Chapters The History of Pony Aviation
A pony by the name of Bifacial Flint, or Professor Flint, had discovered the treasure of a lifetime. He was entirely sure he would never uncover something as grand as this.
Backpedalling to a few hours before, Flint arrived at this new dig site his benefactors wanted to investigate. A couple hours North of Manehatten, a stretch of sandy soil mixed along with deciduous trees. A totally inconspicuous piece of land, Flint thought, but he had made a deal with his benefactors, so to digging he got.
He and his team, professionals as they are, barely took three hours to fully set up camp. Soon after, they were at it like a foal in awe. Despite their enthusiasm, they were professionals, which meant they went to digging slowly and surely. If their carelessness costed them a precious artifact, it wasn't uncommon to see a pony quit their job out of sheer shame.
The Professor was dusting away at a particular sandy piece of rock, it was quite stubborn, but Flint was more stubborn. He stayed at it, that particular spot, for nigh on 30 minutes. When it finally crumbled, a glint of silver caught his eyes. With a professionalism that suited his degrees, he carefully extracted the artifact and gasped in awe. It was glorious.
It was an amulet of sorts, silver filigree with ruby inlay. There were even slight, masterful touches upon the metal that dulled the silver without making it lose it's shine. The depiction, however, caught his attention most wholeheartedly. It was an alicorn, its wings spread upwards and its head lowered in a condescending manner. The ruby eyes truly sold the look and before Flint knew it, he was infatuated with the artifact.
***
Author's Note
unfinished
The History of Pony Aviation
Key:
Around 5000 BFF - The first Pegasus bones found and dated to have been around here. The first instances of natural flight by Ponykind.
Around 4800 BFF - Cave Paintings[1] found depicting Pegasi forming hunter gatherer groups.
Around 4700 BFF - Cave Paintings found depicting Pegasi with the ability to walk on clouds. There is assumptions of this extending to weather manipulation. This is not confirmed.
Around 4200 BFF - Cave Paintings found depicting what could potentially be the first Alicorn[2]. Rumors speculating that this mysterious Alicorn is Faust[3].
Around 1000 BFF - Ancient Records[4] depict an organized tribe of Pegasi. This is the moment where the Three Tribes[5] of Ponies were founded.
Around 780 BFF - Ancient Records depict the founding of the Pegasus Weather Brigade[5].
534 BFF - Griffons[6] are encountered. This was also the first time Ponykind came across another sentient being capable of flight.
490 BFF - The first documented Aerial Combat[7]. Griffons versus Pegasi. Massive casualties on both sides, the Pegasi had to retreat.
0 - Fires of Friendship. Equestria is founded. This became the first instance that the entirety of Ponykind had full and willing access to Flight. The Wendigoes[8] are encountered. While there is speculation of ponies coming across Wendigoes before, this was the first official documentation of such an instance.
24 AFF - The first official documentation of Alicorns. Celestia and Luna have ascended. A combination of Earth Pony, Unicorn, and Pegasus. Capable of all of Pony Magicks[9].
38 AFF - The Dragonlands[10] are encountered. By extension, Dragons are encountered. Ponykind dares not to interact with them for fear of their power.
107 AFF - Tirek and Scorpan[11] visit Equestria. While Tirek turned out to be evil, Scorpan turned out to be the very first sentient being capable of flight that was on friendly terms with Ponykind.
108 AFF - The Royal Legion[12] founded. Due to the Tirek scare, the Pegasi have returned to their militaristic routes back in the Three Tribes Era. They founded the Royal Legion. This was supposed to represent the might of the Pegasi race as well as showcase their aerial superiority.
109 AFF - Air Chariots[13] are invented. Allows for pegasi to bring Earth Ponies or Unicorns into the sky.
111 AFF - Cockatrices[8] are encountered. While there has been rumors of Ponykind interacting with Cockatrices before this point, even befriending them, this is the first official documentation. The creatures are a combination of chicken and snake with the power to turn anything it locks eyes with, into stone. The discovery was astonishing.
145 AFF - King Grover of Griffonstone[6] and Princess Celestia of Canterlot drafted a peace treaty[14]. This marks an era of great peace within Aviation.
188 AFF - Somnombula[15] encountered a Sphinx[8]. She outwitted the creature, raising her to hero status. The Sphinx is a creature of curious origin, a giant cat capable of flight and speaks in riddles.
198 AFF - Flash Magnus[15] and the Royal Legion encounter Dragons. Second major Aerial Battle documented. The Royal Legion won the battle because of Flash Magnus. After the battle, he was awarded the Air Medal[16] for his heroism.
199 AFF - Flash Magnus and the Royal Legion answered a distress call from Griffonstone. Together, with the Griffons, the two armies were able to beat back a massive storm, nicknamed the Dread Storm[15][17]. Pegasi kind were celebrated by both nations that day.
214 AFF - The Sirens[18] have been encountered. Stygian gathers heroes who would then become the Pillars of Harmony[19]. The Sirens are curious beings. This was the first time Ponykind had encountered a being capable of flight without the actual use of wings.
228 AFF - The entity known as the Nightmare[20] corrupts Stygian, transforming him into the Pony of Shadows. The Pillars of Harmony sacrifice themselves to lock away the Nightmare. The Nightmare was an entity that could reshape malevolent thoughts. While it isn't directly relevant with aviation, it is to be noted that the Nightmare boosted magic capabilities. By that logic, it is logically to suggest that if a pegasus was possessed, flight capabilities would be extraordinary.
342 AFF - Hippogriffs[21] were encountered by an exploration team. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna go out to meet them. Queen Novo of Mount Aris and Princess Celestia of Canterlot drafted a peace treaty[13]. There was much rejoicing in both nations that day.
437 AFF - The being known as Discord was encountered. The Era of Chaos[11] began. This was the second time Ponykind had encountered a being capable of flight without the actual use of wings, despite the being known as Discord having a pair of mismatched wings.
500 AFF - The entity known as the Nightmare corrupts Luna, transforming her into Nightmare Moon[20]. Celestia sacrifices the Elements of Harmony[18] to banish her to the Moon. That leaves one known Alicorn in Equestria. The Elements of Harmony is also shown to have the power of space travel. There is also on record, that Nightmare Moon had the ability to turn into smoke.
501 AFF - The Royal Legion disbands. The E.U.P Guard is formed[22], otherwise known as the Royal Guard. This is the first time the various combat styles of the three ponies have been combined in one effort. The Wonderbolts[23] was formed on the first anniversary of Nightmare Moon's banishment. The idea was to give off an Aerial Performance[23] and 20 Pegasi from the Royal Guard were chosen to do so. The performance was so dazzling that General Firefly named that 20, the Wonderbolts.
570 AFF - General Flash[23], 10th leader of the Wonderbolts coined the first Wonderbolt slogan, "Altius volantis." This means "Soaring Higher."
606 AFF - Records show the discovery of the Alicorn Amulet[24]. The object is reported to have insurmountable power. One can only imagine what would happen if a Pegasus would wear it.
693 AFF - Commander Easyglider[23]. He created and revolutionized many of the Wonderbolts' choreographed stunts. Many of which were still used till Captain Rainbow Dash[25].
700 AFF - For the 200th anniversary of the Wonderbolts, Admiral Fairweather[23] created the Wonderbolts Academy[23][25].
712 AFF - The Hot Air Balloon[13] Invented. Revolutionizes air travel.
723 AFF - Admiral Sherbert Burst[23] authored The Wonderbolts Academy Handbook[23][25].
814 AFF - The Great Famine[26]. This was due to the discovery of Parasprites[8]. Their peculiar bodies are incredible on an aviation point of view. They can eat an insurmountable amount of things and still continue to fly. This is nothing short of magical.
917 AFF - The Second Great Famine[26]. This was due to the discovery of Fruit Bats[8]. They consumed all the fruit. This discovery was nothing short of miraculous. Discovered from testing, Fruit Bats are creatures that are made entirely out of fruits and leaves.
1000 AFF - The Icaranian Sun Salutation[23] was performed for the first time for the 500th Anniversary of the Sun Celebration. This would remain Celestia's favorite performance till the end of her reign.
1111 AFF - The first recorded Sonic Rainboom[3][27] done by an undisclosed member of the Wonderbolts.
1278 AFF - Celestia encounters Phoenixes[28]. She acquired a pet and names her Philomena. Phoenixes are wondrous creatures, capable of dying and rebirthing as long as nothing harmful interjects the process.
1293 AFF - Second Griffon War[29]. Massive casualties on both sides. This time, Unicorns and Earth Pony were involved. The Royal Guard prove to be effective.
1300 AFF - The Equestria Games[29][30] invented. This was created to help keep the peace between Ponykind and Griffons. The Games would also portray the wonders of Aviation with flying sports and would also feature the Wonderbolts.
1349 AFF - Flair d'Mare[23] reinvented the Wonderbolts' outfit to what it is modern day. Prior to this, there were many designs, all with their own function and flair, however, Flair's design is revolutionary as well as streamlined. It's comfortable for aviators to perform in.
1350 AFF - For the 50th anniversary of the Equestria Games. Buckball[30] was invented by the Earth Ponies. This sport combines the strength of Earth Ponies, the Precision of Unicorns, and the Speed of Pegasi.
1426 AFF - The Best Young Fliers[25] competition started. The Wonderbolts wanted to showcase up and coming talent within the Pegasus race.
1430 AFF - Zeppelins[13] have been invented. This revolutionizes air travel.
1483 AFF - Mi Amore Cadenza[31], descendant of Princess Amore, becomes the third known Alicorn. She was born a Pegasus, which disproves the theory that only Unicorns can become Alicorns. Second Alicorn in Equestria.
1485 AFF - Witnesses report a Sonic Rainboom near Cloudsdale[27].
1500 AFF - The Return of Nightmare Moon. The Return of the Elements of Harmony. The Purification of Luna[20]. Equestria now has three Alicorns. The possibilities to study Alicorn physiology and their flight capabilities are increased.
1501 AFF - First officially documented Sonic Rainboom[27][32] at the Best Young Flyer competition held at Cloudsdale.
1502 AFF - Changelings[33] are encountered. They interrupt the Wedding[34] between Shining Armor and Mi Amore Cadenza. Changelings have a strange physiology. Bug-like, sustains themselves on love, thin wings. The Crystal Empire[35] returns as well. King Sombra[35] is defeated and Mi Amore Cadenza take the throne as the Crystal Princess. During this event, the move called the Princess Throw[36] was invented by Shining Armor.
1503 AFF - Twilight Sparkle[37], descendant of Twilight Twinkle, becomes the fourth known Alicorn. Her studious mind becomes invaluable mind to the Aviation community. Also this year, Twilight Sparkle discovers and documents the world beyond the portal. Canterlot High[38]. It was in this land that humans were discovered. Magic seeped in and a few humans were able to manifest wings. Studies show that the wings are much too small for human bodies, magic must be involved.
1504 AFF - Twilight Sparkle and her Friends unlock Rainbow Power[39] to battle Tirek. The power is unprecedented. It allowed for all six of them to travel throughout Equestria in a mere blink of an eye. Rainbow Power has never been encountered again.
1506 AFF - Flurry Heart[33] is born to Shining Armor and Mi Amore Cadenza. The first ever Alicorn to have been naturally born. She is also the 5th Alicorn. Her wingspan at birth is also unprecedented. This is also the year where Ember[40] becomes the new Dragon Lord[8][40]. Due to her relationship with Spike[37], there have been peace talks with the Dragons. This is also the year in which Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lulamoon, Thorax, and Discord[41] defeat the Changelings and reform[35] them. This caused the Changelings to entirely change their physiology.
1507 AFF - The Pillars of Equestria are released from Limbo[19]. They bring with them knowledge about old flying techniques. The First Festival of Friendship[42] is held by Twilight Sparkle. The Storm King[43][44]'s Army, led by Fizzlepop Berrytwist[44], attacks with massive War Zeppelins[13]. Along with the War Zeppelins, Sky Ships[13], the discovery of Parrots[45], Ponykind also rediscovered Hippogriffs who became Seaponies[46]. The amount of information from this year along is staggering. The mechanics at Klugetown[44] are nothing short of ingenious.
1508 AFF - The School of Friendship[47] opens. This is the first school to include many races, including Pegasi, Griffons, Changelings, and Hippogriffs. Also this year, the Washouts[48] form. A stunt group that is entirely different from the Wonderbolts. They eventually prove to be too dangerous for manestream entertainment, however, they continue to perform for many years.
1509 AFF - Cozy Glow, utilizing the power of the Bewitching Bell[49], briefly became the sixth Alicorn, before reverting back to normal and then petrified[50]. Celestia and Luna step down. Twilight Sparkles becomes the new regent[51] of Equestria.
1511 AFF - Twilight Sparkle changes the E.U.P Guard to include all races[22].
1514 AFF - The Personalized Plane[13][52] was invented. This allowed for air travel for a single or two occupants.
1519 AFF - The Personalized Plane was tested safe to be used by the public.
1520 AFF - The Mail Company[53] quickly acquired many of the first models, allowing for mail to be quickly delivered as well as entertain the idea of extending their range. Later that year, the Fourth Griffon Civil War[54] started. Between the Griffon Lands and Griffonstone and those associated.
1521 AFF - In response to the cry of help, Equestria sends volunteers[55]. Alongside the first wave, many Wonderbolts[25] were on the front lines.
1524 AFF - The massive amount of Equestrian casualties[56] have sparked an anger in Princess Twilight Sparkle. War[57] was declared on the Griffon Lands. Amongst the casualties was the Captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire[58].
1525 AFF - The Personalized Plane were reinvented to became carriers of war. War Planes were invented, the model was called the Spitfire[13] in honor. Changelings joined the war on the side of the Equestrians[57]. The Dragons Fracture[59], those led by Dragon Lord Ember joined the side of the Equestrians, those led by Torch joined the side of the Griffon Lands.
Note: From here forth, until said otherwise, only notable events shall be included in this timeline.
1526 AFF - Derpy Hooves, under employment of the Mail Company, made a daring dash across the Griffon Front to deliver mail[60]. Awarded the Air Medal for bravery.
1527 AFF - The Attack of Wake Up Island[61]. Now to be considered the biggest aerial battle in history.
1528 AFF - Griffon Lands surrender[57]. The Renegade Dragons surrender[57]. A peace treaty[14] is drafted, the Equestrian War has ended.
1530 AFF - A monument is erected for the fallen in Horsolulu[62].
Note: The timeline will resume it's normal program.
1562 AFF - An alternative fuel source, called MagiFuel[13], was invented for Aircraft.
1595 AFF - The fastest plane was built. The X-43[13]. It broke after the first test. It was said to be faster than Rainbow Dash.
1610 AFF - Jökull, a volcano located in the Dragon Lands, erupted. The aftermath caused widespread panic. The ash circulated around Equestria for a whole week, disrupting flight.
1902 AFF - The seventh alicorn was found. Opaline, the Alicorn of Fire[31].
1921 AFF - Opaline falls from grace and overpowers Princess Twilight Sparkle. Equestria has fallen[37].
Around 1920 AFF - Magic starts losing it's potency[63]. Creatures who utilize magic to fly start having a much harder time to fly.
Around 1930 AFF - Magic is completely lost[63]. Flight is completely impossible.
Around 1950 AFF - The Pony Tribes separate[64]. The Pegasi create Zephyr Heights[65].
2021 AFF - Magic is restored. Flight is possible again[66]! The eighth Alicorn(?) is Sunny Starscout[67], chosen by the Unity Crystals[66].
2022 AFF - A Dragon was discovered in Sparky Sparkeroni[68]. The Marestream[66] is invented. A combination of junk, willpower, and magic. This set a new precedence for aircraft.
2023 AFF - Troggles[69] are encountered and officially documented for the first time. Hovering, pig-like creatures. Breezies[69] were also rediscovered and documented. The Isle of Scaly[68] was discovered and along with it, Dragonkind.
2024 AFF - A snow leopard named Allura[97] is encountered. This is the first encounter, since the restoration of magic, of a large sentient flying creature.
References:
Petunia Paleo. A Guide to Cave Paintings. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1563.
Hayscartes. Treatise on Ponies. 664.
Rumors and Speculations. Petunia Paleo. A Guide to Ancient Records. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1561.
Celestia. The Three Tribes Era. Scribes of the Monastery of the Sun. 702.
The History of Griffons. Dogfight. Aerial Combat and all it's Intricacies. 913.
Marey Hijinx. Monstrous Manual. IV Edition. Royal Canterlot Press. 1015.
Magical Compendium. Volume 1-36. Crystal Archives. 243.Bork the Bold. The Dragon Manuel. Hiccup. Yak Archives. 130 BFF.
Celestia. Luna. Journal of the Two Sisters. 24. (1894 Edition.)
The History of the Royal Legion. The Royal Legion Department. 502.The History of Aircraft. Royal Canterlot Press. 1600.Featherweight. The Pictures and History of Treaties. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1580.
White. Legends of Magic. 1017.
Commander F.D. Rooster. Medals of Honor. The Royal Legion Department. 194.
Commander Cyclone. Hurricanes. 2nd Edition. The Royal Legion Department. 200.
The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide. It was under E!Stygian. The Deeds of the Pillars of Harmony. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1554.
Luna. Living with the Nightmare. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1642.
Ludovicolt Ariasto. The Frenzy of the Hippogriffs. 714.
Twilight Sparkle. The History of the Royal Guard. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1822.
The History of the Wonderbolts. Marey Hijinx. Magic Item Compendium. VII Edition. Royal Canterlot Press. 1031.
Twilight Sparkle. The History of the Wonderbolts. 5th Edition. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1822.
The Great Famines. Rainbow Dash. RAINBOOMS!!! The Rainbow Dash Fan Club. 1512.
Celestia. The Wonders of Phoenixes. Royal Canterlot Press. 1302.
Ambrosia. The 2nd Griffon War. Royal Canterlot Press. 1355.
Amethyst Maresbury. The History of the Equestria Games. 2nd Edition. Crystal Archives. 1505.
Twilight Sparkle. Alicorns. 2nd Edition. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1822.
Spitfire. Notes on the 75th Best Young Fliers Competition. 1501.
Thorax. The History of Changelings. 3rd Edition. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1743.
Pinkamena Diane Pie. PARTIES. Weddings Edition. 3000.
The Crystal Empire. 8th Edition. Crystal Archives. 1634.Shining Armor. How to Tactics. 2nd Edition. Crystal Archives. 1574.
Argyle Starshine. Ancient Equestria. 2014.
Twilight Sparkle. Canterlot High. 4th Edition. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1822.
Twilight Sparkle. Notes about the Elements of Harmony. 29th Edition. 1632.
Spike. The Dragon Lords. 1990.
Starlight Glimmer. Report.
Twilight Sparkle. The Festival of Friendship. pg. 400-832. 1507.
Twilight Sparkle. Report on the Storm King's Attack. 1507.
Fizzlepop Berrytwist. My Life. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1537.
S.W. Bishop. Pirates and Parrots. 1427.
Novo. The Ballad of Seaponies. 1508.
Twilight Sparkle. Friendship School. 1507.
Scootaloo. The Washouts! The ~~Rainbow Dash~~ Washouts Fan Club. 1507.
Kanthaka. Kanthaka's Facts and Artifacts
Twilight Sparkle. Discord. The Legion of Doom. Chaos Published. 1520.
Featherweight. The Coronation of Twilight Sparkle. Golden Oaks Publishing. 1564.
The Right Brothers. Notes on the Personalized Plane. 1513.
Derpy Hooves. The Mail Company.
Grendel the Historian. The Griffon Civil Wars. Griffonstone Print. 1703.
Twilight Sparkle. List of Volunteers. 1521. 1521.
Twilight Sparkle. List of Casulaties. 1524. 1524.
Argyle Starshine. The Equestrian War. 2015.
Capa. Spitfire Killed in Action! 'Equestria Daily.' 5 March, 1524.
Hairy S. Truepone. The Dragon Conflict. 'Equestria Daily.' 25 June, 1525.
Violet E. Garden. Derpy Hooves is a Hero! 'Equestria Daily.' 22 March, 1526.
Wave Atoll. Victory at Wake Up Island! 'Equestria Daily.' 8 December, 1527.
Monument Erected! 'Equestria Daily.' 5 December, 1530.Argyle Starshine. Magic? 2001.
Argyle Starshine. Our History. 1999.
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Zipp Storm. Notes on Creatures.
Author's Note
This Timeline will update as the present continues.
The History of Pony Aviation
490 BFF - The First Battle
Cloud Tipper, leader of the Pegasi Nation, stood with his fellow pegasi on top of a hill. 300,000 strong. Behind them lay the Pegasus City of Contrail. In front of them lay the opposing army, the Griffon Empire, estimated force is around 600,000. They've been skirting battle for the past five years, but it has inevitably arrived. Cloud Tipper had tried his best to prepare for this. Trained those who were willing to fight, to spill blood, to take a life. Prepared an escape plan for the citizens at Contrail if the Pegasi were to fall. Bolstered morale as best he could.
He sighed as he took front position. He kept his head up high and his spear wrapped tight in his wing. Cloud Tipper and his fellow pegasi were lightly dressed, barely any armor. It allowed for quicker movements, but if they were hit once, that's it for them. These 300,000 all volunteered and Tipper could barely keep it in. He turned on a dime and raised his spear into the air.
"Children of Wing and Cloud! The fated day has arrived! If you wish, you are free to turn back to Contrail, I promise none of us will hold it against you." Tipper paused and scanned the crowd of nervous and scared pegasi, but none turned back. "Alright. ALRIGHT! PEGASI! TODAY WE WILL BE REMEMBERED! TODAY WE WILL FIGHT! TODAY WE WILL WIN!"
The resounding roar echoed throughout the canyon. Encouraged, Tipper turned back with narrowed eyes. He took a few calming breaths and then picked up his spear with his mouth. Then, with a muffled war cry, he jumped and dove, skimming across the hillside. Behind him, his pegasi followed. It must've been a beautiful sight, Tipper mused as time started to slow down. 300,000 pegasi, wings outstretched, flowing down a hill side.
Then, without warning, time snapped back to normal and Tipper clashed into the leading griffon.
He ducked and rammed his spear into the gut of the griffon.
He flew up, breathing heavily, scanning everything.
He tackled a griffon that was hounding a pegasus mare.
He grabbed for his spear, but realized he was mouthing empty air.
He twisted away from the claws of a griffon.
He got hit on the head from a falling pegasus corpse.
He got body slammed from something and fell some distance.
He roared with frustration as his blows glanced off the griffon he was fighting.
He gasped in pain as claws raked his side.
He bucked a griffon out of the air, his hooves making a satisfying crunch.
He spat blood out of his mouth as he took a second of respite.
He screamed in agony as he felt his right wing get shredded.
He breathed heavily and wetly as he tried to escape.
He spotted a familiar looking pegasus and his eyes widened.
With the last of Tipper's strength, he hauled his broken form at the griffon that was about to deal a deadly blow. The pegasus looked up in surprise, then gasped in shock.
"Tipper!"
"Shh. Contour...you must..." Tipper started spiralling down, the sounds of the battle fading in and out. His breathing was coming in erratic gasps. Thankfully, Contour followed him down. "You must...begin the..." He coughed up a lot of blood. Bless Contour, he knew exactly what Tipper was thinking.
"The evacuation, Tipper?" Contour looked up with sorrowful eyes. All around them, pegasi and griffons were falling out of the sky. There were even those who lost their wings, still fighting on the floor. "We've lost then."
"No..." Tipper took a deep gulp of air and continued. "No, if we can stall until Contrail evacuates, then we win."
Contour straightened himself and nodded with determination. "Till we meet again."
"Till then." And with that, Tipper's closest friend and confidant flew away, up the hill and over the horizon. He shook his head, trying to clear himself of his pain and bunched his muscles. If he were to die, it would be until after he had taken down many griffons. With a guttural roar, he flapped his broken wings and charged at high speeds, slamming into the griffon front.
"FOR CONTRAIL!"
With a mighty cheer, the pegasi redoubled their effort to fight the good fight.
***
Contour flapped his wings as fast as he could. He instinctively angled his body in a way that the air would flow around him. His eyes stung as the cheer behind him faded into the roaring of the wind. He needed to make sure that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
It was halfway back, did Contour realize that there was a gash along his side and his blood was leaving him quite rapidly. He shook his head viciously, trying to shake the numbness that was starting to take hold. He could rest when he made it. Contrail needed to know! He picked up the pace as much as he could.
The city was in sight now and Contour was getting very tired. His wings felt heavy and he couldn't feel his hooves at all. But he kept at it. Kept pumping those wings, pure determination on his face. He had accepted his death at this point but he sure wasn't going to die before he delivered his message.
There were cries as he literally crashed into the pavement that led to the Middle House that had the appointed second in command. He could vaguely hear pegasi around him, yelling his name, yelling for Coriolis, just yelling in general. He was sure his blood was scattered all along the cloud bricks and his battered body must've been a sight for the foals. He apologized in his head. All he could do right now was keep on breathing, just until Coriolis arrives.
"Contour."
"Coriolis. Evacuate." And with that, Contour was no more.
***
Legend has it that Cloud Tipper and his pegasi held the griffons at bay for four hours, fighting till their last breath, and their efforts were not in vain. When the griffons finally made it to Contrail, they had lost 500,000 of their number and was only met with an empty city and a single body laid out in the middle.
Legend has it that Contour flew so fast that clouds gathered behind him, creating the phenomenon now known as a Contrail, in honor of the city the pegasi defended and abandoned. It became one of the highest honors to be able to fly as fast as Contour to generate a contrail of their own.
Legend has it that Coriolis succesfully evacuated everypony within a matter of one hour. He made sure nopony was left behind, sacrificing his own food and water so others could make it. Whenever a pegasus dropped out of the sky, it was him who held them aloft until they could flap their wings again.
The bravery of these three are still told to this day.
Author's Note
Inspired by the Battle of Marathon. The legendary battle in which a messenger ran 26.2 Miles to deliver the news of Athens' victory and promptly died.
The History of Pony Aviation
108 AFF - Legion Training
"ALRIGHT, MAGGOTS." Drill Sergeant, more commonly known as Sarge, walked up and down the newly packed dirt of Bootcamp. "MY NAME IS DRILL SERGEANT, YOU WILL ONLY ADDRESS ME AS 'SIR', GOT THAT?"
"Sir, yes sir!" The 30 or so pegasi standing sloppily, nearly soaking their tails with fright. Sarge had never seen a sorrier sight.
"You fluffheads are going to give me a headache." Sarge coughed under his breath then looked back at his recruits. The nearest pegasus flinched back in terror. Serves him right. "I'M SURE YOU ALL KNOW WHY YOU'RE HERE, BUT LET ME GIVE YOU A DEBRIEF ANYWAY. YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN OUR NEW PROGRAM CALLED THE ROYAL LEGION. MY JOB IS TO TRAIN YOU TO BE THE BEST PEGASUS YOU CAN BE IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE PRINCESSES, EQUESTRIA, AND HER PONIES. AS A NATION, WE HAVE DECIDED PEGASI FOR THE LEGION AS WE HAVE THE BLOOD OF WARRIORS. DEBRIEF DONE, GIVE ME FIFTY LAPS AROUND THE PERIMETER."
The pegasi immediately scrambled, trying their best to get moving. Predictably, many fell over their own hooves. There were a few that had already risen in the air and were frantically pumping their wings. Sarge decided that those three had potential. He looked down at his sheets of names and skimmed throughthem, looking for their names. Flash Guard, Hurricane, and Rainbow Prism. Good, strong names. He looked back up and noticed that a mare was still on the ground, cowering behind a tree. Sarge sighed and looked back down.
"RECRUIT DOO, THAT'S A HUNDRED LAPS FOR YOU AND LUNCH PRIVILEGES REVOKED FOR A WEEK. NOW GIT." He shook his head at the state some of them were in before lounging back in his cloud. He was starting to understand why Princess Luna recommended him to be the trainer.
***
Next, Sarge had them do an obstacle course. It consisted of a climbing wall that they had to climb without the use of wings, nigh impossible. Afterwards, there was a pool with the same handicap. Sarge almost drowned while attempting it. Then there was a field of cacti that they had navigate backwards, with no wings of course. He wouldn't be surprised if a few of them ended up hospitalized. And then, for the final obstacle, was Sarge, himself. Defeat him, and you may have dinner. Fail, no dinner. Then, do it all again the next day.
He chuckled to himself, as he watched the trainees scrambling up the wall only to fall back down because they couldn't get a grip. The first day ended with nopony even making it to the halfway point of the wall. The second and third days ended up much the same. On the fourth day, however, Sarge was pleasantly surprised to see Hurricane run at full tilt and with well placed hoofsteps, managed to clamber on top of the wall. She then collapsed in a heap at the top, gasping for air. Despite what he said earlier, Sarge made a mental note to give her dinner.
The next day, both Flash Guard and Rainbow Prism scaled the wall, alongside Hurricane. The three of them gasping and unable to continue forwards. Flash and Rainbow got dinner that night. By the seventh day, Dinnae Doo was the fourth pegasus to scale the wall to Sarge's utmost surprise. He secretly got her double portions that night. By the tenth, half of the squadron had made it up the wall and the Top Three, as they were now called, were already trying their hooves at swimming. It was not going so well.
Sarge had set up a nice and comfortable outlook so he could watch all of the recruits without too much strain. It was on the 15th day that Princess Celestia had come down from the Castle of the Two Sisters to see the progress.
"Ah, Princess. Welcome to Bootcamp." Sarge sipped a refreshing berry drink. He offered one, but the diarch shook her head.
"Prithee, Mr. Sergeant, how doth this create guards?" The alicorn watched with fascination and horror every time a pony fell from the wall or a pony had to be saved from drowning. "Thou art all pegasi, art thou not? What is thou discourse for the restrictions of their wings?"
"Why, my good Princess, if warriors were to only focus on their one good attribute, and then that attribute becomes immobilized, then they are dead. I am training them to think outside of their use of wings." Sarge chuckled when he saw a pegasus finally clamber up to the top and roared with elation before collapsing onto his back.
"When will they be finished?"
"Do you wish to speak with them?"
"We do."
"Then they are finished." Sarge stood up, cleared his throat, apologized, then bellowed. "WRAP IT UP, MAGGOTS. PRINCESS CELESTIA WANTS TO TALK WITH YOU."
All the recruits stopped what they were doing and gloomily made their way to the center of the training field. They snapped a salute as best as they could, many were even swaying from exhaustion.
"At ease, our little ponies." The Princess glanced with a rueful expression at Sarge, he just shrugged. "How art thou? How is training?"
Silence.
"ROYALTY HAS ADDRESSED YOU, YOU ARE TO ADDRESS HER BACK."
"SIR, YES SIR!"
Princess Celestia winced from the noise and nodded somewhat. "Yes, our thanks, Mr. Sergeant." She turned back to the assembled group and asked her question again. This time there were answers.
"I am terrible, training is terrible."
"I am incredibly hungry."
"I've got a muffin waiting for me."
"I...feel sick."
"I'm going to fall over. Can I fall over, sir?" "Permission granted." "Thanks sir."
"...urk."
"I haven't seen the sun in forever!"
That last one got a bit of a pause. In unison, they looked at the sky. The sun was blindening bright.
"...good work, my little ponies. We believe that we shall take our leave. Mr. Sergeant."
"Princess."
And with that, the eldest sister flew off. Sarge smirked when he noticed that she flapped with an extra urgency.
***
Training continued as per normal. Day by day, the trainees got better. They got just that much closer to the finish line. One mare surprised Sarge by nearly sprinting the entire thing. Damn impressive, considering what the course entails. By the end of the second month, everypony had passed the pool section. Sarge became a little bit more lenient by then, giving all of them small dinners every night. They weren't anything to look at, stale hay coupled with bits of old daisies, but to them, it was the best food they ever did have.
It was Hurricane who was the first to break through all of the obstacles and was able to stumble over to where Sarge was standing, waiting in a fighting pit. He first congratulated her, then knocked her over with a single hoof tap. Her dinner was then revoked, as was everypony else's. That motivated them considerably. The next day, Hurricane made it again, collapsed from exhaustion once again. But this time, Rainbow Prism collapsed alongside her.
Throughout the next month, many more recruits finally made it past the last obstacle, but was so exhausted by the end of it, that they barely made a blow towards Sarge. He, for the most part, was enjoying this immensely. Princess Luna came by during this period and asked whether or not his methods were truly working. He merely shrugged. The Princess took that as progress and went along her merry way.
To his total surprise, it was on the sixth month since training started, that somepony was able to defeat him. To add even more to his shock, he was defeated by Dinnae Doo. She had a feast that night and was promoted to Private, the first ever of the Royal Legion. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were both there for her graduation ceremony. There were many bitter tears that night from the other recruits and motivation skyrocketed.
By the end of the seventh month, everypony had beaten Sarge and had graduated. He stood to the side as he watched with pride as the last of the recruits got their Private ranks pinned to their collars. He congratulated them wholeheartedly, many were crying tears of joy, saying that it was finally over. Sarge just smiled and led them to the training grounds for Privates.
Legend has it that they are still crying in agony to this day.
The History of Pony Aviation
"You don't have to do this, Chief!" That was what her second in command, Stamped Letter, had said before Derpy Hooves marched off to her old bushplane.
She simply smiled softly, almost motherly, and recited the Postal Office creed. "Every letter deserves to be delivered." She had wrapped a scarf around her neck, strapped her weather goggles over her mismatched eyes, and started the engine. The grey pegasus reached out to grip the throttle with her wings but paused. "...Stamped?"
"...yes?" Poor guy, had seen too much of this war. His voice trembled as he bravely looked at his Chief. His friend. There was a rare glint of resolve behind her eyes as well as unbearable sorrow.
"Should the worst happen, you'll be there for Dinky?" A pregnant pause shrouded the airstrip. It even seemed to affect other bystanders who shuffled their appendages awkwardly. Derpy never let her gaze wander off of Stampled, quite the feat considering her condition. Stamped swallowed hard, stood up stiffly, and gave a smart salute with his wing.
"Fly true, Chief."
"I always do."
Stamped watched as she flew away in her trusty dustplane, nicknamed 'The Muffin'. The destination, Camp Menace. An isolated Allied outpost in the middle of enemy territory. The only reason it hasn't been overwhelmed was because of the advantageous position it had maintained, both geologically and politically. The payload, 134 mouthwritten letters from friends, families, colleagues. Chief Derpy Hooves carried their hopes, their love, and their wishes all on her shoulders.
***
Four hours later, Equestrian airspace was about to end and Derpy would find herself at the still active Eastern Front. She took a deep breath and looked at the photograph of her daughter strapped to the windshield. She stroked the edges with a toe before gripping the throttle tightly with her already sore wings. The Muffin might be getting old, but she still had a lot of fight left in her.
Thunder roared in the distance, flashes of lightning streaked across the ground underneath her. Muffled whispers of deaths that will echo throughout history for too long. Derpy flew higher, above the clouds, away from artillery and anti-aircraft cannons.
Creatures who were capable of flight found out pretty early on in the war that fighting above the clouds was not feasible. It is all to easy to destabilize wings as they are fragile and they will plummet to the earth. Chance of survival, next to none. Fighting below the cloud layer gives a higher chance of survival upon impact. Not much, mind you, but enough. Fighting above the cloud layer are reserved for fighter aircraft and the truly insane.
Despite the supposed chances, Derpy has heard to many stories and seen too much to warrant anything on luck. She made sure that her mounted machine gun was ready for anything. She carried on flying.
The cloud layer burst open as a shell rocketed past The Muffin. The wake of the round had Derpy grappling with the throttle, grasping for any semblance of control. Derpy was able to right the plane before another round burst through the clouds. Not taking any more chances, she went down for a controlled spin.
The wind whistled past her ears and blowing her blonde mane about.
The sputtering of the old motor as it strained against the complicated evasive maneuvers.
The ground hurtled ever so closer, bringing the full scale of the Front into full force.
The Muffin fell into flak cannon range and round after round sailed through the air towards her.
Derpy wrestled with the throttle, forcing the bushplane upwards and away from the flak cannons.
Artillery shells rained from everywhere, threatening to take The Muffin down.
Derpy slammed to the right, narrowly avoiding a stray mortar shell.
Just a few more kilometers and the griffons wouldn't be able to attack her.
A harsh humming filled the air as the Luftwaffe, the griffon air force, rose up behind her.
Derpy pulled up as machine gun rounds buzzed by underneath her.
To the right, then left, up, left, down, right.
A shuddering noise brought Derpy back from the space pilots go to when in intense situations. She took stock and her dashboard was practically screaming about the magic core being hit. There was only a few minutes before flight was impossible, grounding The Muffin.
Derpy didn't hesitate and grabbed the bag filled with the envelopes. She pitched violently to the left, throwing herself and the griffons for a spin. She then dismounted her machine gun and jumped out of her bushplane. She sprayed bullets at random, hoping to cause more confusion before ultimately dropping the gun entirely.
Now, it was there was only one thing to do.
Fly.
Fly as fast as Rainbow Dash. Fly as fast as the speed of sound and create a sonic rainboom.
So she did.
Using the magic inherent in her pegasus physiology, Derpy molded the air around her, speeding her up even more. She weaved through the bullet infested air, narrowly avoiding death with every passing moment. She would dodge a particularly aggressive griffon before going in for a dive to avoid a mortar shell to then pulling up last minute to fly over a reinforced wall of a building.
All the while, she didn't think of death. Not the death of her friends, of her enemies, not even her own death. No, Derpy thought of life. The life that becomes so evident when somecreature receives a heartfelt letter. The life that inspires creatures to cry, to laugh, to smile, or to scream in sorrow. The life that Derpy wanted to hold on to forever.
A bullet slammed into her side. There was a slight wobble, but Derpy pushed onwards, ignoring the burning or the gradual loss of blood. What was but a single life to 134 letters of life to be read and shared. She flapped her wings harder and harder, determined to make it.
There! The homestretch. The cliffs of Camp Menace were just a flap away. Another bullet lodged itself into Derpy's leg. She gasped out, tears threatened to blind her, her wings felt like lead and were drooping. She ignored all of it and pushed onward. Her body was too tired to pull any evasive maneuvers and she prayed for Celestia and Luna to guide her path.
Up she climbed. Higher and higher, away from the flak cannons, mortars, and artillery. Away from the Luftwaffe and the griffon divebombers. Straight into the courtyard of Camp Menace.
"Delivery."
***
Legend say, the letters that they received that day became the embers that sparked hope. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Uncles, aunts, comrades in arms. Ponies of all tribes, griffon defectors, dragons of the Dragon Lord, and those who did not wish to see Equestria wiped off the map. They all became one, gathered by the courage of a single pegasus.
If you were to meet a survivor of Camp Menace, they would not speak of the atrocities and trauma they had experienced. They would not speak of the eventual victory the Allies fought desperately for. They would not speak of the fallen and the sacrifices made for their survival. They would speak of their hero and ray of light, Chief Derpy Hooves of the Equestrian Postal Company.
Author's Note
This whole fic came to fruition because of this exact story idea. It didn't feel right to have it on hiatus for who knows how long without having this story written and published.
Inspired by the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949 as well as Episode 11 of Violet Evergarden.