Chapters The skies were filled with clouds, dark with impending storms. Most ponies insist that everypony stays in when the weather threatens their very lives. But to me, It’s the thrill of close encounters with scorching streaks of lightning that gets me up in the mornings, that makes me want to live day to day, that makes me want to-
“Wake up, kid,” buzzed a raspy voice in my right ear, “if you’re going to do this, then do it. I still don’t know how you talked me into this.”
Soarin, our flight supervisor, is watching from a tower nearby. He’s got a few years under his wings but he is highly experienced, nopony ever doubts him.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m about to go, just let me get a few things.”
I step into the hangar and take pride of the object inside. An Fw-546 “Firehawk”, built by my own hooves, was sitting in the middle of the hanger, just recently tuned with a powerful engine and smoother controls; therefore it turns faster, flies faster, and responds with the slightest touch; In short, one heck of a ride.
I open the canopy, and a series of buttons, dials, and knobs welcome me. I have no idea what they mean, but it doesn’t matter. I know everything that goes on inside and outside the plane. I climb up into the cockpit and get settled in the uncomfortable metal seat. I should really get it switched out.
Once I get strapped in, I hear Soarin let loose a few well chosen words about how early it is. It isn’t my fault the storm appeared this early, there was no warning in the forecast. Even though we have to best equipment to pick up future storms, I didn’t worry about it; even the best of things fail.
“Alright I’m ready,” I said, “take off the locks.”
A slight hissing signaled the hydraulic claws, clamping down on the wheels, releasing the pressure, allowing me to idle out of the hangar.
The wind was crashing against the glass cover, creating a loud screech. It was unbearable. Regular thunder storms aren’t usually this strong.
“Careful out there, don’t want to scrape you off the ground again”
“Hey,” I snapped, “that only happened because the ailerons were too tight.”
“Excuses, excuses, we all saw what happened.”
“Just tell me when I can go,” I said with a hint of frustration.
“Go ahead, but I won’t stop you if you’re so eager to waste your life.”
With a slight scraping sound, the main engines sputtered into life.
“For Celestia’s sake, fix those engines,” groaned Soarin, “I’m tired of hearing those blades scrape against the metal.”
“All in due time my friend.”
I increased the throttle and made my way to a long stretch of metal, covering a massive area for even bigger craft than mine. Once on it, I put the engines at maximum power, eager to get into the air again.
“Careful, you don’t want to stress the engines too much.”
As I near the end of the runway, I gently pull back on the controls causing the nose of the plane to ease into the sky. I keep it up till the tail clears the ground, allowing me to pull up the landing gear and soar into the storm.
As I get out further, I take a glance back behind the tail and see a massive shape, looming over me.
A massive airship took form, with its huge thrusters keeping the flat, black, and grey base aloft and safe from the harmful armies down below. A series of letters and numbers on the aft section dubbed the ship Titan , a fitting name for how vast it is. A number of hangers and launch ports clutter the sides of the ship, somehow leaving enough room for windows for the crews’ quarters. However, none of these ports had light shining out. Nopony wants to alert scouts below to our presence. If that happened, we would be on the ground in less time it would take you to turn out the light.
“Let’s make this quick, I want to get back to bed,” groaned a voice through the earpiece.
I pulled back and climbed higher; as I reached the top of my climb, I let go of the controls, and plummeted towards earth, letting out a howl of thrill. I sped through clouds, lightning flashing around me. I regained control and pulled out of the cloud formation. Causing Soarin to make a few comments on how idiotic this is.
“You should really find a safer hobby.” Insisted Soarin
“And miss out on all this fun,” I exclaimed in mock shock, “how dare you challenge me by insulting my choice of enjoyment.” I turned the plane around and headed straight for the tower; increasing speed as I go.
“Watch out!” Soarin apparently didn’t like my little stunt, but that wasn’t what he was worried about.
A bright, yellow, forked bolt of energy missed my plane by mere inches. The sudden arrival caused me to react badly; I overturned and nearly went into the side of the Titan . Luckily, I recovered before I scraped a few coats of paint off the airship.
“What was that,” I half-yelled into the mic, “I know for sure that wasn’t lightning.”
“Because it came from the ground,” Soarin said with legitimate fear.
If it came from the ground, then that can only mean…
“Alert the whole ship, we need to gain altitude now!”
Bursts of energy flashed around me, causing me to turn all over the place to avoid getting hit. I circle around to try and land on the runway, I line up, lower flaps and the landing gear, and get struck by a stray blast. The energy slices right through my left engine, wrecking the entire plane as I cant keep it straight anymore. I try my hardest to land as softly as I could, but I still went down too hard, making my gear fold up inside the plane. I spun out on the runway, luckily it stopped me from going over the edge.
Dazed and stunned, I got out of the cockpit and made my way to the hangar, desperate to get into safety. I take a glance outside and see many streaks of bright energy, coming dangerously close to the floating platform. A stray bolt struck the side of the Titan , rocking the ship so much; it would definitely wake up anypony sleeping at this early hour.
“Take cover!”
As I hear the voice cry out; everything around me ceased to exist.
I open my eyes to find debris around me. I sit up and take a look around me. I see green leaves and brown stalks around me. But that would mean…
I’m on the ground. The dreaded battle ground that stretches across Equestria. The staging grounds of a battle between ponies and an unknown enemy, foreign to our land.
I stand up with a newfound fear and alertness, and take a look at my surroundings. A dense forest, covered in scraps of metal and fire, blazing throughout the trees.
I hear the underbrush to my right rustle and tense up, if anything alien finds me, I’ll be dead in a matter of seconds. Even worse is being captured. Nopony has ever come back after meeting the enemy face to face.
The rustling gets louder, I prepare for attack when…
A certain white stallion emerges from the overgrowth, covered in blood from multiple cuts across his body.
“Soarin!”
He lets out a weak groan, and falls head first into the earth. I rush over and put him across my back.
“Easy there, we need to get you some help.”
I look around to find an easy way out of the crash. I spot an opening in the trees but decide it’s too risky to go out into the open. An abrupt explosion behind me dismisses that thought and I walk out of the clearing, only to find out I didn’t escape unscathed. A slight limp hindered my progress. I check myself and find my back hoof has a piece of glass stuck in the bend. I reach to pull it out, causing blood to come out of a few other scrapes I have. Once I pull out the glass, grimacing from pain all through the process, I fling it into the forest. After that, I continue walking.
Nearly out of the trees, I trip on a root. I stumble, but I lose my balance and fall, right out of the tree line- and find a camp in the distance. Wonderful, not only am I dazed and injured, but I came across a military force. I try to drag Soarin further away from the crash, but I seemed to have lost my strength.
“Stay right where you are,” a feminine voice called out.
“Great,” I mumbled under my breath. I turned around and met a purple unicorn with a dark blue mane, “now what?”
The pony trotted up to me and stared at me like I was something on the bottom of her hoof.
“Who are you?” she asked with hard venom.
“I’m Broken Star,” I explained, “a pilot aboard the Titan . Well, I was a pilot, until we got shot down by some unknown attacker. May I ask who you are?”
“No you may not. Come with me.” She turned and walked off, but I hesitated.
“Waiting for an invitation?” I shook my head. “Then move it.”
Without further delay, I picked up Soarin and followed the mysterious mare.
When we arrived in the camp, I got a few wary looks. It was a bit unnerving; I didn’t like being the center of attention. We walked into a big tent in the middle of the camp, and I wasn’t impressed. The inside was empty except for a small table in the middle of the room. The purple mare put me on one side and sat down on the other. Soarin was put in the corner of the tent.
“So you are a crewpony of the airship Titan ?” asked the purple one, “Was that the name of the one that crashed?”
“Yes, a tragedy that we lost our home.”
“Home?”
“Yes, we lived up in the sky, away from all the danger of the ground.”
“I don’t blame you; things have been taking a turn for the worse here.”
“How so?”
“Lots of casualties, captured soldiers, and camps like this one have been bombed out by the enemy. This war is not going in our favor.”
“Anyway I can help?”
“Don’t get your hopes up. Our commanding officer still has to see you.”
As she said that, a white stallion walks through the flaps of the tent. He held himself with a high sense of authority; you could easily tell that he was in charge despite the magnificent blue armour he wore, which gleamed with a shine so bright, I winced and shielded my eyes.
“So you’re the one I have been hearing about.” He said with a semi-rough tone, “Tell me about how you came to be in my camp.”
I told him about the Titan , what caused us to crash, and how I was found. He didn’t stop me until I was done with my tale.
“So what you’re saying is that you don’t know who caused you to crash?” I nodded in agreement. “Well I’ll help you find out about this anonymous force, but I can’t guarantee that they will show their true colors.”
“Thanks for your help. But what about Soarin?”
“Who?” I pointed into the corner. “Ah, I shall give him the best care we have.” He stepped outside the tent and asked for a medic. Afterwards, two brown stallions with white robes came in and took Soarin away.
I nodded my thanks and asked, “What about me?”
“You will join my platoon and fight; seeing as you won’t be in the air anytime soon.”
“When do I start?”
“Right now.”
We walked through a set of double doors, and I was instantly overwhelmed with a vast view of a large city set within the ground. The ground was laden with debris, craters, and various covers. As I looked across the field, I saw a group of ponies making their way through a set of buildings.
“What is this place?” I asked with wonderment.
“The Yard, it’s where we train our soldiers to fight in close quarter situations. Your group should be here shortly. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable in the meantime?”
I walked over to the door and stood over to one side, and waited. I didn’t have to stay there for too long before the door opened to reveal a group of ponies. At the head was a yellow pegasus; fully encased in light metallic blue armour. Her wings were silver at the edges, gleaming in the sunlight. She stood with a pose of high self-esteem.
“Are you my new recruit?” she asked with a hint of frustration.
“Yes he is,” said the white stallion, standing off to the side, “and you shall treat him like the rest of your group.”
“Yes sir! Come this way, rookie.”
I stepped in with the group, looking out of place as the ponies around me had body armour when I was as bare as a new born colt. We walked down into the pit and took positions around a table, laden with multiple weapons and equipment.
“Today,” explained the armoured pegasus, “we will be doing a realistic battle scenario,” a collective gasp ran throughout the crowd.
“What about the new guy? He doesn’t have any body armour, he’ll be torn to pieces!" cried out a voice.
“Oh well,” said the pegasus, “he will just have to make do. Now grab your gear, we head out in a few minutes!"
"Yes ma'am!"
I look over at the table and look at the weapon of choice. It was a bulky piece of plate armour and headpiece, conected by a thick rubber tube. On the helmet the was a tube of metal surrounded by white painted metal plates, giving the cannon a sci-fi look of sorts.
"Remember that your weapon shoots exactly where your head is pointed" I put on the device with a little but of trouble, however I managed to get it on without damaging anything on me or the gun. "Now everypony line up!"
As I was joining everypony else in the formation, I realized that I probably got myself into more than I could handle.
[POV: Fallen Flame, 1st person]
A storm was coming. At least that's what they said. Several of the weather ponies had been speaking of it for a while now, yet there wasn't one in sight. So when a young Unicorn emerged from his house, umbrella in hoove and ready to challenge the effects of the weather, he found himself to be rather disappointed.
"Oi, lad! Whatcha got there in yer wee little hoove?"
Wonderful. It's the neighbor pony. Everyone calls him A.A. Not exactly sure why that is, but I that's the least of mine concerns at the moment. He's gonna think I'm crazy for bringing an umbrella out on a day like this.
"It's my umbrella, as I'm sure you can-"
"I reckon yer gonna fight off the enemy with that, then? Ha! You'd be better off using a gardening trowel if ye plan to fight with an object such as that!"
I don't want to deal with this right now. I really must be going...
"I don't intend on fighting anyone with anything. Now if you'll excuse me, I have urgent business with the small council in the town hall..."
"Aye, that you do. Well I'd best get back to picking turnips. I bid ya a good day, wee lad."
"Um... Likewise."
Alright now that that's out of the way , I should probably get going. Just last night I received a letter from the cutest mail pony. She asked that I tipped her in muffins, of all things. While her request seemed rather humorous, the contents of the letter were rather serious. It was a request from the mayor of our town, Lady Whiterose, asking for my presence in the small council meeting at 9:00 AM on the morrow. Seeing as it's almost 9 O'clock, I can say with utmost certainty that I will be late.
I proceeded down the busy streets and winding roads that lay within the town. The morning was bright and full of life. Ponies were all moving from one place to the next, all trying to get through the hustle and bustle of the early morning.
I kept winding my way through the crowds when I spotted a construction site that took up the entire road. I looked around for a way past and I saw a ladder nearby. An idea came into my head, and I sprouted a wicked grin.
I propped the ladder against the side of a building and started climbing. Once I got to the top, I started galloping on the roofs of the houses. I got a few complaints in the form of yelling, but that didn't matter to me at the moment. I noticed a small crowd down in the town square, staring up at me while pointing whooves. It seems as if I've started a commotion of sorts. I certainly hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the flank later.
I leaped from the roofs of the houses and onto the pavement below. I emerged from the crowds unscathed, and ready to enter the town hall.
I looked down at my hooves. Fashioned on one was a small gold trimmed watch. A present from my father, given to me moments before his passing. I peaked into the small glass frame and counted.
"8:59," I told myself.
Looks like I did make it on time. Strange how things work out sometimes.
I opened the large oak doors and walked inside the building, ready to face whatever challenges the day would present to me.
I enter the town hall and look around, I see an elegant mare behind a massive oak desk, piled high with important documents. She turns towards me as I step up to her.
"Can I help you?" She asked with a hint of impatience. Obviously wanting to be alone.
"Yes I'm here to see Lady Whiterose."
"You have an appointment?"
"No, but I have this paper." I pull out a strip of parchment and give it to her.
"Alright, third door on the right down that hall" she points with her hoove at one of three halls behind her. "Will that be all?"
"Yes ma'am, thank you."
I walk down the hall and pause at the door, collecting myself before I enter, however, somepony already knew I was here.
"Please, come on in." With out further hesitation, I open the door.
I was greeted by a group of old ponies, way past their prime, and wearing expensive suits. They all looked at me, expecting something. A long moment of silence hung between us, finally it was the mayor that spoke up first.
"Well if it isnt Fallen Flame, on time as always. Glad you've made it, please take a seat." She motioned to an empty chair in front of the council.
I did as I was told and plopped myself onto the rather uncomfortable chair. Hard to believe ponies could sit in these things for hours on end, discussing and debating whatever topic seemed most important at the time of their meeting.
"I'm assuming you've called me here on rather urgent business, seeing as I'm rarely invited to these council meetings," I piped up.
Lady Whiterose glanced at me, reached across the table and grabbed a small pitcher filled with ice water.
I looked around the room as I waited for the answer to my question. On the other side of the room there were several selves piled with books, vases, and an assortment of other things.
"Indeed I have," she responded as she proceeded to take a sip of water.
"Well, what is it then?" I asked impatiently.
I heard gasps from the other ponies who sat around me. Apparently they were in shock at my display of rudeness towards the mayor.
"You're quite aware that there's a war currently being waged on Equestria, aren't you?" Lady Whiterose asked me.
"I am indeed aware of this. It's rather unfortunate to hear such troubling news. And here I was thinking that we wouldn't see such dark times again for a good long while," I responded.
"What if I told you there was a way that YOU could help turn the tides of the war?" She asked.
I pondered what she had just said for a moment. How could I, of all ponies, make any difference whatsoever?
"I would ask you to elaborate further." I said.
"You're the only pony here in River Run who has past military training. You didn't serve very long... at all. But the council and I believe you to be best choice to send on a special mission into enemy territory."
"You're kidding me, aren't you? There are PLENTY of other ponies in this town who are much more capable of taking on this task than I am."
"You're wrong. There's something in you. A light that will never die out. Your father saw it in you, and so do I."
It felt like I suffered a crushing blow to my heart. How could she bring up dad at a time like this? Everytime I'm reminded of him it hurts. I loved that old stallion...
"And besides, if that isn't reason enough, then maybe this is. While there are rumors that your bother has been spotted somewhere near the enemy, I cannot confirm nor deny this."
My brother... It's been almost three years since I last saw him. Nobody knows what happened to him. One day he was here, and the next he was just... gone. Him and dad meant almost everything to me. And with dad gone and my brother nowhere to be found, I had lost almost everything that was important to me.
"Please, Fallen Flame. If there's a chance that your brother... my son, is alive then you must go. Your father would of wanted you to do this."
I looked at her. Hard to believe that she was my mother. She looked so different nowadays compared to back then. Age had begun to take it's toll on her, and running the town didn't seem to help.
"What are my orders?" I asked.
[POV: Broken Star, 1st person]
We went down the narrow alleyway checking that the area was safe. A black earth pony took position at the end of the alley and checked both directions before he motioned for us to cross the street. We entered an abandoned straw and wood house, and quickly went alert, watching and listening for anything out of the ordanary. Picking up nothing we relaxed, only a small bit, but it was still there.
"Everypony okay?" called out the squad leader, a muscular white unicorn with a short gray mane. Everypony acknowledged with a grunt. "Well then lets get back to work." A collective hatred was spread through the room, but was quickly diminished by the task at hoof.
"Hey Star," I turned around to see a yellow pegasus trotting towards me. "What do you think of the training so far?"
"Hard as buck, I never had to run this much on the airship"
The pegasus laughed, "well get used to it, theres going to be a lot more running before the day is over with."
I groaned, "well thats just wonderful," the pony started to turn away but stopped when I asked "hey, how do you use this thing?" Gesturing to the cannon on my head with my wing.
"Oh its simple, just bite really hard." Yeah that wasn't complicated to manufacture at all.
"Thanks." The soldier smiled and walked away then suddenly...
"Take cover!" Pulses of energy flied around the house and busted through the fragile glass windows. I went up against a nearby wall and looked outside. What I saw was a another group of soldiers and a sergeant yelling at a light gray mare.
"What in Tartarus were you thinking? Those are friendlies!"
"Sorry..."
"Sorry won't bring your allies back to life. Let's move!" With that they disappeared from sight.
Well that was sure eventful. We meet back up with the leader and get our orders, we move out of the building and into a large street. Shops and homes line the sides, abandoned and run down.
"I don't like this, we shouldn't be out in the open like this."
Immediately we were ambushed, but not by ponies.
"Drone! Take it out!"
I spotted a large metallic bi-pedal machine walking down the street, firing on out position. I pointed my gun at it, held my breath, and clamped my jaw down hard. A sound mixed between an explosion and an electrical discharge vibrated through the air. The pulse hit a leg on the drone, but had no overall effect. I kept firing until I was hit myself, a blinding pain spread through out my body starting from my right foreleg, causing me to go limp. I screamed out but nopony seemed to hear me. They all fired their weapons at the lumbering beast until one of the blasts hit something vital. The drone froze, and slowly fell backwards. Once it hit the ground, somepony finally noticed me. They came over to me, did a quick look over and yelled out.
"Medic!"
I looked towards the pony who came to my aid, and saw the same pegasus as before I tried to sit up but he stopped me.
"Take it easy there, don't want you to make it any worse."
I complied with him and kept still, laying on my side. The medic came over and started looking at my foreleg.
"Doesn't look good, son. You'll need to stay off it until we can get it properly looked at."
I tilted my head down to look at what he was talking about, and saw something that made me sick in every possible way. My hoof had a huge hole in it, oozing out blood. The hole went right through the entire leg; in the wound, some of the raw flesh was black and burnt beyond recognition.
I felt lightheaded due to the loss of blood, now making a large, sticky puddle as I lay here, and probably not the first time today, I blacked out.