While the Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and Crusaders all played in the barn in the seclusion of Sweet Apple Acres, another event was taking place unseen by others. It was one that would soon join in on what was happening down below, and aid in what was soon to come. It didn’t involve anything like a supernatural villain coming to wreak havoc on a peaceful town. Nor did it involve having to travel into a seemingly abnormal wilderness and battle unknown and bizarre creatures that shouldn’t even be allowed to exist in the face of Equestria; at least not yet. It was one that involved two groups of elite solders, so similar yet at the same time so different, coming together as one. It was an event that would have them both settling their differences, if only for a day, so they can both work together to stop a mighty foe thought to have vanished long ago. It was very uncertain if this plan would even work, or if the group being seeked would be even remotely interested in helping the one that was seeking them. It was even more uncertain if both sides would be able to put the rivalry between them aside long enough to do what needs to be done in order to save the land.

One thing was for certain; when all is said and done, neither side will come back unscathed.

High above in the light fluffy patches of the clouds, four ponies could currently be seen flying through the sky and towards the town of Ponyville. They were clearly Ariel Flyers, as evident by the suits that they were wearing, only the fourth pony’s was that of Violet Fire’s own flight suit, indicating she was a Shadowbolt. The other three ponies had similar suits, except it was a deep blue color instead of dark purple and jet black, with lightings shaped lines at the hooves. They were wearing bright azure blue goggles in front of their eyes, and the underside of their suits were a bright yellow, with a golden lightning bolt with white wings where their flanks were.

‘Oh, Faust above, why did it have to be me to come and send this message to the Wonderbolts? Of all the ponies that Captain Violet Fire could’ve sent, out of all the ponies that could’ve went and done this, it just had to be ME!’ Crimson Skies thought solemnly as she stared up into the sky, as if expecting the goddess of all ponies herself to answer her. When she got no response, she frowned and hung her head. ‘This was a bad idea; I just know it! I am never going to be able to handle myself against these ponies! Especially her! I’ll be dead before I even set hoofin that town, and that’s if their Captain doesn’t try incinerate me on the spot again!’

As the palomino creamy mare continued to be lost in thought, she stole a glance over at one of the Wonderbolts that were flying alongside her, presumable the Captain. The pony turned their head to Crimson Skies ever so slightly, and her face contorted into a snarl as her goggled eyes gleamed a bright, yet strong color orange. Crimson Skies felt a whimper escape her throat as she tore her gaze away from the other mare, still feeling her face burning into the back of her skull. As they continued to fly closer to Ponyville, the young mare felt her mind wander back to the events that led her to where she was now.

Crimson Skies’ wings gave silent gentle flaps as she soared her way through the air, passing by the multitude of clouds that floated all around her. Her long over extended chocolate brown mane and tail flowed gracefully behind her as her goggles flashed in the moonlight. She glided and soared through the air, climbing and diving as a way to gain speed so she can get to her destination as fast as she could. In her left hoof was a map, given to her by her Captain so she could find where she was going.

“Okay, if I remember correctly, Wonderbolt Head Quarters is nestled in the Northwestern part of Equestria, just where Cloudsdale is, only its much farther. It shows here that they aren’t too far apart, and I can find it if I keep going on this trail.” The palomino mare said to herself as she inspected the paper in her forehooves. “It’s supposed to take over half an hour or more to get there, and I’ve been flying for almost all of that time…so I should be there soon.”

The young Shadowbolt then looked ahead of her and saw nothing but the clouds and the beautiful stars decorating the night sky above her. “Hmmm…it doesn’t seem like I’m getting anywhere…I don’t see any of the buildings that I’m supposed to see. I don’t even see that large mountain that’s supposed to have that big road…oh where could it be?”

As Crimson Skies continued to soar her way through the skies above her, she noticed that she was approaching a very large and thick parchment of cloud. She looked down below her, only to see even more cloud where the ground was. She then on either side, seeing the same results, before looking up and seeing a bit of the moon poking out.

“It looks like I’m gonna have to make a bit of a detour…” Crimson Skies murmured to herself as she adjusted her goggles. “I can’t see anything through these clouds, and I don’t think that I’m going to find Wonderbolt Head Quarters here. I hope I’ll get there soon, and that’s it’s not too far away. Time is not on my side right now.”

With those words, the palomino Pegasus folded the map in her hooves and placed it one of the pockets of her suit, before she began to fly upwards. She gave her large wings strong flaps as she continued to ascend higher into the sky, the light of the moon growing brighter with each flap she gave. She flew higher and higher, getting closer to the edge of the cloud before she found herself rocketing above it and stopping in mid-air. Once she collected herself, she took in her surroundings, and felt her jaw drop when she saw just where she was.

High above in the light fluffy patches of the clouds, laid a large airborne sanctuary that could only be described as a military base. It wasn’t just any normal military base; it was the one of the Wonderbolts. It was a gigantic circle of cloud that had a multitude of buildings with much smaller patches of clouds for roofs and windows set in random parts. In the center of it was a large training ground filled with loops, machines, and even a cloud obstacle for Pegasi to train in in the air. In the very center of the training ground, Crimson Skies could see that there was a huge piece of road that was for Pegasi coming in to land whenever they were finished doing their laps. Normally, such a piece would be found in cities and towns, like Manehatten or Fillydelphia, but for reasons only known to the Wonderbolts themselves, it was put there.

At the far bottom of the training ground, where all the large in buildings were, laid one in the very center that seemed to be the largest one there was. It had two statues of Pegasus ponies looking like they were flying set on either side, along with two large red flags that blew in the breeze. On the top of the building, lay the huge symbol of the Wonderbolts, the winged lightning bolt shining brightly in the light of the night, letting all who saw it know who ran this place.

“I don’t believe it…it’s the Wonderbolt Head Quarters!” She cried as she looked around the large base of her pursued destination. “I…I made it! I finally made it! I actually made it to Queen Celestia’s Ariel Force Military Base, and five minutes early!”

Crimson Skies face broke out into a smile as congratulated herself, doing loops in the air and quietly cheering to herself as she laughed merrily. She eventually composed herself and managed to get back into focus, still remembering the task at hoof that she still needed to complete. She silently soared down towards the large military base and landed on the closest parchment of cloud in front of her. Ruffling her wings, she began walking around the base, taking in the large scenery around her as she drew closer to the main building of the Wonderbolts Head Quarters. When she reached it, she stared in wide eyed awe at the large Wonderbolts symbol that was etched in the top center of the building.

“Wow…this place is…smaller than I thought that it would be. I thought that it’d be bigger than this, but, it’s not even close.” Crimson Skies said to herself as she took the sight in. She supposed that the Wonderbolts couldn’t really afford to make their base as big, spacious or set up as the HQ and training ground for the Shadowbolts were. That was understandable; not every military base was like there’s and they definitely didn’t have the type of ponies that they had in their group. If they did, then there was a pretty big chance that they may end up in the same position as the Shadowbolts, and that, would not work out for any of them.

‘Wait, a minute what am I doing?! Why am I thinking about how small this place is compared to ours?!’ Crimson Skies thought to herself as she vigorously shook her head. ‘I’m on a mission her to get help for Queen Celestia! Not to go sight-seeing!’

Taking a deep breath, the palomino Pegasus began to make her way up to the main building of Wonderbolt Head Quarters, only to suddenly freeze in place. Her sharp ears picked up the sound of flapping wings and roaring wind behind her, indicating that there was somepony behind her. She whipped around just in time to see a brilliant orange and brilliant blue streak slam right into the cloud she was standing on. This cause a large shockwave to emit and wash over Crimson Skies, who used one of her wings to shield herself, even though she had her goggles on.

When the wave settled, Crimson Skies lowered her wing and looked to see the source of the explosion, only for a soft gasp to escape her mouth. Before her were two other Pegasus ponies, one a mare and the other a stallion, dressed in light blue suits with streaks of yellow lightning and deep blue goggles. The stallion had a whitish light grey coat, with a brilliant orange mane and tail with very light brown streaks that looked to be white, and his wings being the same color. As he pulled back his goggles, revealing moderate purple eyes a were slightly darker than that of Silver Speeds. The mare beside him had a light grayish olive coat, and a light brilliant blue mane and tail with very pale arctic blue streaks in them, the same with her own wings. She pulled back her own goggles, revealing a pair of moderate sea green eyes as she and the stallion looked suspiciously at the younger mare in front of them.

“Who are you little filly?” The Wonderbolt stallion asked, his tone matching the expression on his face. “What are you doing on our Head Quarters?”

“I-I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to intrude!” Crimson Skies stuttered hastily, taking a few steps back. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong, honest! I was just-”

“Fire Streak didn’t ask you if you were intruding of if you were doing anything wrong.” The mare beside the stallion, now referred to as Fire Streak, said icily, cutting the young palomino mare off. “What he was asking, was what are you doing here, on Wonderbolt Head Quarters. You should listen to what ponies are asking you.”

Crimson Skies paused, gulping audibly as she struggled to compose herself. “R-right, I-I’m sorry…” She squeaked timidly, shrinking under the mare’s icy stare. “I-I’m here t-to speak to your Captain, i-if you don’t mind that is.”

“What would somepony like you want with Captain Spitfire?” Fire Streak asked, giving a little tilt of his head as his eyes narrowed. “From what me and Icy Mist can see, you don’t look like someone who’s worthy of her time. Especially with that suit of yours.”

“Y-yeah, I really don’t, do I?” Crimson Skies laughed nervously as she ran a hoof through her mane. “A-anyway, I came here under the order of my Captain, Violet Fire, to deliver a-”

“Wait, Violet Fire?” The mare, now known as Icy Mist, interrupted, her eyes widening slightly. “You mean, the Violet Fire? As in Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario, the Captain of the Shadowbolts and the infamous Black Phoenix?”

“Y…yes, that’s her.” Crimson Skies replied, her expression turning to one of slight surprise. “Why do you ask? Do you know her?”

“Do weknow her?” Fire Streak scoffed. “Everypony here in Wonderbolt HQ knows that showoff of a mare! Captain Spitfire’s told us all about her and her group of Shadowbolt softies! I never would’ve thought I’d meet somepony not part of our team who knows her, let alone somepony whose part of her team.”

“I think ‘softies’ is too kind of a word to call them. More like complete and total phonies and copycats!” Icy Mist said conspiratorially, giving a snort. “She told us how they think they’re better elite flyers and soldiers than we are, and that they think they’re better than us because they rose up first before the Wonderbolts did! Just because they’ve been known longer than us doesn’t mean that they’re better than us! I don’t know who they think they are!”

Something inside Crimson Skies triggered at those statements about her team, and she frowned hard at the two Wonderbolts, her anger momentarily replacing nervousness. With a growl she lifted her goggle sup from her face, letting the two Wonderbolts see her cerulean irises as she glared at them with all the anger she could muster.

“Captain Violet Fire isnot a showoff, or a phony you big jerks! She’s strong, she’s kind, gentle, caring, and an incredible leader, one of the best there is!” She shouted angrily, her wings flaring. “She’s one of the most amazing ponies in the world, more so than anypony I’ve ever met, besides the Queen! There is no other pony like her, you hear me?! Nopony!” She added boldly, her cerulean eyes flashing brightly as she bared her teeth.

If the palomino Pegasus was hoping to intimidate the two Wonderbolts with her bravado and her defense of Violet Fire, however commendable it was, it was a futile effort. It was made even more evident by the chorus of laughter that Fire Streak and Icy Mist let out just a moment later.

“Violet Fire? The world’s most amazing pony?” Icy Mist asked, staring at Crimson Skies as if she had said the world’s funniest joke. “Please, as if! What kind of, ‘amazing pony’, would go out of her way to take in ponies who don’t have the skills to be an elite flyer? Let alone a soldier?”

“Yeah, what kind of pony even does that? Fire Streak nodded, giving a little chuckle. “From what we’ve heard from Captain Spitfire, Violet Fire takes in ponies who’re literally living in the slums! I get that she’s trying to help them and all, butseriously, what does she hope to gain by doing that? It’s not like those ponies have anything good going for them, or they can really do anything for her.”

“Definitely not,” Icy Mist snorted. “All she’s doing is wasting her time with ponies like that. Why does she even bother with them anyway? It’s not like she’s going to be able to change who they are and what they’ve done to get to that point. It’s their own fault they didn’t put in the work to prevent themselves from falling so far. And even if it wasn’t, her pitying them is only gonna make things that much worse for them.”

“Totally…even if the ponies she helps does manage to get back on their hooves, its only because they have something that she wants from them.” Fire Streak said with a small smirk. “She’ll only befriend them for as long as they can be of use and provide her with something, and once they can’t do it anymore, they’re right back where they started.

“Is…is that really what you think my Captain does all the time? Take ponies in, befriend them, and make them apart of her team because they can be useful and have something that she wants from them?” Crimson Skies asked incredulously, looking at the two Wonderbolts as if they were completely insane. “Do you really think that’s the kind of pony that she is? Is that the pony you believe one of the kindest, most compassionate mares I’ve ever known is known to be?!”

Fire Streak and Icy Mist both paused, looking at each other for a moment as the question sunk in. They then looked back at the palomino mare; both of their muzzles formed into small smirks.

“Well…our Captain gave us some tips about what Violet Fire is like, and to watch out for them should we ever met.” Icy Mist finally said, giving a little wave of her hoof. “Though, with everything else she’s told us, and all we’ve been through with the Shadowbolts, we wouldn’t put it past her to be just like how Captain said she would be.”

“…So that’s it then? That’s how you’re going to play it?” Crimson Skies asked quietly, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You’re just going to go ahead and judge my Captain from somepony else’s perspective and not your own? Even if it’s coming from your Captain? Who doesn’t know anything about her?”

“Of course not! The only reason we’re even going with what Captain Spitfire is saying about Violet Fire is because she knows it from personal experience. She wouldn’t tell us any of this if she didn’t see it herself. She isn’t the type of pony to say things that aren’t true” Fire Streak replied frowning at the young Shadowbolt as he gave a flick of his tail. “Oh and in case you’re wondering, yes, we have meet your Captain before, and we can see that what Captain Spitfire said about her is pretty much true. At least in the regard of recruiting random ponies that don’t have anything good going for them.”

Crimson Skies silently stood rooted where she was, staring at the mare and stallion in front of her with absolute disbelief. She couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of their mouths as she listened to them berate and taunt her Captain and her team. Violet Fire had told her and the rest of their team about the rivalry that the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts had between each other, for obvious reasons. Both were elite flyers and formidable air soldiers, had powers that made them different in the eyes of other Pegasi, and both were a part of Queen Celestia and Luna’s E.U.P Guard. There was even the note on how both forces were founded by Pegasus ponies that were a part of Equestria’s Seven Clans, which made them all the more feared and respected, especially since they were serving under the Queens themselves.

The ebony mare had also mentioned of how the Shadowbolts were the first Ariel Force to rise before the Wonderbolts, and they were known far longer than their rivals were, not to mention more famous. She had even told of how their rivalry was first sparked between the founders of both teams not long after the Wonderbolts were founded, after the Shadowbolt General won against the Wonderbolt General in a friendly duel, which had gone on for the last few millennia, and was still going on today. Thanks to this, both Ariel Teams had developed some bad blood between each other, and despite some from each other holding respect for one another, and liking each other even, there was a majority that hated one another’s guts with a passion.

Crimson Skies’ brows furrowed, her disbelief slowly giving way to anger as she began to shake in place, her mane falling over and shadowing her eyes. She was simply unable to comprehend and understand how ponies that were day dwelling replicas of them could say something so callous about the other. The young Shadowbolt knew that there were some ponies in the Wonderbolts that didn’t take kindly to her team, and Violet had warned her not to expect a warm welcome form them when she same here. Crimson was prepared for this, along with any form of hostility directed at her for being part of a team that was supposed to be her rivals, and even an insult or two here and there.

She was not, however, prepared for the way that they were so carelessly and cruelly berating her Captain, simply for her kind heart. It was one of the main reasons why so many ponies adored the ebony mare, because she was there to help them when they were at their lowest, point. Yet these ponies felt that what she was doing was a crime, and had the audacity to say it like they knew it was true? To insult herwas one thing, as she had gotten a good number of teardowns all her life from just about everyone that she could imagine. However, to insult one of the few ponies that gave her the chance to do something great with her life, and took her into a society where she could always feel safe and welcome? Well, she wasn’t going to stand for that, not in these Head Quarters, not at her own Head Quarters, not anywhere.

“You’re wrong…you are both so very wrong.” The palomino Pegasus said softly as she squeezed her eyes shut. “Captain Violet Fire is notthat kind of pony! She doesn’t use ponies for the skills and talents that they have, or is that the reason why she’s friends with them! That is not the kind of pony that she is, not even close!” She snapped her eyes back open to reveal two blazing cerulean orbs, glowing with such an intensity that it caused the two Wonderbolts to step back a bit in surprise. “The reason why Captain Violet Fire recruits so many ponies into the Shadowbolts and lets them join our society isn’t because she feels pity for them or because she wants to give them a place. It’s because she wants to see them shine and become the ponies that they do desperately want to be, even if others don’t think so! She guides those that are lost, helps those that are hurt and want to put their past mistakes behind them, and protects those that can’t protect themselves! You have no idea of the number of ponies that were able to make themselves better because, Violet Fire took them under their wing, and how much better they are because of her!"

The Shadowbolt reared up and slammed her hooves on the cloud ground beneath her, emitting a large shockwave. It blasted right into the two Wonderbolts, causing them to reel back some as the young mare continued to defend her Captain. “She is the reason why so many ponies that met her are back on their feet and in control of their lives again, and they are all so thankful to her because of it! That’s[I ]the kind of pony that she is, and not the cruel, manipulative pony that you and your Captain claim her to be! Violet Fire is the best thing that ever happened to those that joined her and befriended her, so don’t you daresay anything bad about her! If you do, you and your Captain will have to answer to me and the other Shadowbolts, YOU HEAR ME?!” She concluded, yelling out the last three words.

Crimson Skies was left panting after that indignant rant that she had given off, the only sound being heard in the near eerie silence of the whole Wonderbolt Head Quarters. There was a small part of her that felt that she may have overdone it, but her desire to defend her Captain and her honor overrode her fear of the Wonderbolts, and she had every intention of letting these ponies know that she was not gonna stand for their cruel words. Her words had the desired effect she was looking for, as evident by the fact that Icy Mist and Fire Streak were left somewhat shocked at her outburst. Had it not been for her sharpened senses, she wouldn’t have been able to see the looks of apprehension on their faces, and she took in some satisfaction in knowing that she could make her rivals falter.

The palomino Pegasus’s height of confidence and self-satisfaction was short lived however, as she suddenly found herself reeling back from an explosion of power. She let out a cry of surprise, nearly falling on her rump as she put a hoof to her chest in an effort to soothe her now rapidly beating heart. She slowly looked up, only to let out a squeal of terror as she looked into the blazing eyes of Icy Mist and Fire Streak, both of which looking like they were going to snap her wings off.

“I’m sorry, would you like to repeat that? I didn’t quite hear you back there.” Icy Mist said, her tone soft, yet as icy as her name. “Did I hear you just threaten to give our Captain a new one? Is that what I heard you just say?”

“I think it was, Mist.” Fire Streak growled as he towered over Crimson. “This little Shadowbolt thinks that she can come on our turf and threaten our Captain? Just because she’s part of a group who thinks they’re better than we are? Well, we can’t have that, can we?”

“No, we most certainly can’t. I think it’s time we teach this little lady a lesson in manners, don’t you Fire Streak?” Icy Mist asked, glancing over at whitish grey stallion as he nodded. With a smirk, the grayish olive mare turned to look back at Crimson Skies, who now looked like a Gray Hare cornered by a Red Fox. “So…you said that you were sent here to deliver a message to our Captain, did you? Well, I think it’s time that we let you do just that, just like you did to us. I’m sure she would love hearing what you have to say, and what you said to us.”

“T-that’s not what I-” Crimson Skies began to say, only to be cut off when Icy Mist grabbed her by her suit and began dragging her towards the Wonderbolts main building. “W-wait, that’s not what I came here to say! I was going to tell you guys something else, not all of that! I didn’t mean to threaten your Captain, honest! I was only defending my own Captain, that’s all! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!Please, let me go!”

“Oh, we know you’re sorry little Shadowbolt. There’s no doubt about that.” Fire Streak murmured, leaning in close so he could stare into her wide and fear-filled eyes. “Unfortunately for you, just saying that you’re sorry isn’t good enough. At least, not here. Don’t worry, though, by the time Captain Spitfire is done with you, you’ll be sorrier than you ever were. We can promise you that.”

With those words, the whitish gray stallion pulled his head away and laughed, moving ahead of Icy Mist as they both continued their way to the Captain’s office. As Crimson Skies was dragged behind them, she looked up at the sky, wondering just how this mission that was supposed to be so simple, went downhill so quickly.

‘Seriously, what was Captain Violet Fire thinking, sending me, a mare that just became a Shadowbolt, to deliver a message to somepony that’s supposed to be her greatest rival?!’ Crimson Skies thought as she dragged a hoof down her masked face. ‘Was it to help me with my assertiveness like she told me? Was it to see if I really had what took to be a Shadowbolt? Did she just do this because she would find it funny to see me squirm?! Whatever the reason, I do not like this one bit! Why, oh why, Captain, why did you make me do this?! Why did you have to send me to meet these jerks?! If they’re this bad, then I can only imagine what their Captain is like! No doubt she’ll do the same what her teammates did to me! Ugh, this is the word day and night of my life!’

The palomino mare moaned pitifully as she pressed herself up against the wall of the hallway, cupping her face on her forehooves and she slowly slid down the wall and onto her rump. She wrapped her wings around herself, shielding herself from the darkness of the hallway as she rocked back and forth. Crimson Skies had no idea if this mission that her captain sent her on would work, despite her reassurances, and after what she experienced, was in serious doubt. She was very unsure if the Captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire her name was, would be willing to work with her Captain in helping the Queen in bringing back her sister. She was even more uncertain if Spitfire’s team would be able to set aside their differences with Violet Fire’s team aside long enough to get the job done, and not try to kill each other in the process. Crimson Skies gave a shudder at the thought, and she prayed to the gods above that it would not come to that point, even though she knew that it might.

The palomino mare did know one thing and one thing only. By the time it was all over, none of them would come back without being affected in some way or another.

The sound of hooves coming towards the door brought Crimson Skies out of her thoughts as she shot up to her hooves, her wings snapping to her sides. She watched as the door slowly opened before Fire Streak and Icy Mist both slowly, almost menacingly, stepped out. Both of them wore small smirks on their faces as they looked at Crimson Skies, who tried her best not to show any fear under their terrifying gazes.

“Sorry about the wait there little Shadowbolt.” Fire Streak said nonchalantly running a hoof through his mane. “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting for too long.”

‘Waiting too long? They’ve only been there for five minutes! What important thing could they have needed to help their captain with if it wasn’t gonna take that long?’ Crimson wondered mentally; her eyebrow raised ever so slightly. Realizing that she was staring, she gave a quick shake of her head before addressing the ponies in front of her. “N-no, it’s okay…you didn’t keep me waiting. I’m used to waiting for long periods, w-which is why I became so patient. It’s one of my, um…better qualities.”

“Oh, it is, is it?” Icy Mist asked, letting out a little chuckle. “Well, I suppose that’s a good thing, at least for you. Our captain expects her fellow recruits to be patient with whatever she does, even if she doesn’t to the same for them. If you really can wait for that long, then I think you’ll be fine…well, finer than you are now that is.”

“Just don’t take too long to answer any questions that she may have for why you’re here.” Fire Streaks warned, tilting his head towards the door behind them. “She’s not one for being very patient with ponies who get sassy with her…and especially not with ponies like you.”

“Yeah, I think you’ve made that clear with me already.” Crimson Skies said softly, frowning up at the whitish grey stallion. “You did sort of choked me to death.”

“We know, we’re just letting you know what to expect.” Icy Mist nodded, giving the palomino Pegasus a little wink. “Anyway, go ahead and go in already. Don’t wanna keep our Captain waiting any longer than she already is.”

Crimson Skies nodded, and with a ruffle of her wings she quickly made her way through the two Pegasi and into the office, not wanting to be around them for a second longer. Once she was inside, she looked over her shoulder at the two, and cowered under the small smirks aimed at her way, before Fire Streak reached for the door. Before he closed it, he gave Crimson Skies a few parting words that send shivers down the young palomino mare’s spine.

“Oh, one more thing, you may wanna make sure that suit of yours isn’t too baggy.” He said casually, gesturing to her Shadowbolts uniform. “I have a feeling that things are gonna get a little…hot for you in here.”

With those words, Fire Streak let out a chuckle before he shut the door behind him and Icy Mist with a loud and audible slam.

Crimson Skies gave a slight flinch as the door shut behind her, the force nearly making her lose her footing as she struggled to stay on all fours. She took a few moments to collect herself as her mind reeled from what had just happened. The palomino mare stood there for some time, and would’ve for who knows how long had hit not been for a calm, yet stern and authoritive voice breaking the silence.

“How long are you going to just stand there?” It asked, its tone holding just the faintest touch of annoyance. “My colleagues just said that I don’t like to be kept waiting. Not even a full minute in and you’re already forgetting their warning…”

Crimson Skies gave a slight jump of surprise and spun around to face the one that had addressed her, only for her jaw to go slack at what she saw. Before her was a large office that held various pictures of Wonderbolts on either side of the wall, just below the large trio of oval-shaped windows that showed the night sky outside. A large black file cabinet could be seen nestled into the far-left corner of the office, while a large Wonderbolts poster could be seen hanging on the far-right side. Below her feet, was an enormous rug that had a large dot with two lightning bolts knitted on either side of it, the top of it being covered by a large desk that say in the very center of the office. Despite the rather flashy appearance, none of that was what caught the eye of the young Shadowbolt. No, what really caught her eye were the three Pegasus ponies currently in it.

The first Pegasus was a mare, standing on the right side of the office and looking to be the smallest one there, at least by Crimson’s standards. She had a light artic blue coat that looked the same color of the cyan sky whenever the sun out and rising high, with a whitish gray mane tail that looked be white instead. Her eyes were a brilliant fuchsia color, which looked back at Crimson Skies with a surprisingly gentle look to them, as gentle as the small smile etched across her face. Her mane fell over one side of her face, and her Cutie Mark was that of a horseshoe with a streak of yellow in front of it. This gentle and motherly mare was Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru, the third in command of the Wonderbolts

The second Pegasus in the room was a stallion, standing on the right side of the office, and looking to be bigger, of not a little older, than her and the other two in the room. He had a cornflower blue coat that was so pale it was dangerously close to looking white, had it not been for the tinge of blue it had. He had a very dark grayish phthalo blue mane and tail that looked to be black from father range, and a pair of moderate emerald green eyes that looked at Crimson Skies curiously. His mane, unlike the other mare, was blown back, probably due to years of flying and going fast, he had just the faintest sign of wrinkles under his eyes, and his Cutie Mark was a lightning bolt piercing through a stormy grey cloud. This fatherly looking stallion was known as Soarin Tenshi, the second in command and Vice-Captain of the Wonderbolts

The last Pegasus in the room was also a mare, looking her size ranging from either Pegasi beside her, and from her posture, her attire, and the expression on her face, she was the leader. Her coat was a shade of brilliant gold that shined brightly due to the light of the Moon cascading through the windows, while the rest was shadowed by the large chair that she was sitting in. Her mane, which was also blown back like the stallion next to her, was a deep vivid color of orange, with light brilliant amber stripes in it. Her eyes were powerful orbs of deep orange, which that burned straight into Crimson Skies nervous cerulean ones like they were on twin infernos. The mare’s Cutie Mark could not be seen due to it being hidden behind the large desk, leaving no indication as to what it was. Though Crimson Skies could guess that, due to the mare’s fiery appearance, it had something to do with fire. This intimidating looking mare was known as Spitfire Fenikkusu the main Captain and of the Wonderbolts and the Drill Sargent of the Wonderbolts.

The brilliant orange mare sat silently in her large chair, her forehooves pressed together and a serious no-nonsense expression on her face as she stared at Crimson Skies. The palomino Pegasus gulped quietly, her ears flattening as she struggled to keep eye contact with the other mare and not look too nervous in front of her. The silence in the room seemed to stretch for what seemed like forever, with nopony looking like they were going to say anything first. Then, the stern-faced mare finally broke the silence.

“So, I heard from a couple of my colleagues that you had come to deliver a message to us.” She said, calmly and evenly. “Is that true?”

It took a moment for Crimson Skies to form words in her head, but once she did, she wasted no time in replying. “U-um…well, I originally came here to send a message to you, Ms. Spitfire…b-but yes, it’s true. I was sent here by my Captain and the Queen to let you know of a matter of an urgent manner…something that requires your help.”

“Is that so?” Spitfire asked, an eyebrow raised ever so slightly. “And just what does Queen Celestia want my and the rest of my fellow bolts help with?”

“W-well…it’s…a little crazy to be completely honest with you.” Crimson Skies said, looking off to the side in embarrassment. “I’m actually still trying to comprehend it myself.”

One of Spitfire’s eyebrows raised ever so slightly, her strong orange eyes glancing in between her teammates, who were looking just as perplexed. This wasn’t really something that they were expecting to hear, especially from the one who was sent by the Queen to let them know of an urgent matter. Then again, with the types of missions that they and their fellow Wonderbolts were given in the past, this didn’t really come off as a surprise to them all that much. For more times than they can count, they were all just as surprised when they found out just what they missions were, and even wondered more than a few times if it was really what they were called for. Even so, that didn’t stop them from doing what needed to be done, and it certainly didn’t stop one of them from voicing their thoughts on Crimson Skies’ words.

“Why do you think we wouldn’t believe you, sweetie?” Fleetfoot asked, her gentle voice that carrying a slight lisp. “Not that we’re trying to brag or anything but, we’ve been through a lot of things that are crazier than you may probably think. I don’t see how whatever you have to tell us is any different from all the other things we’ve been told.”

“Fleetfoot’s right.” Soarin’ nodded, giving off a little chuckle. “The Wonderbolts are a military force for the sole reason of unbelievable and crazy things. We can’t tell you how crazy the number of fights and wars that we’ve fought in were. Trust me kiddo, we’ve seen it all, and we’re more than prepared to go through it again if we need to.”

“Are you sure about that, sir?” Crimson Skies asked apprehensively, blushing a bit at the soft, almost fatherly smile he gave her. “I don’t doubt that you’re all capable of handling your own, b-but, um…I think this one might be just a little more than you can handle.”

Spitfire’s eyes narrowed at the words, her eyes giving a faint glow as she kept her eyes locked right on the young mare, a tense silence washing over the office. Suddenly, the temperature in the room rise, coming from a source that Crimson Skies just couldn’t detect, though she could see Spitfire’s coat give a soft glow. The Shadowbolt gave a visible flinch as she felt her suit warm up, causing her breathing to become somewhat heavy. As she struggled not to break out into a sweat, she heard the mare speak again.

“A little more than we can handle, you say? I’m curious as to why you may think that, young filly.” Spitfire murmured, her calm and even tone now carrying a dangerous edge to it. “As Soarin so kindly stated, we’ve been through our fair share crazy mishaps and adventures that have involved more than a few battles here and there. There is nothing in this world that we’ve seen that other ponies, soldiers or not, haven’t seen already; that much I can tell you with absolute certainty.” She placed her hooves on her desk as she raised her head higher, her body and eyes never losing that glow as she continued to burn holes into Crimson Skies head. “So, I’ll ask you again…what makes you think we, Queen Celestia’s most formidable Ariel Force, can’t handle what she needs us for?”

“I-I never say that I didn’t think you and your teammates couldn’t handle it…u-um, ma’am!” Crimson Skies stuttered in protest, her ears falling limp against her head. “I didn’t say that I thought you couldn’t do what the Queen asks of you either!”

“No, but you put it as if you meant it like that.” Spitfire retorted firmly, the glow around her body and eyes growing brighter. “And let me tell you something, little Shadowbolt, if there’s one thing that I don’t tolerate, is somepony telling us, let along me, that the Wonderbolts are not capable of taking on anything thrown at us. Anypony who does is gonna find themselves walking away with a severely burn hide if they do.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t-” Crimson Skies protested again, only to flinch when Spitfire slammed a hoof down on her desk.

“Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking, girl! I’m the one talking here, not you!” The brilliant golden mare snapped; her tone low yet menacing as her eyes flashed dangerously. “Remember, you’re on our turf, not the other way around, so when I tell you to be quiet, you’d better be quiet! Or else you’re gonna find yourself with quite the black coat by the time I’m done with you, got it?!”

“Captain, I think you should-” Soarin began to say, only to snap his mouth shut when Spitfire leveled her glare on him, a low growl leaving her throat. A moment later, she broke her gaze away from the stallion and focused it back on the palomino Pegasus.

“Well?” She asked with a slight snarl, her ears pinning back. “Do I make myself clear, little Shadowbolt?”

“Y-y-yes…m-m-ma’am.” Crimson Skies squeaked, shrinking slightly under Wonderbolt Captain’s withering gaze. “I-I’m sorry f-for what I said earlier…!”

“You’d better be.” Spitfire snorted, leaning back in her chair as the glow in her eyes and body diminished. “Now, why don’t you hurry up and tell us what you’re here to tell us? Or do I have to show just why I don’t like to be kept waiting?”

“N-no! I-I’m sorry, I’ll tell you!” Crimson Skies replied quickly, holding her hooves out in front of her. “I’m sorry that I kept you waiting, I didn’t mean to-”

Spitfire slammed a hoof down on her desk again, effectively cutting off the palomino mare as her eyes flashed again. “I don’t wanna here your stupid apologize and excuses, nor am I in the mood for them. What I want to hear is what you were sent here to tell us, and what Queen wants our help with. Now get to the damn point already, before I burn you to ash!” She spat heatedly, ignoring the frown sent her way by Soarin and the disapproving glare from Fleetfoot.

“R-right, or course!” Crimson Skies squeaked as she a quick bow of apology. “A-anyway, I was sent here by my Captain and Queen Celestia to get your help on an urgent matter. J-just a little while ago, the resident town of Ponyville was invaded by an unknown assailant. It was somepony that Queen Celestia had defeated some time ago, and they’ve returned, and she needs your help in defeating her. S-she’s already sent a few ponies out to retrieve the weapons necessary to defeat them, but she needs some extra backup for that…and maybe-.”

“Wait a minute, hold up there.” Spitfire interrupted, holding up a hoof as a perplexed look came to her face. “What do you mean that Queen Celestia already sent some ponies out to do the job? If that’s true, then why would she need any extra back up from us?”

“B-because, the ponies that she sent, aren’t really that much equipped to deal with what she sent them for” Crimson Skies replied, sheepishly, rubbing one of her forelegs. “At least when it comes to being in the military.”

“Could you elaborate on that please?” Soarin asked, raising a grayish phthalo blue eyebrow. “I don’t think we really understand what you’re trying to say.”

“Yeah, you’re not really making a lot of sense there, baby.” Fleetfoot nodded, tilting her head to the side. “Could you maybe just a little bit more specific.”

“Oh, s-sure Ms. Fleetfoot, I’m sorry.” The palomino Pegasus said, blushing at the kind motherly smile the arctic blue Pegasus gave her. “What I meant was that Queen Celestia had sent a few ponies who’re just as capable of holding their own like any other Ariel Flight soldier of Royal Guard. To put it simply, the ponies she sent off on their mission are part of the Seven Clans of Equestria.”

A soft gasp left Fleetfoot’s throat as her brilliant fuchsia eyes widened, while Soarin’s jaw fell open as if it had become unhinged. Spitfire also looked shocked, though she did an excellent job in hiding it unlike the rest of her teammates. That didn’t however, stop the brilliant gold mare from narrowing her strong orange eyes as she stared suspiciously at the Shadowbolt.

“Seven Clans of Equestria?” She repeated slowly, as if wondering if she had heard Crimson Skies right. “By that do you mean…”

“Yes.” The palomino mare nodded slowly, giving a little gulp. “Those Seven Clans of Equestria, aka, the ‘Secret Seven’.”

No words were spoken for some time after those words were said; Crimson Skies and the Wonderbolts all stood in silence, the latter completing over what they were told. The young Shadowbolt stayed standing where she was, patiently waiting for the silence to break between them. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to wait very long, for this time, to her Soarin was the one who spoke next.

“I see…so the ponies that Queen Celestia sent off are part of the seven most powerful clans of Equestria?” He asked, keeping his tone low and calm as to not scare Crimson Skies. At her slight nod, he closed his eyes and lowered his head. “Hm…I suppose it does make sense. After all, Queen Celestia would never send random ponies out on a mission that aren’t guards or Ariel Force soldiers to fight a villain. Not unless it was ponies from one of those families…they’d be more than capable of doing whatever the Queen had them do.”

“Yeah…if not us or anypony from the Royal Guard, then it’d at least be them. Their history dates back far before the E.U.P Guard or even the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts were even founded. If there’s anypony capable of helping Queen Celestia defeat an enemy of Equestria, it’s them.” Fleetfoot nodded, looking down at the ground in thought. The arctic blue Pegasus then looked back up at Crimson Skies, her head tilted in curiosity. “That reminds me…if you don’t mind, honey, would be so kind as to tell us just who it is that attacked Ponyville?”

At these words, Crimson Skies frowned, an apprehensive expression morphing into her face as she looked off to the side. She rubbed the back of her head as she tried to think of the right words to say without coming off as crazy or disbelieving. As much she wanted to say otherwise, Crimson Skies knew that the Wonderbolts wouldn’t be satisfied with nothing more than the truth as to who they were dealing with; no matter how unbelievable it was. Despite that, she couldn’t help but get the feeling that the next words she was going to say was going to take them all completely by surprise. That, and she was going to have to break it down to get them to understand.

The sound of Spitfire slamming a hoof on her desk for the third time brought the palomino Pegasus out of her thoughts. When she looked back over at her, she cringed at seeing the look of irritation and annoyance on her face, as if she was about to tear her a new one.

“My third in command just asked you a question, little Shadowbolt.” She said, her voice carrying a slight hiss to it. “And unless you want to me to incinerate you on the spot, you’ll tell her what she wants to know, right now.”

“Captain,” Soarin began firmly, only to stop when Crimson Skies lifted a hoof to silence him.

“No. It’s okay, don’t worry…I’m just trying to figure out the best way to put this.” She said softly, holding back another cringe when she said Spitfire’s glare sharpen. “The villain that had attacked the Town Square of Ponyville is…Nightmare Moon; the infamous Mare of Darkness and Nightmares. Also known as, the Mare in the Moon.”

For the first time since stepping into her office and coming face to face with her, Spitfire’s even expression morphed into one of complete shock and disbelief. Soarin and Fleetfoot weren’t too far behind her as they all gained similar expressions. Another eerie silence washed over the entire office as the four Pegasi stared at one another, one cautious and apprehensive, with the other three were gob smacked. Eventually Crimson Skies let out a sigh, looking down at the ground in sadness.

“See? I told you that it was crazy.” She murmured quietly, her mane falling over to shadow her eyes. “I know that it’s pretty hard to believe, and I don’t expect any of you to believe it yourselves. But believe me when I say, that it’s the truth, and that it’s as every bit as real as you can imagine. If you still don’t believe me, then I can prove it to you, and I think I know how.”

“…Is that so?” Spitfire finally asked quietly, her expression becoming hard again as her eyes narrowed. Her body once again began to glow, and the uncomfortable heat that Crimson Skies felt just a few minutes ago came back, twice as powerful as before. “And how, pray tell, do you intend to prove that Nightmare Moon, whose is nothing more than an urban legend, is actually real?! Well?! Tell me little Shadowbolt, how do you possibly intend on proving that to us let along me, huh?! Go on! I’m just dying to know!”

“Captain, calm down!” Soarin exclaimed, his emerald green eyes flashing as he and put a hoof on the brilliant gold mare’s shoulder. “I know that you’re upset, and you have a hard time believing Crimson Skies right now about what she’s saying! Even so, I really think that-”

That was all the cornflower blue stallion was able to say before Spitfire slapped his hoof away, giving him a sideways glare with her burning orange eyes. “You be quiet Soarin, and don’t you dare tell me to calm down! I don’t give a shit whether I’m calm or if I’m about to make this whole entire office explode with fire! I’ll say and do whatever the flying buck I want, and there’s nothing anypony can do about it! Nothing, not even you or Fleetfoot are going to tell me what to you! And you are certainly not gonna stop me from scorching this little Shadowbolt alive if I so feel like it, so back the buck up and shut your damn mouth! Understand?!”

Soarin’s ears flattened against his head as he frowned down at his Captain, who looked back up at him with a heated glare that dared him to say anything else. Eventually sighed and looked away, mumbling something under his breath as he went back to his original position. Spitfire then snapped her gaze to Fleetfoot, who glared right back at her with flashing fuchsia eyes, but didn’t dare say a word. Once she was sure that both of her teammates were quiet, Spitfire turned her glare back to Crimson Skies, who was still looking down at the ground.

“Anyway, as I was saying, how is it that you intend to prove to us what you’re saying is true, little Shadowbolt?” She asked, her tone carrying a menacing edge to it. “Because right now, I don’t see anything at your disposal that could make believe anything that you said.”

“Maybe not me, per say…” Crimson Skies began softly, slowly lifting her head so she could look the Wonderbolt Captain in the eyes. “…but I may know of something else that can convince you.”

“You do?” Fleetfoot asked curiously. “What’s that, honey?”

Crimson Skies shared brief eye contact with all three Shadowbolts for a few moments, before she locked eyes with Spitfire once more. “Are any of you aware of how Queen Celestia defeated Nightmare Moon over a millennium ago?”

“Well, yeah. How could we not?” Soarin replied with a shrug. “She used what was called the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon and banish her to the Moon for all eternity.”

“Yes, that’s true…at least, most of what you said.” Crimson Skies nodded, earning a confused look from Soarin. “While it is true that Queen Celestia banished Nightmare Moon to the Moon with the Elements, it’s not true that she was banished there for all eternity.”

“It’s not?” Spitfire asked perplexedly. “And why’s that?”

“Because it was only made that way in history books and legends so ponies wouldn’t go freaking out over the possibility that a mythical villain would one come to Equestria to seek revenge against the Queen. Me, my Captain, and the rest of my fellow Shadowbolts however, know the real truth.” Crimson Skies replied. “As with many other Shadowbolts before me and my team, it was said to us by the Queen herself what would really happen. On the thousandth day of the thousandth year, the stars would aid Nightmare Moon in her escape, and she’d come back to Equestria to finish what she had started. That, and there would be signs shown if such a thing were to happen.”

“Is that right?” Spitfire asked slowly, raising an eyebrow. “Just what’re those ‘signs’, supposed to be, if I may ask, little Shadowbolt?”

“Tell me, Ms. Spitfire…have you and your teammates ever notice anything strange about the Moon?” Crimson Skies asked, keeping herself calm and composed. “Did you see anything strange on it that wasn’t really there before?

Spitfire shot the palomino Pegasus a perplexed look at these words. “Well, we did keep seeing this large Unicorn head every time the Moon rose up at night…why do you ask?”

“That Unicorn head you kept seeing on the Moon was actually a huge tell-tale sign that Nightmare Moon was there.” Crimson Skies explained, making the brilliant gold mare’s eyes widen. “If you saw it in the books, it explains how the head of Nightmare Moon was imprinted on the Moon after Queen Celestia banished her. It also explains how ponies will know just who is on that Moon, and why that imprint is there. So, if anypony were to hear of the legend or find it out themselves, they’d know just where to look to find proof.” The faintest hind of a smile came across Crimson Skies face as she kept her gaze locked directly with Spitfire’s. “And if you just look outside your window, I’m sure you’ll see, just like I did, that that very same imprint is gone.”

As those last words left the young Shadowbolt’s mouth, she pointed a hoof forward at the windows behind the other three Pegasi. They all followed her gaze and looked right where the Moon was supposed to be, floating right behind them. The second they laid eyes on the large pure white orb, they all felt their jaws drop when they saw that the black Unicorn head imprint was no longer there.

“See? It’s just like I told you…that is one of tell-tale signs that the Mare of Darkness has escaped, and the biggest one there is. Now, she’s here, and she won’t stop until she’s gotten her revenge, and shrouded all of Equestria in Eternal Night.” Crimson Skies said lowering her hoof as the Wonderbolts all turned back to look at her. “That is…unless you offer your hoof in aiding me, my Captain, the Shadowbolts, and the ponies from Secret Seven clans in defeating her once and for all. So, what do you say Ms. Spitfire? Will you and the rest of your team help us?”

No other words were said after Crimson Skies asked that question, watching as the Shadowbolts looked from her and back to each other, still wearing expression of shock on their faces. They soon faded away after a time, and after giving each other a few contemplating looks, they all looked back at the palomino Pegasus.

“I must say…I’m surprised at you little Shadowbolt. I didn’t think that you’d use what you did to make us believe what you had to say.” Spitfire said putting her hooves together as she leaned forward. “It’s almost as if you were prepared for us not really believing it, especially since it was supposed to be nothing more than a myth. Be that as it may, I’m still having a pretty hard time believing that you’re saying, even if it is true.”

“I see,” Crimson Skies sighed as she once again hung her head. “I figured you’d say tha-”

“However,” Spitfire continued, making the palomino mare pause. “I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, since you did, in your own way, provide us proof with your statement. I’m not one to really believe anything anypony says to me without any sort of proof…but, since you provided me with some, I’ll take your word for it.”

“Oh, well…thank you.” Crimson Skies murmured, not entirely sure how to feel about what the brilliant gold mare had said. “I can assure you that-”

“Be that as it may, I wanna make myself very clear on something…so you’d better listen good.” Spitfire said, her voice immediately changing as she cut Crimson Skies off once more. “I’m not the type of pony that takes jokes that come even remotely close to pissing me off, especially when it involves certain things like this. So, believe me when I say that while I am gonna give you the benefit of the doubt, I’m also gonna look into this Nightmare Moon business and see if it’s really true. And you’d better hope and pray to Faust herself that I find out that it is, because if not…” Her eyes flashed once again as she glared hard at the palomino Pegasus. “…you are gonna find yourself flying back to your Headquarters with quite the burn marks, am I clear?”

Crimson Skies gulped fearfully. “C-c-clear as crystal, ma’am.”

“Good, I’m glad that you see it my way.” Spitfire said, the glow in her eyes diminishing. “I think we’re about finished here now. You can go ahead and see yourself out of here. If I have to look at your face for one more minute, I think my head is gonna explode.”

The palomino mare didn’t need to be told twice; she turned tail and quickly trotted toward the door, fully intent on getting out of there as quickly as possible. Just as she had reached the door, she heard Spitfire call out to her again.

“Hold it!” She exclaimed, the sharpness in her tone stopping Crimson Skies dad in her tracks. “Sorry, there’s a couple things that I forgot to ask you in regard to everything you told me. You said that the Queen had sent members of the Secret Seven clans out to stop Nightmare Moon. Tell me, just where did the Queen send them?”

“T-t-the…the Everfree.” Crimson Skies replied after some hesitation. “She sent them into the Everfree Forest…t-that’s where Nightmare Moon was said to be resigning.”

“The Everfree Forest huh? Well, that’s something new….” Spitfire nodded slowly, closing her eyes for a brief moment as she let the words sink in. “One more thing…who’s your Captain? The one that sent you here to deliver the Queen’s message to us?”

This question caused Crimson Skies to snap her mouth shut, her eyes widening as her pupils contracted and fear gripped at her very being. She could feel herself breaking out into a cold sweat as her heart began to race and her breathing quicken. She didn’t want to say it; she so desperately wanted to keep the identity of her Captain to herself, so she wouldn’t have to face this mare’s wrath. She wanted to keep it hidden so Spitfire wouldn’t say anything that would sully her name, or cause the Shadowbolt to go into an angered state that nearly got her pummeled by Icy Mist and Fire Streak. Crimson Skies so desperately wanted to do it, and fly away from here as far as she could…but the look in Spitfire’s eyes demanded that she answer, or she’d face her wrath anyway.

‘Well, I guess I’m gonna get burned alive either way…might as well get it over with now instead of putting it off.’ The palomino mare thought grimly as her shoulders slumped. ‘I pray to Faust that I do not get turned to ash…’

“Well? Come on, spit it out!” Spitfire ordered briskly. “I don’t have all night, not that it’s supposed to be night anyway.”

With a sigh, Crimson Skies silently braced herself before forcing out her Captain’s name. “M-my Captain’s name…is…V-Violet Fire. Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario…t-the infamous Black Phoenix.”

The moment those words left the young Shadowbolt’s mouth, she felt the temperature in the office rise to its highest temperature since she had walked in it. If she was feeling hot before, she was certainly feeling like she was cooking under her Shadowbolt suit as she stared into the blazing orange orbs of Spitfire. Her whole entire body was glowing its brightest shade of gold yet, her mane looking like it was on fire as her wings slowly spread, the feathers on it also ignited into flames.

“Violet Fire…” She growled, as if the very name itself left a repulsive taste on her tongue. “That mare…she’s your Captain? She’s the one who sent you here?!”

“Y-y-yes…s-she is…!” Crimson Skies whimpered, doing her best not to collapse under sheer amount of power that the brilliant gold mare was giving off.

Spitfire didn’t say anything after that, just letting out another audible growl as the fire around her body, as well as the heat, grew higher and stronger. Crimson Skies felt like she was burning from the inside out, and she was amazed that the office didn’t look like it was melting or being set on fire from the overwhelming power. She was even more astounded by that fact that neither of Spitfire’s teammates were even breaking into a sweat by the power or the unbearable heat coming from her. The palomino Pegasus supposed that they had seen this happen a number of times before, and that they became accustomed to feeling such incredible magic overtime. Unfortunately, that did not prevent Crimson skies from feeling it head on, nor could she do anything to stop its weighing feeling from pressing down on her. She started to grow light-headed as she struggled to stay on her hooves, and she could feel herself slowly beginning to slip into unconsciousness.

Then, just as she was about to pass out, her saving grace came at the last possible second. In the form of a very angry arctic blue Pegasus.

“CAPTAIN!” The voice of Fleetfoot rang out as she flared her wings, a wave of coolness washed over the entire room just a second later. In an instant, the heat and overwhelming power that Spitfire was spreading throughout the entire office was halted dead in its tracks. The wave of power that had burst out from Fleetfoot extinguished them both in a matter of seconds, replacing it with a rather comfortable coolness. Crimson Skies was brought back to full consciousness, the weighing feeling vanishing and replaced with a relief that washed throughout her entire body. As the palomino Pegasus caught her breath, she heard Fleetfoot speak.

“Captain, with all due respect, that was completely uncalled for!” The arctic blue mare exclaimed, stomping a hoof on the ground. “I know that you and Violet Fire have your history together, with you being rivals and all, but did you really have to go and scare Crimson Skies like that?! For Celestia’s sake, you almost made the poor thing pass out! Are you really going to lose your cool and flip the lid just because of who her leader is?!”

Spitfire reared up and slammed both her forehooves down on her desk, leaving steaming imprints of her hooves as she glared at Fleetfoot. “Oh, don’t you start with me too, Fleetfoot! It’s not like anything you haven’t seen before, coming from me! You know now I get when somepony even mentions the name of that mare around me! So, don’t you go telling me that the way I acted was uncalled for!”

“Except that it was!” Soarin interjected, giving his Captain a stern look of disapproval. “You looked like you were going to burn the entire office down, with Crimson Skies along with it! And like Fleetfoot said earlier, you nearly made her pass out from all of that heat you were emitting! What were you trying to do, burn the poor girl alive?!”

“After the way she had stood up to Fire Streak and Icy Mist, and threatened to ‘teach me a lesson’ about badmouthing her ‘Captain’, she’ll be lucky if I do just that!” Spitfire snorted, streams of fire coming out of her nose. “I don’t care who the buck it is or what their reasoning is, nopony going to threaten me, or any other Wonderbolt while they’re on my turf! They’ll find themselves as ashes at my hooves before they even think of doing something like that! And if you two even think of trying that, you’ll both find yourselves as ashes at my feet too! Now shut your mouths, and keep them shut!”

Both Fleetfoot and Soarin’ gave their Captain disapproving looks, but kept themselves from saying anything else; if not for their safety then for Crimson Skies. Once she was sure that they were both silent again, Spitfire snapped her gaze back to said palomino Pegasus.

“As for you…” She began slowly and menacingly. “…tell your so-called Captain and the Queen that we’ll help her and the members of the Seven Clans in defeating Nightmare Moon. However, we’ll help only them and the Queen, and if your ‘Captain’ or her any of her lackeys get in our way, I’ll see to it personally that they all pay for it. Also, if you every try to threaten me or any of my fellow Wonderbolts again, I will scorch you alive, and boil you in a giant boiling pot!” Her eyes flashed one last time, making sure to burn the message and the warning deep into Crimson Skies head. “Do you understand me, little Shadowbolt?”

“Y-Yes ma’am!” Crimson Skies squeaked, looking to be on the verge of tears. “I-I-I understand!”

“Alright then…” Spitfire said quietly, closing her eyes as she leaned back somewhat. A split second later, she snapped them back open and slammed her hooves on her desk one last time, her wings flaring to their fullest span. “NOW GET YOUR PATHETIC COPYCAT ASS, OUT OF MY OFFICE!!!” She roared, her eyes blazing their brightest glow yet.

With a squeak of fear, Crimson Skies turned tail and practically ripped the door open, wanting to just get out of there already. She did, however, stop for just the briefest moment to shoot Fleetfoot a look of gratitude, before she flew out the door, slamming it shut behind her.

A shiver went down Crimson Skies back as those events replayed in her mind continuously, filling her with even more and more dread. She did her best not to let it cloud her focus, but it was pretty hard for her to do when she had a mare that could burn her at any moment flying behind her. I didn’t help that very same mare was constantly glaring holes in the back of her skull, merely for the fact that she followed the one pony she hated more than anypony else in either headquarters.

‘Okay, okay…just keep calm Crimson, just remain calm.’ The palomino mare thought to herself, taking deep breaths. ‘It’s not totally unbearable, you have two Wonderbolts who are much nicer to you then their Captain is, and can keep her from burning me alive. I just hope that they’ll be able to keep doing that when we finally do reach Ponyville.’

“Hey Crimson Skies!” Fleetfoot’s motherly voice called out snapping Crimson out of her thoughts. “You doing okay there, sweetie? You look like your shivering!”

“Oh, y-yes Fleetfoot, I’m okay!” Crimson stammered, giving a little gulp. “I-I’m just really lost in thought as all.”

“You mean about all that’s going on tonight?” Soarin asked knowingly. “Heh, we know how you’re feeling kiddo. I’m not gonna like, I’m feeling a bit anxious myself about what we’re going to find when we do get to this town, how much danger that it’s in.”

“If you are, then you really need to get yourself under control Soarin.” Spitfire spat, a hard frown on her face. “We’re dealing with what may be our greatest challenge yet, and the last thing that we need is for you to be having an anxiety attack is if your grey in the mane.”

“First of all, Captain Spitfire, I’m only in my mid-twenties.” Soarin deadpanned. “Second, there’s nothing wrong with being anxious about anything. Did you already forget how anxious Crimson was to meet us, especially after what happened with Fire Streak and Icy Mist?”

“Soarin’s right.” Fleetfoot nodded. “You really can’t blame Crimson for acting the way she did towards them. I mean, they were belittling her Captain, and she was only defending her honor due to what they were saying about Violet Fire.”

Crimson Skies smiled gratefully at Fleetfoot and Soarin. ‘At least there some ponies that get what I was going through. Then again, Soarin and Fleetfoot have given me the benefit of the doubt and were defending me for practically the entire meeting with them…’

“Don’t you say that bitch’s name in front of me Fleetfoot!” Spitfire snapped, glaring daggers at the arctic blue mare. “As far as I’m concerned, that cunt is nothing but a means to an end, and somepony that needs to be put in her proper place and taught who the realflyers are!”

“Violet is a real flyer.” Soarin asserted firmly with a frown. “Just because she may not be a member of our team, doesn’t mean that she doesn’t deserve to be called an elite flyer. There’s a reason why she’s called the Captain of the Shadowbolts, because she has what it takes to fly, and to lead a team. Even if they do things differently from the way we do, that doesn’t make them any less better than we are.”

“It doesn’t make them any more better than us either.” Spitfire retorted. “Then again, no other Ariel Flight team is better than ours anyway.”

The cornflower blue stallion frowned even harder at his Captain, and was about to pull a retort of his own when Crimson spoke up. “Um…you guys…I think we made it to Ponyville.”

At this, the three Wonderbolts turned to where Crimson Skies was looking, and felt their jaws drop at what they were seeing. In front of them was a rather large town, probably one of the biggest peaceful towns they had ever seen, looking to be a bit worse for wear. In random parts of the town, clouds of smoke could be seen rising in the air, with some houses within the town either destroyed or looking close to being so. Glints of light could be seen moving through random parts of the town, letting the flyers know that the guards were there as well. At the very center of the town, was the Town Square, looking to be the worse condition, with a bright pink shield covering it.

“Father Hyorinmaru almighty…” Fleetfoot whispered. “What in the world happened here?”

“I have no idea.” Soarin murmured. “It looks like this place went through a warzone of Zombies or something.”

“That’s an understatement.” Spitfire said bluntly. “I guess things are a lot worse than I thought that they’d be.”

Crimson Skies nodded. “U-uh-huh…”

“Yo Crimson Skies.” Soarin said, drawing the young mare’s attention. “Where do you think we should go from here? We’ve already made it to the town, and we’re not exactly sure just where we should be looking for the one in charge of this place.”

“O-oh well um…” Crimson murmured. “I suppose that we should go to the largest building there. I mean, it does have a giant shield over it, so we should find some guards there…or somepony like that.”

“Well then, lead the way honey.” Fleetfoot said sweetly. “You’re the one who got us here, so I think it’s only fair that we should let you lead us.”

“Just don’t try any funny business little Shadowbolt.” Spitfire warned. “I was kind enough to let you lead us this far and prove your theory about this whole Nightmare Moon thing. Don’t you dare let this be a waste of my time, or else I’ll burn you like I nearly did at my office.”

“Y-yes ma’am!” Crimson Skies squeaked, not noticing the frowns on Soarin and Fleetfoot’s faces. “W-well then, let’s dive everypony!

As the four ponies descended towards the smoking town, Spitfire took a glance behind her at the moon shining down on her and her teammates. Her eyes narrowed from behind her goggles as the image of Violet Fire appeared in her mind.

‘So, it looks like our team’s paths are going to cross once again, aren’t they Violet?’ The brilliant gold mare thought to herself. ‘Well just you wait; I’m going to show them first hoof why we Wonderbolts are better than you and your little club of Shadowbolt softies. You can count on that, you no good faker.’

Author's Notes:

Okay, now before any of you ask my why it was taking so long for the Wonderbolts to get the message from Queen Celestia about the return of Nightmare Moon and all that, let me just say that the main series didn't exactly confirm the location of the Wonderbolt Academy, therefore I was not able to put down the specific time that it would take for Crimson Skies to get from Queen Celestia's castle, all the way to Wonderbolt Headquarters, and all the way to Ponyville. So, I had decided to just make one myself, having it be over and hour and a half or longer for Crimson to get there, while the same three and a half hours that Zephyr and the girls spent in the Everfree, was the same amount of time Queen Celestia spent trying to get the the Solar and Lunar Guards and the Ariel Flyers ready. Plus the half hour that passed since the Shadowbolt made it to the eight travelers, which is a total of four hours since the whole adventure started, if not a little bit longer, if that makes sense. I may have to go back over some of the chapters just to make sure that got the amount of time right, but something tells me that I have.

Anyway, yeah this was a...pretty tense and overall pretty dark chapter that I'm pretty sure that all of you are thinking right about now, as one of my other followers pointed out when he read this. Also, yes, the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts have a very complicated relationship with one another, to the point where it exceeds to borderline hate with some of the flyers, and I'm sure many of you are wondering about that, along with why Spitfire has such deep seated hatred for Violet Fire. All will be explained in due time and get ready for it, because it's going to be quite the shocker for you all and a bit emotional as well for many, just like the next chapter after this one.

Another thing that I'm going to point out right nowis that I really really really don't like the Wondrbolts at all, least of all Spitfire, with the exception of Soarin' and maybe Fleetfoot because she can looks like somepony that could be redeemable and quite nice to be around, despite the stunt she and Spitfire pulled in the Rainbow Falls episode in Season 4. Other than the fact that they're the best and most talented flyers in Equestria, I really don't see what Rainbow sees in those guys...speaking of which, I'm also planning to clear something up about RD becoming a Wonderbolt, especially since she's soon going to become and Element of Harmony by the end of this adventure, and I know that it's going to come as a really big surprise to you all.

Well, that's it for right now; tune in later on today for the next chapter, dating back to the origins of our Dark Queen, and how our dear Queen of the Night came to be her.