The Lost Element

by XD-385

Equestria has long been known as the land of ponies. However, the name of Equestria is misleading. For far too long, a certain element has been missing from the world. And now, that element has been brought back. But for better or for worse?

112. Athetos

I sat at the typewriter for a good while after I finished documenting the events leading up to that point. I held the sheets of paper in my hand and looked over them to reaffirm what happened yesterday. I did not want to believe it all happened. When I woke up in the morning beside Novo, I wanted to believe it was all a bad dream. Even with that actual bad dream that woke me up in the middle of the night. But it is real. My god, this is actually happening... A portal to Earth...

My status as the source of the emperor's artificially extended life. This newfound portal that connects directly to the world I hail from. He does not know. How could he know? How long has it been since he finally woke up after leeching off of me for a full year? He has observed Earth for as long as Celestia or even Luna has. He could not hope to understand what it is he plans to unleash upon Equestria. Or...is it that he does not care? That so long as the human race establishes dominance, that is enough?

I did not know who to feel more anger towards. Myself or him. He was being sustained through me after all. Even after one of the guards aboard the Alabaster volunteered to deliver my journal to the command center, I remained there at my seat. I did not want to leave the safety of the Alabaster. That was Novo's turf and she would see to it that I remained safe and sound. Everything beyond the hull of that elegant airship was not my concern for the time being.

This did not last. After some time, I heard a lot of movement beyond the door. I suppose the archers of Capricorn Island were beginning to disembark. But once things became quiet, the door opened. And in stepped Novo. She said nothing at first, the two of us sharing a silent gaze of unease. It was time to leave. We were due to march before long. Novo then held a hand out to me and said softly, "Come on up, honey. I have something I need to tell my men and I need you present for it."

While not at all willing to leave the Alabaster, I was intrigued over what Novo had in store for all of us. A parting speech? Regardless, I returned to her chambers to retrieve my armor and then followed the hippogriff queen up on deck. Once we stepped out in the shrouded sunlight of a dreary and most likely rainy late summer day, I found every last one of Novo's archers lined up in rows before us. Seaspray stood at the front of the pack as Novo approached him. "Is this everyone, admiral?"

"Every last one of my men who are seeing active duty on the battlefield, your majesty. What do you require of us?" Seaspray replied while he and everyone else stood at attention. I stood back for the moment while Novo remained just ahead of me.

"That's what I was hoping for. Now then..." Novo replied before casting a most serious glare at her subordinates. She then began to speak, but without her usual soulful flair to her dialect. She was being entirely direct and concise. "I don't know what you've all been told, but there's been some radical changes in how the war will be carried out. This isn't simply a battle of wits and manpower anymore. The enemy now seeks to unleash something upon Equestria that could irrevocably alter our world forever and not in a good way."

From what I knew, the only hippogriffs in the encampment at the time who knew the full story of what exactly was at stake in the war was Novo and Seaspray. The rest of their men only knew that I was sustaining the emperor just by being alive thanks to what Sunflare openly revealed when she first appeared. But if they knew... What would happen? Novo then reached back with her wing and pushed me forward with it until I was standing beside her. She then draped her wing over me and spoke, "This man here. You know this much. His life force is being used by the emperor to sustain himself. If he were to die, the emperor will die with him. And that's not something we're going to even entertain, right?"

None of them said a word. As did I. This was the time for only the queen to speak. Head turning to cast her gaze at everyone before her, Novo's tone darkened further. "Your comrades on the field don't know the full story of what's at stake right now and that may be for the best. We don't want to risk a panic. But it's possible word might start to spread among the ranks. And they already know enough about this man's unwilling connection to the enemy. As much as I don't want to consider it... I can't help but suspect a double-cross."

All eyes opened wide, as did mine. Was Novo really suspecting what I thought she did? Ember had already considered doing just that, but... Would someone else? "The stakes have never been more desperate. And desperate times often result in desperate people. If the going gets rough, someone... I don't know who, but someone might get desperate enough to end the war right here and now. By getting rid of the emperor's source of sustenance. I don't need to elaborate on what that means, do I?"

Novo's winged embrace tightened as I found myself pulled up against her. She then spoke once more to her people, "This man here is your king-in-waiting. Until this war is over, consider him to have already been crowned. And you know what that means. I want a full cadre of you watching over him every minute of the day. On the battlefield. During downtime. Any time of the day when he is exposed and vulnerable. If someone tries to take a dagger to his throat, you put an arrow in their heads. Do you understand me?"

Their response was not what I expected. Instead of a word of confirmation, every last archer before us lifted their heads and let out the call of a falcon. Surely a good response. Novo smiled in approval, but that smile became more solemn once our eyes met. She and I had the same impulse and closed our eyes, brows lowering until they touched. It was time to say goodbye and I could not be more grateful for Novo being there for me yesterday when I needed someone like her most. I decided to speak first with a whisper. "I love you."

"Love you so much, baby." She cooed back to me. We lifted our heads and gazed into each others' eyes for a brief moment more. Novo's men were remarkably patient as they watched in silence. When Novo finally turned to face her men, she looked upon Seaspray at the front of the pack. "I leave him in your care, admiral. Do not fail me."

"He will never be out of our sight, your majesty." Seaspray spoke before bowing to his queen. We watched as Novo began to head aft in order to head back below deck with the Alabaster on the verge of departing. The admiral of Capricorn Island then stepped forward and placed a hand on his chest as he bowed to me. "We are at your call, my liege. You may rest easy for you will always be under our watch."

"You really shouldn't be calling me that, admiral... I'm not your king." I replied as that loathsome guilt ate away at me. They saw a king, but I felt only like a traitor. How could I ever be blessed with a crown if my very existence was a threat to their kingdom?

"Not yet, you are not." Seaspray retorted with a whimsical tone before lifting his head to gaze at me with a smile. As did his men. "So what if the emperor is using you as his literal lifeline? Let us march upon his stronghold and end this war once and for all! The end is within site, your majesty! And we will see the end through with you!"

In seconds, the finest archers in the land surrounded me with cheers and wonderful kind words. I was overwhelmed as those cheerful feathered friends called out to me. I could only remember some of the things I heard from multiple voices, both mares and stallions. "We'll win this war in the end! They can never beat us now! We are with you, sire!"

This overwhelming adoration and positive reinforcement clashed hard with my own doubts. And the only way I could cope was through the shedding of tears. Knowing I would break if they did not relent soon, I did all I could do at that moment. I thrust my arms out to both sides as I used the levitation spell to push them all back a short distance. This rejection silenced them all instantly and gave me time to speak. "I have a request for all of you..."

They all listened in silence. I lowered my arms and spoke while looking around at the many colorful and armored hippogriffs. "Until this war ends... Don't call me that. I haven't earned the right to wear a crown yet."

The silence was palpable among them. And just when I thought they were going to object, they all bowed their heads just slightly. Seaspray then spoke, "As you wish... Sir James."

"That's better." I retorted while much more familiar with that title. I was no knight, but it was still an acceptable means of addressing me while in full armor. It was then that they all began to disembark from the Alabaster. But Seaspray remained behind. He approached me and spoke softly, "Are you well...? I have...not seen you so troubled."

I did not mince words and found it difficult to look him in the eye. "You know why... You were there yesterday. You know what's happening."

"That I do... Her royal highness Celestia had such...bitter things to say about the world you hail from." Seaspray muttered with barely more than a whisper, his iridescent armor gleaming in what little sunlight was peeking through the gloomy cloud cover above. "I have seen much in my service to Queen Novo, and yet... Everything I heard... It is difficult to imagine exactly what horrors will befall Equestria should we fail."

"There are times when ignorance can be a good thing, I suppose..." I retorted while finding it very poignant how even someone as weathered as Seaspray could not comprehend the evils of Earth. That innocence... Even in a seasoned commander like him... I found it beautiful and worthy of being preserved. Seeing what I had come to adore most in the world of Equestria even in him, I threw my arms around him and held the hippogriff admiral in a firm armored embrace. He was left entirely speechless, allowing me to speak first. "You are all such wonderful people... Never change, admiral. You're a great man and a great friend."

"As are you, my friend." He replied softly with his own great wing wrapping around me for a kindly embrace. He then soon whispered to me, "We still have some time before we march. I am going to discuss with my men and schedule a proper time table for us. Need to make certain you are under our watch at all times."

"At least grant me a reprieve when I'm indoors. The command center and Ember's place are secure enough." I replied while eliciting a chuckle from the admiral. I could not begin to imagine having them being in the same room as me at all times. Especially since using a longbow indoors or even a spear meant for their size would be exceedingly impractical. But once Seaspray released me from his embrace and made his way down from the Alabaster, I found there was one other who stayed behind. Sky Beak stepped forward with such a forlorn gaze in his eyes. "Hey... Something you need?"

"Admiral Seaspray told me... A need to know basis. You...said there's a portal out there, right? One that leads back to your world? And someplace familiar, from the sound of it. That's what you saw?" He asked while I could glumly nod. If there was one person among his men Seaspray could trust, it was the closest thing to a father I had in all of Equestria. He then said, "That means... You can go home. You can probably fly back to where you came from... Right? Your family can see you again..."

"I know... But...they'll be all right without me... And you know everything I have to say about my father." I replied while knowing what I had to leave behind in order to live a life in Equestria. There were indeed some things I did miss about my world when I allowed myself to think about it. Places to visit. People to reunite with. But...it was far too late to go back now. I had too much to leave behind. And too much to explain if I ever did show my face back home now. And even then...there were some things from my old life I decidedly did not want to ever see again. "I know where I belong now. And I know what I don't want to see... It's a sad thing to say, but there are some things from back home that I would be just fine with never seeing or hearing from again."

That subtle bitterness in my heart only briefly distracted me from the reality of the situation and my role in it. I wanted to believe Equestria is where I belong. But I could not convince myself of that anymore. I bowed my head as this dawned on me once again. "Heh... I have no desire to return home...but I don't really belong here anymore either..."

Sky Beak did the only thing he could. He put a wing around me. "Don't say that... Please. I wish I could emphasize with you on this. I really do. I know things look bad, but... At least believe me on this?"

When I turned to look at the fatherly stallion beside me, he sat down before me and brought his hands to the side of my head. I glanced from side to side as he lifted my helmet from my head and set it by my feet. I think...he wanted to see the man behind the helmet. Eyes filled with concern, he said softly to me, "You're still my boy... And I want you to come home safe and sound. My home is your home. And my family is yours. I may not have sired you, but...I love you, my boy."

I did not know how much I needed to hear this. And I was instantly brought to tears as I threw my arms around him. "Love you too, papa bird..."

We departed the Alabaster together. Seaspray was standing at the middle of the docking grounds and was briefing his men on their likely new task of serving as my personal guardians from afar. Sky Beak joined them, but I had other places to be. I was armored, but I still needed to fetch my weapons. But before I got far, I saw Celaeno seated on a box of cargo at the bottom of her airship's gangplank. Our eyes met and we never looked away as I came to a stop. She knew something was wrong. And I could tell since she had her hat off and set beside her. On a rainy day. "Consistently gloomy weather. Everyone not being in all that great spirits. Something's in the air lately... And you look like you've been through hell. Did something happen?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, captain... Just keep those supply runs coming and we'll be fine. We need you." I replied in brief as I felt compelled to keep some sort of distance from her.

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. And I flinched to see that gaze turn into a borderline glare. But that harsher gaze softened quickly while Celaeno rose to her feet. "If we didn't have to start hauling anchor, I'd say there's something you're not telling me. Just... Take care of yourself, all right? When we next dock here, I want you up in the mess hall with our mates. Take a load off and just have a nice time."

"Assuming I live that long..." I muttered under my breath. Celaeno noticed there was something not right and I was quick to wave in farewell. "Sure, I'll... I'll see you then."

Celaeno placed her hat upon her head and adjusted the angle of its brim. She then spoke more firmly to me, "Take care of yourself out there. My captain's intuition tells me the skies are going to get rough before long. And not just because of the weather."

I did not want to bog her down with any unnecessary information regarding recent events. Celaeno and her crew were only responsible for supply runs. They did not need to know the details of what was happening in the field. But as I departed, I could see Celaeno watching me from the gangplank for a while.

I turned back as I heard the buzz of airship motors revving up. One by one, every airship docked at the northwestern corner of the encampment rose into the air and began to fly west. The Alabaster and Zephyrus were the last to depart, but I could make out the wide brim of Celaeno's hat sticking up at the edge of the deck. It was time to head out.

My eyes fell upon the command center standing in the middle of the camp. While I was clad in my full suit of armor, the Lunar Shield and Celestial Sword was still tucked away in my dormitory. But I was not in a hurry to see anyone there... Especially Smolder and Ocellus. They had the most to lose if this war failed. So young and impressionable... They would be tainted the worst in due time if Earth's influence. And I was not ready to see them. Not when I knew what role I was playing here.

Thinking quickly, I decided to fetch my gear in the most pragmatic way possible. I held my left arm out to my side and focused the magical forces in that left gauntlet. In a flash of white light, the Lunar Shield appeared on my arm with the Celestial Sword tucked in its scabbard on the backside. I had to remember that I could just use a type of teleportation spell to summon my gear to where they are needed. With nothing else to keep me occupied, I made my way towards the eastern gate.

The encampment was alive with activity. The time to march was upon us. Knowing I should not depart until my assigned comrades arrived, I waited by the gate as dozens of infantry passed me on their way out. I said nothing and only spoke when spoken too. I would have normally kept an eye out for any friends of mine, but I was now so very alone. At least on an emotional level. Surely there were some in the militia who were growing to hate me. And my presence in this world was endangering everyone around me.

They soon arrived. One clad in gold with patches of a beautiful blue exposed and another sporting shades of verdant green. Ember and Rain Shine approached in full armor and weapons at their side. I said nothing as they approached, but Rain Shine was the first to detect something was wrong. "You are...distant today."

All I could do is nod. My voice failed me at that moment. Rain Shine did not inquire further. She could most definitely sense what was going on in my heart. Ember was not so insightful and took a step forward with her scarlet eyes gazing at me from behind her helmet. "Are you ready? What's wrong?"

My eyes narrowed to the point of nearly closing entirely. I turned my gaze away from them as I muttered, "Feels like I don't really belong here anymore..."

"Nonsense. We are with you, my friend." Rain Shine retorted before stepping forward and nudging my head with hers. She managed to coax me into looking at her while she said, "Let's be off. They are waiting for us."

We departed the encampment and took our positions as the marching formations were set up. The camp was collapsed and packed away with only the most important assets of the infrastructure left out on wheels to be pulled along. And up there on the roof of the command center at the four corners was a quartet of hippogriff archers with bows in hand and quivers filled with arrows. And I knew they were watching over me at that time. Even if I was halfway convinced it would be best if they were to just let me die.

The gentle quaking of the earth caused by thousands of hooves resonated through my sabatons as we began to march. Ember and Rain Shine never left my side, but they might as well have. I felt so alone. Surrounded by thousands of faces that were paradoxically felt so far away. At that moment, all that really mattered was the horizon. The Heaven's Pillar was out there somewhere. I had seen it. An ivy-encrusted stone tower that reached into the heavens. At least now I knew exactly where it was.

If any words were said around me, they never reached my ears in a way that I noticed. I think Ember and Rain Shine conversed a lot during the march. But whatever they said, I just cannot remember. I was in my own little world at the time. One little island in an ocean of isolation. I could not go home now. I had left that life behind. But there was no place for me in Equestria while that portal remained open. If I lived long enough to see this world become so much more like a world I do not wish to ever see again, I would never forgive myself for it.

Even the weather reflected the situation all too well. The sky was thick with gray clouds. And a very gentle blanket of rain began to pour down on us before long. The downpour was very light, thankfully. We could continue marching in these conditions so long as the rain did not become heavier. It was as if the world itself was despairing over the situation at hand. Equestria was on the verge of losing itself to the influence of a world that is very much unlike it. And no one beyond the Empty Plains had any idea what they were in danger of losing forever. What is worse? Everyone in Equestria being destroyed? Or everyone in this world becoming the same as the people of Earth in a way that they can never come back from? I just do not know which is more tragic...

Hours went by. Hours of marching in the rain before it finally passed. The clouds began to clear as the sun cast its warm rays upon us even as it began to sink gradually lower in the western sky. It was time to set up camp. But even once the walls were back up and the rows of tents for our infantry were reassembled, I remained out there while watching everyone else file back into the encampment beyond the walls. But I did not follow. Not yet. Their presence made me uncomfortable. Like something was coming for me and they would get caught in the crossfire once it found me.

My eyes turned east once again. Even with a clearer sky and the rays of the sun shining east more than in any other direction, I still could not see it. No wafer-thin vertical line reaching high into the sky. So close...yet so far off. But we were closer than ever before. If only we could all fly... But there was much too many. Where would we even get the number of airships necessary to move at least five thousand personnel without crippling whatever industry they were normally assigned to? And when we got there... What then? How would we close the portal? Would slaying the emperor really be enough?

The more I brainstormed about the situation, the more frustrated I became. I did not need this right now. I only then made my way back into the camp and shuffled past rows and rows of tents to reach the command center. But whenever I passed someone, I noticed. The looks they were giving me. They knew I did not belong there anymore.

I paid no mind to anyone or anything once I entered the command center. And I made my way right up to my room. But once I opened the door... There she stood. Smolder. And Ocellus was standing behind her with a look of dear concern in her pale blue eyes. I had forgotten about them just long enough to not consider who might be on the other side of the door once I stepped inside. And Smolder's gaze of frustration and worry was all too apparent when she spoke. "Where have you been? We haven't seen you since you left on that recon mission yesterday. That was at least a day ago."

She was right. Between the moment I left the command center and when I first opened the door a moment ago, I had not laid eyes on her or Ocellus in more than twenty-four hours. It was a jarring realization of just how badly this new development in the war was getting to me. When I still did not respond and even struggled to look her in the eye, Ocellus interrupted as she peeked around her friend. "Smolder, wait... He's... Oh my goodness, what happened to you...? You're...so upset..."

"It's getting bad out there, girls..." I muttered before slumping to a seated position by the typewriter. I did not even bother to remove my armor. I was...just so out of sorts. "I don't even know how to tell you... I'm not sure if I even should."

"Then don't tell us. Come here." Smolder said firmly, yet softly in a manner that did catch my attention. Smolder hopped up onto my armored thigh and took a seat. With one hand holding on, the other rose to my face and gently turned it until I was looking right at her. I had forgotten just how beautiful those blue reptilian eyes are in that face of vibrant orange. And they were filled with such tenderness. Much more than a girl of her age should have. For just that moment, I was reminded of who Smolder is and why she was there. "We're here for you. And we're not going home without you."

"Thanks... I... I didn't know how much I needed this." I mumbled as a faint glimmer of hope was lit in my heart. My words, soft and dour as they were, was enough to prompt a gentle smile from her. And even a kiss as Smolder brought her lips to mine for just a second. But Ocellus... She did not smile. And I knew she could sense just how bad things were with how low my love supplies were. I then asked, "Hey there, love bug..."

"You're... It's still there, but...it's so weak... So distant. What happened out there? Is it that bad?" Ocellus asked softly while displaying an unsettling awareness of just what I was going through. She did not know what it was, but she could still feel it. And I was frightened over what may happen if they knew what was at stake. Truly, this needed to be kept classified until the war was over.

"Sorry... I'm just having a really bad day." I muttered in uncertainty. I was able to hide the truth for the moment. But for how much longer? Unsure if I should even be around them, I brought up something we all needed to be reminded of. "I really shouldn't keep you... The two of you have duties to fulfill, right?"

"Oh... Right. Come on, Ocellus. We've got to deploy those sensor things again." Smolder muttered in disappointment. She did not want to have to head out so soon after finally getting to see me after a full day apart. But she then touched a finger to my nose and spoke firmly. "When we get back, we're gonna cuddle. You're getting outta that armor and we're gonna make you feel all better. Gonna do lots of holding hands, lots of kisses, anything to get a smile outta you. Got it?"

"Uh... Sure. Sounds like a plan." I retorted in unease as the strong and reliable woman in her flared up. Smolder smiled confidently as I am sure she started brainstorming all sorts of ways to make up for lost time. She was the first to head down the stairs and Ocellus was quick to assume her favorite dragon form before following. But she still looked back at me with a silent worried gaze before leaving.

I stood up from my seat and approached the window set into my room's eastern wall. My eyes gazed out upon the camp beyond and the Empty Plains beyond the distant eastern walls. A long sigh escaped my lungs. What a mess... And what an unbelievably frustrating sense of hopelessness.

My eyes started to scan what little of the roof I could see. And piece by piece, a realization started to form in my mind. There were no hippogriff sentries on the roof. Now that I was inside the command center, I was safe. There were armed guards stationed inside at all times and I knew I could rely on them. And that was without taking into account the possible presence of the very powerful members of the Equestrian royal family. And without their very keen avian eyes watching the horizon...

Inspiration struck. My eyes scanned the air carefully. Smolder and Ocellus were nowhere to be seen. They likely started setting out the sensor crystals to the north, south, and west before deploying the vast majority of them to the east. It would be a little while longer before they headed out that way. If I were to leave now...

A fire burned in my heart. I knew where the Heaven's Pillar is and how to get there. My comrades were in danger just by me being there. It was my responsibility to put an end to this. Determination in my heart, I devised a plan quickly. I knew the teleportation spell is dependant on memory or line of sight. I could use it to teleport right out of my room and out there on the plains. And I could see a cluster of trees beyond the walls in the great distance. I could hide along them, hurry through the woods, and fly away on a low elevation to keep anyone from seeing me and before the sensors could be deployed

The time was now. I could finally bring this war to an end and without risking the lives of anyone around me. I locked the door to my room, hoping that I could by some time for myself to keep anyone from finding out I was gone. Although I still felt a sting in my heart when I realized what I was doing. Smolder and Ocellus were expecting to see me again once they got back. I let out a sigh as I muttered, "Sorry, girls..."

Steeling my nerves, I looked out the eastern window and focused on that cluster of trees well beyond the walls. And with a moment of focus, I was suddenly outside my room in the open plains. I acted quickly, ducking behind those trees and peeking out cautiously. There was no sign of any unusual movement from the sentries atop the walls. I hurried through the woods and came out on the other side. Still no sign of Smolder and Ocellus.

I was not taking chances. I focused my eyes on the most distant horizon and used the teleportation spell three more times to gain even more distance from the camp to prevent our eagle-eyed hippogriff archers from seeing me if they were on a high enough elevation to see beyond the walls. I was in the clear. Eyes turning east, I spread my armor's wings and took to the air. It was time to put an end to this. I did not know what I would find there or what to expect from the emperor directly, but I had to do something. And I knew I had the power to handle almost anything that came my way. If I was not reckless... I had to be brave. For them. And for the world I love.

I drifted along on the breeze as the skies gradually cleared above me. As it dawned on me exactly what I was doing and that I would be entirely alone in this endeavor, I lost the drive to rush headlong into what was ahead. I could get there quickly enough if I flew as fast as I could, but the Lunar Shield on my left arm would slow me down if I tried to pick up too much speed. That, and I was in no hurry to face whatever was out there. I drifted along at a lazier pace than I am used to. Savoring the silence of the Empty Plains a while longer.

Was this really a good idea? At least I knew where to return to once this was all over. I could get back to field HQ in relatively little time. I would probably even be back in time for dinner. That was something to give me motivation. Once this was over, I could tell the story around the table while enjoying a hearty meal after a job well done. And then...I would finally belong here again.

The flight over the vast green Empty Plains was soothing. Plenty of rolling hills peppering the sweeping flat meadows and even a few forests. Observing from a decent altitude was a very different experience from trekking across the place on foot. But there was still no sign of that heavenward tower on the horizon. Even with the skies clear and blue. But even after more than an hour of drifting along... Maybe two hours? Perhaps I should have at least been kind of hurrying since I suddenly felt something grab my right foot and drag me down out of the air. "Hey! Hey, what's that?!"

Now having been dragged out of my flight, I had to clumsily break out of my descent and land gently upon the ground. As I regained my composure and found myself unharmed on the ground, a voice spoke from behind me. "Found you."

I froze. I was not supposed to be followed. I slipped away without anyone seeing me. Not even Smolder or Ocellus. I was long gone by the time they started deploying those sensor crystals out east. I knew it was only a matter of time before they realized I was gone, but it should not have resulted in anyone catching up to me this soon. And when I turned to look back at my pursuer, I was hardly surprised to see who it was. Just one person. Ember.

She was clad in her gilded armor and had her spear in hand. But her helmet was missing. She probably anticipated that she would not encounter the enemy out here and would be wise enough to avoid them if spotted, but still came at least reasonably armored enough. And those scarlet eyes... They were glaring at me... No, not quite a glare. She was frustrated, but not at all unhappy to see I was unharmed. "Come on. Let's head back."

I said nothing at first. I was without words as I beheld one of my dearest friends in this war standing there alone. She came alone to find me. And I felt so astoundingly uncomfortable now that I had been caught. But how did she know? "When did you find out...?"

"Someone went knocking on your door and you didn't answer. And when they peeked through the windows, they saw no one there. They sounded the alarm and called us over. Luna could sense you out east because of that shield on your arm. They needed someone who could fly if we were gonna catch up in time, so I volunteered." Ember explained very dryly. Almost like she was kind of angry at me for giving her a good scare. She then held out her left hand and said, "Let's head back now. Before the enemy can find us."

Under any other circumstances, I would have complied. But I resisted the urge to stand down. I started to turn away, trying to remain focused on my task. "Give me a few hours. I'll be back by nightfall."

"No!" Ember barked before suddenly swooping forward on her wings and placing herself ahead of me. Her more stoic tone had faded with her voice now carrying a much more desperate tone. She was likely banking everything on me just doing what she demanded without objection. Ember stopped just shy of raising her spear to me and spoke with a louder voice than before, "What're you even doing out here?! We won't be marching until tomorrow!"

"I know. Best that they don't get involved." I replied before I started to march ahead. "This is my problem. This war is my fault. So I'm gonna end it today."

"And you think the emperor doesn't have a plan in case you do something that reckless? I haven't forgotten that first battle. You could barely handle the general even with me backing you up! What if there's more of those?! What if they can handle any magic you throw at them?!" Ember spoke just short of shouting as she most likely began to fear she would not be able to stop me from advancing. And she was right. There were many unknowns of what we should expect once we reached the Heaven's Pillar. The source of the Hollows... The defenses would be most fierce for certain. But they were not my concern. I only had to take care of the emperor and every last one of them would fall. I was sure of this.

"I'll figure something out. And if I don't make it... At least that'll stop the war one way or another. The emperor won't have his men kill me. He needs me alive. And I'll see if I can exploit that." I replied with a soft monotone to my voice. It was so hard... I had to try and keep as much of a distance as I could from her. Just for now. Just until I could let myself rest and go home with a smile. Until then, I could not let myself falter.

"Don't say that... Let's go. We'll be much better off if we take it steady with our allies." Ember replied with a look of unease in her eyes. When I still approached, she held her spear sideways as if she was trying to block me with its length. "Do you even know what happened when they found out you were out east?! Some of them were almost in a panic! Just about everyone who could volunteered to go find you! Don't do this to them! Let's head back! Now!"

It was painful to hear all this and not comply with her. With Ember now trying to act as a barrier, I got by her as seamless as I could. With a quick flash of the teleportation spell, I was behind her. And I began to walk. But Ember was quick to notice where I was. "Why are you doing this to us..."

I slowed, but did not stop. I came so close to looking back, but I resisted that urge. There was somewhere I needed to be. And I could not return until my business there was concluded. But as I marched forward, Ember began to shout at me. "Why are you doing this to me?! Why is it now that you won't listen to me?!"

That very nearly got me. I did always listen. Whenever she spoke, I was all ears. I heard every word spoken to me. Something that almost no one did back in the dragon lands. But now... I had to ignore her. The only thing that matter was reaching the Heaven's Pillar. This nihilistic drive was awful to feel and I wanted it out of my mind as soon as possible. When this still failed to get me to stop, Ember let out a fearful growl. "Don't...make me say..."

I heard the subtle clinking of metal armor as Ember took a step forward. And that was when I came to a halt. "Don't make me say something I'm not ready to say if it's the only thing that'll make you stop!"

It was only then that I looked back. And in Ember's shaky grasp was her spear with it held out and pointed right at me. That gaze in her scarlet eyes... She was desperate. But I knew she would not. There was no way she would try to plunge that spear into me. Although it did remind me of the last time such a thing happened. And a sacred vow that she made in its wake. "I seem to recall you saying that you would never raise a blade to me again."

"This is a spear, James. It doesn't exactly have a blade to begin with." Ember replied rather dryly. Her grasp still shaky, she then brought her spear's shaft to both hands and assumed a proper stance with the spearhead facing forward.

There was no fire in her eyes. She did not have the gaze of a warrior at that moment. But that stance... Like many times before, it was what she needed to assume for a fight. And so I asked, "What are you planning to do?"

"I don't know. You're not listening to me. I have...no idea what to do if my words aren't getting through to you. And If words fail..." Ember said before raising her spear's tip higher. "All that's left is the use of force."

Her heart was not in it. I have seen Ember in the heat of battle and in genuine sparring sessions. The way she carried herself oozed with a warrior's confidence. She is a seasoned warrior where battle comes naturally to her. But not this time. Those were the eyes of someone who really did not want to fight. Someone who would sooner run than face a threat. I sighed harshly while not feeling like I was in danger at the slightest. She would never harm me. Not now. "Ember... Go home."

"Not without you." She retorted promptly, grip tightening around her spear's sturdy shaft. Her eyes pleading, she spoke while trying to find the will to bring her spear forward. "I'll bring you back...somehow. I don't know how, but...maybe I'll figure something out in a minute."

I started to bring my right hand to the hilt of the Celestial Sword. She was serious about this. Even if she did not have the fire in her that she displayed during our first encounter, she certainly had the raw physical strength to overpower me even if that spear would prove ineffective otherwise. But...I stopped. I knew what the unyielding blade of my sword would do to her. Even for a simple sparring session, it would be reckless to draw it. And the thought of spilling Ember's blood frightened me. In much the same way that she dreaded having to take her spear to me.

Knowing she would chase me if I tried to flee, I too was out of ideas on how to get her to leave me to my very personal mission. But Ember had challenged me to a duel of sorts and I needed a means to defend myself. It was then that inspiration struck. I channeled the frigid elemental magic in my left gauntlet to forge a weapon from magic ice. Icy mist formed in the air and generated a solid mass before me that my right hand took hold of. But not a blade. Just...a long stick of magic blue ice. Ember said nothing, but I think I saw the slightest hint of a smile form on her lips. She knew I was doing all I could to not harm her.

There was no way this duel would reach any sort of significance. Our hearts were not in it. Ember began step around me while I kept the Lunar Shield ready. She made a few quick stabs, but she was very unsteady about it. Each thrust did not have much force behind them. My shield blocked each strike easily, but the lack of effort in her attacks was very noticeable.

My efforts were not much better. I did not so much lunge at her as much as I merely took a brisk step forward to swing my icy club at her. And even then I always missed. I was mostly just swatting at her instead of trying to strike her. The few times that my club did come close enough to warrant concern, Ember would simply angle her spear in a way that caught the club on its shaft. Although I did score an completely accidental blow at one point as one of my swings struck the fingers of her exposed hand.

"Ow!" Ember yelped with that freezing cold stick smacking her curled fingers. I stepped back in embarrassment while she too retreated with a few steps back. Ember shook her hand to try and get the sting out. I cracked an unwitting smirk at her mild discomfort. Her unprofessional response to this very minor and unintentional injury only further reinforced how unwilling this whole duel was. We really did not have any desire to hurt each other. And once Ember's hand took hold of her spear again, she cracked a weird smile at me. "You're holding back."

"So are you." I replied while once again regaining a more solid stance. I then pleaded softly, "Go back... I've got this. I can handle whatever the emperor throws at me. I'll get in and out of there in no time."

"I'll say it again. I'm not returning without you." She replied very sternly, but without any firmness in her eyes. After another weak thrust of her spear, Ember said, "I know you're powerful. But I can't believe for a minute that the emperor isn't anticipating you pulling something like this. You march into the enemy stronghold alone and I'm sure he'll have something ready for you."

"Maybe... But this is still my mission. I have to do this alone. I'll...figure something out when I get there." I replied while also starting to feel unsure of myself. The emperor needs me alive, so there was no chance of his forces trying to kill me. And if Ember were to accompany me, they would definitely resort to lethal force. She would not survive. I made a few more halfhearted swings at her with my club and said, "I'll be OK. Really."

"I don't believe you." The Dragon Lord declared while expertly snagging my club in the notch between the spearhead and one of the two prongs sticking out to the sides an wresting it from my hand by forcefully swinging hard to my left. It rolled away from me, leaving me unarmed. But Ember knew this was not really an advantage. She knew I could just make another. Her spearhead lowered, she then said softly, "You'll fail. You'll die... I know the emperor's staying alive because of you, but...I don't think he really intends to stay alive for longer than necessary. The portal's open. What now? Isn't that all he wants?"

An unsettling thought that I had not considered. That portal... It was already stable enough for someone to pass through. I already went halfway through. If it was lowered to the ground now, anyone could come and go as they pleased. By all accounts, he had already succeeded. So then why was it still being kept in an location that was inaccessible to the people of Earth? Was it not in an ideal state at the time?

There were so many unanswered questions. Questions we may not find an answer for until it was too late. And this instilled an even greater sense of dread in my heart. Had we already failed? Had my presence in this world finally doomed Equestria? My gaze wandered, my arms lowering. And Ember could see the despair in my eyes. "Come on... It's not over yet. Let's head back. They're worried about you."

"No... I still have a job to do. And..." I muttered as I felt the urge to just run headlong into enemy territory. To do something... Anything to save the world I loved. "If I don't make it... That might be for the best."

"No!" Ember barked before stepped forward and holding her spear's tip directly at my face. As if trying to make me comply with her demands. But that deadly aim soon faltered. She was trying to keep me from running off to my death by threatening me with a deadly strike to my face. A completely self-defeating demand. She panicked, flapping her wings to propel her back and away from me. Now at a much more reasonable distance, Ember lowered her weapon entirely. "This isn't working... If I can't force you to turn back..."

I watched cautiously. And Ember proceeded to do something I would never expect out of her in armor. She held her spear out to the side in one hand. And then she let it fall to the ground. Was she surrendering? No, that was not it. Ember then held her arms out as if beckoning me to embrace her. Then, step by step, she began to approach with her eyes never looking away from mine.

She said nothing. But she did not relent in her approach. Ember walked forward gingerly with arms outstretched and ready to take hold of me. An invitation...?

She did not speak once. I think she trusted that I knew what she was trying to convey. By this point, she was refusing to resort to the use of force. Why? I would expect nothing less from a dragon of their ancestral homeland. To refuse to fight... Or to even try to coerce me to follow her by harassing me with a weapon... For just a moment, I was left utterly confused.

But then it occurred to me. Once Ember got her arms around me, the only way out would be with the use of a teleportation spell. Was she waiting for an opportunity to grab me in an unbreakable grip? If she got her hands on me, I would never be able to force her off. And once Ember was only twenty paces away, I acted.

I could not allow her to stop me. But I could not bring myself to use force. So I did the only thing I could think of I extended my palm towards her as my right gauntlet's golden yellow magic aura flared up around it. And Ember came to a complete stop as her entire body was coated in it as well. I gazed down upon Ember with a stone-faced gaze as I forced her to her knees. "What...is this...?!"

Levitation magic. It was the only thing I could think of that I could use to restrain her without harm. And no matter how strong Ember was, she could not resist the magical might of even one of the royal sisters. No matter how she resisted, Ember was forced down onto her knees and hands. But no matter how I pushed, she would not fall flat on her face. Ember forced her head up to gaze right at me. And then...she began to crawl.

I took a step back. She was strong, but she should not be THAT strong. What kind of physical strength would be necessary to defy even Celestia's magic output? And as she crawled, sweat oozing down her exposed face, Ember growled fiercely at me. "You...won't turn me away... If you run...I will...pursue you!"

The closer she came, the harder I pushed. Harder and harder, anything to shove her to the ground and keep her there. But Ember did not relent. She still continued to crawl. No matter how sluggish her approach became, she never halted. And she continued to make stalwart declarations all the while. "I'll pursue you to the ends of the earth! You'll never escape me! If you run, I'll never lose your trail! I'll drag you back safe and sound...no matter how far I have to chase you!"

I was starting to falter. If I applied anymore force to her, I was sure to break something. The only way to stop her now...was to press as hard as I could muster. I would crush her... Crush something. I would only escape once Ember was reduced to a broken heap before me. I was so close... So close to hurting her. Was I really willing to hurt someone so dear to me if it was the only way to escape her?

Finally within arm's reach, Ember shakily reached out to me. She was barely standing at all on her hand and knees. She reached out, teeth grinding with fangs bared, doing all she could to not collapse. And...I just could not keep doing this to her. The aura surrounding my gauntlet faded, as did the aura that coated her body. This sudden loss of resistance caused Ember to push herself forward by accident, but I caught her. Her hand fell into mine as I held her up. And I spoke with a sigh of resignation. "You win."

Ember's head jerked up to gaze up at me with shock in her scarlet eyes. Was she grasping at straws? Did she think I would actually repel her? Whatever the case, she then followed through on her wordless offer moments earlier. She threw her arms around me in a very firm embrace. But she did not pull or crush me. She only held me. "Are you coming back?"

"Yeah... I... I can't do this... Not with you doing this. I won't do it if I have to go through you." I muttered with my armored hand resting between her shoulders. Just a moment before, she was in my clutches. No matter how hard I pushed, she would not bend. I would have had to break her. And...I could not. "Did I hurt you?"

"Hurt me? No, no, I wasn't really in pain." Ember replied before looking up at e with sweat causing her scales to shine. She then spoke while smirking at me, "But you did wear me out. I'll sleep well tonight."

That got a chuckle out of me. She took everything I threw at her in stride. And I held nothing against her for raising her spear to me. We...could not do it. We were strangers when we last crossed blades. Now...we were so much more. Too much...

As these thoughts distracted me, Ember raised her hand to my exposed faced and caressed however much of my cheek my helmet did not hide. Her gaze softened as she said, "Let's go. They're waiting for you."

"Please don't leave my side. I...might do something stupid without you guiding me right now?" I replied now that I was left wondering if trying to challenge the emperor directly really was a stupid idea. I am powerful with my armor and weapons. But would it have been enough?

"I'm not going anywhere without you. Come on." Ember replied before she led me back over to her fallen spear. Once it was back in her hands, she looked back at me with a smile. "You know I wasn't going to hurt you, right?"

"Yeah... I know you wouldn't." I retorted with a quiet smile on my lips. But as I watched her, a question came to mind. One that needed to be asked. "Hang on... Out of everyone who could've come after me... Why did they send you?"

"Oh, they didn't send me. I volunteered and convinced them that I was best for the job. And I made a very compelling point." Ember explained while showing a very confident smirk on her lips. "I told them you always listen to me."

That made me laugh. And she was right. We always listen when the other speaks. The spoken word and the open ears. That...has always been the source of the connection between us. "And you're right. I do... Don't I?"

"You took a little longer to listen this time...but you did in the end." Ember replied with her spear hoisted over her shoulder. She gazed up at me with a more concerned look in her eyes and spoke, "I won't act like you didn't have an understandable reason to do all this. If my people really will become outright monsters in due time if Earth's influence sinks into them... Then I can't be at least a little grateful for you trying to prevent that. I'm just...not ready to risk losing you like this."

"Sorry to scare you... Just...had a lot on my mind recently. Recent developments are really getting to me." I replied while not really sure what to think anymore. Not when she so desperately tried to prevent me from reaching the enemy alone. Ember could only smile comfortingly at me before she began to walk west with her spear hoisted over her shoulder. But as I began to follow, I began to wonder. "Um... Shouldn't we be flying?"

"Please, the sun won't set for a while longer. And I'd like to relax a bit before we head back." She said with a very knowing smile on her lips. Almost like she was intentionally stalling for time. I did not object and followed on foot.

As we walked along under that shining sun with the sky being refreshingly clear for once, I cast a glance down at Ember. I doubt the situation would have gone so smoothly had anyone else shown up. She was just the right woman for the job. She soon detected my observation and glanced up at me. "Something on your mind?"

"I'm just glad it was you who showed up. You're great at keeping my head on straight." I replied while Ember smiled back at me. Such a lovely smile. She is always so happy when we are together. Would she really have followed me towards the Heaven's Pillar if I turned and ran? Even if it meant certain doom? "Ember... Don't let yourself die out here, all right?"

"I won't fall easily. I have too much to live for. Too much work to do. And I finally know how to do it." She declared confidently. Maybe too confidently.

"Ember, really..." I spoke more firmly with my feet coming to a stop. I got Ember to cease walking and look at me. I dropped to one knee and rested my hands on her pauldrons, our eyes locked. "Go home alive and in one piece when this is all over. If you die out here... It'll be my fault. And I don't know how I will ever live with myself if..."

She silenced me. Ember brought her finger to my lips to shush me. Those beautiful scarlet eyes... They gazed into mine with a gaze of quiet concern. She understood. And she answered in a manner I did not expect. That hand cradled my jaw before she suddenly leaned in close, bringing her reptilian lips to mine for a brief kiss. She then pulled away and spoke without a smile while stating something familiar. "I won't. Not when you're mine to protect."

A vow sealed with a kiss. I remembered when it happened mere days ago. She came with a dagger in hand. And she left with my life placed in her hands. She was more than just my shield-sister now. Ember was my guardian. My sword and shield. The Dragon Lord herself. The mightiest of them all in spite of her petite size. This dragon queen... I wanted to believe that she would never fall so long as I lived... And so I asked, "Will you not allow yourself to die out here as long as I'm alive?"

Ember looked both confused and even a little pained by such a question. "What kind of question is that? There's...so much more I want to see with you. To do with you... I didn't join this conflict...just we would have to say goodbye for ever once it's all over."

"Then I'll live for you." I replied while my heart ached. There was...so much I wanted to say. Dangerous things. As a pleased gaze filled Ember's eyes, but I found myself leaning closer. I felt so fortunate to have her. The desire to... "Ember... May I..."

"Please." She whispered in confirmation. Our eyes closed. Our lips touched. Out there in the middle of nowhere, we kissed. And not at all briefly. We sighed in bliss. And a muffled moan filled her throat as our lips parted. Her pointed tongue caressed mine, the faintest hint of sulfur on her breath. Bold, yet pleasant. A flavor I had grown to adore. The spicy taste of a dragoness. And once that kiss ended with Ember almost appearing dazed by the experience, she whispered to me with a fatigued wheeze. "Thank you..."

"And thank you for being here." I whispered back to her before we were both held in each others' arms. Even our wings wrapped around each other. After all that happened up to that point, I still had Ember. And a dragon's vow is forever... They place such emphasis on conviction. As stalwart as a mountain. I think...I have more respect for her kind now despite everything.

"It's a pleasure, James. Now..." Ember began to say with our embrace loosening. But as soon as she was free, Ember bolted to the west. "Come on! Try and catch me!"

"What?!" I yelped in confusion as I saw Ember sprint west with her spear wagging side to side over her shoulder. Was she just trying to lighten the mood? Maybe have some fun while we were alone? It would not be the first time. "Tch, fine. Can't get away from me."

While Ember was quick on her feet, she could not compete with the speed my armor granted me. As quickly as the swiftest stallion, I rushed across the land and dashed right past Ember in only a moment. She did not take this well and called out, "Hey, no fair! I'm not packing any enchanted footwear!"

I pretended I did not hear her and just kept on running. But Ember did not stay far behind for long. A moment later, I noticed a presence before getting tapped on the head by a thick pike shaft. "Think you can escape me?"

"We'll see, won't we?" I replied before lunging forward as I spread my armor's wings. I glided just over the grass before ascending high through the air. Ember was right behind me and looked like she was having the time of her life. I decided to take her for a ride and led her along, soaring higher and higher into the nearly cloudless sky. "How far are you willing to chase me?!"

"I'll scale every wall in my way!" She called out before suddenly swooping ahead of me. She turned back while continuing to be carried along by her forward momentum. But when she spoke, it was said with a smile. "I'll cross every ocean!"

We were just having fun. But there was such a subtle seriousness in those words. I veered away and led Ember ever higher into that sky with only the faintest hints of the sunset beginning to show on the western horizon. I called back to her, "How far?!"

"To the ends of the earth!" Ember shouted as she once again overtook me with sheer speed and determination. As if...she was trying to prove a point. And once again, she was beaming with a brilliant smile when she turned back to me. "I'll dive to the deepest depths!"

I once again veered away, but by shooting straight up into the sky. I rose higher and higher into that vast blue above while I called out, "How long?!"

Ember did not respond. And when she did not shoot by me when I expected her too, I became worried. Did I push her too hard? Had she fallen too far behind? Just when I was above to look back, the shimmering gold covering patches of blue shot up above me before spreading her wings wide to slow her ascent. She gazed down at me and called out, "From this world to the next if I have to!"

This was supposed to be a simple act of goofing around as friends. And she was having fun. But...there was something more to Ember's words. She was enjoying herself, but I was convinced this was not simply a game to her. I slowed my ascent as gravity began to cause me to come to a stop. And I stopped just before I could reach Ember in what felt like a moment of complete weightlessness. And she descended right into my arms and held on as we began to fall. Her eyes gazing fearlessly into my own, I then asked softly, "Why...?"

With her wings holding onto me, Ember caressed my face with her hand. All while showing a wonderful smile. "Because you mean the world to me."

I was so taken aback by such a bold yet loving statement that I almost did not break out of my fall in time. With that downward momentum, we both broke out of our fall and spread our wings for a swift glide. And we were heading west. We would not take long to reach the encampment now.

Ember remained very silent as we glided along. As if she was awaiting a response. She was to my right at all times and never took her eyes off me. I then asked, "What makes you say that...?"

"I told you that night, right?" Ember asked as her eyes narrowed into a very tender gaze. And her following words were just as meaningful. "You give me hope. I had none after I was granted the Bloodstone Scepter. Five thankless years. No progress. Everything felt futile. And then you showed up. And I suddenly found the way forward. I was surrounded by walls I couldn't climb... And then you smashed one of those walls down and showed me the way out. I couldn't see... And I didn't listen at first... But now I do. And I'll always listen to you."

Such a wonderful thing to say. And I had to say something in response. Something with equal weight. "And...you give me courage. I don't know how well I would be faring on and off the battlefield if you weren't here with me. I'm not a warrior... But maybe I don't need to be when I have someone like you. You inspire me. Make me feel like everything will be all right. That I shouldn't be afraid..."

There was so much I wanted to say. So much I could never take back if I did. I wonder... Could she see it in my eyes at the time? What was really going through my head? And what was in my heart?

Not much later, we came to a gliding approach over the encampment and circled the place to try and slow down. We both set down outside the command center. But just as I started to reach for the door, I stopped. I knew who was on the other side. And they would most certainly be cross with me over running off the way I did. Ember was quick to notice my hesitation and placed her hand over mine. She gazed up at me and smiled softly. "I'll go with you."

"Thank you." I muttered while allowing Ember to lead. I was not ready for any scorn over such an act of recklessness, even if my motives were understandable.

"Ah, there you are. Any luck on finding our wayward friend?" I heard Orbash speak from somewhere beyond Ember. And when she stepped aside to let me in, I found the entire Equestrian royal family gathered in the common area. Rain Shine was among them as well. And once he laid eyes upon me, Orbash's smile faded as he cast a noticeably sterner look at me. No one was smiling and I knew I was in trouble. "I want you to understand you gave us quite the scare when we found your room locked, yet empty. Whatever your motives for rushing off like that, please reconsider from now on."

I turned away, unable to look anyone in the eye. But to my surprise, Ember was quick to come to my defense. She rested her left hand on my right and said, "He did it for our sakes. He's...carrying a heavy burden right now. I mean you know what's happening and what his connection to the enemy is."

"Yes... We know. And I'm sorry to say the psychological affects of warfare on our men is something we did not account for. Let alone this." Luna spoke with any displays of displacement fading from their faces. The Princess of the Night then declared, "James... Everything we have discovered in recent days... Know this. We do not hold you accountable for anything that happens from here on out. Do not think you need to carry our fates on your shoulders alone."

This did little to soothe the doubts and fears in my heart. When I did not lift my gaze to look at them, I heard the sounds of armored hooves approaching on smooth polished wood. Nightmare Moon stood before me, our eyes meeting. The first to join me on this journey. The one who was by my side when I needed her most. Eyes filled with concern, they then closed before she lowered her head to touch her horn to my helmet's brow. "We will get through this together, my friend. We have come this far. Let us see this through together like it should be."

I could only nod without words. And they could all see I was in no mood for conversation. Celestia then said softly, "Head on up to your room and rest awhile. Smolder and Ocellus are expecting you."

With another nod, I did just that. I marched up the stairs to my room and found the door unlocked. And upon stepping inside, I found a pair of young dragonesses. One real, the other false. They were resting on my bed and leaned over the side to get a good look at me as I disarmed myself and removed my armor. Ocellus asked softly, "What happened...? Why'd you run off like that?"

There was no harm in telling them the truth, but I still needed to steel myself for it. "I...decided to end things right away. I was going to end this war and take on the emperor myself... Ember caught up to me. And...she talked me out of it."

The sound of fabric being firmly patted reached my ears. When I turned to look at them, I saw Smolder smacking the bed with one hand. And she almost looked angry. "Get over here. You need this."

Not willing to defy them after making them worry about me more than warranted lately, I approached quickly and took a seat at the edge. This was not enough to satisfy Smolder. She grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me down onto my back. And then...her hand found its way to mine. Clutching it firmly. She then smirked at me while lifting my hand up so I could see her holding it in one hand while the other caressed it. "Told you we were gonna do lots of hand holding."

"Me too!" Ocellus chirped before she crawled up to my other side and took my other hand between both of hers. She gazed at me with hopeful eyes and whispered with a smile. "It...feels so much nicer to do this with hands instead of hooves."

"You girls..." I mumbled while really not sure how to feel about the situation. The moment I was back in the encampment and surrounded by my comrades, the guilt started to creep back into my mind. These beautiful little ladies... They had no idea what was happening. And I was not sure I could tell them. But I was not going to reject them. "I don't want to let you down..."

"You won't, mi amor." Smolder cooed as that subtle growl in her voice faded away for the moment. As those beautiful blue reptilian eyes gazed at me, she began to smother my hand with sweet little kisses. All while speaking with the voice of an angel. "You're our knight in shining armor, mi amor. And your ladies in waiting know you'll triumph against the evils that plague this land."

Ocellus lifted her head to look across me at her friend. And her eyes were wide with intrigue. "Wow... Um... I didn't know you could be so...articulate?"

"Heh, yeah... I'm not some snarling lizard all the time, you know." Smolder retorted as her voice slipped back into how it normally sounds. That little exchange got a bit of a snicker out of me. And it did not go unnoticed. "Hey, I saw that smile! Guess that means we're doing something right."

"I did? I... Huh. I guess I did get a chuckle out of that." I mumbled while turning my gaze to the ceiling. Maybe this was a step in the right direction.

"Now for the best part." Smolder said with a smirk before climbing atop me to keep me pinned to the bed. She gazed down at me with such a whimsical smile as she said, "Pucker up, mi amor."

She was upon me. Those soft little lips touched mine as she draped herself across me. And...what a wonderful kiss it was. Over and over, Smolder brought her lips to mine while whispered such honeyed words in only a whisper. All in dialect I did not understand. Rarity must have been educating her. But they were so full of love... That wonderful little lady spilling her heart out to me without risk. And Ocellus cooed softly beside me as she felt everything. "Ooh, there it is... All that love's coming to the surface now. Keep it up, Smolder."

"Mmhm, I know what I'm doing." Smolder said softly, her lips locking with mine as I put my arms around her. Finally, our lips parted. And that familiar subtle taste of sulfur reached my tongue. Smolder masterfully had her tongue dance with mine all while we sang to each other with our voices humming a symphony deep in our throats. And those beautiful eyes narrowed in adoration as she panted for breath once the kiss ended. "Mi amor... Mon cheri..."

"Smolder... I..." I began to mutter as I lost some composure. I tried to string together words in a foreign dialect like before, but I was just too dazed by these wonderful good vibes I was experiencing after so much misery lately. All I could do was place my hand on the back of her head and pull it down next to mine for a tender snuggle. "Thank you..."

"I came out here just for you. Don't ever forget that." She cooed to me with her lips right by my ear. We knew what our answer to each other is. It was just too soon to say it. But...would we live to see that day come?

I felt Ocellus tighten her grasp around my hand as she said, "It's...still distant... But it's stronger than it was a little earlier... Are you still afraid, James?"

There was no point in hiding my fears from her. I tried to not think too hard about what was happening as I said, "You know enough about what's happening... I just...don't want this world and everyone in it to be ruined because I'm here..."

"You love...so many things..." I heard Ocellus mutter as she probably felt deeper to get a solid grasp of how my heart was working. "I see why you're so afraid... But...don't blame yourself, please? We have faith in you. We...love you, you know?"

For a good while, we just held each other and talked. And we talked some more. About this and that and everything in between. And doing all we could to not talk about the war. Smolder eventually leaned against the corner next to me and said, "Man, I miss Ponyville... Between just doing our thing with those crystals and hanging out here... There's just not a lot to do..."

"I think it's a safe bet that just about everyone is getting sick of the situation now..." I muttered in return with my eyes turning to the window. Smolder noticed where I was looking and pulled the curtains aside with her tail. Nothing was going on out there, but only for the moment. And it was really starting to get dark now that the sun had nearly completely set.

Ocellus was the first to notice what this time of the day meant. "Hey, um... Isn't it almost time for dinner?"

Smolder was the first to sniff the air and notice a certain aroma creeping into the room. "Mm, smells like it. How about we wait downstairs so we can be the first in line? Even if it's not ready yet."

And that was what we did. I got my shoes on and followed the two of them downstairs. While dinner was being prepared in the kitchen, the buffet line had not been assembled yet. Ocellus and Smolder were content to just wait in the common area, but I opted to head outside to take a walk. They did not mind me doing so too much.

Mere minutes after I started strolling between the rows and rows of tents, I started to feel that dread seeping back into me. I started to feel so very isolated. Alone, despite being surrounded by so many. And the few I did pass did cast me some wary stares. A growing suspicion was starting to fall across the entire militia. I did not fault them. They had the right to be wary of me. Humanity's legacy in Equestria is already tainted and for good reason. How was I any different?

I wandered aimlessly. Turning left and right at intersections between the rows of infantry housing on a whim. I eventually passed before Ember's cottage and the vacant archery range set before it. No one was around. Or so I thought. A few of the dragons serving under Ember were heading my way from up ahead. I paid them no mind. I could not even find the will to lift my head to look them in the eye. But instead of stepping aside to let me pass, the trio of them bunched together to block my path. "Going somewhere?"

This tone and direct addressing of me instilled a sense of alarm in me. I looked up at them, no two of those armored brutes looking alike. And they were not the only ones there. Every last one of the dragons serving under Ember, all twelve of them, began to approach me from all directions. Herding me away from the row of tents to the south and towards the empty archery range. They did not want to just have a talk.

One of the dragons, a unusually elegant female with hues of pale purple under her craggy armor, spoke first. "Word's been going around that you're the reason why the emperor is still giving this world trouble. Guess that makes you the enemy, right?"

They had every right to resent me, but I felt my survival instinct starting to kick in. I was surrounded. They were too good at using their varying bodies to keep me boxed in. I would never be able to squeeze my way out. They... Were they really going to...?

"And there's a really ugly rumor going around right now. Some say the emperor's got a really nasty surprise in store. Something that'll ruin this world forever in ways it'll never bounce back from." Another brute of a dragon spoke up as they all started to bare their diamond-crushing fangs with almost gleeful looks of anticipation in their eyes. "You get where we're going with this, don't ya?"

I stopped just shy of trying to muscle my way past them. They had caught me at the worst possible time. No weapons. No armor. And no one knew where I was at that moment. I was entirely helpless and they knew what they were doing. Another one of those dragons almost laughed as he said, "Ha, he knows what he's in for! How about we put this whole mess to bed here and now? I can already taste the bounty we were promised!"

"Nothing personal, dude. But if you're the reason this whole war is going on... Well, better end this sooner than later, right?!" Another one of those dragons asked as they all started to inch closer. Their fangs were bared. Fangs that could easily crush diamonds without trouble. Fangs that could likely chomp through flesh and bone with even less trouble.

This was it. Slain by my own allies. Was this really how I was going to go out? And they were really going to do it. Feeling like I was about to pounced on by a pack of wolves that would tear me apart, I twitchily glanced about as I desperately searched for a way out. Even as another one of them spoke up. "This'll only hurt for a second! Let's make this quick, yeah?!"

Just before any of them could do anything, they were all interrupted as one of the twelve dragons behind shrieked in fright. "Guys! Guys, get her off me! Get her off!"

Just like that, we all turned to see what was going on. And I was both relief and shocked to see what was happening. Ember. Unarmored yet armed, she had dragged her subordinate to the ground and had him pinned on his back with a dagger held right above his eye. The raw unblinking fury in her eyes... A quick glance around me revealed the other eleven dragons were frozen in fright as Ember looked ready to gouge her captive's eye out. Even I was afraid to address her.

Once it was clear that she had the situation under control, Ember lifted her dagger and firmly walked over her frightened captive. She lifted her steel blade and began to rotate herself to point it at everyone while stepping around me in a circular pattern. She never took her eyes off her subordinates as she looked ready to slit someone's throat. I did not budge from that spot as I was sure even I would be fair game if I did or said the wrong thing. The dragons around us backed away whenever Ember came even remotely near them while circling me. She then began to speak with a terrifying icy tone instilled in her voice. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear here."

Everyone listened. And Ember did not blink once as she waved her dagger back and forth to point it at everyone around us. "If this man turns up dead and I find out even one of you was involved, I'll kill every last one of you myself. I will pursue you to the ends of the earth if I have to. I won't rest until you all pay. Do we have an understanding here?"

Not one of them said a word. They all backed away even further with hands held out in front of them. I thought Ember's people were largely dismissive of her. Now these twelve unlucky brutes were genuinely terrified of her. Once her point had been made, Ember took hold of my hand with an iron grip and began to lead me towards her cottage. All the while, she kept a very close eye on her subordinates with dagger ready.

Once inside her temporary home, Ember released her grip on me and started to lock the door. She even began to move tall pieces of furniture to block the windows at the front of the cottage. She was so through and focused that it looked like she was anticipating a siege and was taking no chances. I could still see that glare of icy rage in her eyes and took several steps back towards the hall as I wondered if I should lock myself in the bathroom.

Ember checked the door one last time before she became still with her back to me. I then heard her ask coldly, "Did they get you?"

"Almost. You showed up at the last second. I...really think they were going to do it too." I replied while still being wary of my friend. She was very ready to kill her own subjects to keep me safe back there. There was no hesitation in those eyes. No wavering in her voice. If one of them made a move on me, she would have torn their throat out. At least that was what I assumed. "You... Were you really going to..."

"I'll kill them all if they lay a hand on you." Ember declared coldly before looking back at me. She still looked frightful with those scarlet eyes filled with a murderous rage. When I took another step back, Ember only then realized exactly how unsettled I was and placed a hand on her chest before letting out a very harsh sigh. She closed her eyes briefly and turned to completely face me before opening her eyes. That glare was gone and she was instead looking at me with a very apologetic gaze. Ember then held out the dagger in her hand and asked, "Would you mind taking this from me? Before I do something reckless?"

"Uh...sure." I approached the Dragon Lord now that she was safe to be around. But just when I was about to take the dagger from her hand, there was a knock at the door. And that cold fury returned to Ember's eyes as her fingers clamped down onto the dagger's hilt. I stepped back abruptly and asked, "They're back?"

"This better be good." Ember growled before turning to the door and slowly slinking up next to it. She leaned closer with the ear on one side of her head held next to the door. "Who goes there?"

The muffled voice on the other side was not who we had been expecting in the slightest. "It is I, Dragon Lord! Admiral Seaspray has arrived!"

"Seaspra... Oh, from the archers!" Ember gasped before calming herself quickly and getting the door open. Sure enough, Seaspray was standing on the other side. But I was quick to notice he had a longbow slung over his back while carrying a full quiver. While I was outside... Were they watching? Ember then asked, "Oh, uh... Don't mind the dagger. What do you need?"

"There's no need to apologize. My men and I saw everything. And it was most fortunate that you showed up when you did." Seaspray revealed while not showing the slightest ounce of levity on his face or in the tone of his voice. "My queen has commanded that my men and I supervise and protect Sir James whenever he is out and about. We saw what was happening a few minutes ago. Had we not noticed you approaching even a moment later, several of your men would have been sniped dead."

This sent a chill through my chest. To know they had been watching me from afar was one thing, but knowing Seaspray and the archers he had with him likely had an arrow nocked in their bowstrings by the time Ember showed up was jarring to hear. They really would have killed Ember's subordinates if there was no other way to save me. Ember let out a harsh sigh as she said, "Good thing, huh? As much as it frustrates me to admit, we need them alive. Thanks for holding your fire. But why are you here then?"

Seaspray held a fist to his chest and said, "I simply wish to request your permission for my men and I to keep watch from your roof. We will rotate the watch every few hours and will do our best to not make too much noise up there. I...am not willing to take chances now that I have seen with my own eyes that some of our comrades out here may be willing to take drastic measures to end the war immediately."

Now that some of my allies had explicitly stated an intention to end this conflict as pragmatically as possible, I too was unsettled at the thought of leaving the safety of Ember's cottage for any reason. Especially now that nightfall was creeping in. Ember did not take long to reply. "Under any other circumstances, I'd insist that's not necessary. But after what we just saw... Sure. You do what you have to do."

I nodded as well and said, "Let everyone know at the command center I won't be making it for dinner tonight. I should probably stay put until morning."

"I shall. You two have a lovely evening. My men and I will be keeping watch." Seaspray bowed to us and stepped back to let the door be shut. Ember once again locked the door, but then bowed her head while letting out a sigh of exasperation. She did not even look at me while holding out her dagger to be taken away from her.

Without a word, I took Ember's dagger from her hand. She then began to make her way around the house, barricading any possible entrance to the cottage whether it was a door or window. I left the dagger on the kitchen table and made my way to the couch on the other side of the cottage. A long sigh of fatigue hissed from my lips while I fell upon the cushions. I did not want to move. Did not want to really do anything. The situation only gets heavier day by day. Just when I think I can look past all that is happening and why, I get reminded of how out of place I am now. I knew I no longer belonged in Equestria, especially now that some of its denizens were very willing to take the most pragmatic approach to end this war.

Ember stepped around the corner from the hall a few minutes later. Her eyes were filled with concern as she walked over to me before resting a hand on mine. She whispered softly to me, "I won't let them get to you."

"Maybe you should... They had a good point." I muttered as that nihilistic resignation plagued my heart. "I die. The emperor dies. The portal collapses. Everything goes back to normal. That's what everyone wants, right?"

"It's not worth the cost!" Ember spoke as she stopped just shy of yelling at me. Just saying such things to her left the Dragon Lord looking thoroughly distraught. She was quick to soften her tone, all while her hand wrapped around mine. "Maybe it's the simplest solution... But... Maybe I'm just selfish, but...I can't let that happen. I'm...putting too much on your survival. If you don't make it, I... I don't know what I'll do..."

"Sorry..." I muttered before turning my eyes up at the ceiling before closing them. To just...shut out the world for a little while. But while I could not see, I did feel something upon my cheek. A set of reptilian lips. I could only mutter a reply, "Thank you."

"I'm here if you need me. You want something, you let me know." Ember said with just a whisper. I felt her leave my side. But she did not go far. Ember turned on teh phonograph to get some soft classical music going, but I also soon heard something going on in the kitchen. It sounded like she was trying her hand at cooking dinner that night.

Roughly an hour went by as a growing aroma filled the cottage. It smelled like...soup? And...something baking in the oven? I never once opened my eyes, but I never really fell asleep. I eventually heard Ember walk back over to turn the record on the phonograph over to play the other side. But I then felt her hand caress my cheek. "Dinner's ready."

"Be right there." I mumbled before just rolling off the couch right onto the floor. Ember sounded like she had no idea if she should be worried or start laughing. I lifted a hand and said, "I'm good. Really."

"You sure? Well, I'll set the table while you pick yourself up." Ember said with a barely contained chuckle. I soon pushed myself up and headed over. And I liked what I was seeing. Ember had tried her hand at making a pot of soup and had a tray of baked veggies set on the table. It looked like she had doused the veggies in salad dressing before baking them. "So, how'd I do?"

"Looks...really good. I'm actually eager to chow down." I replied with my appetite starting to resurface. Ember was pleased by my words and poured us both a bowl of soup before taking a seat. I scooped some up with my spoon, but noticed there was something unusual about the smell. It had a very...green scent. The kind of scent one might associate with certain raw vegetables. But I knew Ember must have known to follow whatever instructions she found. After getting the first spoonful to cool enough, I took my first taste. And it tasted just as green as it smelled. Not at all appetizing. The flavor had spread throughout the entire broth. "Ember... What ingredients did you use in this soup?"

"I tried a little of everything I saw in there. One of them was something I hadn't really seen before... Something called sugar snap peas?" Ember replied with some confusion. Although when she took a sip of her soup, her eyes went wide as she suddenly realized why I was not that satisfied with the results. "Oh... Now I see what you mean. Ugh... That's a weird flavor... Not really good for something like this... Maybe I shouldn't have used those?"

"Yeah, tastes that way... I guess not all veggies are suited for broths." I mumbled before forcing myself to consume the rest of that bowl, if only for the nutritional value it provided. The baked veggies were much better though and an excellent palette cleanser.

Ember insisted on handling the dishes once we were finished. She knew I did not like the soup and even she was not that fond of the flavor herself, but she did down the rest of the pot just to not let anything go to waste. I made my way into the bathroom to wash up after such a long day. But once I had the shower going and stepped inside, I heard the door open. Ember's voice spoke, "James... Mind if I join you?"

This filled me with unease. Ember had not requested to join me, so I had entirely undressed with the assumption I would be bathing alone that night. With the splashing of warm water and a veil of steam filling the room, she could not see me clearly at all through the muddled glass door. I replied, "Um... I'm not covered in here. You sure you're OK with...seeing me exposed?"

"Yes... I'm...willing to see... If you'll have me." Ember replied with some noticeable hesitation. Perhaps she was returning the favor from a few nights ago. If she was willing to grant me the honor of being the first to ever...be inside her in such a way, perhaps she wanted to show I could trust her while being as vulnerable as she was that night. Suspecting this was just another test of trust, I decided to go ahead and allow her in. But when I pushed the door open...

Ember's eyes went wide with shock once she got a good look at me. Standing stiff as a plank, she stared at me with her eyes glancing down several times. I knew what she was looking at and stood equally still as I waited with bated breath. A moment later, I got my answer. Ember reached for the door stiffly and closed it between us. I asked while on the verge of laughing, "Too much?"

The sounds coming from her... Ember incoherently muttered, stuttered, and stammered as she struggled to find a response. "Are...humans supposed to be so...bare? So...flaccid? It's...so weird to look at..."

"Yes, that's kind of a problem with mammals... They don't have much in the way of natural armor to protect their...more delicate equipment. Humans have it especially bad in that regard. It's a big reason why clothing is such a necessity." I explained while almost tempted to laugh at just how much more Ember got than she bargained for. I then carefully asked, "You...coming in?"

"No... No, not this time... It might take me a few tries before I get used to seeing that..." Ember stammered before I heard her stumble out of the bathroom before closing the door behind her. Only then did I allow myself to laugh. And boy, did I need it after such a day.

Not much later, I dressed myself in my boxers while feeling quite a bit better. My mind was distracted for the moment. But when I entered the bedroom... I was reminded of what had happened. The room was dimly lit by a single lamp by the bed. And the windows in the room were now obstructed by whatever furniture was tall enough to get in the way. This lack of a means to gaze out into the outside world made the bedroom feel even cozier and secure than before. I felt safe...but also all the more aware of how unsafe I likely was.

Ember was relaxing upon the bed. Any awkwardness from before was replaced with a concerned from on her lips. Taking note of her efforts to keep out anyone who might intrude, I propped what I could up under the door's handle to help insure no one would get in even if they could bypass the lock. I looked over at Ember as she patted her hand on the bed. "You think I'm really safe in here?"

"I've blocked every possible way in. We have archers on the roof. And you have me. I'd say you're about as safe as you can get." Ember replied sincerely while I took a seat beside her. She then added, "Pretty much the only way someone could get to you now is if they burned the house down. But they'd have to answer to the royal family if they tried that."

I could not imagine Ember's subordinates trying something that drastic. She did an admirable job in intimidating them earlier. And I had no reason to believe she would not follow through on that threat. Setting fire to her own house would only provoke her further and would likely result in Ember making an example of one of them. I felt safe with her...yet so very unsure. I fell backwards onto the bed and sighed harshly. "Thanks for coming out there to get me... I'm glad it was you who followed me."

"Just remember. If you run again, I'll follow." Ember said almost facetiously. As if daring me to try making a run for it again. My eyes narrowed, but did not quite close. I could not bring myself to look at her. But I did feel her hand rest over mine before long. "We'll see this through together. It'll be all right."

Before much longer, the room went dark. And I was tucked under the blankets with Ember by my side. She opted to not drape a wing over me while I had very little to say. I felt her lips upon my cheek as she displayed fleeting tenderness that she could only convey in the shadows. I whispered words of thanks and finally drifted off to sleep. But...my troubled mind would not let me find solace. Even in my dreams.

It was not quite lucid. But it was still so vivid... I did not know what I would find out there when my sleeping mind drifted into dreaming. The sky... Thick with pale clouds. Thunder could faintly be heard. And at my feet... A sea of purple. Thousands upon thousands of corpses. The corpses of Hollows.

They covered the horizon, near and far. Slain, but still whole. There was no sign of anyone else around. No ponies. No griffons. No dragons. No hippogriffs. The aftermath of a battle most fierce? Had my allies already moved on while I stayed behind?

All I could do was wander. The stillness in the air was haunting. I almost felt as if the Hollows littering the meadow around me could rise to their feet at any time. That they were merely feigning death since they normally dissolve into a purple mist upon being slain. Where could I go? Who would I find?

Whether for only a few minutes or a small eternity, I stepped and stumbled over the countless empty corpses around me. Just a sea of ominous purple. But...I saw it. Something that sharply contrasted the purple around me. A hint of gold on the horizon. Intrigued, I began to approach.

As I drew near, my pace hastened. And it only quickened further when I saw hints of blue around that patch of gold. Dread filled my heart as I bounded over the haphazardly scattered corpses. There... Resting on her side and facing away from me... Ember. Clad in her gilded armor, but with her helmet missing. She was still. And silent.

I carefully fell to a knee as I gently reached out to her. Was she...harmed? Was she well? I gently nudged her. I whispered to her. When she still did not respond, I tried pulling her back towards me. And when she rolled onto her back... Horror filled my heart. Smashed through her breastplate... A Hollow's axe sank deep into her chest as liquid crimson oozed out. Her body was limp... Dying...

I very nearly panicked. My hands quivered as I reached out to her. What could I do? Was I too late? Should I remove the axe? Would it only quicken the loss of blood? I called out, pleading for anyone to come. Anyone who could save her. My hand grasped hers, whimpering pathetically as I contemplated my options. But at my touch... Her eyes weakly opened just slightly, barely clinging to consciousness. She was holding on by a thread. And with that thread, a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart.

My hands clutched hers between mine, clinging to her as I faced the very real possibility that I was about to lose her. Her lips moved. Whispering...something tender... Words I cannot remember. As the seconds ticked by, I began to notice a creeping coolness starting to fill her hand. And her head...began to listlessly turn onto its side as much as her horns would allow.

She was slipping... I was holding on as tightly as I could, but it was not enough... Panic took hold. It was now or never. Anything I could do or say to give her the drive to hold on just a little longer. Anything to sustain her. And so I pleaded to her. I spoke powerful words. Dangerous words that I could never take back. Words from the hidden depths of my heart. Words that would change everything between us. Words...she could no longer hear...

Ember did not respond. She was still. She was cold. Her narrow eyes... Filled with an unnatural stillness... I whimpered her name one last time, my eyes and throat burning with my vision blurring. And then...I wept. I pleaded. I cradled the beautiful Dragon Lord in my arms. My dear Ember... Gone... Because of me.

I awoke in tears. Lying there in the dark, unable to bring myself to move. Was it a dream? It felt too real... I needed to convince myself that what I saw was only an illusion. As I rested there in dread, I could hear the faintest snoring. To my right... I could barely make her out in the shadows. Ember still lived. Unharmed and sleeping soundly. But the memory was fresh. And the truth could not be ignored. Ember was going to die out here because of me.

I could not stand to be by her side. Not after that. I knew my presence was endangering her and it would only be a matter of time before an axe found its way crushing through her breastplate. As carefully as I could, I removed myself from the bed without waking her. My feet stepped as softly as possible, carrying me to the door as I painstakingly unlocked it and closed it behind me with as little noise made as I could manage. And I found myself there at the front of the cottage in the silence. Surrounded by the darkness of midnight. The windows were still blocked by whatever Ember could put there to bar entry. I just wanted to disappear... Leave and never come back. But the sentries atop the cottage. I could not hear them, but I knew they were there. I would never sneak by them.

With nowhere to go and nothing to do, I turned on a lamp in the corner before setting myself down at the typewriter. Practically naked, I focused my misery on chronicling this dreadful day. Only the clicking of the keys broke the deathly silence of the night in the middle of nowhere. Page by page, I set aside each newly sheet of paper lined with text. How much time went by? Minutes? An hour? Two hours?

Something was wrong. I could swear that the light coming from the soft glow of that corner lamp was not the only source of light there. I froze. And I noticed the slightest flickering of an additional light source coming from behind me. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw her softly emerging from the hall. Ember stepped into view with a brass candleholder in hand and a small flame atop that stick of white wax. When our eyes met, we said nothing. But her scarlet eyes... She looked like she had woken up with a fright upon suddenly realizing that I was no longer by her side. Did she think I had been abducted in the night?

She stood there in the deathly silence of the night. Seldom blinking while I could not bring myself to speak. Ember then finally asked, "What's wrong? Why aren't you in bed?"

I could barely bring myself to even glance at her. Head bowed, I muttered the truth. "A nightmare... You...died in my arms..."

Her scarlet eyes opened wide. I think she nearly lost her grip on that candle holder as well. Ember hastily set it aside on the first piece of stable furniture she could find and approached me with a hand reaching for mine. I gingerly pulled my hand away from her reach and said, "You shouldn't... You're gonna die out here because of me..."

"I refuse." Ember spoke firmly yet quietly. She was much sifter this time and snatched my hand up in her grasp. She then whispered to me, "I have too much at stake to let myself die out here."

Ember reached for my face with her other hand, fingers and palm cupping my cheek. Forcing me to look into her beautiful scarlet eyes. She was being exceedingly gentle. Handling me with tender care. "Do you really think I'm so fragile?"

"No, it's...not that... I... I just..." I muttered before I suddenly recalled that horrid sensation. For just an instant, I thought I felt Ember's hand become cool. And that stirred a brief flash of that memory to the front of my mind. So much red... Eyes empty and lifeless... A sudden feeling of loss filling my heart, I slumped forward out of my seat and embraced Ember in tearful desperation. "I don't want to lose you, Ember...!"

I whimpered pathetically in her grasp. Unable to speak. Only able to weakly weep. And Ember responded in kind. Her arms and wings wrapped around me in a protective cocoon. I felt her hand rest upon the back of my head. She said nothing, but she did not let go. Her fingertips dragged themselves through my hair and along my scalp. Only when my sniveling finally began to run its course did Ember speak to me. "Come on... Back to bed with you. I'm here, all right?"

Too weak to argue, I followed along. The room went dark as Ember turned off the lamp. Only the glow of that one candle guided us back to the bedroom. Ember guided me along, her hand grasping mine and never letting go. I sat on the head with head bowed while Ember secured the door once again with its lock and an extra bit of furniture to block the door. She then took a seat beside me, but with some extra distance between us. And I soon found out why.

Ember reached out and gently guided me down. I did not resist. And once I was on my back, I found my head resting in an unexpected location. Ember had situated my head to rest upon her lap. She gazed right down at me and said, "I know you won't fall back to sleep so easily after something like that... Here. Let me just..."

Her hand made its way to my face. And she caressed me oh so tenderly. Gliding her fingers along my cheeks and almost playing tussling with locks of my hair. And with those scarlet eyes filled with such sweet concern, even as the flickering of that candle nearly only lightly illuminated her face, she whispered to me. "You won't lose me... Who will protect you if I'm not around?"

This was too much... I could not remember the last time a woman was this doting towards me. Here we were. Locked away from the rest of the world and safe from prying eyes. And Ember was displaying a tender side of her that surpassed anything I had witnessed before. She had taken me into her care and was soothing me in a way only such a wonderful woman could. The tears came to me again as I could not compose myself. And she kept whispering to me with a very subtle smile on her lips. "I won't let myself die out here... There's too much waiting for me after the war ends. I want to see what lies beyond the battlefield. I want...to see what fate has in store for you and me. I want to know what comes next. Don't you?"

I could not even try to talk. And Ember never relented. She whispered to me. She caressed me. She even sang to me in the form of a humming lullaby. Anything to soothe my weary heart. And as the minutes ticked by, it began to take effect. I was feeling so very tired... Like I could fall asleep at any time. And before long, we were tucked in bed once again with the lone candle having been snuffed out. Ember and I whispered well wishes to each other. And before long, I heard her steady breathing shift into light snoring.

But I did not sleep. My heart was troubled. I was exhausted, but my mind would not let me sleep just yet. That horrid dream... I could not ignore it. That may have been an illusion, but it was an illusion that could very easily become a reality. And...I could not keep lying to myself. Not when I knew Ember...may not be there with me after tomorrow.

My heart demanded that I act. There was something I needed to say. Something that should not be said. But perhaps there was a loophole? I turned to Ember in the dark. And I whispered to her. "Ember...?"

She did not respond. She did not even stir. And so I asked again, but even more quietly. "Ember... Please... If you can hear me, give me a sign. I have...something very important to tell you."

I prayed that she would not awaken. And I waited with bated breath. Ember stirred just slightly, but still remained dead asleep. It was safe. I could tell her. And she would not hear me in a way that mattered. "OK... I'll...tell you... Just please don't hear me."

Leaning closer, I whispered with such fear in my heart. "I'm...so grateful to have met you. So grateful that you're here with me. I've met many wonderful women in this world, but none are like you. You're amazing... Inspiring... Beautiful... I... I know I shouldn't say this, but..."

I hesitated. What I was about to say next could carry ruinous consequences if spoken to early. And especially if she actually heard me. But I could not lie to myself any longer. Not when I could not know what tomorrow could bring on the battlefield. And with all the courage I could muster, I spoke the truth that I had tried so hard to hide. "I...love you. I love you so much, you wonderful creature. And...I don't know if I can ever tell you... I don't know if I ever should..."

I froze and held my breath. If she heard that... My god, what would even happen? But thankfully...she did nothing. I did not even notice a change in the rate of her breathing. I spoke the words that would require a final answer at worst or a request for a delay at best. My fingers rested upon her as I continued to whisper, "I'm sorry I can't really tell you... I don't know if I would ever be good enough for the Dragon Lord... Not after all this... But maybe... Just maybe... I hope...we have a future together. And maybe someday...I'll be able to hold you in my arms...and tell you...and let you know...just how wonderful you are you me... I love you, Ember... Even...if it can never be."

I had said enough. And I had done so safely. With such a weight off my chest, I could now sleep with a clear conscience. I let out a long sigh of relief. That was close...but it needed to be said. I...could not lie to myself any longer about this. And should anyone ever happen to read this... I beg of you. Do not tell her. Do not tell Ember. She cannot be allowed to know this. Not until the time is right, if that moment ever comes. Only I can tell her. Please...

I dreamed more peacefully this time. Perhaps Nightmare Moon or Luna had started to notice a pattern with my dreaming mind and exerted more influence over my dreams to fill them with happier scenes. It worked. And when I awoke, I was feeling much more rested. My eyes drifted around the room as a more subdued amount of sunlight was peeking through the obstructed windows. Made the situation feel all the more lazy.

It was then that I remembered what I said last night. When I revealed my heart to Ember. And thankfully, she was still sleeping soundly beside me. Very soundly. And just as cautiously as last night, I slipped out of bed and made my way out of the bedroom. If Ember was sleeping that heavily, it would be best to let her rest as long as her dreaming mind would allow. I already put her through too much trouble last night to begin with.

Still clad in only my boxers, I decided to start on breakfast. My thoughts went back to Ember. My beloved... I could not longer deny what my heart wanted. Even if no one could know. And I wanted to treat her to something special. Something to really start her day off right. Inspiration struck as I set out to make some omelets as well as some pancakes. We had wild berries in the refrigerator that would go great with them and topped with whipped cream. Maybe even mix in some chocolate chips? Now I am getting hungry again just thinking about it.

I was tempted to turn on the phonograph to set up a pleasant atmosphere, but resisted the urge to do so. It might wake Ember, even with the walls in the way. But through the mixing of the batter for the pancakes, I froze as I heard the faintest sound of a door opening. She was approaching.

A strange tension filled me as I realized this would be the first time Ember and I would lay eyes upon each other after I said something to her that would change everything between us. But only if she heard me. And I know she did not hear me. But...when she stepped around the corner...

Ember looked like she had woken up too soon. She looked very drowsy and too eager to go right back to bed. Had the sounds of the kitchen disturbed her in spite of the barriers between us? Regardless of how sleepy she might have still been, she still cast me a very warm smile once she saw me there at the counter. "Morning..."

"Morning, Ember..." I replied as my heart pounded in my chest. Part of me demanded I just stop hiding my heart from her and tell her the truth now that I had taken a massive step in that direction, but I knew that would be reckless. I should be careless with her heart. I then asked, "You OK? Did I wake you up?"

"No, I'm fine... Just...had a really nice dream..." Ember muttered before lifting her head and letting out quite the yawn. She then sluggishly shuffled over to the table and took a seat. She looked sleepy...but so very happy too. "Kind of didn't want to wake up... You were there... And you said some really nice things to me... Made me feel so special..."

"Huh... Well, I'm glad I could be of service?" I replied while starting to wonder if what I did last night was really such a good idea. I know she did not hear me. She could not have heard me. Ember was deep asleep. She was entirely unresponsive. But...maybe... Just maybe...my words still reached her on a subconscious level?

I tried to push that thought out of my head. She did not hear me and that was what mattered. But while I was preparing everything to start cooking, the microwave oven was in front of me. Its door had a very shiny polished surface that was reflective enough to serve as a makeshift mirror. And I could see Ember out of the corner of my eye with it. And she never once took her eyes off me.

She just sat there... Looking very happy. Very relaxed. With a very dreamy look in her narrowed eyes. As the minutes went by, I kept glancing over at her reflection and saw she never once looked away from me. She could not tell that I could see her from there, but that was not a factor. I do not think she was hoping I would see her. What was on her mind?

Once the pancake batter was mixed and I had started to scramble some eggs for the omelet, I nearly jumped when I saw Ember begin to move. She rose from her seat and started to steadily walk over to me. I did not look right down at her until she was right beside me. Without once losing that beautiful and tender look on her face, she took hold of my hand and started to pull on me. "Come on. This way."

"Ember... I'm not done preparing breakfast..." I retorted as I started to feel alarmed. Ember has always been at her happiest whenever we are alone together, but this... This was something different. Something new...

"Breakfast can wait. Come with me." She stated gently while continuing to pull on my arm. Not wanting to upset her after such an uncomfortable night, I relented and left the ingredients where they were. Ember led me to the other side of the cottage and pushed me onto the couch. It was almost like she was in a trance. Or she was just in a really good mood.

"Um... I..." Unable to even really get a word out, I was at Ember's mercy as she gently positioned me on the couch with my head resting on the pillow at one end. We had done this many times before. She was fond of us sharing a moment on the couch like this. But...there was a certain intention in what she was doing this time. Something was in the air. "Ember...?"

"Grant me this, please." Ember whispered as she climbed atop me once again. But unlike most prior times, I was essentially nude. She straddled me, hands resting upon my chest before she began to glide her fingers around my smooth skin and through my chest hair. And that wonderful loving gaze... Her voice carrying that beautiful tone... "Let me be good to you."

"Ember... Are you all right? This...isn't really like you..." I asked softly while making no attempt to resist her. My hands even reached for her arms, sliding my fingers along those smooth blue scales to soothe her as she was doing so to me.

"Oh, I'm more than all right... I feel great. I...feel so happy right now..." Ember cooed with such a beautifully loving tone in her voice. Those lovely scarlet eyes never looked away from me. Her breathing was slow and focused, her exhalation often happening in the form of a relaxed sigh. I could vaguely decent the scent of sulfur on the air with every breath. And she began to slowly bring herself lower. Closer to me. All while her delicate yet strong hands caressed me. "You mean the world to me."

"Ember..." I muttered as those words touched my heart. I wonder... Did she know? And...was this her way of returning my declaration without actually saying anything? "Why are..."

"You make me so happy..." She cooed to me with such meaning in her words. She inched lower and lower, bringing her head towards mine. "You always listen... You always make me...believe in tomorrow..."

The movements of her hand stopped. Her lips were mere inches from mine. And then her hands began to reach behind my head. There was a need in her eyes. And there was in mine, I am sure. She waited. And I could not wait any longer. I reached out to her as she reached out to me. I closed my eyes and...

That kiss. That wonderful...powerful kiss. We embraced. Clung to each other desperately. And our lips parted immediately. Our tongues reached out and danced as Ember squealed loudly in delight. And she did not stop. Over and over, she groaned into that wonderful kiss as she sang to me. I returned the favor, groaning in sheer bliss while our hands roamed over each other. Holding each other. Clinging to each other. Savoring each other. We... We were in love...

There was no doubt in my heart. I could not tell her. And she could not tell me. But the truth was right there in front of us. It was mutual. I was in love with Ember. And she was most definitely in love with me. And that mutual desire... It was so wonderful to share in it. The beautiful and powerful Dragon Lord was in my arms while I was in hers. She pulled back, forcing me to sit up before allowing the kiss to end. We gazed into each other's eyes. Once just was not enough. And with that passion still burning hot, our lips once again joined amidst a wonderful symphony of muffled songs being sung deep in our throats.

Her wings wrapped protectively around me. Keeping me pinned against her smooth ventral scales. My hand stroked down her back while the other slid down the middle of her head. Those long flexible spines gave under my hand's weight, bending down to flatten against her head before rising back to the original positions once my hand had passed. Once that kiss ended again so we could catch our breath, those eyes... Those beautiful scarlet eyes were filled with a wondrous and almost excited joy. That kiss... Is was not like the ones from before. It was a thrilling new experience for Ember. "Again!"

And so we did. Again and again. So many wondrous kisses. We held each other. We tasted each other. We sang to each other. My goodness, her voice. Ember was in ecstasy whenever our lips locked and tongues tangoed. I wanted her to feel my love, even if I could not safely say it to her. If only this accursed war was not happening... But for this moment, it did not matter. All that mattered was her. And to her, all that mattered was me. This... This was the love of a dragon... And what a powerful love it is.

At long last, her wings released me from their embrace as Ember leaned forward. She gingerly pushed me back down to the couch before slowly pulling away from me. A thick trail of our mixed saliva connected our tongues for just a second as she wheezed while a very noticeable dark blush was filling her cheeks. Eyes clouded with a loving haze, she gasped out to me between breaths. "I...feel so...happy..."

I was at a loss of what to even say. But I felt so blessed. The only thing I could think of to say was just how much I loved her. But I could not. It was so difficult to just not speak what was in my heart. But I think she understood. Ember knew it was not safe to speak freely of what was in our hearts. Instead, I spoke with my touch. My hands glided up Ember's sides and over her chest and belly. And she responded by placing her hands over mine, guiding them along her very smooth ventral scales. Her wings began to spread very wide, displaying that beautiful wingspan. "Oh, Ember..."

"Your eyes...are so beautiful right now..." Ember cooed to me as she gazed down at me with such a loving gaze in those joyous scarlet discs. She sighed blissfully, her body starting to motion forward and back with gentle gyrations. As if she was starting to dance while guiding my hands over her. Her eyes closed while lifting her chin high, sighing shrilly. "Hold me like you'll never let go... Hold me forever..."

"Never... I... I don't ever want to let go..." I whispered sincerely with my hands starting to slide low and down to her waist. But Ember again guided my hands further down the sides until I reached the point where her reptilian hips transitioned into her strong haunches. I slid my hands over her thighs while she guided my subtle motions. She was just so beautiful... And I had to say something to keep myself from blurting out something I should not say. "God, you're beautiful..."

"Then I must've gotten lucky... Lucky to be so beautiful to someone as wonderful as you..." She retorted while letting out a sweet little giggle one would not expect from a seasoned warrior like her. Ember's hands soon released mine and rose back to her own chest while she continued to perform what could have been interpreted as a lap dance. It felt like this entire situation was a very strange game of chicken. As if we were daring each other to say those three special words first.

With my hands free, I began to move my right behind her. I caressed the base of Ember's tail, feeling just how thick around it was at its origin point. And when I slid my hand under to caress the ventral scales that lined the underside, Ember's tail began to arch up. And so I caressed her a while longer. At least until she reached back and took hold of my hand. When I glanced up, I saw her once again gazing down upon me. She smirked invitingly and began to bring my hand around to her front. And then below her waist. A soft giggle crooned in her throat as her gently pushed my fingers towards two of her ventral scales...and into her waiting cloaca.

I inhaled sharply as I felt the warm moist flesh of her most vulnerable location. Not only was I feeling her soft inner flesh. I was seeing it as well. I could exactly which scales it was hidden between. That small patch of fleshy pink that my fingers were gently moving around in. Her pungent scent began to fill the air as she gasped in bliss to feel me inside her once again. Knowing why it happened the first time, I then asked, "Ember, this... Didn't you say that was a one time deal?"

"I changed my mind." She replied whimsically with a loving smirk on her lips. She then cooed to me, "Whenever you want... I have no reason to fear this anymore... Not from you... Do what you will with me. I know I'm in good hands."

Such unwavering faith... Trusting me not only with her well-being, but even her very body... It was as if we were already life mates in all but name. And I did not want to disappoint her. I began to piston my fingers inside her, observing Ember's body now that there were no filters between us anymore. And once I pushed as deep as I could, Ember inhaled sharply with a delighted tone. She released her grasp on my hand to allow me to pleasure her on my own terms while rubbing her hands over her smooth chest and belly.

Ember looked so beautiful while overwhelmed with joyous pleasure. And it was all my doing. I wanted to see her happy. I wanted her to feel special. I wanted her to feel loved. She finally knew trust when we met. And now she knew love. And I felt so blessed...to know that I was the first to give her something so precious as my touch continued to stimulate her beyond her natural blue armor. "I feel so honored to be the one to do this for you... You're wonderful, Ember. So wonderful..."

"Don't stop... And don't sell yourself short... I don't know what I did...to deserve a wonderful man like you..." Ember gasped as she submitted to me. She used to be so apprehensive over any degree of intimacy... Now she was completely embracing it. No doubts. No shred of fear. To most dragons, this would be the epitome of recklessness. Making herself as vulnerable as possible. Was this another test? Another trial for me in order to see just how far Ember could push her trust in someone?

Her whimpering becoming more shrill as the minutes went by. Looking so glorious above me with her wings spread wide. I was taking pleasure in this wonderful experience, but I was trying to not focus too much on my own libido. But it was much harder than before now that nothing was left to my imagination on how Ember's body works. I now knew...how to make love to her if that day ever comes. But just minutes before she was sure to reach her climax, Ember gazed down at me as she continued to accept my advances. "Where would I be...if they didn't bring you here? What would I be doing now... Would anything have changed? Would I...ever find someone like you?"

She... That was a good point. What if Celestia and Luna did not summon me to this world? What if it was someone else? What if they abandoned the project entirely? What would have became of Ember? Or her people as a whole? Would they remain trapped in time like millennia before? Focusing more on the words she spoke instead of what I was doing to her "I... I don't know... I'm just...someone who only happened to blunder into the dragon lands. I'm nothing all that..."

"No! No, don't say that! You're the best!" Ember suddenly called out as she brought herself lower, even as she gyrated her hips. She was close. Very close and was working her body to push her closer to climax. She gazed down at me with a joyous gaze while beaming with a loving smile. "You're the best... The best thing to ever happen to me! I'll never leave you! I'll always...be with... Oh, James!"

Before I even had time to react, Ember embraced me suddenly and locked her lips with mine. The kiss deepened instantly as her tongue lashed out at mine. And then... She screamed. Such a loud and shrill shriek right into my mouth as her body quivered harshly. She had climaxed... And much more powerfully than last time. I could feel her inner whiles rapidly spasm around my fingers as the air became thick with her scent.

Ember gasped for breath once the rush ended. Her head was bowed, her gasps shrill and unsteady. Only then did I withdraw my fingers from inside her. They were slick with her fluids. And reeked of her pungent reptilian scent. She gazed down at me while gasping for breath and almost looking like she could lose all composure and collapse onto me. But even while reeling in the afterglow, Ember still found words to speak. "James... Tell me... Why are you always so good to me...?"

A very good question. And I tried to not delay in providing an answer. "Because...you're just so dignified. Beautiful. Dependable. Powerful... And just such a good person. You make me happy to know you."

"You wonderful man... I'm the one who should be happy to have you. Best thing to ever happen to me... I really do mean that." She whispered so sincerely to me while caressing a single finger over my face. But she soon pushed herself up to continue straddling me as a smirk started to spread across her lips. "But now...it's only fair that i return the favor."

"Return the...whoa?!" I started to say before an unexpected sensation caught my by surprise. Ember was straddling me at my waist. And her right hand was reaching down behind her. Reaching low...and tenderly cradling me between the legs. Her fingers were gently yet expertly kneading the delicate contents within my undergarments. I have no reason to believe she had any experience with a male before. Not in any sort of intimate way. I suspect she was simply following her instincts. "Ember... That's... You sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure." She replied softly with no sign of doubt in those loving eyes. And in my shorts... My libido could not be contained. I breathed deeply as she coaxed a growing stiff bulge in my boxers. And she could feel it starting to push up against her underside. "Mm, there it is... Let's see what we have here."

Ember steadied herself on her feet and pushed herself back. She brought herself down low while I could only watch with a certain apprehension. She was very uncomfortable with seeing...what was below my belt last night. Would she be as repulsed this time? With a gentle tug, Ember pulled my undergarment just low enough to free my growing erection. And her eyes... They did not display disgust or unease. They looked...intrigued. And she smiled at me as she said, "It...looks so much more inviting when it's stiff like this."

"Heh... That's one way to put it. I guess you could say it's happy to see someone when oooooh..." I tried to say before Ember interrupted me in a way did not anticipate. She began to caress a finger along my shaft. I grunted at just how effective her touch was being. "How are...you so good at this? Have you done this before?"

"Have you forgotten?" Ember asked while letting out a very amused giggle. She then gripped my entire shaft in her hand and began to subtly raise and lower her grasp. "I'm a fast learner."

I huffed and groaned, having not felt a woman grasp me there in some time. Certainly not a woman whose hands are coated in smooth scales. She was good... Very good. Despite a lack of experience, Ember was quick to figure out exactly what she was doing. And after all that had happened lately... I was more than just a bit pent up. And I think she knew while she whispered to me. "Just let me do all the work this time. You've been so good to me... Let me be good to you."

The Dragon Lord was not there anymore. All I was seeing was the wonderful and beautiful woman who stood behind the Bloodstone Scepter. A woman I could no longer deny being so dearly in love with. As she sent amazing pleasure through me with just her touch, it was a struggle to resist the urge to speak those words. I wanted to tell her. To say the words that would make her mine forever if only she would say yes. And she would. I am certain of it. If I were to ask... Ember would not hesitate to accept my offer. But it was too soon... Not with so much else to deal with in the meantime.

"Ember... Oh god... Ooh!" I muttered before suddenly feeling a very different sensation after taking my eyes off her for just a moment. A tongue. I felt Ember's tongue caress my shaft. I thought she was going to try and take my entire length into her maw, but her long jaws made that tricky without having to push herself up higher. But she found an ingenious alternative.

I watched as Ember began to lick her tongue around the sides of my shaft. And she stuck her tongue out further and further as I was suddenly reminded of just how long a dragon's tongue can get. And just how prehensile they are. Ember's tongue fully encircled my shaft before she began to raise and lower that slick ring of muscle in a very pleasing ring of stimulation. And when our eyes met, she wiggled her eyebrows at me as if to inquire if I was impressed by this trick.

This was proving to be too much. Between the pleasure she was bringing me and my desire for her... Ember was bringing me to climax at a rapid rate. And I think she could detect it with every twitch of my shaft. I gasped and grunted as I even began to lift my hips in rhythm with her own movements. "Ember... I... Almost..."

In response to my warning, Ember released me from her tongue and took hold of my length with her fingers wrapping around it. She began to rapidly raise and lower her fist with a loving gaze directed t my eyes. "Go on... Do it. Do it for me..."

"Ember... I... You're so... Ember!" I groaned before it finally hit me. Spurt after spurt of warm and sticky human seed burst forth from the tip. And Ember was very careful of the angle she had my shaft pointing at. As my climax ended as quickly as it came, I found my chest and belly coated in spatters of my own white genetic material. Not a single drop landed anywhere that was not my own body. I even got a laugh out of this and said, "Heh... That hasn't happened in a long time... I guess that's one way to not make a mess."

"But we can't have you dripping that stuff everywhere. Allow me." Ember replied with a noticeably sultry tone in her voice. I looked down at her only to see the beautiful Dragon Lord starting to crawl forward over me. And as she advanced, her tongue went to work in licking up every last bit of my seed off my body. And all the while... Her eyes never looked away from me. Such a sultry stare in those beautiful scarlet eyes... She knew what she was doing. "Mmm... I could get to like this flavor."

Bit by bit, she crawled closer and closer to me. And once every last drop of my seed had been wiped from my body, she brought her lips to mine for one last kiss. After that, she just rested there atop me. Hands tucked under her jaw. All while she did nothing more than stare lovingly at me from just inches away. That smile never faded. And I think I was smiling too. Unfortunately, I had to state the obvious. "We...uh...should probably get cleaned up before we leave the house..."

"Yeah... We should. I'll...take a shower first. You want to take your turn after breakfast?" Ember asked almost forlornly. As if she did not want this moment to end. With great reluctance, she left my side and went to the bathroom for a morning shower. I went to the kitchen to wash my hands repeatedly to try and get Ember's scent off me. I would need a shower afterward to be thorough about it.

I had to try and salvage the pancake batter after leaving it sitting for as long as I did. A little milk and vigorous stirring was enough to get it thin enough to pour. Once I started making progress, I felt better about the whole thing and even got some omelets going. And once Ember emerged from the hall with a towel draped over her shoulders, I had the table set with our food ready to be served. I even got the phonograph going to provide some much needed atmosphere with some soft jazz.

We said little at first and we very pleased with how everything turned out. Although once the memories of what just transpired returned to the forefront of my mind... It all felt so surreal in retrospect, even though it happened less than an hour earlier. Ember noticed I was distracted and asked, "You all right?"

"Just...thinking about what we did over there..." I muttered while having such a difficult time looking at her. I will definitely have to tell Fluttershy about this, even if the situation between Ember and I remains inconclusive for now. It felt...so surreal in hindsight. I looked across the table at Ember and asked, "Why did you do that?"

I was only trying to make breakfast when she first emerged from the hall. And then she dragged me over to the couch to...basically just love me. To give me a wonderful session of nothing more than cherishing each other. But just like me, I was sure there was something Ember could not tell me. "I don't really have an answer for that... I'm sorry."

The only thing I could do was nod in understanding. I was in the exact same situation. I was in love with her. And I could not tell her. And...it was mutual. I still even now have no reason to believe Ember does not feel the same way I do. There was always so many hints leading up to that moment. But she then managed to look at me and said softly, "But...I can tell you this. Even if you don't think you have a place in this world anymore... You'll have a place at my side. You're always welcome to be with me."

Such a lovely thing to say. And I was grateful. Even after breakfast was over and everything was put away, Ember still insisted I stay in her cottage for a while. At least up until it was almost time for us to march. But once she was standing before the front door, she looked back at me and said, "I'll be back in a while. Make yourself at home. Wash and get dressed at your own pace. And don't let anyone in until after I get back."

"Yeah, sure. I'll be here." I replied before I started to turn away to head down he hall in order to take a cleansing shower. But Ember and I... We were hesitant to part ways. Not after that. When our gazes met, I knew exactly what I wanted. I held out an arm and asked, "Please...?"

Ember immediately cracked a warm smile and hastily walked into my embrace. And then... Our lips joined one more time. One last kiss for the morning before we had to return to dealing with the order of the day. We held each other longer than we probably should have before Ember gazed into my eyes. "Be safe."

"I will. See you soon, all right?" I whispered to her again. Ember then made her way outside and I locked the door behind her. But after a moment longer, I stared at the door. And I knew I would not be heard. "I love you...

What a surreal morning... Now that I have fully washed up and have gotten dressed, I am passing the rest of the morning by documenting everything leading up to this moment. What risky business have I got myself involved in? Have I made a mistake? Am I...good enough for her? For the Dragon Lord?

At least now I know I can count on Ember to be by my side to the end. I should be in better spirits with her backing me up. And she... I am certain she will be fine. I cannot lose her... Not out here. Not like that.

Ember could come knocking on the door any minute now. I had best finish this up and make sure she does not read all this. It is too soon to consider that now... And we have more important things to worry about. How much longer until the next battle?