Shattered Skies One: Heroes
"Amidst the blue skies, a link from past to future. The sheltering wings of the protector... The flames of hatred scorch the skies... Igniting Gaia's funeral pyre."
― Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
. . .
What do you think of when you hear the word Hero? A guy in spandex? A woman with a cape and donning a scantly outfit? Or maybe you think of someone with super powers, like being able to lift up a car or stop a meteor.
They're jokes; factitious individuals who are nobodies in real life. The real heroes... they're the aces I've had the pleasure of fighting alongside with. The ones who gave up their lives so that we could live like we do now, the many who sacrificed so much for so few.
I'm talking about the men and women who fought against the Erusian forces. The ones who battled through the forests, cities, beaches and fields. I'm also talking about the ones who sank in their ships, went down in flames or were blasted away. All of them; heroes.
I've seen many friends die from that war, and I've seen even more die on the enemy's side. Some by my own hands. I've seen cities burn from the ground up, shipyards bombed and towns torn apart.
But there is one person who stands out above the rest, one I've fought with from the very beginning. Someone who has the might of god on his side, someone the enemy speaks about in fearful hushed tones across the world, someone who has downed more aircraft then you can count and taken out one of the most well known and feared squadrons, The Yellow Squadron.
His name... is...
. . .
November City, Earth.
A few moments passed... suspense slowly building... "Mobius One."
A collective 'Ooh' sounded throughout the small crowd of children gathered around, most of them in their early teens with a few adults present with grins. A few of them were dressed in Aviation Equipment while others donned everyday wear. School was out for the afternoon and everyone was currently outside in the playground area surrounded by a pilot who stopped by to pick up his teenage daughter.
"What happened to him?" Someone in the audience called out.
Another one followed. "Is he still kicking butt?!"
The man who told the story had himself a laugh as he slapped his knee. "Well, sure he is but not as much as me of course!" He laughed some more.
A few teens tilted their heads in question. "Well... what did you do during the war?" A heavy set teen questioned.
The man pointed a finger at his chest. "Me?" He sighed, a small grin slowly forming on his slightly scarred face. "Well, I performed an important role for those fighters; I flew a Boeing 747 AWACS. I was their eye in the sky." His stoic green eyes glanced into the daytime sky. It was as blue as it ever was. "I flew over enemy air-zones and provided intelligence, as well as location data and enemy aircraft positions."
Silence.
"That's not as cool as Mobius One!"
"Yeah!"
The man rubbed the back of his head nervously, chuckling as he added, "Yeah, well... he's more skilled in combat then I am, but I still played a crucial role."
"Is my life really a storybook tale to you, Jason?" Someone called out over the crowd. Earning a few gasps and stares as several people turned around to see who interrupted. Jason looked out into the small crowd in front of him.
Once he saw the figure lounging against one of the slides with a smirk he laughed childishly. The man by the slides walked forward. Everyone moved out of his way as he stood next to the Boeing pilot.
Jason smiled at the man's approach. "Didn't think you'd show up, Mobius," He said, earning a gawk from the crowd.
"No way."
"Is it really him?"
"My mom is going to flip out!"
The pilot laughed softly at everyone's response, sitting himself down next to Jason before tossing his arm around him. It was the same every time he visited a schoolyard or collage, or any public place for that matter.
"Think I'd miss out on the chance to hear your little story?" He shook his head. "Yeah right," He turned to each of the kids and parents before patting Jason on the back. "He's right by the way. Without Jason's handy and keen piloting skills I probably wouldn't be here today. It's all thanks to him I didn't end up flying into a mountain."
The Boeing Pilot's head shook as he recalled that event. "Aye, I remember that day well."
Both men shared a laughed as they reminisced their story about the time they both flew a mission over the Carruth Mountains several months ago before the final battle. Apparently Mobius had gotten lost after escorting several passenger planes out of harms way and ending up flying close to the mountains and almost crashed into the canyons.
Thanks to SkyEye's quick thinking, he was able to make it out. Mobius later repaid the favor by getting Jason drunk and stealing his clothes.
To this day, the tale of stealing the clothes has never been solved. Perhaps the greatest mystery of all is if they fit.
"And that kids, is why you should never drink. Because," Jason spared a glance at Mobius, "your 'friends' will steal your clothes and leave you naked in a hotel room somewhere."
Hearing about a naked forty something year old man running around looking for an ace pilot to pummel wasn't the best image.
Mobius stood up and stretched his arms outward, yawning before looking around. "Well kids, it was fun seeing you all here but me and Jason here have to head back to base now," he told them, a slight frown when he saw many of the children shout out a collective 'Aww' in response. He hated seeing people sad. Perhaps it came with the territory of being famous.
With a wave he walked towards the schoolyard exit followed closely by Jason.
. . .
Equestria, Canterlot.
"No, no, no, no. UGH!" A lavender colored unicorn yelled in aggravation, tossing aside a thick book labeled Musings of a Madpony Vol 1.
This unicorn was none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville. She was currently in Canterlot however, down below inside the Castle Vault looking through the restricted archives for a book. Not any specific book in particular, just something to get her mind off of what happened earlier. Ever since the talks between the nations had ended, Twilight, for the lack of a better word, was antsy about how it all panned out.
The leaders of Saddle Arabia, the Minotaur Tribes, The Gryphon Empire and Zebra Kingdoms, had all gotten together to deal with certain problems regarding the Changeling lands.
. . .
Flashback
Twilight stood in the hallway just outside of the room where she would soon be overseeing the peace talks between the nations that had all gathered behind closed doors.
Needless to say, she was nervous.
If one were to have asked, she would reply "Fine", but her shaking form and stuttering speech told otherwise. This wasn't the first time Twilight had been involved with politics and it certainly won't be the last.
Okay, you can do this Twilight, just take a few deep breaths. She told herself, breathing in deep before exhaling. It calmed her nerves down a bit, but not completely. You can do this.
With a sigh she walked to the door and opened it using her magic.
Once inside she saw everyone was present and accounted for. Every one of the leaders were seated next to their commanding generals and advisers. The table they were seated at was a dark mahogany brown with the seal of Equestria carved into the middle. Banners of each nation hung above in the massive room over their respective seats and each one had the symbol of their country etched onto the cloth.
To her right Twilight saw the Gryphon Empire's leader, a rather slim yet fierce looking creature Twilight knew as Tarim, Gilda's older brother. Both seemed to be cut from the same cloth, rude and disrespectful with fierce looking eyes, but made up for it with their fighting prowess. The Gryphon donned a simple sash around his chest colored black with his country's symbol emblazoned upon it.
Next came the Minotaur Tribes leader, a tall stoic looking beast wearing what looked like cast iron armor, adorned with bones and other things that made the newly made Alicorn cringe.
To Twilight's left she spotted the leaders of Zebra Kingdoms and Saddle Arabia. Both were sitting side by side and looked apprehensive of the current situation.
Luna and Celestia sat alone, beckoning Twilight over.
"Now that Miss Tardy is here, can we begin?" Tamir questioned impatiently, his golden eyes glaring at the Alicorns.
Celestia turned to glare right back at him before Luna cut her off. "Yes, we shall begin," She then turned to the newest Alicorn, "Twilight?"
Nodding, Twilight's horn began to glow a light pink before she pulled out several sheets of paper, a small booklet and folders. She laid them out on the table before beginning. "To start off, as you all know, a few years ago the Changeling threat had been on the rise for months on end," she gestured to the papers she handed out and a world-wide map.
"They were growing at a faster pace than we originally thought possible, and as such, we needed to form this alliance in order to deal with them. Over the course of the last five months we quelled the threat and have ended the scourge thanks to the combined efforts of us all here." she explained, receiving a few nods.
"But, once the war ended, we all agreed the Changeling lands would remain untouched until we all came to an agreement as to what will become of it," Twilight looked to Princess Celestia and Luna before turning back to the others. "One of us... has broken the agreement."
Silence.
The Minotaur leader spoke up. "And do you have proof of who has broken our agreement?" He asked, his mouth curving downwards into frown.
Tamir's beak turned into a slight grin... somehow.
"Yes, actually," She told them, gesturing to wall on the far side of the room. As everyone turned to it Twilight lit up her horn and turned on a small screen.
Everyone watched as several images came up showing many soldiers donning black cloaks and carrying various weapons while marching across the dead and scorched land that made up the former Changeling territory. Small camps were scattered across the area being roughly a hundred feet apart as a flag flew from the largest tent.
A flag baring the symbol of the Gryphon Empire.
Once the flag was focused on, Tamir frowned.
Celestia turned to the Gryphon, her eyes radiating suspicion and anger. "Care to explain to us what your soldiers are doing in the Changeling territory, Tamir?" she asked. Her usual motherly and warm tone replaced with one of worry. She had figured long ago the Gryphon Empire would do something like this, so she wasn't surprised to see it on the screen.
Tamir thought long and hard before coming to an answer. He looked to the screen before saying, "That territory is only going to waste," the Gryphon gestured to the broken land on the map. Specifically the territory that was currently being occupied by his troops. "I am tired of these pointless talks, the land is practically attached to my country and therefore, I shall lay claim to it, like my father should have done years ago."
The room erupted into arguments, but all of it was overpowered by the Minotaur's roar. "HOW DARE YOU!" he bellowed, slamming his massive fists on the table leaving two indents in the wood, silencing the other leaders as quick as they had begun. "You violated our agreement?!"
Tamir looked unfazed by the outburst, but Twilight could see the disdain in his yellow eyes. "Why wouldn't I claim it for my own? Our country could benefit greatly from it!" Tamir yelled. "What would a pathetic beast such as yourself do with this land?"
"You scum!" The Minotaur slammed his fist down again cracking the surface, earning a eye roll from Luna. "We all agreed to wait until we came to a decision about what to do with it, and you go behind our backs and try and take it for yourself?!" he shook with anger, his eyes locked with Tamir.
"What use is the land anyway?" The Zebra spoke up, her eyes scanning the map and looking at the land that sat between Equestria and the Gryphon Empire. "From what I gather, it is devoid of any plant life as well as impure soil. Nothing can grow there, not even the strongest magic can clean it of the impurities," She looked to Twilight who nodded in confirmation before turning to Tamir. "So this begs the question... why do you want it, Tamir?"
Tamir exhaled softly, yellow eyes turning to slits. "That is not something I wish to disclose at the time... its... classified."
"Classified my ass!"
Heaving a sigh Celestia took the chance to speak. She was tired of having to listen to Yagdro the Minotaur's grating voice. "I am curious as well, but for now we have more pressing matters to attend to other than the Changeling lands." She looked each of the leaders in the eyes. "While I am not happy with Tamir's actions, there is more to this meeting then a violation of the agreement."
Twilight looked at the screen again and, using her horn, she changed the image again. The picture faded into what looked like the sky above a desolate castle sitting atop a mountain. The skies were gray with several black storm clouds hanging overhead. The mountain was pockmarked with hills and loose boulders. A bridge going up to the castle's front gate extended outward going down into what looked like a small town of sorts where hundreds of dilapidated buildings sat located near a large beachhead that led out to the blacked sea.
However, everyone's eyes were on the sky and what was above the castle. A glow appeared in the sky over the ocean, colored a translucent shimmering sky blue/green, and what appeared to be whips of white snaking around the glow. Luna looked to be in deep thought over the image, her eyes scanning it.
"This is our major concern as of now, I've conducted several studies of this phenomenon with the help of one of my friends and... I've deduced that this glow... is a Magicae Fracturam."
Luna and Celestia, along with Yagdro and several generals widened their eyes. "A Magicae Fracturam? Here?" Celestia pondered to herself, unaware she had said it aloud.
"Yes... it is quite strange that one would appear now of all times." Twilight told her mentor as everyone talked amongst themselves. It was not uncommon for a Magicae Fracturam to appear somewhere in the world, however. "But this one is different from the rest... its been there for several weeks, and we're just now seeing it for the first time."
"What does this mean?" Tamir questioned, a frown on his face as his claws tapped nervously on his chair arm.
"I... I honestly don't know to be perfectly honest." Twilight admitted, rubbing the back of her head. She had read of the Magicae Fracturam in several texts written by Starswirl the Bearded himself, but he never delved too deep on the matter, only telling the reader of strange energy fluctuations emitting from them. "It could be bad... like I said I don't know, and I've read all I could on the subject."
Tamir wasn't very happy with that. "How do we know for sure that this...Magica-whatever is any threat to our world? Its just a bunch of colors in the sky!" he shouted. "How could this be up for discussion? I thought we were gathered here for something of significant importance!"
Celestia mentally rolled her eyes. "Just like his mother. Naive, impatient and arrogant." She took a breath and said. "A Magicae Fracturam is nothing to take lightly, Tamir," she told him in a stern tone, her eyes seeming to freeze lakes. "This is a serious matter..." Her eyes drifted to the screen for a few moments before saying. "For now, let us recess until tomorrow,"
"Finally..." Several members of the gathering muttered.
. . .
Twilight heaved a sigh, finally finding a book that looked to be of some interest written by Starswirl. She levitated it in her telekinetic grasp and walked away from the archives, heading to a small reading area. She had no idea what was going to happen regarding the Magicae Fracturam and Tamir's questionable actions.
Did he know something about what was going on in the skies? She shook her head before sitting down and opening her reading material.
. . .
November City, Earth.
Mobius, along with Jason and his daughter Christa, left the school sometime ago and were walking down Garin Street when Jason spoke up. "You know that story about the mountain wasn't true, right?" Jason asked, scratching his stubble. "Why'd you tell em that?"
Mobius shrugged. "I don't know, to be honest."
Jason shook his head, not believing it for a second. "You know as well as I do that you didn't need my help, hell, your radar was shot that day and the fog was so thick it was impossible to fly at such a low altitude!" He flailed his arms about, earning an eye roll from his daughter.
"And yet... somehow by some supernatural force of nature, not only did you make it through those mountains, you downed two enemy bombers and made it back home in one piece," Jason recalled, shaking his head. Even after a few years following the war he still couldn't believe Mobius' abilities when it came to aerial combat.
"I don't believe it," Christa said nonchalantly, her light green eyes locked on her IPhone. She was scrolling through what looked like a social media feed. "I don't think Uncle Mobius is that good at flying, no one can do that," She looked up at the Pilot in question. "Its not possible."
Mobius laughed lightly. "Well Christa, its true whether or not you want to believe it," he told her, his hands in his pocket as he walked along the street's concrete walkways. "You could always watch the videos they took when we flew several missions, she has clearance, doesn't she?" he asked Jason, who shrugged in return.
"I think so... not really sure," Jason replied.
"I prefer facts," Christa said. "Not bootleg videos."
"Ow..." Mobius clutched his chest, drawing looks from the two. "my pride..."
A scoff sounded from behind them.
Once they looked they saw a familiar face. "Your pride is the least of your worries bro," the man said. It was none other then one of the Mobius Squadron; Mobius five, Danny Cho. The man was tall, being a solid six foot with a thin body. He was almost lanky in appearance; barely any muscle and a skin tone that reminded Mobius of a basement gamer.
Messy dark brown covered his head in wavy curls with a few falling in front of dark eyes accented with a few orange flecks. The pilot donned a large black shirt with a radioactive symbol on it and the words Fallout = Population Control. He wore a pair of torn jeans with suspenders hanging off to the sides and combat boots. His hands were clothes by a pair of finger-less gloves. The man himself was strange to say the least.
"What are you doing out here? In the daytime no less?" Jason asked the Danny. "I thought you were alergic to sunlight."
"Pfft, what? I can't see my two buddies?" Danny asked, feigning hurt as he threw his arm around Jason. "Come on~ even a night dweller such as myself has to come out into the daytime at some point. Just so happens to be today s'all."
Mobius sighed. "What's the real reason you're out here?"
Danny smirked. His mouth never seemed to leave that grin no matter the situation. "The desk jockeys up at base contacted Mobius Squadron, said something about some rogue Erusian forces across the way~" he cackled, using his hand to point across the sea that was forty miles east. "So we're needed at base, big boy," he patted him on the back. "So let's get movin'!"
Mobius looked Danny in the eye, adopting a more stern tone before asking. "Is it serious?"
"Its Erusia!" Danny laughed, almost doubling over. "Of course not, we fucking owned them during the war. I doubt its anything seri-"
"Let's go!" Mobius One said, running down the street and turning right followed by Jason who got out of Danny's grasp.
Danny scoffed, turning to face Christa who was walking down the street. "Ya'd think they'd wanna lighten up every now and then, amirite?"
"I wouldn't know," she said, turning left once they reached the intersection.
Danny stood alone in the street.
"... I feel like no one wants to hang out with me anymore..." he sighed, his grin still plastered on his face. "Oh well, if it is serious I get an excuse to blow those bastards away once again!" he cackled loudly before sprinting after the other two pilots, drawing attention from an elderly couple who shook their heads. "WOOHOO! WAIT UP GUYS!"
One old man shook his hand, yelling. "Friggin' bath salts!" before walking away.
. . .
Mount Nevera Deserts, Earth.
Spanning for several hundred miles in every direction sat a massive desert with sweeping dunes that covered the land with some rocky formations jutting out. Desert flora pockmarked the area along with several wrecked jets, tanks and other various AFVs.
Flying over it was a jet, its pilot, a man donning a solid black mask and suit that was outfitted with several small wires leading to a black box on his left shoulder. He was suited for battle with hip holsters for two P220 pistols, knee and elbow pads and a Kevlar vest with pouches for equipment.
He scanned the desert below before putting his two forefingers up to his helmet's ear piece and clicking a red button. "Status?" he questioned, spotting several AFVs outside what looked like a regular mining facility.
"Location is secure," a young female voice replied over the radio. "I repeat, location is secure, Ghost."
The pilot nodded to himself before flying down low enough so he could see the area. His black jet's sleek design made him practically invisible in the night, coupled with the silent double jet engines and pitch black cockpit. He was truly a ghost in the sky. The soldiers on the ground didn't hear him as he switched his aircraft from flight to hover.
While inspecting the facility's outer perimeter he clicked his earpiece again. "Operation Cleanse is confirmed a-go," he told them, his voice raspy and gritty. "I say again, operation Cleanse is confirmed a-go."
"Roger that, Ghost. Proceed," The female replied, moving her soldiers into the facility.
Ghost watched as the troops down below moving in from all sides. They started by blowing off the gates and disabling the power to the security systems and lights.
Several guards ran outside to find out what happened but were swiftly cut down by silenced gunfire. After they were dealt with the soldiers took over the security posts and moved into the main building.
Ghost switched to thermal so he could see what was going on inside. The facility's guards were horribly unprepared and under-equipped for the sudden infiltration of enemy soldiers. They were downed before they could do anything.
"Move to point Echo," Ghost maneuvered the aircraft sideways as his thermal camera picked up a concentration of enemy troops stationed in a small area near an elevator. He activated his aircraft's vulcan cannon and said, "Enemy troops up ahead, stand by."
After moving the crosshairs over the red and orange splotches, he squeezed the trigger. The result was a stream of an absolute wave of death.
A torrent of 20mm rounds decimated the concrete walls. What happened to the enemy troops, Ghost could only imagine. Eventually his soldiers made it to the elevator before clearing it, and going down. He was no longer needed here unless aircraft arrived.
"Ghost RTB," he spoke into the comms before hovering up high enough and switching to flight. He was gone in a matter of seconds.
The days of reckoning... have begun.
End Chapter One of Arc One
Shattered Skies Two: Into the Storm
Author's Note
!THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT
SWEETBUTTERYFUCKS!
Hello everybody, I just want to apologize for not updating this story months ago I am so so sorry.
Beta readers kept disappearing, or couldn't finish or life got in the way so I'm updating this now... for the sake of updating.
I have a new editor, my sister who is editing this chapter and has been for the better half of a week now. When she is done I will update this chapter with the newly revised edition so you might have to reread it for a more decent readthrough, if you know what I mean.
I also apologize if this isn't up to ya'lls expectations, but... please... enjoy, and I'm sorry for not updating, again.
With lots of love, Dustchu.
Shattered Skies Two: Into the Storm
"That day our sky fell, the heavens split to create new skies."
― Ace Combat: Infinity
"Also, read the fuckin author's note for Luna's sake."
― Dustchu
. . .
November City, Earth.
Two hours had passed since they left the intersection. Mobius had grown tired of running and resorted to walking until a cab passed by. On the other hand Jason was winded long before Mobius had stopped running. He leaned on Mobius' shoulder greedily sucking in gasps of air. "Why do you have to run so fast?" he questioned between light breaths, he was not as fit as he should've been.
Mobius rubbed the back of his head apologetically, shifting slightly as he sheepishly smiled. "I forgot about you being so old, sorry, dude." he chuckled.
Jason patted the ace on the back. "Don't *gasp* sweat it... you ass."
The legend wouldn't have it. Maneuvering over to one of the benches nearby he sat down and motioned for Jason to do the same. "I should probably call a cab or something." he said, looking over at Jason. "So you don't go and have a heart attack, that is." he chuckled lightly, reaching into his pocket for his phone. Jason shook his head.
Down the street Danny was just catching up, like always... he wasn't winded in the slightest. Danny grinned as he looked Jason over. "Hey, you alright old man?" he cackled. "Need me to go getcha an inhaler or somthin'?"
Mobius shot him a look half threatening, half scolding. "Lay off, Danny." he said, fumbling through his pocket. "Damnit, I must have left it at home." he muttered, of all the times to forget, it had to be today. He cursed himself. Must be on the nightstand... ugh. Mobius thought to himself as he rubbed his temples. Maybe Danny has a phone? Just as he was about to ask a scream sounded from nearby.
Not wasting time Mobius shot up from his seat on the bench and ran towards the noise, Jason was about to follow but Danny stopped him. "We'll handle this old man." he told him before darting off after his fighter wing leader.
Jason leaned back on the bench as he saw the sun beginning its descent, with a sigh he stood up and followed both of the pilots. I'll be damned if I'm left out of this, I still got some fight in me.
The alleyway wasn't far from their current position, it only took a minute on foot. They passed by building fronts and other alleys before arriving at the one the scream originated from. Mobius turned a corner, skidding to a stop as he caught sight of several people loitering around. Six men were standing around a prone figure lying on the ground, a woman. The ace saw one of them rooting through her purse, "Where's her wallet?" the purse snatcher questioned, digging deep in the purse.
"Probably doesn't have one," another told him, kicking the woman eliciting a yelp from her. "Fucking Erusian bitch, they never have anything good on em."
Mobius clenched his fists in anger, this was his city! No one messed with his people, let alone beating them up and stealing from them and gets away with it. "Hey!" he called out, walking forward with his eyes directed at the thugs. He hated it when people did this.
The group of thugs turned around looking for the source of the noise, once they spotted the pilot several of them gasped, mostly in fear. "Holy shit..."
"Is that-?"
The leader of the group, a tall lightly skinned tattooed man wearing a thick hoodie watched the Pilot. Wondering who the hell he was.
Mobius stood in the alleyway looking cross, his eyes glaring at the thug in front. "What do you think you're doing?"
The leader of the thugs stepped forward, tossing aside the purse before speaking. "Just teaching this Erusian bitch a lesson-" he started before kicking the woman in the stomach, making him cry out. "-and we figured someone like you might appreciate it~ Considering her kind are the ones who killed so many Oseains, and nuked our cities!" Some murmurs of agreement sounded throughout the group as the young woman looked at Mobius one, her eyes showing fear and pain. Fear, because of who Mobius was, and pain because of what she was forced to go through just now.
The pilot stared at them before Danny and Jason appeared from behind him. Danny still grinning madly as he walked forward, fists cracking while Jason looked out of breath. "What's going on here?~" Danny asked, putting his hands into his pockets as he looked at the group standing over the injured civilian. Despite seeing someone in that position his grin never left, unverving them greatly.
Mobius said nothing as he walked over to the group. "This isn't what I would appreciate at all." he stated calmly, looking down at the girl before redirecting his eyes back at the group. "I didn't spend months of my life fighting against tyrants like Gerard and Detihard so that Oseains could continue berating Erusians." he took another step forward, staring down the leader.
"H-hey look, I mean s-she's a-" the lead thug stammered, trying to avert his eyes. But he couldn't, the bright blue eyes of the famed pilot burned into his own. The thug could almost feel the anger radiating from him.
"I didn't spend my entire career fighting against evil, so that the innocent could be attacked and despised... I fought so that peace could reign, and people could live without having to wonder if someone was going to attack them on the streets, or if a warring country was going to nuke them." Mobius stepped forward again, he stood only a foot away now. "And to see you attacking an innocent person... in my city..." he shook his head. "Despicable."
The leader turned his head to look at this band of thugs, some of them seemed to be snickering at him. This guy was making fun of him.. in front of his crew no less! You little punk! he thought before swinging a punch. "Fucking Erusian loving punk!"
Danny chuckled to himself as he watched Mobius effortlessly dodge the punch. This is gon be gud.
Once the thug stumbled forward leaving his back open, Mobius lifted his arm and dropped his elbow down striking the thug hard sending him sprawling into a dumpster.
"You punkass!" Ted (Let's call him Ted for the sake of not repeating the same word over and over) shook his head before charging at Mobius. Once he was close enough he swung his leg right in a wide arc, aiming at his side. Mobius saw it coming out of the corner of his eye and blocked his with his forearm before sweeping his own leg under Ted's other making him fall to the ground. Mobius quickly got onto his back pulling one of his arms behind him before pinning him in place.
"Danny... Get your phone out and call the police." he ordered, Danny wasted no time pulling out his cell and phoning the cops. Hitting Five-O on his speed dial as Jason pulled out a pair of handcuffs. He grabbed Ted's other arm and with the help of Mobius they handcuffed him. Mobius looked up at the others, several of them cowered under his stern gaze.
Ted, enraged at what just happened yelled. "What are you waiting for you pricks! Get the punk!" Ted ordered, fuming as he tried to escape the restraints.
"Dude, no way!" one of them yelled.
Another one of them pointed at the pilot, "Dat's the freakin' Grim Reaper man, now way am I tangling wit him!"
"He's one guy!" a thug donning parachute pants and a tank top muttered gleefully. "Come on! We got the numbers!"
That seemed to get everyone willing to fight, realizing they outnumbered the pilot five to one.
Ted's eyes went wide as he looked up at said pilot. Oh shit... they don't know who they're fucking with.
"You're all going to pay the price, just so you know." Mobius growled, stepping forward, clenching his fists and cracking his knuckles.
Danny cackled as one of them ran at him, he weaved out of the way and clotheslined him, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Let's play~" He hissed.
What shortly followed... was a torrent of very unmanly screams of terror... and a sporadic fart from the next building over.
. . .
Twenty Minutes Later
Standing over the downed thugs stood the pilot, somewhat winded from the 'fight' they all put up. He wiped at his chin with his knuckles, thugs. he thought as he looked over at the injured Erusian woman they had beaten up. She was curled up in the fetal position and from what he could hear... she was crying softly. Sighing he walked over to her before kneeling down next to her. Mobius saw her clothes were torn up and he could see blood staining the collar of her shirt. Poor thing...
The girl sensed someone was standing over her, and once her bloodshot eyes opened she saw the Grim Reaper himself Kneeling over her. He was every ounce as terrifying as the rumors she heard about were. The eyes stood out the most, a bright menacing blue that seemed to have a slight glow to them. She tried to crawl away from him but lacked the physical and mental strength to do so coming face to face with the legend himself was hard to stomach, let alone escape from.
Then he spoke. "Its okay." his voice not unlike a parent consoling a child who was injured. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, she tensed under his touch. "I'm not going to hurt you." Mobius spoke softly, helping her to her feet. She had naught the strength or willpower to cry out or push him away. She could only watch him with weary tear filled eyes as he helped her to her feet and walked her away from the thugs who minutes prior to Mobius' arrival beat them to a pulp.
Danny, as always watched everything with a massive grin on his face. Jason snagged his phone and called a ambulance and a cab, not wanting to walk all the way back to base or listen to Danny's explanation for wanting a lift to one of the most secure military bases on the planet... no doubt it would be something sarcastic or asinine.
"She alright?" Jason asked as his eyes took in the extent of the woman's injuries. She looked pretty bad in his eyes, but he wasn't a physician so he couldn't be one hundred percent sure.
Mobius shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I would recommend going to the hospital anyway, she's pretty shaken up." Mobius replied as the sound of sirens filled the air not too far away. Eventually several police cruisers and an ambulance drove up from around a corner, they spotted a waving Jason and parked up near the alley entrance before several officers got out along with a couple of EMT's.
"You the ones who called out?" a tall looking officer questioned. Eyeing Jason and the rest, his eyes lingering on the woman Mobius was holding up before going to the pile of knocked out thugs.
"Yep!" Danny cackled out before anyone could say anything. He gestured to the thugs and said. "Go arrest em, my boys in blue!" Danny pointed into the alley with an outstretched arm and finger, shaking his arm wildly.
"Danny..." Jason face palmed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.
Mobius spoke up, deciding to get things going before Danny could continue his antics. "Those men back there assaulted this woman," he informed them, gesturing to the girl he was holding up. "She's injured and requires medical attention." when two EMT's came over he handed her over to them, she cowered slightly at the sight. "Don't worry, they're going to help you." Mobius whispered to her soothingly, urging her to go with them.
Despite her fear of the pilot she found comfort in his words as she was slightly pushed forward into the hands of the EMT who took her hand, and led her to the waiting ambulance that took her to the hospital. The officers quickly moved onto the thugs and one by one cuffed them and led them to the police cruisers, locking them inside before getting the story from the three pilots, they were surprised ot hear Mobius took them on alone but given his reputation... Afterwards they bid the police farewell and awaited their cab.
"Did ya have fun?" Danny turned to face Mobius, eyeing him with a sadistic glee.
The ace looked over at Danny, a slight frown etched onto his features. "Define fun."
"Definition of Fun, to kick ass, forget names, and kick more ass!" Danny declared, his sadistic grin still plastered on his face.
Jason shook his head in amusement. Danny Cho, the epitome of ridiculousness. Eventually their cab arrived, appearing around the corner and stopping in front of them. As they got in Jason turned to Mobius. "What do you expect from the Erusian forces?"
Mobius tilted his head down in thought, closing his eyes as he remembered the war. Flashbacks of the fire, missiles strafing past him, massive explosions and jets flying past all came back to him in a torrent of memories. "I think... they have something planned... what that is I do not know... but it can't be good."
. . .
Equestria, Canterlot Archives.
"Heya Twi, whatcha up to?" an almost scratchy voice asked, jarring Twilight out of her reading trance.
Twilight looked up and spotted her friend, Rainbow Dash. A cyan blue pegasus with a thundercloud firing a rainbow colored thunderbolt for a cutie mark. Bright magenta eyes scanned the book Twilight was reading curiously. "I'm just reading an old book written by Starswirl The Bearded," she told Rainbow, closing the book and gesturing to the cover which depicted a picture of the wizard himself.
Rainbow 'pfft'd' before flopping down next to her, fluttering her wings before saying. "I'm bored..."
A sigh escaped Twilight. Rainbow, you're always bored. she shook her head before a thought made itself known. "Hmm... Hey Rainbow."
"Yeah twi?"
"Think you'd be up for helping me out with something?"
"It doesn't involve me getting turned into a banana again does it?" the cyan pegasus deadpanned, remembering when Twilight asked her to help her with something. Long story short, she ended up turning into a banana with eyes and wings... needless to say she doesn't like bananas anymore.
Twilight broke a sweat before laughing nervously, rubbing the back of her head. "That was a total accident!"
"Mmhmm, sure it was."
"Anyway!" Twilight started. "I need your help with the problem that's going on in the changeling lands."
Rainbow shot up from her place and took on a dramatic pose in front of Twilight, puffing out her chest and saying. "Of course Twi! What? do you need me to pummel some of those lame Changelings?" she asked as she got up on her hind legs and started punching the air with her forehooves. "Or do you want me to do some recon!" she then crouched as low as possible and crept around a pile of books on the table, trying to make herself inconspicuous as possible.
The lavender alicorn giggled at her friend's antics. She shook her head once more. "something like recon, I suppose." she stood up from where she was sitting and walked over to a map. Rainbow crept up to it, still in recon more as it were. "I need to know more about this Magicae Fracturam."
"Magi-wat now?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head. "The heck is a Magisis Fart? Sounds gross. Is that what you get when you can't do a spell right?" she laughed, holding a hoof in front of her mouth.
Twilight Facehooved. "Magicae Fracturam Rainbow, not... whatever it was you said." she pointed to the changeling lands and the location of the small town over the sea. "This is where it is at, I want you to take a device of mine used to measure magical frequencies and measurements."
"... wat?"
"Ugh," Twilight groaned and turned around to her saddlebag before reaching inside and pulling out something that resembled a megaphone with an antenna on the front, and what looked like a meter on the back. She held it out to Rainbow and said. "I want you, to use this near the Magicae Fracturam. Just turn it on once you're close and it will measure how much power the Magicae Fracturam is expelling, and it might just tell me what we can do about it."
"... Gotcha!" Rainbow nodded, grabbing the devie and tucking it under her wing as Twilight grabbed a few things and put them into her Saddlebag. "So, when do we go?" she asked.
"Right now." with that, she focused her magic into her horn and grabbing Rainbow's hoof, they both teleported away in a flash.
. . .
Earth, November City.
A few hours had passed since Mobius and his two friends Danny and Jason arrived at the November ISAF Base. The facility was large, probably one of the biggest military bases on the planet aside from North Point. A huge Fortress situated by the sea front with a massive fourteen foot three feet thick concrete walls surrounded the base for several miles lined with spikes jutting outward with spirals of barbed wire at the top, guards patrolled the top and every forty feet sat a tower with anti air weaponry and crowd control mechanisms. Several four laned pathways led to a massive steel reinforced gate and two larger towers with GAU-19 tri-guns aimed down at the road. Mobius and crew had walked in, and were greeted with the sight of several buildings spaced a few hundred feet apart, hangers that held a variety of aircraft and several more towers and warehouses each one holding several different types of AFVs.
As they walked inside they appropriated a Jeep Wrangler, it was the kind that had no doors and lacked a roof, but had a roll cage windshield. They drove down the massive concrete field passing several aircraft and other airmen and troops until the arrived at the main building. It stood out the most as it was the tallest tower in the base, a twenty story tall monstrosity colored jet black with the insignia of the ISAF painted on the front. They drove up to the front and and stopped before exiting the jeep, walking up to the entrance and showing their ID's.
"Sirs, General Baptist is expecting you." the guard at the front told them, moving aside and pulling out a keycard before swiping it across a readout and opening the doors with a hiss.
"Baptist?" Jason asked, eyebrow arched. "the General Baptist? what the hell is he doing here?"
Danny shrugged. "This Erusian threat must be big if he came all the way out here to see little ol us~" the man laughed. The guards ust stared at him, after six years they're still disturbed by his never ending grin.
Mobius walked inside, a ponderous look on his face as his eyes caught sight of another one of his pilots. "Storm!" he called out, getting the attention of a woman standing on the far side of the lobby.
Leaning against the wall was one of the female members of Mobius squadron. Mobius 8, Lu 'Storm' Kath. She was a moderately tall woman with long neon blue hair that fell in front of her chest and impossibly bright emerald green eyes that held an almost innocence to them. Lu was a very attractive woman, five foot six, ample chest and a well built figure. She gotten pretty of looks from fellow pilots and guards alike, along with some intense ogling from Danny, and Jason... and Mobius... Lu wore her flight uniform which was light blue with the insignia of Mobius Squadron emblazoned on the shoulders.
"Hey guys," she greeted, her voice was melodic and soft like a singer's. She strode up to Mobius and the other two, arching an eyebrow at Danny who was staring off into the distance. "Danny alright?"
Jason shrugged. "I don't know." he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. He honestly never understood Danny and his ways, but he figured at some point he would learn how Danny's mind worked.
"Do you know anything about why Baptist called us out here?" Mobius asked, crossing his arms. He needed to know what was going on.
Unfortunatly Storm shook her head. "No, not a word. I hear the rest of the squad is upstairs," she turned on her heel, hair swaying as she started for the elevators. "let's go."
Following the twenty something woman they all walked over to the elevators and got inside. It was large, big enough to hold about twenty people and then some. Black metallic and walls, with polished silver hand rails bolted onto the walls. Once they were inside Jason hit the button for the top most floor, and stood beside Mobius. His arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed, like always when he stood beside his friend and fellow fighter pilot he too on this pose. Why, he wasn't sure.
Ping... ping... ping... ping... ping...
The sounds of the steel crate moving up droned on, it made them antzy. What could be so bad that would involve the 'Terror of the East'? General Baptist was known as such for his... almost demonic battle methods, blatant disregard for all life, and the fact he carries around a massive claymore strapped to his back. Anytime anyone has seen Baptist the first thing that they would lay eyes on, would be his massive six foot long claymore that hung off of his back.
If the Erusian threat was so bad to warrant Baptist...
Ding.
The elevator finally arrived at the top floor, and the doors opened. Mobius stepped forward into the hall leading his team past several doors to various offices and rooms before coming to a massive double door. Flanked on either side stood a guard armed with a P90 submachine gun, and a 9mm for a sidearm. Both guards stepped aside at the sight of Mobius and allowed him to open the door. Mobius waited a bit before doing so, taking a few breaths before gripping the handles and pushing them to open the door.
The inside of the Combat Information Center (CIC) was large, very large that took up almost the entire top floor. Men and Women alike worked computer consoles and devices around the room, most displaying land coordinates and flight patterns for aircraft and ground troops from the looks of the readouts. MPs stalked the room like hawks, watching out for any possible unwanted intrusions... or traitors in their midst.
Mobius looked ahead at the massive holo table and spotted the rest of his squadron standing around idely, waiting for the rest to show up so they could get the meeting underway. Mobius 2 through 6 stood side by side. Mobius 2 was second when it came to aerial superiority, and was probably the meanest of the bunch, aside from Danny that is. His name was Howard 'Shriek' Thusis. Probably the shortest member at four feet, but he makes up for his lack of height by blowing apart enemies in the sky with little effort, and being rather... 'productive' in other departments *coughcoughhackhack* Cropped brown hair took up residence on his head, with a small patch of white on his chin. He was well built, considering his size. Steely green eyes looked from his sister to Mobius before he nodded.
Standing next to him stood Mobius 3, one of the more 'regal' of the bunch of misfits called a Squadron. Sir Regis 'Prince' Von Baron. Came straight from the royal lands of Usea, of the great and very well known Baron Family. Bit of a prude, obsessed with his looks and perfecting his craft. Despite being rude to most people that he says are 'beneath him' he makes up for it with his vast wealth being pumped into the ISAF's development programs, and the fact he's a genius when it comes to planning a counterattack against enemies mid flight. Sir Regis was tall and lean, probably a solid six feet, just a little shorter than Mobius 1. Blonde curled hair dominated his head, his face clean shaven with nary a blemish on it. Cold purple eyes glared at Mobius from under his black shades.
Next up was Mobius 4, another member and one who is Howard's older brother. Mobius knew him only as 'Screech' Screech was talented as a liar, professional gambler and a pilot all rolled into one neat package. Screech stood at five foot eleven, and was one of the very few that had a strange pigment in his eyes that made his irises a bright pinkish color. He was also a southerner, hailing from the desert rural lands of Aurelia and had a distinct accent that made him quite likeable with the ladies. He watched as his 'cap'n' as he called him strode in.
Sitting in a chair with her hat tilted back was a young woman, Mobius 5. Kari 'Blackfield' Aarons. She was a moderately tall woman with a nice figure and beautiful Yellow almost golden eyes, long brown hair draped across her shoulders and a long scar crisscrossing over her neck. She nodded with a smug smile at Mobius and Jason as they walled in.
And finally Mobius 6. Pete 'Monster' Poiré was his name. He stood an impressive seven foot eight, towering over the others with ease with his massive bulk. It was surprising he could even fit in a jet to begin with. Pete was... well, a monster. Scars covered most of his face, he rarely talked and if he did it was in one word sentences, and had jet black eyes with a shaved head. he crossed his giant arms and grunted at the arrival of his copilots.
"Alright, now that our ace is here." someone said from a conveniently dark corner of the room before stepping out, revealing General Baptist in all his glory. Standing at six feet, two-hundred pounds of pure muscle was the terror of the East himself. His sword strapped to his back as always. "We can begin."
Everyone wasted no time crowding around the table that depicted a world map of Earth. General Baptist took his place on a stand that gave him a better view of the whole table. He looked to each and everyone of the pilots before clearing his throat.
"Now I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here." he said, getting a few tarse nods in response. "Well... there is a group calling them Free Erusia, most likely they are a group of generals and soldiers from the Erusian forces that went into hiding after the war years ago. We've been keeping tabs on the remaining ones but this is the first we've heard of them. And now it looks like they're planning an attack on Osea." he explained to everyone, keeping his face stern.
Danny, being the careful, cautious and respected pilot he is... laughed very loudly. "You're serious? Some fucking twerp Erusians are planning an attack on us?" he laughed some more, getting a few looks. "Wasn't there a little over a thousand of them last time I checked?"
"Danial..." Baptist sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He learned long ago that trying to get Danny to not be an insubordinate ass was akin to teaching a dog to bake waffles with a curling iron. "Yes, there was but... this time is different." Baptist told them before hitting a small button on the console in front of him, bringing up several HD photos of...
"What the hell?" Jason mumbled, looking closer at the photos with widening eyes, everyone else leaned in to.
"Sir... what are those?"
hovering above the table were several pictures of strange monsterous craft in the skies abvoe a desert landscape. One of which looked like an arrowhead, it was large, grey and had several ports on its sides. Another which resembled the smaller arrowheads, but was bigger and had several engines. The third picture showed somehting that made Mobius' eyes widen, an aircraft carrier that could fly. It had a massive opening in the front, whiich looked like it could hold several fighters. The fourth and final one, looked like something out of hell, jet black and massive like the others with purple engines.
Somehow, they had gotten their hands on flying aircraft carriers.
"How?" Jason slumped back into his seats. "Where did they get that kind of tech?!"
"How is this possible?" Sir Regis questioned, slamming his fist on the table in anger. "How could such unruly and uncouth people get their hands on something as magnificent as those?!"
Baptist shook his head. "We have no idea." Baptist held out his hand and 'grabbed' the hologram pictures and put them aside as he brought up the land around Aurelia and Leasath, focusing on what looked like the deserts. "All we know, is that there is a concentration of Free Erusians around this desert... specifically the Aurelian Experimental Aircraft Facilities. We got word from one of our contacts there that it was attacked recently by several troops donning an Erusian Flag."
"So those punks really think they can just take some cool shit and they'll be able to attack us?" Danny asked, then shrugged. "Alright, I'm game."
Storm raised her hand. "Did anyone make it out of the facility?"
Baptist shook his head. "No, everyone inside was shot and killed, and most of the technology was taken sans a few Raptors undergoing modifications." Baptist answered, sighing heavily at the mention of losing several highly trained guardsmen and personal to a radical group of escaped soldiers from a land long destroyed. "Now ground troops have mobilized onto several ships that are sailing towards November-"
"They're coming here?!" Mason yelled, eyes wide. "Yer tellin' me th' Erusians are plannin' ta attack November?! No way!"
"I agree with Country boy over there." Howard snorted, tilting his head up. "Why would they attack our capital head on? Don't they know we have advanced defense tech?"
Baptist nodded, grimly. "They do... we belive this to be a suicide run. The massive airships they have could be carrying nuclear weapons and other high damage ordinance. If they get over the city they could deal some massive damage..." he looked down at the map, his steely gray eyes resting on the small dot designated November City in Osea. "And killing millions of people."
Mobius leaned forward on his elbows, his blue eyes staring at the pictures. "What's our move?" he asked Baptist.
The general stood up straight, his eyes boring into Mobius'. "Your orders are to intercept over the Pacific and engage the Free Erusian forces head on. We have word a massive fleet of those airships along with several aircraft carriers and battleships are crossing through, and there is a massive storm incoming from the south as well. So be wary."
"Any backup on this Boss?" Kari asked, "I mean we're kickass n' all but we're going up against some unknowns here." She told him, getting a nod from a couple of Mobius Squadron.
"I'm afraid the majority of our forces are dealing with the Verusa Uprising. The most we can spare right now are the ISAFS Swig, Swoog and the aircraft carrier ICFDB along with you." Baptist shook his head. "You're in this alone Mobius Squadron."
Standing up and pointing his finger at the general, Danny chuckled darkly. "Come on! We can take these fools, we're the Blue Ribbons for Christ's sake!" Mason and Storm smiled at Danny's overconfidence, while annoying at times it was a welcome quirk. "Let's go blow em sky high!"
"..."
"..."
Mason cackled. "I hope ya mean shooting missiles at them, an' no-"
*SMACK*
Lu shot up from her seat and in one fell swoop smacked Mason, sending him sprawling to the floor in writhing pain. "There is a General present! Watch your mouth dumbshit!"
Everyone, including Mason himself laughed as Baptist shook his head. "Mobius Squadron... biggest group of misfits to ever grace my presense." Clearing his throat he said. "Go down to the hanger bay and suit up, you move out in thirty!"
. . .
Equestria, Changeling Lands.
A Few Hours Later
"So what am I doing again with this thing?" Rainbow questioned for the fifteenth time, fiddling around with the magic scanner she had gotten from Twilight back in Canterlot. Both mares walked side by side in the wastes of Changeling territory, Twilight having teleported them to the border a few hours ago.
"I told you a hundred times Rainbow." She gestured up towards the city in the distance where the anomoly was. "I want you to fly over there, up to where you see the glowing lights. Once you're there I want you to turn the device on, click the red button and just hover there for a few minutes. When you hear a beep, fly back here so I can check the readout."
Rainbow nodded, grinning like a goon. "Allrighty then! I'll be done in Ten Seconds Flat!" she said before zipping off, leaving behind a rainbow trail.
Twilight shook her head with a tired sigh. "Rainbow, sometimes I wonder..."
. . .
Earth, ISAFS ICFDB
A Couple of Hours Earlier
"ATTENTION ALL HANDS, ETA TO DESTINATION TWO HOURS." the PA system rang out, informing the aircraft carrier's crew how long until they got to the Pacific.
Mobius stood in the hangar deck of the ship, decked out in his flight uniform. a light blue flightsuit with the blue ribbon insignia of Mobius Squadron emblazoned on the shoulders and front. His name would have been etched on the front, but was replaced with Mobius instead. He looked around and saw hundreds of crew hands moving around, carrying boxes of ammunition and fueling up the aircraft, making sure everything was in working order when the time came for battle.
Looking over at his group he noticed the new recruits that got accepted into the remaining spots for his squad. Four members, two male and two female. However only one caught his eye. A timid looking teenager looking around the ship in awestruck wonder. The teen stood at an even five feet, had curly black hair and dull red eyes. "Private James Terra." he recalled the name. After the war he was tasked with looking for the replacements for the four members of Mobius Squadron that were shot down. It was a long and hard process.
Danny and Lu were nearing the recruits as Mobius was lost in thought. "Yo kid, you one of the newbies?" Danny asked, popping up behind James out of thin air... somehow.
The teen yelped and turned around, "ahh!" taking a few breathes before seeing how it was. "Hey, y-you're-"
"Awesome? Yeah I get that alot!" Danny chuckled, throwing his arm around the new pilot. "So what's your name, kid?"
"Private James Terra, sir!" he answered, saluting. "Just graduated from the ISAF Acadamy a couple of days ago, sir!"
"A couple of days ago?!" Danny rustled up James' hair. "Damn, I've heard of greenhorns before but you're greener than they come, Jimmy my boy! hahahaha!"
"I'm s-sorry?"
Lu came up behind Danny and yanked him off before saying. "Don't mind him, Danny's got some screws loose in the head." ushering him forward Lu looked around the hangar with a prideful expression. "So what do you think?"
Jimmy pointed to himself as if to ask was she asking him. He took a moment before answering. "Um... well, ma'am-"
"Call me Lu, or Storm." she said with a friendly wink.
"Uh, right... I think this is... uh... awesome?"
"Awesome indeed!" Danny came up behind the two yet again, and walked alongside them. When they approached their ace Jimmy gawked.
"Is... is that who I think it is?!" eyes wide. "Mobius One..."
Lu nodded with a smile, "that's him alright." She waved a hand at him, breaking him from his thoughts. "Hey Mobius!"
He smiled as they approached, ushering them over to Mobius Squads hangar area before walking away. Behind Jimmy, Danny and Lu walked the rest of the squad, the rest having suited up for the mission. Jimmy looked to Lu and asked. "Um, why did you call him Mobius and not by his real name? Shouldn't you use his name?"
Chuckling softly, Danny leaned in close to Jimmy's ear and said. "He has no name~"
"W-what?" Jimmy looked aghast, how could such a prestigious hero not have a name?
"Danny stop being a goob." Lu told him.
"He has a name kid," Howard told him from behind, his eyes tearing into Jimmy's. "He just ain't told nobody it."
"... why not?"
Howard shrugged before speeding up his pace, ending the conversation. Everyone else seemed to follow suit because before you knew it they arrived at the Squad's hangar bay, where their aircraft waited them, fueled and ready for takeoff. Several F-22 Raptors, an A-10, and an SU-37 all sat waiting for them. Mobius stood next to the large aircraft Jimmy knew as a SU-37, helmet in hand and expressionless.
"Alright, you know our orders but I'm going to restate them for the sake of our newbies today." he said, shooting a look towards Jimmy and three other recruits standing idly by their own aircraft. Jimmy saw the three other pilots already had their helmets on, one that was solid black, red and blue.
"Strange..." Jimmy thought, feeling their eyes on him he looked back to Mobius.
"A group calling themselves Free Erusia have made themselves known and have plans to attack the capital of Osea, November City." Mobius explained, gaining everyone's attention. He waited until they nodded before continuing. "We have been tasked with taking out the remaining Erusian forces while they're traveling over the pacific. We also have word of a massive storm inbound."
"That won't stop us!" The insane pilot Danny laughed, getting a few chuckles from the others. "We're the storm here!"
Mobius shook his head, but any annoyance that he had was betrayed by the broad smile on his face. "Maybe not, but as you saw Danny, we're up against some serious looking technology, like command told us we have no idea where they got it from so I think it'd be best if we exercise caution when we face them in the air." he looked back to his SU-37, thinking for a moment. "So be careful... got that?"
"Yes sir." he heard them all say, confidence gleaming in their eyes.
He smiled. "Mobius Squadron... Let's move out!"
. . .
One Hour Later
CRASH
BOOOOOOM
CLACK
"This storm ain't lookin' like its going away anytime soon." Mason called out over the channel from his F-22 Raptor, he flew with the entirety of Mobius Squadron alongside the aircraft carrier and battleships.
"I hear ya on that one bro." Howard agreed.
Mobius looked out of the cockpit of his SU-37. The storm had arrived sooner than they were told. Dark storm clouds hung overhead blocking out the view of the entire sky as lightning cracked across the horizon, bright white flashes of electricity bounding across clouds and striking down in brilliant arches of raw power. It reminded him of the day of Megalith's destruction, a severe storm much like this one had rolled around. Terrifying thunderstorms, lightning strikes and harsh winds.
He shivered with excitement. "Okay Mobius Squadron, keep an eye out. They might be using the storm to mask themselves."
"Roger that." everyone responded.
Mobius looked around at the different kinds of aircraft flying around him. Most squads flew F-22's or 23's. But Mobius Squad flew different kinds of aircraft. Mobius flew in his SU-37, a plane that was gifted to him after the Megalith explosion. Howard, along with his brother Mason and Kari and Jimmy all flew in F-22A Raptors armed with standard air to air missiles and sidewinders. Regis and Hank both flew in EF-2000's, Hank's being modified for his size and outfitted with a vulcan cannon, and heavy weight missiles, a beast much like Hank. Howard the STDM replaced with High Accuracy Missiles, and Advanced Medium-Ranged Air-to-Air Missile capable of firing four missiles at once.
Danny flew in a modified A-10-1, it was a larger version of the original A-10 and could be outfitted with several different types of warheads, all of which are volatile. On the front of the aircraft Danny had the words 'Nukes = Population Control' painted on the sides, with several skulls and hazard marks.
Flying next to Danny was Lu, she unlike the rest flew in an experimental aircraft code named the ASF-X Shinden II. An multipurpose aircraft that can match the speed of the SU-37, and is unrivaled in dogfighting, assuming the person flying specilizes in that of course which Lu doesn't. Her Shinden is outfitted for destroying sea and land based targets, much like Danny. But she can take on several foes in the skies should the need arise.
Behind them all flew the three recruits whose names, for some odd reason were colors. All three, Red, Black and Blue flew in F-23 Raptor Hybrids. All of them were flying together in a close formation behind Jimmy and Howard.
"Enemy contacts to the south." SkyEye reported to everyone. "Watch out everyone, looks like they've managed to get their hands on a ton of fighter craft."
"We got this baby!" Danny cackled madly, that laughter was short lived.
"Oh my god... I see them" Jimmy muttered to everyone, his eyes wide under his helmet.
Everyone looked out into the distance, and there they saw them... the Free Erusian Forces. Massive steel monstrosities lumbering through the sky, the lightning flashes illuminating them just enough to see just how big they were. They dwarfed regular aircraft carriers and had several gun emplacements erected on the top and bottom, red/green lights blinked on and off continuously. Several fighter wings resembling MIGs circled the massive air fortresses, waiting for a command.
Below several ships were sailing towards the three Mobius squad had. Small battleships, aircraft carriers and what looked like missiles launchers. Thirty in all.
"We're outnumbered here." Someone from the ships said. Mobius Recognized him as Captain Sparticus of the ISAFS Swig. "I'm not liking this."
Mobius held up a finger to his helmet. "Remain calm, we'll win this... we'll use the weather to our advantage here."
"Allright then, let's go for it." Lu agreed, her jet picking up speed.
"Mobius Squadron..." Mobius 1 said as the fighter wings broke off from the ships and headed straight for them. "Fight well." he told them before pushing the throttle to the max.
Then the missiles were released... and thunder rolled.
. . .
Equestria, Changeling Lands.
Current Time
Rainbow was hovering near the giant swirls of light for what seemed like hours. When she first got a look at the Magicae Fracturam she was, both impressed and at awe. Lights of blue and green swirled around in the sky, and looked like it was slowly expanding. Thin trails of wipy white lines snaked in and around the lights, jutting out every now and then when she passed by befoe disappating.
In her words. It was bucking cool.
Eventually she got bored as her eyes were drifting across the battleworn land of the changeling territory, and she recalled the day when several guards among other fighters had returned. Torn up by the war and scarred for life, but alive at the least. Rainbow considered fighting herself but thought better of it... that is until Celestia required the Elements to take on the Queen of the hive that was built.
She told herself that she could take on whatever was thrown at her...
She never knew how wrong she was. The moment she set hoof into one of the camps near Equestria's borders she heard the moans of injured soldiers left and right, the screams and wails of losing loved ones, and the battle cries of warriors in battle. It almost felt like too much for her to take. But luckily she had her friends with her to help her along the way.
Rainbow sighed, hanging her head low as her wings flapped idly. That day sucked plot. She was about to fly around for a bit near the Magicae Fracturam when the device beeped... several times. Dash craned her head and looked at the device strapped to her back, the needle was buried on the opposite side and the lights were flaring like crazy. "What the hay?!"
Next to her she heard the sound of something like glass cracking. Turning her head she looked at the Magicae Fracturam, her purple-ish eyes staring at the thin cracks... in the sky.
There were cracks.
In
The
Sky.
"What the buck!" Rainbow cried as she flew away as more appeared. The lights began to swirl more intensely, changing color from blue to sky blue before massive cracks popped up. They spiderwebbed outward as Rainbow shot back to Twilight's position nearby, where she looked like she was about to undergo an anuyrism. "Twi, what's going on?!" she cried as the Magicae Fracturam begna to shake.
"I...I don't know!"
"We're bucked... bucked like nobody's business." Rainbow muttered, eyes locked on the lights.
Then the skies shattered into pieces...
. . .
Earth, Pacific Ocean.
Current time
"Fox 2! Fox 2!" Mobius one muttered into his headset as he fired on a jet he was pursuing.
After they broke off from the small fleet of the ISAF, the dog fighting began. Several enemy fighters swarmed Mobius Squad, a giant mass of yellow swarming a small blob of blue in the skies. Missiles screamed out, explosions and vulcan cannon fire filled the air along with the screech of jet engines breaking the sound barrier.
Ship cannons fired on each other, deep resounding thuds amongst the thunder and crashing waves. Other ISAF jets were despatched from the ICFDB, several F-22's and their own MIGs joined the fight.
Mobius watched as his Missile soared through the air before hitting its target, blowing the foe out of the sky. Chunks of burning steel and fuel went up in flames as it hit the ocean below. One down, only a couple thousand to go. He thought to himself as he flew near one of the massive air fortresses they saw back at base. The thing was massive and Mobius had a hard time wondering how it stayed afloat, what is this thing's purpose? he pondered. He got his answer when he four MIGs fly out of what looked like a hanger. A flying Aircraft carrier?!
He grabbed his headset as he saw the others were almost the same. "This Air fortresses are flying Aircraft carriers, I repeat, these are flying Aircraft carriers!" he told his squad. "These take priority over the enemy fighters!" he finished before quickly banking left to avoid a stray missile. He suddenly ducked down and flew under the carrier, his eyes quickly scanning for anything that looked like a weakness.
Once he reached the back he saw massive engines on the wings that burned like stove burners. Massive jets of bright blue flames shot downward and back propelling it forward and keeping it aloft.
That could be a weak point. he summerized as he tried to get a lock, once he did he swithed to one of his more powerful missiles and fired it. The missile screeched as it left his right iwng and towards the engine before exploding. Mobius grinned widely as he saw the engine's light slowly burn out, it wasn't destroyed but a couple of more ought to do the trick. Let's see what you got.
Howard and Danny ended up following Mobius after destroying a couple of enemy fighters, both taking down planes left and right. "I'm on Ten, Bitch!" Danny called out, laughing as he shot down three more fighters in quick succession. "Can ya beat that shorty?"
"I'll kick your ass, Joker!" Howard yelled as he fired on a MIG coming out of one of the aircraft carriers, it blew up as it left taking another with it. "That's number Eleven!"
"Ahhh heel naw I ain't letting now dwarf best me!" Danny cackled as he pushed the throttle and zoomed past Howard, who chased after him in their sick little game of who could kill the most.
Lu face palmed, hitting her helmet as she watched. "Really guys?" she asked, no one answered so she shrugged and started firing on one of the ships down below. Once she was over a smaller battleship she released one of her bombs letting it fall and smash against the deck and explode in a brilliant firey fireball of firey death and fire.
Did I mention fire?
"Kill them all!" a MIG pilot screamed into his headset, locking onto one of the ISAF fighters before firing. He was promptly shot down by a ribbon fighter.
"Damn it! The Ribbons are taking us all out!" One of them screamed as several ships were sunk, steel groaned under the waves as they toppled over and sank to the depths.
"We have them outnumbered, how is this possible?!
Flying next to Red was Kari, she traield just a little bit in front of him as they both chased a couple of MIG figters and an A-10. "Come rookie we got this!" she called out to him, trying to get a lock as the fighters began evasive menuvers. She banked left and right, pulling several loops as she followed the fighters through the thundering skies. She saw lightning strike several jets setting them ablaze or just scaring the shit out of the pilots. hehehe. She laughed as she leveled out, finally getting that lock.
Her thoughts were broken as she heard the sound of someone locking a missile on her... She looked and saw Red behind her, his system targeting her.
"Rookie, what the hell are you doing?! FRIENDLY FIRE! FRIENDLY FIRE!" She all but shrieked into the comms before a missile was sent flying her way, she manage to roll out of the way as the warhead scrapped the belly of her craft, but it still shook her craft. "WHAT THE FUCK, ROOKIE!?" she screamed as he once again tried to get a lock.
"Red' what are ya doing?!" Mason yelled into the comms, pushing his jet to fly faster so he could see what was going on. What was Red doing? He didn't have time to think as someone fired on him, pelting his wings and back with bullet fire. "Damn it!" he yelled as he saw it was Blue and Black behind them, smoking guns. "Shit!" he banked left, avoiding another round of gunfire.
Regis caught sight of what was going on and flew down to assist. "This is Prince here. Red, Blue and Black seem to have lost their minds, they're firing on friendly aircraft the uncouth swine!." he informed everyone.
"Aren't they the rookies?!" Mason asked as more gunfrie sounded over his radio. "Agh!"
"The rookies are spies!" Howard told them, flying back towards the main fighting. "Little shits are double agents!"
Jimmy who listened to the entire thing gulped. Oh no... they were doubel agents? Why would they do that?! he wondered as he saw Danny fly overhead, and try to get in behind him. He quickly responed. "I'm not one of them! I'm not one of them!" Jimmy pleaded, dodging left as Danny fired his vulcan cannon. Hank joined him shortly.
"How do we know that ya brat?!" Danny questioned. "Fucking backstabbers!"
Mobius growled, hands clenched around the stick of his jet as he broke off from the aircraft carriers. The bastards, resorting to something so low down... he did a barrel roll as someone fired on him. "Joker, Biggin. Brake off from Jimmy and focus on the other three!"
"Wait what?! This little punk and the others-"
"Let's deal with the others first! Jimmy is not a target! The other three are, now brake off, NOW!"
"Goddamn it!" Danny yelled before pulling right as a couple of missiles fired at him from several MIGs, Hank slowed his jet down and took them out before ducking left out of the line of fire.
Jimmy silently thanked the hero of Usea before flying away, determined to show he was not an enemy.
Meanwhile in the skies, strange lights appeared above the battlefield. Wispy lines and sky blue aura suddenly appeared amidst the clouds, thunder and lightning struck the lights as the storm continued to get worse with each passing minute. The wind picked up and actually flung several weaker pilots into the sea, the wind gusts too much for their craft to take.
Then the skies cracked.
Mobius saw the lights before anyone else, time seemed to slow down as he saw literal pieces of the sky fall into the ocean leaving a gaping hole behind. "What is that?" he murmured as every warning light in his craft went off. More pieces fell off of the sky and all that was left, was the trails of light leading inside, sucking in ocean water and aircraft. "Crap! PULL BACK! PULL BACK!" He yelled ,trying to divert his jet and failing. He yanked in the stick, trying his best to pull up or left, or even right but it was useless.
"What's going on!?" Mason yelled as his radio crackled.
"SkyEye here, what the hell is goin-" SkyEye didn't finish as his radio cut out.
Mobius looked up and saw the Boeing 747... spiraling down towards the hole in the sky before disappearing into the void. JASON!"" He couldn't believe it... SkyEye... was gone...
"Ahh shit! I have no control! Mayday! Mayday!" Howard yelled, several other fighters along with the ships were all yelling. 'Maydays' filled his comms from both the enemy and his own squad.
Is this how it ends for me? Being sucked into a giant black hole in the sky?! Mobius wondered as the blackness got closer and closer. He looked left and right, seeing both sides being pulled in and no matter how hard they tried they couldn't fight it. I'm sorry... He closed his eyes just as the black void enveloped him and his craft. Mobius awaited his end...
...
...
Only it didn't come.
He opened his eyes and instead of the darkness... he saw a grey sky not unliek eariler. What? he looked around and spotted a blackend sea and burned lands along with what looked like a small city. His warning lights had ceased their cry and he was immediatly made aware he was back in control. He seized control of his stick and stablized his aircraft. "This is Mobius 1, anyone out there call out!"
A few moments and he heard Danny's voice. "Joker here, what the fuck even?" he asked, appearin behind Mobius. His A-10-1 had a few scratches and dings but other then that, he was okay.
"Storm here."
"Blackfield here, what happened?"
"Screech here," Mason called out. "Um... where are we?"
"Rrrm." Biggin grunted... that was about as much as you were going to get out of him.
"Prince here, I dare say that trip was ghastly!"
Mobius looked behind him and saw the ISAFS Swig, Swog and ICFDB all sailing in behind him from the black void that remained. Only it was shimmering into a light blue color now, and changed as the waters below hit it. "Mobius Squadron... i don't think we're in Osea anymore." he told them as he remembered the Free Erusian forces, did they come through yet? "Check your radar! Any contacts?"
"Negative Mobius 1." SkyEye called out, bringing a massive wave of relief to the veteran pilot.
Good to see you're still with us old man. Danny chided. Mobius smiled at that, glad to hear his friend survived. "What's our game plan here Coach?" Danny asked, no doubt laughing silently as always.
"Let's do quick recon and get the lay of the land, stick together and keep an eye out. We don't know where we are, so heed caution." Mobius ordered, flying low as he quickly scanned the areas below. He caught sight of two small creatures standing nearby, one colored like purple and the other a blueish color. They're colorful, wonder what they are? He pondered as he flew down low.
. . .
Unknown Location
In an unknown location... at an unknown time, behind an unknown building, stood two very unknown figures donning cloaks that kept their appearances unknown to anyone who would look upon them.
It was unknown as to what they were doing here... so I'll shut up, and we'll hear what they are saying.
"Is it done?" the first figure questioned the second, claws tapping against the cobblestone path of the alleyway.
The second nodded. "Of course, did you ever doubt me?"
"Any troubles?"
"I had a few involving power output, but other then that... it was a complete success. m'lord."
The first figure grinned before reaching into his cloak and pulling out a large unknown quantity of gold. he tossed it to the second unknown figure. "Here is your payment, stick around... I may have more for you." He told the figure before walking away, tail whipping back as his claws made a slight clacking sound.
The second figure smiled...
End Chapter Two of Arc One
Shattered Skies Three: New Territory
. . .
Changeling Territory, outside of Equestria.
Rainbow Dash's perspective
I stood in stunned silence as I watched the shiny metal carriages fly over me, my mind trying to wrap around the fact that no pegasi were pulling them. "Holy..."
I could tell Twilight was in a similar state of awe, from both the carriages in the sky and massive steel ships that sailed in the dead waters nearby. Three titanic ships with no sails propelling them, and had massive towers, the biggest one had a flat top and was curved slightly as if to allow something to land. "I need to inform the princess about this." She said, about to use a teleportation spell. But stopped her with a tackle as I saw something streaking towards us. "Wha-" Twilight was cut off as something exploded from where the arrow hit, sending dirt and debris flying over us.
"Holy buck!" I yelled, covering twilight the best I could when I saw the metal tube fly towards me from above. I looked up eyeing the beasts from earlier. My eyes widening when I saw the eight from earlier rocket towards six others in the distance. I sat in awe at the speed of them, I've never seen a carriage move that fast! The sounds of thunder could be heard from where they split up, flying in arches around each other passing one another, almost coming too close to crashing only to duck out of the way as flaming spears were fired from them.
No matter how hard I tried I couldn't tear myself away from them as they fought in the skies above. Several of the spears I saw launched from them impacted nearby, exploding and sending clumps of dirt and stone flying. What are those? I wondered as two came flying straight at me... "Oh shit." I turned around to get Twilight moving, only to see she was conked out. "Oh come on, Twi really?!" I groaned as I ducked down to hoist the Alicorn onto me back. Crap, with her on my back I can't fly... damn it! with a grunt I hefted up Twilight's form and started south towards the Equestrian borders as a fierce battle raged in the skies above. "Don't worry, I'll get us out of here in ten seconds flat!" I told the unconscious mare on her back as I trotted off into the wastelands.
. . .
Skies Above Unknown Territory.
Mobius One's Perspective
BOOM
I yanked the control stick to the left to avoid the flaming debris that followed from the explosion. "Splash one." I murmured as I pulled back to fight off the rest of the Erusians. This land we fought over was... dark to say the least. The skies for miles around seemed to be purposely blocked off by thick dark clouds, lightning strikes would graze my wings but didn't seem to affect my craft any. Another thing that seemed to stick out was the ground below. A closer look showed burnt soil and dead twisted trees that looked like something out of a fairy tale book.
"Fox two, Fox two! FUCK YOU!" Danny screamed. I looked over to where he was flying and spotted the massive explosion, followed by his A-10-1 blasting through the flames in mid-air and spinning before leveling out. I lifted up my visor and pinched the bridge of my nose. Danny enjoys this... a bit too much I think. "Hahahahahahahahahaha!" the bomber of my squad cackled evilly as he flew past me, going after another MIG.
"Got the last one Mobius 1." Kari told me as another massive explosion rang out from Danny's position.
"Good." I replied, looking around and seeing no more fighters. "Any damage?"
"Negative." Is the resounding response, and a grunt from Hank which I hope means no. But who can tell with him?
Sighing I looked back down at the land before us. I've never seen anything like this, and I've been fighting in hundreds of different missions worldwide. To see a land this... dead disturbed me. What happened here? And more so, what were those two colorful creatures I saw earlier? I looked all around before spotting them in the distance, two small blurs of color in a giant mass of black and brown. I hope they're alright... whatever they are. Looking back up I took off my helmet and ran a hand through my hair before saying. "Alright Mobius Squad, let's return to the ICFDB."
"Roger!" and with that, we flew down to the ship. The only thing on my mind however... is what happened to the Erusians... along with the four rookies.
. . .
Unknown Location.
Private James Terra's Perspective.
Smoke... that was the first thing I smelled when I woke up. Along with the sounds of a ghostly sounding wind and tree branches... and roaring fires. I struggled to open my eyes, when I did I suddenly wished I hadn't. I was looking through the broken glass of my canopy... at a hundred or so foot drop down. "Oh shit!" I felt fear grab hold of my heart as I began to panic. The plane just had to be pointed straight down?! if I fall I'm done for! I grabbed onto the straps of my harness, the only thing keeping me from falling through the open canopy and to my death.
Okay calm down James.... calm down. I tried taking a few breaths to calm myself but soon I dissolved into a hacking fit, followed by blood hitting the glass. I felt of my mouth and looked down at my gloved fingers. I saw blood. I became acutely aware of a sharp pain in my chest. I must have been injured when I crashed... but when did that happen? As a matter of fact where am I? I looked at the trees and branches that were keeping my aircraft from falling, and noted how... twisted they appeared. Blackened bark and limbs, brown leaves and a muddy earth...
When did we fly over land?
My thoughts would have to wait as I heard the branches creak under the weight of the aircraft. "Shit." I cursed as I tried to unclasp myself from the harness, only to fail. It was stuck! a close look showed the teeth of the clasp were bent, damaged. I reached for my knife I had in my boot, thankfully it was still there. I could cut my way out hopefully. The knife I had was standard issue for ISAF pilots. Five inches of treated blackened steel with a serrated edge and a nylon grip. I quickly went to work cutting the harness on the left side, it snapped as it gave away and I could feel myself beginning to slip.
Okay... just take it easy. I wrapped my free arm around the harness and twirled it enough so it would keep my from falling as I cut the other side. I was free! Freeing my feet I put them against the console to steady myself before crouching down, grabbing onto the seat's underside. I saw a few sturdy branches next to me, if I jumped I might be able to climb down... or miss and fall to my death. How pleasant.
I wouldn't have much time to think as I felt the branches snap, making the Raptor slide down further. The canopy fell though, hitting the ground and shattered. "Here goes nothing!" I jumped from the aircraft just as it gave, sliding from the branches and falling down to the ground. I could hear the fire crackling behind me as I landed on the branch... and promptly slip. "SHIT!" I cried out as my foot slipped on something wet, I saw everything rapidly leave my sight as I fell down and hit another branch.
I tried to get a hold on it but my gloves couldn't find anything to grip onto. I knew there was something but it felt like I was trying to grab onto sludge, and it made trying to grab anything useless. I fell again, hitting more branches on the way down, pain shot through my system with each impact before I finally hit the ground with a shlop sound, it was soft but it still hurt like hell. "AHH!" I yelled out when I felt something pierce my back. It must have been glass, or maybe a rock I don't know. I rolled away the best I could as I felt the muddy ground below, and once I felt water hitting my back I found it was raining, and hard too.
Looking around I could feel the air and how close it felt, thin almost. The trees were massive, standing hundreds of feet tall and with branches twisting and jutting out like malformed hands. My raptor was sitting about twenty feet to my right, on fire with jet fuel leaking out and quickly catching fire. I crawled away as fast as I could, it wouldn't be long till the tank b-
KRA-BOOOOOOOOOM
BA-BA-BA-BA-BOOM
I was sent flying after that, careening right into a tree. A crack sounded and I felt a sharp pain in my right forearm, I let out a silent scream before falling to the ground. I couldn't breath right away but that wnt away as smoke filled my nostrils and the smell of fuel. I coughed violently before sitting up, feeling the burning sensation in my limbs as I got a look at what was left of my aircraft. The warheads exploded as well as the tank, nothing was left but flaming debris and chunks of burning steel.
I shook my head as I grabbed my radio, thankfully it didn't suffer any damage. I clicked the transmit button and held it for a moment before catching my breath. "This is Mobius 9, does anyone copy?" I asked, letting the button go before taking off my helmet. I set it down beside me and saw the visor was cracked, with several pieces missing from it. No doubt the only thing that kept me from cracking my skull wide open when I crashed and almost fell to my death.
After a few minutes and not getting any responses I figured I was on my own, or too far away from anyone for my comms to work. There are a number of possibilities as to why I wasn't getting a response. The rain wasn't letting up either and I wasn't going to get help if I just sat around here, but then again I might not get any help to begin with. After what Red, Blue and Black did they probably think I was a traitor to ISAF as well, even though I'm not... but who would believe me?
I sighed before standing up, cradling my broken arm. I could feel the bone in my arm and felt the jagged sharp part poking against the nerves. It was intense but it numbed down a bit when I held it lightly. Finding a safe place out in this rain would not be easy, I'd have to leave it more I spotted what looked like a trail through some trees, better than nothing I suppose. I walked towards it, instantly finding the trail muddy and full of rocks. Just my luck. I thought as I walked down it.
As I limped along the trail I thought back to the fight in the skies, and how three of the other rookies turned against the rest of Mobius Squadron. Why would they do that? Why turn on Mobius squadron? They never did anything wrong, they're heroes! They saved millions of lives by stopping Megalith... Maybe they were Erusian, that could explain they're turning on ISAF. But how did they get into the academy so easily?
They have safeguards for that kind of thing. Back at the ISAF Academy when you apply the security administration along with several government officials go through your entire background and check for anything that could possibly make you a threat to the ISAF. Background checks, personal history, family history and tons of other things I can't remember... How did those three get into the academy?
I guess I'll find out... assuming they made it out of that storm alive, that is. I thought to myself as the torrent of rain continued to batter my weakened form. The rainwater was bone chilling, freezing me to my core as my boots almost sank halfway through the muddy trail. This sucked, it really sucked. I've been through basic and advanced training that had similar scenarios like this, but there was something about this forest that seemed... off. The perpetual darkness that surrounded me on all sides, the eerie howl of the winds and the feeling creeping up in my gut.
Something is watching me... I looked around into the treeline but I didn't see anything, but I could feel something there... somethin-
AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My eyes shot open at the sound... wolves! I glanced around the treeline again, this time I saw bright and glowy yellow eyes peering at me from the darkness. "Ah hell..." I whispered to myself before breaking into a run through the mud. I kicked up mud and twigs as I ran into the forest, whether it was deeper into the woods or near an exit remained to be seen.
Behind me I could hear the something following me, something trudging through the mud and rain, snarling. Oh shit oh shit oh shit! Are those wolves?! I thought, running as fast as I could. My boots sunk into the mud with each step, and I could feel the mud trying to suck me down but I kept moving. I had to get out of here, I had to find someplace safe, but where?! Where?! Running faster and faster, I heard the sounds of the wolves chasing me, howling their cries.
Suddenly, I remembered something. Feeling own at my hip, I remembered I had my pistol with me! Reaching down I un-clipped it and pulled it out, it was a standard issue pistol for most ISAF pilots, a Glock 17. I flipped the safety off and whipping around I looked for my foes, all I saw, were a lot of bright glowing yellow eyes.
"Oh shit." I cursed, stepping back until I hit a tree. I raised my pistol, aiming for one of the wolves. If I was going to die here, I'd be taking at least two or three of them with me! "Come at me you damn wolves!" I yelled, pulling the trigger... only for it to click. "What?! Nononono!" I looked down at my gun with what little light I had, and from what I could see, the slide was locked halfway back, and no matter how hard I tried it wouldn't budge. "Damn it." This is my end eh? I leaned back, awaiting what would no doubt be my end.
Only for a blast of light to suddenly appear from above, it nearly blinded me and it was soon followed by a dull screeching noise. While it didn't effect me, it made the wolves go insane, they howled in pain as one by one the eyes disappeared. Beside me on a nearby hill I heard someone cry. "Move your flank strange creature from the sky, lest you wish to die."
... Did she just rhyme?
No time to think about that, run! I screamed at myself, turning around and running away into the woods. My destination...
I had no idea.
. . .
Aboard the ISAF ICFDB.
Mobius One's Perspective
After landing on the massive aircraft carrier situated in the middle of the blackened sea, I had immediately left my jet in the hands of the deck personal who went about refueling and rearming it, the same with the others once they landed and trailed behind me. Deck hands and soldiers moved across the deck, armed with assault rifles and patrolling as a few drones were sent out into the skies above. orders filled the air around me, but the only thing on my mind as of right now was. Where in the hell are we?! I have been in some strange situations, most involving massive weapons of destruction, or Danny's weirdness. But now, this took the cake.
Were we in another part of the world? Was another thought of mine, but as far as I knew there were no black seas or dead lands that looked like this, nor colorful creatures inhabiting it. As crazy as it sounded, I don't think we're in Osea anymore.
I made my way into the tower, passing by several fighter pilots, deck hands and other crewmen. Everyone in Mobius Squadron followed close behind me, their boots clacking against the steel floors. Everyone in front of us parted, as if afraid if they stood in our way we would strike them down. We were skilled, but we weren't gods or anything. Danny might have thought that. but I did not. I remember hearing rumors of people thinking we were born from the skies, given fighter jets and turned into gods. I think that was some of the more third world Erusians that thought that, they were so scared of us during the war, they cooked up the whole god theory.
All lies. I thought to myself as I climbed the stairs in the tower. I had to get answers.
"What even was up with that storm?" Storm questioned, hands in her jumpsuit's pockets. "We've fought in storms before, but that one was different."
"True, that storm was a bit strange." Prince commented, nodding along with what she was saying. "Ghastly even, Mobius, do you have anything to say on the matter?"
"... Not exactly... I am just as perplexed as you all are." I turned left, continuing up the stairs. "I've seen a lot of weird things, but that was just... unreal."
"I know where we are." Danny commented, making us look at him. "We're in a different world, obviously~" He cackled, getting a sigh from Prince.
"Danial, that is absurd." The man told him, crossing his arms.
"Nu uh Princey~ We are!" Danny pointed at a window we passed by. "When we were flying, I saw a funky looking castle off in the distance, and last time I checked, we didn't have castles in our world... unless you count the one Princey is from." He chuckled, getting a look from me.
"A castle?" I asked, the only castles in Strangereal were in Usea, a land that was more well built and still stuck to its medieval heritage
Danny nodded, bounding past me and up the stairs. I followed up after him, the man ran up the stairs much like a child would. He pushed past several people, causing some of them to glare in his direction as we followed. I swear, Danny was more of a child then anything else. We followed the AC-10 pilot through the ship and up the stairs, dodging people and crew members until we eventually reached the tower. Danny was standing outside on the balcony, a pair of binoculars in his grasp as he scanned the horizon. When I exited the tower, Danny gave me the specs. "Look, over there, see that big white thing?"
I took the binoculars and put them to my eyes, I focused the thing by twisting the knob, and looked out to the mountains where Danny pointed. I could seee the blackened mountian ranges, what looked like an abandoned town nearby, but off in the distance... I could see a large white structure on the side of a mountain, tall white spires with some colorful bits on it. I pulled the binoculars away, turning to look at Danny. "Where the heck are we?" I asked.
I didn't get any answers...
. . .
Equestria, Borders of Equestria.
Rainbow Dash's perspective
I lugged my friend across the border, down a large dirt path to what i think was a small town nearby. It was operated by a Royal Guard garrison, so they should be able to help us, hopefully. Twilight was steadily breathing, a good sign, but blood was leaking down from a wound on her head and onto my coat. I didn't mind that, but I needed to get her help now!
As I galloped down the road, I thought about those... those... carriages? No, they couldn't be carriages, they were something else entirely. I don't know what they were, or where they came from. But... I couldn't stop thinking about them, how they flew through the air so fast, destroying the other, things with those exploding arrows. It was insane! What were they? Who were they? I had never seen something that big move so fast or move with such agility, it was ridiculous!
But I couldn't think about them, I had to focus on Twilight and get her to safety.
Looking out ahead, I spotted the town, and to my surprise, I saw a chariot sitting nearby, one that belonged to Princess Celestia. What was she doing here? I sped up my pace, yelling, "Hey!" My voice echoed across the empty landscape, drawing the attention of several guards that were coming out of a building. Both spotting me and galloped over to me, holding up spears. "Hey!"
"Think she's a changeling?" One asked the other, are you kidding me right now?!
"I'm not a changeling!" I yelled, stomping my hoof on the ground.
"You might be lying to get past us!"
"We can't trust her."
Before either of them could do anything further, a voice commanded. "Let them past." Looking behind the two, I saw Princess Celestia standing tall and proud, her guard behind her along with Princess Luna. Both of whom were looking at me. The guards hesitantly did so, Luna's horn lit up by her magic I guess she was scanning us? "Rainbow Dash, what happened?"
I sighed as Twilight was taken off of my back and levitated onto a stretcher. "You're in for one heck of a story."
End Chapter Three of Arc One
Author's Note
Sorry for the shite update, things will be better next time. Next chapter, Mobius One and crew, will be meeting with some very important figures.
Stay tuned! Also, spotting typos, helping out and being generally an awesome reader will reward you with brownie points! 
