“Cloud, I’ve got something to tell you.”

The haze cleared from Cloud’s eyes, darkness around him forming itself into a balcony, the skyline of Rockholm stretching out before him. Skylight stood as the centrepiece to the scene, her usual confident demeanor replaced with red cheeks and downcast eyes.

Stepping forward, Cloud brought his muzzle alongside hers, lifting her eyes to meet his with a nudge. “What is it?” Straining his mind, he searched for something that could have caused a problem, something he had done, or something he had said, but the haze that lurked at the edges of his vision filled his mind also.

“You’ve been wondering why I can’t get pregnant.”

The memory sparked in Cloud’s mind, the mystery that he had been nursing in the depths of his thoughts. “Yes, I have. Do you want to tell me?”

“Yes.” A heavy breath left Skylight’s lips, her whole form seeming to deflate, seeming to shrink until she was little more than a foal. When she spoke again her voice was quieter, of a higher pitch. “It’s because I’m not really a mare.”

Her muzzle twisted, growing larger, less pointed, until the filly before him was a colt.

“What do you mean?” Extending one of his wings, Cloud wrapped the foal up in his grasp, holding him close. Panic beat rapidly in Cloud’s chest, mind racing with wild thoughts. All this time? How could I not have noticed?

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Cloud smiled. Because it doesn’t matter. The beat of his heart slowed, the torrent of thoughts rushing through his mind cut short by the one. I love Skylight for who she is, not what she is. All the times we’ve spent together mean so much more than if she’s a mare or a stallion.

“When I was born, my parents wanted a filly.” The words opened Cloud’s eyes, drew his attention to the scene before him, two murky faced ponies standing over the tiny Skylight, no longer in his grasp. “But I was a colt.”

A blue glow picked the sky-blue coated colt up, growing brighter and brighter until the body within the light could no longer be seen. “So they took me to some enchantress and made me a filly, but some things can’t be changed.”

Cloud felt a weight in his wing once more. Looking away from the images before him, he found Skylight resting against him, looking as he had always known her. “This doesn’t change anything?” She asked.

“No.” Leaning forward, Cloud placed a kiss on her lips, his eyelids closing and body flooding with warmth, the haze overcoming him once more.

“I’ll always love you Skylight.”

“I will too.” Cloud felt the warmth of lips against his, the scent of Skylight’s sweat filling his nostrils. Eyelids fluttering open, he found Skylight’s eyes a hoof away from his, the pain of his foreleg, cramped from being underneath her all night, coming to him.

“It was all a dream,” Cloud said through a wince, shifting the leg gently out from underneath Skylight.

“What was?”

“Oh, I just had the strangest dream about you.” Shifting against the mattress below him, Cloud thought back to what had unfolded in his mind just moments before. “You told me why you couldn’t, get pregnant.”

Red kissed Skylight’s cheeks, her eyes moving away from Cloud’s. “What did I say?”

Cloud felt a smile spreading across his face as he realized the hilarity of it all. “Something about you not actually being a mare, but rather when you were young your parents had you changed from a colt to a filly.” Laughter left his lips, the sound of Skylight’s chuckle joining him.

“That is weird.” Skylight sighed, her smile shrinking. “Not far from what happened however.”

“Are you saying you were actually a colt?” Cloud’s eyes widened, the beat of his heart hastening, his breathing unsteady.

Another chuckle left Skylight’s lips, her head shaking. “No, but it was an accident when I was a filly, one crazy filly. I was obsessed with flying, I wanted to be the first one in my class to do so. I jumped from the edge of Cloudsdale, and landed on a branch which pierced through my stomach.”

Cloud’s grip on Skylight tightened, bringing her closer, his features creasing with worry. “That’s horrible, I can’t even imagine how it must have felt..”

“I can’t remember how it felt myself, or anything but the fall,” Skylight continued, her eyes unfocused as memories flowed through her mind. “When I woke a unicorn was healing me, and all I could feel was a throbbing. I didn’t find out till later the effects of my fall. My mother told me when I left home, I can’t get pregnant.”

“Oh Skylight, you were such a silly filly.” Reaching forward with his lips, Cloud took Skylight’s in his own, comforting her with the touch.

When they broke apart, Skylight glanced around the dimly lit tent, as if realising where they were for the first time. “What time is it?”

“Let me look” Lifting the edge of the tent flap with his wing, Cloud peeked out into the room beyond. “Morning, I think, but I can’t see Shining and Cadence’s tent. It must be almost noon if Shining’s awake.”

“Noon?” Squirming out of Cloud’s grip, Skylight rolled out of the tent before dashing towards the open balcony door.

The smile of Cadence greeted her, Shining beside the alicorn and Flo staring out over the balcony railing. “Good morning Skylight,” Cadence’s lips were full of a grin, her eyes knowing. “Did you and Cloud have a good sleep?”

“What time is it?” Skylight questioned, ignoring Cadence’s words.

“Only a little past sunrise. There’s no need to panic.”

Relief left Skylight as a breath when she heard Cadence’s words. “Why is Shining awake then?”

Eyes meeting, Cadence and Shining shared a giggle. “We slept early last night,” Cadence explained. “With no one to play cards with there was little to do but talk.”

The hoofsteps of Cloud sounded from behind Skylight, his wing draping over her withers as he stopped at her side. “Have you had breakfast yet? I’m so hungry.”

A pair of open topped pastries appeared from behind Cadence. “We had breakfast before you woke, Shining just couldn’t wait.” The pies held stewed apples and cinnamon, Cloud and Skyylight taking a seat before they ate.

“Ember hasn’t caused trouble this morning?” Skylight questioned between mouthfuls, her eyes scanning the skyline of Rockholm.

“No.” A smile came to Cadence’s lips as she spoke. “He’s kept his promise. Hopefully a talk with him this morning can help him along the path to reuniting with his father.”

Cloud looked up from his pie. “Speaking of Obsidian, how did your conversation with him go yesterday?”

The smile on Cadence’s lips spread further as she thought back to what she assumed Cloud and Skylight had done the previous day. “Well, he said he wants to try our idea. All we have to do is find a place for him to go.”

“Why don’t Skylight and I try to find a place while you and Shining talk with Ember?” Cloud suggested, his mind drifting into dreams of him and Skylight having time alone once more.

A giggle burst from Cadence’s smiling lips as she looked into Cloud’s dreamy eyes. “I know you’re eager, but neither Shining or I can fly currently, and even if I could, I couldn’t carry him. So why don’t you and Shining explore the city?”

The dream filling Cloud’s head twisted, Skylight’s face turning into Shining’s moments before he laid lips on her. Jumping where he sat, Cloud blinked rapidly, shaking away the terrifying picture. “Uh, I guess so.” He turned to Skylight and found a smile on his lips.

“We’ll find another time.”

Confirmation of Cloud’s dreams sent a surge of warmth through his body and down his legs, pushing away any remnants of sleep. “Let’s get going then Shining.”

Looking at the excited pegasus with tired eyes, Shining let out a sigh. “Can’t we wait till lunch time to leave?” Laughter filled the air as it left the lips of the other three.

“Princess, look!” Flo’s shout caught Cadence’s ears, reminding her the dragon was still in their presence. A cry followed her words, cutting off the group’s fading laughter.

All eyes were drawn out over the balcony, towards The Sapphire Tower where dull red wings fled towards the city wall. No, Cadence thought, the corners of her eyes warming with tears wanting to leave, her heart throbbing, broken like that of a mother who has lost her foal. Why would you do this Ember?

Looking to Skylight, Cadence found the pegasus already standing, stretching her wings for flight. Half-eaten, her pie lay on the ground, forgotten. “Ready Cadence?”

“Mhmm.” Ignoring the preemptive sickening feeling in her stomach, Cadence climbed onto Skylight’s back and gripped tight around her withers. “Go.”

The force of Skylight’s liftoff left cracks in the balcony’s stone, Cadence’s insides left behind, eyes clenching shut instinctively as Skylight burst through the air, but she noticed none of this. This isn’t you Ember. Why are you doing this? I thought you wanted to change? Thoughts stormed through her mind, the pains of her body pushed aside as she tried to convince herself it wasn’t him.

Crack! The slam of Skylight hooves on stone and the splitting sound as cracks ran through it brought Cadence from her thoughts. Leaping from Skylight’s back, she turned to the pegasus.

“Why didn’t you follow Ember?” She questioned, her voice strained, on the verge of tears. “What if he’s chosen another place to hide.

Skylight met the panicked pink eyes of Cadence with a calm blue pair. “I saw his claws, they were empty. That wasn’t Ember either.”

A cool drop of relief fell into the boiling pot that was Cadence’s mind, doing little to calm the distress, but caused it to bubble with confusion. “What do you mean it wasn’t Ember?”

“The way his wings moved.” Skylight’s eyes unfocused as she thought back to the red figure escaping through the sky. “They weren’t the powerful beats of Ember. It was a different flier.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Turning her head, Cadence met the oncoming dragon with a forced smile and received one in return. “What happened here?” She questioned. “Who was it that did this?”

The dragon’s toxic green eyes flicked up to the sky, fearful of another attack. Dull green scales, like that of a murky bog, shifted as he spoke. “It was Ember. He broke down my door when I was sleeping and burned most of my possessions.”

Glancing back at Skylight, Cadence found the pegasus shaking her head at the accusal. Returning her eyes to the distressed dragon, she kept her smile wide. “Did he take anything? Anyone?”

“No, but he can’t get away with such a thing. You must kill him princess.”

The suggestion shocked the smile off of Cadence’s face, a gasp filling her lungs. “Ember isn’t like this. He can’t have been the one who did this, and even if he did. Killing isn’t the answer.”

Huffing, the dragon turned away from her, muttering loudly. “I see the princess doesn’t care for us after all.”

Standing still, Cadence watched the dragon disappear into an alley, leaving his destroyed home alone. What did I do wrong? She wondered, jaw hanging loose, brow creased in confusion. The soft feeling of feathers washed over her back, Skylight draping a wing over her.

“We should talk with Ember,” Skylight suggested, her voice distant, as if she were pondering something. “He may know who did this.”

Turning to meet Skylight’s eyes, Cadence felt tears forming in her own. “What if he was the one who did this? What if everything he said yesterday was a lie?” How could I be so foolish?

The wing on Cadence’s back tightened, holding her closer. “It wasn’t him Cadence,” She assured, voice firm. “Believing it was him would be easy, no one changes in one day, but I know wings. That wasn’t him.”

Breathing deeply, Cadence allowed the words to wash over her mind, pushing the uncertainties down, reaffirming her beliefs about Ember. “This wasn't Ember.” Speaking what she knew calmed her further, vanquishing the creeping doubts.

“Right.” Cadence felt Skylight’s wing leave her back as she spoke. “Now get on.”

Looking to her side, Cadence found Skylight crouched beside her, eyes determined, knowing she was right. A smile lifted her lips as she climbed atop the pegasus, pushing back the worry in her features. “Let’s talk with Ember.”

They found him resting beside the great hole they had uncovered the previous day, a thin layer of dust settled on his scales.

“Ember!” Cadence called once she had dismounted Skylight, her voice disrupting the bright red scales, causing Ember’s neck to curl out from his chest.

“Princess.” A smile crossed his lips, longer than Cadence herself, but it seemed small on him. “I am glad you came.” Most of the dust fled from his face and neck as he shifted, but two streaks of red-brown remained under his eyes. “I have thought more about my decision than I slept last night.”

A yawn broke his great jaws, revealing the monstrous teeth inside. The ground rumbled beneath the two ponies as he twisted on the spot, moving from stretched out across the stone to sitting on his haunches. “There was a lot of pain, but memories of my mother, or more like the feelings I had during my days with her, kept me strong. I think I am ready for change.”

“Well, that’s great Ember, but,” The smile on Cadence lips shrank, her eyes falling away from Ember’s. “A dragon attacked the city today, their scales a similar color to yours. When we talked with the victim they said it was you who attacked them. I was wondering-”

“I can see how you would think it was me, but I am not the only dragon in this city who causes trouble.” Gazing past Cadence, Ember looked up at the city walls. “There are a few dragons with scales of a similar color to mine. They commit crimes and blame me for them.”

“So you weren’t the one who destroyed a house today?”

“No, I don’t want to terrorize this city any longer, but rather someone like you. A dragon who others can look up to, one who makes the city better.” A sigh left Ember’s lips as he tore his eyes away from Rockholm, looking back down to Cadence. “However I do understand the dragons of this city will still blame me whenever they can. I have a long way to go till I can earn their trust.”

“Maybe you can help us with this?” Cadence suggested.

Silence followed her words, lingering in the air for some time before Ember cleared it. “I think I will, but from outside the city. I don’t think showing myself in the city is a good idea, I’d do more harm than help to the dragons of Rockholm, and my father.” The last words were soft, almost inaudible to Cadence.

“Watch the walls then,” Skylight said, her eyes on the sky, wings half-open. “We need to know who these dragons are.”

“I can try, but don’t trust me completely with this. I am still hurting, not outwardly, but inward. These reopened wounds sap my strength, and even though I am calm now, the battle in my mind still waits.” Ember looked to Cadence, pleading in his eyes. “That is why I need your help princess.”

Eager for a distraction, Cadence allowed her rump to fall to the ground, a hoof gesturing for Skylight to sit also. “Well, that is why we’re here, but I don’t know where to start.” Seeing Ember’s shoulders fall, Cadence quickly raised a hoof. “That’s not to say this is impossible, but a mother’s love is difficult to replace.”

The three sat in silence for a time, Cadence’s eyes flitting over Ember’s monstrous body, studying the scars that cut through scales, one of the larger running along his stomach. I can’t rely on Obsidian to provide the love Ember needs, She thought, casting the option aside. He’s still finding his way himself.

What if we find a dragoness for him? Lifting her eyes, Cadence met Ember’s waiting pair and found the frightened hatchling there once more. No, it would be wrong to force him into something he isn’t ready for. Lowering her eyes, she studied Ember’s body once more, following the scars with her eyes, mind racing with ideas.

One stuck out to her. I could be his mother. At first Cadence shook it away, dismissing it as an impossibility. How am I supposed to be a mother to someone so much bigger than me? Yet it continued to come back to her. Who else do we have? I can’t just ask a dragon I don’t know to watch over Ember, to care for him.

Beside Cadence, Skylight still stood, staring up at the sky with watchful eyes, wings ready.

Lifting her eyes, Cadence met Ember’s once more, lips parted, but unsure of what to say. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know a sure way to help.” Ember’s shoulders deflated at her words. “That doesn’t mean I can’t help.” She smiled at the great dragon. “Why don’t you try helping out the city, be their hero? Then love will come another way.”

Ember sighed, his shoulders falling even further. “I just said this, there isn’t much I can do to help the city. I am still weak, and even if I wasn’t, why would they trust me?”

Forcing her smile wider, Cadence held Ember’s eyes with her own. “They won’t, at first, but I’ll be right by your side doing everything I can to convince them you’ve changed.” Still seeing doubt in his eyes, Cadence shuffled closer. “If you won’t do it for Rockholm, or yourself, will you do it for me?”

Looking down at the tiny bundle of pink fur, memories flashed through Ember’s mind of all the times he had threatened her. The times he had tried to take her head, or slice her open with his claws, the pure force of anger driving him, yet still she persisted. How can someone be so forgiving?

“Yes,” He replied, a smile stretching his lips wide. I can work past this pain I have. I can do it for the one who rescued me. “If this will repay you for all the time I tried to kill you, I’ll do it.”

“Well,” Cadence lowered her head as she stepped forth, lifting up one hoof to touch Ember’s foreleg. “While it is great you want to do this, don’t do it because you feel like you owe me something. I don’t want to hold your past over you.”

Nodding, Ember rose, a smile feeling strange to his lips, so different from the scowls they were accustomed to. “I’ll do it because I want to please you princess. Now where do we begin?” A tingling filled his chest and stomach, like the writhing of a hundred worms inside, a giddy sickness.

Stepping back from the colossal beast that stood above her, Cadence glanced back to Skylight. “What do you think we should do next?”

The pegasus’s eyes were roaming the sky, as if following some imaginary flier zooming between the clouds. She seemed not to notice Cadence’s words, as a smile crept across her lips.

“Skylight?”

“What?” The mention of her name broke Skylight from her trance, drawing her eyes back down towards Cadence. “Are we leaving?”

Cadence felt herself smile inwardly. She’s thinking of Cloud isn’t she? Instead of prodding the topic she repeated her question. “What do you think we should do next?”

Twisting her neck backward, Skylight looked to the wall. “Return to Cloud and Shining. They will be wondering.”

“Yes, I think that will be best. We can plan what to do from there.”

Once she had climbed atop the crouched Skylight, Cadence looked back to Ember. “Just follow behind and try not to look at anyone too hard. We don’t want you scaring the city.” The smile on Cadence’s lips told she was joking, yet Ember found himself worrying all the same.

What if they try to attack me? Repay me for all I’ve done to them in the past. Breathing deeply, he ignored his fears and nodded before unfolding his wings, bright red expanses of leather.

Skylight took off gently, Cadence thankful that her insides were not tossed about. A boom and the cracking of stone followed them, the sound of Ember’s great weight leaving the ground. Shadow fell over the pair of ponies as Ember climbed above them in the sky.

Looking back, Cadence felt an instinctive shiver of fear pass along her limbs. He’s not hunting us anymore, She had to remind herself. But to every dragon in the city it will look like he is.

Her fears were realised at they soared over the thick walls of obsidian that surrounded Rockholm. The guards below gazing up in terror, pointing and shouting at the monster chasing the pink and blue mouse.

Above them the ever flowing sea of dragons became like a lake in winter, frozen. Some screamed, but most stayed silent, all eyes watching, waiting to see what would unfold. It seemed as if the world were standing still for Cadence, nothing moving but them.

Ignoring them all, Skylight continued to fly, her eyes focused on the distant balcony, thoughts filled with Cloud. The moment her hooves touched down against stone it seemed as if the city released the breath it had been holding.

Dragons moved once more, this time with the hum of voices, so loud it was as if an angry swarm were flying overhead.

Cloud and Shining’s eyes were bugged out, jaws hanging loose. With a white wing Cloud pointed out the beast behind them, lips trying to move but finding no words to say.

A chuckle took hold of Cadence as she dismounted from Skylight. “We know Cloud, Ember is behind us.” The beats of the great dragon’s wings whipped up her mane, blowing hair over her eyes.

The touch of Skylight’s lips on his cheek seemed to bring his voice back. “Why is he here though? Won’t the city go crazy? They just saw him following you. They’ll think he’s trying to kill you.”

Moving to stand beside Shining, Cadence accepted his hug. “Well, we can talk about that later. For now can everyone step back.” She gestured with a hoof towards the balcony door.

Hovering above the balcony, Ember took the movement as a sign to descend. Slowly, he lowered his claws as close as he could to the stone before stilling his wings. Even with the gently attempt at landing he still left cracks in the grey.

“Sorry.” Ember held up a claw as he folded his wings away. “I have not had to worry about the strength of my landings for many years.”

Looking up at him, Cadence couldn’t help but giggle. “It’s fine, it’ll be your balcony to fix once you’re ruling alongside your father.” Noticing Ember grimace, Cadence bit at her lip. I should avoid that topic for now. “Why don’t we head inside?” She motioned through the door with her head. “I’d rather talk without a hundred eyes watching us.”

“A good decision.” Glancing backward, Ember stared up at the draconic mass overhead. Some of the braver fliers had parted away from the others and circled closer and closer, eyes glued to Ember.

The moment Cadence stepped inside she braced her body, expecting a tumble of sapphire scales to collide with her in a hug. When nothing met her, she looked up and down the room. Where has Flo disappeared to? Shaking the thought away, she turned her mind to the present matters.

Leading the way, Cadence moved to the centre of the room before sitting, Shining taking his place beside her. Cloud and Skylight took their seat to the left of the other couple, Ember opposite the four.

“This stone is so cold,” Ember mentioned as he lowered himself onto the obsidian underneath. “How do you ponies sleep with such a chill?”

“Well,” Cadence smiled at the question. “We don’t actually sleep on the stone, but on soft mattresses, but save the idle talk for later. We need to figure out who this new attacker is.” She looked to Ember for an answer.

Noticing the pairs of eyes meeting his, Ember shook his head. “If you think I can answer this then you are mistaken princess. I have already told you all I know about this morning.”

“You must have some idea of who would do this. If you don’t, how will we stop them before they strike again?”

“Why are you so sure it’s a repeated attack?”

The questioned dammed Cadence’s river of thought, diverting it in another direction. “Well, I don’t know. After you attacked at the same time every morning I assumed this new dragon will too.”

Once again Ember shook his head. “You will not know this, but before you arrived at Rockholm my raids on the city were far less routine. I would attack when,” A sigh cut him off, eyes falling. “When I was full of rage, when I heard too much laughter or celebration coming from the city. I wanted to crush their joy.”

“So not every morning?”

“No, any dragon would tell you the same. I would sometimes strike more than once in an morning, others I would leave Rockholm alone for days.”

Staring up at Ember, Cadence felt her features crease with confusion. “So what did I change about that?”

“I.” A heavy breath lifted Ember’s shoulders, and let them fall again. “I don’t really want to say. It is something that still sickens me, more than the rest of what I did.”

Silence filled the room as Ember’s voice trailed off, Cadence shifting uncomfortably where she sat. Beside her Cloud’s jaw hung loose, eyes wide as he watched Ember’s every movement, as if he couldn’t believe what was before him.

“Why don’t we return to what we met here for?” Shining suggested, the lack of voices grinding away at him. “This new dragon that attacked a house today.”

Ember’s head rose, the sorrow almost gone from his face. “Yes, I don’t want to ruin your happiness any more.” Bringing a claw to his foreleg, he ran along one of his scars as he spoke. “You said we need to find a way to stop this dragon?”

“Mmhmm.” Cadence nodded, glad to be able to speak without treading over emotions once more. “If you can help free the city from crimes like this then the dragons will learn to trust you. They’ll see you as a hero instead of a monster.”

A small smile came to Ember’s lips at Cadence’s words. “Hero. As much as I would like to be one, I do not think this dragon will attack again. This was a desperate theft, most likely someone who needed gems or gold to pay for food.”

“They took nothing.” Skylight’s voice filled the air before Cadence could speak.

“Nothing?” Shifting his eyes to the sky-blue pegasus, Ember shook his head, doubt filling his features. “How are you so sure?”

“I saw his claws, they were empty.”

Ember snorted laughter, a wicked grin coming to his lips. “How can you be so foolish,” Voice laced with mocking, he shook his head at Skylight. “He could have been carrying something in his jaws.”

“Ember!” Cadence called at the dragon, her voice stern. “You don’t need to be so rude. I can hear the monster in your voice.”

Surprise jolted Ember, the grin vanishing from his lips, eyes widening as he stared straight ahead. “I am sorry.” With pleading eyes he looked back to Skylight. “Please forgive me, I slipped back into my old self for a moment.”

Gazing up at the dragon, Skylight chuckled. “I didn’t notice. That is a good point however, I couldn’t see his mouth.” A pause followed Skylight’s words, no one sure of what to say next.

Eventually Cadence spoke up. “Well, it seems like we’ve come to a dead end with this. Maybe it was a one off thing, we’ll see tomorrow.” A smile lit up her lips as her mind shifted thoughts. “But since Ember’s here, I’ve got another idea of something we can do.”

The cobbles seemed to buzz beneath Cadence’s hooves as she stepped down the street, a smile on her lips, chest tingling with excitement. Shining walked at her side, glancing left and right at the eyes that tracked their every move. Behind them Ember followed, his hulking body barely able to fit between the walls on either side.

Above them Cloud and Skylight floated lazily through the air, wings barely having to move to keep up with the slow progression of their grounded companions.

“I’m starting to think this wasn’t the best idea Cadence,” Shining whispered as he looked around. “It doesn’t seem like the dragons here like Ember walking down their street.”

Taking in the dozens of jeweled gazes, Cadence smiled before turning back to Shining. “Well they can’t be afraid of him forever. We may as well allow them to grow accustomed to him as soon as we can.”

“If you say so.” Taking a deep breath, Shining forced himself to look straight ahead, pretending to ignore the pressing eyes on all sides. I can see this going horribly wrong. “Now what exactly are we looking for?”

“A building where dragons would go to dance, like the ballrooms in Canterlot.” Gazing down the street herself, Cadence found no such structure closely resembling the elegant white domes of Canterlot, just flat black and grey. “Or maybe a different building altogether.”

“Why don’t we listen for music?” Shining suggested.

Cadence nodded in response. “That would be a better idea.” Tilting her head, she lifted an ear towards the sky, dipping her mind’s hoof into the stream of sound that ran overhead. The hum of murmuring dragon’s made up most of the noise, words not wanting to be heard, hiding away in the balconies above.

There was another sound there also, so soft Cadence thought for a moment she was imagining it, but the more she focused the clearer it grew. A beat, quiet clicking like the distant tapping of claws on stone. She felt her hoof moving along with it, memories of dancing filling her mind.

Turning back to Shining, Cadence found him in a similar stance to her, ear raised and eyes closed, features creased with frustration as he strained to hear anything. A touch of her hoof against his shoulder opened his eyelids.

“I think I heard something,” She said as his eyes met hers.

“Really?” Rubbing at his ear with a hoof, Shining frowned. “All I could hear were the dragons talking above.”

A smile lit up Cadence’s lips. “You just need to clean your ears out. Come on, I think it’s up ahead.” Quickening her pace, Cadence rushed through the ever tightening streets, the steps of Shining and Ember behind her growing faster to match hers.

It seemed as if Ember had resumed his old role and was chasing Cadence and Shining through the street. The expressions on their faces were mismatched however, Ember’s full of worry as he glanced around, Cadence’s set dead ahead and alight with excitement.

From windows and doors heads of dragons popped out when they heard the three coming, and withdrew the moment they saw Ember. Shouts and screams rang through the air, reaching Cadence’s ear but were brushed aside.

With time they’ll grow accustomed to him, She told herself, still listening intently for the beat that had teased her before. Maybe the screams will become cheers, hopefully.

Having not heard the rhythmic tapping for some time, Cadence slowed her steps and lifted her ears once more, straining against the roar of other sounds for one. As quiet as the scurrying of a mouse it came to her once more, softer this time.

Or is it louder? Cadence could not tell, the sound only the barest trickle in the waterfall of noise around her. I’ll keep going, She decided. If I lose it we can always come back. A smile still on her lips she continued through the street, now more of an alleyway as the walls on either side grew closer and closer.

“Princess?” Ember’s voice met Cadence’s ears, concern in his tone.

Looking back to him, Cadence found the dragon with his forelegs held close to his chest, eyes glancing between the walls on either side. He reminded her of when Shining had gotten stuck in one of the Canterlot palace gate railings, unable to move forward or backward. “Are you stuck?”

Wriggling his body a little, Ember shook his head. “Not yet, but I think if we continue any further down this street I will be.” Lifting one of his hind legs, he moved backward, the crack of stone sounding along with the fall of his claw.

A scream erupted from the window beside Ember, muffled by his body, but still loud enough to ring across the city. The sound brought a mixture of emotion of Ember’s features, anger touched his eyes yet there was fear there also.

Rushing past Shining, Cadence moved towards the sound and found a house open to the street, Ember’s tail having sliced a chunk of grey stone from the side. She squeezed through the tight gap between Ember and the wall to step inside.

The screaming died away when the dragon who it came from saw Cadence. A smile lit up the dull purple muzzle, a dragon several times taller than Cadence stepping forth to bow at her hooves. “Thank you for coming to save me princess, I thought I was as good as dead when I saw Ember tearing open my home.”

“There’s no need to worry.” Cadence’s voice was soft as she extended a hoof, resting it on the dragon’s shoulder. “Ember isn’t here to hurt you, he’s changed.”

The dragon stared at Cadence for a moment before shuffling backwards, head shaking. “You must being mad princess, a monster like that cannot change. No matter how hard he tries he will always be a monster.”

“No.” Concern creased Cadence’s brow as she closed the gap between her and the dragon once more, trying to lay a comforting hoof on the purple scaled shoulder. “He can change, anyone can change. They just need a little help.”

Still shaking her head the dragon stood, stumbling backward towards the door at the far end of the room. “You’re mad princess. I tell you a monster is always a monster, not matter what spells you cast on him.” She disappeared through the doorway before Cadence could respond.

Standing still as a statue, Cadence stared at empty air for a moment, her joy fading away, before turning back to the gash in the wall, Ember’s bright red leg outside. She moved towards him, her steps feeling heavy, like she was wading through water.

Outside Cadence found Ember’s gaze waiting for her, one full of confusion, like a foal that wanted the affirmation of its mother. “Am I still a monster, princess?”

Shining stood a few steps down the street, Cloud and Skylight with him, all looking to her, waiting for an answer.

“No,” Cadence eventually managed to say, as much to convince the others as herself, the doubting words of the purple dragon filling her mind. Cries of terror that had followed them through the street coming back to her also. He’s not a monster, She told herself. He’s changed, right?

“You’re no worse than I was.” Skylight’s voice brought a flood of relief to Cadence’s mind, someone to join her side in the argument, to stand up for her when she seemed alone.

A chuckle filled the air, Shining’s eyes meeting Skylight’s. “You’re still pretty bad if you ask me.” The comment earned him a kick from Skylight, but brought a smile to Cadence’s lips.

Looking down at Skylight, Embers brow creased with confusion. “You were a killer?”

Shining chuckled while Skylight shook her head. “No. But I was one mean pony. I have to hold back my anger sometimes.”

Still staring at Skylight, the barest hint of a smile touched Ember’s lips. “I know what you mean. I used to release my rage whenever it came to me, but now. Holding it back takes more strength than I could have imagined.”

“It’ll get easier with time,” Cadence assured him, touching a hoof to his hind leg. “Now why don’t we move out of this street? Find an easier way to get to that music.”

Unable to turn, Ember was forced to carefully step backward, Cadence guiding him down the narrow street. Once it had opened up enough to fit the full length of his body, Ember gladly turned, relief leaving his lungs as a breath.

“It makes me think of all the dragons I held in chains,” He said as they continued out of the street, this time with Ember walking forward. “Unable to do anything.”

Feeling a pang of guilt in her stomach, Cadence looked up at the dragon, “Well I’m sorry for getting you stuck in there. I’ve never had to think about the size of a street before.”

Ember glanced back at the street behind him, the wall he had torn into hidden by the twisting corners. “Don’t be, I think it is good to feel the pains of my victims. It pushes me further and further away from ever doing those things again.”

The city still murmured around them as they walked, screams piercing the hum less and less as news of Ember’s presence spread. Cadence could feel the eyes on them as they walked, a strange pressing from all around.

Remembering why they had come, she lifted her ear once more, ignoring the dull drone of voices and listening for that clicking beat. Where did it go? She looked to her side where Shining walked. “Can you hear music anymore?”

He smiled back, head shaking. “I could never hear it in the first place, but I’m sure there’s more, somewhere in this city.”

The streets all seemed to blur into one as they walked, Cadence unable to tell where one ended and another began. She kept her ears pricked up, searching for a beat, a melodious sound, any form of music that could lead her.

“I think I can hear something!” Cadence exclaimed after what seemed like hours, the sun nearing noon above. The pegasus pair had grown tired of their slow progression and now looped higher in the sky above, chasing each other, their giggling filling the air.

Still walking beside and behind her, Shining and Ember stopped, looking to Cadence as she closed her eyes, concentrating on the sound. Doing the same, Shining heard nothing but the murmur of voices and the beating of wings above. “I still can’t hear any music.”

Glancing between the two, Ember tilted his head upward as well, stilling his own breath, and simply waiting for the sound to reach him. It crept underneath the hum of voices, the breathy whimpering coming from the home beside. A rhythmic clicking, like the sound of stone on stone, he felt his head moving to it, a subtle bob up and down.

“Well you must have too much fur in your ears.” Cadence’s voice drowned out the beat. “It’s there, I can hear it.” Looking up to Ember, she found the dragon with his eyes closed, head still moving to the soft sound. “See, Ember can hear it.”

The mention of his name broke Ember from his trance, eyes opening to Cadence staring up at him. “Is this the music you have been searching for?”

“Mmhmm.” Cadence nodded. “Though we can only hear a little part of it, there’ll be many other instruments keeping time with that beat. It’s a beautiful thing.” Turning away from Ember, Cadence chose the street which the sound was coming from, thankfully plenty wide for Ember. “Now let’s find where it is.”

Cadence felt her steps quickening as she stalked her prey, one ear focused on the ever loudening tapping. Doors and windows passed by without her notice, not a scream sounding but all eyes watching Ember with fear, waiting for him to attack.

The street grew wider as they continued down it, doors showing themselves less and less, the buildings made of more polished obsidian, reflecting the sun’s shine. Still the beat grew louder, but no other instruments joined it, only a softer tapping, between each loud click, rounding out the sound, filling in the higher pitch.

Ahead, a low grey building stepped around the corner to meet them, out of place amongst the taller, pristine obsidian structures that surrounded it. Scorched and scarred, the building stood at half the height of Ember.

A single door was the only obvious sign of entrance, shadow filled it, tainted with irregular flashes of light, green and gold, red and blue.

Slowing her pace, Cadence stepped cautiously towards the open door. Why can I not hear any strings? She wondered, the rhythmic sound unlike anything she had heard before. It seemed to take hold of her body, make her limbs want to move.

Cadence stopped a step in front of the door before looking back to Ember. “Can you wait out here?” The entrance stood almost twice as tall as her, barely able to fit more than Ember’s head. “I want to see if this is where dragons dance, I’ll be right back.”

A gasp met her ears, drawing Cadence’s eyes away from Ember and further down the street. There stood a dragon of dull golden scales, his bright blue eyes flicking between Ember and Cadence. Patches of other color, bright green and a red similar to Ember’s scales, were splashed over his body.

“Ponies?” The word left the dragon’s lips as he stepped forward, question creasing his brow. “What are ponies doing in Rockholm?”

Expecting the dragon to run at the sight of Ember, Cadence felt the twist of worry in her stomach fade away, a smile filling her muzzle. “I’m visiting from Canterlot by Princess Celestia’s orders.”

Shaking his head at Cadence’s voice, the creases on the dragon’s features deepened. “I don’t know what what you just said, but I like your color.” Standing before Cadence now, he rose a head or two above her, seemingly oblivious of the great red beast beside him. “Where did you get the dye from?”

Cadence’s smile widened as she looked down at her own coat. “Well, thank you, but it’s natural, not dyed.” Lifting her eyes back up to meet the dragon’s, she gestured with her head inside. “Anyway, I was wondering if this is a place where dragons come to dance.”

“It sure is.” Nodding, the dragon turned towards the door, motioning towards it with his claw. “Why don’t you come inside, everyone’s welcome.” With that said, he disappeared into the shadow, the beat inside soon drowning out his steps.

Shaking her head, Cadence swung her eyes back to Shining and Ember. “Well that was strange, he didn’t even seem to know who you were Ember, or that there are ponies in Rockholm.”

“There’s probably more than one world in this city,” Shining said, his mind drifting to memories of Canterlot. “Like back home, when we went to that dress shop. That mare told us about a whole heap of troubles we had no idea of, just like she had no idea of what was happening in the guards. Two worlds existing without realising the other is there.”

Gazing down at the rambling unicorn, Ember’s brow creased. “You mean there are dragons in this city who don’t know the terror I’ve caused?”

“For sure. That dragon seemed to have no idea.” Shining looked back to Cadence. “Do you still want to go inside? We already know this is a place for dancing.”

Eyes flicking between Shining and the shadowy doorway, Cadence nodded, her lips smiling. “Mmhmm, I want to make sure this will be good for Obsidian.” The moment the name left her mouth Cadence winced, peeking from the corner of her eye at Ember.

“Obsidian?” It rolled off Ember’s tongue as an almost whisper, his eyes flickering with memories, old and young. “All this is to help my father?”

Cadence’s shoulders heaved with a heavy sigh. “Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I’m helping your father with some issues of his also. So he can be a better father for you.”

Staring into the distance, Ember’s breathing softened until it was as if he were dead, blinking eyelids the only sign he was still alive. “You are staying at the palace?”

“Well, yes.” Cadence’s features creased with confusion. “I thought you already knew that?”

“The room felt familiar, but it did not cross my mind to wonder why. I have pushed my memories of that place deep down. I had not even thought of meeting my father.” Still looking at some distant object, Ember sunk to the ground. “Go, I need time to think of this.”

Nodding, Cadence nudged Shining with her shoulder before moving towards the entrance she had been longing to enter.

“Are you just going to leave him like that?” Shining’s voice met her ear as they carefully made their way down a set of stairs too large for their legs.

“He wanted to be alone.” Hearing her own words, Cadence felt a pang of guilt. “And I don’t even know what to say, I need some time to think about this myself.” By now the beat was filling both ponies’ ears, drowning out Cadences words.

“What did you say?” Shining questioned, leaning his head closer to her muzzle.

Forcing herself to smile, Cadence pressed her muzzle into Shining’s ear. “Don’t worry about it, let’s have a little fun.”

Ahead of them the stairs were momentarily lit up with flashes of light, greens and blues, yellows and reds. The beat was spiced with a higher pitched melody, each sound growing louder and louder as they descended.

Cadence could feel the noise thumping in her chest by the time she and Shining reached the base of the stairs, like a second heart beat it filled her ears almost painfully. Yet despite the overwhelming sound, he body felt as if it were alive with magic, wanting to move along with the music all around.

Yes, music, She thought. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard, but it’s still music. Ahead of her she saw a writhing mass of scales, their colors hard to distinguish in the dim light. A flash exploded at the far end of the room, washing the bodies with bright green.

Enticed by the sound and the movement, Cadence stepped forward, the touch of Shining at her side. She could feel him moving too, a subtle pulse throbbing through his body in time with the beat.

Skirting the edge of the crowd, they found themselves up against a wall, unable to move any further forward, unable to see the source of the music. Pulling Shining closer to her, Cadence pressed her muzzle into his ear.

“Why don’t we move back into the space? We can dance there.”

At his nod they both moved towards the door and the open area that was there. By instinct Cadence turned to face Shining, allowing her head to rest in the cradle of his neck, her hooves moving through steps they knew well.

Shining took the lead, moving her through the waltz, but his timing was offput by the beat that throbbed in their ears, the two ending up as a tangle of hooves on the floor. Helping Cadence up, Shining held his lips close to her ear.

“I don’t think the dancing we know will work with this.” He motioned with a hoof towards the mass of moving bodies, bouncing up and down as if they shared one mind. “Why don’t we try what they’re doing?”

Standing still for a moment, the pair watched as bursts of light flashed across the crowd, giving them insight to what each individual was doing. Cadence felt the beat move up her body, the tapping of a hoof turned into the shifting of shoulders, every action in time with the music.

Beside her Shining seemed to be having more trouble than she, his hooves out of time with his head, and hips out of time with everything. Cuddling up close to him, Cadence pressed her lips into his ear. “It looks like you need some help there.”

Without waiting for a response, she snuggled her head into his neck, allowing the rhythmic movement of her body to guide him. A gentle nudge in this direction or that helping Shining stay in time, their bodies moving as one.

Cadence felt the worries she held slipping from her mind. The sensation of Shining against her, the two of them moving together, lulling her into a trance. The harmony that filled the air changed again and again, but the same beat remained, Cadence allowing it to guide her body.

A touch on her withers opened the eyes Cadence hadn’t realised she’d closed. Why can’t we just be left alone, She thought as she pulled her head from underneath Shining’s, turning towards the touch.

Her eyes found Skylight’s features full of panic, Cloud in a similar state behind her. The sight of the two brought the day’s events back to the surface of Cadence’s mind. Has something happened? Oh I hope Ember hasn’t gone crazy.

Lips moved but the overwhelming sound of music drowned out all others, Cadence shaking her head at Skylight and motioning up the stairs. Watching the pegasus pair disappear from sight, Cadence nudged Shining in front of her before following.

At the base of the stairs she turned back, taking in the scene one last time. Is this what Obsidian meant when he talked of dancing? She tried to picture his hulking black body in the crowd, but found the roof was too low, the crowd too tight for him to fit. Maybe not?

Stepping back into the sunlight was a splash of icy water for Cadence, her eyes squinting as they adjusted to the bright light, ears feeling hollow from the lack of thumping noise. Skylight stood a few steps away, lips moving but Cadence could hear no words.
Skylight’s brow creased when Cadence failed to respond. Shaking her head, she spoke again, this time on the verge of shouting. “Why did you two leave Ember alone for that long?”

This time Cadence heard her, like the call of someone standing at the horizon. Tilting her head to the side, Cadence rubbed at an ear, hoping to clear her apparent deafness away. “How long were we in there for? It only felt like a moment or two.”

Wincing at Cadence’s yelling, Skylight motioned towards the sky with a wing.

Eyes following, Cadence gasped when she saw the sun, past its peak and sinking once more. How could we have been in there for so long? Ignoring the guilt she felt swirling in her stomach, she looked back down to Skylight. “What has Ember done? Where is he?”

Gritting her teeth against the loud words, Skylight moved closer to Cadence, holding her muzzle close to a pink ear. “It wasn’t what he did. Some dragon scared him off.”

Features lining with confusion, Cadence lowered her voice until it was only a dull murmur in her ears. “How? What did they do?”

Skylight felt her cheek brush against Cadence’s as she shook her head. “We didn’t see. I heard yelling below and saw Ember flying away. There was a dragon down of the ground laughing.”

“Did you ask him what he did?” Cadence felt her mind racing. What would he have done that would frighten Ember away? Why would anyone be foolish enough to provoke him anyway?

Head falling a little, Skylight’s voice softened in Cadence’s ears. “I tried, but he spat and flew away. We followed him, but he disappeared in the city.”

Her head falling as well, Cadence felt the weight of a sigh leave her lungs. “Well, all we can do is look for Ember now, hopefully he won’t be bitter about us abandoning him.” In her stomach she felt the want to be sick, the poison of her guilt swirling inside.

They found him outside the city, curled up at the great cavern he had hid inside the previous day. Quakes shook his body, the choking sound of sobbing filling the air with each one.

Climbing off of Skylight’s back, Cadence stepped towards him slowly while the other three stood back, wary and watching.

“Ember?” She could hear the soft tone of her voice now, ears almost completely recovered. “Are you okay Ember?” Of course he’s not okay, Cadence found herself thinking the moment the words left her lips. One look can tell me that.

The quakes stilled at the sound of Cadence’s voice, Ember unwrapping himself and rising till he towered high above Cadence. Wetness glistened on the red scales of his cheeks, bright golden eyes swollen. “No. I do not know if I will ever be okay princess. How can a monster like me be okay?”

Cadence winced at the word. “You’re not a monster Ember, you’ve changed, and are still changing.” Seeing no conviction in Ember’s eyes, Cadence stopped her speech and breathed deeply, allowing her thoughts to settle. “What happened?”

“A dragon told me the truth, monsters never change.” Ember’s shoulders sank as he sighed. “I’ll never change.”

“But you have changed Ember,” Cadence realised as she spoke. “The old you would have killed that dragon, not run.”

A smile crept across Ember’s lips as realisation widened his eyes. “You’re right.” His chest shook, carrying a chuckle with the movement. “I would have destroyed everything around me before leaving. I have changed.”

“Mmhmm.” Nodding, Cadence looked to the sky, the sun closer to the horizon than its peak. She lowered her eyes, glancing back at the three behind her. “Well, it looks like we’ve still got time to search the city.” Turning back to Ember, a comforting smile touched her lips. “Do you want to come?”

Ember shook his head. “I have had enough of that city for today, and it enough of me. My body is still weary also.”

“Tomorrow then?”

“I would be glad to join you tomorrow, and the next day. For however long you choose to stay.”

A proud and joyful warmth filled Cadence’s chest as Skylight carried her back towards the palace. I think we’ve had enough of the city as well, She had decided before they set off, the dull throbbing in her ears bringing pain to her head.

Their balcony came within sight quickly at the pace Skylight and Cloud set, just below gut wrenching. A body of sapphire scales stood waiting for them.

Flo! The thought came to Cadence’s head with a hint of guilt, the dragon slipping her mind after the day’s distractions. Oh I hope she’s alright. We left her alone for the whole day.

As they neared Cadence managed to make out the emotion on Flo’s features. She’s worried, Cadence knew. Oh I hope our disappearance didn’t trouble her.

“Princess!” Flo dove for Cadence the moment she dismounted from Skylight. “Princess I’ve been so worried about you all day. There were dragons here and-”

Holding a hoof up to Flo’s lips, Cadence stopped the rush of words coming from them. “Slow down Flo. I’m back now and I’m okay.”

Flo’s eyes bulged as if her head was about to burst, her head shaking as she pulled away from Cadence’s touch. “But there were dragons here.”

“Oh, that was just Ember. We invited him here to talk.” Lifting her now hanging hoof, Cadence reached forward and patted Flo’s head. “Were you hiding from him.”

A huff left Flo’s lips, her face twisting with a frown. “I was. He’s still scary, but that not the dragon I meant. After you left I was coming out of my hiding spot. Then I heard someone flying back. So I hid again.”

Concern creased Cadence’s brow, glancing sideways, she looked into the room. “Other dragons?” Turning back to Flo, she smiled at a thought. “Well they were probably servants, here to clean our rooms.”

“No. No. No.” Flo’s whole body shook as she swung her neck back and forth. “I heard them. They said bad things about you princess.” A shiver stopped Flo’s shaking, her eyes glancing up at the sky before looking back to Cadence. “They said. They said they are going to kill you.”

At first Cadence’s mind tried to deny Flo’s accusations. She must be imagining things, why would anyone want to kill me? “Are you sure Flo? What exactly did they say?”

“I’m sure. One was like,” Flo straightened herself up, face twisting with a frown. “Why did this princess have to cause all this trouble.” The growly voice that came from her lips would have made Cadence laugh if not for the words it carried.

“Well, not liking me doesn’t mean they are going to kill me.”

“Shhh.” Holding a talon to her lips, Flo pouted. “I wasn’t finished. The other said,” She adopted the same posture, but her voice was different, silky instead of a grumble. “She’ll be gone soon. Once we’ve got what we need The Whispering Wings to take care of her within a week.”

“Why such a long time?” The other voice grumbled, Flo switched between them perfectly. “We need Ember to attack the city again, otherwise we won’t have an excuse to take over. My dragons can’t wait forever.”

“Maybe if you hadn’t have taken to long to arrive,” Silk hissed back. “A week earlier and we would not have this princess to worry about.” He sighed. “This is no time for fighting, let’s get what we came here for.”

Flo returned to her regular voice, shoulders sinking and eyes falling. “Then all I could hear was them walking around. They shifted some stuff as well.”

Still digesting what Flo had said, Cadence glanced back into their room. “Did you see what they had done after they left?”

“No.”

Shining was moving ahead of Cadence’s thoughts, stepping towards their saddlebags while Cloud and Skylight headed for their tent. Following them, Cadence took her bags when Shining held them before her, searching through.

Celestia’s writings are still here, She thought as she searched through, picking out the few contents. As well as all our bits. “I’m not missing anything,” She called out, looking to the others.

The bags Shining held had been empty that morning, nothing new placed inside. Skylight and Cloud had torn their tent apart, the scent of sweat emanating from it. Not wanting to strike upon anything personal, Cadence stood back and watched, Flo joining her.

After a time Skylight looked up at them, shaking her head. “Nothing's missing here either.”

Sighing, Cadence’s shoulders sunk. “What would they have come here for then?” When no one answered her, she turned back to Flo. “Do you have any idea?”

“No.”

“Well, we’ll have to wait and find out then.” Allowing the weight of her body to pull her downward, she sat, Flo doing the same and Shining joining the two. There was something else I wanted to ask about, wasn’t there? “Oh. Flo, you mentioned The Whispering Wings? Who are they?”

“They kill dragons for gold.” Flo responded, fear tainting her voice. “I’ve never seen them. I hear stories though. Blind dragons that hunt you by smelling.” She shivered, cuddling up close to Cadence. “You never hear them until you’re dead.”

Glancing to her other side, Cadence met Shining’s eyes, worrying creasing her brow. “Why would someone want to kill us?”

“You heard what Flo said, they want to take over the city and you’re the one standing in their way.” Lowering his eyes to the stone below, Shining shook his head. “We’re going to have to be watchful for the next week. I can’t have you and Skylight going off alone anymore.”

“We don’t need to worry Shining,” Cadence assured, her hoof lifting his chin. “Celestia will always be protecting us.”

“I know, but we want to be as careful as we can anyway. You never know what’s happening back in Canterlot.” Rising to his hooves, he stepped towards the hallway door before feeling at it with his hoof. Finding no obvious lock, he looked back to Flo and Cadence, the pair watching him. “Is there any way to lock this Flo?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never stayed in a castle before. The doors are different from other ones.”

Nodding at her words, Shining stepped back from the door, lighting his horn and lining the frame with his blue.

“Shining?” Cadence called at him, silencing his magic as he turned to listen. “What are you doing?”

“Sealing off the door, to make sure no one can enter.”

Standing herself, Cadence moved towards him, draping a foreleg over his withers as she came close. “Shining, there’s no need for this. Why don’t we tell tell Obsidian. He can arrange a guard for us.”

“I don’t know if I can trust the guards here, some of them could be in on this plot.”

“We should talk with Obsidian anyway.” Skylight’s voice met them from across the room, the pegasus pair coming to meet them. “He’s in danger also.”

Pressing her hoof into the door before them, Cadence nodded. “That would be best. I wonder how we can tell him this without sounding crazy.”

“Have you been speaking with Brazen?” Obsidian glanced sideways, where his sandy scaled advisor stood, a small smile on his lips. “You sound like one not sane princess.” They had interrupted a meeting between the two, Obsidian meaning to dismiss them until he saw the urgency chiseled into Cadence’s face.

“I know it sounds crazy but you must believe us. They want to overthrow you and use Ember as an excuse.”

Bringing a claw to his head, Obsidian rubbed at one of his scales. “How did you hear of these things? Surely they were not speaking them before you.”

“Flo told us, she was hiding in our room when they came in. Apparently she heard the whole thing.”

“Flo?” Obsidian looked at Cadence with question for a moment. “The stowaway?”

Cadence nodded, still holding Obsidian’s eyes.

“Are of absolute certainty that we can count on this dragon’s word?” Motioning towards his advisor with a claw, Obsidian shook his head. “Brazen already has half the guard assigned to wild chases due to his dreams of plots.”

“I assure you king,” Brazen defended. “I only wish to keep you safe.”

Turning to meet Brazen’s eye, the hint of a fond smile touched at Obsidian’s lips. “I know you do it out of good will, but when my life is ruled by these imaginings I do grow tired of them.” His expression was all duty when he looked back to Cadence. “That is why I need you to be certain of this.”

Twisting her head to the side, Cadence met Shining’s eyes and found a nod. “Well, we have no reason not to trust her, and I could tell by the way she told us. This is not a dragon’s wild imagination.”

“Very well.” Obsidian’s shoulders rose and fell in time with a heavy breath. “Did she tell you of the dragons’ appearances? There is a possibility it is a dragon I know.”

Cadence shook her head. “She said she couldn’t see anything from where she hid, only hear their voices.”

“Then all I can do is warn the guard and stay watchful. You mentioned they paid for your deaths, would you like protection also?”

“No,” Shining answered before Cadence could move her lips. “We can stay safe on our own.”

“I understand your fears.” Obsidian dipped his head before returning his eyes to Brazen. “And if this is all that is urgent, I must return to my meeting. Brazen has been patient.”

Turning, Cadence found Skylight and Cloud already moving towards the door, Shining a step before her. “Good night Obsidian. I hope you have a safe sleep.”

“I wish you the same,” Obsidian called back at the disappearing group.

Upstairs once more, Cadence jumped when Flo ambushed her at the door, the ringing of Shining’s horn filling the air before he realised who it was.

“You shouldn’t scare us like that Flo,” Cadence warned as she stepped inside, the others following. “Especially after what you told us.”

“Sorry.” Flo’s lips were spread with a smile, her body cuddled into Cadence’s. “I was so happy to see you safe. I couldn’t help it.”

Cadence felt the smile spreading to her own lips. “I know, I’m glad to see you too, but be careful. We’re all on edge right now.” Looking up, Cadence found the sun outside was dipping below the horizon, its golden glory still gleaming over the mountains.

Between her and the balcony Shining was forming their tent, its blue roof covering the mattress below.

Moving towards him, Cadence felt her brow creasing. “Shining? Why are you putting the tent up? We’re inside.”

“I know.” Shining looked up from his work, meeting the approaching Cadence and Flo with his eyes. “But I was thinking, when we were on the mountain and those lizards attacked us, the tent didn’t allow them inside. Maybe it will protect us from these Whispering Wings also.”

Moving to stand beside the tent as well, Skylight poked her hoof through the wall. “Are you sure?” Cloud copied her, his whole body following the hoof as he stepped onto the mattress.

“It’s definitely protected us before,” Shining said as he stepped through himself. “But I have no idea how it works on dragons.”

“I do!” Leaving Cadence’s side, Flo leapt towards the tent wall, passing through with a sign of hinderance and bouncing on the mattress beyond. “We can get through.”

Looking at Flo bouncing beside him, Shining allowed a sigh to leave his lips. “That doesn’t look too good, but it’s the best protection we’ve got.”

“It seems so.” Moving through the tent herself, Cadence stood beside Shining. She leant into him for comfort, her eyes finding Cloud and Skylight still standing near the door. “Do you two have any ideas on how to stay safe?”

“Set a watch,” Skylight responded in an instant, Cloud showing his agreement with a nod. “We take turns staying awake. If you see anything, wake the others.”

“That would be best.” The grumble of Shining’s stomach followed his words, bringing a soft laughter to Cadence’s lips.

“Well, we might have to bother Obsidian for one more thing tonight.” Stepping away from Shining’s side, she moved towards the door before turning back to meet the eyes watching her. “I’ll go get something, you three keep planning.”

As she turned to step through the door, Cadence felt Flo at her side. The dragon’s lips formed a pout. “You can’t go without protection princess.”

“She’s right,” Skylight said, following Cadence towards the door. “You two prepare while we get food.”

The sight that met Cadence’s eyes when she stepped back through the door to their room brought a smile to her lips. “What have you two done?”

Stopping their work, the two stallions looked up to their approaching partners, and the steaming pies held in blue behind them. Around them they had constructed what appeared to be three different tents, one holding Skylight and Cloud’s tent, the other a glowing mattress. A third, much smaller than the others, sat near the centre of the two.

Shining spoke first. “Cloud and I thought that even if the tents don’t stop the dragons from reaching us, it might do something to their sense of smell.”

Nodding alongside him, Cloud continued, “Flo mentioned they’re blind dragons, and that the rely entirely on the scent of their victim to hunt them.”

Lifting her snout towards the roof, Cadence inhaled noisily before smiling. “I can still smell both of you from here.”

Testing the air with his own snout, Shining realised the scent of the pies was reaching him. “I guess all we can do is eat those pies and hope they don’t come for us then.”

Cloud’s cards were produced from his bag as the five settled down to eat, all of them thankful for the distraction.

“Apples and cinnamon,” Shining mumbled as he ate, eyes unfocusing and mouth overflowing with saliva. The pie held in his magic was soon finished, his attention shifting to the one Cadence nibbled at.

Feeling his gaze, Cadence looked up and giggled. “Do you want some more?”

Surprise filled Shining’s features. “Really?”

“Mmhmm,” Cadence nodded, tearing a chunk from her meal and holding it before him. “With all this stress I’m not exactly hungry.”

“I love you Cadence.” Shining moaned once more as the sweet taste filled his mouth, earning him a shake of Skylight’s head.

The cards all out before him, and the remainder of his pie disappearing down his throat, Cloud looked around at the other three ponies. “Are you all ready to play?”

Cadence found herself with the deck of dragons, Shining’s changelings joining her forces. The hand she drew had her eyes wide, a gasp filling her lungs. Can I win right now? The thought crossed her mind, unsure at first, but growing more and more certain as she studied the cards before her, mind playing through the possible scenarios.

A sickly swirl of nerves building her in stomach, she watched with held breath as Cloud passed his turn, unable to play. “I’ve got nothing either,” Shining said, a wave of his hoof signalling the end of his turn. The shake of Skylight’s head and the three were looking to Cadence, waiting for her move.

Releasing the breath she had been holding, Cadence carefully laid her first card on the ethereal table. The Spreading of Fire, its name read, the picture underneath depicting a spark touching against a wooden door. Use the strength of your castle as rage.

Looking at the card, Shining shook his head. “Are you sure you want to use that Cadence? We’ll probably destroy ourselves before them.”

“Trust me,” Cadence replied without looking up from her cards. “I know what I’m doing.” Saying that she placed another card on the table before her. Boiling Beast, it was named. Pay X rage to give this dragon X health. You may remove two health from this dragon for one anger.

“I’m going to take all of our castle’s strength but one,” Cadence said, bringing a smile to Cloud’s lips and worry to Shining’s features. “And use the rage on this dragon.” Shifting the counters from their castle to her dragon magically, she laid down another card. “Unmatched Anger,” She read, removing some of the counters from her Boiling Beast as she did so.

The smile on Cloud’s face had now split into a grin and spread to Shining’s, the worry now filling Skylight’s features. Taking all but one counter from his and Skylight’s castle with a wing, Cloud looked back up to Cadence, waiting. “I assume you have a Breath of Flame still in your hand?”

At the nod of Cadence’s head Cloud placed his cards on the table. “Well done Cadence, I’ve only been lucky enough a few times to pull off that combination on the first turn. Swift and lethal.”

“Like the Whispering Wings.” Flo’s words pulled all eyes towards her, a shiver running along Cadence’s spine at the reminder of their situation.

Looking down at the game, Cadence shook her head, the sickness her stomach had so recently forgotten returning. “I don’t feel like playing any more. Why don’t we try getting some sleep.”

Noticing the worry that creased Cadence brow, Shining magically packed his cards away. “That sounds like a good idea. We want to be well rested if we’re going to be hunted.”

The cards packed away, Cadence dissipated the table with a flash of blue at her horn before standing, Shining beside her. So close their sides were touching, they moved towards their tent, Cadence thankful for his warming presence.

Looking up as she sat, Cadence saw Flo moving towards the still open balcony door. “Don’t you want to sleep inside tonight Flo?” She called out, stopping the dragon in her tracks and drawing her attention.

“No.” With a shake of her head Flo turned back towards the night and continued outside.

Cadence felt Shining lips against her ear, his whispering breath sending a tingling down her spine. “Can you talk to her? I’d feel a lot safer if we could close those doors tonight.”

Legs heavy and unwilling, Cadence rose and followed Flo, the night air’s cool nip giving her energy. “Flo?”

Twisting her neck back, Flo met Cadence’s eyes with a sad smile. “I know you want me inside princess, but I can’t.”

The words took the breath from Cadence’s lungs, her jaw hanging loose for a moment, not knowing what to say. “Are you afraid?” She said eventually. I know I am. To her surprise Flo shook her head before looking up at the moon above, a few early stars already joining it.

“They’re taking care of me. I’m not afraid of anything.”

Following Flo’s gaze, Cadence found her eyes tracing through the stars, searching for the few constellations Celestia had taught her. “Who are they?”

A laboured breath filled the air, like Flo was breathing through an ocean. “Mom and dad.” Looking down at her, Cadence found the scales of her cheeks were glistening, as were her eyes, reflecting the moonlight. “He said they’d always be watching.”

Feeling a tug at her heart, Cadence allowed her foreleg to move over Flo’s back, pulling her close enough to sense the warmth of Flo’s scales against her coat. “Oh Flo. How long have you been alone?”

Tearing her eyes away from the sky, Flo rubbed at her eyes with a claw before meeting Cadence’s. “I’m never alone princess. Someone’s always there. Even if I can’t see them.”

Oh Flo. Cadence bit at her lips, holding back her want to cry as she stared at the smiling dragon. You’re such a brave little dragon. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed back her tears. “Well, I know you want to sleep out here, but wouldn’t it be safer to be inside with the door closed.”

Flo shook her head as she looked back out over the city. “Doors don’t stop The Whispering Wings. Some dragon hid in an innkeeper’s safe one time. Paid a lot of gold. I still heard his screams that night. I saw them carry his ashes out in the morning.”

The nerves in Cadence’s stomach wound themselves even tighter at the tale. I guess those tents are our only hope. “So you’re sure you’ll be safe out here.”

Nodding so slightly Cadence could barely notice it, Flo inhaled deeply. “It’s not me they want. They only kill their target.”

A shudder rocked Cadence’s body, an image flashing in her mind for a moment. Her splayed out dead on the mattress, Shining raining tears over her body. Shaking the image away, she stood. No, I won’t die here. “Well, good night then Flo.”

“Good night princess. Be safe.”

Stepping back inside, Cadence found three pairs of eyes waiting for her.

“We’ve decided that I’ll take the first watch,” Shining said, his face stern, free from its usual humour. “Cloud will then take over for me, then Skylight, then you. If anyone sees anything we wake everyone.” He motioned towards the balcony with a hoof. “Could you not manage to convince her?”

“Well, no.” Cadence glanced back to Flo, curled up against the railing, peeking over the city. “But she told me closing the door won’t make a difference. The Whispering Wings can get through any lock.”

“But she’ll be in danger sleeping out there,” Shining protested.

The shake of Cadence’s head dismissed his words. “I said that too, but she said they only go after their target. They’ll only be hunting me.” She saw anguish twist at Shining’s features as she moved to sit beside him.

“Only you?” He breathed. “How could they be so cruel.” His words were so soft Cloud nor Skylight could hear them.

Placing her lips at his ear, Cadence whispered back. “I know, I’m more worried about you than myself.”

“We’re sleeping now.”

Skylight’s voice broke both Cadence and Shining out of their private sorrow. “Right, I’ll wake you later Cloud.” Shining said, touching his lips to Cadence’s cheek before lowering his voice to a whisper. “You should get some sleep too, and don’t worry about me. I won’t let them touch you.”

Nodding, Cadence returned the kiss before lowering her head to the mattress, curling up against Shining. The slimy feeling of worry still filled her stomach, nightmares of what could happen before morning swirling in her head.

No! She pushed them away with the thought of sunrise, a picture she had seen hundreds of times before. I’m going to make it through this night. The slow stroking of Shining’s hoof against her mane gave her something to focus on, his comforting touch keeping her worries at bay.

“No matter what happens Cadence,” She felt his breath in her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you too Shining.” She murmured back, allowing the weight of sleep to overcome her body.