My head thumps as the sound of light rain and heavy winds batter my surrounding, my heavy eyes slowly and reluctantly open as a set of hooves move around me. As my eyes open I'm initially unable to see more then a few meters as my vision remain blurred, sitting up my stomach lurches as the earlier blood loss seems to have taken its toll on me. "John? Don't get up," The blurred figure steps up to me revealing Slicer as she wipes her hooves off on some paper towels.

Groaning I lift my left arm to rub my face only to feel something tug at the flesh on the top of my hand, examining the hand I find a catheter resting on a protruding vein. Following the IV tube it links to a clear pack containing a light purple liquid which I don't recognise, since magic is a thing here I'm guessing there is the potential for potions to help medical treatment.

"W-where are we?"

"We're back on the airship, you've been out for a few hours. We're returning back to the Capital now, Bravo Platoon is remaining on site preparing the last of the prisoners for transport and to keep the site secured until relief arrive." Stepping alongside me she checks the bandages which are wrapped around my elbow, neck and leg. "Why is it that you're my main patient?"

Snorting I rest my head back on the hard pillow, "You'd be out of the job without me and you know it." Turning my head to the side I lock eyes with Gabrielle in the adjacent bed as another medic looks her over. "Slicer, how is she?"

Slicer pauses as she glances to Gabrielle, "She's very lucky, the bullet was only a couple of inches away from hitting her heart. She's stable but she has yet to regain consciousness." Stepping to the table alongside my bed Slicer prepares a syringe with a clear concoction, "We've also get another friend of yours below deck."

Cocking an eyebrow I rub my face, "Wh-who?"

She pauses momentarily before turning her head to me, "Silverwing."

"Silverwing!? That fucker is alive!?" I force myself up again as I try to get out of bed.

Slicer pushes her free hoof on my chest to get me to rest back into the bed, "He's under guard and still unconscious. We figured that the Prime Minister would appreciate having him detained to face justice, whether that be imprisonment or execution. Though what happens next is not our concern, whats important is that he'll answer for his crimes."

Grumbling I shake my head, "I want him under constant guard, get two of our unit to head straight down. I don't want there to be any chance of him escaping."

"Chaser figured you'd want him under guard, both Sure Strike and Colbalt are keeping him under guard along with a number of Griffins." Moving the syringe she brings it to my right arms and carefully pierces my vein, "Now hold still."

"What is that?"

"Just some pain medication" -Pushing on the plunger the concoction quickly enters my blood stream- "You may feel light headed but it shouldn't be too bad." As I feel the effects of the drug wash over me Slicer begins to pack away her kit, "We should be landing at the Capitol building shortly, after that we'll be making a detour to get you to hospital to be fully checked over."

Scoffing I try to sit up only for my vision to sway, "F-fuck that. I've been treated, I don't need to go to hospital."

"You lost a lot of blood, we haven't been able to even give you a transfusion since we likely aren't compatible. I've had to rely on regularly administering a solution developed by the Unicorn to attempt to increase the rate which your blood cells will regenerate."

Looking to the catheter I slowly remove it from my hand causing a small amount of blood to drip onto the sheets and smear over my hand. Groaning I throw the sheets off my body and sit over the bed, "My clothes, where are they?" Once again I find myself left only in my boxers. After a moment my clothes are thrown on the bed alongside me allowing me to slowly get dressed, I have to be cautious with my arm and leg though due to the injuries I sustained.

Once I'm dressed in my trousers and t-shirt I stank shakily on my legs and looks to Slicer as she shakes her head, "This isn't a good idea, John."

Limping I move along the wooden floor as I try to keep myself upright, "You make it sound like I usually have good ideas." With each step I feel as though my leg is about to give out from underneath me. Fuck... maybe I should go to hospital. But then again I have a magical Alicorn who can heal me, an Alicorn who told me that Tirek was in prison. She let me go there thinking he wouldn't be anywhere near here... she let me walk right into that place knowing he's on the loose.

What the fuck is she playing at, she knew he was out there yet refused to tell me. I thought she trusted me... clearly not. Rubbing my face I eventually make my way to the staircase leading to the main deck, with my leg causing me no end of issues it takes me some time to reach the main deck. I stand under the frame of the stairwell and watch as the ship begins to lower at the entrance of the Capitol building as the sun slowly lowers in the distance.

With the ship coming to a halt just above the surface I step into the rain, the heavy droplets of water impacting my head causes it to pound. Hobbling to the edge of the ship I stop as two crew members look to me, "Can you give me a lift down?" They both pause as they glance to one another in confusion, shrugging they wrap their arms around my waist and carry me to the floor below. As they rest me down my leg gives out from under me sending me to my knees, quickly grabbing me they stop me from collapsing as they hoist me back to my feet.

Shaking my arms free I move forward as they watch me, it's safe to say that the nearly crippled human limping across the courtyard towards the entrance is the centre of attention of all the guards. Forcing myself up the steps I move into the main lobby where everyone once again stops to look to me, surely I can't look that bad. Moving down the halls towards the Prime Ministers office I catch my reflection in a window and stop to examine myself.

The left side of my forehead has a large gash from where I was punched, dried blood is still caked on my skin and down my cheek. My eye is also heavily bruised and swollen slightly explaining why my vision isn't particularly clear. The right side of my neck hasn't been bandaged from where Silverwing cut me, the wounds have been sutured but the blood and degree of the injury is still evident.

Shaking my head I move forward again and proceed towards the office. What normally takes me two minutes ended up taking nearly ten as my leg regularly gave out as I walked. Pain continues to shoot through my leg and arm, the only thing which is probably keeping me standing is the pain relief Slicer gave me. Glancing behind me I catch her following me with my kit rested over her back, it's almost as if she's preparing herself for when I do finally collapse so she can drag me to hospital.

Reaching my destination I stop in front of a group of guards as they look to me, "A-are the Princesses in there?"

The Sergeant shakes his head, "Only the Prime Minister is in there along with the Minister of Intelligence. Your Princesses are in the conference room next door to the left." As I move to step off he hold his talon out in front of me, "You really need to go to a hospital, sir. You're in no state to be walking around."

Lifting my hand I grab his Talon and push it out of my way, I don't even look to him or any of the other guards as I move to the next room and come across a large double door with two Solar guards positioned outside. Before they can say anything I push the doors open and move inside. Hobbling inside everyone turns their gaze to me and freeze once they see my state, the only one who seems to be absent is Twilight, Luna's eyes in particular widen in horror as she sees the condition I'm in.

"John!" Luna shouts out as herself and the others quickly move to me. "What are you doing? You need to go to a hospital." Looking to her I don't respond as I glare between her and Celestia. My body sways once again as I move past them to the central table where I slump back on it to relieve some of the pressure from my leg. "Say something, John." Resting my hand back I find a half empty glass of some sort of alcohol, raising the glass I drain it's contents as I slam the glass back down on the table.

"Silverwing has been apprehended, he's unconscious on board the ship to be transported to custody." Pausing I raise my hand as if I'm trying to understand something, "The name Tirek cropped up once again though. He's in prison though, isn't he?"

There is a moment of silence before Luna and Celestia both nod, "He is, he's detained in Tartar-"

"-Bullshit!" I force myself to my feet again as I cut Luna off. "If that prick was in prison then I must have just met some fanboy who had a liking for his name."

"A-are you saying-"

"-That I found him? Yes I fucking did! I have a pleasant conversation about wanting control of your magic and freeing me from your shackles. It was going so well, until I decided to spit in his face." The three Princesses and Shining all look to one another with trepidation at the news that I've come across Tirek. Hobbling closer to Luna I continue to scowl as my leg threatens to give up once again, "Why the fuck did you tell me that he was in prison!? Why did you lie to me!?"

Luna doesn't respond as her gaze lowers slightly, it's only for a brief second as she immediately regains her composure. As she opens her mouth to speak I cut her off once again, "Have I not earned your trust yet? I didn't have to rejoin the military once I came here, I voluntarily joined instead of going to some boring ass life of pulling apple carts on a farm. I've put my own life at risk and have helped those around me... yet you still feel as though you cannot trust me with this small piece of information."

Celestia steps between me and her sister as she keeps her calm expression, "I was the one who told Luna that you are not to know about Tirek. I didn't believe that you needed to know about him at this time."

"Then who the fuck did you tell?"

"I told Shining Armor."

"Him!" I steps backwards as I point directly to him, "You told your own Captain yet refused to tell me!? Am I not the same rank!? Am I not just as capable, if not more then capable, to deal with Tirek!?"

Shining steps forward and pushes my hand out of his face causing me to wince slightly from my injuries, "You do not speak to the Princess like that!"

"Fuck you. You pompous, self centred cunt! I've done more then you and you've been briefed on this threat! Well let me give you a piece of vital intelligence, since you're apparently unaware, Tirek is in the Griffin Empire! Get off your fucking arse and do some work, since apparently I'm not required to know about this threat I'll leave it to you!"

"John! That's enough!" Celestia snaps causing me to turn to her once again. "Shining was informed because he has completed many tasks for us when required, we know he is capable for the job. The only reason yourself and other Captains were not informed is because we need to keep this breach in our security contained, the less who know about it the better."

My leg buckles slightly nearly making me collapse to my knees. Fighting through the pain I turn to Luna again, "What about you? Did you even want to tell me?"

Luna's eyes lock onto mine as her posture stiffens, "We... agreed that only those who needed to know about this would be informed. Though I would have preferred having the commanding officers of key units informed so they could respond if needed."

Celestia bows her head as she glances to Luna, "It was myself who decided to keep it amongst the chosen few. My sister had expressed her desires to inform you once you became aware of the name."

Rubbing my face I groan as my head seems to spin faster and faster, "S-so whenever it suits the older sister she makes all the k-key decisions? You just throw the joint... leadership out the window and proclaim 'I'm the eldest so what I say goes.'"

They remain silent as the speed of which my body moves from side to side intensifies, I tumble to the side uncontrollably and struggle to keep my footing. My stomach lurches as I feel as though I'm about to pass out, if I had to guess I'd have to say that the drugs were finally kicking into top gear. Losing the battle my legs give out as I fall to my knees and lean forward just inches away from Luna's hooves, my eyes start to drift open and closed as I try to fight the drugs.

"John," Slicer calls out as she moves to help me up, "You need to rest."

"What's wrong with him?" Luna asks as she offers me her hoof.

"I gave him some painkillers, although they seem to be having a stronger effect on him then they would for a pony." I push Luna's hoof away and rely on Slicer to help me off the ground. "He also shouldn't be mixing it with alcohol."

Once I'm standing and using Slicer as I leaning post I rub my face as I look back and forth between Celestia and Luna. "You b-both need to tell every commanding officer of Tirek... if you don't then I will." Pushing myself off of Slicer I move past the two sisters as I head for the doors, neither of them respond to me as I make my way out of the room with Slicer close behind me.

I shouldn't have snapped at Luna like that... but she refused to tell me when there was the chance of me confronting him. She should have told me! Why didn't she trust me with this information? She can't just pin this on her sister, she had the opportunity to tell me and she failed.

Stumbling through the hall way I regularly have to stop and rest against a wall to prevent myself from falling, with my head spinning I feel as though I could collapse at any moment. "John, wait a moment," Cadence's voice calls from behind me as I press the side of my head against the cold wall. Joining alongside me she looks to Slicer as her magic lifts my belongings from her back, "I'll escort the Captain back to his room."

Slicer looks between myself and Cadence before giving a small bow and leaving us in the corridor. We remain in silence until I finally push away from the wall, "What?"

"What do you think? You just burst into the room and started shouting at Luna, Celestia and Shining. Either you've been hit really hard on the head or you don't really care who you direct your anger towards."

As I move once again Cadence's magic wraps around my leg relieving some of the pressure which allows me to move at a better pace. "Well I'm kinda pissed off in all honesty. They had this information and I even told Luna that I came across then name Tirek out here, yet she doesn't tell me jack shit apart from the bull shit excuse herself and Celestia prepared claiming that he's in prison."

"Celestia and Luna had their reasons-"

"-If I was just a member of the public then I would understand, but keeping that from officers of their Guard is stupid. The officers should at least know, that way we can report any information and intelligence which comes our way. If you don't tell anyone about this then they'll just ignore anything which mentions him because 'he's in prison.'" Reaching the bottom of the stairs I pause as I let out a frustrated sigh, "I thought Luna trusted me."

Using her magic Cadence slowly lifts me just a couple of inches above the floor to carry me alongside her as she walks up the stairs. "John you can't look at this as Luna showing she can't trust you, you're taking this too personally. She has trusted you enough to let you get close to her, very few can say the same thing."

"I... maybe you're right. I still can't see why she wouldn't tell me, just because Celestia told her not to."

"Luna sometimes has difficulty speaking out against her sister, things haven't exactly been smooth sailing for them since her return."

Cocking a brow I turn my head to her, "What do you mean?"

Sighing Cadence lowers me to the floor as we reached the top of the stairs, "Things haven't been easy for them since Luna's return. A lot has changed since her banishment and she is still stuck in her old ways, compared to Celestia who has changed her views on the world over time. Luna was still talking in an outdated fashion when she first returned, using words such as 'thou' and 'tis,' she was taught how to adjust her speech in order to help her adapt."

"That doesn't exactly explain how things have been difficult."

"Luna was... surprised to learn that many of areas she ruled over had been drastically reformed. Luna used to be in command of the Guard entirely when herself and Celestia took the throne, she would take pride in maintaining discipline and order within their ranks. Following Luna's banishment Celestia disbanded many of the Guard and made many changes to those who remained, they instead acted as protectors within the borders of Equestria rather then engaging threats outside our borders."

"So Luna was in favour of the military acting in foreign lands for the nations protection?"

Cadence nods, "She was, that is why she was eager to deploy the Guard during the civil war. She would never usually push for these matters though since her return, she fears that Celestia will entirely push her out of her role as a leader should she regularly go against Celestia's wishes. To be honest, you were probably the key factor which motivated her to push for action during the war."

"Me? How?"

"In a way you were like her, from a different time where the military acted when required and headed off to battle to protect their nation. I guess she felt comfortable knowing that there was someone who has the same views as herself, if you spoke to most ponies out there I could guarantee you that they'd agree with Celestia over Luna on nearly every matter."

As we reach my room I push the door open and step straight in, the only thing which seems to have allowed me to make my way here was Cadences magic releasing some of the pressure from my leg as I walked. Spotting my bed I move straight for it and sit on the soft mattress as Cadence rests everything on the nearby dresser.

Rubbing my face I glance back to Cadence, "So Luna holds her tongue on certain matters because she fears how her sister and the general population will react?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"Does Celestia know that Luna feels this way?"

Cadence sits alongside me on the bed as she shakes her head, "Of course not, Luna would never tell Celestia. Their disagreements don't just stop at the Guard, they views still differ on many aspects such as the law and diplomatic relations with other nations. Though Celestia is willing to work with the Griffin Empire she still holds reservations due to their militaristic nature in the past, Luna however is much more comfortable with the Griffin Empire then other groups."

"The Diamond Dogs?"

"I'm sure around the time of their attack in Ponyville Luna made her opinion on them quite clear to you. Whereas Luna is not in favour of them, Celestia is regularly attempting to improve relations." Cadence sighs as she jumps off the bed and heads back to the door, "Their... rivalry on these matters will likely go on for a long time, I can guarantee you that they're likely arguing with one another right now about having shared the information sooner or on how to next deal with Tirek."

My eyes begin to close on themselves as I let out a yawn, "P-probably."

Cadence chuckles as she steps out the room, "Try to get some rest, John, you've been through a lot today. Oh, and try to stop butting head with Shining at every opportunity you get, I know you two don't get along but at least try to play nice."

"Maybe I'll try, but you've got to do one thing for me."

Cadence pauses as she looks to me in amusement, "And that is?"

A cocky grin spreads over my lips as I lie back on the bed, "Close the curtains next time you and Shining are going at it. I'd rather not see you having a suckle on his member, thank you very much."

Silence... the only sound I hear is Cadence stammering from my sudden comment. When she finally returns to our world she only chuckles as she shakes her head, "Maybe I'll have to teach Luna how to do that for you, if you play nice with Shining." Now it's my turn to stammer as I look at her in surprise. Giggling she moves into the corridor as she closes the door with her magic, "Night, John."

Being left alone in my room I try to wrap my head around everything that's happened and everything Cadence told me about Luna and Celestia's regular disagreements. If they regularly oppose one another on these matters then Luna may have wanted to tell me about Tirek, she did say that she 'would have preferred having the commanding officers of key units informed.' Celestia also said that she decided to keep the information restricted to a select few.

My head pounds as I rest back on the pillow, likely due to the drugs rather than trying to understand what has been going on between those two. Feeling completely drained I close my eyes and quickly fall into a heavy sleep.

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My eyes creak open as the moonlight shines into my room, all of my joints feel as though I've been dragged over a thousand miles over rough terrain. Letting out a pained groan I cautiously step out of bed, immediately I nearly fall over as my leg shakes violently. Moving around the bed my foot kicks my webbing causing on of the contents of the pouch to pour onto the floor, it throws out the two cigarettes, my lighter and my phone. I'm guessing that when they treated my wounds my team put everything into my webbing to keep it safe.

Struggling to lean down I retrieve the contents and place my phone in my trouser pocket before limping towards the window. Pushing the window open I sit on the windowsill as I feel the cool breeze blow over me, despite having quit last year I place a cigarette in my mouth and light it with my zippo.

Exhaling a plume of smoke I rest my head back against the window frame as I look down into the empty courtyard below, with it being the middle of the night nobody is out and about as they're most likely tucked away in bed. When I lift my head I glance towards Luna's room and notice that her window is also wide open, as I lean out slightly I try to see if she is there but can't find her.

I still feel like a complete arse for shouting at her, I guess I can still be a hothead when I get pissed off. When I turn my head back to the courtyard the sound of beating wings above me catches my attention. Looking up I find Luna overhead as she looks down at me, "John, I thought you quit smoking?"

Taking another drag on my cigarette I shake my head before, "They help me to unwind."

We both stay there in an awkward silence as I continue to smoke, "...May I come in?" I shuffle along the windowsill to allow Luna access, moving closer she moves in through the window and stands alongside me. When I glance to her I remove the cigarette from my mouth and hold it to her, "I told you before, I've only ever smoked once."

"It calms the nerves." Luna continues to look to the cigarette before taking it, with a bit too much enthusiasm she rapidly inhales causing her to enter a quick coughing fit. I laugh at her display as I shake my head, "You really haven't smoked in ages."

Continuing to cough Luna finally clears her throat, "Goodness, how do you even put up with that foul taste?"

Taking it back from her I pop it back into my mouth, "I must admit that they aren't as good as some of the brands I'd get back home but you kinda get used to it. You don't smoke for the taste."

Once again silence falls over us as we both turn our heads upwards to look to the stars. I drift my eyes from side to side as I look to the various constellations resting overhead, the countless stars potentially providing life for many other planets out there in the galaxy. Maybe Earth is amongst them somewhere out there? Earth could be still spinning within its own solar system somewhere amongst those stars, it's a possibility... right?

"I'm sorry," We both say simultaneously.

Turning my head I look back to Luna as she returns my gaze. Putting the end of the cigarette out on the windowsill I throw the stub towards the courtyard below as I spin my body to face her. "Ladies first..."

Luna lets out a sigh as her eyes shift to the sky above, "I should have told you about Tirek, I should have stood up to Celestia and told you about him. Instead I kept you in the dark and look what that achieved, you've been injured once again and Tirek is still at large. If I told you then maybe you would have been more prepared, you may had captured or killed him once you were aware of the risk he posed. I trust you, John, I really do but sometimes I... I can't go against my sister."

"I understand..." Luna's eyes meet mine. "I'm not fucking happy about it, but I understand. Cadence told me about the issues you have had since your return and that Celestia will still regularly take charge on these situations, you both are still trying to get adjusted to ruling once again. I just wish you would have told me, even if it was off the records so that I at least knew to pay attention and potentially prepare for when I encountered him."

"You've got to understand that Celestia has ruled by herself for the last millennia, returning to a joint leadership will take some adjustment for her just like I need to adjust to many social changes which have occurred in Equestria during my absence."

"Well I guess we'll just have to learn together, right?" A smile spreads over Luna's muzzle as she nods. Leaning closer she places a soft peck on my cheek, despite the soft touch I still wince in pain due to the bruising on my face. "Can you patch me up now?"

"I don't know," Luna teases. "Maybe I should leave you like that to teach you not to shout at me."

Luna's horn glows as her magical energy encases my body, the familiar tingling sensation returns as Luna's magic goes about healing my wounds. She spends about a minute concentrating as her magic goes to work, as soon as she finishes she uses the magic to peel away the bandage on my right arm showing three pin prick sized marks where I was impaled. Running my hand over my face it still feels a little tender but significantly better compared to earlier, the cut on my forehead and along my neck have even gone as well.

Standing up I test my leg, I'm able to stand with ease again but it still feels slightly stiff when I try to bend and straighten it. Removing my belt I drop my trousers and begin to remove the bandage which rests on the joint, Luna just smirks at my sudden action when I dropped my trousers in front of her. Lifting my head I grin as I catch her looking at a certain area of my lower body, "Those won't be coming down."

Luna quickly snaps back to our world as she turns her head to the side, a mild blush forming on her cheek. "Well since you always wear clothes you can't blame me for looking whenever you're wearing less."

With the bloodied bandage off I throw it to the floor as I secure my trousers once again. Sitting back against the window I look out the window, "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"Well my sister and I will be returning to Canterlot at noon, the state visit is now at an end. As for you, I take it you'll be remaining here?"

I nod, "We'll stay here until March as planned just to make sure the Children's operations cease. After that we'll come back to Ponyville."

"You mean to the Crystal Empire," Luna corrects. "The Equestria Games begin on the Third of March, and I have give yourself and your team tickets to the games, not to mention some luxury accommodation. It should be a good way for you to relax for two weeks, not to mention we should be able to spend some more time together."

"Two weeks in the Crystal Empire watching sports? As long as you have a few decent events I'm sure I'll live, though I doubt they'll be as interesting as some of ours."

"They can't be that different."

"I bet you guys don't even have rugby. The sport of no responsibility, if someone passes you the ball you throw it away to somebody else before someone breaks your legs." Catching Luna's expression I correct myself, "I'm over exaggerating, they won't really break your legs."

"Maybe you should show us some human sports?"

Could ponies even play half of our sports? Rugby wouldn't likely work since they won't be able to hold the ball and run. Basket ball will have a similar issue since they won't be able to dribble with the ball. They may be able to play cricket, though it's a long game and not exactly the most interesting game if you're not a fan of the sport. Football may be the better bet, they can at least kick the ball with their hooves, as long as they don't pick it up then it should be similar to playing football back home.

Standing up I let out a long yawn as I wander over to my bed, "I suppose I can give it a shot. If it doesn't work then I'll do what every other squaddie does and get totally shit faced, I need a good drinking session."

Luna chuckles as she stands, "The casual alcoholic going for drinks? I never would have guessed." Turning back to the window Luna stretches out her wings, "Don't forget you still need to pay up for the bet you lost, we'll have a day just for that. Goodnight, John." With that she jumps out the window and drifts towards her room as her magic closes the window.

Stripping down to my boxers I climb into bed and rest my head back against the pillow, despite getting some sleep I still feel absolutely exhausted. I'll go in to check on Gabrielle since she'll likely be awake in the morning, then I'll have to get everyone back to Fulwood to return to our work for the next couple of weeks. Before that though I'll have to speak to the Prime Minister tomorrow to see what's being done about Silverwing.

I wonder if the Griffin Empire has capital punishment?

Author's Notes:

Dying Embers' first fan art has now been completed
Courtesy of my good friend Zintenka. (Who also kindly made the cover art for the story)

Displaying the scene from Chapter 44 - New Year's Eve, It shows John Davies and Shining Armor locked in their arm wrestling match with Luna giving John a little help.

I think it has turned out fairly well and can't wait to see if any more is released in the future.
Feel free to check out his DeviantArt page : http://zintenka.deviantart.com

Thanks again to everyone for reading and for your continued support, without you and your messages of support this project would have been scrapped long ago.

Thanks for reading and as always I hope you enjoy.