In all my months in Equestria, the closest I'd ever heard Fluttershy screaming was in the show during the Gala episode where she screamed "You're going to LOVE ME!" And even that wasn't the type of scream I heard from the real thing. This was a scream of pure terror and despair.

I turned and saw her hovering right at the entrance to the broken window, gazing out in horror. Fearing the worst, I flew up to her, looking in the same direction.

The Everfree Forest was on fire. The flames that had spread from my fight with Chrysalis had spread and engulfed the surrounding areas, spreading more and more quickly with each passing second. Not only that, but I could hear the screams and pleas of many various voices.

"Mama? Get up, Mama! We have to go! It's not time to sleep!"

"Go away, Mr. Fire! Please go away!"

"Curse these wicked flames! And curse whatever caused them!"

I went pale when I realized that I was hearing the multitude of animals as Fluttershy did. Before I could say anything else, Fluttershy stiffened and began flying fast down towards the forest. Cursing under my breath, I flew down after her, grabbing her a few seconds later. She struggled against me. "Let…me…go!" she said desperately. "Must…save…the…animals!"

"You go in there and you'll die too!" I shouted, turning her to face me forcefully. The yellow Pegasus had a determined but terrified look in her eyes as she continued to wriggle in my arms. "Smoke inhalation will get you long before you can save every animal in there!"

"You can't hear them!" she shouted.

"YES I CAN!" I shouted back. "They're all scared! Young ones are begging their parents to get up, and a lot of them are trying to tell the fire to go away! If you go barreling in without thinking, YOU WILL DIE! I WON'T LET THAT HAPPEN!"

"So you're just going to let the animals die?! HOW COULD YOU!?" Fluttershy bellowed.

"Of course not! How cruel do you think I am?!" I shouted before I turned to the castle again. Inhaling, I unleashed my Canterlot Voice. "RAINBOW DASH!"

Rainbow appeared at the window, saw where I was and was at my side in less than ten seconds, saluting. "What is it?" she asked.

Pointing to the Everfree fire, I said, "We're gonna need a downpour to douse that fire as fast as we can. Think you can whip one up?"

She looked at the fire and she gaped at it. Turning back to me, she gave me an incredulous look and said, "Are you…fucking serious?! Jethro, that's a massive blaze! I know I'm awesome, but not that awesome!"

"You're in charge of the weather for Ponyville," I replied hastily. "You're also the fastest flier in Equestria! Go get your coworkers! If this fire spreads, it'll threaten Ponyville too, and I don't exactly want my hometown ablaze!"

She looked at me, then back at the fire, then back to me. Setting her jaw, she saluted. "I'll do my best." And with that, she zoomed off towards the nearest cloud.

I turned to Fluttershy and put my hand on her. She jumped and looked at me, tears streaming down her face. "Jethro…" she whimpered.

"There'll be time to cry later," I said softly, stroking her mane gently. "For now, why don't you go gather some clouds as well? Or try and lead them away from the flames as best you can."

"But…I'm not fast enough. And I…" she trailed off, looking down at the ground with fear.

"They need you," I said, pointing to the ground below. "Those animals are in danger. You have a powerful voice when you want to use it. Use it to reassure them help is on the way."

Fluttershy wiped her eyes with her hoof, then swallowed and nodded, her expression becoming more determined. "Sorry, I just can't stand to hear them crying out."

"I can hear them too," I said, "now go."

Fluttershy spread her wings and with surprising speed shot off towards one of the nearest stray clouds. I turned and flew down to where Sunset and Scarlet were still lying. I gathered them in both my arms and flew back inside the castle, handing them off to two guards who rushed them away. I was immediately surrounded by the remaining Bearers of Harmony and Zecora, the latter of whom had a few scrapes on her legs. Before they could say anything, I turned to Twilight. "I'm gonna need your organization skills with me at all times," I said. Turning next to Zecora, I said, "Do you have any healing salves that we could use here?"

"Healing potions I have to spare," she said, "just leave the injured in my care." With a quick kiss to my cheek, she galloped off.

I turned to Rarity next. "We're probably low on bandages, so I'm afraid I'm gonna be conscripting whatever cothing material you brought with you as a substitute. I'll personally reimburse you for the cost."

Rarity immediately shook her head. "A lady knows when necessity calls for sacrifices to be made," she said before galloping off.

Next, I turned to Pinkie. "Pinks, we're probably short staffed in the kitchens. I know you normally make sweets, but for now we'll need whatever healthy dishes you can help them whip up."

Pinkie nodded, then vanished down the hall towards the kitchen. Turning to Applejack next, I said, "I need your strength to help gather up any wounded and get them comfortably situated in the infirmaries or a guest room. After that, I'm sure the soldiers wouldn't mind some good old southern vittles to perk them up, so join Pinkie in the kitchen."

"Ah'm on it, sugarcube." And with that, she turned away and helped the nearest injured guard to his feet. "Up ya go. Ah got ya."

I looked down at Twilight. "With me, Twi," I said. Together, we both approached the delegates.

When Twilight saw what was happening to Spike, she rushed over. "Spike?! What's happening to you?!"

"Dragon Lord's Call," I said. "Torch has called all the Dragons to him to start his war with Equestria."

Next to Spike, Ember nodded in agreement. "He must know I'm missing! I've got to go talk to him!"

"And when he discovers we have Fae here, he'll invade us thinking we're sheltering them from him," I said. "Which we are, but someone will need to be here who could be his equal. I doubt he'll speak to me." I sighed, then remembered something that Chrysalis had said. I turned and pointed to Pharynx. "Hey, Pharynx! Was Chrysalis right about there being Fae in Ponyville?"

"An entire legion," he said. "They're quietly stealing love from the Ponies so they wouldn't be caught."

"You're the one in charge of the patrol, right? Can you recall them here? They may have some love stores they can use on your wounded."

Pharynx thought a bit, then nodded. "I'll recall them and inform them of our surrender," he said, but he didn't seem particularly pleased about it.

I nodded. "I know this is happening all really fast for you, but I am grateful for your assistance."

"Yeah yeah, whatever," Pharynx said as his new double horns began glowing a bit. "Okay, they're returning. But you leave them to me, got it?"

"Understood," I said. As Pharynx headed away, I turned to Twilight. "Do you have a scroll or quill on you?"

She shook her head. "Not on me, no. Why?"

"I'm gonna need to send a message to Prince Blueblood."

She raised an eyebrow. "Wait, why?"

"With all three Princesses out of commission, he's the de facto ruler of Equestria. At least, until one of the Princesses recover," I explained. "And I doubt Dragon Lord Torch will talk to a simple knight, even with me ranking higher than your brother."

Spike came running over, still scratching at his glowing scales all over. "I can…nng…go get them," he volunteered.

I smiled down at the ever helpful drake. "You've been through a lot already tonight, Dragon-boy," I said playfully as I reached down and scratched behind his spines.

He sighed in contentment. "Oooh…that's the spot."

I picked him up and scratched him all over as I looked around. "Maybe I should find one of the Pegasus guards to relay a message instead," I said as sighs of contentment escaped from Spike's lips while I eased his own suffering.

"That won't be necessary, my Knight," a familiar but tired Alicorn's voice said from behind me.

Turning, I saw an exhausted and slightly dirty Princess Celestia standing in front of me, flanked on either side by two strong guards. Philomena and Eve stood on either side of her, but Eve flew over to me, landing on my shoulder and nuzzling my neck affectionately. Twilight looked extremely relieved as she ran up to her teacher. "Princess Celestia!" she said happily.

Celestia smiled and hugged the purple Unicorn close to her. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. How are you doing?"

"I should be asking you that!" Twilight exclaimed worriedly now, looking over her teacher with concern. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Celestia chuckled. "I'm feeling much better, Twilight," she said. "The Changeling Queen tried to steal all my love, but there was a hidden piece of specific love I held onto that she missed. Thanks to Philomena here, I'm more than capable of helping out. But shouldn't you be tending to your Dragon assistant there?"

Twilight turned back to where I was still holding Spike. Her eyes widened. "Spike! I'm sorry, I forgot about you!"

To her surprise, Spike was actually fast asleep in my arms now. I smiled down at him, stroking his spines. "Poor guy's exhausted. Twilight, could you find him a bed? Maybe in your room where we were having the sleepover. And maybe some cream for the itching. At least, until the Dragon Lord recinds his call."

She nodded, took him out of my hands with her magic, then bowed to Celestia. "I'll be right back," she said as she galloped down the hall, carrying Spike in her magic.

Turning back to Celestia, I bowed my head and saluted. "Princess, you shouldn't be up," I said worriedly.

She stood straighter and spread her wings, and I saw that she had a similar Phoenix pattern on hers as I did. A small bit of flame came out from her wings like it did for mine, making me wonder if she too had undergone Rebirth. "My Philomena has given me enough strength to begin recovering," she said as she approached. She took my chin in one of her wings and looked me over, a look of deep concern on her face. "Was she right? Did you really die?"

I spread my wings as well, the Phoenix flames erupting from it. "Died and returned to life," I said. I finally smirked. "It's hard to believe myself. Met Bennu and everything."

Philomena's eyes widened. "You met King Bennu himself?!"

"I did," I replied, turning to her and reaching up to stroke Eve's feathers. "He told me to tell you he's very proud of you two."

Philomena smiled a bit. "Friend of my friend, it was my honor to save you and my friend."

I chuckled. "No need to keep calling me 'friend of my friend'. Just a friend will do. If I can call my Liege Lady one of my closest friends, I can call you one too. You did raise my darling Eve, after all."

I could have sworn I saw a smirk appear on the Phoenix as she said, "Does that make me your mate?"

The rest of us burst out laughing as I walked up to the elderly Phoenix and stroked her head. "You've been hanging around Celestia too long." I stopped after a bit and my expression turned serious. I turned back to Celestia and said, "Here's the sitrep: the Everfree Forest is on fire but Rainbow Dash is going to gather the Ponyville Weather Patrol to help douse it. Fluttershy is going to help there too. I've given the other Elements of Harmony and Zecora assignments to help with the wounded in ways that fit their skillsets. We have a number of wounded, including Sunset Shimmer, Luna, Cadance and Scarlet. Chrysalis is in custody, most if not all the Fae have converted into a brand-new form that don't require them to siphon love, and the Dragon Lord Torch is on his way to try and make war with Equestria since he never received the invite to the Council. Now, let me introduce you to the real Princess Ember."

Ember, hearing her name, stopped her scratching to approach and nod towards Celestia. "Nice to meet you, Princess. Wish I could stay and talk, but I can't. I have to get back to the Dragon Lands and try and convince my father to stop his war."

Celestia nodded gravely. "It has been many years since I last had any dealings with Dragon Lord Torch," she said. "When you see him, tell him this: Princess Celestia of Equestria, First of her Name and Diarch of the Sun invites Dragon Lord Torch, First of his Name and Supreme Lord of the Dragon Lands to the Council of Equestria at his earliest convenience."

Ember frowned, but nodded. "I'll try, but no promises."

"I'll make your return faster," Celestia said, raising her horn and casting a beam of magic at a nearby wall. A large blue circle appeared in front of it, and what looked like a portal appeared. "This should bring you to the edge of Dragon territory. I'm sorry I could not make it closer."

"No no, it's fine, thanks!" And with that, Ember spread her wings, gave me of all people a nod, then flew through. The portal collapsed shortly after.

Celestia wavered a bit, but her guards steadied her. Turning to me, she straightened. "I need a more comprehensive report, Sir Jethro."

"Of course, my Liege Lady," I replied. "Walk with me."

As we walked towards the first infirmary, I briefed her more in depth on the situation as I knew it. I apologized that I didn't know more, but Celestia shook her head, putting a rather warm wing on my back, stroking me affectionately and telling me it was alright and that she would receive a full report from others later.

When she heard about my death, I saw her wince. Even my attempts at humor, which was to say "Yeah, I died, but I got better," in as nonchalant a tone as possible did nothing to sway her worry. She held me closer, almost fiercely protective of me. I might not have been able to read a room very well, but I knew better than to make any offhand jokes again about the subject again. Instead, I spread my own wing and put it around her. That seemed to help her relax. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "That was a poor joke. If I don't make one, I'll become a blubbering mess when the reality hits, and I don't have he luxury of that right now."

She pulled me closer and, to my surprise, nuzzled my face in front of her two guards. "I understand. Dark humor is something humans use to cope, correct?"

I nodded slowly. "I'll try and keep my jokes in check for now."

She smiled a bit and stroked my back affectionately with her wing. "Philomena was right to chose you."

"You know, her new voice sounds almost identical to the voice actress who voiced you on the show," I said.

"I did notice that," Celestia chuckled. "Very surreal."

"I'm afraid I don't understand," Philomena said, injecting herself into the conversation.

"I'm sure the Princess can explain everything to you later," I replied. "But it will explain how I knew your name at the Gala."

Philomena nodded. "I was wondering about that."

When we reached the first infirmary, Celestia stood taller and moved away from me. Even in times of crisis, she had to act like the motherly princess to her little Ponies. I took the opportunity to check on Scarlet, who had her chest bandaged up and was being fed some sort of veggie broth by one of Luna's guards. Seeing me approach, the guard, a dark green Pegasus Mare with black hair and tail, saluted, but I held up a hand as I took a seat beside Scarlet's bed. The guard saw me and straightened, but I held up a hand. "At ease, soldier. What's your name?"

"Corporal Rune Reader, sir," she said.

"At least your last name wasn't Scape," I muttered. "Thanks for taking care of Scarlet for me, Corporal."

"Of course, sir," she said.

"Just call me Jethro." I turned and looked over Scarlet. "How is she?" I asked Rune.

"Weak, but she'll be alright," Rune said. "She's a strong mare."

I reached up and stroked Scarlet's mane. She looked over at me and gave me a weak smile, like she was trying to reassure me. I smiled back. "That she is. And she's also an idiot." I flicked her nose to emphasize my point.

"Oh? Are you planning on punishing me for it when I'm all better?" Scarlet asked in a weak croak, her smile turning into a grin before she began coughing.

I moved closer and rubbed her back. "Oh my God, how horny are you?" I asked good naturedly as I pat her back gently to help her with the coughing fit. "But don't tempt me. Scarlet. You scared me so much out there."

Her smirk turned back into a genuine smile, and she reached out and caressed my cheek with her hoof. "I didn't want my future special somepony to be hurt," she said tenderly.

I reached up and took her hoof in my hand, bringing it down to kiss it automatically. "Being a bit presumptious, are we? Where do you get all that damned confidence, and can I have some?"

She giggled weakly. "You have it already," she said.

I scoffed. "If you say so."

"Pardon me for interrupting, Sir Jethro," Rune said, "but I have to agree with Miss Dusk here. The way you took charge earlier reminded me so much of my own commander, Selene Shadow."

I raised an eyebrow. "I've never met them. Are they part of Luna's guard?"

Rune nodded. "Princess Celestia has her Royal Guard, while Princess Luna has her Lunar Guard. We are a relatively new guard, although the idea isn't new. There was once a Lunar Guard before our princess was corrupted by Nightmare Moon. Afterwards, we were absorbed into the Royal Guard. When Princess Luna returned, she recreated her own Lunar Guard, hoofpicking all of us. That's the short version of our story, anyway. And earlier, when you were giving orders, I could have sworn Commander Shadow was in the room."

I smiled a bit, feeling a bit more reassured. "All I did was delegate."

"A good ruler knows when to delegate," Celestia said suddenly from behind me. She sat next to me and put a comforting wing around my back once more, smiling warmly down at me. "Do you think I plan the Gala all by myself? I spread out the responsibilities to those Ponies who are skilled in certain areas. And from what I've heard, you did a very good job."

"Thank you, your Highness," I said.

Scarlet, meanwhile, bowed to Celestia. "Your Highness, I'm happy to see you're feeling better," she said sincerely.

"As am I, my little Pony," Celestia said kindly. "But you should be resting. Sir Jethro told me what happened to you on the battlefield. I am proud of your bravery, but now it is time for you to rest."

"Thank you, your Highness," she said tiredly, leaning back while the Lunar Guard continued spooning broth into her mouth.

Celestia turned to me, then gestured for me to follow her. I nodded and headed out of the room and down towards the second infirmary on the other side of the castle. I wondered why she didn't just teleport us, when she opened her mouth and spoke again. "I've spoken with Luna and Cadance already. They're mostly low on magic right now, but should be back to their normal selves in a half day or so."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it," I replied.

As the two of us continued walking in silence, I looked up at Celestia, trying to read her emotions, but for the most part I could only see royal neutrality. If she had something on her mind that she wanted to say to me, she was being rather tight lipped about it. Her guards walked a few steps behind her, then in a soft voice, she began speaking in an old tongue. It took me a bit, but my mind switched over to the language, which was in Middle Ponish. "Forgive me for the change in language, my Knight, but I wished to speak with you in private about a matter which troubles me deeply."

"About the Firebreathing Lizards?" I asked. Middle Ponish had no word for Dragon, it seemed.

She nodded slowly. "I am not sure just how the Firebreathing Lizard Lord will react to what his daughter will tell him."

"I am equally as concerned, my Liege Lady," I said, "And I'm concerned with his plan involving me and his daughter."

Celestia turned to me. "What plan is that?"

"Arranged marriage between me and Ember," I said.

"A betrothal?!" she said in astonishment. "That is…unheard of! Even in Equestria! We did have it once, but my dear sister and I phased them out."

"My world had them at one point to. Still do in some countries," I said, "but that's not what we are talking about. My Liege Lady, what about the Lizards has you on edge? Aside from a potential war."

Celestia sighed. "I have not had any dealings with them in many hundreds of years, and those were secret dealings so as not to alarm my Ponies. They are a fierce race of warriors, or they were in the past. In fact, they were the very first ones who began moving the sun and moon before we took over."

I raised an eyebrow. "Now that's something I didn't know," I admitted. "All we can hope for is the best."

"I wholeheartedly agree," she said.

The two of us finally made our way to the other infirmary where Sunset was. Celestia and I rushed over and I was relieved to see that she was awake and being examined by a dark crimson Unicorn stallion with a dark yellow mane and tail. When the stallion saw us approach, he stood straighter, but I quickly said, "At ease, soldier. What's your name?"

"Sergeant Raider, sir," he said.

"How is my former student, Sergeant?" Celestia asked, looking down with concern at Sunset, who still was avoiding looking at Celestia out of what looked like guilt.

"Well, your Highness, I'm not a doctor," Raider said, "but she seems fine to me."

Celestia looked relieved at that. "Sir Jethro, could you excuse me for a few moments? I would like to have a private word with her. One that…is very long overdue."

I nodded and backed away, heading out into the hallway. I found a bench and sat down, leaning against the wall and closing my eyes. I could hear magic being cast, then just the sounds of guards treating wounded as best they could. The more I sat, the more my exhaustion began to overwhelm me. I was just about to doze off when I heard some magic being cast near me and a comfortable blanket was draped over me. Opening one eye, I half expected to see Celestia, but to my surprise it was Rarity who was putting a dark purple blanket over my body. "Rares…?" I asked.

She started and looked up at me. "Darling, pardon me. I saw how exhausted you were and figured you could use a break."

I scooted over and pat the bench next to me. "Come up here," I smiled. "You need a break too."

Rarity, who's mane was a mess and who had actual visible bags under her eyes as she sat down. I put the blanket around her as well as my new warm wings. She snuggled close, and closed her eyes. "Thank you, Jethro," she said tiredly.

I put my arm around her and stroked her mane gently. "Of course, Rares," I said.

To my surprise, she leaned her head against my shoulder. Looking down at her, despite her out of place mane, the bags under her eyes, and the fake eyelashes starting to come off, I couldn't help but find her attractive even in this state. And not just because of her physical beauty, which wasn't in doubt. It was her generous spirit. She was willing to give up her own supplies for the greater good without expecting anything in return. I couldn't help myself as these thoughts passed through my head. I pulled her into my lap and held her closer, wings wrapped around her tenderly. She actually responded by snuggling closer, burying her face into my chest.

We sat there for what felt like hours, but was probably only about half an hour. Just being in her soothing and elegant presence staved off the growing anxiety and fear I felt within me about the approaching Dragons. And my anxiety must have been felt by Rarity, because after a while, she stirred and looked up at me. "Darling, you seriously should get a spa treatment. All that stress I feel will make you go bald."

I chuckled. "On my world balding is a sign of dignity," I said.

"This is your world now," Rarity said, poking my chest with her hoof.

I snorted and smiled. "You know what I meant. Now go back to resting. You need it."

"You do too," she said, looking at me insistently.

"We're in a crisis," I said. "The Dragons are coming, and I'm a Knight of Equestria. I can't rest yet."

She sighed. "Just…be careful, okay? I won't go easy on you if you get hurt." And with that she hugged me tightly.

I hugged her back. "After seeing you fight, I believe it."

We sat there in silence for a little while longer before I heard galloping. Looking down the hall, I saw Rune rushing down the hallway towards me. When she spotted me, she slowed down and stopped, panting. "Hah…hah…sir…where's the…Princess…?"

"Talking with one of the patients," I said. "Why? What's happened?"

She took a few seconds to catch her breath before she said, "Scouts…saying Dragons are on their way…"

I swallowed hard. "Shit…alright, Corporal, thanks for telling me this. Prepare for battle."

"Yes sir!" She saluted and galloped down the hall.

I broke away from Rarity, but to my astonishment, she leaned closer, threw her hooves around me and kissed my cheek. "For luck."

I smiled and, taking her hoof, kissed it gently. "Thank you, Lady Rarity. I'm gonna need it." I lifted her in my arms, took her back into the infirmary, lay her in a quiet corner while apologizing that it wasn't comfortable enough, but she waved it off and closed her eyes. I walked over to where Celestia had raised a shield around her and Sunset. Knocking, I saw a teary eyed Celestia turned. When she saw the grave expression on my face, she wiped her eyes, then lowered the shield. Without waiting, I said, "Dragons have been spotted."

Celestia cleared her throat, nodded, then turned to Sunset. "Can we talk later?"

Sunset, who looked like she'd been crying too, nodded. "Of course, Princess."

Celestia leaned down and nuzzled her former student before standing straight, a determined look on her face. "Let's go, Sir Jethro," she said, and with that, she strode out of the room with purpose.

As I made my way after her, putting on a brave face, I thought to myself, God…if you can hear me in this world, please protect all of us.

And with that, I fell into step beside my Princess. It was time to face imminent danger once again.