As the time passes by from the meeting between Princesses Celestia and Luna with Al Khoofa and the ambassadors, Twilight and the rest decided to look around Saddle-Arabia's capital to excite the time. HandyFlash and his Squadron were around the city as well. Some Saddle-Arabians greeted and thanked them for defending their city that was swarmed by those computer air attack drones. Other E.R.A.F pilots were still in the air patrolling around just in case another attack happens. The Air Force's QRF arrived after Arion Squadron cleared the airspace. Their original objective was to assist, but now plans have changed to defend the capital.

Twilight and everyone else walked in one group around the city. Sometimes they had to stop waiting for something. Why? You guessed it. Rarity stopping by stores to check out the exotic styles that Arabian ponies wear. That's what we all love about her, right? Anyway, Rarity went into a modern clothing shop as she looked around. Everyone else decided to look inside as well. Blossomforth went to the plastic flower section for mares. HandyFlash, now with a small bandage on his jaw, walked around the formal suits for what to wear soon. Pinkie Pie exited the building to go next door; which was surprisingly a sweets shop. Bet she will buy like around two bags of Kleicha. How much I love those cookies.

Nothing but a day off…ish thing for the pilots of Arion Squadron. Since they have never been to Saddle-Arabia, they felt excited on what was ready to be discovered and learn more about their traditions. Twilight was the most excited one to see the library. But she found some books in the shop to read some history,geographic terrain books, and novels. Most novels have a romantic genre, but she didn't mind it. She loves feeling warm hearted. Even though she sounds like an egghead, it was kind of adorable…or adorkable…whatever.

Anyway, while they were just going around the store looking at their things they want, the services gave them a lot of help and percentage off because of military discount. This made Blossomforth want to look for stuff she would wear when she has a day off.

Blossomforth was scanning through the head wears. Different styles flowers were on each one. She took one and sniffed the flower; which happened to have a fresh scent. She coughed by the smell for a while then sniffed it again. Thunderlane saw her and chuckled.

"Don't give the flu again Blossomforth." Thunderlane smirked.

Blossomforth gave him a raspberry (Stuck her tongue out). "Will you shut it about that incident?"

"Sorry. It's just funny to talk about it." Thunderlane said.

"What makes it funny?" She raised her eyebrow.

HandyFlash saw them talking about the feather flu…Again. He headed over to them and stood next to the two.

HandyFlash looked at them. "Still talking about the feather flu incident huh? Wait, weren't you the one who started it, Blossomoforth?" He asked.

"Ugh. No. If it wasn't for his unclean and coughing mouth, then I wouldn't have the feather flu in the day we did the tornado in the first place." Blossomforth glared at Thunderlane.

Thunderlane rolled his eyes on the unclean part. "Least I brush my teeth everyday." He said.

HandyFlash smirked. "Oh? So you're saying you both got the feather flu by mouth to mouth?" He teased.

"WHAT? NO!" They both said at the same time. Oh you should see the color of cherries on their faces. It would look cute for the both of them :7.

Unexpectedly, Rainbow Dash popped out of nowhere above them and heard what HandyFlash said. "Ohohoho. I didn't know you both got sick that way." She joked.

Blossomforth looked away. "That's so wrong. Least I didn't get you sick."

"Yeah. That would be disgusting." Rainbow Dash said.

Thunderlane face hoofed. "You're disgusting." He said. Ooo…burn.

"Oh whatever." Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs. "Hold on. Gotta look for some cool stuff." She dashed through.

Rainbow Dash looked at the other isle and saw some leg wears. Horse shoes, wristbands, and watches. She noticed some foreleg or hindleg wears that she never saw much. She picked up a colorful and cotton made piece and scanned it. Little did she know, Cloudchaser and HandyFlash was in the same isle looking at the same thing she had.

"Is this a scarf?" Cloudchaser asked while looking more closely at it.

A staff heard her question and answered. "Those are socks, ma'am. You can buy a set if you want. They're good and comfortable for sleeping."

Rainbow Dash looked at hers and tried them on. The staff member didn't lie. It did seem comfortable. "Sweet. I never tried these before. My parents didn't want me to buy these kind of things." She walked around with it.

"Well, that must've 'socked' to be you." HandyFlash smirked.

Cloudchaser face hoofed and let out a chuckle. "In the name of Celestia, HandyFlash. Do you ever get tired of puns or jokes?" She smiled.

"Not at all."

Where Twilight was at, she was looking at the books about the history of Saddle-Arabia. The mare staff stared at her as Twilight was too into the book. She never knew Twilight loved books so much that she had around five books in her bag. The mare went to Twilight and looked at the book she's reading.

Twilight noticed her and smiled. "Hello. I'm Twilight Sparkle. Is there any more of these books around here?" She asked.

The mare nodded. "Yes. There's more in the other isle as well." Her arabic accent was strong yet pleasant to listen to. She looked at Twilight look at more books. "You must be a book worm, right Miss?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes. I'm a student in Canterlot being taught by Princess Celestia of Equestria." She told her.

The mare looked surprised. She didn't know Twilight was a student of Princess Celestia. "Ah. Impressive." She commented.

"Thank you." Twilight smiled. "Hey, can you help me with some questions?" She asked and put out a quill and paper. "I have to do a report on Saddle-Arabia."

The mare chuckled on how focused she was. "Of course."

Before Twilight can continue, she was interrupted by Rainbow Dash far from the isle. She called out her name.

"Twilight! I think it's time to go. The carriage is here." Rainbow Dash told her. Twilight looked outside and saw the golden carriage they rode in to the capital. Neon Nimbus, Shining Armor, Princess Celestia and Luna were already on it.

"Aw. The meeting is done already?" Twilight frowned.

"Yeah. Sorry, Twi." Rainbow Dash scratched her neck. She headed to the carriage as all her squad mates went to it as well.

Twilight looked at the mare. "Sorry. I gotta go. It's been nice meeting you." She said and shook her hoof.

"Likewise." She said and got back to work.

Twilight went to the cashier and payed enough bits to buy the books she wanted. As she finished, she immediately ran to the carriage and jumped in. "Okay. I'm good." She said.

Shining Armor looked at Twilight. "Calm down, Twily. It's not a race. We're not just going to leave you here." He said and made the carriage rise up and glide up across the air as Saddle-Arabian ponies waved goodbye. They all waved back until they were at a far distance. Smoke was still rising in the air by the drones Arion Squadron shot down. Other E.R.A.F pilots continued to fly around the capital to defend it just in case. Burj Khoofa is one of the most expensive buildings ever built. Also it's where the leaders stayed as well.

Neon Nimbus looked at the flights defending the capital and decided to contact them. "Neon Nimbus to all flights in the air. Return the base soon when your fuel state is low. I'll send in some E.S.O.F advisors to the city while you're all gone." She told them.

"This is Sparkle 4. Roger. Fuel is still good ma'am." Thunderdrop told her.

"Copy. We'll be returning to Canterlot. Good luck in the skies." Neon Nimbus said and hung up. She looked at the view and laid her head on her forelegs.

HandyFlash looked at her and smirked. "I see you're tired as well General." He noticed.

"I actually didn't get much sleep. Plus being the General of the new Air Force is pretty stressful." She told him.

"Same for pilots, but yeah. Yours does seem stressful, but mine is a bit more because I need to keep an eye on my squadron." HandyFlash said.

She chuckled. "Don't let that magic shot wound go to your head, HanNeul."

HandyFlash covered his shot on his jaw from the drone's cannon. "Oh that mouth of yours." He rolled his eyes.

"What about my mouth?" Neon Nimbus smirked and gave him the flirty eyes.

HandyFlash blushed on what she was joking about. "Ugh. Whatever." He sat down in defeat.

"I win." She laughed.

"I order you to stop being a smarty wing." HandyFlash looked at her and smirked.

Neon Nimbus rolled her eyes. "You can't give me orders. I'm the General of the Air Force while you are just a Colonel of a Squadron." She said.

"I'm doing all the work while you just talk to us to have a warming conversation." HandyFlash joked.

"Oh puh-lease." She chuckled.

Neon Nimbus was interrupted by a beeping notice coming from her watch. She looked at it as the group in the carriage noticed it and looked at her. She spoke in the watch and listened. "General Neon Nimbus speaking. State your status." She answered.

"General, this is Swift Night. My patrol just got some calls from Mount Griffon about tracks of some drones heading to Fillydelphia. We can use some assistance when the drones arrive." Swift Night called. It's been a long time for hearing from her.

"Wilco. I'm sending some of the patrols to head to you. Plus we just got out of Saddle-Arabia with Arion Squadron. We're on our way right now." Neon Nimbus told her and hung up.

HandyFlash looked at her. "So I'm guessing there is no time to rest?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Looks like you pilots are in for another round against Razor Whisk."

Rainbow Dash smirked. "Of course. I'll show that good for nothing slug how fast I'll shoot him down. I mean if he arrives to be brave." She said.

"Don't get your hopes up too much, Rainbow Dash. He might shoot you down first if you ask him for a challenge." Twilight told her.

"Pfft. We'll see about that." She rolled her eyes.

The carriage reached the AAC-113 turned its direction to the north that leads to Equestria. The crew repaired, rearmed, and triple checked Arion Squadron's aircrafts immediately because they think it was going to be a direct action mission when they reach Fillydelphia.

-(East of Fillydelphia, On the top of the waters.)-

It took around 40 minutes to reach Fillydelphia from the capital of Saddle-Arabia. When the AAC-113 arrived, they could see that more reinforcements were already there. Meteor and Ash were keeping watch above the clouds just in case a high aerial attack was going to happen. The rest of the pilots; Task Force X or not, stayed around Fillydelphia getting ready. Princess Celestia and Luna were called to only stay in the AAC-113 because of the situation. Under the rules, they needed to make sure the rulers of Equestria was safe as new born foals.

HandyFlash went to the runway of the AAC-113 with his squadron and looked at the deck crew. They all saluted, giving the word that they're all set for catshot and air patrol.

"How's the planes?" HandyFlash asked.

"All set, sir. You are all cleared for take off." The crew leader told him.

Rainbow Dash put on her scarf she bought from Saddle-Arabia and stretched her wings. This made Derpy curious about why she decided to wear that.

"What's that for?" Derpy asked.

"It's almost sunset and it will get kinda chilly soon." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Alright." HandyFlash looked at his squadron. "Lets get in the air. Everyone is waiting for us." He smiled. "And I would like to say one thing to you all." He added. His eight members looked at him. "I'd like to thank you all for how much we worked like a team. Without you guys, I would've not survived at Saddle-Arabia." He thanked and placed his hoof in the center.

Rainbow Dash smiled and placed her hoof in the middle as well. "Your welcome, Flash." She said.

Fluttershy did the same as well. She realized how more brave she was becoming in the air. She was not good with her wings that much, but she was more better in her aircraft. "Yes. Thank you. All of you." She placed her hoof in the middle as well.

Thunderlane, Blossomforth, and Derpy place their hooves in the center as well. Then finally Dumbbell, Flitter, and Cloudchaser did the same thing. They all smiled and nodded.

"High as the clouds…" HandyFlash spoke.

"Aggressive like Arion." They all said at the same time.

After, they all went back on their aircrafts for immediate take off. Communication, Weapons, HUD or Visors, and Aircraft Check all taken care of. A few minutes later, they finished and got shot straight forward to the air by catshot takeoff. Speed was good, the stick, and flaps were checked out as well as they went above the beach of Fillydelphia where they met the other pilots in the air on their defense patrol.

Meteor and Ash remained at the top of the clouds for long range radar checks. Eclipse Moon and Firebolt were flying over the south of Fillydelphia. Other new pilots were in as well.

Thunderlane contacted every flight. "I see we got some new pilots. Welcome to the air, rooks." He said.

"This is Lighteyes. Callsign Claymore. I'm meant for ground attack. But I was called here just in case." Lighteyes responded on the frequency.

"Well, least you can still fight a bit in the air."

"Just getting used to the controls, sir."

"Good luck." Thunderlane saluted.

"Neon Nimbus to all flights. Mount Griffon's intel says that the drones will arrive in three minutes. Get to your stations, pilots." Neon Nimbus said on all channels.

Princess Celestia looked at the flights in the distance and saw them flying around in smooth formation until the attacks arrive. She looked at the clouds and saw Hardcase and Boomer's aircraft circling around the city.

"You all are using a lot of defenses to protect one city." Princess Luna commented.

Neon Nimbus nodded. "Just to be safe. Plus they wanted to create fireworks. If you know what I mean."

"Ooo. I feel like I want a view of that." Luna smiled shyly.

"But we're about to have it more dangerously close anyway." Eclipse Moon mumbled.

"I could hear you, Eclipse Moon." Luna told him.

Eclipse Moon looked away in embarrassment. "Didn't know that."

Cloudchaser laughed. "Be careful what you say now, Eclipse."

"Pfft. Okay?"

Meteor was looking at his long ranged radar on his plane and noticed a blinking dot on the east in the waters. He took out his spyglass and looked at the direction he predicted it would be seen. It seems he got it correct. A medium sized aircraft was flying towards the city in about 150mph. Oh but that's not even the worse thing. More of the same planes arrived; approximately 24 more arrived.

Neon Nimbus was in the AAC-113 with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Sining Armor. They all noticed the blinking dot as well. Instead of one, they all saw and counted around 25 dots.

"This is Lily Shadow. Are you all tracking what I'm tracking?" Lily Shadow asked if she was crazy.

"Iris 1. Looks like you're not crazy like me and Gentlestep. I'm tracking 20 or above bogeys on radar." Thunder Rain told her.

Gentlestep looked at her Leander's aircraft. "What do we do?" She asked.

"Arion 5 to all aircraft. You might wanna see this." Blossomforth said.

The 25 medium sized aircraft began descending their altitude below the clouds. At the same time, the landing gears dropped down, but it wasn't wheels at all. They were all motor engines. All dropped and splashed into the water as it sparkled around them. Something more strange was happening to the aircrafts. It all started to transform into like a boat. The wings moved to the front and folded to cover the sides of the plane like reactive armor. In the cockpit, the top, and sides of the planes was AAs and one large cannon similar to the 16"/45 caliber Mark 6 gun.

These weren't aircrafts or bombers at all. They were deployable gunboats! By the looks of the boats, they didn't seemed like it was being controlled by a live pony. So Razor Whisk was still using the intelligent computer AIs on them.

The front boat fired the large cannon straight at one of the planes in the air, but luckily it missed.

"Oh my bloody wings! That was close!" The pilot said. The familiar voice made HandyFlash recognized it.

"You okay Delta?" He asked.

"I'm good." Delta said and looked at the round that just went passed him. He realized that the round struck the fields far from Fillydelphia. "Darn it." He cursed.

Neon Nimbus contacted all flights. "Looks like we're dealing with some small battleships. Cloud Dash, Raptor, Eagle, and Tidal Squadron. Proceed to plan B." She ordered.

"This is Warrior 1. Sending my squadron to hover on top of Fillydelphia. Hope these manual long ranged trophy systems help take out those incoming rounds." Cloud Dash and his squadron rose up from behind the city with their VTOL aircrafts.

Lancaster looked at his squadrons planes. "Alright. Game on pilots." He said and turned on his visor.

"Raptor 1 to Neon Nimbus. Proceeding to take out the small battleships." Dimitri said and boosted to the sea.

"Roger. All flights, you are cleared to engage the boats. Don't let them destroy the city. We got a lot of innocents you know." Neon Nimbus told them.

Soaring Skies from the other side of the city contacted all. "This is Tornado 3. We got more than boats ma'am." He said.

Neon Nimbus looked at the radar and saw more radar contacts. She looked out the glass cockpit window and saw fighter drones flying above the boats. Looks like another messy day with the E.R.A.F and the Task Force X.

HandyFlash breathed in and sighed. "Arions. Remember. Watch each others backs. Lets get them." He said and dashed forward and fired radar seeking missiles. Resulting two drones to get shot down.

"Hey HandyFlash. Good hunting. Also to your squad as well." Dimitri wished them the best luck.

"Thanks Raptor. You too" HandyFlash said.

Thunderlane went straight to the computer controlled motor gunboat and fired his cannon rounds that resulted medium damage on his target, but was still active. And it looks like he shook the bee hive. Two drones saw him attacking the motor gunboat and went after him to defend it. Thunderlane looked back and saw the two drones chasing him down like an animals tail.

"This is Arion 4. Any pilot available to help out little thunders here?"

"This is Black Moon 1. Leave it to me." Eclipse Moon responded and searched for Thunderlane. He saw him as he was being chased by the two drones.

Eclipse Moon lowered his altitude just on top of the water then pulled back the stick to raise up his altitude. He looked at his HUD and saw two squares resembling the drones. He got closer to his targets and switched to short range. "Fox 2." His two missiles were launched at the same time and sped up to reach their target. One missile confirmed a drone shot down, but the other was still up because of flares.

"Hey Thunderlane, be careful. One is still behind you." Eclipse Moon warned him.

"Sweet. I got him." Thunderlane smirked and lowered his altitude more. His aircraft was now just around 30 feet above the water. "Alrighty drone. Time for my blow." He banked his aircraft left and pulled up. Next, he stomped on his brakes to drift his nose back at his target. He wanted to make his skills to be tested, so he aimed and fired cannons at the drone's wing to make a 'bad day' result. His rounds hit the drone's missiles; which made half of the drone gone. It splashed in the water as Thunderlane and Eclipse Moon rise up to an average formation.

"Thanks Eclipse Moon." Thunderlane thanked for his help to take out that first drone.

"Right back at you, Thunders." Eclipse Moon saluted at his plane and went back to assist his squadron.

Thunderlane heard Flitter on the frequency calling for assistance. He saw her getting chased by a bogey from behind her.

"Bandit on my six. I repeat, Bandit is on my tail." Flitter called for help.

"I'm on him Flitter. Break right and I'll take care of him." Thunderlane fired his rounds at the drone to get its attention.

"Roger. Thanks Thunderlane." Flitter banked right and pulled the stick.

Thunderlane fired his cannon rounds at the drone and clipped up the wings. It lost control of itself and just fell down to the water.

"Bandit confirmed down. Great job, Thunderlane." Night Wing commented.

"Thanks." Thunderlane said. He looked at Night Wing's aircraft and saw that one drone was heading towards him. "Night Wing. Bandit on your port side - your right side." He warned him.

Night Wing looked on his right and saw the drone aiming at him. Cannon rounds hit his plane, but not much damage. He felt the vibration of the impacts of the rounds. "Copy you, Arion 4. I'm defending," Night Wing said. He banked his aircraft left and pulled the stick to break left. The drone kept him on the sights for a lock on.

Rainbow Dash saw Night Wing being chased down by the drone and contacted him. "Hey Wing? You need help?" She asked.

"Negative. Don't worry. I got him." Night Wing said and raised his altitude to do a Split S maneuver. This caused the drone to lose a little sight on him. "Breaking left." Night Wing drifted his aircraft to slow down and let the drone pass through. He locked on to the drone and fired a short range missile. "Fox 2." The missile struck the drone and shredded it into orange flames with falling steel. "Bandit confirmed down." He said.

"Nice." Shining Dawn said. She lowered her altitude to go across any dogfights to focus on surprising the drones. Unexpectedly, she felt a hard vibration on her aircraft. She looked out and saw a computer controlled gunboat firing at her. "I'm hit. I'm hit. Still active in the air." She said and contacted a ground support plane. "Lighteyes. Can you destroy that gunboat?" She asked.

"Roger. I'm cleared for run. Stand back." Lighteyes lowered his altitude and saw the gunboat Shining Dawn was talking about. He used the newly made PAS Missile to lock on to it. "Firing PAS and guns." He said and rubbed down the gunboat with his weapons. The missile critically struck the gunboat as his rounds finished it off.

Meteor saw the explosion from the air and smirked. "Confirmed boat destroyed. Good job." Meteor said.

"A few down. Many to go." Lancaster said.

"Keep having fun pilots. I'm continuing my turns." Hardcase said while Boomer was manning the weapons.

"As what we do everyday, comrades." Delta said on the radio and did a Immelman turn towards a drone heading to one of his allies aircraft.

Back at the AAC-113, Twilight and the rest were watching the planes fight off the drones and ships. Applejack was mostly staring off into space because the movement of the jets were too fast. Twilight eyed on the planes that were being chased. She wanted to study more about the maneuverabilities of the jets. Also, she noticed that Arion squadron was using what she had in the book she gave them.

Rarity looked at Twilight. "Are you okay?" She asked the focused unicorn.

"I'm fine. Just thinking and examining the…flyers." Twilight said in the same tone voice.

Applejack looked at Twilight who was still examining the jets fighting off. She went to her and shook her neck. "I think you should get some rest, sugarcube. Before you get nauseas from staring at this all day." She suggested.

"No. It's okay. Really."

Right back in the clouds, Dimitri was being chased by one drone that was speeding up close to him. He contacted for help, and HandyFlash was the first one to respond. Dimitri was being chased by the drone as HandyFlash was pursuing it. He had to watch his aiming because there was a chance that he might hit Dimitri's plane. HandyFlash patiently chased down the drone and called Dimitri on the channel.

"Raptor 1. Break left. I'll get him." HandyFlash told him.

"Raptor 1 acknowledges." Dimitri banked his aircraft left and drifts downwards.

HandyFlash put his crosshair a little bit forward of the bandit. He fired his auto cannon rounds at the drone as he saw sparks lighting up on his target. One round hit the right spot and destroyed the drone into flames.

"Your tail is gone Raptor 1."

"Thanks Arion 1."

"This is Warrior 1. You guys better hurry taking down those ships! I don't think we're not going to last this much long." Cloud Dash reminded them.

Fluttershy looked at the city and saw only a few cannon rounds hit the outside of the Fillydelphia. None were hit in downtown or anything because of Cloud Dash defending the city with his squadron. She then looked at Dumbbell's aircraft and contacted him.

Fluttershy turned on her channel. "Excuse me, Dumbbell? Your aircraft is capable of attacking ground targets right?"

Dumbbell responded. "You know, I completely forgot about that." He shrugged. "What should I engage?"

"Head for the ships that are closer to Fillydelphia. It can buy some time for Warrior and Delta Squadron." She ordered.

Dumbbell banked his aircraft and turned towards the gunboats closer to the city. He was being contacted by Lighteyes when he was just about to engage.

"Need some help Arion 7?" Lighteyes asked while moving next to his plane.

"I thought you never ask." Dumbbell switched his weapons to long range.

"All set. Warrior 1 and Delta 1, we'll deal with the front." Lighteyes said.

"Copy that. Thanks for the help."

Dumbbell and Lighteyes slowed down a bit and lowered their altitude to prevent them from stalling. They both listened and stared closely to to HUD for a good lock on. When scanning was complete, they immediately fired their guided missiles to the gunboats. One after one, they continued to strafe through the front line of the ships. Fire was lighting up on the computer controlled ships from how much damage it took. Even a few were split in half. Drones were chasing down Dumbbell and Lighteyes, but Lightning Striker, Soaring Skies, and FireBlaze showed up to defend them from any drones going close to them. When Dumbbell and Lighteyes pulled up, they looked back and confirmed 8 gunboats destroyed!

Hardcase began letting Boomer engage the second row of ships. "How about you two strafe run again while we light the second row up a bit for you both." Hardcase told them.

"It would be our pleasure." Dumbbell said and led Lighteyes to the second row. FireBlaze, Soaring Skies, and Lightning Striker followed them in to defend their run

"We got your tails. Don't worry about the fighters." Soaring Skies said.

FireBlaze sped up in front of them. "I'll take care of any missiles going head on."

"And I'll handle the sides." Lighting Striker said and went above ships.

Dumbbell and Lighteyes lowered their altitude and began a strafing run yet again. This time, it was more heart stopping because missile lock ons and AAs began aiming at them. Lightning Striker was taking out the AA guns on the top of the ships.

Dumbbell looked at his HUD and saw he was being tracked by a drone. "Lighteyes. Activate your ECM jamming." He ordered.

"Yes sir."

As they continued to engage the ships, back up was above them. Lily Shadow and her 4 mare squadron each fired one missile at one ship. Three ships destroyed, but crippled only two. Dumbbell finished the first one off as Lighteyes finished the other.

"Thanks for the assistance, Iris 1." Dumbbell thanked.

"No problem Arion 7. We'll take care of the rest of the ships. You help out some others." Lily Shadow said and began their own strafing run on the third row of ships. FireBlaze, Lightning Striker, and Soaring Skies headed to her squadron to defend them from drones.

Dumbbell and Lighteyes went high to the clouds to Ash's aircraft for repairs. Ash sent a few flying bots to repair their aircraft and ready for more combat.

Neon Nimbus scanned the whole area and realized that only a few drones were in the air and about seven ships remaining. She contacted all flights and spoke in a proud voice.

"Only seven ships remaining pilots. Keep on them." She said.

HandyFlash smirked. "Roger that." He said. "Fluttershy, Flitter, Cloudchaser. Help me out by destroying the seven remaining ships."

The three headed close to HandyFlash's aircraft and readied themselves for a strafe run. All four of them switched to a more longer ranged missile so they won't get damaged too much from close range. The beam scanning confirmed they're cleared to fire, so they shot one missile to each ship. Four ships exploded as scrap metal flew out of the shredded boat. Burning smoke and steam raised up as they passed by. Flares dropped for countermeasures and ECM jamming saved their lives from being struck by missiles. They saw the last three ships and fired with their auto cannons. Aiming at the rotor caused the boats to slowly burn and soon explode. All of the sea of Fillydelphia is now clean of those AI controlled shops from Razor Whisk.

"Arion 1 to Neon Nimbus. The sea is cleared. Finishing off remaining drones." HandyFlash told his general.

"Acknowledge Arion. Keep up the Phoenix." She said.

Fluttershy, Flitter, and Cloudchaser turned their aircraft to assist the flights from any drones chasing them down. Lancaster and Darkstar requested some support, so the three of them were the first ones to respond.

HandyFlash looked at his radar and saw around eight drones were still in the air. Warrior and Delta Squadron were flying around tracking the drones since the sea was cleared from any ships. But something caught his eye coming from the east. On his radar, he saw one bogey heading towards him. He only saw one, but after three seconds, he saw two more appear. HandyFlash looked at the east and saw nothing but clouds. He looked below and above the cloud to check if any contact was there. In his surprise, the three bogeys came out of the clouds and opened fire at HandyFlash. He pulled his stick to raise up his altitude from any round striking him again. The two bandits ignored him as one aimed for only him.

HandyFlash was being tracked by missiles coming from that bandit behind him. When a missile was fired, he dropped flares just in time. He rolled his aircraft and executed a cobra maneuver. Now behind the plane, he recognized the paint design on the bandit.

"Razor Whisk. What in the hay are you doing here?" HandyFlash continued chasing him down.

Razor Whisk was heard laughing on his radio. "What does it look like you Equestrian dog." He banked upside down and drifted down to make HandyFlash have trouble aiming at him. "A final dogfight for you, Arion." He added.

"Come get me then." HandyFlash challenged.

Razor Whisk sharply slowed down his aircraft to make HandyFlash pass by. He fired his cannons, but HandyFlash was barrel rolling to make less rounds hit him. HandyFlash used his afterburners to get far from Razor Whisk's aircraft from hitting him. He realized that he was approaching the Fillydelphia airspace where E.R.A.F flights were engaging the remaining drones. As Razor Whisk was chasing him, HandyFlash decided to take out the drones as well. He turned to one drone that was after Delta and fired a short range missile. The missile struck its target and saved Delta from getting shot down.

Rainbow Dash noticed HandyFlash was being chased by Razor Whisk. Her eyes showed hatred on Razor Whisk's aircraft. So she went from behind Razor Whisk, but was interrupted by a missile alert. She looked behind her and saw the bandit that was with Razor Whisk.

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen, Equestrian." The pilot from behind her said. Looks like it wasn't a drone that was after her. It was another pilot. No E.R.A.F or Task Force X symbols were on the bandit.

"Don't get in my way!" Rainbow Dash ignored Razor Whisk and turned her aircraft towards the enemy pilot behind her.

As HandyFlash was still being chased, another missile was fired from behind him. He dropped his flares, but it was early. The missile struck his aircraft resulting his shields to go down by 12%. HandyFlash tried calming down by breathing in through his nose and out his mouth. He didn't want to be chased forever. So he did a Split S maneuver as Razor Whisk followed him. Unexpectedly, HandyFlash immediately did a cobra maneuver after his aircraft was done making that Split S. While pointing his CPB-86 nose up, he saw Razor Whisk following his trail and fired his cannon rounds at his aircraft. Razor Whisk went off track of chasing him down. He saw some rounds hit his plane.

"You little twerp!" Razor Whisk turned his plane around to see HandyFlash's jet again.

HandyFlash looked around the sky and saw Rainbow Dash being chased by one of the enemy pilots and one drone. He contacted her for an insane plan.

"Rainbow Dash. Drift down and go head on in front of my aircraft." HandyFlash ordered.

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow. "Colonel?"

"Just do it! When I say Now, Hammerhead up. Trust me."

Rainbow Dash slightly nodded. "Alright Flash."

Rainbow Dash headed downwards in a far distance in front of HandyFlash's aircraft as the enemy pilot and drone was behind her. The pilot and drone fired their cannon rounds at her. Good. It was according to plan. HandyFlash and Rainbow Dash sped up like they were about to hit each others aircraft. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes by how terrifying this was. But her thoughts were in a flash was woken up when HandyFlash said…

"Hammerhead NOW!"

Rainbow Dash pulled her stick up and slowed down her aircraft to go on a stall. What this did was the drone and the enemy pilot that was behind Rainbow Dash did not expect this to happen. Their cannons were still firing. But since Rainbow Dash was not in the way, HandyFlash pulled up and did a Hammerhead maneuver as well. The rounds hit Razor Whisk's plane instead. The pilot reacted in time to move out of the way, but the drone struck Razor Whisk's plane resulting heavy damage. The drone was destroyed, but not Razor Whisk.

Razor Whisk growled as his plane told him he has heavy damage. "Alect 2 and Raven 7. Withdraw!" He ordered as he boosted out of the airspace.

"Roger." Raven 7 followed.

"Affirmative." Alect 2 followed as well.

Rainbow Dash angrily followed them, but lost sight of the three. "Hey! Come back here! I'm not done with you yet!"

"Let it go Rainbow Dash. Least you made them get alot of damage." HandyFlash said.

Neon Nimbus contacted HandyFlash and Rainbow Dash. "You both okay? That must've been an adrenaline rushing experience." She asked.

"Yeah. We're good."

"HandyFlash? What did I say about not to scare me?" Neon Nimbus sounded serious on the channel, but smirking when you see her face.

"Hehehe. Sorry."

"I was joking. Don't worry." Neon Nimbus laughed. "All flights, The skies and waters are all crystal clear. Good work today. That's one for the books."

Blossomforth smirked. "Thank Warrior and Delta squadron for defending the city from the cannons."

"You can thank us later. We need to head back to base for fuel." Delta said and led his squadron back to Cloudsdale air base.

HandyFlash regrouped with his squadron and looked at their planes. They all looked at him and waved. "Thanks Arions. I'm proud of you all." He thanked.

"Aw. It was nothing for me helping you out at Saddle-Arabia." Thunderlane grinned.

"Pfft. I helped him out as well." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

Neon Nimbus smiled by how much HandyFlash cared about his squadron. "I could feel the care from the nine of you."

"You're in it too like Twilight and the rest." Fluttershy said. "We could've done it without you."

Neon Nimbus smiled and offered her thanks. Twilight and her friends looked at her and nodded. Same did to Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Shining Armor. She never thought she would have this much support and friends from before.

Arion Squadron landed their planes on the AAC-113 and they all decided to take a break and go to Fillydelphia as the other flights went back to base and home.

-(Outskirts of Fillydelphia. *Two hours later*)-

The whole group decided to go wherever they want in Fillydelphia. Rarity and Twilight obviously stayed downtown because of the fashion stores and library. Applejack and Rainbow Dash went for a walk, but soon a race because they challenged eachother. Princess Celestia and Luna were downtown being guarded by Shining Armor. The rest went to their place where they wanted to go in the city.

HandyFlash was on the hills just north of Fillydelphia. He was minding his own business by drawing some art using his horn for practice. Remember, he was meant to be a pegasus; which means he has strong wings, but his horn was weak and he could only use his magic to carry ONE object below five pounds. A pencil was good enough to hold. The chemical accident before he was born seemed to make him think about his appearance.

As he continued to practice using his horn and draw, a shadow appeared behind him as it snuck up behind him. He seems to not notice.

"C'mon. I need to think about new ideas for some weapons for our planes." He said to himself. He took out another piece of paper and began sketching the outlines. He was focused until he heard…

"Hi HandyFlash!" A certain pink earth pony surprised him. HandyFlash looked behind him and knew it would be Pinkie Pie.

"And just what are you doing here, Pinkie Pie?" HandyFlash stared at her suspiciously.

Pinkie Pie smiled. "I came here to help you out with the some new secret weapons for your planes." She answered.

"What? How did you know about that?!" HandyFlash asked in surprise.

"I was spying on you." Pinkie Pie answered his question just like a snap. HandyFlash face hoofed and just continued to sketch out his drawings.

He sighed. "Alright. Just be careful. I'm being steady on this one."

"Steady about what?" Another voice was heard. They both turned around and saw Princess Luna and Neon Nimbus standing there. "How are you two?" Neon Nimbus asked.

"Good. And a certain SOMEPONY was spying on me." HandyFlash glared at Pinkie Pie as she gave a innocent look.

Luna's eyes widened. "O-okay. I don't really want to know." She awkwardly looked around. She noticed a mare sitting on top of a hill from the distance. She focused on the mare and discovered it was Blossomforth.

Blossomforth was sitting on top of a hill just looking at the moon and stars. This reminded her of everyone of her squadron getting some rest before they went to training in the Air Force. She chuckled to herself and stretched for a bit then sat back down. In the corner of her eye, she saw a dandelion that just got blown by the wind; sending the seeds flying. A few pieces went in the front of her which made her blow them away and see them flying around.

A few minutes later, somepony quietly flew in behind her without her noticing. The pony got closer to her, but was noticed when she felt the wind from the wings. Blossomforth unexpectedly fell back and grabbed the pony behind her and threw him in front of her on the ground. She glared when she found it it was…you guessed it. Thunderlane.

"Woahoho there. I was just sneaking up on you just to have fun." Thunderlane explained. His expression was in shock because he didn't expect Blossomforth to be that much stronger. Much like girls in real life.

"Pfft. You may get me every time on jokes, but I have good senses." Blossomforth gave him a challenged glare.

"What about your reactions?" Thunderlane raised his forelegs up; which made Blossomforth fall forward and her hooves off the ground. He then pushed her to one side not to hard to be in the opposite position. Thunderlane was now on top of her.

Blossomforth sighed. "You never quit. Do you?" She rolled her eyes.

Thunderlane laughed. "You're not supposed to quit if you're in Arion Squadron." He said.

"Now can you get off of me?" Blossomforth struggled to get him off of her.

"Why? What's the matter? Did you miss being on top?" Thunderlane teased her.

Blossomforth blushed. "Will you just get off for a second? I'm very uncomfortable." She ordered. Thunderlane got off her as she got up and brushed herself off by her wings.

Thunderlane fell back and laid down to stare at the skies with its moon and stars. He closed his eyes to enjoy the breeze on the hills of Fillydelphia. It took out the stress from that battle at sea against Razor Whisk's drones and those large drones that can become computer controlled motor gunboats. He yawned and stretched his body and wings.

"I'm bushed." He said. "Hey Blossomforth, do you ever wonder where are the drones coming from?" He asked her. Blossomforth shook her head 'No'.

"Razor Whisk would tell you that if he was on our side." Blossomforth responded and lied down next to him.

They both breathed calmly as they stared off into space…literally because they were staring at the stars. Blossomforth looked away and let out a sneeze.

"Bless you." Thunderlane said.

She looked at him and raised her eyebrow. "What? No Feather Flu joke?" She smirked.

"No. Thought I calm your mane down." He said.

Blossomforth was pretty surprised when Thunderlane decided to not joke around on her. That's what he usually does along with her, but not at this time. Because they were…alone. Thunderlane had a curious look on his face when Blossomforth looked at him. A hint of worry was on his expression when he was staring at the sky. Blossomforth curiously looked at him and spoke.

"What's wrong?" She asked him. Thunderlane sighed deeply and looked at her.

"Blossomforth? Be honest to me on this question." Thunderlane turned his eyes back to the sky. "Do you…hate me?" He asked.

Blossomforth heard his voice. How serious he was asking, how much worries he had. Hate is a strong word to her. "No. Of course not. We just act like brother and sister. Just because I joke around with you doesn't mean I hate you." She told him.

"But I always thought you were hurt when I was joking around on you." Thunderlane looked at her and sat up straight.

Blossomforth sat up straight along with him. She smiled at him. "Look, friends love teasing around with their other friends as well. You're doing fine." She said.

She looked at the ocean that was reflecting the moonlight and enjoyed the view. Then she felt something warm grab her hoof. She looked at who was holding her. It was Thunderlane who was holding her hoof. She blushed and looked at him as he smiled while looking away in embarrassment by how he was feeling. Blossomforth had a weird sensation inside of her which made her want to be closer to Thunderlane. She spread her wings and wrapped them around Thunderlane and scooted closer to him. Thunderlane blushed and wrapped his foreleg around hers. Both felt their warmth as they were closer watching a beautiful sight. Oh the two lovebirds...

From the other side of the hill, HandyFlash, Neon Nimbus, Luna, and Pinkie Pie saw Thunderlane and Blossomforth in the distance. They all smiled on how cute and heart warming it was when the two were close together.

"I told you they were hiding something." HandyFlash looked at Neon Nimbus.

Neon Nimbus rolled her eyes. "I noticed it to, smarty." She chuckled.

Pinkie Pie grinned. "We should go to them and say congrats." She suggested.

Princess Luna shook her head. "Pinkie Pie, let's just leave those two alone." She said.

HandyFlash yawned. "I don't know about you three, but I'm gonna get some chow before sleeping." He said and went to Fillydelphia to find a place to eat for dinner.

Luna smirked. "Why? You craving for some cake or something?" She giggled.

"Hahaha. Very funny. And I am a bit." HandyFlash walked away.

"O-okay then." Neon Nimbus tried to give a straight face.

"Ugh. The nerve of you all." HandyFlash laughed.

Next Chapter: Sea Escort Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 6 Minutes