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[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/AC_331.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:They aren't [[AceCombat5 Ghosts of Razgriz]], but they can certainly [[WeDoTheImpossible perform great feats]] (from left to right: [[CommunicationsOfficer Lightning Bolt]], [[ActionMom Derpy]], [[TheHero Rainbow Dash]], [[TheLeader Firefly]], [[PluckyGirl Cloud Kicker]], [[TagalongKid Medley]], [[TheHeart Fluttershy]].]]

--> ''"We’re in for a wild flight."''

A CrossOver fanfic by Tropers/PolishValsion[[hottip:*: otherwise known as [[http://www.youtube.com/SonicTheHedgehog17 SonicTheHedgehog17]] that combines WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic with the AceCombat video game series. In this story, the griffins prepare an invasion on Equestria and a team of brave pegasus ponies (Firefly, Rainbow Dash, Lightning Bolt, Cloud Kicker, Fluttershy, Derpy and Medley), known as "Mirage" squadron, is attempting to protect their land and mount a comeback.

While not a direct adaptation of any Ace Combat game, the story uses a lot of references to the [[AceCombat04 Playstation]] [[AceCombatZero 2]] [[AceCombat5 titles]], as well as AceCombat6 and the latest [[AceCombatAssaultHorizon Assault Horizon]].

[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/24736/Ace-Combat%3A-The-Equestrian-War The complete story is here]].

A sequel, titled ''Ace Combat: Wings of Unity'', is set to appear in near future.

[[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters Character sheet]] can be found [[Characters/AceCombatTheEquestrianWar here.]]

!!Tropes featured in this story:

* AFriendInNeed: Rainbow Dash rescues Applejack in chapter 6.
* AbnormalAmmo / EdibleAmmunition: Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo fire frozen apple pies and various other foodstuffs at the griffins.
* [[AcePilot Ace Fliers]]: Especially the Mirage squadron, The Wonderbolts and the griffin ace teams. Mobius and the Garuda team count as well.
* ActionMom: Derpy. She [[spoiler: takes on three griffins all by herself trying to save Dinky]].
* AdaptationalBadass: Several ponies, especially the ones flying in Mirage squadron. From characters who had little screen time and next to no words spoken in the show, they're given distinct personalities and traits.
* AdultFear: Derpy rightfully fears for Dinky's safety through the whole war.
* AirJousting
* AirstrikeImpossible: Surprisingly subverted in chapter 10, where [[spoiler: Rainbow Dash performs a Sonic Rainboom to break inside the Burning Talon]].
** Played straight, however, in chapter 19.
* AlasPoorVillain: Several griffin soldiers, but especially [[spoiler: Echo]], though he wasn't all that evil.
* TheAlliance: Equestrian Allied Forces (EAF)
* AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs: The griffins [[spoiler: besiege Canterlot]] from chapter 15 to 17. Earlier, in chapter 8, they [[spoiler: take over Cloudsdale. It remains theirs until it's recaptured in chapter 14]].
* AmazonBrigade: The Mirage squadron.
* AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: Overdrive to Tornado Swirl. He [[spoiler: [[RelationshipUpgrade doesn't mind]]]].
* [[AnIcePerson An Ice Pony]]: Colgate, as shown in chapter 4, is capable of using beams of freezing magic.
* ArcWords: All ponies are "children of this land."
* BackFromTheBrink: Things start hard for the ponies, but finally, in chapter 17, they turn the tables.
* BattleInTheRain: Rainbow Dash fights [[spoiler: Gilda]] during a rainstorm.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: The griffin squadron leaders, specifically Zeakros and Echo, keep reminding their wing-mates that ponies are MoreThanMeetsTheEye. Yet 90% of the time, it falls on deaf ears with dire consequences.
* [[BigBadassBirdOfPrey Big Badass Birds of Prey]]: The griffins, naturally. Even though they are only slightly bigger than the ponies.
* BigDamnHeroes: All over the place. Lampshaded by Firefly during the first group BDH moment in chapter 6:
--> '''Firefly''': Seems like we've arrived in the nick of time. What does that make us, Thunder?
--> '''Lightning Bolt''': [[JustForPun Big Mane Heroines]], Flash!
* [[BigNO Big "NO!"]]: Fluttershy in chapter 17. Firefly does a bigger one in the next chapter, after experiencing a nightmare.
* [[BigWHAT Big "WHAT?!"]]: Rainbow Dash lets out several of those.
* BilingualBonus: Echo's "Gult" squadron. It means "[[AceCombat04 Yellow]]" in Romanian.
* BittersweetEnding: [[spoiler: The ponies manage to win the war and end Red Cyclone's plans. They even reconcile with the griffins]]. But at the same time [[spoiler: many ponies and griffins had died during the conflict, many others were traumatized and majority of Equestria was ravaged by the conflict]].
** However, the epilogue [[spoiler: gives a [[{{EarnYourHappyEnding}} happy ending]] to several characters]]. See below.
* BloodlessCarnage: Until chapter 7, no pony or griffon dies, though several fighters on both sides sustain wounds.
* BreakTheCutie: Especially since chapter 8.
* BreakThemByTalking: [[spoiler: Gilda]] does this to Rainbow Dash in chapter 11, combined with a NoHoldsBarredBeatdown.
** Comes back to bite the former hard in the butt during their second and final confrontation.
* BreatherEpisode: Chapter 9. Since the next chapter, things get [[DarkerAndEdgier serious]].
* BrokenTears: Every main heroine sheds those at least once in the story, with the exception of Lightning Bolt. To elaborate: Firefly in chapters 7, 8 (in the flashback) and 16, Fluttershy in chapter 10, Rainbow Dash and Medley in chapter 11 (Rainbow carries them to chapter 12), Derpy and Cloud Kicker in chapter 15. [[DarkAndTroubledPast Each of]] [[DeceasedParentsAreTheBest them]] [[TheseHandsHaveKilled has]] [[ItsAllMyFault a justified]] [[BreakTheCutie and valid]] [[DeathWail reason]] [[TearsOfFear to cry]].
* CallBack: Fluttershy uses [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E17StareMaster The Stare]] to scare two griffins in chapter 3.
** Medley, in chapter 4, sneaks between the trees to track the griffins who kidnapped fillies. It may bear resemblance to Apple Bloom doing the same thing while [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E9BridleGossip following Zecora]].
** Pinkie Pie's [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E5GriffonTheBrushOff party]] for Gilda is mentioned in chapter 11.
* {{Canon Foreigner}}s: [[OneManArmy Mobius]], [[AceCombat6 Talisman]], [[{{Wingman}} Shamrock]] and [[VoiceWithAnInternetConnection Sky Eye]].
* CanonImmigrant: Firecracker Burst.
* CasualDangerDialog: In chapter 19, Flare Star says the following gem after knocking a griffon soldier down:
--> '''Flare Star''': Hey, Spitfire! When this mission is over, I’m ordering a first-class cold shower!
--> '''Spitfire''': Sure, as long as you’ll come back alive.
** Not to mention this conversation between Firefly and Rainbow Dash as they're escaping from [[spoiler: [[CollapsingLair the collapsing Fortress Intimidation]]]]:
--> '''Firefly''': You know…this is probably the most intense flight I've had in my life! Hahaha!
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': Yeah…but we gotta make it out of here, so we can live to tell others about it!
--> '''Firefly''': Let’s speed up! Now it’s only a straight way out! There’s a light in front of us!
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': I hope it’s not a passage to the other world! *laughs*
* CatapultNightmare: Firefly experiences one at the beginning of chapter 18 due to a [[{{BadDreams}} Bad Dream]].
* CerebusSyndrome: Despite several victories for the ponies, they can't seem to get a breather.
* CheerfulChild: Dinky tries to remain optimistic despite the carnage of the war happening around her.
* ChekhovsSkill: Some of the stuff Firefly shows to her wing-mares in the first few chapters help in future battles.
* ChildSoldiers: The Cutie Mark Crusaders. To their credit, they actually ''want'' to fight the griffins in chapter 16 and they helped in defending Ponyville.
* ColdBloodedTorture: [[spoiler: Gilda]] performs it on [[TearsOfFear Medley]] in chapter 11. Applejack is also subjected to one in chapter 6.
* ColorCodedForYourConvenience: Said word-for-word by Rarity in chapter 3, when she introduces the vests for Firefly's team, each being colored to match a pony's coat. These vests are used by both ponies and griffins in order to distinguish their alignment and to which unit they belong.
* CooldownHug: Lightning Bolt gives one to Cloud Kicker when she breaks down into tears in chapter 15, assuring her that no matter what will happen, they will remain best friends.
* ContinuityPorn: Several characters from the show appear in the story. A few events are referenced or mentioned. According to WordOfGod, the fic is set some time after the second season. In order:
** The defeats of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E2ElementsOfHarmony Nightmare Moon]] and [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E2TheReturnOfHarmonyPart2 Discord]] in the first three chapters.
** Both the griffins and Rainbow Dash talk about a certain pony who [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E7Dragonshy convinced a dragon to leave the mountain]] in chapter 2.
** In chapter 6, Rainbow tells Firefly about [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E13FallWeatherFriends competing with Applejack]].
** In chapter 9, the Wonderbolts talk about [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E16SonicRainboom the Sonic Rainboom]] that Rainbow Dash performed at the Best Young Flyer competition in Cloudsdale, while Fluttershy mentions the one that helped her and the rest of the Mane Cast [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E23TheCutieMarkChronicles earn their Cutie Marks]].
** Additionally, [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E26TheBestNightEver The Grand Galloping Gala]] is mentioned in chapter 9.
** Pinkie Pie's [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E9SweetAndElite party cannon]] appears in chapters 10 and 17.
** Zecora is mentioned in chapter 12.
** Pipsqueak appears in chapter 15.
** In chapter 16, Rainbow confesses to Firefly that she is different than she used to be because of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E8TheMysteriousMareDoWell some lessons in humility she took while being]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E16ReadItAndWeep around her friends]].
** [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E22HurricaneFluttershy Thunderlane]] appears in chapter 18, leading the Falcon squadron. Flitter, Cloudchaser and Blossomforth are there as well.
** [[spoiler: [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E25ACanterlotWeddingPart1 Shining Armor and Princess Cadence]]]] appear in the epilogue.
* ConvenientlyAnOrphan: [[spoiler: Firefly]].
* {{Crossover}}
* CrowdSong: At the end of chapter 9. What's better is that the ponies sing [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVx1kq0B38U "Gotta Stay Fly" from Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]] , though with slightly altered lyrics.
** Ditto for [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-9KFA6TQos The Anthem of Harmony]] sang in the epilogue, where the crowd joins in during the second part.
* CueTheSun
* CurbStompBattle: In the first few chapters, whenever Mirage squadron fights the griffins, the latter ends up getting pulverized.
** But in chapter 11, Rainbow Dash (who was immobilized earlier) is brutally curb-stomped by [[spoiler: Gilda]].
* CurbStompCushion: [[spoiler:The second battle of Cloudsdale in chapter 14. Thanks to the support of Mirage squadron, the Wonderbolts and the three foreign aces, the Pegasi managed to beat a griffin group army roughly twice their numbers, losing no more than ten fliers]].
** The ponies' agility sometimes allows them to get an upper hoof over the griffins, [[SubvertedTrope though not always]]. See below.
* DarkestHour: Chapter 15. [[spoiler: Canterlot is seized by the Griffin Army, with the castle being the only save area; many ponies are injured, several died and things generally look bleak for the heroes]].
** DramaBomb
* DeadPersonConversation: [[spoiler: Firefly speaks with the spirits of her parents]] in the epilogue.
* DeathFromAbove: Favored method of attack for the griffins, especially against earth ponies and unicorns. Pegasi are capable of that, too, with griffin heads being their targets.
* DeathWail: Poor [[spoiler: Derpy]].
* DeceasedParentsAreTheBest: [[spoiler: Firefly]] matured greatly after losing her parents, even though she still grieves over the loss sometimes.
* DecisiveBattle: In chapter 17.
* DeflectorShields: [[RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething Princesses Celestia and Luna]] put one together around the entire Canterlot Castle!
** Actually, it's more like SomeKindOfForceField.
* DemotedToExtra: The Mane Cast besides Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy gets much less focus in the story.
** Ultimately subverted. They become a vital ground support during the Battle for Stalliongrad, help in [[spoiler: the liberation of Canterlot]] and lead the ground forces into the FinalBattle.
* DespairEventHorizon: Rainbow Dash comes dangerously close to crossing it in [[HeroicBSOD chapter]] [[ItsAllMyFault 12]]. Thankfully, [[spoiler: Medley's GetAHoldOfYourselfMan]] changes the situation.
* DiedInYourArmsTonight: [[spoiler: Carrot Top dies in Derpy's arms]] in [[TearJerker chapter 15]].
* DiscOneFinalBoss: The mission to destroy [[spoiler: The Burning Talon]] in chapter 10.
* DownerBeginning: The Wonderbolts are taken down by the griffins, leaving Equestrian skies almost completely defenseless. Good thing Firefly returns to Equestria on the same day.
* DudeWheresMyRespect?: Beautifully averted, as in the Ace Combat games. [[spoiler: Before the Burning Talon was destroyed by Firefly's team, they were just another squadron of Pegasi]]. Aftermath, they are revered as great heroines. And it seems other ponies are aware of the Elements of Harmony and those who bear them.
* DuelBoss: Quite a few.
** Firefly and Black Star.
** Lightning Bolt duels with Greyback, while Cloud Kicker (later supported by Fluttershy) fights Razor in chapter 10.
** Fluttershy battles Night Raven while Derpy fights with Axe (both in chapter 17).
** Mobius against [[TheRival Echo]].
** Rainbow Dash and [[spoiler: Gilda]]. Overlaps as FinalBoss.
* DyingMomentOfAwesome: As reported by Flare Star in chapter 15, [[spoiler: Blueberry]] fought against four griffins all by herself and even managed to kill one [[spoiler: before Night Raven killed her]].
* [[spoiler: EarnYourHappyEnding]]: [[spoiler: Equestria is slowly recovering from the ravages of war, Rainbow Dash becomes a honorary member of the Wonderbolts, Derpy [[{{HappilyAdopted}} adopts]] Pipsqueak and Firefly stays in Equestria, becoming Rainbow Dash's older twin sister (even though they are actually cousins)]].
** Twilight Sparkle [[spoiler: gets to see her whole family at the celebration, this includes Shining Armor and Princess Cadence]].
* EasilyForgiven: The ponies are quick to forgive each other for mistakes. They are also willing to [[spoiler: forgive the griffins after the war is over]].
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': There is another face of pride... it's called forgiving.
* TheEmpire: This is the direction The Griffin Kingdom is headed under [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]]'s leadership.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: Some griffins (Zeakros, Echo, Edge) are actually honorable warriors. General Silverbeak refuses to accept [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]]'s EvilPlan.
* EvilPlan: [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]] has one that involves a FinalSolution.
* {{Expy}}: Several.
** Echo to [[AceCombat04 Yellow 13]].
** Tornado Swirl to [[AceCombatAssaultHorizon Guts aka Warwolf 2]].
** Mobius to PlayerCharacter from AceCombat04. Additionally, Sky Eye to AWACS from the same game.
** [[AceCombat6 Shamrock]] is loosely based on his original portrayal, with a slightly different backstory.
** General Silverbeak to [[AceCombatAssaultHorizon General Ivan Stagleishov]].
** Gale is a combination of two operators: one heard in AceCombatZero's briefings, and [[AceCombatXSkiesOfDeception Crux]].
** [[spoiler: Gilda]] seems to be sharing a thing or two with [[AceCombatZero "Solo Wing" Pixy]].
** There are two locations from AceCombat universe that are mentioned in chapter 14: Emareia (Emmeria) and Urusea (Erusia).
** Red Cyclone's [[spoiler: Fortress Intimidation]] may be considered a combination of most major super-weapons from the Ace Combat series. See [[ShoutOut/AceCombatTheEquestrianWar Shout Out]].
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: Greyback gets fried by [[spoiler: The Burning Talon's laser]] in chapter 10. [[spoiler: Blueberry's death]] also counts.
* FantasticRacism
* FinalBattle: In chapter 19.
* [[FiveBadBand Five Griffon Band]]
** BigBad: [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]]
** TheDragon: Black Star
** EvilGenius: Scythe
** TheBrute: Night Raven
** DarkChick: Edge
** SixthRangerTraitor: [[spoiler: Zeakros]]
* [[FiveManBand Five Pony Band]]. Since chapter 4, it evolved into the MagnificentSeven:
** TheHero / TheBigGuy: Rainbow Dash
** TheLeader: Firefly
** TheLancer / TheSmartGuy: Lightning Bolt
** KidAppealCharacter: Cloud Kicker
** TheChick / TheHeart: Fluttershy
** TheSixthRanger: Derpy
** TagalongKid: Medley
* ForTheEvulz: Apparently, the only reason [[spoiler: Gilda]] breaks Medley's wings after exposing her to a great pain beforehand.
* ForcedToWatch: Rainbow Dash had to witness the moment mentioned above on her own eyes. Had she moved, Medley would end up wingless…
* FreakOut: A temporal one for Firefly in chapter 16, when she hears that [[spoiler: Black Star actually feels remorse for killing her parents]]. She bursts into hysterical laughter before unsuccessfully trying not to scream, tearful. Thankfully, Rainbow Dash manages to calm her down.
* FrickinLaserBeams: [[spoiler: How the Burning Talon operates]].
* GenreSavvy: Pinkie Pie, when asked by Twilight why is she excited about Rainbow Dash fighting her rival.
--> '''Pinkie Pie''': Come on, it’s a fight between the aces! Whenever it happens at the end, it’s always awesome!
* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan: In chapter 12, [[spoiler: Medley]] smacks [[spoiler: Rainbow Dash]] in the face in order to snap her out of a HeroicBSOD.
* GoshDarnItToHeck: The author tries his best to avoid making ponies say any vulgar words, [[HoldYourHippogriffs replacing curses with pony-specific words (hay, buck) at worst]]. The same can't be said about the griffins, though.
* GoneHorriblyWrong: Rainbow Dash encountered a certain old friend after the battle for Ponyville. And it didn't end well at ''all''.
* GoOutWithASmile: [[spoiler: [[SacrificialLion Carrot Top]]]] in [[TearJerker chapter 15]]. [[spoiler: Echo]] in chapter 19.
* GracefulLoser: Both [[BloodKnight Night Raven]] and [[AcePilot Echo]] praise their opponents after they are defeated.
* GroupHug
* HappilyAdopted: [[spoiler: Pipsqueak]].
** And [[spoiler: Firefly]].
* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler: Zeakros]] in chapter 19.
* HeroicBSOD: [[spoiler: Fluttershy]] experiences one in chapter 10. Doubles as MyGodWhatHaveIDone
** [[spoiler: Rainbow Dash]] undergoes an even more [[TearJerker heartwrenching one]] in chapter 12.
** But it's nothing compared to [[spoiler: Derpy]]'s [[SerialEscalation suffering]] in chapter 15.
* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler: [[WeHardlyKnewYe Sea Spot]]]]. Overdrive doesn't take it well.
* {{High Altitude Battle}}s: Obviously. Sometimes, they involve GoodOldFisticuffs.
* HoldTheLine: The Battle of Stalliongrad certainly seems like that kind of mission.
** The plan to [[spoiler: liberate Canterlot]] presented in chapter 16 may count as well, at least for the main defense force.
* HopeSpot: In chapter 14, the Pegasi manage to [[spoiler: retake Cloudsdale]]. Then [[spoiler: Canterlot is attacked and besieged by the griffins]].
** In chapter 17, [[spoiler: Canterlot is liberated and the griffins are driven out of Equestria]]. But by the end of the chapter Derpy reveals that [[spoiler: Axe told her about Red Cyclone's new super-weapon, Fortress Intimidation]].
** In chapter 19, [[spoiler: Fortress Intimidation is destroyed, Red Cyclone died]] and it seems the war is over. But as ponies and griffins alike celebrate, [[spoiler: Firefly is struck down]].
* [[ImprobablePilotingSkills Improbable Flying Skills]]: Several Pegasi and griffins are capable of various dangerous tricks or maneuvers used to defeat their opponents. Mobius is a prime example.
* InsultBackfire: In chapter 19, after Red Cyclone tells Rainbow Dash about [[TakeOverTheWorld his]] [[TheEmpire ambitions]].
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': You know what? I've met many psychos and weirdos in my life, but you…You are downright ''insane!''
--> '''Red Cyclone''': That’s your opinion.
* ItsPersonal: One of Firefly's reasons for coming back to Equestria.
* ItHasBeenAnHonor: Firefly says this to her companions in chapter 18 before she [[spoiler: resigns as a leader of the squadron and designates Rainbow Dash as the new one]].
** Rainbow Dash says it in the epilogue to Mobius as he leaves Equestria with Sky Eye. [[spoiler: He responds with [[{{IKissYourHand}} I Kiss Your Hoof]], acknowledging Rainbow as his equal]].
* [[ItWasADarkAndStormyNight It Was a Cold And Cloudy Morning]]: At the beginning of chapter 5.
* KarmicDeath: [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]] in chapter 19.
* [[KidnappingBirdOfPrey Kidnapping Birds of Prey]]: Edge's Crimson squadron in chapter 4, when they kidnap little fillies as hostages.
* KirkSummation: Rainbow Dash to [[spoiler: Gilda]] during the last battle. Predictably, she responds with a ShutUpKirk
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': You’re the one who can’t let go, [[spoiler: Gilda]]! You refuse to leave the past behind, you live in your own world! And that’s why you can’t beat me in this fight!
--> '''[[spoiler: Gilda]]''': Shut up! I don’t need lectures, especially from you!
* KnightOfCerebus: [[spoiler: Gilda]] in chapter 11. Earlier, Black Star in chapter 7.
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: By the end of chapter 19, Sky Eye says: "Well, it's GameOver for him", referring to [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]].
* [[LeaveHimToMe Leave Her to Me]]: Red Cyclone gives his soldiers the following order when facing Mirage squadron:
--> '''Red Cyclone''': Kill those cursed Pegasi, but that rainbow-maned one is ''mine''!
* [[MeaningfulName Meaningful Callsign]]: Lightning Bolt, Cloud Kicker, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash have their callsigns named after their cutie marks.
** Firefly picks her callsign ("Flash") to emphasize on her agility, while Medley, being the youngest Pegasus among the seven heroines, is called "Kid".
* MeanwhileScene: Done in chapters 14 and 19.
* MissionBriefing: Several, the most prominent ones being in chapters 9, 13, 16 and 18.
* MyCountryRightOrWrong: Many griffins don't really want to fight the ponies, but they do so because they believe it would bring glory to their kingdom. Also, [[JustFollowingOrders it's about orders]].
* MyNameIsInigoMontoya: Fluttershy pulls this off against [[BloodKnight Night Raven]] and even manages to [[NeckSnap kill him]].
--> '''Fluttershy''': My name is Fluttershy! I’m a member of the Mirage squadron! And I've sworn to protect Equestria and my friends! I’m a pony that represents the Element of Kindness! But, to you…I will show ''no mercy''!
* MythologyGag: Quite a few lines of dialogue from Ace Combat games are incorporated into the fic.
* NeckSnap: Several characters die this way.
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: Rainbow Dash is subjected into one in chapter 11 at the claws of [[spoiler: Gilda]].
** In chapter 17, Night Raven does a brutal one to Fluttershy. But she manages to [[HeroicSecondWind return the favor]].
* NoIAmBehindYou: How Firebolt defeats Vulture in chapter 8. It also happens throughout the story at certain moments with other characters.
* NoNameGiven: No parent (except for Derpy) is named in the story.
* NotSoDifferent: Invoked during the final duel between Rainbow Dash and [[spoiler: Gilda]].
* ObligatoryWarCrimeScene: Averted. The heroes ''never'' attack civilian targets; in fact all of their missions revolve around defending their home turf, or attacking purely military installations.
* OhCrap: The Wonderbolts' reaction when the turrets open fire at them in the first chapter.
** That's probably the best way to summarize the expressions of Lightning Bolt, Derpy, Medley and Soarin' when [[spoiler: The Burning Talon's laser smashes the Cloudsdale gates to pieces]] in chapter 8.
** The griffins have the same reaction when they see [[spoiler: The Burning Talon being destroyed in chapter 10]]. May count as an IronicEcho.
** Firefly's reaction when she notices that Scythe attempts a SuicideAttack to bomb Stalliongrad in chapter 13.
** Red Cyclone gets a glorious one in chapter 19 when [[spoiler: Firefly comes to help Rainbow Dash]].
* OriginalCharacter: All Pegasi team leaders. Firebolt and Gale may also count. Same for the griffins (besides "G" aka [[spoiler: Gilda]]).
* PlayingWithFire: The griffins do that during the [[spoiler: scorching of Equestria]], as reported by several ponies and [[spoiler: Edge]]. Also, [[OneSceneWonder Firecracker Burst]] can use short-ranged fire streams as a means of offence.
* PleaseDontLeaveMe: Derpy, in probably the biggest TearJerker in the whole story says this to [[spoiler: Carrot Top]] in chapter 15:
--> '''Derpy:''' [[spoiler: Carrot]]…Please…Please don’t die…Don’t leave me…Don’t leave me all alone!
** Firefly does it toward [[spoiler: the spirits of her parents]] in the epilogue. She gets over it, though.
* PosthumousCharacter: King Lightbeak, [[spoiler: Firefly's parents]], Morning Glow.
* PostVictoryCollapse: Happens to Fluttershy in chapter 17. She passes out after Firefly congratulates her for defeating Night Raven.
* PrecisionFStrike: Firefly seems to be fond of those. In chapter 12, she yells at Rainbow Dash, who is suffering from a HeroicBSOD:
--> '''Firefly''': You know what? TO [[HoldYourHippogriffs HAY]] WITH YOU!
** In chapter 16, when Rainbow Dash tries to calm her down:
--> '''Firefly''': I CAN’T CALM THE BUCK DOWN!
** In chapter 19, she does it for [[RuleOfThree the third time]], this time aiming it at [[spoiler: Black Star]]:
--> '''Firefly''': I DON'T GIVE A FLYING FEATHER ABOUT YOUR ORDERS!
* PunchAWall: [[AceCombat6 Shamrock]] hits the wall with his hoof in chapter 15 when he tells Fluttershy that he could have saved [[spoiler: Carrot Top]], but instead he went to assist the Pegasi fighting the griffins.
* RedBaron: The Pegasi from Mirage squadron are dubbed "Angels of Equestria" by Cheerilee and the fillies in chapter 9. She calls them like this again, word-for-word, in chapter 16, though this time, it's the Cutie Mark Crusaders who do the "Angels!" chanting.
** Echo refers to a certain Pegasus as a "Heavenly Ribbon".
** Rainbow Dash gains an impressive moniker by the end of the story: [[spoiler: "Princess of the Skies"]].
* RedemptionEqualsDeath: Played straight with Axe, but averted with [[spoiler: Black Star]].
* RelationshipUpgrade: [[spoiler: Tornado Swirl and Overdrive]].
* {{Revenge}}
* TheReveal: Chapter 16 (and, by extension, chapter 19) reveals that the entire conflict was orchestrated by [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]].
* RoaringRampageOfRevenge: Firefly does this as a filly (combined with BerserkerTears) against [[spoiler: Black Star]] when he shrugs off the fact [[spoiler: he killed her parents]]. Rainbow Dash attempts one at the end of chapter 14. [[spoiler: Both fail]].
* RousingSpeech: Twilight Sparkle delivers an epic one in chapter 17.
--> '''Twilight Sparkle''': We have to stand together once more, but this time, not as Earth Ponies. Not as Unicorns. Or Pegasi. We must stand together as the ponies of Equestria! It’s true that, on the outside, each of us is different. We live in different parts of Equestria, we have different names, we look differently. But…we have fought, suffered and died together! Deep inside, in our hearts and souls, we are all [[ArcWords children of this land]]! We cannot ignore the time when our land is in danger. We must fight! We must have courage! I don’t know if you will decide to follow me or not, but I want to live in Equestria with my friends! That’s why [[{{Determinator}} I]] ''will'' keep fighting! To the bitter end, if it must be! […] Everypony, we’re gonna take back Canterlot today! Let us make haste! The sun and the moon will lead our way to victory! Know that this is not the day we will surrender! This is not the day we fall! This day we ''fight''! [[BattleCry FOR EQUESTRIA!!!]]
* RuleOfCool
* RuleOfThree: Both griffin super-weapons have three generators that power up their systems. Mobius helps the Mirage squadron three times. And as mentioned above, Firefly delivers [[TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers three]] {{Precision F Strike}}s.
* SacrificialLamb: [[spoiler: Blueberry]]. She is properly introduced in chapter 13. Her death is reported two chapters later.
* SacrificialLion: [[spoiler: Carrot Top]].
* SadisticChoice: In chapter 11, Rainbow Dash faces one: either she could try and stop [[spoiler: Gilda]] which would most likely end in [[spoiler: Medley's death]] or [[spoiler: abandon her friends and Equestria to join forces with Gilda]]. Being the Element of Loyalty, she chooses the [[spoiler: former]] and [[spoiler: Medley survives, albeit with temporarily broken wings]].
** In chapter 13, Lightning Bolt is torn between [[spoiler: saving Cloud Kicker from being killed by two griffins]] and [[spoiler: trying to stop another griffon from bombing the Eastern Sector of Stalliongrad]]. Though she chose the [[spoiler: latter]] at first, [[spoiler: the Garuda team's BigDamnHeroes moment made her go and help Cloud Kicker]].
** In chapter 20, the Mane Cast, together with Princesses Celestia and Luna, are attempting to combine the power of the Elements of Harmony with the Royal Sisters' magic. The result of such spell could either [[spoiler: [[WorldHealingWave gradually rejuvenate Equestria's flora and fauna to the moment before the war]]]] or [[spoiler: [[ResetButton revive every single victim of the war, despite the fact that doing so may cause the Elements to be unusable and both princesses may fade away from existence]]]]. [[spoiler: They chose the former]].
* SandInMyEyes: Firefly in chapter 10.
** A SingleTear in chapter 15.
* SayMyName: "RAINBOW DASH!!!" "FLUTTERSHY!" "CLOUD KICKER!!!" "Applejaaack!" "[[spoiler: CARROT TOP!]]" "[[spoiler: FIREFLYYY!!!]]"
* SchizoTech: There are communicators and radars, [[spoiler: the griffins have access to laser technology]], but there are no armored vehicles or fighter jets.
* ScrewTheWarWerePartying: At least in chapter 9, thanks to Pinkie Pie ([[spoiler:actually, it was the idea of Princess Celestia]]).
* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Defied with the rookie griffon Slip: he ''almost'' deserts, but decides to keep fighting because he knows he'll be executed for deserting. Not to say he's really ''brave'', though, or a good fighter, as he's killed in battle with very little effort. [[spoiler: Night Raven]] [[UnfriendlyFire did him in]].
** Also defined with a griffon Mook in chapter 13: When he spots Derpy diving on him, he drops his bomb and tries to bug out. Derpy catches up with him anyway, and, while the ponies are passing the bomb between them and later throw it back at him, Derpy knocks the griffon out of the sky and [[HoistByHisOwnPetard he gets caught in the blast of his own bomb as he crashes onto it.]]
* ShoutOut: Has [[ShoutOut/AceCombatTheEquestrianWar it's own page]].
* [[HesBack She's Back]]: Firefly, as well as [[spoiler: Rainbow Dash]] in chapter 12.
* ShrineToTheFallen: Actually more like Garden of the Fallen, but still.
* ShipTease: A mild one, being [[spoiler: Fluttershy and Shamrock]].
* SkywardScream: Rainbow Dash makes a chilling one by the end of chapter 11.
* SoleSurvivor: [[spoiler: Tornado Swirl and Overdrive]] are the only original members of their teams who survive the assault on [[spoiler: Canterlot]]. Before [[spoiler: her]] death, [[spoiler: Blueberry]].
* SoProudOfYou: Firefly got this treatment from her parents when she was younger.
* TakeThat: Slip is one to [[StarFox Slippy Toad]].
* TalkingToTheDead: Derpy does it halfway through chapter 15 in a really heartbreaking manner.
-->'''Derpy''': [[spoiler: Carrot Top]]…you were smiling until the end…I…I will never forget you. I will always remember the moments we shared together…Goodbye…I hope you will have beautiful dreams…Rest easy…I will avenge you!
** And she does.
* TearsOfFear: [[spoiler: Medley]] in chapter 11.
* [[TheseHandsHaveKilled These Hooves Have Killed]]: [[spoiler: Fluttershy]] behaves this way in the second part of chapter 10 before she is comforted by her friends.
* ThisCannotBe: [[spoiler: Red Cyclone]], moments before his death.
* [[ThisIsSomethingHesGotToDoHimself This Is Something She's Got To Do Herself]]: Spitfire tells Medley to let Rainbow "do her job" and face her rival in the second and final duel between them in chapter 20.
* TimeSkip: There's a three-month break altogether between chapters 10 and 13.
** The epilogue takes place one month after the war.
* ThePowerOfFriendship
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Razor delivers a brief one to Fluttershy in chapter 10.
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Until chapter 14, [[spoiler: Gilda]] is the only female griffon in the story.
* TheSquad: Mirage, Gult, Talon, Northwind, Racer and Burner just to name a few.
* ThemeNaming
** AnimalThemeNaming: Some Pegasi squadrons are named after various creatures (Dragon, Phoenix, Stingray, Hornet).
** ColourfulThemeNaming: Gult, Crimson and Silver squadrons on the griffin side.
* TheWarHasJustBegun: At the end of chapter 10.
* TitleDrop: "The conflict that would eventually be known as 'The Equestrian War' was set to begin soon…" in the first chapter.
** Also, several chapters have characters say its title in one way or another.
* TraumaCongaLine: [[spoiler: Derpy]], [[TheWoobie once again]]. 
* TroubledBackstoryFlashback: As told by Firefly in chapter 8.
* TryingNotToCry: In chapter 15, Cloud Kicker confesses to her friends that she tried to cover her worries with cheerfulness. [[spoiler: Carrot Top's death]] was the straw that finally caused her to cry, big time.
* TryNotToDie: Said word-for-word by Firefly to Rainbow Dash in chapter 6. Similar pleas happen in other parts of the story.
* UnfriendlyFire: A particularly cruel instance. [[spoiler: Night Raven]] kills Slip for desertion…even though Slip had changed his mind and decided to keep fighting.
* VillainousBreakdown: Scythe suffers one at the end of chapter 13.
** Also, [[spoiler: Gilda]] goes gradually more ballistic during her second confrontation with Rainbow Dash, as the blue pegasus slowly gains advantage over her.
* VirtualSoundtrack: In every chapter, save for chapter 15, there are Website/{{Youtube}} links leading to music themes from Ace Combat series. The author was using these themes when writing the story and [[PaintingTheMedium wanted to incorporate atmosphere into it]]. Listening to those tracks is purely optional.
* VoiceWithAnInternetConnection: Gale and Sky Eye.
* WarIsHell
* WarFic
* WaveMotionGun: [[spoiler: The Burning Talon's laser]].
* WeaponOfChoice: Hooves, beaks and talons. Sometimes heads.
* WhamEpisode: Chapter 7. [[spoiler: Firefly's encounter with Black Star]] sends the whole story into DarkerAndEdgier territory.
** [[TearJerker Chapter 15]] counts as well.
** Chapter 19. [[spoiler: Equestria has ''won''. Red Cyclone is dead and even the griffins want peace. But at the last moment, Gilda suddenly appears and strikes Firefly down (she survives), forcing a final confrontation between her and Rainbow Dash]].
* WhamLine:
** From chapter 7, when Firefly meets Black Star and is clearly upset about it. There's a good reason for that:
--> '''Firefly''': Because…he…he…! He [[spoiler: killed my parents!]]
** From chapter 16, when Edge tells Firefly that Black Star has a message for her:
--> '''Black Star''': [[spoiler: I feel regret for killing her parents]]. Let her know that.
** At the end of chapter 19:
--> '''[[spoiler: Gilda]]''': "So, have you found your reason to fight yet? Dash…"
* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotSymbolic: Mirage squadron's unit number, 2nd Air Division, 179th Tactical Pegasus Squadron. These numbers refer to September 17, 2011, when the second season of the show began airing.
* WhatTheHellHero: In chapter 3, Firefly ''smacks'' Fluttershy for refusing to fight the griffins and calls her a moron. Lightning Bolt calls Firefly out in chapter 12 after she yells at Rainbow Dash.
* WhiteAndGreyMorality
* WorldOfCardboardSpeech: Rainbow Dash gives one during her final battle with [[spoiler: Gilda]].
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': I hate to break it to you, G, but you've lost this battle the moment you attacked Firefly. No…actually, even back when you hurt Medley. But I've got to thank you for one thing. For challenging me! Thanks to you, I still have one more reason to fight and live! We may not be so different after all, but I can clearly see who is who. And you’re not yourself! But since there is nopony else in the sky besides us, now you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see just how fast I really am!
* XMeetsY: ''My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic'' meets ''Ace Combat''.
* YouAreNotAlone
* YouCantThwartStageOne: [[spoiler: The griffins eventually manage to seize Canterlot in chapter 15]]. At least, the city itself.
* [[YouGottaHaveBlueHair You Gotta Have A Blue Mane]]: Gale, Firefly, Tornado Swirl, Sunburst, Blueberry and Sky Eye.
* YouHaveGotToBeKiddingMe: Rainbow Dash has this reaction in chapter 14 when she sees Canterlot [[spoiler: being attacked by the griffins]]:
--> '''Rainbow Dash''': Oh, HAY NO! This is not happening!
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15th May '13 3:59:42 PM moderator FastEddie

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--> ''"We’re in for a wild flight."''

[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/24736/Ace-Combat%3A-The-Equestrian-War The complete story is here]].

A sequel, titled ''Ace Combat: Wings of Unity'', is set to appear in near future.

[[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters Character sheet]] can be found [[Characters/AceCombatTheEquestrianWar here.]]

!!Tropes featured in this story:

15th May '13 2:17:36 PM Valsion

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