Fly to the Stars and Back (Redone)

“We pulled it off knight captain Sheer,” Blitz says as they flew back with six airships.

Wind looks back to the burning base. “You sure we got every intel there?”

“What little was there and we also scored our fourth war chief kill. At this rate, our unit will be known as the war chief hunters.” Blitz says.

Wind chuckles a bit. “Yeah, but at least we got out alive.” She said eyeing the few griffons injured.

“That is the nature of these missions, but with this, we stopped their next invasion attempt before they could even launch it and we now have nine ships for our unit,” Blitz says.

Wind smiled. “Yes, but what more could the dogs have?”

“We don’t know, but I suspect that with this some of us will be promoted. Maybe the commander will be promoted to Lt. Colonel.” Blitz says.

Wind sighs. “Yes, him being recognized for this plan.” She said sarcastically. “Do you like leaving things for him?”

“Not like we will be overlooked for how we executed this,” Blitz says.

Wind looks to him. “You would be surprised.”

“Well I and my ghost won’t be for our hunting of the enemy leader,” Blitz says.

Wind chuckles. “Well, at least we lessen the trouble we might get now.”

“Yes, with the death of four war chiefs means four of the twenty-six tribes are in fighting over who will lead next making it next to impossible to coordinate properly with the other twenty-two,” Blitz says.

Wind nods. “Yes. Now let’s hope we get a big break after what we went through.”

“I doubt it. If anything we are about to get a lot busier. They won’t sit quietly after losing four of their leaders and being stopped twice. I bet their next move will be a frontal assault with multiple tribes.” Blitz says.

Wind watches him carefully. “You got a plan?”

“Not for that. For now, it is up to the generals to decide the next course of action. All we can do now is sure up our defenses.” Blitz says.

Wind shakes her head as she opens a book she had. “You certainly are a strange one.”

“If I make all the plans, how will you ever grow?” Blitz asks.

Wind smiles. “Certainly never.”

“And that is why I am starting to ease off on helping Silver commanding little by little. This way he will ease into commanding without my help.” Blitz says.

Wind nods and turns a page. “Yes, the hatchling does need help even though he doesn’t realize he wants it.”

“I won’t be around forever to hold his claw. After this war, I’m heading back to my wife and son.” Blitz says.

Wind looks up at him. “You have a wife and son?”

“Yes, my son was born not long before I got the summon,” Blitz says.

Wind raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes, I didn’t want to leave him, but I am duty-bound,” Blitz says.

Wind smiled as she went back to her book. “Then you are a wonderful stallion.”

“And you like Silver Claw more than you let on,” Blitz says.

Wind frowns. “No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do. You’re not nearly as hard on the other two captains as you are on him.” Blitz says.

Wind scoffs. “Oh please. He’s too young.”

“He is your exact age,” Blitz says.

Wind growls. “I don’t like him.”

“Then why are you so angry?” Blitz asks smirking under his helmet.

Wind growls a bit more before closing her book and heads down into the ship and shuts the door behind her.

“Checkmate,” Blitz says.

“She reminds me of someone.” Lightning says.

Blitz looks to her. “Oh yeah, who?”

“Can’t place it.” Lightning says.

Blitz shrugs. “Eh, you’ll figure it out. So…you feel better now that I changed the messages?” ‘Yes, love.’ Blitz read on his visor.

Lightning sighs and leans a bit slightly in his direction. “You certainly do know how to treat others.”

“Oh, you can send me messages now?” Blitz asks.

Lightning shrugs. “Thought I make my own just in case.”

“You are adorable.” Blitz whispers.

Lightning smirks. “I’m sexy, not adorable.”

“Depends on the time, since we aren’t in bed and you’re in your armor you are adorable.” Blitz whispers.

Lightning giggles. “Oh, Blitz. You really like to label.”

“Only when I like something. When I love something then that is another story altogether.” Blitz whispers.

Lightning sighs and sends another message. ‘I love you.’

‘So do I love.’ Blitz sends back as they disappear from view.

“Alright, class. Today is now officially the day we learn about my favorite subject.” Cheerilee said before showing a book. “Math.” She said electing groans from the class. “Oh hush now. We all need math in our lives and you will be using it, like counting bits for example.”

Scootaloo just stared straight ahead with her head on her hooves. “Scoots, want to do something later?” Sweetie Belle asks before Scootaloo actually snores a bit “She’s sleeping, with her eyes open?” She asks surprised.

“Don’t ya remember big bro Blitz taught her and Rainbow that trick?” Apple Bloom whispered.

Sweetie Belle then thinks back. “Oh yeah. What was the propose of that?”

Apple Bloom thinks about that. “I think it was for the long talks they would get soon enough.”

Sweetie Belle giggled at that before a beep sounded out from Apple Bloom’s foreleg. She quickly hid it under the desk before looking around and making sure nopony heard it and then turns on her omnitool and sees she got a message from Slender. “Huh?”

“Apple Bloom!”

“Gah!” Apple Bloom yells as she puts her foreleg down again.

Cheerilee frowns a little. “Care to tell me what’s more important than the advance fundamentals of counting your bits?”

Apple Bloom giggles. “Um…your life?”

“Pardon?” Cheerilee asks confused.

Apple Bloom raises a hoof up. “Your own life. Isn’t that more important than how rich you are?”

“Um…” Cheerilee tries to say. “That’s actually…pretty good. Nice work on being philosophical.” She said before turning back to her lesson.

Apple Bloom quickly leans over to Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie, look.” Apple Bloom whispered as she shows the message Slender sent.

“Hi girls. Listen, I’m probably going out of my way for this, but I can’t do this alone. Right now, I need help with Spike. He’s going through a tough time right now and he needs to know why he took this in the first place. The very first thing. You’re the closest he’s ever had and I don’t think the princess even got close to how far you have gotten with him. I’m sending over a favor that will get you three to us. It should be arriving within the hour. Good luck getting here.” Slender said before ending her message.

Sweetie Belle stares at her. “Within the hour? We’re still going to be in the school.”

Apple Bloom nods. “That’s why we’re using our escape maneuver. Wake her up.”

Sweetie Belle hits Scootaloo’s shoulder and knocks her awake. “Huh, what? Is school over yet?”

“Scoots, emergency plan 57.” Apple Bloom whispered.

She nods before they all get up and raise their hooves. “Ms. Cheerilee, we have to go.” They said in perfect unison.

“Yes, yes. Go on then.” Cheerilee said as she wrote on the board.

“Thanks, Ms. Cheerilee.” They said in unison as they grab their bags and head out.

Cheerilee writes a few more numbers before realizing something. “Wait, we don’t have a bathroom.” She said to herself before sticking her head outside. “Girls?!”

“Um…Ms. Cheerilee? They are heading into the forest.” A student said as they all watch the CMC head into the forest before Cheerilee could stop them.

Silver eyes the new ships. “Huh, didn’t think they would get close to ours.” He said as he sees the ships almost the same as theirs.

“Well mostly. The armor plating is heavy class and crudely constructed and they have twice the cannons a typical airship of this class has.” The newest captain of the unit says.

Silver smiled. “For a digging race, they sure know how to build a heavy fort. What’s next, a flying fortress…actually, don’t answer that.” He said holding up a claw.

“Sir, the flagship we captured name was blasted to irrigable while capturing it. Think you can decide on a new name for it?” An engineer asks.

Silver taps a claw to his beak. “How about…hum…”

“What do you think is the most important aspect of the fleet Commander?” Blitz asks.

Silver thinks about that. “That would be the commander…wait…no. It can’t be me. Maybe the Iron Wall.”

“You have your answer engineer,” Blitz says.

The engineer nods and starts grabbing a paint can and starts getting ready to make the name. “Now we just need to read the others and hope the dogs don’t just yell at us and don’t attack their old ships.” Silver said humorously.

“Oh, I don’t think they will mistake us,” Blitz says as they raised the griffon kingdom’s flag on the newly dubbed Iron Wall. “So It’s been nearly two weeks since we sent our report on our probing raid that secured us six more ships and also the end of a fourth war chief, have we received high command’s response and our new orders?” Blitz asks.

Silver sighs. “Yep, they want us to go to a new field to watch over. Also, check up on the area too as they haven’t heard from it and the dogs have recently engaged our troops to close in a full assault. Seems the dogs are upset we have blocked both of their attempts so far and lost four war chiefs. So the small scale strikes across our borders have failed and the sneak attack with their airships was a disaster so they seem to be just doing a frontal attack. Also, all the soldiers under my command have been given a commendation for our work so far and people will have to address us differently now, Knight Major Southern Cross.” Silver says.

Blitz chuckles. “So that makes you Lt. Colonel Claw then,” Blitz says.

Silver smiled. “Yep, but I don’t think of it much. It doesn’t matter when we get into battle other than, what’s the orders, sir? Know what I mean?”

“I know, so now that you have been promoted, does that mean our unit will…” Blitz was cut off by Silver.

“We will meet the rest of our new members at coordinates I have and we will have two new captains as the transfer of captain Brave from the base was made permanent and to make up for your promotion.” Silver explains.

Blitz raises an eyebrow. “Well, we better get moving. But what about our post here?”

Silver smirks and nods his head to a few griffons and ponies coming toward them. “They want it. And the mayor somehow got the creatures to dig a few tunnels under the paths and stop there and help with guarding. I’m inclined to agree as I don’t want to be dragged underground.”

Blitz just eyes the citizens as they carry pies and sticks and blades. “Huh, let’s hope they don’t get too much restrictive in this area. They need the money.”

“We could always send you back here with Terran. After all, those things fear you now.” Silver jokes.

Blitz waves him off. “Nah, I want them to live, not kill off the whole species.”

Silver eyes him. “Really, you want the things that attacked you to live?”

“I fought in self-defense and to secure an escape route for my men, nothing more,” Blitz says.

Silver shakes his head. “Just don’t try to provoke them and maybe we won’t have problems. We certainly don’t want to lose allies. I really don’t want to fight on two fronts.”

“I know. So according to the engineers they should have the fleet of nine airships will be ready to depart in two days and the soldiers are starting to get the hang of the rifles and I see you now have a revolver from the cargo we stole.” Blitz says.

Silver smiled as he takes out the small weapon. “Yeah, figured I might as well upgrade myself for the future wars. I might be facing something that requires me to use this.”

“It’s a good weapon to use, but it is a pain to reload and takes a little time,” Blitz says.

Silver shrugs and holsters it. “I would probably still be using my old weapons, so it’s good for a backup.”

“The piercing power of these guns far outweighs the power of the crossbows and arrows, that is for sure,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “That I have no doubt. But we don’t ammo for these as plentiful. Arrows and bows on the other talon…”

“Are faster to reload and some can even be reused and can be resupplied quickly,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Yep, unlike these guns which are hard to use again. We might have to send it to a blacksmith just to reuse it without blowing up in our face. Easier just to get new ones and that we don’t of much.”

“For now we must use them sparingly, but thanks to the rifle, revolver, and their ammo I brought to the king as evidence and the unicorns that scanned them. We will soon have them manufacturing them wholesale.” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “The problem that would come out of that is training the new soldiers on using that.”

“Actually, know it takes years to train troops like those heavy shock troops over there,” Blitz says pointing to heavily armored soldiers. “But it will only take a few months to train recruits to use the guns,” Blitz says.

Silver grins. “I meant not getting excited to use the new toys too early and possibly waste them.”

“I see, so where are the rangers? I was told a squad would be joining the ghosts.” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “They should be joining us at our new position. So we are going to have to get going soon.”

“We have to wait two days unless you want to walk there,” Blitz says.

Silver shakes his head. “I rather go with my whole army here, thank you very much.”

“And leave knight captain Sheer in charge?” Blitz asks.

Silver looks over to the griffon leaning on a rail of a ship. “Her choice.”

“You know, I think I figured out why she is so hard on you,” Blitz says.

Silver looks to him. “Care to tell?”

“Let’s just say she is hard on those she loves,” Blitz says.

Silver looks confused for a moment before sighing. “It will never work between us.”

“Yeah, if you give up before even trying,” Blitz says walking away.

Silver puffs his feather out. “I already have a nestmate.”

“Not uncommon for a griffon to have two especially from your kind of family,” Blitz says.

Silver frowns before he feels someone near him. “Two huh?” He heard.

Blitz chuckles as Silver was then dragged away blushing like crazy. “The kid is growing up, huh Surge?” Blitz asks.

Lightning giggles. “Yeah. Still needs to learn about having multiple mates is going to be his lifestyle soon. Let’s just hope it doesn’t get in the way of being in the military.”

“I doubt it will with that one keeping him straight,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled. “He will probably love it, in the end, …if his first one agrees to this.”

“Let’s not meddle in that,” Blitz says.

Lightning nods and looks to him. “Want to…find a silent place and maybe…?” She asks getting close to him.

‘We will have time for that later. For now, I need you to keep drilling the soldiers on how to use those rifles.’ Blitz sends a message.

Lightning sighs and nods. “See ya Cross.”

‘I will see you at midnight for one of those sessions.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning giggles. ‘Don’t worry, you’ll get a good massage.’

‘Also watch out, I think the troops are getting more curious and have been trying to sneak a peek at us while we bathe.’ Blitz messages.

Lightning grins a bit. ‘I would normally say let them. For all try know, we are just more ponies in the army here.’

‘But we mustn’t, as it could put our family in danger down the road.’ Blitz messages.

‘I really wish we could spend time like a normal couple.’ She sends.

‘We will soon enough and then you best prepare yourself.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning shakes her head. ‘I think it’s best you do.’

‘Oh, you think so? My count is you on top zero times and me eight times.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning smirks. ‘Not next time.’

‘We shall see. So prepare your flank.’ Blitz sends.

‘And you prepare that long thing of yours.’

‘You smart flank sexy mare.’ Blitz sends.

‘And you hard stud ready to pound me into submission.’

‘Let’s stop before we both get so hot we start going at it.’ Blitz sends.

‘I wouldn’t mind, as long as you knock me into a coma with that thing.’

‘Work first, then all the free time we have will be a fun time.’ Blitz sends.

‘Just go and get ready.’

‘Yes, love.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning smiled and sits down as she watches the new trainees assemble and disassemble their weapons.

‘By the way, your flank is putting off a lot of heat. I checked with the thermal vision so let’s take a nice cold bath soon.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning nods as she tries to keep still. ‘Yes sir.’

‘I’ll wash your wing.’ Blitz sends.

‘I’ll wash yours and your tail too.’ She sends back.

‘You love just being sexy don’t you?’ Blitz sends.

Five days had passed and they just came into view of the location. “Get ready to unload. We have to get ready for an attack because we are close to the front line.” Silver calls out.

Blitz chuckles a bit. “Yeah, at least it gives them an excuse to use their new toys,” Blitz says before turning serious. “So give it to me straight, have the number of tribes or war chiefs been confirmed on this front yet?” Blitz asks.

Silver looks to him. “I think just a few of them. Just enough for us to handle with nothing much.”

“And the whole front?” Blitz asks.

“Some claim to have seen ten while others, twelve war chiefs.” Silver says.

Blitz scoffs. “Well, let’s hope we get a low number. Otherwise, we would have to do a one on one if we meet mid-combat.”

“To boost morale, our coming here has been share openly amongst the army and I’ll bet you the dogs know we are coming now.” Silver says.

Blitz nods. “Yes, but we are going to be ready. Best to do it while we’re still getting there.”

“Actually, that supply base down there is the rendezvous location. Those currently guarding it are our new troops.” Silver says handing him the telescope.

Blitz looks through and sees a group with lots of cargo waiting around. “Huh. Well, let’s pick em up or they might die of boredom.”

“Orders are to stay and guard that supply base until the ones that are sent to relieve us arrive with our new orders.” Silver says.

Blitz smiled. “You got better, you know that, right?”

“Yeah, and you’re not holding my claw nearly as much as you used to back during our first battle together.” Silver says.

Blitz chuckles. “And you hate me for mentioning that little fact, right?”

Silver frowns. “How could I not? But I wasn’t complaining once she was done.”

“Now as her commander, you must send her in to meet your girlfriend alone to survive the outcome,” Blitz says.

Silver shivers. “I just wish the house would be intact when I get back.”

“Who said at your home?” Blitz asks.

Silver just eyes him. “I still hate you.”

“You might right now, but you won’t later down the road,” Blitz says as the Iron Wall starts to land in the supply base with the other eight airships.

Silver huffs. “Let’s hope so.”

Blitz stopped paying attention as he brings out a letter and starts reading it.

Silver sees the letter. “Who’s that from?”

“My wife,” Blitz says smiling as he looks at the picture of Azure.

Silver smiled. “Hope they’re doing well.”

“They are, but she writes Azure is missing his father,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “Then let’s hope you can be sent back home. Who knows what would happen when you’re gone.”

“I know,” Blitz says putting the letter away.

Silver leans against the rails as the ships finally land at the base. “Hard to believe this has been going on for a while.”

“Nearly six months already and from all perspectives, we are just demolishing the dogs,” Blitz says not as convinced.

Silver sighs. “I just wish we can get peace with them now…you’re not convinced are you?”

“No, not yet as we have yet to face the majority of their hoard yet and they have yet to face their full-powered assault with these weapons,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “What do you think would be coming up next?”

“I don’t know,” Blitz says.

Silver puts a talon on his head and sighs. “Well, let’s hope we won’t get in major trouble.”

“Fear we will feel the full brunt of the next offensive with our forces in this campaign,” Blitz says.

Silver looks to his army loading up and repairing what they can. “Yes, I’m now fearing that too.”

“Well, we will just have to keep vigilant here and…” Blitz stops and withdraws a claw over the railing. “You need more training to sneak up on me.” Blitz finishes.

A griffon head peeks out from below them on the side of the ship. “How…?”

“I’m that much better,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “Maybe I should hire you to keep training these loud ones. They probably can’t keep themselves quiet at night.”

“Not my department, now ranger, fall in,” Blitz says.

The ranger jumps off the side and stands at attention on the ground. “Sir.” He said while trying to maintain a blush.

“Assumable the rest of your squad,” Blitz says.

The ranger nods and walks off, leaving the two commanders again. “This one might either be boring or just plain crazy when it hits the fan.” Silver said after a while of watching the base.

“No, they wanted to gauge my abilities,” Blitz says.

Silver scoffs. “I meant our possible future battle. Not him.”

“Ah, then that is the calm before the storm,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “Then I hope that storm just dissipates away.”

“You can hope, but what do your instincts tell you?” Blitz asks.

Silver sighs. “We’re going to be fucked because it’s coming.”

“You’re starting to develop your commander abilities,” Blitz says.

Silver shakes his head. “Nah, just experience and that damn army work.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Blitz says before walking away.

Silver watches him as he leaves before turning back to the base. “I wonder if the dogs have their own shadow team?”

“They’re what?!” Applejack yells in Cheerilee’s face.

Cheerilee leans back a little to get away from the angry mare. “I’m just saying they took off. I thought they were going to the bathroom, but that was before I realize we didn’t have one.” She tries to say as Applejack looked steamed.

‘I’m going to kill Slendermane.’ Rarity thinks.

Rainbow groans as she facehooves. “Well, which way did they go?”

Cheerilee points to the direction of the nearby forest. “Into the forest. Didn’t have time to get them before they disappeared.”

The three mares groan or yell in frustration as they head out and try to call, but only get’s the standard voice mail. “Where the heck did that demon take them too?” Applejack asks.

“You call that stealth?!” Blitz yells at the ranger squad.

The rangers soon head back to the starting point as they groan a bit from the fall from the building. “Hard to believe they made it this far.” Lightning said from right beside him.

“They are not up to our standards that is for sure. Alright, take a five-minute break. After that, you all will do full contact sparring with Surge here.” Blitz says.

Lightning looks to him. “You sure they’re ready?”

“No, kick their flanks and show them how skilled you are and something to inspire to,” Blitz says.

Lightning laughs. “Really, close or long?”

“Mt. Olympus,” Blitz says walking away as a soldier waves him over.

Lightning raises an eyebrow as she watches the rangers all try to rest up or look at her think, to which she just sits down and waits for them smiling under her helmet. ‘Oh, this will be fun.’ Lightning thinks.

Blitz yawns a bit as he leans back and relaxes as he watches Lightning standing in an area next to some cargo, making it look real. “Okay, base checkup. This would be easy…for her.” He said watching a few rangers on the rooftops getting close.

Lightning just laid on a box under the shady tree. She yawns before she hears a wire snap and sees at least three in a net behind her. “Nice try boys. But you have to watch the ground.” She said before hearing another snap and looks up to see another three in a net. “And watch the air in front of you for invisible nets too.” Lightning says before uppercutting on one trying to sneak up behind her.

Lightning sighs as she lays down again as the ranger falls backward as she sees a flap of clothing from around a tree in front of her and takes out a sphere before lazily tossing it to the tree line and waits. “Boom.” She said as the sphere exploded in a bright flash getting two more blinded. “I got explosive grenades boys, but if I would have used it, you be dead. You’re out of the game.” She said as the rangers try to gain their bearings before grumbling and walking off. “Idiots.” She said to herself as a snap was heard right next to her. “Non-daming bear trap. Classic, but it works.” She said pointing a blaster at him. “Bang, you’re dead.” She said putting it away again. “Come on guys, give me something good.”

Blitz was snoring as he finally fell asleep from the boring display. “Lousy.” He said in his sleep and grabs a talon reaching for him. “Not even that much sleepy. Now get down there and fight her like a real griffon.” Blitz says before throwing the griffon.

Lightning yawns as the sun start to set and cast a long shadow on the base from the mountains in the distance. “When are these guys going to get good? I’m getting hungry.” She said before sighing and getting up a bit and throws a disc onto the ground in front of her and lays back down before another flash went off from the disc. “Boom, you’re dead.” She said to the three new rangers. “Why groups of threes and twos? Come on, give it all you got.” She calls out.

Finally, all the rest of the rangers jump down around her. “Finally!” Lightning said sitting up. “But, major mistake.” She said before pointing below them and they see nothing. “Bang, you’re dead.” They look up again and see her holding both her blasters. “Fell for it. Don’t let that happen.” She said before putting her blasters away and jumps down. “Training over. Go to bed.” She said walking away. “Pathetic, you won’t survive my life.”

“Surge, switch gears, no more tools, no more stealth, just a straight-up spar. All of them against you.” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs and throws a few things and hits a few buttons as all the rangers get released. “Come at me boys.” She calls out as she waited before they all charged.

“Don’t break any of their bones. They will be unable to do their duties properly or at all.” Blitz calls before he hears yells and sees some bodies flying away. “What did I say?”

“I didn’t hear a crack yet.” Lightning retorted.

“Not you. Him. Now get back down there.” Blitz says throwing the griffon back.

He hears Lightning chuckling and sometimes laughing maniacally as she fights them and leaves them on the ground or throws them out of the group. He sighs as he throws another one behind him to the group. “Geez, they really are not that good.”

“Please tell me the infirmary won’t be full by the end of the day?” Silver asks coming up to him.

“They there have been bumps and bruises,” Blitz says.

Silver scoffs. “Right, so how much, oh, never mind.” He said seeing all the rangers down and out and Lightning yawns in boredom.

“This…was terrible.” Lightning said before walking away. “Come back when you really get better.”

“You heard her. Get back to training!” Blitz calls.

Silver smiled a bit as he watches all the rangers grumble and walks off with some holding their limbs. “I don’t know if it’s safe to keep you guys now. I’m worried you might scare off new potential recruits.”

“Do you want effective soldiers or militia?” Blitz says.

Silver shrugs. “Depends on who’s better. Sometimes the militia is better because they know the land and resources while the soldiers just know how to fight.”

“Militia who are from the other side of the country then,” Blitz says.

Silver scoffs. “When you say it like that…” He sighs and walks past him. “You better get some rest. We got a long day tomorrow.”

“As you command,” Blitz says walking to the barracks.

Five days later, the replacement troops arrived. “These are them?” Blitz asks, eyeing the new troops moving the cargo.

“Yes, they will take over the defense of this base. Now gather the troops, we are departing on our airships.” Silver says.

Blitz nods and with the help of Lightning was able to gather everyone and they set off. “So what’s the layout of the land there?” Lightning asks.

“I sent a few probes to give us a 3D map ahead of time,” Blitz says.

Lightning looks to him. “And how long would that take?”

Blitz shrugs. “A few more minutes and I should get something. Now then, our real mission?” He asks Silver.

“We are to patrol here for a week as a faint then head there and join up with colonel Talon and Captain Gilded and launch an offensive into this area.” Silver says.

Blitz looks over to him carefully. “Huh. Well then, this should be fun. Two more commanders.”

Lightning smiled. “There’s going to be a mix up somewhere. I can guarantee that.”

“Yes, they are planning some plan we haven’t been informed of yet, but the joint chiefs of staff have approved it.” Silver said.

Blitz sighs. “Well, let’s hope they keep it secret.”

Lightning shakes her head. “And hope we follow it how they want it.”

“So I will take command of the airship Silver as we have planned?” Blitz asks.

Silver nods. “Yeah, you’re used to the skies as a battleground. Me, I’m on the ground, but I may fall into life in the skies soon. Just not now.”

“You better, you got a good pair of wings so you best use them,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “Don’t worry. I will soon enough and here it comes.” He said seeing the new ground.

“I will see you on patrol later,” Blitz says.

Silver nods as the ships landed and the army on them disembarks while Silver heading to the large tent. “You think he would be fine?” Lightning asks as they watch him leave.

“Yes, he doesn’t need me around holding his claw for this,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled. “Now we’ll know what his first battle will be like going on himself.”

“I doubt he will get into a battle. A skirmish maybe, but no battle.” Blitz says as the Sabre and three other airships took off.

Lightning sighs. “Want me on the ground if there is one? Be on the lookout for more?”

“Later, we have just taken off Surge. Everything in moderation.” Blitz says.

Lightning shakes her head. “If you need me, I’ll be on the forefront and watch ahead and maybe a play something to bide the time.”

“Surge, I want to see you in the captain’s quarters to discuss something,” Blitz says.

Lightning looks to him. “Alright, just remember…” ‘Don’t treat me differently.’ She sent.

‘Oh, so you want me to pet you right away?’ Blitz sends.

Lightning smirks. ‘I just want you and your body heat. I need time with just laying together.’

‘Done.’ Blitz sends.

Lightning sighs and nuzzles Blitz’s chest as she drapes her wings over them. “Morning Blitzy.”

Blitz chuckles and nuzzles her head. “Morning my love.”

Lightning looks up at him. “Is it time to go?”

Blitz nods. “Yeah, we might get new orders.”

Lightning sighs and gets up. “What time is it?”

Blitz holds her down to him. “Just a little past six in the morning. I’ll get ready. You can rest a bit more if you want.”

Lightning smiled and kisses him. “It doesn’t matter if we’re attacked.”

Blitz nods. “Good point. Let’s go.” He said letting her up and getting up himself.

Lightning giggles and grabs her gear. “What do we do after this battle, head home, or when they don’t need us anymore?”

“Until the dogs’ surrender or a cease-fire is made,” Blitz says.

Lightning huffs. “I sincerely doubt that.”

“Yes, the dogs have shown they won’t do either unless forced. So we may have to force the one who controls all them to accept a challenge.” Blitz says.

Lightning scoffs. “If we find them.”

“We will if we defeat them in this huge battle, he will be forced to show himself or the dogs all lose face and that is something none of them want and will start challenging him for the right to rule if that happens and it will divide them further,” Blitz says as Lightning brushes her mane.

Lightning looks back to him a bit as she kept brushing. “Really now, well I prefer they get together after we finish this war. And let’s not screw them over when this war is over. It would probably cause more problems.” She said before looking back to herself.

“They have their own personal problems and we would just use that against them. If they lose because of that, they will be forced to correct it and start to come together.” Blitz says.

Lightning nods and finished brushing and puts down her brush. “Let’s get going.” She said putting on her armor.

“We must finish our patrol first,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled. “Boo.” She said putting on her helmet.

“Please don’t start love, the ranger sergeant Spear has already started that with me,” Blitz says.

Lightning shakes her head before walking over to him and pulling him along until they reach the door and make him push her to the wall. “Try to not do stupid things, okay?”

“I’m not. Also, you want to hear the mutterings around the court?” Blitz asks.

Lightning nods and leans back. “Where is it?”

“The king is really valuing Silver and my effort and to secure mine, he wants to increase my status from knight of the kingdom to a lord of the kingdom,” Blitz says.

Lightning giggles and reaches a hoof to his cheek. “And what does that entitle you to?”

“Land a place at court and my voice adding power to a few of my friends in court and they will in turn help protect me and my family from court intrigue,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled. “And you don’t want that, do you?”

“At least I would get a estate or castle and to tell the truth, I want to see you dress a lady of the court at one of those snooty parties,” Blitz says smirking.

Lighting smirks. “You just want to play with me while I’m in a dress, don’t you?”

“No, just want to get a good picture of it,” Blitz says chuckling.

Lightning sighs. “Of course you do. Let’s just go and get this done. Otherwise, you might lose that chance.”

“Yes love and picture this, Rainbow, Vinyl, or Daring as a proper lady,” Blitz says.

Lightning grins. “That’s too cute of them, but they would squirm a lot.”

“I know and I find it funny,” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs and leans her head against his. “Let’s get going to sweets. We have to get our job done or they will fire us. By the way, are you sure the others aren’t that suspicious?”

“No, because I keep calling in the other officers below me for reports and to tell them of any changes to any plans,” Blitz says.

Lightning nods. “Good, now we to head out. Let’s go.” She said pushing herself off the wall and walking past him. “Come on sexy.”

Blitz nods putting on his helmet and exits with her. “How’s it going out here?” He asks seeing everyone working around the ship and the ship in motion to the borders.

The griffon at the wheel turns into the diction along the border. “Command wants us to patrol here. So far, nothing.”

“Keep the course helmsman,” Blitz says.

The griffon nods as Blitz steps up to the bridge. “I can see why they complain, but they won’t once it starts flying.”

“Sergeant Spear has given you any trouble?” Blitz asks.

The griffon shakes his head. “Nah, just telling me to keep things going. He doesn’t want any griffon idle.”

“He is antsy for the operation,” Blitz says.

The griffon nods. “Yeah, that’s worrying too. Still need to deal with small minuscule particles, but you just have to fire up a black flare and the ground team will take care of it.”

“I see and I know Sergeant Spear, you think we should head towards the rendezvous,” Blitz says as a griffon came up behind him as the ship lifted off.

Spear huffs. “Yes, you should very well know what we have to do now.”

“Finish our patrol like we were ordered,” Blitz says.

Spear raises an eyebrow. “So you are not full of yourself, are you? Because I have the right mind to send you somewhere more fun.”

“We are at war Sergeant, we can not stop being vig…what is that over there?” Blitz asks seeing a cloud of black smoke rising.

Spear leans over before looking through a telescope. “Seems like it is a fire?” Spear says.

“Helmsman, steer us over there,” Blitz says.

The helmsman nods and turns the wheel towards that direction. “Alright, let’s get the weapons ready.” Spear accounted for everyone.

“Surge, fly ahead, and investigate.” Blitz orders.

Lightning flies off and soon sees fire running along a forest and a town nearby in trouble. “There’s fire alright and there’s a town that’s catching it too.”

“Alright, all hands prepare to help.” Blitz orders.

The crew scrambled and gathers their weapons as the ship closes in on the town. “Give me ten seconds.” The helmsman said before Blitz jumps off. “Or just not listen to me about that.”

Blitz landed and looked around the burning village. Until he hears a small cry from a collapsed building. Blitz rushed over and started throwing the collapsed wood aside before entering the building and finding a young griffon child and picks him up and carries him outside. He soon sees every other griffon from the ship carrying any other survivors out of the burning buildings and trying to find any other dog that is still there. A soft coo from beside him and he sees the hatchling he’s carrying looking at him.

“Surge.” Blitz calls.

Lightning lands in front of him. “Yeah?”

“I want you and Spear to organize the rescue operations and looking after this little one. I have a business to attend to.” Blitz says barely containing his anger.

Lightning held a frowns as she took the little griffon who coos at her. “Hey, there little guy. It’ll be okay.” She said tickling its stomach.

Blitz turns invisible and follows the tracks of the dogs who had done this. He soon finds a group of dogs running through the forest before they slow down and laugh and high paw each other and with some young griffons and some ponies being pulled by rope who were carrying bags and some boxes. “That was the best.” One said as Blitz gets out his claws before he sees one of them fall and the others just looking at their fallen comrade, making Blitz stop. Soon more falls before a knife with a rope attached on the end got stabbed on one of the dogs and was pulled back before he was pulled up and actually strangled.

Blitz lets his claws retract as the dogs continue to fall before the last one was left standing and he growls as he whirls around widely. “Where are you coward?!” He yells, brandishing his sword.

“Who are you calling cowards, razors?” A voice asks before the dog fell back and Blitz sees a diamond knife or maybe, “Is that a kunai?”

The leftover griffons and ponies look around before a knife went past each of their ropes and they fell apart quite easily. “Get back to the town, help has arrived and all of your families have been saved, except, possibly for a select few. I’m sorry.” The voice said before some branches were heard moving and a few leaves fell down.

“No one leaves.” A gruff voice says as a huge dog steps forward with dual heavy axes in his paws.

Blitz growls as he lets his claws out once more. “I’ll take this.” He said before walking out and the dog sees him.

“Are you the one who killed my soldiers?” The dog asks with a gruff voice and the once captured ponies and griffons backed off.

“No, but I’m here for you and your men heads like I took the last two war chiefs,” Blitz says.

The dog laughs. “You challenge me?! You’re a fucking pony. You can’t do much other than prance around. The birds put up a more fitting fight.”

“Really?” Blitz asks before disappearing and soon the war chief’s left arm fell off severed before Blitz reappears.

The dog growls before yelling and charging at him and rears his leftover arm back. “Die!” He yells before swiping down and hits the ground where Blitz was. “What?!”

“All muscle and no strength or brains, now die,” Blitz says before beeping was heard on the war chief’s chest.

The dog looks down and sees a blinking circle on his armor chest. “Shit.” He said before his chest exploded and his head flew off before it landed a bit away.

“Now for the rest of you,” Blitz says before jumping at some of the dogs.

After the fight, all but two were dead. “Huh, there was more of you a second ago.” He said withdraws his claws and lets the last two run. He turns back to the griffons and ponies left behind. “Everyone okay?”

The griffons and ponies nods and puts the boxes and bags down. “We’re fine.” One said before stretching himself and grabs his box and walks back. “Come on guys.”

“You come out now or would you rather I come and get you Ranger Captain?” Blitz asks.

Some branches shake. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?” The voice asks. “How about a game?”

“Knight Major Southern Cross and I know exactly where you are,” Blitz says throwing the kunai he picked up into the tree which the ranger was on.

He hears a thunk and then some wood creaking. “Nice shoot. Still need to work on the travel because it wobbles in the air if not thrown right.” The voice said before another branch shakes. “How about this, help me with a camp and I would show myself. Don’t and I would take care of it on my own and we go our separate ways.”

“With or without artillery fire?” Blitz asks.

The voice chuckles. “You’re funny, but where’s the fun in that? Now, will you or won’t you help me?”

“Was planning on following those two back to their camp to destroy the rest of their tribe so they can’t raze another city like that again,” Blitz says disappearing before reappearing behind the ranger. “And don’t think I can’t find you,” Blitz says before disappearing again.

The voice sighs and jumps down and Blitz reappears in the middle of the trail and sees the voice was a griffon in a black costume that seems to hide almost everything. “You serious? A ninja costume?”

The griffon shrugs. “What, it works and I loved the history behind these guys. Plus, it works. I got them down.” He said pointing to the dead bodies.

“Yes, but you aimed for the throat while the jugular would have been more effective,” Blitz says.

The griffon sighs. “At least I know you’re not a total idiot. Want to head to the camp now?”

“Let’s follow those foals and hatchling at a distance,” Blitz says.

The griffons shrugs. “Fine, but what about the camp nearby? After we get them back?”

“We shall see it first, then decide,” Blitz says.

The griffon nods and jumps onto a branch again and starts following where the dogs went. “Come on.” He calls back to him.

Blitz follows as they follow the two dogs. After a while, they stop a bit from the tree line and sees a whole dog camp moving about and the surrounding areas of the camp in a small frenzy. “Nice place, how about a taste of their medicine?” The griffon asks.

“Why don’t we put on a show and really put the fear into them. Can you start setting small fires around the camp?” Blitz asks.

The griffon chuckles. “What do you take me for?” He asks before jumping off and grabs a left behind torch.

“Then let’s do this,” Blitz says turning invisible again.

After a while, the dogs hear something and then smell something before seeing smoke and then fire and they all rushed over and tried to put it, but more fires popped up then they tried to put out. Blitz chuckles a bit as he runs past a frantic dog group before heading for the biggest tent and heads inside to find a dog muttering something and rushing about the table. “Why the heck is my camp on fire? Explain!” He calls out to the other dogs in the tent.

“We don’t know, but we’re putting them out.” One said.

The chief grabs him by the scruff of his collar before growling. “Then why aren’t you out there?!”

“It’s an inferno!” A dog outside cries.

The chief then throws the dog he got to the entrance. “Put it out!” He yells before the dogs run out and the chief stares at the entrance before he sees a black shape appear upward from the ground. “Chief, your time has come,” Blitz said before a metal claw struck him, killing him as the distorted image from the fire cleared, revealing Blitz.

The chief coughs up blood before dropping to the ground. “Who are you?” He chokes out.

“I have many names: Southern Cross being the most used, but I was given the name Reaper because I am the leader of the Ghosts. Who, as of now, have killed six war chiefs.” Blitz says.

The chief coughs some more before starting to blackout. “Damn you.” He said before Blitz hears his final breath and turns around to leave before seeing the griffon looking over the table full of papers.

“Take all you can carry, I will continue with the camp,” Blitz says walking back into the fire, claws extended.

The griffon huffs as he tries to look over everything before stopping at one. “There you are you bastard. Now you’re going to pay for what you did.” He said stuffing it in his suit and grabs the rest before running off. Outside he sees Blitz hard at work cutting down warrior after warrior. He chuckles before flying off along the ground before heading into the forest and flies up back to the town.

Blitz sighs in relief as he walks away from the camp as the last few bodies fell down as he cleaned his claws. He says nothing as he sees the last remaining warrior fleeing in fear as the flames rage out of control and started to consumed the camp completely.

When Blitz reached the town again, he sees the families with all the young ones who were taken and goes over to Silver. “So, how did it go?”

Silver looks to him. “Most of the families were saved and the buildings that were housing the families were saved in time. The important ones, forget it. By the way, some griffon dropped these off.” He said showing the papers and files.

“What about the hatchling I saved from the burning building? I saw two other griffons on the floor dead.” Blitz says.

Silver sighs and looks over to the young griffon being healed up. “He knows. It seems like he saw it. We’re trying to help him now.”

Blitz nods and wordlessly walks over and offers a hoof to the young hatchling. The griffon looks up at him before taking his hoof and Blitz pulls him up and leads him over to the small lake nearby and lays down with the hatchling following his example.

The next day, Blitz met with Lightning as the hatchling slept in his bed. “I have decided to adopt the hatchling,” Blitz says.

Lightning looks over to the little one sleeping soundlessly. “Are you sure? I mean with him coming along with almost everything we do.”

“That is why I want you to take him to Twilight on the Darkstar,” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs. “Okay, when do you want me to take him?”

“Now as we will soon be going into battle,” Blitz says.

Lightning nods. “Okay, let’s just let him rest first, and then I’ll take him there. And did you notice the necklace on him?” She asks seeing the jagged piece of something hanging around the hatchling’s neck.

“Yes, I noticed,” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs and sits down at the table nearby. “Good, but now you got two kids to take care of. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I am,” Blitz says.

Lightning looks to him and glared slightly. “Blitz. Tell me the truth. Are you okay?”

Blitz sighs. “I…I’m now worried, to tell the truth.” He said looking to the hatchling. “Worried about losing you two.”

Lightning shakes her head. “Blitz, you won’t lose me or that hatchling. Maybe injured, but not lost.”

“Okay, you will be picked up by the Darkstar here,” Blitz says.

Lightning nods and sighs, looking to the hatchling before he snorts. She giggles a bit as she hears it. “He does kinda grows on ya, but what about any other family? Doesn’t the town know about any other family?”

“We will look and if we find any, we will see if they will take him,” Blitz says.

Lightning nods. “Try not to get too attached then. Now then, should we head out and see if there is a family first in this town?”

Blitz nods and puts a hoof up. “You watch, I’ll check.” He said grabbing his armor. “I’ll be back when I finish asking around.”

Lightning sighs and leans against the chair and looks to the hatchling. “You got it.”

Blitz sighs and puts on the armor before heading out. Lightning leans on a hoof as she watches him before starting to close her eyes before quickly opening them again. She kept doing this until she fully closes her eyes and slept for a bit before being shaken awake. “Wha…?” She asks looking to Blitz who came back. “Well, did you find anyone?”

“We have been ordered to the front immediately, I can’t look around and check,” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs and sits up. “Okay, I’ll get him to the Darkstar then.” She said going to him and shaking him awake.

“Let him sleep through the ride as he has been through a lot,” Blitz says.

Lightning looks to him as the griffon awoke. “You sure, what if we were attacked?”

“Trust me,” Blitz says.

Lightning frowns a little before looking back to the little one. “You can head back to sleep.” She said following him out after she put her armor on. The griffon only stares before yawning and lays down to sleep again and pulls the covers around him.

“See you later,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled as she looks back at him as the griffon smiled a little before she follows him out and closes the door. “As I said, he grows on you.”

Azure laughs as he chased a butterfly that seemed to get into the castle as Octavia smiled and watched on. “Oh, Azure.”

Twilight smiled as she came in. “Hey there. We got a visitor.”

“Sorry for not calling beforehand Twilight,” Octavia says.

Twilight giggles. “It’s okay. You’re always welcome here, you’re family.” She then walks over to her. “Now look who Blitz found. Don’t worry, he’s going to make sure he can adopt.” She said and turns her body slightly and shows the griffon on her back.

“What happened?” Octavia asks.

Twilight lets the griffon down and they watch him walk over to Azure. “His parents were killed in a razed town. Blitz would check to see if he has any leftover family, but it will take time. For now, he’s with us.”

“I see, so is he scared?” Octavia whispered.

Twilight leans over. “A little. He’s scared because there are not many griffons here and then the dogs burning down his town and his parents killed. But it seems he’s either good at hiding or is really good at adapting. Only time will tell.” She whispered.

Octavia sighs and looks to the griffon and Azure now chasing the butterfly. “Does he have a name?”

“The necklace has the name, Blazer,” Twilight says.

Octavia smiled. “Blazer, that’s sweet. So what do we do now? Keep watch until Blitz can find someone?”

“That or the alternative happens. Blitz has stated he intends to adopt him if he can’t.” Twilight says.

Octavia sighs as she watches Blazer and Azure try to best each other now. “Then let’s hope we can at least find some of his family. I don’t mind having him, it’s just not right to leave him from his family if he has any.”

“Blitz will check and at the rate, they are going. The war may end soon.” Twilight says before a changeling walks up.

“My queen, your egg is about to hatch.” The changeling says.

Twilight gasps and runs over to her room and finds her egg being watched by a few changelings. “How is it?” She asks as Octavia, Azure, and Blazer follows her.

The changelings smiled at her. “It will be a very good hatch now. What about the king?” One asks.

Twilight frowns a bit. “I…don’t know.”

“Didn’t Lightning mention anything?” Octavia asks.

“Not really, she seemed to be in a rush to get back, the best I get. Besides his occasional calls is griffon kingdom propaganda in the griffon kingdom from a few changelings.” Twilight says.

Octavia raises an eyebrow before looking to the egg shaking a bit now. “Look, it’s moving.” She said as they all close in.

Soon a crack forms as Twilight moves the closest. They all watch as more cracks form before a piece falls and they heard a small cooing sound and a hoof reaching out. “That’s right, little one. Push, push.” Twilight smiled as the little foal pushes itself out and soon fell onto the cloth below and was bundled by the changelings before being given to Twilight. “My queen, congratulations.” One said as she gave the little foal over to her.

“Hey, there little one. I’m your mom.” Twilight says smiling at the foal who she noticed had a horn.

Octavia smiled as she looks to the foal as well. “Looks like we have a unicorn. Want to check for wings, just in case?” She asks.

Twilight pulls the cloth back and sees a set of wings on its back. “We got an alicorn. Now for gender.” She said moving the cloth a bit. “It’s a…boy?” Twilight said confused.

“Look, Azure, you got a brother,” Octavia says before registering the last part. “Why are you so surprised? Did you want a daughter?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No, it’s just no male alicorns have ever existed.”

“Well how many known alicorns have been females?” Octavia asks as Azure climb on top of her head to see the newborn.

Twilight looks to her. “Octavia, Celestia, and Luna are the first ones. Cadance was the last born female. I got mine through magic.”

“So only three naturally born,” Octavia says.

Twilight nods and looks back to the foal looking up at her with his black-red eyes. “Wow, you can really get lost in that.”

Octavia leans over as Blazer tries to hop onto a changeling and look for himself. “Yeah, he almost looks menacing. The only thing stopping that is how contrast he is. Look at that white mane. White mane? There’s hardly ever been one. Oh wait, should you notify your family and call the other princesses?”

Twilight sighs. “As soon as I call Blitz. He should know his second son is born.” She said sitting on the bed and holding her son while calling up Blitz. “I hope he can answer.”