> Mur 199
>  by zalla661
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Stupid Op.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 22, 2012
0800 
6974th Aviation Base Korenovsk


I remember it was cold that morning. It was going to be a long Op. and we both knew it. What we hadn't expected was what was to come afterwards. My name is Commander Lightning Dust, and I'm the leader of the Nightmare Squadron at Korenovsk Air Base. Together with my wingman, or wingmares as we call each other a sort of play on our squadron name, we fly in a dangerous game against our greatest and far superior adversary the Americans. For over 50 years my brothers and sisters fought in a silent game against the US. Now it was my turn with my wingmares in the 6974th MiG Brigade to continue this dangerous game.

"Hey Lightning!" 

Ah, my childhood friend and the only American I truly respect, Lt. Commander Trixie B. Lulamoon and friend of mine for over 26 years since we were children. Though born as American her mother took her from her father and brought her to the USSR many years ago and we've known each other since. From preschool, to High school, to Gagarin Air Force Academy we've been together and plan to stay that way until death separates us to our inevitable journey to the great beyond, if only temporary. There in the void after death we will be reunited but that was for another day. Today was a long promised day that we will get our chance to get the edge over America, and our next Op. was going to make it happen.

"Trixie what is it?" I called back waving as she tackled me with a hug. She was a good six inches smaller than me at only 5'4" but she has a mean tackle hug, I believe the Americans called it the 'glomp' or something stupid. 

"Trixie requires your affections!" she cried kissing my cheek.

"Oof! Trixie, you know I hate it when you do that!' I hissed shoving her off. "What if the Colonel sees you doing this? She might get the wrong idea about us!"

Trixie looked hurt at this. It's true homosexuality was barely tolerated, but in the Soviet Air Force Colonel Alexandira Potulov had no tolerance for it among her personnel, especially the women. That's why Trixie and I kept it a close guarded secret.

She crossed her arms frowning at me. "Fine Lightning. Then you get to sleep on the floor tonight when we get home." she huffed turning her back on me.

I really don't want to deal with this now.

"Speaking of the Colonel, we have a briefing starting in about two minutes, get ready you and I are going on a recon Op." I said grabbing my gear from my locker before heading to the changing room. 

I was in and out in less than a minute, years of putting on a flight suit perfected to an art form. The suit was a little loose on me so it was easy for me to get in and out. Being flat helped greatly. Trixie unfortunately had a well rounded figure and a bust to boot, so she always asked me for help when zipping up her flight suit not that I mind though. Once done we headed out of the barracks and to the flight operations center.

Trixie and I made our way to the flight Ops center at the southern tip of the base past the hangars. Inside we signed a few forms and proceeded to the briefing.

The Colonel was already there waiting for us. The center was an auditorium style to fit as many people as possible in case several pilots were needed for an Op.  I recognized the look on the Colonel's face, she was happy about something, maybe she finally scored with a man? Not that it was any of my business. We sat down in the front row so we could see and hear the Colonel after a brief salute.

"Glad you two could make it. Before we start, this mission comes from the top, so it is top classified. Do you understand?"

"Aye Ma'am!" We jumped from our seats standing at attention. 

I really hated having to do that. It was pointless and a waste of energy. Trixie once scolded me for not saluting an officer as he passed by. Honestly I didn't care. I was retiring in a year and this was to be my last flight, I wanted to savor it.

"Take your seats please and we'll get started." she pulled a remote from behind her and clicked a few buttons as a screen came down. "OK, listen cause I'm not repeating this. Our agent in the US have determined there's a unique power surge coming from the east coast of the United States. It originates from this location." she clicked the remote again and a slide of a school appeared.

"The location is Canterlot High. You are to fly over the school after hours and recon the location and take pictures of the main entrance to see if you can catch any type of anomalies and photograph them. Once received you are to return immediately to our air space and proceed to Chechnya for your next assignment. Questions?"

Trixie and I looked at each other knowing well what the other was thinking. I raised my hand first. "Colonel I was wondering if we could go into the details of how we're to do this? America isn't going to let a MiG fly in it's air space without chasing us off." 

I felt stating the obvious wold help get the answers I needed. Sure the Colonel would tell us but it seemed important to bring these things up in case we assume wrong what the higher up want us to do. The Colonel sat down at a desk pulling out two folders and handing one to each of us.

"You'll start by becoming familiar with a few new features to your MiG Lightning. As for the location it is in Bath Maine, so you'll be close to the boarder to Canada where you'll escape to should you encounter trouble. Now, most of the systems will be controlled by your RIO and you'll be piloting the plane. All you need to know is the new self-destruct device we've installed. If you should be shot down or captured, when activated with incinerate the craft along with the two of you. Quick and painless so I'm told." 

That's reassuring.I thought rolling my eyes at the Colonel.

She then brought up another diagram of my MiG. "You'll notice the new modified Vympell R-80s. they're a new experimental design with rotating mounts for engaging enemies from the rear. Trixie has been trained to use them effectively I might add." Trixie raised her hand nervously interrupting the Colonel. "Yes, Lt. Commander?"

Trixie gulped and was sweating. I rarely every saw her like this and it was never without a good reason, so I took note. "Colonel. Did you say self destruct?"

"Yes why? Are you afraid Lt. Commander?" she asked.

"No ma'am. Just making sure I understood ma'am." It was cute the way she embarrassed herself in front of the Colonel.

"As I was saying. You'll proceed to Pskov Air base refuel and proceed north along to Greenland and then proceed southward towards the Canadian boarder. Make sure to use the IDFF (Identify Friend or Foe) code we provide or else." she reached into her brief case and pulled out a third folder handing and envelop to Trixie. The code was inside.

"You'll be in for a long flight. You'll have three fuel tank reserves and will make three additional air refueling along the way. Once at the Canadian boarder transmit the IDFF code and our contact will escort you to the US boarder but first you'll land refuel and rest for the day. A new IDFF will be provided by them at that  time. Hopefully no one will see you by eye or else it'll be for nothing. Now, once there you're to fly over the US to Canterlot High in Bath Maine. You must arrive after 1600 to avoid any wary eyes from the school." She glared, at me specifically. "Once you've taken your recon photos of the area return the exact same way you got there. Understood?"

I raised my hand once more.

"Yes Lieutenant Commander?"

"Who provided this intel ma'am?" I asked wondering who got this info. The US was good at keeping secrets so it made me wonder who was feed us this info. Probably a spy no doubt. A double agent maybe? 

"That's classified Lt. Commander. Now is there anything else you'd like to know?"

"No, ma'am!"

"No, ma'am!"

We both saluted her and she saluted back. "Good, now if there are no more questions you are dismissed. You fly at 0930 be ready. Go rest up."

Trixie and I went to the barracks for a quick nap. Before long we were in our MiG and ready for take off. There was a terrible storm that day. It was the worst storm I'd seen in many years of flying but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.







*Two Hours later*

"Fuel reveres?" I asked Trixie as we went through our preflight checks.

"Green."

"Missile guidance systems?"

"Green."

"Girlfriend in back seat?"

"Gree- hey not here you idiot!"

"Ha, fine fine. Killjoy. Alright let's see, missile guidance, fuel, oh yeah. Camera and HUD unit?"

"Green. Were all green and ready to fly."

Trixie and I were in our signature MiG-35D. The modified MiG was somewhat special to me and Trixie. We fell in love in this plane, and we always watched each others back within the cockpit. We use to fly separate in MiG-29s but since we joined we have flown the MiG-35D. An advanced two seat 4th generation fighter.

"Roger that. Control tower this is Pravda 199 requesting clearance to take the run." Trixie called over the comm. I glanced out the cockpit to see what was outside. The rain was so bad I actually had a hard time seeing outside the cockpit even though it only 9:30 or so. It wasn't long before a voice spoke over the comm. griping me back to reality.

"Pravda 199 this is ICC, you are clear to launch. Good luck on your mission. ICC out."

"Roger ICC we're history." she reached over my seat hitting my head twice. That was really annoying. "We have the green light let's head out!" she said cheerfully. 

"I know I heard it!" I snapped at her. I couldn't see her reaction but I knew she was cross with me.

An Awkward silence followed until we were in the air and long gone from Korenovsk. About three hours into the flight I looked back as best I could to see if Trixie was still mad at me. However I was limited by the amount of space provided by the aircraft. "Pravda? You OK back there?" I asked concerned this was going to affect her performance later. "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you back at the base. It's just there's so much that can go wrong with this plan, and all for what? A few pictures of a school? I don't buy it."

Trixie hadn't said anything for a few minutes. When I decided to speak again she interrupted me by speaking first. "I know you are worried. I am too." She reached over the seat with a bare hand rubbing my cheek from beneath my helmet. I took hold of it and kissed it once. "You know together there is nothing we can't handle Molinya."

I held her hand thinking of things I wanted to ask her about, what to do after I retire, her career, marriage, children. There was so much to talk about and now I had all the time to ask her, but I couldn't bring myself too ask. In the end I kept my thoughts to myself taking solace in the fact once the op. was over we could talk then. I looked over my shoulder still holding her hand. "I love you Trixie." I said.

She smiled back tightening her grip. "I love you too Lightning." she yawned.

"Get some rest Trixie. I'll let you know when we reach the first check point and you'll take over."

"Right." she retracted her hand and began to rest, while I took the controls keeping the MiG flying. My thoughts were on the mission. This mission had me on edge and we barely started. Flying into the US in a fully armed MiG was mount to suicide. I bet at that moment that the Colonel was laughing at me for foolishly accepting the assignment, but I knew better. She never joked about anything. The woman had a stick up her ass, that was for sure.







For the next day we flew nonstop after reaching Pskov, and we were on our final approach to our last air to air refueling behind a massive Ilyushin Il-78.

"Olka Nieva, this is Pravda 199 requesting fly by six for probe and drouge. How copy over?"

"This is Olka Nieva. Pravda 199 you are cleared for refueling. Standby." said a male voice over the comm. 

I watched as the craft extended it's fuel line and I opened my fuel line receiver. The BOOM operator along with my years of training and experience made the refueling flawless. My MiG sped towards the fuel hose and inserted my receiver into it with no problems. It took less than two minutes to refuel completely along with the reserves still unused.

Once free, we made our way heading westwards along the 66th parallel towards Canada. "Trixie signal our IDFF code 0106A." I said reading the letter given to us by the Colonel.

"Roger 0106A. Transmitting let's hope this works." she said nervously. 

Trixie punched the numbers in the computer on her console. Once complete the HUD read UIFF 199.

"Agreed. Let's hope. Hope that this is all worth it in the end." And with that, I shoved the throttle to max sending us across the sky like a bullet to the heart of the west. 







A few hours later we were flying over the Canadian broader with our flight escort. Once at the US boarder we broke off from the escort and proceeded South to the city of Bath. We had arrived at the city boarder within half an hour well within the mission timing parameters. The night sky was dark with not a cloud in the sky the moon was bright shining a light that lit the very ground below us. I could see the details in each building had I the time to look. Glancing up at the moon, I remembered when I was young my mother and father told me stories of a moon princess who lived there. It was said that she appeared on the moon over a thousand years ago and protected the dreams of those who favored the night.

I never really believed in that tale though, but mom and dad sure did and for some reason Trixie did too. They were actually a part of some cult of the Night Mother or something silly like that. Honestly, I felt it was a night club for astrology enthusiasts. That would have to wait our mission was more important. I took note to ask Trixie about it later.

"We're approaching the schools location now Trixie. Is everything ready? I don't want to stay longer than need be." I said. "With that naval station near by I don't want to have to fight my way back to the open sea."

Trixie was activating the camera as I spoke. I could hear her clicking away at the controls swiftly and within seconds she was ready. "K-12 camera is ready. Let's start with a quick fly by to see how well it works. start at 25000 ft and we'll work our way down." I complied with her and began my approach over the school descending to 25000 ft. "OK, Lightning fly straight and steady...... and we got it checking... It's a keeper begin the runs and I'll begin the recon."

I banked the MiG to begin circling the school thinking back this made no sense to me. Why were we here and with such outdated cameras that transmit digitally? We have drones and more sophisticated technology to do the job than we were. I know Trixie is the best pilot in the Soviet Air Force, second only to me of course, but why send us out here and run the risk of being captured?

"Hey, Trix?"

"What is it?"

"Why are we here?" I asked.

"Why are any of us here? That's one of life's great mysteries isn't it? Are we really a random set of mutations and cosmic coincidences or is there really a God?"

OK, now I was confused what the hell was all this about? Had she not heard me or was I really that open ended?

"I mean, I'm all for believing in God and all but I think he made us the way we are and left us to see how we'd grow myself. Only when we truly need his guidance does he make an appearance or sends a prophet. That's what I believe anyway." she was still working the console and the camera. I doubt she was really thinking of what I was actually talking about her mind was transfixed on what she was doing.

"Nooo," I drawled. "I mean why are we here? In THIS plane flying over an enemy nation taking pictures with a digital camera and not using drones?" I stated flatly back to her.

"Oh I was... I was um. Oh, I guess I see what you mean when you put it like that." she said.

"What was all that about God?"

"NOTHING!" she yelled.

"...You want to talk about it?" I was concerned by this point, she usually never spoke of such things unless she was upset about something.

"No." she said rather coldly to me. Just then I saw a light coming from a nearby field it was the most colorful light show I'd ever seen. "Hey you see that?" Apparently Trixie had noticed too.


*Meanwhile at Canterlot Park*


The Dazzlings were standing in the park of their most recent defeat at the hands of Sunset Shimmer and her friends. Adagio was angry stomping the ground fuming. "I can't believe this! Not only are we stuck here, but now it's without magic! How has it come to this?" She fell to the ground rubbing her temples. Aria was standing next to Sonata who was happily humming to herself.

"What do we do now Adagio? We can't use our magic so what's left to do?" Aria asked kneeling next to her patting her on the back. Adagio swatted her hand away. Standing up she began to pace back and forth in front of Sonata who was still humming to herself. It was a familiar tune too, one Adagio was sure she heard before but what was it? 

"Well, Aria we can use magic it's just extremely weak. But if we are careful we can use the excess energy from the Battle of the Bands to regain our foot hold and start again. We just need a plan- SONATA!" She turned to Sonata who stopped humming the second Adagio made eye contact.

"What is it Adagio?" she asked tilting her head. "Something bothering you?"

Oh so many things about you, Sonata. she thought. "Yeah, what is that stupid tune you're humming to yourself?" she asked annoyed.

Sonata tapped her finger on her lip thinking hard. "I'm not sure exactly. Something I learned as a child when we were still in Equestria. A song to remind me of home or something. I think?" she said unsure shrugging. Adagio looked like she was about to burst at this.

"You mean you KNOW THE HYMN OF RETURN!" she yelled causing the blue girl to cower in fear. "YOU KNEW IT THIS WHOLE TIME?! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING?!"

Sonata was in tears as she looked up to Adagio and Aria who looked just as angry at her as Adagio was. "Sniff... I'm sorry! I didn't know it was honestly!" she cried getting on her knees placing her hands together crawling to them. "Please, I'm sorry I didn't know! If I did I would have told you! You believe me don't you?" she asked pleadingly. 

Adagio and Aria were suckers for her crybaby routine. It wasn't something Sonata did to get out of trouble, she was just a innocent girl at heart despite being over a thousand plus years old. A prime example of a woman who never grew up. She hardly had a mean bone in her body. In fact Adagio was convinced she'd be a hindrance because of her kindhearted nature. Yet, when push came to shove she couldn't just dump her somewhere on her own. No matter how much she annoyed her.

"Look Sonata, I'm sorry, OK? Just stop that crying right now!" Adagio sighed smacking her had with her hand.

Aria approached Sonata helping her up. "Listen Sonata, can you teach us the song? Maybe we can use the excess energy to return home!" Aria suggested.

Adagio grinned at this tapping her fingers together she looked at her two companions. "Yes, and then once we return we can regain our power and take over Equestria! Once we do we can come back and take over this world as well!"

"YEAH! We're finally going home!" cheered Sonata.

Aria approached the other two holding out her hands  to them. "And we can use these to get back." she said revealing their gems. They were whole but badly damaged. Cracks ran across the surface of the gems and looked like even the slightest movement would destroy them. "We'll only get one chance, so let's make it count." she said handing them over.

Adagio looked at Aria proud of her. "Good work Aria. You sure they'll hold up?"

"Even if they don't we have enough energy to get back home. These will only reduce the amount of energy needed to perform the Hymn of Return."

"Alright then. Sonata tell us the lyric to the Hymn of Return. I have a hunger for Equestrian magic again and I can't wait any longer." 

For the next several minutes they practiced the song. It was short and simple to learn so it didn't take them long before they were ready. Just to be safe they tried it on a small rock. Surrounding the rock they began humming. After a minute the rock glowed brightly as a ring appeared around it, before disappearing in a bright flash of multicolored light. The Dazzlings looked at the scorched earth below satisfied with the result.

"Girls, we're going home." Adagio said holding a hand up triumphantly. "Once again from the top!" The three girls held hands in a small circle and once again began to hum. 

"Stop!" called a voice from across the field. Adagio opened an eye to see Sunset and the rest of the human six running towards them. "Stop right there Adagio! You won't get away from us!" Sunset yelled out to her rushing her. As she tried to tackle Adagio a magical field prevented her from making contact and sent her flying back into the other five girls in to a pile.

"HA! You thought you could stop US?" Adagio mocked. "Don't make me laugh! You got lucky, but luck is on our side now!" she let out a cackle returning her focus on the spell. "Alright we need to focus on a single point and concentrate on that and only that thing got it Sonata?"

"Right! One spot got it." she began to concentrate hard on her home as did Aria, and Adagio. Once that was done a ring appeared around the Dazzlings and they began to levitate. Rainbow Dash ran up trying to stop them by kicking her soccer ball at them only to have it disintegrate on contact with the protective field. Just then a powerful gust of wind began to blow as a rainbow colored light began to illuminate the field.

"NO! That was my favorite ball!" she cried dropping to her knees. Applejack stood beside her looking up at the Dazzlings. "Priorities Rainbow! We have to stop them from getting back to Equestria! You heard their plan!"

Sunset managed to reach the other two crawling to them. "Even if we don't stop them I have the journal I used to contact Twilight!" she said reassuring them. "We can't stop them unless we break their concentration. That's the only way to stop a teleportation spell, assuming this is even one!" she yelled trying to be heard over the howling winds covering her face as dust and dirt flew through the air. Pinkie was having a blast with her hair flying in every direction, Fluttershy was hiding in Rarity's arms how looked rather calm despite the wind messing up her hair. "There, darling, we'll be fine.'" she held Fluttershy closely.

Applejack looked over to Sunset. "How do we do that?!"

"I'm not sure if we can something has to distract them from concentrating on themselves before they complete the spell!" Sunset cried out as dirt hit her eyes blinding her. 

"Well lets do something!" Rainbow stood up throwing a rock at the Dazzllings. The rock made it's way around the Dazzlings before flying back at them hitting Rarity in the head knocking her out, in a graceful manner, onto the floor. Everyone glared at Rainbow who for her part, looked rather embarrassed by the display. Another sound came over the winds as Pinkie Pie pointed to the sky.

"OH! LOOK A BIRDIE!" she squealed looking at the sky. As if on cue Sonata looked away to see a plane flying overhead. The ring began to fluctuate as Adagio and Aria both looked to the sky at the plane. Before they realized it the ring shot to the sky surrounding the plane covering light that flashed brightly blinding them.

"SONATA!!!"

*Meanwhile in the cockpit of Lightning's MiG*


I remember flying over a field heading towards a small stadium when Trixie said that people were below at least seven from what she could tell possibly more. A bright ring of light was circling a few of them. It was very strange. "Trixie are you getting this?"

"Yeah, Trixie sees it. Taking photos now." she clicked the camera a few times. "Do you think this is it? What the Colonel was talking about?"

I nodded to myself convinced we'd found it. "Indeed we have. Strange phenomenon and bright lights that could make a UFO enthusiast go green with envy. Take what you can of this- what the!" I yelled as the light shot up around us blinding me. "I'm blind! Trixie I can't see! I'm switching it over to you!"

I switched the controls to the rear I felt the plane dive straight down. Trixie swore as she took the controls forgetting the camera and recorder pulling on the control stick.

"Lightning put your glare visor on!" she screamed to me.

I thought for a moment before I slipped the visor down. As my vision returned the light was still bright but at least I could see. Trixie did a good job leveling the plane as I once again took the controls. The light was like a tunnel if I veered off course the craft shook violently. Trixie voiced her displeasure of that feeling. "Molinya so help me if Trixie perishes she's so haunting your ass!" I rolled my eyes to this and focused on flying.

"I see something. I think the tunnel ends! Hang on Trixie!" She braced herself as the MiG flew through the threshold and another blinding light appeared and was gone in a instant. The plane spun out like I had taken us through the back wash of another jet. It took me several seconds to regain control of the plane as I leveled off. I looked around to get my bearings only to see a giant white tower in front of me closing fast. 

"Shit!" I banked left barely missing the giant tower as we flew of over a giant mountain city. This was certainly not Bath anymore. In fact I had no idea where we were. "Trixie where are we?"

"I don't know but I'm calling it,  let's get out of here! There's no way nobody saw that light show! Trixie doesn't want to be here when the US air patrols come!"

"I wholeheartedly agree, we are history!" As I was getting ready to head home I noticed the sun and my compass weren't matching. I checked and rechecked again still didn't match. "Trixie. What direction does the sun rise?"

"It rises in the west why?"

"...Are you sure?"

"Yes why?" Trixie asked impatiently.

"Well then you mind telling me why my instruments say it's rising from the east?" I asked pointing as best I could to the sun in the tiny cockpit. I didn't need to see her to gauge her reaction to that. She was stuttering trying to make sense of what she saw. 

"That makes no sense! The light must have interfered with the systems. We'll need to rely on our knowledge of terrain to get home." she said nervous.

"It's OK. We will get home somehow. Trust me Trixie. OK, I don't know where we are so we're on our own for now." 

I looked outside as did Trixie. What we saw amazed us. A giant city on the side of a mountain with a giant ivory castle at the end along the mountain side with a train that went out to a countryside. Off in the distance I could see a what looked like a city. We almost crashed into the castle it seemed. Hopefully we hadn't scared them too badly. Just then it occurred to me, Bath didn't have a city on a mountain and it most certainly didn't have a castle there.

"Trixie."

"What?"

"I don't think we're in Maine anymore."


*Back In Canterlot Park*


When they recovered from the shock and their sight returned, the Dazzling we amazed to see the Sunset and her friends surrounding them. Adagio and Aria glared at Sonata who was looking at her jewel, or rather what was left of it. It had turned to a pile of dust in her hand as a slight gust blew it out of her hand. Adagio panicked garbing her and tried vainly to keep it together as if it was the last hope she had for survival.

They both glared at Sonata who was now shaking in fear of what was to come next. "SONATA!" Adagio cried out reaching for her.

Sonata fled from Adagio and hid behind Sunset and Applejack  using them as a shield from Adagio's rage. Sunset stepped in Adagio's way protecting Sonata. "It's over Adagio, you lost. Your gems are destroyed and you have no way of returning to Equestria now for thirty moons." 

She reached for Sonata holding her protectively. "Give up this madness before it consumes you. Let me- no, let us help you." she held a hand out towards Adagio. "The power of friendship and forgiveness is always there Adagio, and it's a wonderful thing. Power isn't everything take it from me."

Adagio inspected the hand before glaring at Sonata. She then swatted her hand away spitting on the ground. "You can take that so called "friendship" and shove it where the sun don't shine. Aria let's go!" she turned to leave but stopped when she realized Aria didn't follow. She instead stood next to Sonata holding her along with Sunset and Fluttershy. 

"What are you doing? You traitor!" Adagio was enraged by this. "How dare you betray me after everything I've done for the both of you!"

Aria looked at her defiantly. "No Adagio. I realize that you only care about power and conquering others. We have nothing left so what choice do we have? Make a ton of enemies or make friends? Honestly I hate living like we do. Remember the changelings?"

"Humph. Foolish child. Foolish." her voice was dripping with spiteful hate. "Might controls everything. Without it you can protect nothing let alone ones self." she turned and began to walk away halfheartedly.

"Isn't that what friends are for? Helping you up when you fall and help you during those times you can't stand up for yourself?" Sonata asked shocking everyone including Aria. Adagio wasn't fazed and simply continued walking away. Sonata sighed looking back at Aria hugging her. 

"You'll help us won't you?" she asked the human six. "We're sorry, for all the trouble we caused."

"Speak for yourself. I'm not sorry, I just wanted to go home is that so wrong?" Aria snapped. Applejack and Rainbow glared at her while Sunset, Rarity, and Fluttershy nodded in understanding and Pinkie was still looking up at the sky.

Sunset placed a hand gently on Aria's shoulder rubbing it. "Well, we will still help you two. If she wants it... we'll help Adagio as well. Give her time and she'll see. In the meantime what did you three do with the spell?" she asked Sonata and Aria. The two looked at each other before looking at the girls.

"We think that plane we saw was sent to Equestria in our place because we focused in it at a crucial moment during the spell." Aria pointed to the sky. Rarity walked over to Sunset concerned. "Darling, we must send word to Twilight immediately there's no telling what will happen to the pilot! what if they run out of fuel midflight and crash! Does Equestria even have the gas?"

To everyones surprise, Rainbow Dash was the first to answer. "First off Rarity, that was a military aircraft. Second planes use a different type of fuel for aircraft specifically." Rainbow then looked at sunset. "Do ponies even have planes or gas-turbine engines?"

Sunset thought for a moment pacing. "No we don't. We have steam powered engines for the trains but that's about it. Also, I'll send word to her through the journal. Hopefully we can find out more before this escalates too much and get that plane back home. In the meantime Aria, Sonata care to stay at my place while we help you get back on your feet?"

Aria and Sonata were skeptical at first, but with no other options they agreed to live with Sunset until they could afford to live on their own. It would be tough but that was their life. "OK, but what do we do without Adagio? She's the one who usually makes all our plans." Aria asked.

Rarity placed a hand gently on her shoulder getting her attention. "You know dear, there's more to life than simply following someone blindly. You have to think for yourself now. It'll be hard but we're here to help out."

"Speak for yourself." Rainbow Dash huffed. "I still don't trust them. Once a bad guy always a bad guy I say. Just like those commies."

Fluttershy and Rarity gasped at their friends reaction. Applejack on the other hand simply looked surprised as did Sunset and Pinkie. "Wow Dashie, I never would have thought you the intolerant type. What's got you mad all of a sudden?"

"You're making a mistake helping them. Some people are just born evil and will always be that way."

Applejack was just about to tell her off when Sunset spoke first. "I was evil once. Does that make me evil still? Untrustworthy?"

"That's different! You were just mad or, something! You're not a monster." she said flailing her arms for emphasis. "Whatever I'm going home do whatever you want, I don't care." she then stormed off heading home.

The rest of the girls began walking to their respective homes. Applejack and Fluttershy broke off heading west towards the outskirts of town, while Sunset and rarity took Aria and Sonata with them. Sunset lived next door to Rarity in an apartment complex and the two decided to separate Sonata and Aria since there wasn't enough space in the apartment. Sonata went with Rarity while Aria stayed with Sunset. Saying goodnight to the other two Sunset and Aria went to the apartment to settle in for the night. Aria borrowed a pair of Sunset's pajamas made by Rarity. Rarity and Sunset were close friends now and the two spent a lot of time together. It was no surprise that Sunset decided to live near the fashion obsessed diva.

After Aria was settled in Sunset took her journal and sat in her bed and began to write:



 Dear Princess Twilight,

Hope this message finds you well. I'm happy to report that two of the Dazzlings are on the long road to friendship with me and the girls, Aria and Sonata. Adagio their leader is a little more reluctant to help. I'm sure with some time alone she'll see the error of her ways and hopefully will come back to us on her own.

Aside from that, the main reason I'm contacting you is because a human machine called a plane was sent by accident to Equestria due to a magical mishap involving a teleportation spell by the Dazzlings. It was intended for the Dazzlings to get back home to Equestria, but they accidentally sent a human plane instead. The pilot will most likely have no idea what's going on so be cautious when handling him/her, OK? Please write back soon. Hope all is well.

Your Apprentice in Friendship

Sunset Shimmer




As she finished she waited several minutes before deciding to go to bed. If Twilight hadn't responded she would most likely do so in the morning which was only a few hours away. Not taking chances Sunset made a note on the journal saying to try and contact Twilight again in the morning just in case. After which she went to sleep.
> The Chase Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Canterlot Castle*

It was early morning in Canterlot. She was raising the sun as her little ponies wen't about their morning rituals. Getting ready for work/school, opening shops, and just preparing for the day in general. It was peaceful this morning. As the sun reached the horizon she released it from her magical grasp and set forth the day. As she finished Luna flew beside her landing next to her sister.

"Good morning, Luna. How are you?" Celestia asked in her usual motherly tone.

Luna rubbed her head against her soft white fur. "Tis a wonderful morning dear sister. The night court was lively this time around." she looked out to the city as ponies began to fill the street. "The young Prince Blueblood was here again." she said in an unusually chipper tone for the night Princess.

Oh, here we go again. Celestia rolled her eyes. "What has he done this time Luna?" She can already feel the day was going to be long. "Did he oppose your right to rule again? I swear that nephew of mine-"

"Oh, dear no sister." Luna said slyly. Celestia quirked an eyebrow. "He was actually quite helpful this time around. It was refreshing to see. His time in the Badlands has proven to be a wise move on your part."

Celestia relaxed at this news. "How was the meeting then? Did Chrysalis agree to meet with us then?" 

Celestia had actually sent the spoiled prince to the Badlands as punishment for being a royal pain in the butt, with the intentions of having Chrysalis and him meet to negotiate a truce between their kind. The attack from Lord Tirek left many nations in the world in fear and seek the aid other more powerful nations. The Griffin Kingdoms, Equestria, Dragon Hordelands, and the Changeling Empire in the Badlands. All these nations had solidified their power and military strength in hopes that no other nation would be foolish enough to challenge them. A unfortunate side effect of Twilight Sparkles rise to power and her subsequent defeat of Lord Tirek. The truth was that everyone feared the Equestrian nation and it's Princesses. If they could defeat a powerful lord of darkness what chance did they as mere mortals have?

Chrysalis was the first to jump the bandwagon to gain favor with the Princess only to have to deal with Blueblood. It was a humbling experience for both of them and now they were in agreement to have a meeting to discuss peace and integration of the changelings into Equestrian society. According to Luna anyways.

"I'm glad our nephew has grown from this experience. It will serve him well when it comes to be his time to rule along side us." Luna nodded in agreement. She placed a hoof over her mouth yawning enticing a giggle from her older sister. "I see you're tired Luna. Does this mean you won't join me for breakfast, or should I say dinner in your case?"

"Nay sister, we are tired. We shall turn in for the day until the night approaches." Luna said turning and walked away from the balcony. Celestia walked her to the doors opening them for the sleepy alicorn. "Thank you sister. I'll see thee tonight then?"

"Count on it." she said nuzzling the smaller alicorn. "I'll see you tonight Luna, sleep well."

As Luna left her chambers, Celestia went to her bed resting on several plush pillows she'd placed into a pile in the center. Using her magic, she levitated a scroll that was atop a vanity unrolling it as it floated gracefully to her. It was her latest friendship report from her student and newly appointed princess, Twilight Sparkle. She wrote about two ponies who were now close friends of hers, ponies who were wronged by society and given second chances to turn their lives around Lightning Dust and Trixie Lulamoon.

Trixie was apparently visiting and brought Lightning Dust with her when she found the pegasus homeless in the Whitetail Woods and how they became best friends. Both were pardoned by Twilight for their past transgressions and the two are integrating into Ponyville quite well. Today has just been full of surprises. Celestia thought to herself as a knocking came upon her doors. 

"Enter." Celestia called out.

Three maids entered along with two unicorn guards. "You majesty." one maid said bowing to her. The others bowed as well. "We're here to begin cleaning your chambers but weren't expecting you to be here your Highness."

Celestia nodded to the ponies beckoning them to rise. "Not at all. Please carry on, I was just on my way out."

As she walked past, the maids and the two guards bowed to her not budging until she was out the door. As she headed down towards the dining hall she made a slight detour to her favorite place in the whole palace. She worked her way to the upper parts of the castle to a long hallway filled with stain glass mosaics depicting different events in Equestrian history. The one she was looking for was the most recent and thus the furthest  down the fall. It was Twilight and her recent victory against Lord Tirek. 

It depicted her in a fierce battle with the Lord of Destruction ultimately with her victorious. It was a day Twilight had fulfilled her destiny and truly earned her title as a Princess of Equestria. She couldn't have been more proud of her former student. Just as she was about to leave a bight light shone through the window and Celestia covered her eyes from the intense light. Suddenly the bright light flashed and was gone followed by a loud explosion as the windows shattered to pieces raining down a rainbow of shards across the hall.

"What was that?" Celestia said shaking from the sudden explosion. "I must find out!"

With a mighty leap, she took flight out the former window and took to the skies. As she flew over the castle, the explosion sound echoed off in the distance. Following the sound she turned her head to see a winged creature in the sky circling over the outer perimeter of Canterlot. Just as she was about to give chase, Luna appeared next to her by teleportation hovering next to her.

"Sister! Sister! I sensed a powerful magical presence and the loudest explosion I've ever heard! Are we under attack from the Changelings?" the younger alicorn exclaimed.

Celestia shook her head. "No sister, not the changelings. It was caused by that strange flying creature I believe." she replied to her sister pointing to the strange beast circling the city. It's roar echoing loud but steady.

Luna looked at the creature with fear and wonder. "What is it Tia?"

Celestia shook her head flying back to the castle. "I'm not sure Luna, but I want you to follow it. Make sure it doesn't attack anyone."

"Anyone?" Luna queried.

"Yes Luna, anyone. No pony or non-pony shall be harmed this day."

"Understood sister." Luna saluted flying after the creature.

Celestia took a moment to compose herself and ran off to her chambers. She wrote two letters, one to Twilight and the other to the Wonderbolts. She instructed both to meet her in Canterlot immediately. Sending them off through an open flame she took to the city to rally her guards while Luna followed the strange creature.


*PoV Lightning*


Trixie was screaming at me again. She always did when she was mad about something or anything. It's annoying. Americans can be so, strange to say the least in what upsets them. "You nearly hit that building! Don't you dare tell Trixie that you did it on purpose! Cause Trixie knows that's a bold face lie!" As my RIO I value the Trixie's opinion, but she can be a bit much when voicing her opinions.

Shaking my head I call over to her keeping an eye in the city below me.

"Lt. Commander, calm yourself!" I smashed my hand on the panel.

That did the trick. The young woman behind me stopped her rant and I finally had full concentration on what was going on around me.

"Look, I know this is all very strange but we need to focus now." I turned my head to the left seeing something small off in the distance heading towards us. The small object left a smoke trail behind but our instruments weren't picking anything up. Just then a small beep pinged on the radar and Trixie called out, startling me.

"Unidentified objects heading towards us!"



I pivoted starboard going into a nose dive as the small object split into three and scattered across the sky leaving smokey trails behind them. They were fast like missiles but these were different. The objects moved erratically, unlike missiles that homed in on a target.

Losing sight of them I was sure the danger was over, but to my surprise Trixie called out to me again.

"Targets inbound!" She yelled. "Bank left! BANK LEFT!"

I turned hard left as she instructed and two of the objects flew past us. I wasn't sure but I could have sworn one was blue with a red tip. It was a strange color scheme the other was just blue. This was really something. As I leveled off the two objects turned and in an instant were heading back towards us.

I instinctively armed the guns and fired at them making them scatter. They flew past us and circled around with seven others like them, nine in all and began to chase us.

"Trixie! Send out an emergency signal! Comm. 223!" I yelled over my shoulder.

"Roger!"

*Canterlot Radio Station*

A single ivory unicorn sat in a large room surrounded by microphones and wires. She laid back in her seat talking into a headset that had a small microphone at the end, eyeing her partner a grey earth pony with a long dark grey mane and tail wearing a similar device on her head.

The unicorn looked up to see a red light turn green, making her grin.

She leaned forward towards the mic. "Hellllooo Canterlot and all you listening in on the VO Radio!" The unicorn hollered into the mic raising her hoof in the air, hoof pumping. "This is your favorite DJ in the world, DJPON-3! Along with my great friend Octavia! Say 'hi' Octy."

"...Hello."

"..."

"..."

"...That's it?"

"Yes, why?"

"Huh, nothing, just thought you'd be more into this and all."

"Vinyl we're live." The earth pony said tapping the table.

"Oh right." Vinyl said embarrassed. "So, today is a special day everypony! I just got word that the Changelings are indeed coming to Canterlot to form peace between our two nations! Isn't that great!"

Vinyl let out a "wohoo," but Octavia looked disgusted crossing her arms frowning. 

"And it seems that, Octy, here doesn't share in my enthusiasm! Come on Octy, tell us what's on your mind?"

"Changelings. Dirty changers want peace? Bah! They don't deserve it after what they did." Octavia said bitterly into the mic.

"Geez, what a real let down. Come on Octavia, surely you can understand that it's not all bad? I mean word is that Blueblood was the one who set up the meeting with Queen Chrysalis, and he claims they attacked out of desperation due to Lord Tirek or whatever his name was." Vinyl said reasonably.

But Octavia was having none of it. She scoffed at the mention of the spoiled prince. ''Heh, that arrogant ass of a prince? With her? Now there is a match made in Tartarus."

Vinyl frowned at her friends reaction. "Hey now there's no need to get all offensive Octy-"

Suddenly there was a great amount of feedback making both mares ditch their headsets as a faint voice started calling out from the speakers.

"Позвонив в любой союзной ремесла , это Стена 199!" The voice called out in a panic. "Мы под атакой неизвестных сил США и запросить инструкции!"

Octavia pulled up her headset and put it back on hearing the same voice calling out. She didn't understand it though. The voice spoke fast in a panic like something was wrong. Vinyl heard it too, but had no way of telling what was being said.

"The heck is this?"

*PoV Lightning*

I could hear Trixie repeating the same message as I flew over the city. The small objects were still on our tail and were very hard to evade. I decided then to try an d out maneuver them in the city itself. I turned the plane hard right while turning the nose into a downward spiral heading for the city below.

The objects seemed unfazed as they followed me like ducklings would their mother. I flew past the towers of glass and steel but found that several structures were part of the archaic castle. It seemed the newer buildings were a part of the castle just within. It was so backwards to me. I was so deep in thought I didn't realize I was heading for a tower until Trixie screamed in my ear.

"Lightning! Watch out you dumbass!"

I gasped, pulling back on the throttle and pulled hard on the controls sending us skyward as two of the objects flew into the stone tower below us.

"Wow, that was close!" I said looking back to see the last few objects coming at us. "Well, let's see them try this!"

*Canterlot Suburbs*

A small pegasus colt was running down the empty streets of Canterlot. The Princesses made a public order instructing everypony to stay indoors due to a large flying monster. He searched the skies looking for any signs of the monster. He could hear it roaring but couldn't see it. He flew up into the sky heading for his home. What a mistake that was.

In the few seconds he flew a shearing roar was head. He looked to his side and saw it. The face of Death. The monster.

His tiny eyes went wide as the giant monster roared flying straight at him. He let out a loud girl shriek as he shot upwards but the air forced him back down onto the monsters back. He held on as the creature swerved back and forth through the city. It flew up over his favorite hayburger stop and flew straight for a bridge. The monsters wings clipped the bridge supports and made it collapse behind it. The colt looked back to see the Wonderbolts casing the monster just as several of them were buried under the collapsing bridge. He tried to called for help but the shear amount of noise the creature made he was sure they never heard.

Just then he looked at the monster. He realized then it wasn't a creature at all. He was a top a glass dome of some sort and inside were two other creatures of some sort. One sat in front with the other in the back of the flying monster, or thing the other in the front. They wore dark green and tan suits with black oval shaped heads with no eyes as far as he could tell.

He then realized the one in the back was pointing to him several times as the one in the front looked directly above to see him. He waved giving it a weak wave when he suddenly felt the thing spin on its axis and he slid right off. 

He screamed loudly as he fell not able to gain control as he fell. Just seconds before hitting the ground instead of the hard cold concrete of the street, he felt something soft and warm. He opened his eyes to see one of the Wonderbolts had caught him, he felt his wings stiffen when he realized it was Fleetfoot who was holding him, his biggest crush in the world.

She looked down to see he was awake and nodded to him silently. She then turned her focus on chasing the monster.

*PoV Lightning*

I remember flying over a building. Just seconds after I realized too late that I was heading deep into narrow streets. It was getting harder to fly here and I was running out of options. The MiG 35 was a lot of things, maneuverable in such tight quarters was not one of them. Trixie kept an eye out as the small objects refused to be evaded.

But there was a silver lining to this. Along the way we managed to lose a few of them.

"There are still seven of them! Molinya! I'm gonna try the new R-80s!" I heard her say.

But that was no good. "Negative. We won't engage unless fired upon first!" I ordered.

Just they I pulled up over a small building and rounded several corners in a large opening where several streets merged together. It reminded me of pictures I had seen of New York back home. I picked a random street and flew the plane down the narrow street. I had to spin the plane 90 degrees to fit it down the street, thankfully it was short.

Just then I heard a thunk noise from outside the plane. But I paid no mind to it, probably clipped something. Speaking of which. As I leveled off the plane once more, my heart skipped  beat when I realized a two story building was now directly in my path. I pulled back on the throttle again and pulled up just barely missing it.

"BRIDGE!" Trixie screamed in my ear.

In front of me as we ascended was a large bridge. There was no way we'd clear it if we continued to pull up. Instinctively I pushed down on the controls diving just beneath the bridge, and gunned the throttle to maximum power and flew under. The MiG's wings clipped the supports making it collapse behind us.

Trixie screamed, covering her eyes no doubt, as the bridge collapse and I felt relieved to see open skies just beyond the upcoming wall. Just when I thought it was over, Trixie squealed loudly making me nearly jump out of my skin.

"Wh-what is it!?" I looked around trying to see what Trixie saw. 

"It's soooooooooo cute!" I looked at my rear reflector I had put up just to see Trixie while flying.

She was pointing up at the cockpit. Looking up I saw indeed the source of her delight. A small horse like being with tiny wings was holding onto us... smiling... and waving at us nervously. It was indeed very cute.

"I hate cute things." I growled.

I twisted the controls spinning the plane on its' axis again making the cute little horse slid off and into the streets below. Trixie, in her most obnoxious fashion screamed looking back where the little guy fell.

"You are so evil! Why'd you do that!?" she hit me over the chair making me lose concentration.

"What are you doing?! Get off or you'll make me crash!" I warned her holding tight on the controls. I then realized I accidentally armed the main gun and was firing it all over the city. Finally I had enough and swatted her hands away. "WILL YOU SIT DOWN AND LET ME FLY?!" I yelled at her.

Something was wrong though. Trixie was babbling something pointing at the cockpit again before her eyes rolled in the back of her head and she fainted. I wasn't sure what caused this until  turned my attention back to the front. Then I saw what happened. My view was covered in red and there was another horse impaled on the gyro sensor near the front of the nose.

Must have hit it flying over the city. i thought sadly. 

True I had no sympathy for animals during combat, but this was an innocent creature probably going on with its life until its untimely death due to our being here. I wondered about this when I noticed it was wearing armor. Knight styled armor.

I pulled up over the wall keeping an eye on the horse thing as I took to the skies. I saw a large cloud formation with a rainbow colored waterfall and decided to head there. It seemed like an ideal place to hide while I planned my next move. That and I had to wait for my unconscious girlfriend behind me to wake up. The down side, she was going to be mad when she woke up.

*Canterlot*

Spitfire flew up to see the carnage the giant monster had caused. She landed on the ground lifting up her goggles slowly as she took in the view.

All around there were hundreds of dead or dying royal guards and a few civilians. The wall barricade they had built to stop it was torn apart by its breath. While chasing it, Spitfire lost six of her best Wonderbolts, and closest friend Soarin.  Now the monster torn through hundreds of guards like they were nothing.

Their bodies littered the ground and walls. Their blood painted it red. Some were torn in half while others were simply obliterated. It made her sick to look at. She knew it was her job to deal with situations like this, but all the death and destruction was too much. She shook falling to her knees as a lone guard stood up from the crowd and limped towards her.  He had a section of his side missing along with his left leg. Spitfire ran towards him as he fell, his armor clanking on the cold street.

She held him close and got a good look at him. He was young. Too young. He was probably just old enough to be considered a stallion by the looks of it. He coughed a few times blood drooling from his mouth. He was in pain, she could tell, but he was trying to be strong. He looked up at her and smiled.

"Ca-captain Spitfire? Is-is it really you?" he asked weakly. 

"That's right private." she said looking at his rank bar. "You did well son. You did well, now let us take over."

"Aye ma'ammm."he trailed off as his body became limp. 

Spiteful couldn't hold it in any longer. She covered her mouth with a single hoof still holding onto the stallion. She cried for a good three minutes before she felt his body being pulled away by the rescue squad. Fleetfoot was nearby with the colt in her arms still, watching Spitfire, but hiding the colts eyes telling him not to look.

The smell of blood lingered in the air along with the smell of burning flesh and fur. Whatever this creature was, it was powerful. Terribly so.

Finally Spitfire after recollecting herself stood up and walked over to the teal pegasus with a hard expression.

"Fleetfoot."

"Yes ma'am!" she tried saluting with the colt in her arms.

"I want you to call our reserves and the recruits from the Academy. I need a few of them for a mission."

Fleetfoot looked shocked. "Are you sure Captain? The recruits? Who could be so good at flying that you'd send them out after this thing as recruits?"

But spitfire grinned sadistically tapping her hooves together. She turned her back to her and said, "We will send the best we have. My best duo in the Academy. That monster will pay for all the death it's caused. I promise you that. Soarin..."

"Who do you wish to send ma'am?"

"Send for Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust." she ordered, walking down the street to help with the recovery.
> Clash at the Academy Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Wonderbolt Academy*

Word travels fast in Equestria. With the inventing of transport spells and message candles, it became common place to send messages quickly over vast distances. The reliability of messenger ponies wasn't 100% but it was the traditional way to get messages from point A to point B. The use of such magic has made it possible to deliver messages in minutes versus hours or days it would otherwise take to deliver them. This was the case for Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust.

Ten minutes ago they received a letter from Captain Spitfire saying that a giant metal monster attacked Canterlot doing serious damage and killed hundreds of ponies in the process.  

Stunned and outraged, the two newly recruited Wonderbolt Cadets geared up. Within minutes they were ready to leave but Lightning Dust had a look of uncertainty in her eyes which didn't go unnoticed by her wingpony.

"Hey, Dusty, what's up? You look uneasy." Dash said nudging her partner.

Lightning Dust let out a weak laugh. "No it's fine. I just have a little brother in Canterlot. I hope he's alright. He's the adventurous type," she chuckled to herself grabbing her goggles. "He once went looking for a hydra hoping he could tame it and make it a pet. Thankfully, he never found one."

"Heh, sounds like you and me." she said jokingly bumping her hip into Lightnings. 

"Yeah, it does sound just like you Dash. A trouble maker for responsible ponies like me."

"Psh! Whatever! Says the pony who-"

"I swear you bring that tornado up again Dash..." Lightning growled.

The cyan pegasus flinched by the sudden hostility. Guess she's not over that. She then lay a supportive wing over her teal teammate. "Hey, look, I'm sorry about that. I was part of it too. I forgave you, OK? So don't get so mad. Kay?"

The teal pony frowned looking away, but cracked a smile none the less. "Thanks, Dash."

"No prob! Now come on! We got a monster to catch!"

"Right!"

Snapping their goggles on the two ponies ran out of the locker room and into the airfield but stopped when they heard something odd. It sounded like a low growling. They stood still, their catlike ears twisting like little sonars trying to pinpoint the origin of the strange sound. They stood by one of the many buildings next to a long runway that all the pegasis used for taking off and landing when practicing maneuvers. It was considered safe.

The buildings nearby were storage hangers for food and supplies and any airships that decided to dock for lengthy stays. It didn't take long for them to findout where the sound was coming from. Seconds after entering the airfield they saw what was making the sound. A giant machine like object flew over them in a low pass only about ten to fifteen meters off the ground. It was silver in color with black markings and a large red star on its tail. 

It had large wings with several white cylindrical objects attached to each one. It was a very strange craft indeed. Was this the 'creature' the captain had been talking about? It sure looked like she described. They watched from their hiding spot as the machine flew up after flying the full length of the runway and flew up into the sky. It then circled around for over a minute before it flew away from the academy. 

Shortly after it turned back around coming in much slower this time. From its underbelly came several leg like structures. Its wings flared open into several large flaps as it came to a screeching halt in the runway. It made a loud roaring sound as it slowly came to a snails pace, comparatively speaking, and inched its way along towards one of the hangers at the farthest end of the runway.

Several cadets and staff were hiding in the buildings, many had already heard of the strange creature and feared it. Seeing it up close made them cower. But one brave pony, Cloudchaser, was near the building where the craft landed and came to a stop. 

She watched from her hiding spot behind a crate she watched as it slowly overshadowed her and stopped just feet away, seemingly unaware that she was there. The beasts hissing slowly faded away and what followed was a brief silence. Then a loud thud was heard, and she watched as the head of the beast opened its massive jaw and from within its jagged maw climbed out two figures almost identical. 

They wore green jumpsuits and had strange markings on them, she took not that they looked like insignia like they had at the academy. One came from the front and was much taller than the other, the one from the back was shorter and was yelling at the tall one angrily in a strange tongue she'd never heard before.

Their heads were oddly shaped. They had large dome like helmets on them and clearly not equine. The smaller one unstrapped its helmet and flung it off, still keeping hold of the strap, revealing a furless being with white skin and deep magenta eyes. Whatever it was it was pretty. It had long silver hair that was tied back and it was glistening from a layer of sweat .

"I think I'm in love." Cloudchaser said to herself.

Suddenly they both stopped arguing and the taller one pulled out a small black object from its side chest area and pointed it directly at Cloudchaser. It began yelling in her direction, swinging the object back and forth.

Maybe it didn't see me.

BAM!

A sound of thunder and a bright flash came from the object in the creatures... hooves. The crate Cloudchaser hid behind lost the edge of it and the window nearby broke. She let out a girl scream diving to the floor not realizing she fell in the open. The tall one ran close pinning her face to the floor, yelling. 

"Кто вы, и что вы?" it yelled.

"I um, please don't hurt me!" Cloudchaser begged shivering in fear. "I-I have a family!"

Clearly it was not convinced. The creature applied more pressure to her face putting the object next to her head. It was a small rectangular thins with a small barrel built into it. The only thing she could think of was that it was a weapon of some sort, especially with the way it held it.

Just when she thought it was all over, the smaller one came up and shoved the large one away. "Молния остановить! Это не опасно , посмотрите ! Это попрошайничество за свою жизнь!" it screamed flailing its arms.

The two began a heated debate that lasted over a minute before the smaller one stopped and turned away from the large one crossing its arms with a angry look. Cloudchaser knew that look. Disappointment. The silver haired one walked over to the scared pony and knelt down beside her.

"Не волнуйтесь немного Коневодство , я не сделаю тебе больно." it said gently, reaching for the pegasus.

Cloudchaser flinched as the creature reached for her. She readied herself for a world of pain but was surprise to feel, her ear being rubbed. She dared to look and see the creature smiling at her rubbing just behind her ear. Now most ponies loved it but Cloudchaser suffered and injury as a filly so it didn't feel like much to her. But it did do one thing. It proved to her that the silver haired one was not a threat. At least not to her. Hoping to ease the tension, Cloudchaser rubbed the creatures claw and heard it giggle.

*PoV Lightning*

Just my luck. I finally find a safe place to land only to find it's inhabited by the strange horse creatures. One gets the drop on us and before I could interrogate it, Trixie shoved me away and told me to leave it alone. How am I supposes to get home if I can't talk to these stupid horse things?!

I watched as Trixie walked over and began talking to it. It clearly didn't understand her but I was surprised to see it rubbed against her hand like a cat would. God I hate cute things. 

"Trixie! Stop playing with it!" I yelled sternly at her.

The small equine yelped, making Trixie turn angrily at me, again.

"What is you problem, Lightning?! Ever since we got here all you've done is be a big thug!"

I felt my blood boil at this point. "Shut up! I'm trying to protect you!"

Trixie doesn't want protection! She wants you to listen!" she turned away crossing her arms. "You're like a man I swear! You never listen to the woman because you have to be right all the time." 

I rolled my eyes at this. "Trixie. We're both women last time I checked."

"Are you sure?" she asked glancing back at me. "Cause the way Trixie sees it you're being a huge 'dick' right now."

"Really? REALLY?!" I slipped my sidearm bag into my chest holster. "You're going to be like this now of all times?!" I gesture to the world around me. "We're God knows where! In a strange land not our own, fleeing for our lives and you want to blame me for looking out not only for myself, but for you as well? All I want is to keep you safe! BUT YOU WON'T LET ME!"

Trixie sniffed a few times kneeling down and gaping her knees. The little equine stepped closer and rubbed her back comfortingly. That surprised me. Trixie looked at it and smiled taking its hoof in her hand. The equine was maybe half our size like the largest dog in the world kind of way, but like a dog it seemed docile. 

Maybe I had this one pegged wrong, as the Americans would put it.

"Thank you little one." Trixie said to it. 

Once again it tilted its head, clearly not understanding her, but what Trixie did next was clear as day. Leaning forward she pulled it into a hug. The little equine wrapped its arms around her then it opened its wings...

Wings?

It was a pegasus!


Trixie squealed and picked it up swinging it around and yelling like school girl. The poor thing looked disgruntled as the white haired woman swung it around like a doll in her arms.

"OH! It's so cute! And it's a pegasus!" she held it up to my face. "LOOK! Isn't it cute?"

"GAh, get it away from me!" I swatted it in the face making it bite my hand. "AH! The little-"

"Lightning! Stop."

I gave up then. "Fine whatever! Do as you wish I'm gonna setup the perimeter."

I turned and stormed off, from behind I could hear Trixie talking to it. No doubt she cuddled with it just as I left.

"Stupid child." I growled.

But in my heart I knew it was wrong of me to hold it against her. She was always compassionate. Me? I was cold and calculating. Part of the reason I never got into long relationships was due to how I perceived people and things in life. Numbers. That's all they were. Numbers to me. As  pilot I never got too attached like other squadrons did. I was a loner at heart. 

But the day I met Trixie changed that for me. Slowly I began to wonder if life was really worth living alone. Trixie helped me realized it wasn't. As I scanned the perimeter I saw several more of the little beasts. No doubt drawn in by the sounds of the engines. I was watching as they circled around watching us. 

The sun was high in the sky and I could feel the heat from it. My suit wasn't helping much either. Thankfully there was a breeze making it bearable at least. I pulled out my portable binos and looked around the field seeing several of the equines dressed in similar garb to the one we 'captured'.

Just then it heard a noise from nearby. I quickly pulled out my Makorov V and pointed it back at the plane. I quietly circled around trying to find the source of the noise. Finding nothing I relaxed a bit putting my gun away. Then it hit me.

"Gottcha!"

I struggled only to find I had been blindfolded somehow. In seconds I felt two things on me. No doubt these little equine things. One was on my head but the other was on my back. Using my one free hand, using the other to hold the one on my back in place, I felt for a nearby building and jumped with all my strength into it. I smashed the equine between me and the wall, and it worked too.

I heard it cry in pain and the other began to swear at me. It didn't say nice things. The one on my back slid off my back. Now free, I reached for my ballistic knife and jabbed at the on eon my head. I hit it, but only in the leg. It cried leaping off me and sent me to the ground. I twirled over quickly standing up and readied my gun and knife to fire should they come any closer. 

There were two. One was cyan with a rainbow tail and mane. It looked very angry as it helped its friend, which I couldn't help but notice it looked an awful lot like me. Must be a coincidence. I pointed my gun at it ready to fire when the one Trixie caught from before ran between us and shook its head. 

"Please wait! Don't hurt my friends!" it said pleading to us. 

It got on its knees holding its tiny hooves together giving us a very sad look. Trixie d'awwed at it while I groaned. I knew what was coming next.

"Lightning sweetie?"

I didn't want to argue with her about this. "Fine! Get in the plane we're leaving!"



I got a good look at Trixie who was smiling at me. But then the two from before jumped me when my back was turned and I spun around wildly swinging my knife trying to hit them. But the teal one with my hair style bit my hand making me drop my knife. Trixie and the smaller equine were yelling trying to pry us apart. 

Just as they managed to get the two assailants off me I turned to grab the one with the silvery hair and held it in a headlock pointing my gun at it. Needless to say Trixie was not pleased.

"Lightning! If you hurt it I swear-"

BLAM! I shot in the air as one of the equine creatures dropped in front of me gripping it leg.The others made no sudden movements, but Trixie being Trixie, decided to help the poor thing. But before she could I grabbed its hurt leg, I got a good look and was sure it was a he, and slowly dragged him along side the MiG and tossed him over. 

Trixie frowned at me but went to tend to his wound. I kept hold of my hostage knowing they wouldn't come after me with their friend in danger. I climbed the ladder into the cockpit and turned on main power. The plane powered up and I whispered into he equines ear as clear as possible considering my English was horrible.

"If you try anything I kill you. Understand?"

"Yes." it said.

"Good." 

I continued powering up the plane waiting for the main generator to heat up. One thing they never fixed with our MiG was the startup time on the generator. It took over minute to start and in the cold it was far worse. Back in Russia we use to fly more often during the winter season to keep the engines hot. Sure it was hell for the poor maintenance people but we needed them ready in case our enemies attack us.

Now was the best time to turn the engines on. They were still warm and it took only a few seconds before I was able to ignite the engines. But immediately I had a problem. Something was wrong with the engines and the wouldn't start. I saw a red light saying there was a malfunction with the intake valves. They were stuck. Swearing I got out and pointed my gun at the equines firing a short making them jump back a few feet. 

Trixie screamed from the sudden sound of gunfire and used herself to cover the wounded equine I shot earlier. I put the one I held in the seat and use the seat harness to tie it down. 

"You run. You die." I warned it. 

It nodded.

I turned my attention back to the intake valves and saw there was debris holding one side down. I was quick to remove it and threw it to the side. By then Trixie had bound the wounded leg of the male equine and was helping him limp to his friends. I watched closely as they approached. Two others took the equine and walked off with him looking back at Trixie who waved at him. I was sure he smiled and waved back. 

The others kept their distance and I returned to look at the console. No red light. Lighting the ignition I was relieved to hear the sound of the engines coming to life. I clapped my hands and cheered at my success.

"Trixie! Let's go!" I yelled at my girlfriend.

"Comin- AHHH!" 

She turned and ran back just in time to get struck by lightning. The bolt went through her chest and stuck the ground sending her to the ground. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her fall. Her scream echoed in my head as all time seemed to slow down. I always thought it was a myth, but it really did happen.  

I looked up to see a few other of these pegasi moving clouds and arranging them in a circle around us. They wore strange blue uniforms that covered their bodies except the ears and nose. Each of them had goggles and identical marks on the butts.

Must be some sort of response team.

My anger rising I  immediately put my helmet on and leapt from the plane and did a roll to soften my blow. Pushing into a running start after I rolled I ran to Trixie and picked her up. I saw she was breathing, just knocked out. I fired my side arm at the group and they scattered when one of them fell. 

"It killed Surprise!" one said with a white mane and tail.

"Then we fight back with lethal force to defend ponykind. Wonderbolts attack!" a orange maned one declared as several charged me and others kicked the clouds making them shoot lightning at us. 

I tried to drag Trixie through the lightning storm and bodies of these pegasi. They punched me as they flew by a few even nipped at me. I was glad I put my helmet on, but they kept pushing me back. So I activated one of my planes new features. I activated a short range remote communication to the plane and took control of it.

I opened a small digital pad I kept in my pocket making sure the equines didn't get to it. I slowly maneuvered the plane over towards us as while making it head towards the runway. I tried to climb the ladder but found it impossible to do so with Trixie unconscious. But I was surprised to find help close by. 

The equine I captured grabbed Trixie from me and lifted her into the cockpit pilot area. I quickly climbed in as another wave of equines rammed into the side of the plane and me. I felt me head ringing and the plane actually leaned to the side from the impact of all their bodies. As luck would have it several knocked themselves out falling limp on the runway. They ween't dead, but they'd have a bad headache later.

The ones still up were high up and turning around for another pass. I reached below Trixie's seat and pulled out her AK-74U and opened fire on the wall of feathers and flesh. Several fell from the sky like ducks that met a hunters scattershot. The others scattered again but I was then met with lightning striking my arm. 

I screamed at the pain and nearly dropped the AK over the planes side. I managed to get into the cockpit and closed the hatch. Good thing was that the plane was meant to fly through the worst hurricanes so it was lightning proof. To an extent. The equine in the front was nuzzling with Trixie making sure she was alright. 

That made me mad for some reason.

But I had no time for that. I leaned over the pilot seat and managed to reached for the back seat control switch. Once I flicked the switch I settled down and turned off the remote comm. line to the plane and went to good old manual. 

I was sad not to be in the pilot seat, and boy was Trixie going to flip her lid when she woke up. I lined up the plane with the length of the runway and gunned the throttle sending us full power towards the end. The G-forces never felt so good as they did now. Somehow I got off on running for my life like this. It was thrilling, the thought of death right behind us, the all or nothing of it, it was simply an amazing feeling. 

And a terrifying one.

It dawned on me as I pulled back on the controls sending us upward, the equine in the front screaming like child. I frowned thinking about what happened only minutes before. I nearly lost Trixie today. She got lucky. But she may not be that lucky again. I had to discard the thought however when the radar began beeping as red dots lit up the radar screen. I had no idea what most things were here, Trixie had been trained to use them but I was not. 

I simply focused on what the dots were doing and maneuvered the plane around dodging the equines as they flew around. That's when I saw it. A large zeppelin like craft hoovering nearby. A whole row of thirty or so surrounded the entire landmass. They were white with gold rims and elaborate decorated with large propellers at the back of them. Probably for propulsion. I flew straight at one and fired the main gun but found the bullets hit some kind of pink barrier protecting the crafts. 

"Oh, shit!" I swore pulling up into a U-turn as to not fly into it. Suddenly the sky lit up with beams of every  color imaginable. One hit the planes wing knocking it downwards, forcing it into a nose dive. I pulled back on the throttle lessening its power and safely pulled up from the dive and leveled the craft face to face with another zeppelin. 

This one was different. It was larger and was painted blue and black. It had several flags on it with a symbol of a black mass around a crescent moon shape. I looked to see that there was a wall of the equines flying around it. I was sure I could take them on, but that wasn't the issue. The issue was with so many of them flying around I was in more danger of one accidentally flying into the intake of the engines and destroying them and the plane. 

There was no way this would end well. But I had a plan. I just needed to stall for Trixie to wake up. 

This was going to be a long day.

> Info and Recon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*PoV Lightning*

I could barely see the sky there was so much going on. Trixie was passed out in the pilot seat and I had control from the co-pilot seat. That little equine sat on her lap looking out the window of the cockpit. I could see its nose pressed against the reinforced glass looking all around.

I would have to clean that glass now. Oh, it's probably getting fur all over my seat! I hate animals. My thoughts were interpreted when one of the flying equines flew over head and looked down at its friend. I assumed so since they tried reaching for one another. It was the rainbow colored one from before and the teal one. They looked like they were trying to talk to the one in the front of my plane, but clearly they weren't successful. They then broke off from me, but the teal one made a rude gesture to me before flying off.

"What a little bitch." I said to myself watching it fly away.

Just then the little equines face peered over the front seat. It looked worried. I wasn't sure why but it kept pointing to the sky at the zeppelins. Then it started talking. 

"We can't stay here." it said in a concerned tone. By the sound of its voice I guessed it was female.

While I understood what it said I did my best to give no indication I understood. I simply nodded and turned the plane to face the large zeppelin with the black moon flags once more before I began to circle the small island city in the sky.


*The HMS Moonlight*

Princess Luna awaited atop her flag ship for a report from her scouts. She watched the silver craft circle the Wonderbolt Academy for over five minutes until LIghtning Dust and Rainbow Dash flew up to her. 

They saluted and she saluted back. "Report."

Rainbow being lead pony stepped up and gave the Lunar Princess the report.

"Ma'am, the humans have taken Cloudchaser hostage. I don't know of their intentions ma'am." Rainbow said wearily.

Luna sighed rubbing her head tenderly. She hadn't slept since the craft appeared, and after the attack on Canterlot she was determined to bring it down and the 'humans' that piloted it. Just then a letter appeared before her from a swirling smokey mist. Taking hold of the scroll with her magic, Luna inspected it thoroughly. She then rolled it up and put it aside.

Rainbow and Lightning looked up at her expectantly but she remained silent watching the craft continue to circle the academy.

"What are your intentions?"

*Earlier Canterlot High School*

Sunset and the two Dazzlings, Sonata and Aria were heading for the cafeteria with the blue haired siren practically giggling the whole way. After all it was taco Tuesday. The siren was humming to herself a catchy tune about her favorite delicacy.

She had a huge smile as did Pinkie Pie as they skipped along the halls towards the cafeteria ready to devour the delicious hard shells with meat, lettuce, and cheese.

Aria gave an irritated growl crossing her arms with Sunset by her side and the others following close behind. Rainbow and Applejack were talking about an upcoming school competition and Rarity was talking with Fluttershy about her day. To the outside world they were a happy bunch with nothing but the usual High School drama, but all was not well. 

Aria had been in a bad mood for the last day and Sonata was worried about her. The blue haired siren confronted Sunset the previous night after hearing Aria humming to herself. She had hummed a tune that Adagio taught her centuries ago back in Pompe, before the city fell to ruin. It was a sign of their eternal commitment to one another and she still sang it. 

She would never admit it openly, but she missed Adagio. Sonata knew that. So she told Sunset in strict confidence that it wouldn't be passed to the others. All the while the fire haired girl thought about Adagio and wondered what happened to her after she left on her own. Suddenly Sunset's backpack began to vibrate and glow. Everyone stopped to see her pull out her personal journal with her cutie mark on the cover. 

They watched in silence as the girl opened it up and looked over a few lines of text. She smiled saying, "It's from Twilight!"

"Hah! Really?! Let me see."Rainbow Dash grabbed the book and read it over.  "Says she was having trouble with a time travel problem and made a new friend. Huh? Time travel? Weird."

"Sunset rolled her eyes taking the book back and read it over again. She then took apen and wrote her thoughts down.

Twilight did you get the messages I sent you?

Seconds later writing appeared beneath Sunset's writing.

Yes, and I must say this is not good. When i got back with my new friend I heard about this, "plane" thing you mentioned. You never mentioned it was dangerous! And the people in it took a pony hostage and killed several other ponies including some of the Wonderbolts!!

Sunset's eyes nearly popped out at the last sentence. She never would have thought the pilots, much less two, would have resorted to violence against the ponies of Equestria. Then again she wasn't sure how they reacted to their arrival and wondered what could have set them off.

Putting that thought on hold she wrote down her reply.

I'm sorry to hear that. Are you, OK at least? Also is this pony hostage alright?

Yes, my friend Rainbow Dash and her partner Lightning Dust saw her and said she was fine. The pilots are taking care of her as far as they know. Currently Princess Luna has them surrounded at the Wonderbolt Academy near Cloudsdale. What do you recommend we do? Is it possible to talk to them?

Sunset didn't respond immediately but gave the inquiry some thought. Unfortunately she didn't know if there really was a way to contact the pilots. Equestria did have radios and towers, but there was only a slim possibility they could use it to reach the pilots. 

I don't know Twilight. Most likely not but if you can get a pony to fly to them it is possible for verbal communication. Perhaps send a Wonderbolt to contact them and give them a chance to explain themselves?

Sunset and the others waited for nearly ten minutes before a response came. In all that time they felt tense and what they read after made them feel even worse. 

The pilots just attacked the Wonderbolt Academy. Lots of casualties. Deaths. The Princess....

Then nothing. The writing just stopped abruptly. All the girls could do was look in shock.


*Wonderbolt Academy PoV Lightning*

Things always get worse before they get better.

I always thought that in life I could accomplish anything with a few friends and a supportive family. It was a nice sentiment but the real world didn't work like that. Trixie woke up only a minute ago and now was petting the little pegasus on her lap like a dog, or maybe a cat? These ponies acted a lot like cats.

Somehow it made me jealous to see the stupid grin in its face as Trixie pet it. I really hated cute things and now I realized why, Trixie loved cute things. When she saw something cute it took her attention away from me. I was literally an attention whore. 

"Trixie. I need the fuel count." I said checking the missile system. 

"Fuel count is optimum." she said returning to pet the pegasus. "Aww she's so adorable!"

"Trixie quit playing with it! We need to focus!" I yelled at her from behind making her scoff. I could feel her glare from the rear mirror I installed. Trixie then started talking to the pegasus in English which annoyed me. "Don't worry little one she's just grumpy cause we're lost. She gets over protective of me as well."

"She seems loyal to you." the pegasus replied to her.

"Yes," Trixie said looking into the mirror. "She is loyal to me. She always has."

"You're actually talking to it?" I scorned.

"Lightning don't get so jealous."

"Like you get when I talk to the other ladies?"

"That's different!" Trixie argued back to me. "Besides that harpy Cloudchaser is always trying to get into your pants!"

"And I never let her! All those times in the shower she never got a hand on me." Lightning said trying to bank left with the controls. 

I watched as the large ships overhead continued to sit there waiting for something to happen. Surely they were just waiting for me to try and break through but they did nothing. Perhaps they were trying to asses what we were capable of. Maybe-

"Lightning! There's another one flying towards us!" Trixie yelled pointing outside. I looked to see the cyan pegasus from before flying at us until it came to our side. It held up a sign telling us to land so we could talk. I looked forward to Trixie seat. 

"What do you think?" I asked her.

"Well, maybe we can sit down and finally talk this through? These little guys are cute and maybe they can be friendly if someone would stop murdering them."

I groaned loudly. "Fine I'll play along but only if to not waste fuel until we can find out where we're at."

Taking the MiG down I landed on the same stretch of landing strip I had before. This time we had a welcome party. A tall pony with a horn and wings stood flanked by several of the ponies dressed as knights. She was dark blue with a star mane and tail that flowed like a flag in the gentle winds. She wore small light blue horse shoes along with a chest piece and a tiny crown. It made me wonder if she was the ruler of these pony things.

As I settled the plane the ponies approached while the pony, Trixie , and I got out of the pane. The tiny one we captured ran to its fiends hugging them all. The one that looked like me glared at me patting is friend on the back. I hated that one. Shortly after the spoke to the big blue one and it came over to me and Trixie with a polite bow.

"Hello there adn welcome to Equestria."