//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Ace combat: Shattered Rainbows // by Brotato //------------------------------// Chapter 13 Bright sunlight shone through the tall window on left, placing itself on Lightning's prone form. His flight-suit was one the floor and he was curled in a ball with no sheets. Mist was still comfortable under the bundle of blankets she kept for herself. The room had a tranquil quietness and the sound of a bird's chirping could be heard outside. It was a wonder that there was a war going on not too long ago. The door leading into their room creaked open and a pony made its way toward the side of the bed Lightning slept on. "Lightning, wake up!" Lightning mumbled something close to a "go away" before putting a foreleg over his muzzle. Receiving a sharp jab to his unprotected flank, no thanks to Mist hogging the blankets, he cracked open an eye to glare at whoever awoke him. "What do you want, Rainbow?" The grin on her face didn't help his thoughts of throwing her out the door and going back to bed. Though seeing Rainbow in her flight-suit made him raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Princess Celestia has a mission for you and I. She wants us to meet her in the throne room in one hour." Satisfied her message got through, she began to leave the room. "Oh, and I suggest you take a shower. To be frank, you smell terrible. Just don't take too long," she added before shutting the door behind her. "Yeah, sure. A sap," Lightning mumbled, mind still fogged from waking up. Not wishing to find out what happens to ponies who ignored a Princess's summons, he got out of bed and headed for the washroom. Soon as he entered, he took Rainbow's suggestion and started the shower. Let's see how Mist likes waking up to my singing. "By Celestia, what is that noise?" Mist groaned to no one in particular. Unless the pillow her head was firmly planted into wished to have a conversation. She looked toward the bathroom and saw the door was closed with the faint sound of running water. It was drowned out from a verse to the song Lightning was singing. While she admired his song choice, its once wonderful melody was ruined by bad pacing and wavering pitch. Bringing home the southern birds A Pegasus' job begins... ... let the sunshine in We move the clouds And we melt the white snow... She couldn't take it anymore. If he continued, she would have a headache for the rest of the day, and possibly have the song stuck in her head. Throwing the blankets off, she trotted around the bed and knocked loudly on the door. "Lightning, I swear to Celestia if you don't stop that singing..." To her surprise, the singing abruptly stopped. "Or what Mist Dancer? Barge in here and stop me? I'm indecent!" He said over the running water, which stopped after his statement. Mist face-hoofed in response. "What's the difference. We don't wear clothes anyway so..." She shook her head for getting side-tracked. "Just no more singing." With nothing left to say, she walked back to the bed and flopped down on top of it. Behind her, she heard the bathroom door open. "Very well then," Lightning stated in a mock hurt expression. "Guess you won't get none of this after we return from Celestia's mission." Mist didn't need to look to know the gestures Lightning was doing. Though her ears perked up at the mention of a mission. "Celestia has a mission for us?" "Only me and Rainbow Dash apparently," Lightning admitted as she heard the ruffle of him putting on his flight-suit. "Don't know any of the details except to be there in one hour." "Well you better get going," Mist stated, her face buried under the blankets. "I'll be up in a bit. Been a long time since I could sleep without worrying about being under attack." "Alright. I guess I'll see you later." Mist caught a hint of sorrow in Lightning's voice and tossed the cover off to look at him. She had a good guess at what the problems was and planned to fix it. "Lightning, come here," she firmly stated. Lightning trotted over with a inquisitive expression, which was quickly changed when Mist threw her forelegs around his neck. "I'm sorry about what happened last night. Rainbow just ruined the mood. Plus dropping me didn't help either, even if I know you didn't do it on purpose." She nuzzled under his chin. "I'll tell you what, when you get back from your mission, I'll make it up to you. Alright?" Lightning relaxed in her embrace and sat down, returning the gesture. He made a small nod and let out a content rumble. "I'll be back soon then," he stated as he broke the embrace. Looking into her eyes, he gave a small peck before getting up and leaving the room. Opening the door, he stopped through the archway and looked back at Mist. "I'm looking forward it," he added before shutting the door behind him. Thank Celestia for being a patient Princess. The line was enormous, but Lightning managed to get a quick bite to eat at the still running cafeteria. The place was bustling with excitement, mostly those celebrating about the war being over. He had caught sight of several ponies dancing on the tables in their jubilation. There was a wide selection of foods to pick over, free of charge for just today. Helping himself with two sandwiches filled with cheese and several greens, he quickly ate one and trotted out the door with the other in his mouth. While walking down the marble hallway, he took a curious peek outside the tall stained glass window to his left. He was surprised that the city was bustling with activity. He could catch several cheers and hollers from where he was through the shattered openings in the window. He continued down the hallway toward his destination, eventually finding two guards next to a large doorway. As he approached, the doors swung inward and he immediately spotted Rainbow Dash pacing in the middle of the room. "Lightning! What the hay took you so long? It's already ten minutes past an hour." He rubbed a hoof at the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry, Rainbow. The line at the cafeteria took longer than I thought," Lightning apologized. Rainbow stared at him with a furrow on her brow, making him feel more uncomfortable. "So... what's this mission we're need for anyway?" "Don't know yet. The Princess plans to tell us when we got here." They both looked at at Celestia who was smiling at them. They bowed low, receiving a chuckle from Celestia. "Rise both of you. I will be brief as I have another matter to attend to." Her uncovered eye glanced toward the doorway leading to the guest rooms for a moment. "As you may have noticed, there is a great celebration happening across Equestria. While I enjoy seeing everypony having a good time, I feel it's necessary to keep an eye out for... troublemakers. "With all due respect Princess," Rainbow began. "What kind of trouble should we be expecting? You want us to handle anypony who gets out of control from too much partying?" She ended it with a chuckle, which Celestia joined with him. "No Rainbow, nothing like that. I just wish for my mind to be at ease with a quick patrol, nothing more. Could you both please do that?' Lightning and Rainbow glanced at each other before looking back at the Princess. Lightning spoke up this time. "Of course, your highness. We would be honored." The smile on Celestia's face brightened. "Thank you both. I've arranged two jets for you to take on your flight. If you wish, fly low enough to get the attention of everypony. It should raise their spirits that much higher. Have fun you two." With nothing left to say, Lightning and Rainbow bowed to the Princess and she lowered her head in response. They both left through the door to their right, toward where their jets would be waiting. As they crossed the hallway, the loud whine of a jet engine could be heard coming from the door ahead of them. Pushing on the door, it swung open easily and they entered. The enormous room they entered reminded Lightning of a hanger, but five times in size. The floor was charcoal black. It was impossible to slide over it and felt like hard rubber, probably to give the jets lined up in the large hanger traction. There were several ponies lounging around, likely wanting to either avoid the noise going on in the city, or focus on their work. Continuing toward the entrance of the hangar, he caught sight of one pony lounging on a striped blue beach chair. She had a black mane that stopped below her eyes and brushed to the side to not hinder her eyesight. Her brown eyes seemed busy looking through a blue book. Lightning was able to clearly glance at the title 'A Blue Dove for the Princess', without drawing attention to himself. Hm, what an interesting title. A nudge to his ribs drew his attention as Rainbow pointed out the jets they would be flying. "Dibs on the one on the left," Rainbow stated. "Still wish we hadn't dropped ours over the edge of Canterlot like that." Lightning said as they made their way to the jets. "I know how you feel. I thought it was crazy, but it was necessary since there was nowhere to land anyway. Hopefully we can get new ones soon." They made their way into the cockpits and started the tedious tasks of preparing for take off. Princess Celestia walked down the hallway where the guest rooms were located. She was flanked by two guards in their famous gold armor, watching for any dangers to their Princess. Although at this point, most guards were either off-duty or keeping the party outside in check. The Princess stopped in front of one of the doors to her right and raised a hoof to knock. The door opened and a servant looked at her for a moment before moving to the side with a bow of his head. "Guards," Celestia firmly said, earning an at attention stance from the guards beside her. "Please wait outside, but don't hesitate to enter if you believe something is amiss." They responded with a bow of their head and stood on either side of the doorway. She entered the room and glanced around. It was like all the guest rooms, nothing special. The special occupant sitting on the bed, however, was what Celestia came for. The door shut behind her as she slowly walked toward the bed and sat in front of Goldwing. She looked up at Celestia's face not out of hate or anger, but of curiosity. "Why am I still alive?" She asked flatly. Celestia stared outside, silently enjoying the sun she would rise every day. Sighing through her nostrils, she looked back at Goldwing. "I want to know more about you." Goldwing clearly wasn't expecting that answer as her brow shot up in surprise "More about me," Goldwing repeated. "Why would a Princess of Equestria care about my past? The past of a gryphon who almost destroyed your nation?" "Because, my special guest," Celestia said with a smile. "It would be unfair of me to put you on trial without knowing your motives. I've seen a glance at your past when you... borrowed my powers. What I saw changed my look upon you and I wish to know more." "So I'm just a tool to sate your curiosity?" Goldwing snapped. "My past should be none of your business. Just judge me guilty and get the trial over with." Celestia clenched her jaw to retain her composure, else lose her entire reason for coming here. "I'm not here for something so trivial. I saw how those ponies treated you in your younger years. I saw their prejudice and it disappointed me that ponies such as those exist in Equestria." She stared at her with a saddened expression. "You will be killed immediately if I don't intervene. Is this what you truly want, Goldwing?" She laid down with her hooves tucked under her so she was at eye level with Goldwing. "Why do you want to give away your life so easily?" "You wouldn't understand," Goldwing muttered. "Try me," Celestia challenged. The room was silent as the former queen and Princess stared at each other. Only the faint sound of a songbird could be heard outside the window. Finally Goldwing huffed and looked at the floor. "Tell me, have you ever lost someone you loved dearly? Someone who would love you no matter what you did?" Celestia nodded slowly, but noticed Goldwing still had her head low. "I am hundreds of centuries old. I have had my share of loss whenever I find somepony I enjoy company with. It is... never easy to watch them fade away," she added sadly. Goldwing hesitated, not sure if she should bother continuing. She started her story several years after she lost her wings. After graduating from school, to her relief of surviving that horrible place, her coltfriend stayed with her. Even when she traveled back to the gryphon kingdoms. "When I returned to my homeland, I found out how much they hated the pony I loved. It was as if we switched sides and he was taking the prejudice I had to endure. Eventually I had enough and tried to get audience with Queen Steelfeather. She was a kind and just ruler, so I believed she would help me." Goldwing clenched her fist to control her building anger. "But no. She refused to help because her people would frown upon helping a pony! She was too scared of her own people to do what was right." Goldwing shook her head as she continued. "I thought things couldn't get any worse, but then... " her voice broke and she clenched her eyes shut to stop herself from crying. Taking several deep breaths, she was able to at least control it enough to continue. "My love took a rock to the temple while he was getting groceries. He was an amazing cook, while I couldn't even make burnt toast." She chuckled lightly to ease her sadness a bit. "After I found out what happened, I completely lost it. I was so furious, I did what every gryphon thought was crazy to do. In my anger, I challenged Steelfeather's rule." "Was Steelwing that bad of a leader?" Celestia inquired. "I've known her as a very kind gryphon and was loved by her people." "Only because she was a doormat for the people to wipe their talons off of." Goldwing responded quickly in anger. "I'd love to tell you how I truly feel about her, but that isn't a part of my past." She added with a hint of disappointment. "Anyway. If you know the traditions of such a challenging, then you realize what kind of situation I was in." Celestia nodded her head. "It's quite an odd way to find leadership, but effective. I believe you have three days to prove that your rule is greater than the previous leader, correct?" "Indeed," Goldwing responded simply. "The previous leader would step down and allow the challenger a chance. If they fail however, they are killed on the spot for their treachery. I'm sure you can figure out what happened three days later." "So how did you win over your people?" Celestia got a short laugh from Goldwing at her question. "To be honest? I had no idea what to do first. Steelfeather was probably laughing her tail off at me for challenging her at the worst possible time. Her scheduled was booked full and it was going to be a busy three days. "What do you mean was?" Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Do you know the other rules of the challenge, Princess?" Receiving a head shake, she continued. "It states that as ruler for three days the challenger has complete control as if he/she was the actual ruler. That also includes military control. Unfortunately, this is where my... decline... started." Goldwing said not very excitedly. "You see, I found a loop hole in the challenge. After the three days, the previous leader would ask the people for their votes and he or she would decide in their favor. However, it does not say anything about Steelfeather suddenly, shall we say... disappearing. So to put it simply, I was the one who killed Steelfeather. In her sleep. Funny how there were no guards around to see it either." Celestia rubbed a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. "So by default you were the new Queen?" "Precisely, but I wasn't done yet. I still had a nation to punish for killing the one I loved." "You can't be serious!" Celestia said sternly, and a bit louder than she wanted to. She continued in a hushed voice else the guards may burst in. "You cannot justify punishing a nation over a small group who hate ponies." "No, I couldn't," Goldwing admitted. "but I did it anyway out of spite. My anger blinded me while my hunger for power was sated as the new queen. 'Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely', as the saying goes. The more powerful I felt, the more the gryphons began to fear me. I loved that thrill of having so much power over others." goldwing glared at the floor for a moment. "Though no matter what I say, it won't change the fact I committed those horrible acts," she finished. "This is a lot to take in, goldwing." Celestia said slowly. "I'm frankly surprised that you told me all of this." "There's one more thing you need to know if you truly wish to help me." Celestia's brow rose at the serious tone Goldwing had. "You are aware of what happened to Stalliongrad?" Celestia's visage turned grim upon hearing about the city that got burned to cinders. "I am very aware of that act, Goldwing. Why do you bring it up?" "I didn't destroy Stalliongrad." Goldwing held up a talon to silence Celestia's argument. "Please, let me finish. Not many know about this, but while you had 'Project Alicorn', we had our own One of my most prized projects was called 'Project Kingdom'. To put it simply, it is a weapons platform used to reign destruction anywhere in the known world. A superweapon, if you wish to call it that." "Why would you build such a thing, Goldwing?" A hint of fear in Celestia's voice. "Why are you telling me this now?" "Fear has always been my favorite weapon when I was drunken in power as queen. Such a weapon that could strike from anywhere would surely bring fear in their hearts." Goldwing's face had a mixture of sadness and fear as she continued. "As to why I'm telling you this, I would like to say I'm sorry." Celestia tilted her head in confusion. "What are you sorry for?" Goldwing looked at Celestia's uncovered eye. "Because Project Kingdom's next target... is Canterlot."