The Quest Through Time

(A/N: For this beginning part the song I’m using here is “Rosalina’s Comet Observatory 3” from Super Mario Galaxy.

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Chapter 20

The night of the Gala had finally arrived. Ponies from all across the capital as well as the major cities arrived in full force. Unfortunately, the price to attend such a Gala now was too expensive, meaning only those who were wealthy, as well as family, could only take part. The inside of the ballroom was indeed a breath-taking sight. As like every year, there was a full orchestra hired to play through the night and plenty of hors d'oeuvres for those who had quite the appetite.

Leon and Bellatrix were currently sitting together at one of the many tables throughout the ballroom, watching the festivities take place and sipping wine. “With all this going on, it doesn’t feel like there’s a war going on,” Bellatrix muttered.

“They’re confident of a full victory,” Leon said. “Unless they’ve already heard of the upcoming battle.”

“You really think we shouldn’t bring in the full fleet?” Bellatrix asked.

“Those AA guns that they have are devastating,” Leon said. “I would not send in my fleet until I know for sure the skies are clear.”

“Which is why Victus is leading the attack,” Bellatrix said. “Never really cared for him… he just knows how to make your skin crawl.”

“That we can agree on,” Leon said as they clinked their glasses together. *Suddenly the music changed and many ponies moved towards the center of the room with their dance partner. Leon noticed this and got up. “Care to dance?”

“You can’t be serious…” Bellatrix turned her head away slightly. “…I don’t dance.”

“Oh come on, you are a respected general and it’s only proper, right?” Leon said, grinning slightly.

Bellatrix sighed. “Very well, you win this time…” She got up and the two made their way to the dance floor. As the two started dancing, she automatically relaxed and rested her head on Leon’s shoulder, causing him to smile as they swayed with the other ponies. The music lasted for about another three minutes and once the song ended there was the sound of a small bell ringing.

“May I have your attention please?” Everyone looked and saw it was Ghidious who was addressing the crowd. “Sorry to interrupt you all from your festivities but there are some words that need to be said.

(A/N: For this part the song I’m using is “Theme of the Empire” from Final Fantasy XII.

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*“As you all know, tonight is a very special night but it is only a fraction of the celebrations yet to come,” Ghidious continued. “Many of you may not know, but we have the rebels on the run. They have fortified themselves in one last area, hoping to somehow hold out against us. Well, they can try and they may indeed hold out but eventually with the might of the Empire on their doors they will have only two choices: surrender, or fight to the death. Right now the rebels can hear all of this being broadcasted. They know what will happen tomorrow, but despite what they choose, the Empire will be victorious!”

The sound of applause came like a roar as all stood up and applauded their leader. Bellatrix and Leon were applauding as well, although Leon not as enthusiastically. Ghidious soon came down and approached. “Generals,” he said, nodding to both of them. “May I have a quick word with you Bellatrix?”

“Of course,” Bellatrix nodded and followed him into one of the empty hallways.

Once it was clear he turned back to her. “There is a large convoy that is heading out of Hoofington that will head out to the mountains tomorrow. We’ve heard nothing yet but there is always a chance the rebels may try to sabotage them. I need you to head out there immediately to keep a check on things.”

Bellatrix frowned. She wasn’t a huge fans of parties and such, but she loved the dress that she was wearing and it would be a shame to have to discard so soon. “Yes my lord,” she said, bowing. “If any trouble shows up, they’ll be taken care of…”

As it turned out, Hoofington was currently under a curfew. Guards were posted around each exit of the town. Luckily for Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and their new Wonderbolt allies, their headquarters was a house just north of the town close to the mountains. “The house was abandoned awhile ago and since it conceals itself in the hills Mama Bird found it perfect for our hideout,” Firefly said as they quietly flew into the hills.

“You didn’t think they’d find you eventually?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh we knew they would eventually, but as luck would have it we have to get out of dodge anyway,” Firefly replied. Soon they arrived and Firefly quietly knocked once. This was then answered by a knock as well. Firefly then responded with two and then three, continuing the pattern.

Soon the door was opened. The figure that stood there was concealed by the darkness in the room. “What is today?” the figure asked.

“A new dawn,” Firefly replied.

The light was then turned on as an older pegasus mare stood there, smiling slightly. “You had me worried since you didn’t report back in time.”

“We ran into some old friends of ours ma’am,” Firefly said. “And… you’re not going to believe who we found.”

“Ah, some new recruits I would imag-” She stopped suddenly once she saw Rainbow. “R-Rainbow Dash!?”

Rainbow suddenly recognized the mare’s coat and mane. “S-Scootaloo!?” Scootaloo’s hug was almost immediate and she almost knocked Rainbow over.

“I don’t believe this!” Scootaloo was laughing but there were also tears in her eyes. “I had heard what happened and thought you were gone and then I kept hearing rumors that you resurfaced somewhere but thought it was-”

“Same old Scootaloo…” Rainbow mused as she put a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Easy there girl, you’re not as young since last I saw you.”

Scootaloo chuckled. “Yeah… fifty years it has been, huh? It feels like it was just yesterday.” She then looked at Fluttershy before giving her a hug as well. “Nice to see you too Fluttershy.”

“You’re Mama Bird?” Fluttershy asked.

“Just a name these guys came up with,” Scootaloo said, smiling. “I guess I did kind of raise these guys…”

“So what exactly happened?” Rainbow asked.

Scootaloo glanced at both Firefly and Blazin’. “It’s okay, you can tell them,” Firefly said.

“Before the Shadowbolts came around, the original Wonderbolt squad was still recognized by the Empire,” Scootaloo explained. “Spitfire and the others went with it for awhile but soon they realized they no longer wanted any part in their doing. After having two foals, Spitfire and Soarin’ came to me to look after the two while they officially broke from the Empire and joined the rebellion. As expected, Ghidious didn’t take this gesture lightly and had his agents hunt them down. And… well, eventually they did find them, but they didn’t go down without a fight.”

“Mom and Dad helped take out an Empire-class cruiser which then took out a large portion of the Imperial Army,” Firefly said, smiling slightly. “They had been shot pretty bad but… they went out with a bang. I don’t know what happened to the others but if any of them are still around they’re not exactly in flying shape anymore.”

It was hard to believe that Rainbow’s two biggest idols were now gone. Of course, the fact that they were now officially heroes made her feel proud to have known them personally. “Spitfire always admired you Rainbow,” Scootaloo said. “She always reminded me a bit of myself when I was her age was what she always said. Of course, I always thought you were a bit better.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Rainbow said, dismissing it with a wave of her wing. “Anyway, we’re here because there was a message for all rebel forces to pull back to the mountains in preparation of a large Imperial assault.”

“Yes, unfortunately, we lost radio contact about a week ago,” Scootaloo said. “The Empire is cracking down hard around here so our activity has been limited.

“So what’s this mission that’s taking place?” Rainbow asked.

“There’s a large convoy that’s leaving Hoofington,” Scootaloo explained. “Something big, and now I think I know why.” She then brought out a large piece of parchment. “There’s a small forest along the trail that they’ll be traveling and once inside there’ll be a small clearing. That’s where we’ll be waiting. Of course, we’ll be expecting tight security, stormtroopers no doubt. But the trees should give us some cover. The mission is simple: if we can get the goods, we take them. If that becomes impossible, then we sabotage it. It could be artillery, which would be vital to us, but losing it completely would be a blow to the Empire and help our friends to the north. Once that’s taken care of, we’ll head back with you guys. One last mission.”

Rainbow was impressed. “You’ve really become quite the leader…”

Scootaloo chuckled. “There was a time I could do all of this too…” She then sighed. “Not getting any younger Dash, which kind of makes me envious of you, but it’s not your fault. I’ll have to stay here unfortunately.”

“Um… maybe I should stay with her too…” Fluttershy said. “Fighting’s not really my thing…”

“Same old Fluttershy,” Scootaloo mused. “Alright then. Firefly, Blazin, you know what to do. Would you care to lend a hoof Rainbow?”

“Would I ever!” Rainbow exclaimed with a confident smile.