(2 weeks later, Cloudsdale)

Twilight smiled as she walked towards her home office a small front to hide what's really going on that sold firearms while her real operations were in Canterlot, today she was meeting a new recruit.

His name was Fireblaze and was a master of a few different things but what she was interested in him for was his hacking skills, at 10 years old the guy hacked into the Equestrian internal security gaining very embarrassing photos of Princess Cadence and his skills had only grown since then

As she came to the the house she saw someone be thrown through the window making her sigh.

"Why can't I have just a normal meeting with my potential employees? First it was Overkill and the mob, then Blaze and his mare problems and now this. What did he not pay the thugs?" She asked as two large stallion came out of the house.

"Time to pay up punk, you missed the last payment and we let it slide but the boss wants his money." One said as she smirked.

'Called it.' She giggled as she approached them.

"Sorry guys but I need him in one piece, so back away unless you want to get hurt." She smiled as they smirked.

"Big talk coming from a pretty little thing like you babe what say we have-

"Some fun after you're done beating the wimp? Please you two together couldn't handle me, hell my own wife and stallion can barely keep up with me. You two losers couldn't last 5 minutes with me." She said as one went to put his hand on her shoulder.

"Aww come on babe just give us a- CRACK!!- AAAAAHHHHHH!!!" One of the stallions clutched his hand screaming as he fell back with a broken wrist while trying to make Twilight let go of him.

"Shit like you will die before you ever touch me." She said as his friend tried to rush her only to get a snap kick to the face making him fly through the wall of her employee's house.

"You ok dude?" She asked as Fireblaze nodded wiping the blood off his face.

"Um yeah thank you Mrs. Twilight." He said as she smiled.

"No prob dude, well I hope you like life on the ground cause that is where you're living for the next few months so grab your shit and lets go." She stated as he nodded and headed inside to gathers his things while Twilight looked down at the whimpering thug.

"Consider the guys debt paid got it?" She asked twisting a little bit getting a squeak out of him while he quickly nodded.

"If I see any of you goons around my town I'll kill you on sight got it? You and your buddies are wanted by the police here and in Canterlot, you're not gonna see your friend over there in a long time. Now when I let go of you, you're gonna go tell your boss what I told you." She said as he nodded while she let go and watched him get up and take flight just as Fireblaze came out.

"Ready to go? Got your toothbrush and undies?" She asked smiling as he rolled his eyes.

"Yea I got them now can we leave please?" He asked as Twilight nodded looking him over, he had a red coat and a orange/gold mane along with a blue tail. He wore a blue vest over a shirt and blue jeans and looked back at her with golden eyes well one was swollen at the moment.

"Come on hun lets get you back to my place and we can get that looked at ok?" She asked getting a nod from him as they made their way to the exit.

"YO TWILIGHT!!" They both turned to see Rainbow Dash heading their way while Fireblaze blushed and Twilight smiled at her friend.

"Hey Dash! What are you doing here?" She asked as the other mare smiled at her.

"I would ask you the same but looks like you got a new newbie. So what is he going to be in your little clan of badasses.

"Fireblaze here is gonna be our hacker and support if we ever need him. Guy's got great talent in it, I know I'm impressed." She stated as Dash looked at the stallion who was thanking the gods for his red coat.

"You must be really something to impress Twilight? How are you at flying?" She asked as he gave a cocky smirk.

"Was first in this years Best Young Flyers Competition. Only other person to ever beat my record was you." He stated as she smirked.

"Really now well we might have to have a race sometime." She said crossing her arms under her bust.

"Sure just let me get settled into my new pad and I'll take you up on that offer, I've been wanting to put my speed against yours for a while." He smirked only matched by her's.

"Be prepared lose then." She stated.

"We'll see about that." He said.

"Well now that you two are done flirting I need to head out for my next employee and she's in the dragon kingdom." She said before stopping and turned to see Dash and Fire blushing.

"Hey Dash are you heading back to Ponyville?" She asked as the mare looked at her and nodded.

"Yeah why what's up?" She asked.

"You mind taking him to my place, Staff should be there and can get him settled in and patched up." She said as Dash smiled.

"Sure but you owe me Twi and what happened to him anyway? I thought he pissed you off or something." She asked as Twilight sighed.

"He can tell you all about it I have to get going and thanks so much." She stated and flashed away.

"Well come on big guy lets get you patched up." Dash said as the two took off to Ponyville.

(Canterlot International)

Twilight made her way towards her company hanger with a small smile on her face as one of the crew members looked up and smiled at her.

"Ma'am your plane is all set to go." He stated as she nodded.

"Thanks." She said smiling as she saw them bring out Overkills crowning achievement the USF-133 international private jet nicknamed the 'Phoenix'( Which can also be fitted as a fighter plane if needed), it was a supersonic private jet using the best minds Twilight could find in the past year to get a working prototype that shinned far above conventional military fighters and state of the art avionics.

It was red and black with the company logo on the side that showed the picture of the legendary bird rising from the ashes on both wings and vertical stabilizers.

"Thanks guys, mind guiding me out to the runway?" She asked as she went to get in her G-suit as they gave a salute.

After a while she came back out and climbed inside while starting her checks, right now she was only armed with twin cannons fully loaded with 20mm rounds.

[Radio check. This is Phoenix 1, you got me tower?] Twilight asked as she taxied to the runway.

[Roger that, Phoenix 1 you are clear on runway 3. Happy travels]

[Tango Mike tower, Phoenix 1 moving to runway 3.] She stated while moving down the runway dropping her face shield when she came to the runway.

[This is Phoenix 1, requesting permission for take off.] She stated waiting for a little while before the call came through.

[Wait one Phoneix 1 we got a passenger jet coming in.]

[Roger that.] She sighed leaning back in her seat as she watched a few planes land and take off.

[Ok Phoenix 1 you are clear for take off]

[Roger that Phoenix 1 taking off.] She started pushing the throttle up and started to quickly pick up speed before she hit the afterburners screaming down the runway and pulled the stick back flying in the air.

[Phoenix 1 you are clear of the runway happy trails.]

[Tango Mike tower.] She said letting a smile form on her before she pulled out her phone.

"Hey AJ you outside right now?"

{Yeah why sugarcube?} Twilight smiled as she pushed the throttle up as the farm quickly came into view.

"Look up and wave babe." She said flipping the plane over and looked up catching the shocked look on Applejacks face as she blew a kiss to her.

"See you when I get back AJ." She said flipping the plane over and shot off towards the dragon nation and put up her phone.

(Dragon nation 6 hours later)

[This is Phoenix 1 requesting permission to land tower.]

[Phoenix 1 this is tower, request granted. Welcome back Twilight." She heard making her smile.

[Hey, good to be back. Is this my pickup?] She asked getting a laugh.

[You got it, it's gonna be good working with you again Twi.]

[Please Cloudy you know as soon as you were discharged I was going to snatch you up.] Twilight said hearing laughter.

[Looking forward to it, use runway 6 and come in from the west. Be advised there is some strong cross winds so be careful coming in.]

[Roger that tower making my final approach.]

A muscular grey coated mare with a greyish brown hair watched with a smile from the tower as Twilight came in.

"Well dragons and dragoness' that's my ride so I bid you all farewell." She said taking a bow while her co-workers looked on shocked.

"Wait what?!" Her supervisor asked as she smirked at him.

"Yeah I told you my ride while be here any day now and I even gave you my two week notice so this is me leaving and starting a new chapter in my life." She stated grabbing her duffle bag and happily skipped towards the exit as the supervisor glared at her before turning to one of the other employees.

"Get me General Diamondside quickly and stall them." He stated getting a nod from him.

Cloudy made her way to the tarmac and saw Twilight leaning against the plane with a small smile on her face looking at her as a blush came to her face. The way the air whipped Twilight's hair around as she took her flight helmet off was like something from the movies.

Twilight's smile got bigger as she put a hand on her hip.

Cloudy smiled at her friend and former lover before she scooped the mare up getting a squeal from her.

"CLOUDY!!"

"Sorry Twilight, its just so good to see you again! So where am I putting my things?" She asked.

"Got a spot right behind the cockpit for you hun." She said.

"Now lets get out of here and head home. You got all your jammies and toothbrush?" Twilight asked as Cloudy smirked.

"I got my toothbrush, but you know I don't wear jammies when you're around Twi." She winked as the mare blushed.

"I swear you gave lessons to my wife at how good you two are at getting me hot." Twilight mumbled marching back to the plane hearing Cloudy laughed behind her.

After they set everything and put up Twilight jumped in the pilots seat while Cloudy jumped into the gunners seat.

[Radio check, you got me Cloudy?]

[Roger that Twi. Tower this Phoneix 2 requesting permission to taxi and takeoff over.]

Silence.

[Tower this is Phoenix 2 radio check over.]

Silence.

[Twi you got their freq right?]

[Yeah haven't changed it.]

[Weird, I say again tower radio check over]

Silence.

[I don't like this Cloudy.]

[Me either] She said as she heard the turbines start up.

[Tower this is Phoenix 1 moving to make a emergency takeoff] Twilight radioed.

[Twi what are you doing?]

[Look up at the tower Cloud, there's people there and one is even looking at us right now.] She stated before hearing the deep growl of Cloudy.

[Bastard, move Twi we have to get out of here]

[Phoenix 1 this is tower, you have not been cleared for take off over]

[Ah nice of you to join us tower, Phoenix 1 is moving to runway 5]

[Negative Phoenix you have not been cleared for take off.]

[Phoenix 1 one is in position to take off, making final checks.]

[Phoenix stand down!] Twilight looked out the side and saw military trucks heading their way.

[Phoenix taking off]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E

Twilight pushed the throttle up quickly moving down the runway before hitting the afterburners shooting into the sky and turned east to Equestria. After a few hours Twilight sighed.

[So what was that about?] She asked as Cloudy groaned.

[I was part of a special project for the air force to create new fighters for our military. Let's just say that some of it is some pretty scary stuff, and once my time was up I left the air force and gave you a call. I guess they were keeping tabs on me after I left.] She sighed while Twilight nodded.

[Can you tell me anything about it or is it still in development?]

[Sorry Twi but that is some top secret stuff and even though you're special to me I'm still loyal to my country.]

[Fair enough, so are you ready for your new job and home? You'll be staying in my house for as long as you want.]

[Sounds good Twi.] The smiled letting the comforting silence flowing through the cockpit.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

[Shit! Bogey six o'clock!!]

[Damnit they must not want me to tell of the prototypes!!] Cloudy yelled looking around trying to spot the enemy fighter.

BEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP!!!!!

[RADAR LOCK BREAK! BREAK!!!] Twilight banked hard right and deployed her flares as she slowed her speed looking for the fighter.

[Twi 3o'clock high!!]

[I see'em] Twilight pulled up and leveled her nose towards the fighter coming under it.

[All we have are guns Cloudy. Make sure we get them on the first pass.]

[Roger that Twi.] As they the enemy banked right while the girls followed.

[In gun range]

[Light'em up!]

BRRRROOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!

Cloudy let out a long burst of the twin cannons shredding the fighter apart as it buckled and finally dropped altitude with smoke coming behind it.

[You see a chute?] Cloudy asked as they circled for a sec before tracers went across the nose of the plane.

[Shit we got another one!!]

[That's one of our prototypes!! Its a new stealth fighter!!]

Twilight gritted her teeth as they looked around for the enemy.

BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEPPP!

Twilight deployed flares and dived into the cloud cover and took off for the border at full throttle trying to get away.

VROOOOOOOMMMM!!!

Twilight and Cloudy felt the plane get hit as Cloudy looked back.

[Twi we're smoking!]

[I know that!]

Twilight looked to her left to see the dragon pilot looking at her as she let out a sigh and slumped in her seat as Cloudy watched him slow down and pull behind them.

[Well I guess this is it huh?] Cloudy asked as he got a lock.

[Get ready to shoot babe] Twilight said as she deployed flares and dumped her speed twisting the plane around coming up behind him.

[IN GUN RANGE!!]

BRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Cloudy let loose the twin cannons watching as the other fighter faltered and buckled before exploding.

[HAHA!! EAT IT BITCH!!] Cloudy yelled as she heard Twilight panting.

[Twilight?]

[I'm hit Cloudy.] Twilight said as the mares eyes flew open just as multiple radar pings went off.

[FUCK!!!]

[I'm ok it's only a flesh wound. We got this Cloudy.] Twilight sighed putting pressure on her shoulder as they looked to see 4 dragon fighters coming at them from the east and Twilight smirked turning the plane towards them as they got a lock on her.

[Here we go!] She said hitting the afterburner and spun flying into the cloud bank deploying flares and came up under them.

[GUNS GUNS GUNS!!!] Twilight yelled as Cloudy let loose a burst shredding the aircraft making the others scatter while Twilight pulled back going after the one nearest her and got close as Cloudy fired taking the left wing off before it broke apart.

[Two to go!] Cloudy said just as they got a radar lock making Twilight bank hard right and climb as the missile over shot and the two saw the two shoot right in front of them as Cloudy let loose the guns as the pilot got a full burst into the cockpit.

[Last one!] Twilight called as they spotted it just as it let out a burst of cannon fire hitting the rear body of the plane as it flew over when they saw more fighters coming on the horizon.

[Twi we can't keep this up we have to get to Equestrian air space!]

[Way ahead of you.] Twilight stated and hit the afterburners towards Equestria as the enemy fighters started chase them.

BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEP!!!

[DEPLOYING FLARES!!]

[That was all the flares Twi!]

BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEP!!!

Twilight jerked right hard as the missiles over shot before she pulled left and tried to make it to the border while dodging missiles before the engine temp warning went off.

'SHIT!!!' The two thought and had to slow down as the fighters quickly caught up.

[Fuck!!!] Twilight yelled as they got a lock and she dumped speed flipping around one as Cloudy fired a burst into top of the fighter watching it explode while the others scatter.

[That should buy us a little time.] Cloudy said while to two spotted the border mountain just as they pasted it making them give happy smiles.

BEEEP BEEEP BEEEEEEP!!!

[WHAT THE HELL WE'RE IN EQUESTRIA!!!] Cloudy yelled while Twilight dropped altitude as the other fighters fired guns at them.

[Twilight what are we gonna do!?]

Twilight gritted her teeth and pulled back on the stick while dumping speed making her quickly flip the nose towards them as she hit the throttle while Cloudy fired a burst clipping the wing of one as it lost control and crashed into the forest below.

Cloudy looked back and could see them pull back and around after them as she looked back at her ammo count and found only a hundred rounds left making her sigh.

[Here they come Twilight and we have no ammo to take them all on.] She said and looked back just as they got a lock.

VVVVRRRROOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!

BOOM!!! BOOM!! BOOM!!!!

[This is Wonder 1-1, looks like you guys could use some help.] They watched as five F-125's flew past while the enemy fighters broke off and headed back to dragon lands.

[This is Phoenix 2 thanks for the help, my pilot is hit and we need to make an emergency landing fast.] Cloudy said as she watched Twilight slump in her seat.

[My pilot just went down! I need to land now!!!] She said as two of the F-125's got on either wing.

[Roger that Phoenix 2, calm down we'll follow you all the way in. Turn west bearing 220, fire and medical crews are standing by on the tarmac.] Cloudy looked over to see one of the pilots wave at her making her smile a little as another positioned above her and the other two below.

[Just stay on my wing and everything will be fine.] She heard while she started to calm down and took over turning the plane and heading west.

[Ok good job, now just follow my friend and we'll be there in no time.] Wonder 1-1 said as one of the other fighters from the bottom came in front of her. Cloudy sighed a she looked at Twilight before setting her jaw and took the controls.

[Roger that Wonder 1-1, I'm ok now.] Cloudy said as she leaned up to check Twilight's pulse, it was a little weak and as she leaned up she could see blood all over the cockpit making her whimper.

[Wonder 1-1 this is Phoenix 2, my pilot is in a pretty bad way we need to speed this up or she's gonna die.] Cloudy stated looking over at the pilot.

[Roger that Phoenix 2 we're making our approach now make your descent on runway 2, it's lit up for you.] She said as they followed her in till the last second they could before breaking off.

As Cloudy made her descent she could hear the plane groaning making her start to panic feeling the plane start to rock a little and the vibrations hitting her were really bad to the point if felt like the whole plane was going to rattle loose.

Cloudy deployed the landing gear and made a smooth landing putting on the breaks just as the right landing gear gave out and they slide down the tarmac.

Cloudy screamed hoping to the gods that they didn't flip before they came to a stop just as everything went dark after she was able to open the cockpit.

(Unknown amount of time later.)

Cloudy came to only to find she was in a bed just as Twilight walked in and smiled at her. She had her arm in a sling and a few patches on her face.

"Hey hun." She said making her way over to her, as the mare gave a one armed hug.

"How are you feeling?" Cloudy asked as Twilight smiled.

"I'm fine, a bit of shrapnel got me nearly taking my damn arm off. But I'm fine really, I know that Applejack is going to yell at me for coming home all banged up but meh. What am I gonna do?" She smiled before a worried look came on her face.

"How do you feel hun?" She asked as Cloudy sighed.

"I'm fine, just worried about you is all. Come lay with me and keep me company." She said smiling with her as she climbed into the bed with her and snuggled up to her side.

"Sweet Celestia Twilight your feet are cold!" Cloudy yelled feeling the ice cubes Twilight had for feet.

"I know so warm me up, it's freezing in here anyway." She said as Cloudy's wing came around her while the mare snuggled deep into her side.

"Mmmmm, you're so warm." Twilight mumbled wrapping her arms around the other mare just as the door opened and in walked 5 ponies, 4 mare and 1 stallion.

"Well if you guys are busy we can always come back." The one with the fire like hair said smirking while Twilight just snuggled into her more.

" Nah it's ok, besides we're friends." Cloudy stated before sighing.

"Thank you by the way for saving us, we just didn't have the loadout to take them all on." Cloudy stated as they looked at each other.

"Speaking of that what was that about?" Fire head asked.

"I was a pilot for the dragon kingdoms new fighter program. But after my time in the military was up I got a call from Twilight here to come work for her. When she came to pick me up soldiers came to take me away but we got away before that could happen, I guess after we took off the kill order was given." She said as they nodded.

"By the way I'm Cloudy this is Twilight Sparkle, who are you guys?" She asked as they looked at her confused.

"Huh I guess it's not every day that you find someone that doesn't recognize you." Fire said as Twilight sighed.

"Ugh, they're the Wonderbolts. You know military stunt pilots, that's Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Blaze, Fire Streak, and Surprise. Just a few of the Wonderbolt teams, and the only reason I know about them is because Rainbow Dash wouldn't shut up about them till I went and saw a show by them." Twilight huffed.

"Oh and my plane better not be locked up somewhere, that is private property of my company." She said as they nodded.

"That's another thing we wanted to talk about, that plane is a next gen fighter. How did you get your hands on it?" Surprise asked as Twilight smiled.

"Because my company built it." She said making them look at her skeptically.

"What? It's true! Do you realise how much just one of those things cost!? Over 13 billion bits for just one! I'm so glad that I'm actually working with Princess Celestia and Luna with the budgeting." She sighed looking at their shocked faces.

"Seriously?!" Fire Streak asked getting nod from Twilight.

"I'm telling you it's hard running a business." She sighed lifting her arms up as Cloudy's wing wrapped around her and pulled her closer.

"Well you guys should be able leave as soon as we can get a pick up for you." Blaze stated as Twilight smiled.

"Don't worry about it, I have a crew coming to pick us up along with my plane." She stated as they nodded.

(6 hours later)

Twilight and Cloudy walked down the ramp of the the skybus as Overkill and Staff came in behind them with the damaged fighter jet on the back of a truck just as Applejack came around to see them before she saw Twilight.

"Twilight!" She yelled running up to her before she started to check her over as Twilight lightly batted her hands away.

"AJ, I'm fine babe really." She said pulling her into a reassuring kiss while AJ sighed into her before pulling back.

"What happened sugarcube?" She asked while Twilight sighed and told her about what happened getting a growl from her.

"Stupid idiots." She growled.

"Anyway AJ this is Cloudy, Cloudy my wife Applejack." She introduced as the two smiled at each other.

"Howdy."

"Hello."

"Ok guys lets go home, Cloudy I need to get you settled in, AJ I need you with me at the house since I need to talk to you later. Also How's Blaze and Fire doing?" She asked while Applejack smiled.

"Well I think Rainbow has taken a shine to Fire. Smart as a whip that one, got to say Twilight I'm looking forward to finishing your plan." She stated as Twilight gave a wicked grin.

"It's already in action."

(Canterlot gardens 3 days later)

Twilight and Ryuu were next to the pond practising fire breathing with Spines there watching as well as she spewed a good 40ft flame from her mouth making the two dragons smile.

"Very good my dear. Twilight you are progressing at a incredible rate, I could not have asked for a better student." He said she smiled with a small blush.

"Thank you Master Ryuu." She stated turning her slitted eyes to his smiling face.

"You're very welcome Twilight, now do it again. Put more fire magic into your lungs and let loose all you can." He stated as she nodded quickly gathering her magic in her lungs as she took a deep breath and exhaled letting out a huge 70ft flame that reached across the pond before she cut it off watching the steam rise from the water.

"That was very good, I think that's enough for today. Go rest so you can be ready for Luna's classes Twilight." He stated as she nodded plopping down on her butt panting a little as Spines ran up to her.

"That was awesome Twi! I can't believe that was only your second try!" She gushed while Twilight just smiled at her.

"Thanks Spines, I'm surprised that you wanted to come with me for this trip. I figured that you and Spike would be together." She said as Spines face darkened.

"No Spike rejected me and is dating Sweetie Belle." She growled but stopped when she felt Twilight pull her close to her.

"You ok?" She asked while Spines shrank down in size and climbed in Twilights lap.

"Did I do something wrong?" She asked wrapping her arms around Twilight as the mare pulled the little dragon closer.

"No you did nothing wrong honey. Spike just isn't the drake for you is all, why don't you head over to Joe's place and tell him about it to hun. I'm sure that Joe can help you more than me at the moment. After I'm done with Luna and you still want to talk we'll figure something out ok?" She asked as the little drake nodded with a small smile.

"Thanks Twilight. Maybe Joe can help me more since he knows Spike more than me." She said as Twilight stopped her.

"Spines don't get hung up on Spike just because he's another dragon. There are plenty of young stallions at home that I'm sure would love to get to know you. Why don't you give one of them a shot?" She asked as Spines sighed but nodded.

"Ok but no promises ok? I hope you're right." She frowned looking back over to Ponyville.

'Could I really find someone there for me?' She thought scooting out of Twilights lap.

(Later that night)

Twilight panted next to Luna who had a smile on her face, turns out she decided to give Twilight a surprise test on all she's learned from Luna from spells to lessons.

"Now tell us Twilight Sparkle, what is your goal in taking our lessons?" Luna asked and could see a smile cross her face.

"To protect my family and friends. I want them to have a peaceful life." She stated plopping down and leaned forward on her knees. They had been at it all night and Twilight was exhausted.

"A very noble cause Twilight and I'm sure your friends and family are thankful for it. Now Twilight lets get you washed up and in bed, the sun will rise soon and you need your rest. Also I have a letter for you from Guardian he said it was about Shining Armor." She said getting a vicious smile from the mare while she took the letter.

"Thank you Luna." She stated getting up with some difficulty before she limped into her chambers while passing Celestia.

"Oh hello Twilight, pop quiz?" She asked getting a tired nod from the mare while Celestia smiled.

"I'll be sure that no one disturbs you during the day. Oh and Spines left for Ponyville earlier, she said she was going to try what you said." She stated getting a nod from the mare as she limped down the hall.

"You really put her through her paces tonight sister, any reason why?" Celestia asked while Luna sighed.

"Twilight has a difficult choice ahead of her in the near future I just want to prepare her for the outcome." Luna yawned and hugged her sister.

"I think I'm going to follow my students lead and go to bed it had been a long night." Luna yawned again passing her sister and headed to her own chambers.

Twilight stirred in her bed as she dreamed before she bolted upright with a gasp, panted with sweat pouring down her body. She could feel the darkness closing in on her and the cold hands of the monster grab her as it laughed at her.

It's black eyes bored into her as if looking at her soul before taking all she held dear from her.

"Their souls are MINE" She shivered hearing terrifying voice in her head again before her eyes narrowed.

"Over my dead body."

Author's Notes:

Who do you think spines should be with?