And Ever We Fight On

It felt strange sleeping in one of the guest bedrooms, considering the last time Sunset slept here was… “How long has it been?” she thought, unable to sleep. She thought it had been about four years on the other side but...it seemed as if it had been longer on this side.

She groaned as she was about to give up on sleeping. Was it nerves? Probably, who wouldn't be when you're about to be thrown out into battle? But to have to ultimately kill her own kind, those who are being forced to fight against their will.

Sunset may have made poor choices, but what Sombra was doing was pure evil. And yes, maybe she was doing it in part to make up for her mistakes and earn Celestia's forgiveness. But then again, she wouldn't have asked her to do this if she didn't believe her.

She sighed as she turned over and closed her eyes. “I must make teacher and country proud.”

It was cloudy the next morning, as if a storm was brewing. Sunset hoped that this wasn't foreshadowing anything. She and the others had boarded one of the many airships that were to transport them near Neighagra Falls.

Judging by the number of soldiers, Sunset had to guess there were about five thousand troops. “Would that even be enough…?” Either way, many of them looked like new recruits. Some of the mares looked about her age as well.

“You okay there? You're looking a little pale…”

Sunset looked behind her and saw one of the Wonderbolts addressing her. “Oh, Private Dust.”

“Lightning is fine, no need for the formalities,” Dust smiled. “If it makes you feel better, I was pretty nervous before my first battle too…”

“Yeah well, have you ever been put in charge of a team?” Sunset asked.

“Well no...but look there's nothing to worry about. The generals will handle the infantry and artillery, you just worry about what we have to do. Which reminds me, you need a run down of what we can do?”

“It couldn't hurt…”

Lightning Dust then started floating as she put on a serious face. “Alright, first off, us Wonderbolts are pretty good flyers and because the enemy only has unicorns and earth ponies, we have an advantage. We can outrun practically anything and as Captain Spitfire says, 'We’re generally a big pain in the ass for ground troops and artillery.’

“As for Pinkie and Maud Pie, their ability to break through rock makes them ideal for demolition, flanking the enemy, you name it. The enemy has a shield in front of their base. Not a problem since those two mares could help us make a sneak attack into said base from underground.”

“Not to mention we're really good at sensing the smallest of vibrations.” All of a sudden Pinkie was standing next to Sunset and the latter had to resist every impulse to jump.

“Yeah that too,” Dust said. She then grinned. “So…any questions?”

“I don't think so but... wouldn't it be easier to just let you guys do your own thing?”

“Our own thing!?” Dust looked mortified. “I mean sure we tend to act on impulse but without Spitfire we'd be spinning our wheels. That's why we need a leader and since that's you we'll follow you all the way.”

“Sure we've only just met but if Princess Celestia believes in you so should we,” Pinkie said, patting her shoulder.

Sunset smiled. “You know, I think I feel a bit better now.”

It wasn't much longer before the airships began to take off from Canterlot.

Sunset then made her way to the bridge along with the others. She then saw Spitfire to an older unicorn. “Hey Sunset, come here a moment,” Spitfire said, waving her over. “This is Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard. He'll be the one overseeing this battle.

Sunset bowed respectfully. “A pleasure to meet you sir.”

Shining chuckled. “You're too kind. It's a pleasure to meet one of Celestia's former students, we'll need all the help we can get.”

“Shining, don't pressure her,” Spitfire said. “Anyway, so how's Cadance doing?”

“She's fine. I think she fits the role of diplomat better than a fighter, although she told me she's ready to strangle one of those griffins.”

“Figured as much. And uh...your sister?”

Shining sighed, looking down. “Twily’s with Mom and Dad in Canterlot still. Still in her room reading her books as usual.”

Sunset could tell by the awkward silence that the whole thing was a sensitive subject. “So... Captain, do we have news from the front?”

“Well the bad news is they've already established a base near Neighagra Falls,” Shining said. “It certainly won't be easy that's for sure. Spitfire tells me you're leading this so-called special team. Must be nice being able to give Spitfire orders.”

“Oh shut it,” Spitfire snapped.

“It's...well…”

“You'll be fine,” Spitfire said with a smile. “Whether it's the Wonderbolts or the Guard, we help each other out, carry the burden on all of our shoulders.”

“Wow Spitfire that sounded pretty mature coming from you,” Shining said with a grin.

“You're lucky I can't hit a fellow officer.”

Suddenly one of the Royal Guardsmen came up to the captain. “Captain, the Admiral informs us we'll be reaching our destination in ETA five minutes.”

“Very good, make sure the troops are ready,” Shining replied.

“Oh yeah one thing before I forget,” Spitfire said. She then handed Sunset a small device. “It's a communicator that you fit in your ear. It'll allow us to keep in contact as well as contacting Shining in case something happens.”

“Wow...how much did I miss out on?” Sunset took the device and slid it into her ear comfortably. “Guess we better get ready as well huh?”

Spitfire nodded. “The ships are landing us well outside Neighagra Falls so the enemy doesn't detect us. We want this to be a surprise attack but we'll discuss more once we've landed.

About five minutes later the ships landed about five miles from the edge of the woods surrounding Neighagra Falls. The troops quickly exited the ships, forming into straight lines. “So far so good,” Shining said. “Now then, it's a bit of a hike but we reach the base-”

“Captain!” Suddenly a pegasus was zooming towards them from the north.

“One of our scouts,” Shining explained. “What is it soldier?”

“The enemy's moving quicker than we expected,” the pegasus stated.”They're already on the move, heading this way as we speak!”

“So much for the element of surprise,” Shining sighed. “How many we talking?”

“I can't say for sure but it looked like a small group,” the pegasus replied. “They were coming from the basin when I made my way back.”

“Alright, good work,” Shining said. “Guess we'll be fighting sooner than I thought. What are your thoughts Sunset?”

Sunset looked around at the terrain. Everything was pretty much flat which gave them no advantage. They could meet the enemy head on since waiting here was pointless. Or was it…?

“Shining can those airships provide us with fire support?”

“They could, but considering we're sort of limited on ammunition we were going to save for the base,” Shining replied.

It made sense since the base would be harder to penetrate. Plus firing artillery rounds at brainwashed ponies just didn't seem ethical. But she had a backup plan. “Pinkie, Maud, how far deep can you dig, out of curiosity?”

“Hmm...on average it's about thirty yards,” Pinkie said.

“There isn't much clay here so it'd be easy to dig through,” Maud added.

“Think you can do that along a diameter of say…about a hundred yards?” Sunset asked.

“Pft, easy peasy,” Pinkie said. “But why….ohhh that's clever.”

“We'll get on it right away,” Maud said before the two of them started digging into the ground.

“You're gonna collapse the ground beneath them?” Shining asked.

“Right. It may not get all of them but we can then get the jump on them,” Sunset replied.

“So what about us?” Dash asked.

“Think you can gather some storm clouds?”

“Uh sure, but what for?” Dash looked confused.

“It never hurts to have lightning just in case,” Sunset replied.

Dash stared at her for a moment and then grinned. “I like your style Shimmer.”

“Alright you heard the lady everypony, let's round up some clouds!” Spitfire yelled as the Wonderbolts took off.

“And now?” Shining wondered.

“We wait...and hope to Celestia this works.”

It wasn't long before the Crystal Army could be seen on the horizon. Shining was looking through a telescope and suddenly groaned. “Somepony forgot to mention they're carrying artillery with them.”

“What kind of artillery?” Sunset asked.

“Well there's generally two types: the ones that shoot standard artillery and the others...well they're kinda nasty. Those types use a sort of magical energy that the Crystal Empire developed and since its of course magic it can do things ordinary weapons can't.”

Sunset could only imagine the possibilities. “How the hell did they create something like that?” She then cursed, realizing a huge flow in her plan. “If they have artillery and we're far away enough-”

“Yeah, I know what you mean... there's still time to revise that plan. But even if they do attack from a distance I can put up a shield spell.”

“The entire army?” Sunset said incredulously.

“I've done the entire castle before.” Sunset suddenly had new found respect for the captain.

She thought for a moment. Then an idea came to mind. “Sergeant Dash!”

“What's up?” Dash floated back down towards her.

“Change of plans, we need three of those clouds as big as we can get 'em and we're going to need a lot of electric power. Think you can hover them above the target zone without being noticed?”

“Does a bugbear shit in the woods?”

“I honestly wouldn't know.”

Dash chuckled. “Yeah, we can do it. Get ready for the ultimate light show!”

The enemy was marching closer and Sunset had to admit, the enemy certainly got the idea down of intimidating their foes. But she had full confidence in her plan, and she had to believe in her comrades as well.

Suddenly the ground in front of them burst open and two somewhat exhausted earth ponies popped out. “Well… it wasn't easy but we finished it,” Pinkie said, wiping sweat off her forehead.

“You're sure it'll work?” Shining asked.

“It'll take a certain amount of weight...but as for how many it'll take out, we have no idea,” Maud replied.

“Yeah what she said so don't doubt our efforts!” Pinkie snapped.

If worst came to worst, there was always a spell that could make the foundation give way, Sunset pondered.

The enemy troops then began to charge, closing the distance between the two armies. “Steady…” Shining called to his troops. “Steady.” Pinkie and Maud were both in a stance, ready to attack while Sunset stood in the middle, her horn glowing at the ready.

Suddenly it happened. It was hard to see except where the Wonderbolts were positioned but it was as if the ground was opening up and swallowing the crystal ponies whole.

“It...it really is working!” Shining exclaimed.

“Hmph!” Pinkie looked insulted by the comment.

“Dash! The cannons!” Sunset yelled.

Dash saluted in response and the group formed up before diving into the clouds. The sudden impact caused lightning to appear and crash towards the ground. The sound of the lightning was loud, but upon hitting the artillery the sound went up a few decibels. Dash certainly hadn't been joking about the light show but even she was surprised once she saw it had all been turned to rubble. She looked up. “Maybe a little too much power?” Spitfire just shrugged in response.

“Now's our chance!” Shining yelled. “Charge!” He and the entire Equestrian Army charged towards the enemy, Sunset, Pinkie, and Maud along with them.

The sudden crater they found themselves in, along with their artillery being destroyed certainly caught the enemy army off guard. Those in the front were quickly overwhelmed by the advancing Equestrians; those further in the back probably realized how much trouble they were in and decided to retreat.

“Hey Soarin, what should we do about the stragglers?” Spitfire asked.

“I dunno, I never feel good about attacking a retreating enemy,” Soarin replied.

“Alright, might as well take care of those still willing to fight then,” Spitfire said. “Take it to 'em ladies and gents!” Soon the Wonderbolts joined in on the fighting.

Meanwhile, a unicorn with dark blue and overtones stood on top of her tower over the base near Neighagra Falls, overseeing the battle taking place. [i[]“Very interesting…” /i]she thought, observing everything.

Suddenly one of the soldiers approached her, saluting her. “Commander Vayentha, our forces are being pushed back. Shall we send reinforcements?”

“There's no need,” Vayentha said, taking a sip from a glass of wine. “This was merely a test, to see what those fools would come up with. This commanding officer is different...I almost feel a bit of respect for them. It's unfortunate the only way we could meet is before they go to a guillotine.”

She paused for a moment. “Oh but of course, a gift to congratulate them must be in order! Let's see what our little friend thinks of them…”

“The enemy is retreating!” Shining yelled as cheers erupted among the ranks.

“We...won?” Sunset said, somewhat surprised. “But...that almost seemed too easy.”

“Perhaps...most of their forces will probably be at the base,” Shining replied. “Still, your plan was brilliant Sunset. You're quite the tactician.”

Sunset could only blush slightly and wave it off. Suddenly the ground started to shake. “Whoa, an earthquake!?”

“It can't be, we're not near any fault lines,” Maud answered.

The shaking then stopped. “Uh I got a bad feeling about this…” Dash said.

Suddenly the ground in front of them exploded as something big came out, something almost five stories tall and about twenty feet wide. “What the hell!?” Spitfire yelled.

“A sand worm!?” Shining cried. “What's one doing all the way out here!?”

“It sure looks hungry!” Fleetfoot yelled.

The soldiers attacked but even with their weapons it wasn't enough to pierce it's skin. A sudden flick of its tail and many of the soldiers were sent flying backwards. “I think we need a plan!” Dash yelled.

“Lightning might do the trick!” Spitfire said. “Dash, think you can distract it!?”

“On it!” She then flew near Sunset. “Need a lift?”

It was times like these Sunset wished her dream had come true and she'd gotten her wings. For now she'd have to settle. “Alright, let's do this!”

Dash grabbed her from the top, holding her tightly as they took off. Sunset then attacked the worm with a simple laser spell. “Hey, I have an idea, follow my lead okay?” Dash asked.

“Okay but-whoa!” She hadn't expected they were going face-to-face with the creature.

“Hey Big n’ Ugly!” Dash yelled. She then did the goofiest face she could manage.

“You gotta be kidding me…” Well, Sunset wasn't going to argue.

It was certainly going to be a memorable moment.

The giant worm screamed at them before attempting to shoot them with... whatever came out of its mouth. Whatever it was, it was acidic to burn the ground. Thankfully Shining managed to put a shield up in time.

“We're almost ready!” Spitfire called to them. “Just a little bit longer!”

Then Sunset noticed something. “Dash, over there!” She saw one of the cannons was still operational and by the look of it it was one of those magic cannons.

“You can't be serious!” Dash complained.

“You think a bolt of electricity will kill it?”

“...Fair point.” They then flew over to it as Sunset got into the seat. She never used anything like this but after pressing a few switches she heard the sound of energy throughput the machine. “Think you can help move this a bit to the right?”

Dash pushed but it barely budged. “Damn this thing's heavy…!”

Unfortunately, their actions didn't go unnoticed as the worm seemed to still be focused on them. Spitfire noticed this as well. “Crap, we gotta hit this thing now!”

“Can I do the honors?” Dust asked.

“I don't care just hurry!” Lightning Dust zipped off diagonally and then came back like a shooting star, crashing into the cloud. The bolt hit its target and although it didn't seem to kill it, it seemed to paralyze it for the moment.

“Better hurry Sunset!” Dash urgently reminded her.

“Hold on... alright stand back I don't know what's going to happen.” She lined up her shot and pulled the trigger. The recoil almost sent her flying and the sound left her partially deaf. As for the worm...the shot blew its head clean off.

“Holy shit…” Dash, Spitfire, and just about everypony else was thinking the same thing.

“That. Was. AWESOME!” Suddenly Sunset was getting hugged rather tight. “You're awesome!”

“Dash…oxygen…”

“Oh...sorry…” They then landed near the head. “Talk about a clean shot…”

“Yeah, how'd you do that?” Pinkie asked.

“Honestly I just kind of guessed how to operate it…” Sunset replied.

“Ha! You guessed!?” Spitfire said as the other Wonderbolts touched the ground. “Still pretty impressive though.”

“Uh...can we please get away from the giant head?” Shining suggested.

“What, it's not like it's gonna suddenly come back-” Suddenly Pinkie's eyes widened. “Sunset look out!”

The giant worm head opened its mouth as if to crush Sunset. Suddenly a spear came out of nowhere and struck the head through the mouth. It gave one last scream which died off into a whimper. A brown pegasus with a blue mane then floated down next to Sunset. “You gotta strike it through the head to truly kill it,” he said. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah I'm fine.” Sunset then stopped, realizing she recognized that voice. “...Flash?”

“Yes?” the pegasus asked. “Have we met?”

“Oh um…” Sunset now wished she had stayed quiet. “N-No I don't believe so.”

“That was an impressive throw Private Sentry,” Shining complimented.

Now it was Flash's turn to look embarrassed. “Just doing my job sir.”

“So what now?” Spitfire asked.

“I think it's best to wait til nightfall,” Shining said. “Til then we'll have to assess the state of the base and go from there.”

Spitfire glanced over at Sunset, who suddenly seemed distracted. “Agreed. We can tend to any injured as well.” As they regrouped, Spitfire couldn't put her hoof on it, but it almost looked like Sunset saw a ghost.