her.         “Rainbow... I’m so happy to see you... You look terrible.”         “You seem pretty banged up yourself, Kid,” Dash replied with a simple grin.         “Ah... it’s alright. I can take the pain... because I know I’ll be flying with you again,” she told Rainbow. Despite her light-hearted behavior, Medley noticed something was bothering her friend. When she asked about the other members of the squadron, Rainbow told her they flew to Stalliongrad to help reinforce the city during the griffin siege.         “Then what are you doing here, Rainbow? You should be there, helping them!” Medley exclaimed. The blue pegasus knew she would say something like that. She took on a more regretful face and said to her:         “Look, Medley... you’re lying here because of me. I could have saved you, but I was unable to. ...Can you ever forgive me?”         “W-What? What are you saying? I don’t understand...” Medley seemed confused.         “I believed Gilda. I was fooled by her words. If I would have been at least a little more far-sighted, maybe none of this would have happened... I’m a disgrace to this team...”         “How can you say that? You’re the best pegasus pony in Equestria. Everypony knows that!” Medley tried to cheer her up, but Rainbow’s psyche carried on sliding down.         “I could have saved you... But I was tricked so easily... You’ve almost died because of ME! Can’t you see it?”         “But... Rainbow...”         “I gave her a second chance, but she betrayed me..." Rainbow let out a sigh. "How could I have been such a loser... She was right. I don’t deserve to be with you, girls...”         “Rainbow... don’t kick yourself...”         “Maybe I should’ve flew away with her... or just let her kill me. It would have been better that way... Sniff... I’m just a pathetic, unworthy, pitiful, little pony...! I-I can’t take it...! It’s eating me inside!”         “Rainbow! Please, stop...” Medley’s voice was on the verge of breaking. She couldn’t bear to hear a pegasus she called a hero berating herself like that. But Rainbow unleashed her torment, smacking her face with hooves and kept repeating: “It’s my fault, my fault!” The green pegasus couldn’t stand it anymore.         “RAINBOW DASH!” Her shriek caused Rainbow to look at her. Without warning, Medley lifted herself from the bed and grabbed the blue pegasus by its arms. Before she knew what was going on, Rainbow received a punch in the right cheek. She shook her head a few times and noticed tears forming in Medley’s eyes.         “Don’t you... ever... call yourself... unworthy! Aaahhhh!” She felt a stream of pain surging through her back. She was trying to hold the balance using her wings, but every time she flapped them, it hurt. Medley collapsed back on the bed, panting heavily. Rainbow seemed to have recovered from the shock, as she was rubbing her cheek.         “Listen, Rainbow...” Medley started, gathering her thoughts and explaining her motives behind the crazy charge she made.         “I saved you because, contrary to me, you are needed for others. Unlike you, I’m just an average pegasus... I’m expendable. Ponies like us could easily be considered normal troops, a cannon fodder. But you, Rainbow... You are one of a kind. Besides, you must live! Who else would wield the Element of Loyalty if not you? Have you ever considered how sad your friends would be if you would decide to abandon them? I know you would never do that, though..." Medley was looking at Rainbow Dash with a sort of Ionging sight.         "I was prepared for the consequences of my actions... but I regret nothing. The fact you still live is enough. So stop blaming yourself! You’ve done absolutely nothing wrong!” Rainbow suddenly realized something. Medley was telling her about friends, but avoided to call herself one, too. When she asked the green flier why, the answer was quite shocking. Medley always suffered from low self-esteem and considered herself as “unneeded.” The reason she volunteered to join the Mirage squadron was because it was an opportunity for her to break out of her shell and get a chance to meet a pony she always wanted to know. But Dash wasn’t pleased with that explanation.         “Did you already forgot what I told you when I’ve made up my mind? You've had become my friend since the day you joined us. And now you’re telling me you don’t matter, but others do? That’s hypocrisy!”         “I’m just saying what’s on my mind, Rainbow,” Medley whispered.         “Then stop! You are just as important as I am. As are Firefly, Lightning Bolt, Fluttershy, Derpy or Cloud Kicker. We are all equal! Do you understand me?” At this point, Medley smiled. It would have appeared her reasoning with Dash finally managed to break her out of her exasperated state. Even she noticed that. Her eyes opened up at last. Both of them were having difficulties with themselves. The blue pegasus had finally understood; she was trying to hide her doubts behind a shroud of despair. But it didn’t help and only made things worse. She grinned at Medley and thanked her for the punch, claiming she ‘needed it.’ Despite this small setback, there was still time to fix the mishaps.         “Seems like I’ve been fooling myself all along...” Rainbow said quietly. “Firefly was right; everypony makes mistakes. But... I’m mare enough to face them!”         “Yeah... That’s right, Rainbow. You are the best. So... don’t worry about me. Go and help the others. Once I get better, I’ll join you... and we’ll fly together again. All seven of us.” Medley’s voice was full of hope. Finally, Rainbow escaped her troubled thoughts. Now, she was focused on only one thing... flying to Stalliongrad and assisting her friends. The blue pegasus thanked Medley for everything and stroke her head before leaving the room. When the nurse returned and saw Rainbow leaving the building in a hurry, she saw through it and didn’t stop her. The pony of Loyalty had regained her confidence and attitude, leaving behind all personal worries. Without hesitation, she spread her wings and flew to the east. ========== 1429 hrs Stalliongrad airspace After a prolonged flight, the Twinkling Balloon was about to arrive in the airspace of the city of Stalliongrad. The ponies gazed around at the lovely scenery. Despite the fact that winter was supposed to end several weeks ago, the temperatures in Stalliongrad were around zero or just a few degrees below the average scale in Equestria for nine months during the year. The sun was piercing the clouds, and occasional snow petals fell to the ground. The wind was blowing gently. Rarity noticed the buildings of the city and Cloud Kicker’s keen eyes already saw a couple of pegasus ponies approaching them. It turned into a reunion, as the pegasi were Tornado Swirl and Overdrive, leaders of the Burner and Racer flights that aided Mirage during the destruction of The Burning Talon. They expressed mild concern when they saw Rainbow Dash and Medley were missing, but Firefly quickly explained the entire situation, although she was bypassing some painful details and asked about the griffins’ actions.         “We were conducting some diversionary operations in recent hours,” Tornado reported.         “These guys have already killed several of our troops and wounded a lot, too. Their attacks are getting more and more intense. We have a lot of supplies on our hooves and, if the situation calls for it, we can call a backup or two. But they just keep throwing some heavy stuff at us. It’s a good things you girls are here to help us.”         “We’ll do our best. Just lay it on us,” Cloud Kicker remarked. Overdrive spoke about the reports claiming that another wave of griffins was on their way toward the city. These were later confirmed by the Wonderbolts, as they personally came to aid the defenders. Many ponies were already involved in fighting in different points of Stalliongrad. The Mirage squadron was to provide support. As soon as the Twinkling Balloon landed in on outpost belonging to unicorns, Twilight and Rarity left the company to rejoin with their own units. It took another flight to earth pony’s base so that Applejack and Pinkie Pie could reach their own troops. With that done, the pegasi were done with the escort. But there was no time to rest. They instantly took to the skies and braced themselves for the upcoming battle. The Mirage ponies were sent to patrol the western area of the city. There was already another team of fliers at the designated point, codenamed Stingray, so Firefly went ahead and contacted their leader.         “Stingray flight, how are you reading me? This is Flash. What’s your status?”         “I hear you, Flash. We’re good, thank you. The name’s Chrome Plate, callsign Stingray 1. You may call me Chrome for short,” the voice, sounding like an adult stallion responded.         “Copy that, Stingray 1. Got any visuals on the approaching bandits?”         “Not yet, but they might be here any minute. Be advised, they’ve recently started engaging us in a hit-and-run manner,” Chrome Plate warned.         “Does that mean they do a single strike and then retreat?”, Derpy asked.         “Essentially, yes. But sometimes they might—Oh crap, they’re coming!” Chrome suddenly yelled.         “Are you far away, Mirage?”         “Hang on, we’re coming! Flash out!” Firefly cut the link and increased her flight speed. The other fliers followed her lead. Soon, they noticed the fighting going on. About eight griffins were engaging a group of four pegasus ponies. The instant they joined the fray, the griffins shifted their sights on them and the fight broke out for good. Some members of Echo’s Gult squadron were involved in the attack, even though the leader himself was not present. However, one that stood out among them was a grey feathered griffon with green eyes that wore a vest with #11. It took a few moments to make Fluttershy recognize him; it was the same one that she couldn’t finish off during the maiden flight over Hoofington. He too, seemed to have remembered her.         “So, you’re still flying, I see. Do me a favor and don’t chicken out this time,” he mocked her with a snark.         “Who are you?” Fluttershy asked.         “Me? I am Night Raven, co-leader of the Northwind squadron. Zeakros sent me to keep an eye on those ragtags who call themselves ‘soldiers’. Let’s finish what we started back then.” ----------------- 1511 hrs It was clear he was enraged and wanting revenge for the humiliation he experienced. While Fluttershy saw no reason to actually hurt him, she promised to not avoid the fighting anymore. As the fight continued, the ponies appeared to have an advantage. Their agility allowed them to avoid a majority of the enemy attacks. But one of the members of the Stinger flight was fatally wounded in the right wing and, to the horror of others, another griffon attached himself into the pegasus and ripped the wing off his body. The blood curling scream was the last thing the fliers heard from him as he fell down. Since the ponies were tied by strong bonds, death of any of them only fueled the desire of others to avenge them, while at the same time, filling their hearts with grief. Worse yet, the leader of the griffon flight, calling himself Rod, requested an additional flight to join the fight. Soon, ten more griffins appeared over the city. It was a trap.         “Not good!” Lightning Bolt remarked, avoiding a hit from one of the assailants. Fluttershy tried to break off from fighting Night Raven and help them in chasing the enemies away, but the feathered soldier had no intentions of letting her go. Being unable to get past him, Fluttershy tried to kick him in the face, but he suddenly extended his wings and immobilized her, resting his claws on her cheeks. She attempted to release herself, to no avail.         “You’re pretty good, despite being a coward. It’s been awhile since I had such a good fight. But I’m just getting warmed up...” With a wicked grin on his face, the griffon started to slowly scratch Fluttershy’s face. Yelping in pain, she tried to hit him. All attempts failed. Other Mirage fliers saw what was happening, but the griffins kept them busy. When Derpy managed to eliminate one of the bandits and flew to help her friend, another dived down at her suddenly, hitting her in the head. She appeared dazed, but luckily, managed to stabilize the flight. Fluttershy kept on resisting Night Raven, which only led him to enjoy the torture some more.         “It’s a real pity that I have to tarnish such a beautiful pony... but, oh well, war is war. Sacrifices have to be made.” The yellow pegasus tried to explain to Raven that war is awful and killing more griffins and ponies everyday leads nowhere. It was useless, and everything went off him like water down duck’s back. He kept scratching Fluttershy’s cheeks, causing her to wither around in pain. Just then, as the situation seemed really bad, with no other support units in sight for the ponies, Lightning’s radar picked up a single contact approaching at high speed. Cloud Kicker tried to identify it, but before Firefly even had a chance to call it, everyone, both ponies and griffins, heard its voice. A sharp, tomboyish, and determined voice. A voice of their most respected companion.         “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, girls. Let’s get the show on the road!”         “Rainbow! Rainbow Dash! She’s back! Alright!” The cheering of the Mirage ponies boomed around the airspace. The blue pegasus zoomed right next to them and headed straight for the griffins. Chrome Plate, who happened to be on Dash’s course, quickly dived down, seeing her daring approach. Rainbow instantly flew toward Night Raven and delivered a swift kick to his back. The force of the blow pushed him away from Fluttershy, releasing his grip on her. She was able to flap her wings again. Rainbow flew upward, and her silhouette appeared on the shining sun. She looked down on the battlefield with a smirk on her face before diving at an immense speed, catching the griffin soldiers off guard and causing them to spread out. Some of them were disturbed by that sudden intrusion. It brought back the memories of the mysterious blue flier who defeated three soldiers all by himself. Night Raven called for his troops to regroup, while Rainbow got closer to Fluttershy and checked on her. At first, the yellow pegasus seemed to be confused, and she didn’t realized it was really Rainbow, until she heard her voice again.         “You’re getting better, Fluttershy. Are you OK?” Overjoyed, Fluttershy embraced Rainbow. She noticed the small amounts of blood on her face—a result of Night Raven’s torment. The yellow pegasus said:         “My cheeks hurt a little. But I’m more than glad to see you again, Rainbow.”         “Same here,” Firefly added, as she got closer. When Derpy and Cloud Kicker asked what made her come back, despite the severe amounts of sorrow she was experiencing, Dash simply said that “somepony” finally slapped her in the face. Such act made her realize how foolishly she was acting. Now Rainbow knew what really mattered for her; her friends were the greatest treasures she could ever hope for, her strength for overcoming problems. The Mirage fliers immediately guessed she was referring to Medley. Dash had no intentions of failing her or her companions again. Firefly squared it with a smirk and a short phrase, as she put her hooves on Rainbow’s arms:         “Welcome back, Rainbow Dash.” Thanks to Rainbow’s timely appearance, and the combined efforts of Stingray and Mirage flights, five griffins were defeated, and the rest retreated soon aftermath. Night Raven swore that they hadn’t seen the last of him, but the pegasi were unfazed by such threats. Upon returning to a nearby outpost, Fluttershy and other hurt ponies were treated to their wounds. Rainbow rejoiced upon reuniting with her friends. Loneliness was something she hated the most. She assured everypony present that she will keep fighting for Equestria as long as it takes. Later, when she gazed into the evening sky, she stated that should she run into Gilda again... Only the stars would know the result of this encounter.