And Ever We Fight On

Shortly before takeoff, Sunset was in her room. She remembered the letter that was delivered to her and she quickly opened it. It was a letter and she recognized the handwriting instantly.

Dear Sunset,

I hope this letter reaches you quickly. I realize I've sent you head first into this conflict without too much information. As we mentioned before, Sombra has his close circle of commanders who are among the best of the best. You'll have to face them eventually but I would say you can be as clever as they are.

I've enclosed something in this envelope. This pendant was given to me by my mother at a young age and in a way I considered it a good luck charm. I thought it only appropriate to give it to you. Be careful out there Sunset. War takes many things from us so it's important to live each moment to its fullest. Again, you have my thanks and I wish you and your companions the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

Sunset looked at the pendant, then realizing once it opened that it was a watch. It didn't seem to work however. “A good luck charm huh…?” She put it inside the pocket of her uniform.

She suddenly felt the ground shake slightly as the airship began to lift off of the ground. It was hard to imagine just how much power it took to lift a ship this size. She then made her way towards the conference room.

“Normally I'd give a long and boring speech about our current objective but we're short on time,” Spitfire explained. She pointed towards a map. “Our friends from Vanhoover are currently skirting along the lines of enemy territory and unfortunately they have long range artillery sitting right on the edge of these mountains. Long story short, if they get within range, Vanhoover will get annihilated.

“Therefore, we need to take out that artillery before they show up. There's about eight cannons along a two mile ridge and there are about four or five towers that hold anti-aircraft emplacements. May not sound like a lot but these things pack a punch. If we could, I'd have the Hurricane do all the work but even a ship like this would take heavy damage before the work is done. So how are we gonna do it? Old-fashion...drop from above. The Pie sisters could cut through those towers like butter at the right velocity, and Dash at her speed, not an issue. But as I said, we're on a time limit. Any questions?”

“Yeah, you said four or five towers so who else is going to take care of them?” Flash asked.

Spitfire smirked. “I thought you'd never ask… Private!”

“YES MA'AM!” The large pegasus walked into the room, or at least to Sunset she thought he was a pegasus.

“He looks more like a tank,” Flash whispered.

“The Wonderbolts have always been about style and grace, but times are different now. Ponies like Biceps here gave me the idea of starting a new division for demolition but I digress. Sunset, you and the others will take care of the artillery on the ridge. Nothing a little magic can't take care of right?”

“I'll give it my best shot,” Sunset replied.

“We only got one shot at this so make your marks count. Misty will be taking over command of the Hurricane for this operation so radio her if you need support. Any other questions? Dismissed.”

It seemed as if Sunset was the only one with a parachute on her back. Not that she needed one necessarily, for she was capable of spells that would slow down her descent, but it couldn't hurt. The others wouldn't need any due to having wings or using their body to wreck through inanimate objects. She still wasn't sure how this would work, but if ponies such as Pinkie Pie and Bulk Biceps could handle it, who was she to ask questions?

“You look nervous.” Sunset turned around and saw Flash smiling at her. She had been pacing slightly in the cargo hold.

“Do I? Well... I'm pretty sure I never jumped out of an airship almost ten thousand feet off the ground before.” She smiled an innocent smile. “Besides, this is probably nothing for pegasi.”

“Well, yeah, it's true but honestly, the feeling is exhilarating,” Flash replied. “I mean, you'll only have like twenty seconds to experience it before trying not to get blown out of the sky but it's always memorable.”

“Wow, that totally made me feel better.” She lightly punched his shoulder.

“Perhaps Private Sentry isn't aware that this is the Wonderbolts, not the Guard running this mission.” Spitfire showed up along with the others. “You don't have time to be in la land, you have to stay focused on the target at all times, even if the target is a six story structure.”

“I missed these kind of missions,” Pinkie said happily.

“I understand Captain,” Flash said. “But I was trying to make Sunset less anxious.”

Spitfire shrugged. “So? Anxiety is good, it keeps you on your toes. After this, she'll want to do it again.” She then punched a button on the wall and suddenly an alarm went off as the cargo bay doors opened up, letting in a large gust of air. “We'll be over our target in thirty seconds! All Wonderbolt personnel and the Pie sisters go first! Shimmer, you're last but I promise it's not as bad as it looks!” She then spent the next few moments staring at her watch. “It's time! Go go go!”

Rainbow Dash was the first to jump out, a large grin on her face as she waved to them slightly before disappearing. Then Soarin, Fleetfoot, Blaze, and the other Wonderbolts jumped out before the Pie sisters took their turns. That left Spitfire and Sunset.

“Remember, we got a time limit here! You got the long-range artillery but once we take care of the AA guns we'll help you out!”

“Don't worry, they won't see me coming!”

Spitfire smiled and gave a small salute after sliding down her goggles. She then jumped out gracefully before descending to the earth. Sunset took a deep breath and after clearing her mind she jumped.

It was perfectly normal to feel a strong sense of panic when one was in free fall. Sunset wasn't panicking cause she felt confident in her abilities, although using both a cloaking spell and a spell to lower her velocity would be a little tricky.

Flash was right about one thing: it was definitely exhilarating. She would've enjoyed it more if she wasn't so focused on staying on target. If she allowed herself to drift off, she'd either run into the side of the mountain, or into a chasm.

Meanwhile, it appeared to Spitfire that they certainly had caught the enemy off guard. Being the fastest (at least after Spitfire), Dash had to go first or the shockwave she would've caused would've blown all of them off target.

Needless to say, it was pretty damn satisfying to see the rainbow blur go Mach speed into that stone tower. Like a hot knife through butter, the tower collapsed and upon hitting the ground it erupted into flame. The same could be said about the others as Biceps, Pinkie, and Maud found their targets.

Spitfire closed her eyes and braced for impact, but not before she spoke a few words. “Can you see me now Dad…?”

Sunset quickly applied her cloaking spell, not wanting to risk the chance of someone sniping her out of the sky. There were about eight guns, evenly spaced between each other. There was no way she could take them all out individually, but she had an idea.

As she quickly approached the ground, her horn glowed as she suddenly started slowing down. She was about twenty feet from the first battery. The soldiers were quite aware of the chaos that was now brewing but there was no way they could easily hit a target as small or as quick as a pegasus.

She hit the ground lightly, rolling to absorb the blow. The impact broke her concentration for a moment and she was suddenly visible but she was already on the move. The first soldier didn't see her or her hoof coming as she struck him on the helmet which stunned him long enough before hitting him between the eyes and knocking him out.

The second, with reflexes that were not natural in any way, was already on her and pounced on her, pinning her on the ground. The stallion was much bigger than her and about to knock her brains out before another figure swooped in and collided with the enemy soldier. She quickly got up to see Flash knocking the soldier out with his lance.

He then looked at her and grinned. “Figured you needed some help.”

“Flash…” She then shook her head. “The thanks will have to come later. Help me push this thing.”

The cannon was heavy but they managed to point it towards the right. Flash quickly picked up on her idea. “You think this will take them all out?”

“Not with just this one but one can hope. Have you ever fired one of these before?”

“I wouldn't be here if I have. I'll let you do the honors of lighting the fuse.”

She rolled her eyes as she quickly aimed upwards and lit the fuse. “Fire in the hole!” The two of them braced for cover, making sure not to clench their teeth together.

The resounding explosion almost made her bones rattle and as Sunset looked up, she saw she didn't quite hit her target but the blast did hit the edge of the cliff about three miles down, causing it to collapse and take out two guns with it.

“Not too shabby newbie.”

Sunset couldn't help but grin.

The garrison was a complete mess and even though Spitfire and the others caught the enemy off guard, someone was still able to get an alert out. No doubt reinforcements would be showing up soon. But they were the least of her worries.

“Captain you copy?” She heard the radio go off in her ear. It was a big improvement over the old radios you had to carry around in your hooves or on your belt.

“I'm here Misty, what's up?” She took cover behind one of the fallen boulders.

“You're not going to like this. Scouts have just informed us the convoy is closing in on your position.”

Spitfire was speechless for a moment. It was impossible! “They're here too early! How did they get here so fast!?”

“I don't know, we were certain it would've taken another fifteen minutes at least before they got to where they are now. Some rookie must've made a mistake…”

“I'm going to personally beat the shit out of that rookie…” Spitfire growled to herself. “How long before they're in range…?”

Misty was quiet for a moment. “About five minutes.”

Could this get any worse? “Five minutes…” Spitfire had complete faith that Sunset could fulfill her part of the mission, or at least what was expected but things have changed. “Get those guns in range Misty. I'm not taking any chances. That convoy has to arrive unscathed.”

“Understood.” It would take about three minutes for the Hurricane to get in range. It would be close. She then changed frequencies. “Sunset, this is Spitfire do you copy?” There was no response. “Shimmer do you copy?” Still no response. She knew Sunset wasn't dead and she knew there couldn't be a radio malfunction. She must've dropped hers once she hit land. “Shit!” She looked around cover. Reinforcements were showing up and most of the Wonderbolts as well as the Pie sisters were trying to hold them back. Yep, it got worse.

Luckily she saw the pony she needed. “Dash!”

The cyan mare was quickly at her side. “Yes ma'am!”

“Change of plans. We need to get Sunset the hell out of where she is! We'll-!” Suddenly there was a small explosion where the fighting was building up. “On second thought, I'll take care of our friends here. I'm counting on you Dash!”

“Got it! Dust, you're with me!” Dash zoomed off and Dust quickly followed.

Spitfire sighed as she put her helmet back on. “While you're at it Mist, get me a damn extraction team down here.”

“This isn't good.” Sunset's plan had been working but now they were the ones getting fired at. There were still four guns in place and two were firing at them now. Of course, the ones firing weren't very good shots but they were pinned down nevertheless.

“Well, maybe if we keep them busy they won't see the convoy pass by at all,” Flash suggested.

“No offense, but I'm not sacrificing myself for one damn convoy.” The explosions around here were knocking her off target and she was starting to think that was their strategy. But were they really that unwilling to sacrifice one of their guns?

“Hey! Whoa!” Rainbow Dash had to quickly move out of the way to avoid getting caught in one of the blasts. “Sunset! We gotta get out of here!”

“I'm not finished with these guys yet!” Sunset yelled back at her.

“I know but we're out of time and the Hurricane is about to blow this all to kingdom come!”

“What!?”

“Sorry, no time to explain!” Rainbow Dash grabbed her by the tail and zoomed out of the area while Lighting Dust followed suit with Flash.

“You know I can fly myself!” Flash snapped. Dust merely grinned.

They were able to get away just in time as the Hurricane began its bombardment. It only took a few rounds to completely demolish what was left. Thankfully the small avalanche that would occur next wouldn't be an issue for the incoming convoy.

“Phew...I guess I owe you one Dash,” Sunset said once they were in the clear. “Thanks.”

“It's cool...kinda nice to have one of the fastest ponies on your side huh?” Dash grinned.

“Hey, don't forget about me,” Dust pouted.

Sunset chuckled. “I owe you one too...so does Flash.” Flash didn't respond, his pride and dignity having taken a large hit.

Dust then stretched in the air. “Still, nice to give the wings a good stretch, I'm going to be sleeping well tomorrow-”

Suddenly a shot rang out and everyone hit the deck. “Crap, sniper!” Flash yelled.

Sunset quickly checked herself. No wound; no pain. But she saw blood and to her horror saw who it belonged to.

Lightning Dust was laying against a boulder, her breathing labored as she put a hoof to her side. “Damn...there I go again showing off...not paying attention…”

Dash was quickly at her side. “Just take deep breaths Lightning...keep your eyes on me…” Her voice was shaking, and who could blame her? “Captain!”

Spitfire had heard the shot and quickly looked around in the distance. She saw nothing. The bastard took his shot and got out of there. She went over to where Dash was and stopped in her tracks. “Shit…”

“She's losing too much blood, we need a medic now,” Sunset said urgently.

“Misty, we have a Wonderbolt down. Where's that damn evac!?” Spitfire snapped.

“It's on its way now, I'll have the medic team meet you when you get back.”

“Dash...I mean... Sergeant...I need to tell you something,” Dust whispered.

“Okay, but no formalities alright? Dash is fine…”

Soarin quietly went up to Spitfire. “We just got word that reinforcements are coming, and they're the big guns too…”

“We'll be out of here by then,” Spitfire whispered. “At least the convoy is safe…” She looked around. “Sniper hit Dust. Even if we hurry, she's lost too much blood…”

“When I first joined...I knew you were the real deal…” Dust continued. “That's why I went out of my way to impress, cause I wanted to show them I was better than you. But I overdid it...and Spitfire kicked me out...but that was before you came and vouched for me. You had every reason to see me go but you gave a chance…”

“You're a damn good flyer and I didn't want your talents going to waste,” Dash smiled. “Besides, we are both passionate about what we do.”

“Yeah...you got that right…” Dust's eyes were half open.

“Hey, don't you dare fall asleep! Look, help's here...just hang on Dust...please…” Dash was now cradling Dust in her lap. Even as they returned to the ship, Dash never left her side.