Blazing Wings is the story of two pegasi whose dream has been to join the Royal Guard Air Brigade through the Air Brigade Academy for Talented Pegasi
Hurricane and Winter Chaser's dream has always been to join the Royal Guard Air Brigade. In order to do so, they must make it through the Air Brigade Academy for Talented Pegasi. They have their signatures, reccomendations, and everything else that they need. All thye have to do now is walk through the gates, get through the academy, and reach their dreams. However, will hurricane's father Storm Chaser, a respected member of the royal guard, stop Hurricane dead in his tracks out of envy? Will Hurricane and Winter Chaser make it through the Academy in one piece?
In the days following the dark pony war, Princess Celestia saw it as an utmost necessity that in case Equestria should be attacked from the sky again, there should be an aerial defense ready to protect Canterlot and all of Equestria. In this way she officially commissioned the air brigade division of the royal guard, a fleet of Pegasi that were willing to protect Equestria from the skies, whatever the cost. Pegasi were now not just limited to serving in the royal guard, but they could also serve in the slowly growing air brigade.
With the success of the air brigade defending the rest of Equestria from the changelings when Canterlot was at risk of falling, Celestia saw it appropriate to deem the air brigade with the very best of leadership. Ace was then commissioned as the Captain of the Air Brigade, which meant that he would be given the task of making the Air Brigade stronger, and more widespread. After his promotion, Ace and the other captains, as well as spitfire from the Wonderbolts, requested that an Academy be built to the west of Canterlot. Celestia agreed, and now, there stands the Air Brigade Academy for Talented Pegasi. Only the best of the best, off of recommendations from the flight schools in Cloudsdale, Las Pegasus, and other Pegasi cities are given the possibility of attending the prestige academy.
This has been a dream of one pegasi for some time now. Hurricane has had dreams of flying through the skies defending Equestria for the air brigade, and also getting the chance to train under Ace, the head captain of the Air Brigade and a prestige member of the Royal Guard. Hurricane’s father storm sky, who is currently an officer in the royal guard, would prefer otherwise. He would like to see his son go into the royal guard as then he can train him. However, knowing that his ambitions were not to be, he does not speak to his son as much as he used to. Hurricane’s close friend, Winter Chaser, also has his ambitions of joining the Air Brigade. With the two pegasi close to their final training session at flight school, and both being at the top of their game, and their class, it seems their dreams are within reach.
“Hurry up Hurricane, you’re going to make us late again!” called Winter racing towards the training grounds.
“Relax Winter,” called Hurricane back to him dashing forward, “We won’t be late this time.”
Winter rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you tell that to the clock hurricane, see where the minute hand is?” he said pointing to the clock tower above the dorms. “I don’t know if you’re blind or something but that minute hand is saying we have 2 minutes to make the final training, and the training grounds are 5 minutes from here!”
“No time to stop now or else we’ll be really late then, won’t we?” called hurricane picking up a bolt of speed.
The two pegasi swiftly flew through flight camp to get ready for their last chance to show significant signs of signing up for the air brigade. It had been their dream since they were young to be in the brigade, and they had one more session to prove just how serious they were. Hurricane and Winter sent papers flying everywhere as they made a rapid move to make the final session.
Winter soon had the training grounds in his sights, just in time.
“Hey we’ve made it!” called Winter in all of the wind noise. Hurricane couldn’t hear him though.
“What’s that?” he shouted over the wind speed.
“I said,” Called Winter, “We’ve made-“
CLOP!
Before winter could say another word, he and Hurricane had found themselves standing on top of Coach Sky Chaser, one of the top coaches in flight school, who had taught Spitfire and Rainbow Dash, two of the fastest flyers in Equestria. By the looks of things, he was very upset.
“Well what do we have here,” boomed Sky Chaser trying to make example of the two young stallions. “Hurricane, and Winter Chaser, two of my best fliers, yet they are always late.”
“We’re sorry coach,” said Winter getting back on his hooves. “We were just-“
“QUIET!” boomed the coach. With that Hurricane and Sky Chaser quickly got in line. “Alright you colts and fillies,” he said pacing the row of pegasi, “today is your last day of having to deal with me shouting at you all the time. However, you still have one last test to complete before you can leave here to go wherever the winds take you.”
“What do you think our last test is going to be?” whispered Hurricane to Winter. Little did he know that coach had overheard.
“GOOD QUESTION HURRICANE!” boomed Coach. “For your last test, you will be doing an endurance test! This is the same test that Rainbow Dash and Spitfire took before they final left the final phase of flight camp for the open skies. First, you will clear 10 clouds from the sky, next you will fly through the wind tunnels that generate the air currents. You will have to make them through and dodge the winds as fast as possible, after that, you make a rapid dash back here, and then you’re done! Any questions?”
“Do we need a partner for this training exercise?” called winter patiently raising his hoof.
The coach looked at him with a quirked smile on his face, as sky chaser was well aware that Winter and Hurricane, when together, ere an unstoppable force. He wanted them to have a challenge. “Good question Winter!” boomed the coach. “You will all be doing this solo; the first pony to finish the course will have the benefit of me signing whatever they need to get into the Wonderbolt academy, Royal Guard academy, or the Air Brigade academy! Everyone else will have to find someone else, because I will only take the best of the best, same expectations as the academies!”
Winter and Hurricane could only stand in shock. Instead of working together to achieve the same goal, they now had to work separately.
“Well,” said Hurricane looking at his friend sadly, “good luck.”
Winter tried not to look too down at him, but to be honest he did not want to see his friend get a benefit that they both deserved. “Good luck to you too,” said Winter with a fake smile on his face.
The row of pegasi then lined the starting lines waiting for their last shot to begin.
Hurricane stretched his wings, preparing to make the flight of his life on his starting mark. He did not want his wings to “fall apart like Icicles from a roof siding” as Winter would say. His mind was fiercely intent on being the first to cross the finish line, which was set up right behind him. “For all Equestria,” he chanted in the back of his mind. He knew the motto well, as it belonged to the Air Brigade academy. This ambition of his, he was extremely close, and he was not about to let anyone get in his way of reaching his colt hood dream, even if that something was his best friend. “I must win,” he said to himself. He then turned around to look at winter, avoiding eye contact with him. “I’m sorry Winter, this was our dream, but in the end, it’s about who wants it more right? Let’s do our best, both of us.” After which, he returned to stretching his wings, preparing for the long flight ahead.
Winter stretched himself forward to give himself an extra stretch forward for the finish line. He was “breaking the ice” as he called it. He was trying to get rid of all the stiffness in his body as to not slow himself down. It was a technique that Hurricane had taught him when they first started flight camp years ago. “That’s right, stretch all the way out!” he remembered Hurricane saying when they were younger. “Break the ice in your bones, or else you’ll fall to your doom in the sky!”
“Break the ice…” said Winter continuing his stretches. “I like that idea.”
Winter couldn’t even begin to count all of the times that Hurricane had helped him out in their endeavors for the air brigade. On the other side of that coin, he also couldn’t count how many times Hurricane had gotten both of them into trouble. Yet, despite of all of their adventures, now was one of those moments where he wished that this couldn’t happen. Winter noticed Hurricane looking towards him trying to say something. He tried to turn away, but it was difficult to not see his friend’s sadness. “We will do our best,” he said, “both of us.”
Coach looked at the clock tower by the dorms and grabbed his whistle. It was 11:59 pm. “Alright everypony, prepare to start!”
The row of pegasi quickly took their readiness. Hurricane bent his wings outwards, up, and to the side. His eyes were set on the horizon and the clouds that he had to break. He had to keep his mind off of everything if he wanted to win but winter could not escape his mind.
“Set!”
Winter stood ready as ever, his wings closed as he wanted a galoping start for a better chance of speed. His eyes were on the advancing course around the school. He was more relaxed, but his looks could fool a strong stallion, like Hurricane. He was determined to not let Hurricane ruin his chances, but he couldn’t get the thought of the two stallions dreams of going to the Air Brigade as they both needed a signature from coach, but he tried to remain focused on the task at hand.
“Go!”
From the starting line, two streaks – one of baby blue and white, the other of dark gray and black, thundered from their respective marks. Winter and Hurricane quickly proved themselves neck and neck. The two stallions didn’t look at each other; they just looked ahead at the clouds they had to break 10 clouds each; if the clouds were in the right positions, one by one they would fall like dominoes from the resulting speed. Winter broke left for a row of 10 clouds that were straight and all in a line. Hurricane broke right for a path of 10 clouds that would provide the pinball effect where he would zip past one, to another, to another.
I have to get this right, thought hurricane looking at the 10 clouds, Closer and closer he approached them.
POOF!
One gone.
PFFT!
Another soon followed.
Before he knew it, all of the clouds were gone, and he had also gained extra speed off of the last cloud. He was very satisfied with the results of his high speed endeavor as he thought he would power his way through the air currents and not just maneuver through them.
Winter looked from not far behind and noticed Hurricane’s streak heading towards the Air current generators. “He’ll get blown away if he goes into those too fast…” Winter said to himself. “Please be careful Hurricane.” Winter then slowed down slightly to prepare himself for the air current generators.
Hurricane looked at the Air current generators with great ambition, faster and faster he went, building his speed. At this rate, he thought, I’ll break a sonic rainboom just like Rainbow Dash! He was thrilled at the very thought of this, but at the same time, he wasn’t paying much attention to how close he was flying to the generator outputs. “This is it!” he yelled flying into the first current generator. However, his plan had backfired. Now Hurricane was flying in the direction the air current was blowing, way off course. “HELP ME!” he cried. “I can’t stop! Somepony! Anypony!”
Winter looked out to see where the sound was coming from. He then saw Hurricane flying without control towards the side of a mountain. “Don’t worry Hurricane,” called Winter stopping in his tracks. “I’m on my way!” With a quick dash, he charged towards Hurricane.
Hurricane could only watch the mountain side get closer and closer. “So this is how it all ends for me…just because of a stupid mistake…” said Hurricane. He then closed his eyes and his wings, and began the long plummet down to the ground. Just as he thought that this would be his curtain call, something grabbed him. “What the?” said Hurricane looking down to see Winter lifting him. He then gained control of his flight path again. He then noticed blood on his face from the impact. “And you’re hurt too…” said Hurricane, looking guilty. Winter only smiled. “We stick together,” he said, “Whatever the weather. Don’t worry about me, I’ll make it.” The duo then flew back to the camp grounds, hoping that they did not fail the training session. They returned to see a different Pegasus had been the first one back. The two stallions both were certain that neither of them was going to the Air Brigade after this stunt, but they were both just happy to still have all four hooves. Coach Sky looked over at the two with a rather disheartened face. He did not look sad, he just looked disappointed. “Winter Chaser, Hurricane,” he called to them. “What is it coach,” they replied. “Both of you need to go to the nurse to make sure you both are okay. Afterwards, meet me in my classroom,” he said turning away. “We need to talk.”
“Hey, I don’t think I properly said thanks,” said Hurricane bandaging his hoofs. “You really saved my flank up there.”
Winter could only smile, his scar gently healing from the top of his head. “What are friends for huh?” he said. “We’ll be partners till the end, even if we don’t make it into the Air Brigade Academy.”
The thought of not getting into the Air Brigade Academy was a haunt that Hurricane had forgotten only because he was so focused on the obstacle course. He had completely forgotten, but now that the thought was back, he was saddened. Also in his moment of sadness, he remembered that the coach wanted to see him. “So what do you think coach wants us for?” asked hurricane. “I know what he wants me for, but not you, you’re the hero!”
Winter only looked at his friend with understanding. “Well,” he said, “We did both go far off course, more-a-less went a mile or two off course.”
Hurricane looked confused, “but wait,” he said scratching his head, “How did you get the scar on your face?”
“Well, there was a forest below us,” he said. “In order for me to get enough speed to catch you, I had to dive down through the forest through the trees, when I finally rose through, a branch caught my face and I got this horrible scar. It was worth it though.”
The nurse then came back into the office. “How do you feel?” she asked.
“We’re fine,” said Winter. “We are bruised, but we’re not broken.”
“Excellent,” said the Nurse. She then got a sad expression on her face. “I came to remind you that Coach Sky wants to see you two whenever you both have enough strength after your adventure.”
Hurricane and Winter could only look at each other and wonder what to do.
“We’ll leave now,” said Hurricane. “Whatever Coach wants us for, we’ll have to face it sooner or later.”
The two stallions then left the nurses office for coach’s office. ***
“My two best fliers in my class,” he began sternly, “Veer far off course, perform daredevil stunts, and almost get themselves killed.”
Hurricane and Winter were deeply disturbed by this, and did not say a word.
“Not only did you two embarrass me up there,” he continued, “but you have embarrassed yourselves. That Pegasus you saw that came in first place cheated his way through by avoiding the wind generators. Winter, you yourself dodged the air current generators.”
Winter had almost forgotten about the wind generators, he had to move off course in order to save his friend. “I had to do it coach,” said Winter looking down at the floor, “or else Hurricane would have been seriously hurt, maybe even dead I can’t let it end for him like that.”
“If you’re going to fail anyone coach,” said hurricane speaking up boldly. He then stopped mid-sentence as he wanted to cry, knowing that he could possibly be throwing out a life in the Air Brigade, and the Royal Guard. He then flocked up his courage, and opened his wings boldly. “You can fail me, please don’t fail Winter, he deserves this more than I do.”
Coach Sky patiently looked at the two stallions. Never before had he seen such humility in any of his students, not even from Rainbow Dash, or Spitfire. “You’re willing to throw away all of your dreams for your friend,” he said. He then broke a smile. “Why would I fail you?”
Winter and Hurricane only stood dazed and confused.
“You see fellas,” he began, “I didn’t call you in here to fail you two, I came in here to tell you that I would gladly sign for both of you if you both are looking to go to the Air Brigade Academy. I have seen both of you from your first days here looking at the posters promoting the Air Brigade. When you two failed at something, you reclaimed yourselves in some other way, like this incident, one of you always go to risk yourselves to save the other. The Air Brigade could use more stallions like you. Therefore, both of you have passed.”
Hurricane and Winter were stunned. “Wow coach, I can’t believe it,” said Winter. “You’re really going to sign for us to go to the Air Brigade Academy?”
“This has been my dream since I was a colt,” said Hurricane beaming brightly. “Thank you so much.”
“Actually Hurricane, I will sign for you on one condition,” said Coach.
Hurricane blazed back home faster than he had ever flown before. He couldn’t believe that this was really happening He was on his way to Air Brigade Academy. It was a sure fire acceptance as he had excellent scores from flight camp and was the top of his class, with Winter being a close second. “Cloudsdale here I come!” he called as he opened his wings and bolted for home. CLOP!
Out of nowhere, Hurricane was suddenly flung back to a cloud. He was rather disturbed as he had no idea what had happened. When he looked over to another cloud, he noticed another Pegasus getting up from the impact and rubbing her head. It was Rainbow Dash, but he did not realize it just yet.
“What’s the big idea flying into me like that?” asked Hurricane angrily shaking his hoof at the other cloud.
Rainbow Dash looked across from the cloud and saw Hurricane. She quickly flew over, recovering from the aerial collision. “The real question,” said Rainbow Dash staring down the dark grey stallion, “is why you ran into me?!”
Hurricane was ready to give her a piece of his mind, when he suddenly realized who it was. “Hey Rainbow,” he said smiling. “It’s me, Hurricane! We used to be partners in flight camp until you left for better things 4 years ago.”
Rainbow Dash was confused, but then she remembered. “Oh yea now I remember!” she said with a smile. “I only left so that way I could start working with the weather teams, so I went off to train for weather and I decided to not continue flight camp, even though if I had stayed I would have gotten full Wonderbolt Academy training instead of the week session.”
Hurricane smiled. “That’s cool,” he said. “I stayed so that way I could get into the Air Brigade Academy, led by Ace, second in command is Spitfire.”
Rainbow Dash then looked very concerned. She was happy that there were more pegasi joining the Air Brigade, but she was still concerned. “That’s great and all,” she said concerned, “but what will your dad think? I thought he wanted you to go to the Royal Guard Academy to work with Shining Armor and him.”
Hurricane almost forgot that when he got home, he would have to deal with another round of possibly problems. “Well, we’ll see what he thinks about it and then move on, there is nothing that he can really do, as my mom can sign for me,” said Hurricane. “I better get home so that I can send my application to the Academy before morning. Good to see you Dash!” With that he bolted back home, Rainbow Dash continued on with what she was doing.
Hurricane blazed homeward as fast as he could, but he couldn’t get the thought of his father out of his mind. That’s right; he thought to himself, my dad does want me to join the royal guard. I hope he takes the news happily that at least I am on my way to the Academy, meaning I finished Flight Camp to make me stronger and in top shape for Air Brigade training.
“Mom, Dad,” called Hurricane to his parents, “I’m home!”
The door soon opened; there stood Moonlight Dancer to greet him. “Hurry,” she said and quickly hugged him. “I’m so happy to see you, I’m glad you’re home dear.”
“Thanks mom,” he said. He then got very concerned. “Is dad home?”
Moonlight knew by the look on Hurricane’s face that he was not pleased to have to deal with his father. “He is upstairs in his study,” she said with a worried expression on her face. “But come inside first dear, I will cook you some dinner and then you can tell me about all of the adventures that you and Winter have been having.”
“Sounds great,” said Hurricane trotting into the house. “Thanks Mom.”
“By the way,” said Moonlight excited, “What is this good news that you have to tell me?”
“Well,” hurricane started,” Let’s just say all I need to get into the Air Brigade is your signature on the application, and I’m in on coach’s suggestion!”
Moonlight’s face lit up, “That’s fabulous news dear! I’m so proud of you! Do you still have the application upstairs in your room where you left it?”
“Yes I do,” said hurricane racing upstairs to his room. When he finally finished digging through all of the papers and posters of the Air Brigade he found the application. When he read through what signatures he needed, he saw 4 lines. He needed his signature, a parent’s signature, coach’s signature, but the last one he was shocked to see. Under the three signatures, there was a statement. “If you know any royal guard members, a signature from them would increase the possibility of your acceptance.”
Hurricane was stirred, he knew that he could use all the help that he could get to get into the Academy, even a small reminder under the Royal Guard signature had the logo of the Air Brigade, a pair of Pegasus wings, with a White star between the two, and the scroll with the motto of the Air Brigade, chosen by Ace himself: “For all Equestria”. Hurricane then sighed, trotted out of his room and across the hall.
He knocked on the door of his father’s study. “Dad?” asked Hurricane. “I’m home don’t you want to see me?”
“When do you leave for your ‘Air Brigade’?” said an annoyed Storm Sky behind the door.
Hurricane flocked up courage and tried again. “Dad, please, can’t I come in and talk to you?”
“I have business to take care in the Royal Guard, whatever it is you can ask your mother,” said Storm Sky.
Hurricane had many memories of his dad saying the same thing when he really needed his father the most. Moonlight was a musician in the Royal Ensemble alongside Octavia and Lyra. It was interesting, but many times when Hurricane needed his parents, he would rather have his dad, however due to his dad being so cold hearted, he never got the chance. This annoyed him when he was so close to achieving his dream.
“Listen, Dad,” he said angrily. “I know you wanted me to go into the Royal Guard, but I need to make my own life. I really don’t give a hoof if you don’t like it that I want to go into the Air Brigade. Mom supports me, why don’t you? I’m your son for Celestia’s sake!”
The door then flew open, there in the doorway stood an angry Storm Sky. Storm Sky was a white pegasus with a dark green mane. He was one of the highest respected ranks in all of the Royal Guard. When he got word of his son looking at the Royal Guard, he was filled with joy. However, when he heard that Hurricane changed his mind to go into the Air Brigade instead, he was sickened to the stomach.
“I’ll help you with whatever you need, but this better be the last time it’s anything related to the brigade,” he said angered.
Hurricane then showed him the signature line. “Sign this,” he said, “And you’ll never have to be annoyed by me again.”
Storm took it, grabbed a pen, and signed his name. He then handed the application back to Hurricane with a stern, heartless look. “Hurricane you have grown stronger in the last few years,” he said. “I am proud of you for being this determined to reach your goal, but I am disappointed you did not follow this old stallions path.”
“I’m sorry storm,” said Hurricane, “but this is my life. I think I should have the right to choose what I want to do. Thanks for not being there when I needed you.”
Hurricane then trotted back to his room, when his father slammed the door to his office study.
“All that for a stupid signature,” said Hurricane.
After the events of that day, hurricane had gotten the signatures from coach, coach’s recommendation, and mailed the signature to the Academy. Winter did the same. 3 weeks had passed since they had sent the applications and recommendations in, and they had not heard back yet. On a particular day, Winter and hurricane sat in the café to get their mind off of things for a while.
“So Winter,” said Hurricane taking a sip of water, “Why hasn’t your scar hasn’t gone away yet?” The scar that Winter had gotten reaches over his eye. He could still see just fine out of both eyes, but he just had an addition of a faded scar over his right eye now.
“I don’t know why it hasn’t gone away yet,” he began, “but to be honest, it’s actually kind of cool. It has grown on me, and it’s a nice addition to have since we’re going into the Academy.”
“It’s not like you’re going to scare anyone away,” laughed Hurricane. Just then a waiter brought their lunch, a plate of chili cheese hayfries, Hurricane’s favorite. “Now THAT is a lunch for flyers!” he said as he quickly dove in.
Winter only smiled as he dove in right after. “Hey save some for me won’t you?” he laughed.
Hurricane merely continued eating “Gotta be quick about it!”
When nothing but an empty plate with drops of chili and cheese were left, the two stallions had finally regained their senses. Hurricane was full and happy, but Winter was concerned. Winter Chaser’s parents had nothing to do with the Royal Guard, seeing as they were both unicorns, but they both had ambitions of soaring through the skies. He had no idea what it was like to have a father that was a high rank in the Royal Guard, and very respected, even by Shining Armor. He couldn’t begin to imagine how he had to break it to his dad that he wasn’t going to be a Royal Guard.
“So how did your dad take the news,” asked Winter.
Hurricane tried not to make a face to show the confrontation between him and his father. “It wasn’t a nightmare,” said Hurricane, “but it wasn’t exactly a good response either.”
“I don’t understand,” said Winter. “Why does your dad dislike the fact that you want to go into the Air Brigade instead of the Royal Guard? It’s not like you won’t be working with him anyway.”
“I’d rather stay as far away as possible from my dad, even if it is in the call of duty,” said Hurricane looking away from Winter and finishing his soda. “I do love him, I mean; he is my father after all. He just needs a lesson.”
“Maybe you’re right, maybe you’re not,” said Winter. “I’m heading home to see if the mail came yet, and to see if I got the letter from the Air Brigade.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Hurricane. “I’ll see you later.”
When hurricane finally arrived back at home, his mother was in the kitchen cooking dinner, the mail was on the counter, but next to the counter was a box. “Who’s the box for, dad?” asked hurricane looking through the mail for an acceptance letter.
“No, it’s for you Hurricane,” said Moonlight with a smile.
“Oh, thanks mom,” he said quickly taking off the tape. When he opened it he found a letter It was from the Air Brigade.
“Please arrive at the Air Brigade Academy with your new uniform by Friday at 6 a.m. Your training will begin immediately upon your arrival. You will be assigned to a dorm and to a roommate and to an instructor…”
Underneath the letter was his uniform, it had a wing hole, standard issue, pockets on the sides, and a collar. It was similar to the uniforms that the Wonderbolt Academy used, except the hooves were covered completely, cutie mark and all.
“So what is it?” asked Moonlight.
“I just got accepted into the Air Brigade Academy!” said Hurricane excitedly.
Just then there was a knock on the door. “It’s probably Winter Chaser,” called Hurricane galloping towards the door. Sure enough, when he opened it, there was winter, fully decked out into his new uniform for the academy.
“How do I look?” said Winter with a beaming smile.
Hurricane merely laughed, “Like someone ready to soar through the skies!”
Winter smiled, “For all of Equestria!”
In all of the joy and excitement, Storm Sky watched from the top of the stairs in gentle disgust, which was brewing into jealousy and anger.
“Attention!” called a drill instructor in front of the group of 28 ponies. “Line up you cadets!” All 28 of the ponies lined up in a perfectly straight row. Hurricane and Winter Chaser stood in excitement trying to keep from breaking a fool hearted smile. They couldn’t believe this was happening, they were about to begin their new life in the Air Brigade Academy. The Academy itself was massive. It had a massive 3 story main building surrounded by 4 dorms, each at a corner of the facility, a mess hall to the north, and the training grounds about 5 miles to the north. It was a massive Academy which rivaled that of the Royal Guard Academy, which was slightly larger.
“Captain on deck!” called the drill instructor with his sunglasses and uniform on. He, and the other 3 drill instructors, turned around and saluted the 3 captains of the academy, Spitfire, Blazing Sun, and the commander of them all, Ace, a notable flier from the dark pony war.
“At ease,” Ace said lifting his forward hoof. He was much decorated, as he wore an officer’s uniform, with the mare of honor medal, a Royal Guard pin, and an exclusive medal from Celestia herself. He wore an officer’s hat, with the emblem of the Air Brigade in gold. Hurricane and Winter couldn’t believe they were in the presence of such a legend, they found it hard to keep their cool, but somehow, they managed to stay serious, hoping and praying to Celestia that they wouldn’t do something stupid.
“I welcome you all to the Air Brigade Academy for Talented Pegasi,” he said to the group of 28. “I formally congratulate you. As you all know this school is only for the best of the best out of the flight schools around Equestria. Only 500 pegasi attend this academy, and the training lasts for roughly a year. As you all know, I am your head commander and captain, Ace. To my right is respected captain Blazing Sun, a graduate of the Academy and one of the best fliers I have ever seen. He is in charge of the drill instructors. To my left is Spitfire, who is in charge of the Wonderbolt Academy. She will organize competitions to test your speed and ability. I hope you all enjoy your days here at the Academy, now Blazing Sun will explain what goes on here.”
Blazing Sun, a bluish white Pegasus with a navy mane and tail, stepped forward. “As well as Ace, you have my congratulations as well for getting into this prestige academy.” He then stepped forward and began pacing the 28. “However, just because you are the best of the best of your schools, doesn’t mean you have the right to do whatever you want, and a wise pony.”
Hurricane and Winter shuddered at the boom of his voice.
“Here you will learn what it means to work as a team,” he continued. “There may be an I in brigade but there is also a r and an e in brigade. Would anybody like to guess what that means?”
“Rigid and Excellent?” asked Winter trying not to embarrass himself. Hurricane merely shook his head embarrassed. Well there goes my good name, he thought to himself. Blazing Sun walked over to Winter and Hurricane, staring Winter down. “Good Guess,” he said as he looked Winter eye to eye. “I can see where you have the rigid part from,” he said trying to make an example of Winter, “Where did you get this scar of yours cadet?” Winter took this as an insult. “I got it saving my friend Hurricane,” he said. Hurricane cringed. “It was a minor training incident that’s all,” he said. Blazing Sun then looked over towards Hurricane. “Is that correct, Hurricane?” he asked sternly. “Yes sir, it is,” he said embarrassed, “I made a silly mistake charging head on into a wind turbine, I wasn’t fast enough, sir. It won’t happen again, sir.” Blazing Sun looked sternly at Hurricane, removing his shades. “I certainly hope not, for your sake, cadet. You make a stunt here, your sorry flank will be sent home crying to mama, CRYING! Do I make myself clear?” “Yes Sir!” Blazing Sun then put his shades back on. “As I was saying,” he continued as he started pacing the 28 again, “it was a good guess, however, the R and E in brigade represent ‘respect everypony’ as maybe one unlucky day, you’re going to rely on your fellow cadets to save your sorry flank, as Hurricane here learned the hard way, right hurricane?” “Yes Sir,” said Hurricane. “Now that is settled,” continued Blazing Sun, “remember the golden rule, ‘treat other ponies the way you want to be treated’. But enough of me talking, I’ll make this quick. You will be given a small booklet of the rules and requirements here at the Academy once you assigned your dorm, roommate, and drill instructor. So let’s get your name off of this list here…” Hurricane had never been so embarrassed in all of his life. I can’t believe it, he thought to himself, we haven’t even started training and I’ve already been made the laughing stock of the academy by my best friend. I know he meant well but he should have kept his mouth shut. Winter looked at Hurricane and noticed how embarrassed he was, but what he didn’t know was that a mare was also looking at Hurricane in a rather confused manner, but neither of the two stallions noticed as they were busy. The list of names continued on as the 28 soon dwindled down to 18, then 14, 7, until at last- “Hurricane and Winter Chaser will be roommates in dorm C to the south west. Your instructor will be Stonewall Well. That’s all everypony, training will start at dawn, if you have any questions find your drill instructor,” boomed Blazing Sun. “Dismissed!” “Yes Sir!” replied the 28 ponies. They all then went off to their respected dorms and looked for their rooms and prepared to start their new lives in the Air Brigade Academy.
“I said I was sorry!” said Winter sitting on his side of the room in the sun setting light.
Hurricane looked at Winter with a small hint of hatred and disgust. “You didn’t have to go into detail!” he exclaimed. “You embarrassed me in front of the commanders, and already threw my name in the dirt for our drill instructor!” Hurricane remembered that Stonewall came to speak to him before they headed off to the dorms after the orientation.
Stonewall was a rather masculine Pegasus. He had the appearance of big mac, minus the freckles and his hair was a light tan. He approached Hurricane, leaving Winter only to watch. “You listen here cadet,” he said looking at Hurricane dead in the eye, “You better be on you’re A+ game. This isn’t flight camp.”
Hurricane gulped and stood there waiting for the next embarrassing blow to his name.
“However,” continued Stonewall, “when I was reading your recommendation from your head coach, I have heard you are quite the flyer. I hope not to be disappointed. Am I clear?”
“Yes sir,” said Hurricane. As Stonewall slowly walked away, Hurricane could only look back at Winter. He wanted to give him a piece of his mind right then and there, but he knew it wasn’t the proper time or place, as Spitfire was watching him.
Hurricane then flew over to Winter and tackled him. “YOU embarrassed me! Don’t you get it?” he shouted.
Winter then pushed him off, and opened his wings. He was ready for a fight, but he did not move a muscle. “Didn’t you listen during orientation?” said Winter. “We’re supposed to work as a team, it’s not about by a solo pony, and we have to work together.” Tears then began rolling out of his eyes as he looked on at his best friend with anger. “Remember our promise Hurricane?” he said trying not to just open up and cry, “We promised each other at the start of Flight Camp, that we’d never quit on each other, ever…Don’t you remember?!” he screamed letting out all of his emotions.
Hurricane only stood at the edge of the room, looking at his best friend. He now felt guilty that he had caused him such agony. “Winter,” he began, “I’m sorry, I didn’t-“
“You didn’t care?” said Winter. “Oh, thanks! I never want to speak to you ever again!” He then flew out of the room into an empty room across the hall. Hurricane felt horrible, as he sat as the sunset light left the room, as night time slowly rolled in. ~~~
“Wake up cadets!” called Stonewall walking through the halls of the dorm. “Rise and Shine! Meet up at the training ground at 0700 hours!”
“Yes sir,” called the awoken ponies.
Hurricane was awoken with a start. He was dead tired, as he had not slept a wink after the fight with Winter. He’s probably already forgiven me and is sleeping in the other bed, thought Hurricane. He then got up, and trotted over to see that the bed was empty. He checked the closet as now there was only one hanging uniform with the name Hurricane patched on it. Once he got dressed, he walked out of his room and looked under the room number to see his name only. He looked across the hall and under that number read Winter Chaser. He really did it, Hurricane thought to himself. I guess this is the end.
He trotted down to the mess hall to grab a light breakfast, knowing that training was going to be brutal. When he arrived in the mess hall, he spotted Winter sitting by himself at a table. Hurricane grabbed his breakfast, and quickly trotted over to Winter’s table. When he sat down, Winter merely closed his eyes and continued on his bagel and was to move onto the hash hay browns.
“Hey Winter,” said Hurricane trying to smile.
Winter only looked emotionless. “Oh, hello Hurricane,” he said disgusted.
Hurricane persisted at trying to start a conversation. “So how did you sleep?”
“Fine.”
Hurricane was now beginning to doubt his chances. “So, are you looking forward to our first training session?”
Winter stopped eating and looked at Hurricane. “Our?” he said disgusted. “I thought you were flying solo and that you didn’t need me.”
Hurricane then was upset. “Look, I know a lot of things were said last night and-“
“And what?” said Winter disgusted. “I thought you wanted to be alone so you couldn’t get embarrassed. If you want to work with somepony, that’s fine. Just don’t expect it to be me. Bye.” Winter then got up from the table and trotted out towards the training grounds leaving hurricane staring at his hash hay browns. “Great,” he said to himself, “just how I wanted things to go.”
“What do you mean?” said a blue mare with ice white and grey hair walking to sit with Hurricane.
“Wait did you hear all of that?” asked Hurricane wondering how long the mare had been close by.
The mare smiled understandingly. “I heard all of it,” she said. “I’m sorry you had to lose your best friend like that.”
Hurricane merely looked down at his Hash Hay Browns. “I’ll find a way to get over it,” he said looking emotionless. He then raised his head to look at the mysterious mare. “Who are you anyway?”
“My name is Comet Star,” she said. “I’m from Fillydelphia, and it just so happens we’re under Drill Sergeant Stonewall together,” she smiled.
Hurricane smiled. “That’s cool, I’m Hurricane, I’m from Cloudsdale and my dad is a royal guard officer.”
Comet beamed. “Your dad is one too?” she said curiously. “What’s his name? He might know my dad!”
Hurricane cringed at the thought of his dad’s name, “His name is storm sky,” he said cringing.
Comet looked at Hurricane confused. “My dad knows him, and according to him he is a great leader, you must not like him so much.”
“Well,” hurricane began, but then he looked at the clock noticing it was 6:50. “Holy Celestia, we’re going to be late! Come on let’s go!”
“After you then,” she said. The two then dashed toward the training grounds for the first training session.
The Training Grounds were in a valley with all four sides surrounded by a mountain. There was a cloud obstacle course above the cloud peaks. On the obstacle course were loop clouds, air generators, weather clouds (courtesy of the pegasi) and a watch cloud for instructors. When Hurricane looked at the wind generators, he shuddered. Comet looked concerned at him, remembering what commander Blazing Sun had said yesterday.
“Hurricane,” she said, “don’t worry about those; we’re probably going to do some laps around the valley first.”
Hurricane, eyes on the generators, took the words as comfort, but then he looked at Winter, talking to another stallion and having fun. “Yea, I guess you’re right,” he said.
“Morning Cadets!” boomed Stonewall. “Hope you all had a good night’s sleep, now line up with your partners that you were assigned yesterday!”
Comet looked back at Hurricane with a gentle smile. “Good Luck Hurricane,” she said as she trotted over to her partner.
Hurricane smiled, but then frowned as he trotted over to Winter Chaser. Winter didn’t say a word.
“Alright then, welcome to day one cadets,” Stonewall began. “Today we are doing the obstacle course. Some of you, as I am aware of, have done this obstacle course before for your last training session before leaving your flight schools for here.” He then pointed up towards the obstacle course. “You will fly through 5 loops, break 5 clouds, fly through 5 wind generators, then dash back here. Any questions?”
“Are we doing this solo?” asked Hurricane, praying to Celestia he didn’t have to work with Winter. Winter Chaser looked at Hurricane with an expression of anger. I see you didn’t learn any humility yet, he thought to himself. Don’t worry Hurricane, I’ll show you humility up there.
Stonewall looked confused, knowing that Winter and Hurricane worked best together. “Why on earth would you think I’d let you get away with that?” laughed Stonewall. “You will be flying with your respective partners. You must work together as a team to reach your objective, now get ready cadets! Take you marks!”
Winter and Hurricane prosed each other side by side, ready for the long flight ahead. Hurricane was ready, but at the same time he felt he wasn’t. He had a feeling that the whole world was on his shoulders, but at the same time he was empty. He had never had a feeling like this before. What’s wrong with me, thought Hurricane.
“Start!” roared Stonewall.
The 5 teams of ponies roared towards the course. Winter and Hurricane maintained a stiff lead up until the loops. Hurricane rolled into the first loop to make the turn a little bit easier, but Winter had other ideas. Winter bumped Hurricane out of the first cloud ring, and unfortunately made Hurricane lose his momentum. “Are you ok?” said Winter hiding a dark smirk.
Hurricane recovered, but he didn’t see winter’s smirk. He thought he just caught a bad wind. “Yea I’m fine, come on let’s go,” said Hurricane flying through the next loops.
Stonewall only looked on, knowing what Winter had done to Hurricane. He didn’t stop them; he just wanted to see what would unfold.
Next came the clouds, Hurricane quickly bucked one, but Winter aimed for a cloud that was right behind Winter. He kicked it with ease, but at the same time kicked Hurricane. This time Hurricane felt that something was wrong. He turned around to see that Winter had cleared the rest of the clouds. “Are you sure you’re ok?” said Winter, again hiding a smirk.
“I’m fine,” said Hurricane curiously. “Maybe you should go into the air currents first this time.”
“No you take the lead,” Winter called. “I’ll keep up.”
Hurricane took the lead, but comet and her partner were watching from a distance. “We better keep up with them,” she said. “Come on.”
Stonewall continued to watch, as he began to take down notes, and scores.
At last came the current generators, this is where Winter’s plan was about to come to fruition. Hurricane bent low to prepare to maneuver around the air currents. Just then out of nowhere, Winter grabbed hurricanes hind legs. This time, Hurricane knew who was causing the confusion.
“Surprise!” said Winter flinging him into the Air Current.
Hurricane wasted no time. “You’re coming with me!” said Hurricane flinging himself and Winter down towards the earth. Hurricane wrapped his legs around Winter’s wings and his forward hooves strangled Winter on all fours. Hurricane’s wings remained closed as they plumited to the ground below. “What’s wrong with you Winter?!” he called. “I want to be your friend, but if you want to pull my father’s approach with me, then we will both go down together!”
“Your dad wanted me to…embarrass you…so you’d quit...,” said Winter weakly.
“He did what?!” said Hurricane angrily. As Hurricane was trying to get more information about how Winter and his dad had somehow organized a hidden deal to make Hurricane’s life as miserable as possible, he didn’t notice how close the ground was as they made an impact.
“Hurricane!” screamed Comet with tears in her eyes. Stonewall flew over to her.
“I need you to go get the medic, and tell her that those two are also under arrest.
2 days passed for Hurricane and Winter Chaser to get back to their senses after the great plummet. Comet kept wanting to visit hurricane both of those days but due to the nature of the incident, they were locked up in the infirmary and they were guarded 24/7. Neither of their bones was broken impressively, and they were both recovering rather well. Hurricane was the first to awaken 2 days later, and he immediately crawled over to Winter Chaser with whatever strength he had left in him. When he finally reached Winter Chaser’s hospital rack, he stared him down with a death look in his eyes as Winter continued to sleep.
“You,” he said raising his hooves. Then one after another, he began punching him, once, then again, then another, then another soon followed. Winter awoke with a start. “You ASSHOLE! YOU LITTLE BASTARD!” Hurricane then began strangling him with both of his hooves as tears filled his eyes. Suddenly the punches stopped as tears began to fill winters eyes as well.
“Hurricane, I-“
“Why Winter,” said Hurricane, “why did you say yes to him…why?”
Winter then turned away, “I was tired of being the sidekick, I wanted to lead, I just wanted to be as good as you if not better…I wasn’t thinking…
“Why didn’t you say anything?” said Hurricane.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore…” Winter replied.
Hurricane smiled and hugged his friend. “I’m the one who should be sorry, we need to stick together, whatever the weather right?”
“Right,” said Winter with a smile. “Friends?”
“Friends,” said Hurricane.
In their emotional make-up, Stonewall stood in the corner. “Now that you two lovers are done making up,” he said with a growl in his voice, “You both have a date with the commanders.” ~~~
“According to your records,” said Ace looking at the recommendations from Coach Sky, “you both work better when you are together.”
Hurricane and Winter Chaser stood emotionless in their bandages, determined not to get themselves into more trouble than what they already were.
Ace then got up from his desk, while Stonewall and Blazing Sky stayed behind the desk and watched. Ace walked closer and closer until he stood eye to eye with Hurricane and Winter Chaser, the closeness between the three was less than a stack of fresh printing paper. You could tell by the disgust in his eyes that he was very angry.
“So if you both work together so well, then why the hell did you almost get both of yourselves killed, 2 DAYS AGO!” he said. “I want an explanation, now. I don’t care who speaks up, I don’t care who says what, if nothing is said, I’ll have both of your sorry flanks sent back to where you came from. So I suggest someone starts-“
“Permission to speak sir,” said Winter.
“Granted Cadet Winter,” he said.
“Sir,” he began trying to organize his thoughts, “I was hired by a respected member of the royal guard to sabotage Hurricane’s chances at possibly moving further into his training here at the Academy. I did it out of envy sir.”
Hurricane was shocked that Winter would speak out against himself for him. He couldn’t believe it. He owed him big time. Ace walked over in front of Winter, and was now concerned, and interested. Even Stonewall and Blazing Sky couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
“Is this true Cadet?” asked Ace.
“Yes sir,” he said. “Storm Sky recruited me to do this sir.”
Now Ace was baffled.
“Storm Sky is my father sir,” said Hurricane interrupting. “He never wanted me to join the air brigade, but rather he wanted me to join the Royal Guard sir. He never really was proud of me after that.”
Ace then sympathized with the two stallions. “Well what you both did is wrong, but unfortunately we do have a scandal that is going on right now, so your punishment will be night guard duty for about a week, after that week is up I will contact Shining Armor to get this all sorted out. You are dismissed.”
“Thank you sir,” they both said, and then they left his office.
“What do we do now sir?” asked Stonewall.
“Now we wait, and hope that nothing else happens,” said Ace returning to his papers. “You both are dismissed as well.”
“Yes Sir.” ~~~ “Hurricane!” said Comet quickly getting up and hugging him. “Thank Celestia you’re ok.” “I’m glad to see you too Comet,” he said hugging her back. Comet then looked back at him, with Hurricane looking directly at her eye to eye as if they were about to share a kiss, but then they had a reminder of where they truly were. “Well what do we have here?” said Spitfire walking over to the three. “Commander Spitfire,” said Hurricane letting go of Comet and quickly saluting. Spitfire laughed. “At ease Cadet,” she said. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I heard about what happened. You both have shown bravery in times of pressure, which I can tell you both I rarely see at the Wonderbolt Academy as well as here. Therefore, I find it appropriate to both commend you both with a minor promotion from cadet to cadet first class. Congratulations.” She then saluted the two newly promoted stallions. Winter and hurricane saluted back. “Thank you commander Spitfire,” said Hurricane. Spitfire smiled, “You are welcome, but last I checked your punishment starts in about a half hour,” she said sliding her shades back on. “Now go get in position! NOW!” “Yes Ma’am!” they said getting their uniform’s ready for the night watch. “Very good,” she said. “You’re dismissed.” With that, she returned back to the main building to conduct business with the other commanders. Comet quickly ran and hugged Hurricane again. “Congratulations,” she said smiling. “Thanks Comet,” he said smiling brightly. Little did he know that in all of their emotional moments, they had forgotten that Winter was there watching the whole thing. “So did you find a new marefriend already?” Laughed Winter. “She’s not my marefriend,” they said together. When they realized the awkward irony, they both blushed and looked at each other. Winter merely laughed as he knew that a small romance was brewing to add to their adventures in the air brigade. In all of the joy however, something dark was lurking beneath the surface, as no one knew what Storm Sky was planning, but they were determined to get down to the bottom of things before things turned hectic.
Night guard duty didn’t prove to be as much of a punishment as Hurricane and Winter had predicted; they actually enjoyed it. They saw it as a time to relax, and recollect themselves under the navy-violet sky dotted by white stars. Most of the lights were out, except for the lights at the night post and the lights of the Commanders offices. It was peaceful however, and they did enjoy that fact.
Midway through the week, Winter and Hurricane were on watch as usual; but this time they were not relaxing this night, as what filled their mind was the thought of Storm Sky.
“Do you think they’ll ever actually take him in for a trial?” asked Winter curiously. Hurricane merely scratched his ear with his hoof.
“I honestly don’t know,” he said in reply. “He is a very high rank in the Royal Guard and almost no one bothers him, or raises a finger against him, not even Shining Armor. This isn’t the first time he’s been under suspicion for a crime however.”
Winter was shocked to hear this as he thought this was only because Hurricane was going into the Air Brigade, it turned out there was much more to the story. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“You know the old saying ‘if the right hoof fits’ right?” Hurricane began, “Well let’s just say because he is in the proper place he has gotten away with a lot of things.”
“Like what?” asked Winter now intrigued.
“Commands that he says that are from Celestia herself, when they are not related to anything, Recommendations for demotions, imprisonment, even exile for anypony he wants,” said Hurricane sitting on the ground.
“Why didn’t he imprison you?” asked Winter.
Hurricane merely put a hoof under his snout, “he didn’t want to sell out the family name in case I joined the Royal Guard at the last minute. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulled out a full on attack or decommissioning of the Air Brigade, that’s how much respect and authority he has unfortunately.
Winter merely shook his head in disgust with himself, knowing that he was helping a criminal. “If only I knew all of this before I did what I did, maybe I wouldn’t have done it,” said Winter closing his eyes in regret. “If only-“
“Don’t worry,” said Hurricane stopping him midsentence. “Nopony is perfect, everypony makes mistake, some more than others, ya know?”
Winter raised his head and gave a little smile of confidence. “I guess you’re right,” he said looking at his best friend.
Hurricane smiled back. “Don’t worry, I forgive you.”
“KYAAAHHHHHH!” called Comet as she tackled Hurricane from above. “Miss me hurry?” she said with a flirtatious look in her eyes.
Hurricane laughed. “I do admit,” he said, “Things aren’t quite the same when you’re not around. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?”
Comet smiled, “I just wanted to see what you stallions were up to; and besides, a mare’s gotta get up get out if you know what I mean. I can’t just sit in a dorm all night when I can’t sleep.”
“You probably should go get some sleep Comet,” he said. “Besides, tomorrow Shining Amor comes and gives his annual inspection of the Academy.” Then Winter got a very serious and vengeful look in his eyes. “Hurricane and I will be meeting up with him to see if we can possibly imprison him and try him for treason and scandals.”
Hurricane knew that he had to do this, but he couldn’t get the thought out of his head that they were actually going through with it. He had a very doubting look in his eyes. Comet couldn’t help but notice as she looked at him with sympathy. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” she asked. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, I mean, he’s your dad.”
Hurricane turned to look at her. “I know he’s my dad,” he said, “but he is also a criminal, and he tried to destroy my dreams. I have to do this Comet.”
Comet smiled, “Ok Hurry,” she said, “and don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll always be here for you.” With that, she leaned him and gently kissed him. Hurricane broke open the lightest blush that Winter had ever seen.
“Not your marefriend huh?” said Winter with a teasing look.
Hurricane rolled his eyes, “Oh shut up,” he said kissing Comet back. ~~~
“Commander on deck!” called the captains as Shining Armor stepped from his carriage fresh from Canterlot. He wore his official captain’s armor of painted gold, with a bright yellow gem in the shape of Celestia’s solar cutie mark. All the ponies were lined a straight row to let him pass, all 500 of them. Salutes immediately flew up when Shining Armor, raising his hoof, saluted the Academy flag.
“At ease,” called Shining Armor. He then walked up to Ace, firmly saluted him. Ace also saluted him back. The stallions then lowered their hooves, and gave each other a firm hoofshake. “It is a pleasure to have you here at the Air Brigade Academy,” said Ace smiling.
“No,” said Shining Armor putting his hoof on Ace’s shoulder, “the pleasure is mine. Everything appears to be in order as when I left it last month.”
Ace nodded, “Indeed it is, do you want to inspect the grounds or do you prefer to see them in action.”
Shining Armor raised his hoof, “actually, no training session viewings are required. I would like to inspect the grounds and also speak with you on the matters that I have heard about. You may dismiss the cadets.”
Ace was confused, but he agreed nonetheless. “That’s all cadets!” he sounded off to the group.
“We soar through the skies as one!” called the commanders.
“For All Equestria!” replied the 500
“Dismissed!” replied Ace.
“Yes Sir!” ~~~
“Let me review what I have heard,” said Shining Armor looking at Winter and Hurricane, “Hurricane, I’ve known you since you were young, as I’m sure you remember us both playing together whenever I came over.”
“Yes, I do sir,” he said. “I wanted to be just like you, and my father smiled. I remember Twilight coming over as well to play with me as well.”
“Yes,” he said. “Your father I have known for a very long time, as he is a very respected leader, however, if what you say is true, it could change everything.”
“I am a witness firsthand of some of his crimes, including of the former head commander Cloud Storm,” said Hurricane.
Cloud Storm was a respected leader. He was the one who inspired Shining Armor, and he was also a respected leader during the Dark Pony war. When he was accused of betrayal for crimes dating back to the war, he was sent in exile.
Shining Armor walked over to Hurricane with a rather serious yet angered look in his eyes. “Cloud Storm was exiled on war criminal charges,” said Shining Armor.
“That’s what you think,” he said. “He was never under war crimes at all. I remember looking through his records when dad would take me to the Royal Guard library where only high ranks of the Royal Guard are allowed into. Cloud Storm was never a traitor, he even busted another traitor during the dark pony war.”
“He does speak the truth,” chimed in Ace. “I remember him taking a traitor out of camp and sending him back to Canterlot for trial, as I am the one who arrested one of the traitors. I may be 28, and the dark pony war may have been 10 years ago, but I do still remember the traitor. He was a squad mate of mine sir.”
Shining Armor then looked at Winter Chaser. “What exactly did he promise you that he would do when you did this crime?” asked Shining Armor.
“He offered me a high honor in the Royal Guard,” replied Winter. “Even though I have done nothing to deserve such an honor. I wasn’t thinking, it was a stupid mistake.”
Shining Armor sympathized with him. “Don’t worry its ok,” said Shining Armor. “It is understandable as a Stallion of your age is liable to make those mistakes.” He then turned around to face the three commanders. “It does appear that this is a legitimate scandal, I will return to Canterlot and assess the situation immediately.”
“Thank you sir,” said Ace. He then turned around and looked out at the hills to see a dark lining around the clouds followed by dust kicking up behind it. “Sir, what is that?” asked Ace showing Shining Armor the dark lining.
“I don’t know, it could be a stampede,” said Shining Armor. “There is a cow farm not far from here.”
“There has never been a stampede on these hills, as they are much too steep,” chimed Blazing Sun. While they were discussing what it was, the lining grew thicker, and longer. Stonewall then dashed into the office.
“Sir, we have a situation,” he said frantically.
“Go on, what is it?” asked Ace.
“It’s the royal guard sir,” he said.
“What about the Royal Guard,” asked Shining Armor.
“They’re attacking the Academy, and they are being led by Storm Sky!”
“Dear sweet Celestia,” said Shining Armor looking out the window at the advancing guards, “It’s the dark pony war all over again.”
“What are your orders sirs?” asked Stonewall.
“Defend the Academy at all costs; do not let them get to the main building,” Ace replied with a determined look in his eyes, “even if you have to kill them to do it.”
“What about us sir?” asked Hurricane.
Ace looked at Winter and Hurricane a look of confidence and more determination, he knew he was about to tell them was hard to accept, but he knew that it was of the utmost necessity. “I need you to find your dad and bring him into custody.”
“What if he doesn’t cooperate and attacks?” asked Hurricane.
The once peaceful Academy had turned into a madhouse of Royal Guards and Brigadier cadets. The battle for the Air Brigade Academy had begun.
“I need someone on the wall,” called Spitfire. “Do we have any alicorns with us?” 15 hooves were raised high. “I need you all to get on the all, shoot anything that moves! Quell down the chaos while we look for Storm Sky!”
“Yes Ma’am!” called the 15 as they grabbed the wall. Once they were there, they spotted Royal Guards, 25 of them still on the hill charging while 250 had made it in. Shining Armor only looked out and watched from Ace’s office while Ace and Blazing Sky went out to defend the Academy. Hurricane had also stayed put to recollect his thoughts, Winter Chaser stood with him as well.
“Sir, there are only 250 Royal Guards in here, I thought there were more,” he said.
“There are,” replied Shining Armor looking out the window. “There are 500 in total; I imagine they are getting ready to support us, but by the time they get here it will be too late.”
“Why are there 10 Royal Guards that are just standing out there on the hill? Why aren’t they charging?” asked Winter curiously pointing at the 10 sitting on the hill.
“Let’s just say, if you want to find your dad, I would hurry and start looking now,” said Shining Armor. “That’s also an order from me, now go.”
“Yes sir,” said Hurricane as he and Winter galloped out of the office to join the ensuing battle while Shining Armor sat in the office looking out the window. “So help them Celestia when the magic starts flying…”
Winter and Hurricane dashed through the grounds, knocking any ponies out of their way to find Hurricane’s dad. It seemed as if the Guards would not go down at all as when one fell, another one took its place.
“What’s with these guards?” asked Winter knocking down a unicorn.
“Royal Guards are trained to be the best of the best, we weren’t ready for this!” called Hurricane over the noise.
“Dear sweet Celestia,” said Hurricane. Suddenly a bugle sounded, Royal Guards quickly backed into the shadows and into the buildings.
“What the,” called Winter, “They’re retreating into the dorms!”
“Well then let’s go after them,” called Hurricane galloping after the group heading into Comets dorm. “Knowing my dad he is probably in-“
BOOM!
Winter and Hurricane were soon sent to the ground after the violent blast of magic. “Celestia and Luna,” called Hurricane getting up from the impact, “What the hell was that?”
“Look!” called one of the cadets pointing up to multiple magic shots of significant size began barreling down onto the academy from the hill where the 10 unicorns were stationed.
“It’s coming from the hill!” called Winter. “We need help!”
“Incoming!” shouted a Cadet as a magic burst came closing down.
BOOM!
“AHH I’M HIT!” shouted a cadet who had a bad wound on the side. Winter looked over just in time to see him.
“Don’t worry we’re going to make it!” called Winter grabbing him and putting him on his back. He began galloping towards the main building for the infirmary. Shining Armor watched the act of heroism in place before his very eyes.
“Come on cadet you’ve almost made it,” he said Looking out of the window. Just then, a magic burst that just so happened to be right on key, impacted Winter exactly where he was running. It was a direct hit that was felt from inside of the main building. Shining Armor could only watch in horror at the unfolding scene. When all hope seemed lost, he looked over on the hill to see the remaining Royal Guards charging the 10 unicorns, ending the bombardment. “Thank Celestia,” he thought to himself as he ran down to see Winter Chaser.
“WINTER CHASER!” shouted Hurricane running over to his friend. “WINTER!” he at last knelt down to him, to see the cadet that he was carrying dead. Winter was badly wounded as blood was splattered all over the ground. “Winter can you hear me?!” said Hurricane cradling his head.
Winter smiled very weakly, “I…I can hear you just…just fine…Hur….Hurricane…,” he said.
“Thank Celestia,” he said relieved. “Don’t worry buddy you’re going to make it to fight another day.”
Winter weakly raised his left hoof, “Not this time…I’m not…going to…make it,” he said. ~~~
“MEDIC!” shouted Shining Armor running into the infirmary. When he ran in only one doctor was left as the others were busy attending to the wounded.
“What is it,” he called.
“Wounded, it’s an emergency,” he said as he led him to the wounded body of Winter. ~~~
“Don’t say that buddy,” said Hurricane with tears filling into his eyes. “You’re going to make, I promise. This is our dream don’t let go of it remember? Friends till the end right?”
Winter slowly closed his eyes, “Hurricane, live…your…dreams…for…all…Equestria.” With that, winter soon collapsed in Hurricane’s hooves.
Hurricane soon had uncontrollable tears falling form his eyes. “Winter…you idiot,” he said.
Shining Armor, the doctor, and Ace were soon on the scene. Hurricane put Winter back onto the ground so the doctor could check his pulse. When he felt his neck, it was blatantly obvious. Winter was gone.
Hurricane then got back up on all hooves, while the others merely removed their hats and shades in loyal respect of a hero. Comet soon walked over to comfort Hurricane. “Hurricane,” she said, “I’m sorry it had to end for you two like this…I can’t imagine how hard it is.”
Hurricane could only look at comet with understanding, but he also cried uncontrollable tears. “Comet,” he said. “I wish-“
Comet put a hoof to his mouth. “I know,” she said. “I’m here for you, don’t worry.”
“I know you are, and I’m grateful that I found you,” he said. He then kissed her softly as the rain from storm clouds soon opened up and began to fall.
“So what do we do now,” asked Ace to Shining Armor.
Shining Armor looked at the young couple, and looked at the dead corpse of the hero. “We find that bastard, and we rip his head off for his crimes. Before that, we properly lay these warriors to rest at dawn.”
“Yes sir,” replied Ace. He then called over one of the cadets to assess to the dead, and get a new headcount and also to get all of the captured ponies from Storm Sky’s invading force to get information. They were going to find him and serve justice, no matter how long it took.
The day after the skirmish, a garden was erected by the Air Brigade Cadets in front of the main building. At the spot where Winter died was a group of white roses shaped like snowflake, which was winters cutie mark. Winter’s death was however not alone, 19 other pegasi died defending the Academy, among them unfortunately being one of the commanders. The academy had a special service to say goodbye one last time, it was led by Shining Armor, attended by Cadence, and Princess Luna.
“Two days ago, the Air Brigade Academy for Talented Pegasi has lost 20 brave souls in defense of our Academy,” Shining Armor began. “They lost their lives in a quick and swift gesture of violence and evil. A small group of former royal guards, among them a former royal guard commander, came in and attacked, their cause being unknown. For all that we know, is that they died believing in something. They died believing that their true mission was defense for all Equestria.” He then paused softly wiping a tear from his eye. Hurricane watched anxiously from his seat, where Comet sat next to him.
“This is not something,” he said recovering from his moment, “that shall be taken for granted. We will catch this criminal. We will bring him to justice, not just as revenge, but also to ensure that this never happens again. True, this will not happen overnight, but let us be assured by Princess Luna, that Celestia has sent squadrons out to search for the killers. However, in this time of great search, let us never forget these 20 ponies, that dared to stand up to defend the Academy. We salute you, we now lay you to rest in the sky.”
As tradition for pegasi, when they had to lay their dead to rest, a new cloud was formed by magic from whatever memories they had of their deceased loved one. With a mighty heave, Luna turned all the memories, trinkets, and the uniforms of the fallen into a new cloud. As it lifted into the sky, the remaining 481 cadets began to cheer.
“We won’t forget you!”
“We’ll get him!”
“Soar well old friend!”
“Through the skies!”
Then all of the voices joined together into a mighty roar.
“FOR ALL EQUESTRIA!”
Hurricane couldn’t help but smile. “Goodbye old friend,” he said. “Don’t worry, when the time comes, we’ll be reunited.” With that, a tear gently rolled down the side of his face. He wiped it swiftly away with his hoof.
Comet stood at his side with a look of compassion. “I think he misses you too,” she said as she felt a soft droplet from the cloud fall onto her head.
“Either that, or it’s a sign that I need to find my father.” ~~~ 3 months had passed rather quickly after the skirmish. The Royal Guard searched high and low for Storm Sky with no luck. They even searched through his study, where Moonlight said they had not seen or heard from him 5 days before the skirmish and had not seen him since. When the royal Guard went to examine his office, everything was gone. Papers, maps, codes, information, journals, everything was gone. In the time afterwards, Hurricane had proven himself to be quite the powerful flyer as he had quickly moved up the ranks to become a lieutenant. His relationship with Comet also grew stronger during all of those days. One night, Comet and Hurricane snuck out of the Academy north for the training grounds. They landed on a cloud which was high above the training grounds where no pony would see them or even look for them. “You’re crazy for bringing me up here this late,” Comet smiled as she lay eye to eye with Hurricane. Hurricane smiled as he rolled over so he was facing the sky. “Am I crazy or did you just want to do this?” he smiled. Comet then crawled on top of him. “Maybe it’s a little bit of both,” she smiled as she kissed him tenderly under the starry night, as a shooting star blazed by above. ~~~
Morning came with a startle as Hurricane awoke on the cloud to find himself alone. “Comet?” he called. “Comet where are you?”
As he slowly got up, he noticed a note that lay where Comet was lying last night. Hurricane picked it up, and instantly was enraged noticing whose name was at the bottom. It read: “I have taken Comet from you, if you want her back, meet me in the Everfree forest, alone, at midnight. If anyone else joins you, she won’t exactly have a happy ending. Storm”
Hurricane’s eyes quickly turned towards the horizon to see the clock tower of the Academy, noticing that it was 10:50AM, there wasn’t much time to save Comet, but he would do his best. Hurricane knew what he had to do, but he would need to have a plan just in case, and he quickly formulated one as he flew back to the Academy as fast as his wings would carry him.
When he arrived back on the Academy grounds, he stormed into Ace’s office. “A moment sir,” he said saluting. Ace, being the higher rank, saluted in return.
“At ease lieutenant,” he said, “what is it.”
“Storm Sky has made his next move; he has taken Comet Star under his own custody, as he is using her as a bribe to draw me out again.” Hurricane then handed Ace the note that he found on the spot that Comet was sleeping in.
Ace carefully inspected the note, and then crumpled it with his own hooves. “Where did you find this?” he asked looking at Hurricane with a serious look.
“We left the grounds for a night alone sir,” he said embarrassed. “We just wanted some time to be alone together so we-“
“I understand lieutenant,” said Ace cutting in. “As I have had one of these moments myself during the dark pony war.”
“Might I ask with who sir?” he asked.
Ace then got up from his desk and closed the door. “Spitfire,” he said.
Hurricane wasn’t surprised by this, as he did notice that Hurricane and Spitfire did stay together many times when Spitfire wasn’t at the Wonderbolt Academy or off doing something with the Wonderbolts. “Is it hard keeping a relationship with her sir?” he asked diligently.
Ace sighed, “At times it does pain me,” he said. “We do get by it however, I don’t know how in the name of Celestia we do stay together, but I guess that’s love in a nutshell.” Ace then walked over to Hurricane putting a hoof around him. “We’ll catch him,” he said. “Tonight will be his end. I assume that you also have a plan?”
“Yes,” he said. “It is complicated, but I can assure you it will work.”
“Well let’s hear it then.” ~~~
Nightfall came very quickly, as Hurricane stood outside of the Everfree forest. It was a very cloudy night, which was unusual for that time of year around Everfree. He wore his basic uniform for the brigade, which was now that of an officer’s uniform with a hat holding the pin of the Air Brigade in silver. He had the look of seriousness on his face as he prepared to walk in. “Don’t worry Comet,” he said to himself, “I’ll get you out of this mess, dead or alive, for Winter, and for everyone that my dad decided to mercilessly end.” With that, he began his long trot into the Everfree forest, with a very ominous shadow looking from the sky.
He walked in deeper and deeper, as the sounds of Timberwolves drew even closer to him. He bored no weapons as he was going to finish his dad off stallion to stallion. Eventually, one struck, jumping and growling. It was about to pounce when a sudden ray of magic surrounded the wolf.
“Now now,” said a voice from behind, “That is no way to treat a guest.”
Hurricane turned around to see his father surrounded by other former royal guards. “I wish you would just let that Timber wolf eat me, instead of me having to see your sorry face again for what you did Storm Sky.”
Storm merely laughed and smiled evilly, “Now is that anyway to say hello to your dear old dad? You know something son, we could’ve been great together. I could have given you anything your little heart desired, mares, money, ranks, whatever you wanted if you had just joined the Royal Guard. But instead, you joined the Air Brigade, and met your own mare, made your own way.”
“WHERE IS COMET?!”
Storm Sky then got serious and turned around, “bring her out,” he said. At that very moment, Comet was brought out tied up and duck taped over her mouth.
“Comet!” he said galloping over to her. “When he got to her, he quickly took the duct tape off of her mouth so she could speak.
“It’s a trap Hurry! Run!” she said frantically.
“A trap?” he asked. He then found himself by magic, and hovering over the ground. “Wait, what is this? What are you up to Storm?!”
“You know something Hurricane,” said Storm looking at him menacingly, “I’m proud of you for being so brave and bold just to save one mare but at the same time, this will cost you your life like that stupid Winter Chaser. You saw what happens when you care for others!”
“Storm please, don’t do this to him!” screamed Comet begging for Hurricane’s life. “I’ll do anything just don’t kill him please!”
“DUCKTAPE HER AGAIN!” he said violently. “Drop him in the valley, right over there.”
Eventually Hurricane found himself dangling dangerously over an alley. He tried to open his wings, but he found them bound together by a rope that had somehow formed itself magically around him.
“Farewell Hurricane,” he called. “Happy landings!”
With that, Hurricane began his long plummet to his doom, or so he thought. “Not letting you die today!” called a familiar voice. Just then, there was Winter Chaser quickly swooping down and catching Hurricane freeing him from his free-fall.
“But, but, you’re supposed to be dead!” called Hurricane down towards him.
“And leave you alone in this life without someone to annoy you? HA! In your dreams!” smiled Winter as he lifted his friend back on to safe ground. “When you thought I was dead, the doctor felt my pulse a second time and it turned out that I was alive. I had to go back to Cloudsdale to recover. I couldn’t bear seeing you again without my uniform until I healed up so I could come back. When I heard about what the operation was doing, I had to fly here as quickly as possible to save your sorry flank, lieutenant.”
Hurricane smiled and hugged his best friend, “well I’m glad you’re here now,” he said. “Now let’s kick some flank.” He then faced up to the clouds as Storm began to attempt his escape. “Ready when you are Ace!”
Just then out of the clouds came ponies from the Air Brigade Academy, the Royal Guard Academy, and the Wonderbolt Academy to stop the 250 former Royal Guards dead in their tracks. Storm Sky had managed to slip out of the Everfree forest just before the attack from the sky. Just when he thought he was free, he found himself tackled down onto ground. “Okay Hurricane, you win,” he said with Hurricane Winter and Comet looking at him. “Now hurry up and kill me and get this over with,” he said.
Hurricane merely looked down at him. His relationship with his father came down to this very moment. He almost wanted to go ahead and grant his father’s last request, but he knew it couldn’t end this way, not like this. “Actually,” he said, “I’ll let Celestia have that last honor of what your punishment will be.”
Just then Celestia and Luna arrived on the scene of the small victory, and looked down at Storm Sky and the other 250. “I hope you all are proud of yourselves,” she said. “Because you all have earned yourself death, but I think in the light of that you have done, you don’t deserve to die. Therefore, you are being exiled to the east. You will never return, you MUST never return. If you do you will live to regret it.”
Winter eventually returned back to the Academy once he had regained his strength. After the incident of Storm Sky, things had dwelled back to normal. Winter had his rank raised to equal that of Hurricane due to his actions in stopping Storm Sky. One day the two stallions walked out to the memorial gardens with one day before their training at the Air Brigade Academy was over. They were looking at the snowflake in the center of the garden. “You guys did this for me?” asked Winter. “Aw that’s so sweet of you!”
Hurricane gently nudged him, “oh shut up. You already have enough of a right to say I cried when I thought you were dead,” he laughed.
“You didn’t cry that much Hurry,” said Comet standing next to Hurricane in their moment to each other alone. “You were strong enough to get up and hug me and give me a kiss.”
Winter laughed. “Oh so you two got busy while I was gone,” he laughed. “See I can’t trust you when I’m not around.”
Comet just stuck her tongue out at Winter. “Oh sure,” she said. “Of course you had to die on us for about 3 months.”
“Hey, you try getting blasted upset the head with a magic blast and surviving. I had to survive a free fall and getting nailed by explosive magic,” he said in a smartpony kind of way. “THEN you have the right to laugh at me.” ~~~
Ace stood in front of the ponies of the Academy. A year had passed since they had entered; Hurricane and Winter Chaser had decided to move onto greater things by serving in the Air Brigade division of the Royal Guard, but they were honored as honorary instructors at the Academy. They stood with the other 28 ponies in their class.
“I congratulate you all on your achievement,” he said. “You all have successfully passed through the Academy. Not only have you graduated, but you have also stood in the face of danger to defend the Academy in the face of danger. In all of this however, you are all to be praised, however, I think we all believe that there are two stallions that stand out in front of us all. On that note, Hurricane and Winter, step forward.”
Hurricane and Winter had no idea what was happening, but they stepped forward to a roar of cheers. Shining Armor then stepped forward.
“In recognition of not only serving in the line of duty,” he began, “but staying to teach the next generation of members of Air Brigade in your heroic name, princess Celestia has officially commissioned me to present you with this honor.”
Spitfire then brought him two Mare of Honor medals.
“I congratulate you both in recognition of receiving the prestige award of the Mare of Honor Medal and also presenting you both with the ranks of Captain. Congratulations Hurricane and Winter Chaser of Cloudsdale!”
With that, the entire academy erupted in a volley of cheers and great celebration. Comet stood smiling, waiting for Hurricane to come back down. Hurricane merely beamed from ear to ear, knowing that he had not only reached his dreams, but had exceeded them with Winter by his side, and meeting his special somepony.
“We fly through the skies as one!” called Hurricane to the crowd.
Hey Everyone this is Frisco Pony here, This is my first real attempt at actually making a serious fanfic. My chapters are a bit short compared to other fanfics on here but I think it turned out fairly good. Now alot of you might be wondering what the Dark Pony War is and where Spitfire and Ace's interesting relationship come from. All of that will be explained in my next fanfic. Be out on the look for it!
P.S. - I would love some critique so that way I can improve my fanfic's for everyone to enjoy, thanks!
