//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - The Fall // Story: Healing Through Iron Wings // by Magicman7997 //------------------------------// Healing Through Iron Wings (Rainbow (CRM Timeline) x Dr. Whooves Friendship) “Stay with me Dash! C’mon, it’s just a little further to the medic station!” Separated from the rest of the EQA forces, Sergeant Proud Skies hadn’t honestly thought she’d be dragging the badly injured pegasus from her crash landing site. Blasted by King Sombra’s dark magic, Skies had watched as several of the Wonderbolts finest were picked off one by one. As they fell like flies, she could hear the sickening crunch of their bones upon impact with the ground. She continued to hear the steady fall as each flier was neatly shot down, until a new sound pierced through her helmet and lodged itself permanently in her memory. The sound of a Pegasus mare screaming in absolute torturous pain. Looking up, she saw Captain Rainbow Dash, bravest of the ‘Bolts, get lanced by a bolt of dark magic. Upon impact, Skies noticed two things. One, that Dash had taken a direct hit (hence the scream), and two, there seemed to be two pieces of Rainbow now. Blinking in disbelief, she watched as Dash plummeted towards the ground, her body too landing with the crunch that all the other shared. However, it was preceded by a soft thump. A thump, that now that the Sergeant was on the scene, was evidence enough to prove that she hadn’t been seeing things earlier. For lying next to Dash’s broken body, was a cyan wing that still twitched with minor electrical nervous activity… The sight made Skies retch instantly. Emptying her stomach, she regained her composure and began checking Dash for any signs of life. A pained moan escaped her lips as she gently touched her. By Celestia, she’s alive! Shocked beyond belief that the pegasus had survived her fall, Skies instantly fell back on her military training. The magic had caused a clean cut, so blood loss from that wound wouldn’t be a problem. However, without one of the medical unicorns to scan her, Skies had no idea how bad her internal injuries were. Bracing her as best she could, the sergeant slid Dash on her back and began to quickly move south across the field in hopes she’d find a field medic. Or at least a squad that can provide me with some cover. The ride across the scarred landscape was certainly doing Dash little to no favors, as ever bump and quick movement caused a wail of pain to escape her muzzle. Proud Skies winced every time she heard Dash’s cries, but knew there was nothing for it. The quicker she got her to medical attention, the better her chances for survival. “Hang on Dash, we’re almost there! I can see the rally point ahead!” Skies put on a burst of speed. She could see the red and white cross flags waving in the distance, beckoning her home. Yet, as is often the case in battle, a plan never survives contact with the enemy. Less than 100 yards from salvation, their luck ran out. A group of Sombra’s enslaved thralls surrounded them quickly and readied their weapons. Skies gulped silently, but dropped herself into as aggressive a stance as she could. “I don’t think so you bastards. GET OUT OF MY WAY!” Her battle cry did little to phase the enemy, and even less to bolster her own courage in the situation. It did however do one thing she hadn’t expected. It got the attention of somepony who was nearby. Somepony, who upon seeing the charge that the sergeant was caring for, instantly swooped in and landed in front of the sergeant and spread her mighty white wings as a shield. Celestia herself had heard her call, and now positioned herself between Skies and his foes. Using the full might of the Royal Canterlot Voice, Celestia bellowed, ”BEGONE! The sudden shockwave easily parted the small force of Crystal slaves and allowed Celestia and Skies to dash through the opening. Before they could recover, Sombra’s forces were engaged by some of Celestia’s elite guard. Now with some breathing room, Skies slowed herself to a gentler pace and headed straight for the medical tent. Celestia leading the way cleared the path quickly. As soon as they made it to the entrance, she and Tia both cried out ”MEDIC!!!”. Instantly, the two were rushed upon by every available Unicorn in the place. “Please, she’s badly hurt!” Skies said as the adrenaline began to leave her system. Shaking like a leaf, she slowly sank to her haunches. She didn’t even feel the soft feathery touch of a wing wrapping around her. “My dear little pony,” Celestia said softly. “What a wonderful thing you have done. Risking your own life for her.” With tears now coming freely, Skies looked to her ruler, “Will the Cap be okay?” “I don’t know, Harmony willing, she will be. But I can’t say for sure.” Skies had been in the military long enough to see several ponies fall in combat, never before had one affected her so. Why now, why this mare? Unable to hold back any longer, Skies wept into Celestia’s coat. “Please, if there’s any Harmony left in the universe, please let her be okay…” Skies soft whimpering was drowned out by the hustle and bustle of the medical tent. Time seemed to slow as Celestia and the sergeant watched the medical ponies rush about. Watching the group of Unicorns attending to Dash, the two waited on pins and needles for any news. After what felt like an eternity, they were approached by a charcoal black stallion whose own fatigues were badly stained. “Your highness, sergeant, I’m Dr. Quick. Captain Dash has been stabilized. She’s in shock, and has severe internal injuries, not to mention the loss of her...wing. We have her in a magically induced coma. She needs an immediate evac to Canterlot General. I request your permission your highness to use evac protocol 21-87 and teleport Captain Dash along with two of my field nurses to CG for treatment.” “Permission granted Doctor.” “Your highness,” said Skies a little shakily. “Permission to accompany the Captain? I’d like to be with her if that’s okay?” Looking at the shaken Earth pony, Celestia knew what the answer was immediately. “Permission granted Sergeant. While you are at Canterlot General, you are to get yourself checked out as well. Once you’ve been medically evaluated, you are assigned as the Captain’s escort.” Leaning in closer to Skies, Celestia softly said, “She’ll need someone to be there for her, right now, that pony is you. Don’t let me down Skies.” “Absolutely your highness. I won’t leave her hanging.” “Good.” “We have everything ready,” said Dr. Quick. “A message has been sent ahead to CG. They are ready in Trauma ward for the Captain and an ER doc will take a look at you Sergeant. If you’d be so kind as to step over here please?” Shuffling her hooves, Proud Skies scooted as close to the stretcher that Dash lay upon as she could. Suddenly, the hairs on her coat tingled as the magical energy drew around them. As the rose colored magic swirled, Skies saw a slight smile cross the face of Celestia. Then, all was darkness.