Three hundred years after Luna's banishment, Equestria is at a shaky peace, its borders protected by the Equestrian Armed Forces from several hostile races, from raiding Diamond Dogs to the increasingly aggressive Gryphons. Incidents are many, and tensions rise as the newly unified Gryphon Empire sets its sights on the lands and riches of its pony neighbors.
In this troubled time, a young pegasus orphan named Firefly comes of age. A born warrior, her name will one day be known as not just the founder of the Wonderbolts, but as one of Equestria's greatest heroes...
Set in the same universe as the Turnabout Storm novelization but taking place seven hundred years before, this is the story of Rainbow Dash's ancestor, the origin of the Wonderbolts, and the coming of the Great Pony/Gryphon War. Also referenced by multiple stories in the Gentlemanverse.
- Rated MUST READ by the Pleasant Commentator and Review Group - October 2, 2016 (8/10 stars).
- Rated RECOMMEND by the Reviewer's Cafe - April 13, 2017 (8/10 stars).
- Rated 4/5 Stars by Personal Review of xTSGx December 6, 2017.
- Rated WHY HAVEN'T YOU READ THIS YET? by Personal Review of PaulAsaran March 30, 2018.
- Rated 9.6/10 by Firefoxino of My Little Reviews and Feedback Group April 17, 2018.
Writers: Leo Archon and Firesight
Prereaders: AJ_Aficionado, SilentWoodFire, JamesCyberlink, Denim_Blue
Cover Art by Equestria Prevails, classified as creative-commons/share-alike: http://equestria-prevails.deviantart.com/art/Firefly-351657539
I commend you on your research. Have you actually watched the original 80's version of MLP?
6279751 I personally have watched two parts of G1 MLP: the pilot episode, Escape from Midnight Castle, and the movie.
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Myself, I've seen the movie and that's about it. The choice of Firefly was Leo's, but it makes perfect sense since Firefly was more or less the G1 Rainbow Dash, so you could certainly call her Rainbow's ancestor. Enjoy!
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6279812 Actuallly some people believe that G3's Rainbow Dash, an earth pony fashionista is the really ancestor
I'm gonna "read later" this.
The lore behind the Armored Guard is pretty awesome. A few thoughts:
This is the exact opposite of the Pegasi Enclave from Fallout Equestria. In that instance, the population is encouraged to fight for the fascist military-run government for the benefit of being allowed to breed as a result of limited food and resources. In your example, the stallions themselves are the limited resource and have to 'man up' for the good of the country. Kind of a neat, if unintended parallel given no love for FoE on your part.
It's like a cross between Napoleon's Imperial Guard and those Americans defending West Germany during the Cold War. It's no wonder the Guard has to be so well-trained. No matter what happens they're going to be outnumbered and outgunned at the onset of any conflict!
In fairness, they throw one hell of a party.
Although, this becomes problematic when archery training is scheduled the day after. 
Just wait until they discover battle saddles and power armor...
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Until then, they have a lot to learn about war, and an enemy that's already well-versed and possesses a noble military heritage. Lets hope for the best for our hero.
just read the latest chapter and i Think this story is awsome. please have a
Sorry I wasn't able to get to this yesterday. Lets have a look, shall we?
I can't help but think of a World of Warcraft troll here: "Come get the voodoo, mon!"
And so we get a rare and welcome example of race/class balancing that a lot of pony fics strangely lack. As lopsided as MLPFiM the cartoon is in balancing the three pony races — sorry crystal ponies, you don't count
— you generally have it even worse in fanfiction because pegasi and unicorns are the only ones that matter to the fans. Earth ponies are generally portrayed as being completely useless in the fandom and we all know it. 
But here, Earth Ponies have a distinct strength advantage that doesn't just go away because the protagonist is just so edgey and cool and stronger than everyone else. That is so rare, I'm all for putting this story in some sort of natural preserve so that it might survive and flourish and we can have more lead characters that aren't overpowered Sue's with impossibly strong magic.
This will end in tears.
Go home, mage, you're drunk. That man mountain is obviously a stallion.
Now conjure up some alcohol and piss off!
What a bigoted craphead! How does he know she got off easy?
My god, we are reaching Dead Sea levels of salt here!
Time for Firefly to demonstrate why, I think.
Out of range of the earth pony, blinded the range attacker, and the other flyer. I couldn't think of a more efficient opening move. Well done.
In most duels there is a circle extending out from the center that will disqualify someone if they pass it. I guess, you're allowed some leeway in pony duels as long as you're quick about it.
Leaving that alone, the tactics employed are solid; taking out the caster/healer first is rule one in any PvP scenario. The Earth pony wielding a slingshot made me smile. We're certainly putting our research into earth pony ranged weapons to good use! That said, if he were a really good shot, he'd be able to lead her. Firefly probably isn't flying in random directions, burning up her energy, she has the objective of closing with her opponents and putting them down. These three put no thought at all into how they were going to fight as a team and deserve the ass-whooping they're going to get.
That turned him down a scoach!
In the end, it was his own strength that betrayed him; no doubt, his hard charging only made the force of Firefly's kick scramble his brains even more. Were he gifted with greater intellect, he would have allowed Firefly to charge him. Genghis Khan taught his men not to hate the enemy but to view each foe as another problem to be settled with pointy sticks. I think earth pony guy was an even better example or how not to handle a fight than Shadowdweeb.
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Great chapter! I could read this sort of thing all day.
Loving it and looking forward to more!
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Thanks for all the comments!
Definitely not to me!
In my headcanon, earth ponies have great strength and stamina, and are resistant to magic. Hell, part of the reason that Firefly's so strong is that's she's probably got some earth pony in her blood.
Firefly is no Mary Sue. She's an incredibly gifted flyer and born warrior, but short of donning the Alicorn Amulet again, she's perfectly mortal and if she's not smart, could certainly be taken out. And before all is said and done, she will face opponents every bit as good as she. And at least one who might be better.
They were drunk and didn't take her very seriously, but I think they all just found out why they haven't made sergeant if their judgment is so bad...
Thanks!
The biggest lesson she had to learn was simply to use her head, and not just to butt heads.
Actually, you're right, so I added some explanation. As the terms of the duel never included fight boundaries, she broke no rule by flying off a short distance and circling back. Their oversight, not hers.
Yeah, I was definitely drawing on Siege a bit for this one. Wonder what Linky would think of Firefly?
Exactly. All three of these guys assumed either through arrogance or drunkenness (or probably a combination thereof) that she was no match for their strength/speed/magic, forgetting that the first rule of any fight is you damn well better take your opponent seriously or you'll end up flat on your ass.
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Thanks, I'll wear it proudly!
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Thanks as well! More is coming... and hopefully more readers, too.
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I've never headcanoned a magical resistance before! Time to update headcanon.exe.
Applying Patch 7.21.02 .....................
.............................................................
..... Headcanon Updated.
Lets ask her and Twinkleshine what they thought about all of this...
Linky: Fair play to yeh, Firefly, but yehr victory came against vastly inferior opponents. Shadowslash was a prat; a mere thug more concayrned with revenge than winnin'. If yeh came up against me, I'd 'ave popped yeh one on the first dive! At least the pegasus did better than the ayrth pony. Yeh had one job!
Twinkleshine: At least the two of them did... something. The unicorn couldn't perform the simple courtesy of sending up a star shell enchantment to illuminate the sky? Appalling form! Firefly did him a service by knocking him out first before he could make us look even more inept!
Now there would be a nasty fight! Firefly versus Linky and Twinkleshine. She'd be up against two potential ranged attacks, protective enchantments and close-in threat.
Oh, absolutely! She's a great fighter, and I look forward to seeing her face off against a foe worthy of facing her. It was a smart move to show her facing an opponent that was beyond her first, to let us know that she is mortal and she can fail. This story really drives home the point of how Siege could have been done a lot better.
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They started it! But seriously, they'll put up one hell of a fight before they're done!
R. Lee Ermey's rebirth as a pony and Firefly's first taste of combat. Lets take a look, shall we?
He'll PT you until your tail holes are sucking buttermilk!
You had best be a well-written character unlike Flash or I will unscrew your head and s*** down your neck!
Milady!
I'm going to ignore the obvious joke lest I be smitten by the gods and instead make fun of the pegasi for their meteorological OCD.
That's some serious Navy S.E.A.L. stuff, right there! "Flashbang" Stun Grenades are one of the best tools in the specwarrior's arsenal for achieving Relative Superiority.
Fool of a featherbrain! You retreat before the warrior and she will take your space!
Seriously bad tactics on her part as well as admitting to her reliance on the bolas. Your enemy closes on you, you must either accept close-quarters combat (CQC) and abandon your ranged weapon in favor of a melee weapon or counterattack with something before withdrawing to a comfortable range with which to finish your foe.
The carotid and stick approach works wonders.
Since she only found out later about the cowardly ransom, she's likely still high off her first taste of combat. Particularly, having kicked ass and looked damn good doing it. It's just a shame Equestria now faces a gigantic war for their limp-hooved politics. Luck be with ye, Firefly.
Back by popular demand -- and by that I mean, Firesight thought it would be cool -- Linky and Twinkleshine's fight scene review!
Now that's a good way ter make an entrance! Distract the lot of 'em and start shooting after taking their mates in an ambush! Now hayr's a worthy foe!
Wouldn't it be better to get all of them to come out of their base and attack them in the open?
Well sure, if yeh kin manage that! I cannae think of a good way the gryphons could've managed ter do that without givin' themselves away though...
Pull the fire alarm?
(sigh) That would never work...
Ask if there refrigerator is running?
Yah're fired! I'm making all the tactical decisions from now on!
No comment here. Whacking somepony on the wings hurts whether you're a pegasus or not!
Aye! Hit the enemy where they're strong, and they'll become weak.
The aforementioned feather brain comment applies here, I think...
If I can get out me soapbox fer a moment... If yeh ever find yah'reself fighting close up with a ranged weapon, seek an altayrnative means of waxing your opponent. Or, yeh know, yeh could just die lookin' stupid.
Behold, the sword of pacification! (giggle)
Well, if yeh can't aim worth nuthin... Still, seems a bit much for a non-lethal mission. A blunt weapon would more likely knock a pony out without killin' her.
The Feathery Folk had a good plan but it was poorly executed. They dinnae seem keen to leave either once they'd been caught, despite already taking prisoners. Retreat is inexcusable, but an orderly withdrawal is preferable to being bucked in the face.
Not the face! Linky makes money with that face!
Neigh, but I easily could!
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Well, at least Twilight won't randomly fall for him... though per my thinking now, he probably is Flash's ancestor. And after that little encounter with Firefly he will almost have to be heard from again.
True, but in fairness... wait until they start to use weather as a weapon!
SEALS versus Gryphons... I'd pay to see them go hand-to-claw.
Which is exactly why this bunch aren't real warriors.
And actually, lucky for the Epsilon pegasi they weren't...
Nice!
Are you talking about ponies appeasing gryphons, or Obama's idiotic deal with Iran?
Well, not right away. The Gryphons are being patient and laying the groundwork. You'll find out exactly what the purpose was behind these raids and captured ponies in due time.
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The correct response here is 'yes'.
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Appreciate it, thanks! Well, the griffies weren't always friendly. At this point in their history, they've defeated the Cloven and Elder Rams without help, think very highly of themselves and believe they should be the planet's preeminent race, not the Equestrians. Their exact plans will become clear in due time, but you're right--had these raiders been a bit more disciplined or been actual Gryphon soldiers, Outpost Epsilon would have been lost. And don't think Firefly and company don't know it.
Can't promise that, sorry.
Finally found time to read this story properly.
I have to say I really enjoyed it. The fight scene in this chapter was especially good, Your an excellent author.
Not much more to say, it's a really good story.
Looking forward to more to come.
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I appreciate it, thanks!
More is coming, though perhaps not right away. Trying to get some more readers in first, so if you know anyone who might like this, feel free to point them this way.
Finally got this off my read later and into the up to date folder... Now it becomes a waiting game as to which "Old Equestria" war fic updates first, Wind and Stone, this or maybe The Stranger and her Friend.
Granted Stranger doesn't have the same feeling to it but I wouldn't say no to it updating.
Time to get my pony medieval warfare fix!
Is it weird that someone like me that breathes clopfiction can appreciate the concept of losing one's virginity as an irrevocable decision that actually matters? I know, it's a trite observation; I beg pardon.
I love the Firefly intro this chapter. She carries herself like a true badass.
For some weird reason, I found this old timey english is some of my stories during my last editing spree. What the hell is that?
Thestrals are awesome. That is all.
Sounds like that old movie: The Manchurian Candidate.
Ahh Minsk! That's where Worf is from, don'cha know!
I'm flattered to have contributed to your headcanon, sensai.
That sounds an awful lot like Operation Yellow. Von Manstein's greatest achievement among many as a hotsy-totsy blackshoe-wearing Nazi general.
But their drunk quality is finely honed!
I don't know about you, but I find this blatant ableism to be problematic. Also, Derecho is an awesome name for a pegasus.
Ye'll tak' the high watch and I'll tak' the low. And I'll be in Scotland afore ye.
So was Haystation Network.
It's time for Linky and Twinkleshine again!
Neigh, brave pegasus! Yeh mass soldiers to take what yeh don't have and let a few soldiers keep what's already yehrs. Massing behind a wall only invites yehr enemy to trap yeh.
By that logic, what's to stop you from attacking your own neighbor on any given sunny day?
Nothing. Hehe!
(sigh) Ask a stupid question...
Shoot it!
She's got a shield up.
Yer bum’s oot the windae! (You're crazy!)
No really! They're magically shielded and flying so you can't melee. What are you going to do now, Linky?
Ah dinnae kin... (I don't know)
How keen of her to think of such a simple magical solution!
(grumble) Cheaters...
I think she's channeling Aragorn!
Couldn't have happened to a nicer eagless.
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And your comments are always appreciated!
Not trite to me. It does matter. Or at least, it should.
Her true badassery hasn't even been shown yet, though we're getting glimpses of it now. In the immortal words of Vegeta from DBZ abridged...
Agreed! Fell Flight is Leo's invention. She's a bit of a badass in her own right, and will figure more prominently as the story goes along. And as for the thestrals... I have a very special chapter planned for them in due course.
All I'll say is, if Fell Flight is correct and the communication gems are unhackable, then there's pretty much only one way it could have happened.
I did not know!
Well-deserved, Kohai. Well-deserved. I loved that chapter and scene in your story.
The gryphons are no strategic slouches, and being a meritocracy, their generals have earned their rank. Though this particular operation, we'll find out in the next chapter, may have exceeded its parameters...
Well, apparently their cider nog is first rate...
I'm sorry, am I triggering you?
I wish I could send this crew into a college campus. They'd be less than impressed with feminists and the SJW crowd.
Burn.
I keeping imagining these two giving a running commentary on the story like they're watching it on a movie screen. Ah, Linky... you would have done well in centuries past.
Try a 40mm grenade, Linky. It worked wonders on corrupted mage griffins in Feathered Heart!
Also borrowed at least in part from Feathered Heart. The griffies gave the marines some gems that tended to block magic in a small area so they could use their comms.
Now, now... FIrefly is a mare who who uses all tools at her disposal, Linky.
You of all ponies should appreciate that! And in truth, not even she could just punch through that shield on her own. She's badass, but she's no Mary Sue.
You know, I didn't even think of that when I wrote that line, but you're right!
Be that as it may, poor Firefly may end up a bit distraught over it...
Holy shit, you're updating your stories in rapid succession. You're putting pressure on me to keep writing that side story. Yes, I'm still working on it. Slowly...
Anyway, what a chapter. And what an ending. That's very effective.
6 days since I power read the story and you give me another chapter. An awesome chapter to boot? You're my hero.
I'm certainly interested to see where this goes.
This is a great story.
It is just a shame that it has so few likes...
6532849 This is one of the most underrated stories of all time. It's better than more than a few 1000+ like stories I've read on the subject of war.
Sorry for not answering all this earlier.
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Thank you! The next chapter will obviously deal with the aftermath of the raid, and the effect on her psyche. But when all was said and done, it's best she deal with it sooner rather than later.
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You're welcome. I'm trying to do one chapter of each of my stories in turn, and by coincidence you caught up with the story just as I writing a new chapter. Next one will probably be out in a couple weeks.
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You both flatter me.
Starting to see more of an uptick in likes now, I'm happy to say. This will be a long story, just have to keep at it and trust that readers will come in time, especially as the like count goes higher.
6575376 I'm going to break a personal rule and upvote now instead of when the story is completed, it's not getting the love it deserves.
I normally read from my phone (which sucks that i can never leave a reply), but i happened to be home near a computer. Finally decided this needed to be off my 'to-read' list (and into my favorites i might add), so lets do this!
*Side note: Also dropping this into my fav list on my (Never looked at)page. This story needs more love!
Good to see she made it to camp.
Hehe.. at her blind side..
(no problems here. just fun.)
Perhaps 'you' would do better? Eh? Eeeehhh?
I know... 
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Two stupid mistakes, now fixed.
Thanks for pointing them out.
6581209 Eeyup.
After constantly reading from a phone that i can't comment on stories with, makes me feel good when i finally can help/comment.
Off the hook!! Took my sweet time reading this... Plus the other one. Oh and, A shout out to one of the Quest of Skyrim which has the same Title (Innocence Lost) Awesome!
Finally decided to pull my head out of my plot and give this a whirl. Not disappointed.
Ah, Full Metal Jacket. * sniff* now that takes me back.
Firefly is going to have to straighten up and fly right and that soon.
Bravo!
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Well, it is appreciated. I'm an editor and I *hate* it when I make editing mistakes in my own stories.
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Glad you enjoyed!!!! Promise I'll get back to CoD before too long as well.
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Welcome aboard! The FMJ reference was rather blatant but too good not to use. Take it you've been to boot camp yourself?
6593011 I've never had that particular *ahem* pleasure of going through boot camp.
I am quite enjoying this story after it was recommended through a couple of author's stories/blogs I have been following. One thing I will say though, if it hadn't been for the recommendations I would have dropped it early on. I personally found the initial flashback(?) that started the story and the one at the start of the first chapter off-putting. Once those were done and the (present time) story started to get going I am glad to say that my initial impression was wrong and I am happy that I kept reading.
6594721 Was there anything in particular about the initial flashback and the first chapter's introductory narration that bothered you?
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The one in the prologue was franky just strange and apparently is only a thing because of some other stories that aren't exactly related in any meaningful way according to the authors note. For the second it is mainly because after such a short bit of 'normal time' in the prologue the opening part of the next chapter only rehashes things the reader can already infer without giving any actual details about those things.
*edit*
The first one in the prologue might be scaring off some readers from this story as it gives a very different impression about what the story contains compared to the description. I came in expecting ye olde Equestria with a helping of warrior pegasi and instead get a plate of mystical planes and a side of humans channeling the spirits of ponies.
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Your point is well taken, and is now addressed. There's a different intro to the prologue now, one that more fits the story. Give it a look and see what you think. Beyond that, thank you for the like, and welcome aboard.
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That is a much more fitting start to the story, well done.
Not that I mean to intrude, but do you want a soundtrack done for this like on TLaTU? I'm not busy, and kinda need a distraction as of now.
I'd normally mail you this sort of thing, but I feel this should be a public notice.
All nostalgia here... It somehow reminds me of something at this chapter in particular... literally.
The description of Firefly equipping her wingblades is a great addition to this chapter. Fantastic way to handle exposition!
Very nicely handled.
Certainly an improvement with the conversation... Unfortunately this is a pain in my ass as it makes me have to re-download the entire story to update the chapter properly
I just got goosebumps.
Nice chapter.
I agree, they were FAR too generous. Some gems would have been enough... and even then I'd try and vaguely hint that they're sabotaged. Why give your enemy something useful when you can give them a great gift that they won't use for fear of sabotage and leave you open to being "offended" by their lack of appreciation.