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Things were quiet. Even up in my loft, there was little sound to be picked up from down the stairs. The lighting outside was poor. No rain, but the clouds were thick with a gloomy gray. And yet, there were a few gaps that were allowing the late morning light to shine through with some truly beautiful crepuscular rays shine through the gaps. It was almost...comforting. Like a literal ray of hope shining through the few gaps in the dread that was plaguing us all. And I needed all the hope I could get.

The only constant company I had beside me was Maud Pie. But she was being exceptionally silent. Even by her own stoic standards. And I could not bring myself to speak either. I knew what was on her mind. And I was having the same thoughts. It would not be long now. Today would be the day. When everything would be decided in this war. And no matter what was said to me the day prior, or what was requested of me...

This would be my last day. I knew this. I wanted to deny it for their sake. For those who wanted to see me return alive. But that was just a pleasant lie in the face of a grim reality. I was sure of it. But for them... For those who would be crushed, I had to play along. I would lie to them to keep their hope alive, but I would not lie to myself. I could not.

My eyes were directed at the ceiling. This was not how I wanted things to end. I am not a warrior. Never have been. The battlefield is no place for someone like me. I should have met my end at home. Preferably passing in my sleep during the night. But out here... I took some comfort in knowing how this would play out. My end would preserve Equestria for the rest of history. The connection with the world of my birth would be severed. Equestria would remain untainted by human sin. The innocence of this wonderful world would remain intact. That...is something worth dying for. Something that one could never get back once it was gone. What is the loss of one man in the face of sustaining the closest thing to a genuine paradise in reality?

After too long of me remaining silent, Maud finally stepped closer. Her stoic eyes and face hid her true emotions deep even as she spoke to me. "What's on your mind?"

Maud had always been stalwart, even in the face of recent events. I felt I could speak honestly and she would be understanding about it. My eyes closed as I tried to find peace in the moment. "I'm just glad it's almost over... I'm trying to come to terms with knowing this is the end..."

"Yeah... I know you'll succeed out there... I believe in you." Maud said with her usual soft yet wooden tone. She did sound vaguely hopeful.

"Yeah... I will. It all ends today." I said with a long sigh. And a smile formed on my lips. A very bitter smile. I was coming to terms with my lot in this war, but that did not mean I had to be happy about it. "Today...the emperor falls. And everything can go back to normal. Everyone can start healing. And they can start forgetting about this whole mess..."

Maud started to pick up on the implications of what I saying. She was always too smart and observant for her own good. "You make it sound like you won't be there to see it..."

I turned my gaze to Maud and just stared at her. I felt so tired in more ways than one. Her eyes...slowly widened. They still looked stoic and relaxed, but there was a subtle look of shock in them. And bit by bit, I saw them. Tears building at the edges of her eyes that soon spilled over. Her face was like stone, but the tears told me everything. "You're really sure you won't be coming back..."

"There's no tomorrow for me, Maud... I'm convinced of that." I muttered while having difficulty looking her in the eye. She was upset and I had responsible for it. "It was great getting to know you, Maud... Thanks for being here with me when I needed you most."

I expected some sort of verbal response. Even just a small sentence of words. But slowly, Maud raised her hooves to her face and bowed her head into them. She was silent. Disturbingly so. But I could see the tears still falling to the floor. They kept flowing profusely. A mask of stone hiding a storm of grief. I had to at least say something. "I'm sorry I won't be there this holiday season... Tell Marble I appreciated her being kind to me. She was...lovely."

"Stop it... It...hurts so much..." Maud demanded with her voice hiding what was truly going on in her head. I could see her teeth bared. Her breathing was unsteady. I think she wanted to openly weep, but could not. Something was holding her back. I could see her throat clenching. Even behind that stoic gaze, her heart still felt joy, rage, and sorrow the same as anyone else. And to see her in sorrow...was painful to watch.

In time, Maud climbed into bed with me and rested by my side. She buried her face into my chest while all I could do was rest a hand over her hoof. I almost expected her to at least try to reassure me with kind words. But those words never came. She never once tried to refute my grim expectations for the outcome of this war. It was a lie she could not tell herself.

Before much longer, there was a knock at the door. And the voice behind it was one I knew well. "Hello? Is there still time?"

"Sky Beak... Let him in, please." I muttered while Maud hurried to dry her tears. She went to the door without a word and unlocked it. And in stepped that wonderful stallion still clad in his golden armor. Although he was also carrying a type of bag in one hand that appeared designed for carrying bottles and their drinkware. He gazed upon me with such a sad smile on his beak. Sky Beak was more emotionally composed than the last time I saw him, but it still hurt to see someone he considers his own child in such a sorry state. "Hey there, papa bird..."

He said nothing at first while Maud locked the door behind him. He strode right over to me while setting the bag aside before draping himself across me for a feathery embrace. "You look and sound more aware than last time..."

"I guess I do... The first day after is always the worst, I think..." I muttered while noticing that he was not wrong. At the very least, I did not feel quite as dazed as when I was in the infirmary. I glanced past him at the bag beside the bed and asked, "What's in the bag?"

"Your favorite." Sky Beak replied while pushing himself off me to sit beside the bed. He unzipped the bag and reached in to pull out a bottle of a brand of whisky I like. I was pleased to see what he offered, but I understood why. He was offering me one last drink. "Here, let me help you there."

With how I was laid up in bed, Sky Beak did not want to take any risks in spilling that expensive liquor onto me. He poured some in a shot glass to the brim and very carefully helped me lift my head higher with his other hand. I held my breath before he carefully brought the glass to my lips and managed to pour the entire glass down my throat. I felt that familiar burn, but also recognized that potent and bold country brew on my tongue. Powerful and not at all sweet, but still satisfying. I coughed lightly, but still smiled at my papa bird. "Thanks... I needed that."

"Anytime, my boy. But just one. We need you to have a clear head for later." Sky Beak replied before pouring another shot of whisky into the glass and gulping the contents down himself. He pounded his fist into his neck right above his gilded breastplate and cleared his throat loudly. "Has...quite the bite to it, huh? At least it gets you the results."

We both then looked over at Maud while she watched from nearby. She was quiet as always, but Sky Beak was quick to hold the bottle out to her. "Would you care for one too?"

"I'd like to, but...I really shouldn't. I tend to scare people when I drink." Maud replied without much hesitation. When considering where she came from, I was assuming she had a taste for hard drinks from the countryside.

"You...do? Are you an angry drunk?" I asked in curiosity while even Sky Beak appeared puzzled. I am not certain how much he had gotten to know Maud, but her being overtly intimidating sounded absurd.

Maud then explained, "When I drink, I...become more like Pinkie Pie. I get louder. I start talking more. I'm like...a completely different mare. I might disturb you if I drink too much."

"You mean...when you drink, all your inhibitions disappear and we get to see what's really going on in your head." I retorted as I suddenly realized what that meant. I always knew there was something different about Maud. Being stoic and not one for talking much is one thing, but it was abundantly clear that something else was the case with Maud. And it sounded like even whatever it was that was causing her excessively stoic behavior would crumble in the presence of alcohol. But that did not sound like a bad thing. "I...kind of wanna see that."

"You...do?" Maud asked while I noticed her raise an eyebrow. I had only known Maud through the stony facade she always displays. What would I see if the influence of alcohol caused that mask to come off? Maud then averted her eyes and said, "Um... I guess... If you really want to see that..."

Sky Beak held out the shot glass and bottle of whisky to my friend. Although Maud then gently pushed it away and spoke while looking at me. "I'll show you this holiday season. If you make it."

Was she trying to give me more incentive to see my survival as being more likely? I suppose seeing Maud getting tipsy and really start showing what was going on in her head was something to strive for. All I could do was nod halfheartedly. I could not say yes, but I was not going to turn her down either.

Having had our fill of drink, Sky Beak placed the goods back in the bag before securing the zipper on it. He cast his gaze past me and smiled noticeably. I saw why. The two pillows his son and daughter had put together for me. When I turned my head to have them right in my face, I could notice the faint scent of bird feathers in them. I then asked carefully, "Do they know you're staying?"

He lowered his gaze before speaking softly. "The Alabaster's communications officer forwarded a notice to all of our kin back home to inform them of the situation. Just in case we don't make it..."

For the first time ever, I felt a twinge of disappointment in the closest thing I had to a father in this world. I reached out and took hold of his hand while it rested on my bed. My firm grip caught his attention, forcing Sky Beak to look at me while I spoke to him. "No... Don't do this to them. Don't make poor Ocean a widow... If Silverstream and Terramar have to grow up without their dad because of me, I don't know how I'll live with myself."

Sky Beak tried to speak, but he could not even try to find a retort. I understood his reasons. They were all staying for my sake. And I deeply appreciated that. But they still had family back home on Capricorn Island. And so I demanded, "If things get bad... If this all falls apart and the enemy breach the walls, I want you and your comrades to flee. Fly away. Go home alive. Please. Don't go down with the ship if it sinks, all right?"

He nodded without a word. I could see how torn Sky Beak was on the issue. He desperately did not want to abandon me and all those I had served with, but I did not want him to not return home alive to his family. At least he was listening to me. My heart sinking as I realized what I was asking, I then said, "And...when you see them, tell them... Tell them I was honored to be considered a part of their family."

"The kids will be crushed if they find out you didn't make it... Especially poor Silverstream. She considers you her best friend, you know." Sky Beak said with his hand tightening its grasp around my own. I looked at the pillow her shed feathers had been packed inside. I missed that joyous little lady more than ever... Her boundless joy and eagerness to make me smile... How she craved my touch for those wonderful enjoyable scritches... I missed my pretty bird.

"Silverstream was always such a good girl..." I muttered while closing my eyes. I could almost feel her feathery touch. I even remembered how she chased down the Olympia just to really say goodbye to me. The last thing she ever said to my face was that I am her best friend. I then sighed before looking up at my precious friend's father. "Tell her for me if I don't make it back. Tell her I missed her bad."

Sky Beak nodded once again. I decided to not pursue that topic any further. I did not want to keep reminding him of the fact that the man he had come to love like a son may not live to see tomorrow. It was also around then that the whisky started to really get to me. The tears started coming more easily. Not enough to openly weep, but enough that I needed to wipe my eyes. But there was one more request I had on my mind. One that needed to be said. "And...if you do have to retreat... Please visit Ponyville on your way back. I want you to find and meet Fluttershy and Gladesong."

"Them? Why?" Sky Beak asked with some confusion. It was a strange request for certain. Just asking someone to meet somebody else? Not a request with much weight behind it.

It was then I revealed the main reason why I wanted him to see my wife and children. "Because Gladesong is your granddaughter."

Sky Beak's eyes opened wide and stared blankly as he took a moment to process this. I found myself grinning at how dumbfounded he look. If he was technically my father, then my children are his grandchildren as well. He soon held a hand over his beak while trying to not snicker in bemusement. "Yes... Yes, of course I'd want to meet my grandkids... Even if it happened a lot sooner than I ever thought it would."

"She'll love you. Really." I chuckled before the sudden remembrance of the filly I sired myself brought tears to my eyes. Very seldom had Gladesong ever been on my mind during the war. I had other things to focus on. But now...I missed my baby girl more than ever. If I did not make it... Would she even remember me? Tears forming in my eyes, no doubt thanks to the whisky in me, I then pleaded, "And tell her... Tell her and her big sister that their father loved them...and was sorry he couldn't make it home."

"Oh lord, I don't... I don't know if I can do that... I'm not ready for that..." Sky Beak muttered while having difficulty looking at me. But he soon sighed harshly and said, "I'll do it... I'll do it for you. I'll make sure they know."

"Look after them too... Please. Be there for them when you can." I replied before I finally broke. Having to acknowledge and process the context...of leaving my family in the care of another because I would not be able to return to them... It hit me harder than I ever could have imagined. And Sky Beak understood. He draped himself over me in a feathery embrace as I sobbed lightly. I hated this... I hated everything about this wretched situation. What I would give to just go home like nothing ever happened...

There was a knock at the door when my tears began to slow. Maud was quick to answer it since I was well guarded by then. And I was most pleased with who I saw enter. Beautiful blue scales covered in white bandages here and there, Ember had arrived. The Dragon Lord asked softly, "Am I interrupting anything?"

"Oh, not at all... It's good to have you here, Dragon Lord." Sky Beak replied while we tried to hide our tears. We failed. That frown upon her face told us that Ember knew what had been going on behind the door. Sky Beak then asked, "What's happening?"

"It's...almost time. They're just waiting on one of the medics to show up and disconnect him." Ember spoke somberly. As soon as she stepped forward, Maud hurried down the stairs and out of sight...at an unusually swift pace. I suppose she knew she was no longer needed now that there was no reason for anyone to even try to make an attempt on my life. I would be out of their hair soon enough. And yet...Maud's silent haste carried the implication that she did not want to be there to see what was about to happen.

Sky Beak responded in a fitting manner. He suddenly secured his grasp around my hand even more tightly. As if in defiance of what he had just been told. Ember stepped forward while her eyes drifted to me and then back to the stallion between us. "How's your boy?"

Ember knew. She had been introduced to Sky Beak before and knew of the connections between the two of us. Almost mournfully, my papa bird said, "I...think he's ready... He's awake and aware. He's talking just fine. Has a strong grip. Knows what's happening around him..."

"Good to hear..." Ember muttered with barely more than a whisper. When those beautiful scarlet eyes fell upon me, she stepped forward with an unsteady pace. Ember was still exhausted. A night of sleep did little to soothe her emotionally ravaged body. Only then did Sky Beak release me from his grasp. He knew I was in good hands if Ember was by my side.

My father watched as my beloved kneeled beside me and took my hand into hers. There was no joy in his eyes. And those eyes soon closed as he bowed his head. Ember soon whispered, "I wish there was another way..."

"We all do..." I muttered as I gazed into her eyes. She just looked so tired... Too tired to even cry. All that warrior spirit had been replaced by a profound fatigue. Ember just wanted this whole mess to be over and done with. And Ember was one of the few I just could not bring myself to lie to. "I'm sorry...I probably won't make it back... I'm not expecting to see tomorrow."

"If I lose you now, I have no future to look forward to..." Ember muttered as her grasp tightened around my hand, her other hand reaching out to my face. Only then did I see the tears starting to build around the edges of her eyes. "I know it's foolish... I shouldn't be betting everything on just one outcome... But I can't help it. You're the world to me... And my world will die with you out there... There's too much at stake here. You've always given me hope... How can I see the future without that hope?"

I began to feel...a horrible form of regret sprouting in my heart. I began to wish I had never found my way to the dragon lands in the first place. I should have never met Ember. I should never have fallen in love with her. Should never have been kind to her... Because now she loved me as much as I loved her...and that love would break her forever once I was gone. And I could not tell her that.

Was Ember too keen on what was in my heart? When I started to turn my gaze away from her, she tightened her grasp around my hand. "No... No, don't you look away from me now. Look at me... Listen to me!"

Those words... I could not refuse them. I obeyed her plea and turned my head so that my eyes were once again aligned with hers. And Ember smiled at me. "See? You do listen... You're the only one who ever listened."

This reminder clashed hard with my doubts. Was it a mistake to have found Ember or not? Was it a mistake to have been so kind to her? To have...fallen so deeply in love with her while letting her fall in love with me? Was it a strength or a weakness? I just did not know anymore...

But Ember knew. And she cradled my face between her hands while Sky Beak could only watch. "It terrifies me to wonder what I would be doing now if we never found each other... Nothing would've changed in the dragon lands. No progress. No respect from my people. Decade after decade of misery... Without you...nothing would've changed. But you came to me that day. And you...gave me so much..."

"Ember... Please..." I tried to tell her to stop. The tears were building at my eyes. But I could not tell her to stop. And when the tears spilled forth from her eyes, so did mine as my throat clenched in sorrow.

Her fingers sliding back and forth under my jaw to caress me, Ember whispered such beautiful words to me. "You saved me, James... You saved me from an impossible situation where I saw no way out. And I would go through ten more wars like this over centuries of what things were like before. I will follow you through whatever comes next. I will pursue you through the wastelands beyond... I am grateful...for what you have given me..."

It was at this point that words failed us both. We embraced as the tears flowed. And Sky Beak stood by patiently. I prayed. I hoped that should I not survive, Ember would still find the means to carry on. That someone or something would be there for her if I could not. She deserved to be happy and loved...even if not from me. Although Sky Beak did try to speak up to add at least a little levity. "That's...quite the grandiose delivery, Dragon Lord. You have such a way with words."

"Only when it comes to this man..." Ember retorted with a noticeably sheepish grin on her lips. Everything she said carried such profound weight to it that I doubt her own subordinates would believe she ever said it. Ember never had much of a royal air about her. Much more down to earth than most monarchs. Her embrace loosening, she looked at the only father I had in the world of Equestria. "I just have to say...you raised your boy into a wonderful man here... Best man I know."

"Oh, that's an easy mistake to make. I mean I didn't sire him. Although I would've loved to have seen him hatch under my watch, but I love this boy all the same." Sky Beak said jokingly to add even more levity to the situation.

"Wait, humans don't hatch from eggs... Do they?" Ember asked with noticeable confusion in her eyes as she sat up beside me.

"No. They don't." I snorted while failing to hide a chuckle. Although I then asked, "But...I'm pretty sure hippogriffs don't hatch from eggs... Do they?"

"Ha! You'd be surprised how many tourists ask where all the eggs are kept!" Sky Beak chuckled loudly before clearing his throat to compose himself. "No, hippogriff foals don't come from eggs. Not like the body of a mare is designed to produce them anyway. I was there for the birth of Silverstream and Terramar and I assure you I saw them open their eyes seconds after leaving Ocean. I mean yes, I get that there's a lot of bird in us, but we're still stallions and mares. And I'm pretty sure mares never laid eggs."

"They really don't... Pretty sure griffons don't either. They're all feline down there. Harpies though... Probably?" I replied while letting myself do some brainstorming. Griffons are entirely feline below the neck. Therefore the womb of a hen would be feline too, resulting in birthing of their young in a mammalian fashion. As for the harpies, I am certain their are entirely avian. Eggs are probably the norm for them. And then I realized how well my brain was working to let me think so critically. Definitely a good sign in spite of my injuries.

"Weird conversation topic this veered into..." Ember muttered with a very dry tone. Although she did appear amused that we found a way to lighten up the mood. The Dragon Lord then glanced towards the door leading downstairs. I too could hear something, but it was too muffled by all the walls in the way. She then looked back to me with her hand resting upon mine. "Sounds like they're coming up soon. I'll see you in a little while."

"Sure..." I mumbled as that levity in the air began to dissipate far too quickly. Ember departed in a hurry, although she looked more determined than upset. I set my head back down and gazed at the ceiling. It would not be long now.

Sky Beak approached me and sat at my bedside while casting a glance at the door that had closed behind our guest. He then cast me a somber smile while glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. "She would've made a fine wife for you..."

I suppose it should not have been surprising for hi to notice the romantic tension between Ember and I. The attraction between us is so mutual that it must be difficult to not notice for anyone with experience in relationships. And I did not try to deny this. "She's the...best thing to happen to me ever since I left home... I wouldn't have made it this far without Ember."

"I can tell. She doesn't come across as the most eloquent woman. But the way she spilled her heart out to you... She's crazy about you, I can tell. You're both very happy when you're together." Sky Beak replied while his smile became so mournful. He then said, "I'm surprised she...never said she loved you... It seemed like a good time to say it."

"She can't, papa bird. It's just how dragon courtship works. When they declare their love for another, the response is final. Yes or no, it's forever. It's too dangerous to say things like that during warfare..." I explained in brief since I had been educated in how the heart of a dragon works. I knew she wanted to tell me. And I wanted to tell her. But we could not... And I believe we should not.

Sky Beak let out a quiet whistle as he contemplated what I said. "Wow... And I thought we hippogriffs are a bunch of lovebirds. Sounds like dragons take romance even more seriously than we do. But for her to talk like that to you... I'm shocked she hasn't at least approached you on it yet."

A long sigh escaped my lips as I found myself unable to look at him. For as much as I love Ember, I knew I should not say it to her face. "It's for the best, papa bird... I know I'm not good enough for her anyway... Not after all that's happened. Not like her people would ever accept me anyway..."

I expected an immediate retort from him. An act of fatherly support to reassure me that I was wrong. But Sky Beak hesitated for several seconds before he asked, "Did she ever tell you that you would never be good for her?"

"She's the Dragon Lord, papa bird. She can't just let herself fall for anyone. I've endangered her world and her people. I dread to imagine how Earth's evils will influence them in the long run..." I muttered weakly as I was starting to think that he would never understand where I was coming from. As much as I love Ember, it should not ever be.

"James..." My fathered whispered before he rested his hand upon my brow. He then smiled reassuringly at me and said, "Come on... She wants you. Everything she said a minute ago? That all came from the heart. Aren't dragon's supposed to be very open with what's in their heart towards the target of their affection? And besides, if you're good enough for Queen Novo, you're surely good enough for the Dragon Lord."

For once, I could not contest this. I had no idea how to respond. Sky Beak rubbed his thumb over my brow and whispered, "I think the whole mess surrounding this war is just messing with your head. Wait until you get back home and clear your thoughts. This is a bad time to be talking about when to go on a date with your new sweetheart anyway."

"I...guess that makes sense..." I muttered while just trying to get my mind off of what was in my heart. I had a mission to carry out. Or I would in a very short while. And it was right then that I heard the sound of hooves coming up the stairs. Too many for just one pony.

The door opened as Sky Beak took a step back. In stepped the very same medic I had spoken to during my brief stay in the infirmary. And right behind them was none other than Orbash and Sunflare themselves. Sky Beak immediately bowed his head towards the true sovereigns of Equestria. "Your majesties."

"Good to see you with your boy, Sky Beak. As a fellow father, I commend you." Orbash replied while actually managing to crack a pleasant smile in spite of the dour situation we found ourselves in. The moon king then glanced my way and said, "You've raised a good man out of that boy. I'd say we're richer for knowing him."

Sunflare started to scowl in suspicious caution as Sky Beak started to provide a retort to the kind king. "Oh, he's grown so much in just the past few months! From a fluffy little thing into...something so much less fluffy. They grow up so fast these days..."

"Oh no, there's two of them now..." Sunflare groaned while the two papa stallions burst into unexpected laughter. Even I found myself cracking a grin while failing to suppress a snicker. Orbash and Sky Beak... Those two stallions have a surprising amount of things in common with each other.

Sky Beak wiped his eye, somehow shedding a single tear from that burst of joy. He then explained, "I don't think I really need to explain that he isn't really mine... But he is in all the ways that matter. I love my boy. Is he a good friend to you too, your majesty?"

Orbash's smile faltered just slightly, becoming more somber while watching the medic go about the machines that were hooked up to me. I felt the sting of having needles withdrawn from my arm while the entry points were promptly sterilized and bandaged. "Oh, more than just a friend... Not quite like a son to me. Not yet, but perhaps someday... Do you know what it's like to have a son, Sky Beak?"

"I do. Both my boy here and my boy back home. They both make me proud." Sky Beak explained briefly while Orbash could only smile kindly at him. I was left wondering as I observed them... I finally found a wonderful father in the form of Sky Beak. But would the wonderful king of Equestria himself... For lack of a better term, would I have two daddies before long?

As the medic continued to check me to see if there was anything else on my body that needed to be addressed before my deployment, Sky Beak had a more solemn question to ask. "You'll make sure he survives, right?"

Sunflare turned to face him with eyes of unease. "We will do what we can. Even we can't touch the emperor now. Our magic is useless. Orbash and I are to escort this man to the Heaven's Pillar. He will face the emperor while we insure there will be no interruptions. Once the deed is done, we will do what we can to escort him back safely."

Sky Beak had difficulty looking at the sun queen. He wanted to believe that this mission would be carried out without a hitch, but he could not have that kind of faith. Not after that last battle. It was then that the medic left my side ad said, "That should do it... Although I cannot recommend against this course of action enough, your majesties. He shouldn't even be on his feet at this time."

"We are aware of this, doctor. But whatever choice do we have?" Sunflare replied while trying to maintain a tone of stalwart resolve. The medic departed without a word, his work done and his suggestions meaningless. Sunflare then asked me with her voice softening, "Can you sit up?"

"Maybe..." I tried to plant my arms down to push myself up, but any effort that would cause my blood pressure to rise only dazed me. As if vertigo could be induced by performing actions that trigger fluctuations in the blood flow to my head. I closed my eyes and relaxed, the world feeling so unsteady. "Can't... Everything starts to spin when I try..."

"Here, allow us." Orbash replied while he and Sunflare cast their magic upon me. With my body wrapped in their auras, they used the levitation spell to force me to sit up without any effort on my part. This went much more smoothly and I soon found myself sitting at the side of my bed. Even while not lying down, I felt relatively fine as long as I did not have to exert myself. "Now then..."

Orbash used the levitation spell to bring over the tub that held my liquefied armor. I gazed down listlessly at the swirling blues and whites. I then asked, "I just...put it on? Will it help?"

"I assume that it will enhance your stamina enough to get you to the herbalist down the lane. It does do that, yes?" Orbash asked in return. And he was right. My armor's enchantments do enhance my endurance and even my general strength to some degree. It might be enough to counteract my weakness.

Seeing the logic in this, I dipped my hand into the tub. The liquid metal crawled over my arm and then over the rest of me like so many times before. In moments, I was clad in a familiar suit of winged plate armor. Sky Beak then asked, "Can you stand?"

"Let's see..." I mumbled as I braced my armored hands on the bed. Now that I felt weaker than I probably was, I became aware of just how much my armor did for me. I effortlessly rose to my feet without much of a rush to my head. I held my arms out for balance and was left surprised at the fact that I was back on my feet. Just that alone was inspiring. "OK... At least when I'm suited up, I'm pretty stable."

Everyone in the room looked more reassured now that it became clear my armor was able to compensate for any physical weakness I was displaying. Sky Beak then reached for my helmet and passed it to me. I looked it over and found no trace of the dent on the backside where that hammer had cracked my skull. It had been restored to pristine condition like the rest of my gear. Although Sunflare then took it out of my grasp for the moment. "Not yet. Not until you've been prepared."

"OK... Lead on." I muttered now that I knew it was time. The king and queen led me down the stairs while I very carefully followed. Standing was easy. It was the act of carrying myself forward that started to mess with my head. Sky Beak stayed right behind me and was ready to catch me if I fell back. And once we entered the common area, I was greeted by a sight I was not ready for. "Hey, girls..."

Ocellus and Smolder were seated at the main table in the room, the little Changeling still wearing her dragon disguise. And the very sight of me in armor triggered an unusual response. Smolder asked as they stood up, "Wait... If you're all suited up, does that mean you're OK now?"

"No... He's still got the bandages on his head." Ocellus pointed out with her hand raised. She then asked with a look of shock in her eyes, "You're... You're not really going out there like this, are you?"

Orbash spoke up before the two little ladies could become too upset. "Our herbalist friend has a potent brew ready that should nullify the symptoms of his injuries. Before long, he will be just fine and ready to take up the sword like nothing happened."

I assumed that was exactly what the plan would be. Although Smolder did not look so convinced. Neither of them did, but Smolder's eyes narrowed into a very accusatory scowl. "He's still hurt... Why're you doing this to him?"

"Girls... We're out of options and out of time. Only I can handle this." I explained in brief before very carefully lowering myself to a knee. I hoped I could calm them with a farewell embrace. And they very readily stepped into my arms. "You're all gonna be all right... It's almost over. Today, the war ends."

"You really sound sure of it..." Ocellus muttered with a somewhat relieved tone. But then she asked a question I was not prepared for. One I could not answer. "You'll make it back just fine, right?"

I could not lie. Not to them. But I could not speak the truth either. And Smolder was quick to pick up on my silence. She looked me in the eye and asked, "You're gonna make it... Right?"

I turned away. I could not lie to my little beloved's face. And she took this as a horrible sign. Smolder pushed herself out of my embrace and turned to Orbash and Sunflare. On the verge of tears, she then demanded answers. "He's gonna make it back, right? Right?!"

Not even Sunflare could bring herself to speak the awful truth. Ocellus looked at me in pleading silence, unable to bring herself to say anything. Her voice breaking, Smolder then stomped her foot as she all but yelled at my royal escorts. "You're not seriously sending him out there to die, right?! I can't lose him! I came out here just to find him! Not to... To... What...did you do..."

Smolder's softening tone in spite of her frustration caught my eye. Ocellus suddenly leaned more heavily into my embrace as well. And then I saw it. Orbash's horns coated by his silver magic aura. Smolder could only barely remain standing as she started to turn to me. Tears starting to flow down her face, she staggered into my arms as she muttered one last time. "Don't...go..."

They were asleep. I could hear the two little ladies quietly snoring in my embrace. I looked at Orbash while he sighed in glum resignation. "They were becoming upset... It would've gotten ugly had I not instilled them with slumber."

As much as I hated having no time to properly say goodbye, I understood why he did that. The situation was bad enough as is. We did not need two young ladies having massive meltdowns on top of that. But as I held the two sleeping girls in my arms, I suddenly had a realization. "They... They'll make it out of here if something goes wrong, right?"

"They will." I heard a voice speak as Celestia entered the room. She then explained, "They absolutely must be evacuated if the enemy is to breach our defenses. They're young. They shouldn't even be out here in the first place. Were it not for the delicate nature of their skills being used in the war effort and the...unusual circumstances they came here in, their presence would be a violation of enlistment laws. I have contacted Celaeno and she has agreed to ferry them to safety with the rest of her passengers. No matter what happens, they will make it home safely."

"Thank you..." I muttered with a relieved sigh. I then looked down at the two dragonesses in my arms and kissed them both on the head. "I'm sorry... I wish it didn't have to be this way... Find happiness if I don't make it back... You'll be all right..."

Sky Beak stepped forward and rested his hand upon my pauldron. When I looked up at him, he tried to smile at me. "I'll look after them. If I have to, I'll even take them home with me. I swear they'll be very happy on Capricorn Island."

I took a moment to contemplate this offer. Smolder and Ocellus can both fly. Smolder would definitely enjoy the cuisine of the hippogriff homeland. And there would be plenty of love and positive vibes for Ocellus to sustain herself on. And from what I have seen, the hippogriffs barely have any idea Changelings even exist. In the event her cover happens to be blown, they would likely give her the benefit of the doubt. Especially since Novo knows and is on good terms with the little love bug. I found myself smiling, even if just slightly. "That sounds like a good idea. They'd get along just fine at your place."

"You really shouldn't be so happy about that... It makes it sound like you really won't be making it back." Sky Beak said much more somberly. I noticed him tighten his grip on my pauldron. "Please... At least try. I don't want to tell Ocean and the kids that you just...gave up out there. I'd much rather tell them you fought fang and claw to make it back alive."

This actually got me. My eyes opened wide in realization. As resigned as I was to my fate, I suddenly realized I was in danger of disappointing the only father I had in that world. And his approval was one I found myself fearing losing. As I gently lowered the two slumbering girls in my arms to the floor, I nodded and sighed. "I'll...do what I can..."

"Thank you, my boy..." Sky Beak muttered before he lowered his head beside mine. He nuzzled his beak to my cheek in a tender show of avian affection. But he then suddenly raised his head to gaze down the hall leading to the private chambers of our top officers. "Your highness...?"

I noticed the sound of someone approaching. And as I rose to my feet, I was stunned by what I was seeing. Luna was escorting a visibly bandaged Nightmare Moon as the Princess of Dreams pulled along any machines she was hooked up to that happened to be on wheels. Luna quickly declared, "She will not take no for an answer."

"Child, what are you doing out of bed? You must rest. You are far from healed after such horrors upon the battlefield." Sunflare spoke firmly, yet with a tone of concern in her voice. Any and all bitterness she once addressed Nightmare Moon with was long gone by then.

"I am well enough to stand, Mother. And I would be remiss to not do this..." Nightmare Moon retorted before she stepped over to me. We gazed upon each other as her focused gaze betrayed how arduous it must have been just to walk out of her room. Let alone while still dragging all that stuff with her. "This just might be it... I thought for certain this war would go well enough when I set out..."

"War never ends well... Let's hope this will be the last Equestria ever sees." I replied while my hand rose to her jaw to caress her. I tried to hide my heart, once again feeling a sense of loss knowing that we could never truly have each other. My eyes surveyed the many bandaged wounds on her body, knowing that evacuating the wounded was a priority. "At least you'll be getting out of here. Pretty sure they're about to..."

"No. I am staying." Nightmare Moon spoke boldly without the slightest flinching in her voice. Her eyes narrowed in stubborn defiance at me even suggesting that.

Luna was jarred by this revelation. She looked back and forth at her sisters as she stammered, "Wha... Excuse me?! Sister, I thought we secured you safe passage back to... Celestia, do you know of this?!"

All eyes fell upon the Princess of the Dawn. And she could not look directly at anyone. "She has made her decision."

Nightmare Moon took another step towards me as her eyes locked with mine. "Did you forget what I said to you weeks ago? When I joined you upon the Empty Plains when no one else dared to follow you? I will not retreat. We live and die together. I will not return home without you. For how will I ever find my way back without my guiding light?"

The subtext in her words did not register with Sky Beak, but her sisters and parents knew. It was an open secret by then, I am sure. There was no hiding the love Nightmare Moon and I share with each other. And I knew there would be no convincing her otherwise. I knew how much value I had to her, even if I could not share the sentiment. She gently touched her horn to my head as I whispered, "If I go first, I'll be waiting for you..."

"And right behind you I shall be, my champion." The Princess of Dreams spoke softly before her nose lightly touched itself to mine. She then turned to her parents and said, "I leave him in your hooves... Please do see to it he survives."

"We shall do all we can, my dear. Your mother and I won't let them take him so long as we have any say in the matter." Orbash declared while reaching out to give his youngest daughter a tender nuzzle. And while they shared no words, Nightmare Moon also shared one last nuzzle with her mother. And I felt myself choke up suddenly upon realizing the subtext of the moment. If I did not make it, Nightmare Moon would let the enemy take her if they arrived. This very well...could be the last time the king and queen would ever see her alive.

I held my tears as Nightmare Moon departed back down the hall to return to her chambers. Only then did Sky Beak depart. Possibly to regroup with his fellow archers. But even though I hid my tears, Sunflare was quick to notice my quivering eyes. "What is wrong, child?"

I sighed harshly to try and steady my nerves. With my eyes focused upon the sun queen, I then said, "Thank you for being kind to her."

A mournful smile crossed Sunflare's lips. "She has defied everything about her legacy. She proved to us all that what we believed to be a demon was just another princess waiting to find her place on the throne beside her sisters. I only wish I could have allowed myself to see that sooner..."

It was time to depart. But my eyes then fell upon Celestia and Luna. Neither of us could find the words we wanted to say. At least until Luna found the will to speak first. "We never wanted this for you... We wanted you to serve as the herald of humanity's return... Not to serve as a sacrifice for the preservation of Equestria's very way of life...It's not fair, my friend... Not fair at all..."

Two years. It had only been two years since I learned of the purpose behind my presence in Equestria. And yet, it felt like the day was half a lifetime ago. I learned bits and pieces regarding the history of humanity in the world of Equestria. The faintest clues of why humans no longer existed in this world. And now...the final chapter on that sordid affair was about to be closed. And despite everything, I did not feel any regret over my fate. Not after what I had found in those two precious years. "Our time together was short...but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Luna was uneasy, but Celestia looked to be on the brink of tears. I found myself genuinely smiling as I thought back on those two years. "You could've brought anyone else to this world, but you chose me. And...I don't think I can ever repay you for that. I found friends... I found love... I found a world worth fighting for... If I can spend my last day insuring this world remains the way it always has been... I think I'm OK with that. Paradise...is worth dying for."

That was too much. My words caused the two royal sisters to step forward and embrace me with their wings. Tears being shed, Celestia spoke softly into my ear. "Go with grace, my king... I will keep your crown...and my heart...forever waiting for you..."

My tears finally spilled forth. My beloved Celestia... This was goodbye. There was so much we had hoped for... But the light on the horizon was brighter yesterday. The sun was setting on that dream before it could bloom. And I found myself hating the situation all the more. I was content dying for the sake of a world I loved, but I despised everything that would never come to pass. Not just for my sake, but for theirs. How many would be left broken after today?

With great reluctance, I finally departed from the command center. The sky was depressingly cloudy with only a few rays of hopeful light shining through the gaps. Almost like the weather itself was mocking the situation at hand. With Orbash and Sunflare at my sides, we carried on. I felt so tired, yet still able enough to shamble along. They stayed close and were ready to catch me were I to stumble.

And stumble I did. At one point, one of my knees gave out from under me. But the king and queen were quick. They each caught me in a wing that I leaned back into. With a strong push, they brought me back up to my feet. I did not thank them, but they did not inquire about my status. All we could do was share a forlorn gaze and continue on.

While we walked past the rows of tents, we passed by many militiamen standing off to the sides. I recognized none of them, but they knew who I was. None of them lashed out. It was no longer necessary. I was a dead man walking and would be gone soon no matter what anyone did. But their faces... I expected scowls of loathing. Perhaps having a weapon ready just in case they were debating making a move on me in spite of the presence of the sun queen and moon king themselves.

But what I did see was not at all what I expected. Any and all resentment was gone. And I did not understand why. They looked...conflicted. Almost ashamed. Until then, they only knew me as the only human serving among them and that I was being used by the emperor as an external life source. I was guilty by proxy. But now that they could see me minutes before I would depart to triumph or die trying to end this war once and for all, what did they see? Did they see one who was an enemy by proxy? Or did they see a reluctant hero who was ready to die for a world that was not his own? I just do not know... And I did not allow myself to care. All I had then was the mission. If I succeeded, that would be enough for me.

We soon stood outside the tent that served as Zecora's dwelling. I could already smell the various exotic ingredients within. And once we stepped inside, I saw the wise zebra herbalist already stirring up something in a smaller pot set above a small fire. The cauldron at the center of the tent was empty and unused. And I saw that the sacks and shelves that once held rows of exotic ingredients were all but bare by then. The war had finally bled Zecora's supply all but dry. Even she was barely holding on.

With dull sunlight shining in, Zecora glanced up with her eyes opened wide in shock. She spoke in rhyme, her voice heavy with dread. "Oh, you poor soul. What horrors I have heard. So many maimed and harmed, so many without word. So brave to face our foe with no time to mend. One way or another, today is when this shall end."

Sunflare stepped forth while allowing her fiery vermilion mane and tail to cast a warm glow over the interior of Zecora's workplace. "I trust your potion is ready?"

"It is. Even with so many of my supplies gone. But not this. I had enough for just one." Zecora replied as I saw the salve she was stirring in that little pot glowing a beautiful and soothing shade of light blue. A bioluminescent ingredient at work? Whatever it was, it looked potent. Zecora then explained while setting the pot in a tub filled with a shallow pool of water to help cool the contents. "Your wounds will be suppressed. Pain and fatigue will not clash with your drive. But do not delay for it is not eternal. Use this chance to go and return alive."

"Thanks... Whatever works." I muttered before being guided to a low table that was not present there when I last visited. The king and queen helped me lie down in a prone position. Minutes later, Zecora approached with her masterpiece and began to remove the bandages from my head. "How is it back there?"

"Such savagery... Truly the work of the ones so hollow. My concoction will see to it in pain you shall not wallow." Zecora replied with a twinge of disgust in her voice. I had no idea how the wound looked, but it was enough to make her recoil in some horror. With Orbash and Sunflare watching, the zebra herbalist went to work.

I felt that salve being spread all over the back of my scalp, Zecora's hoof rubbing it all over as she piled more and more of it onto me. All the while, she spoke an indecipherable incantation. Something in her native tongue? It was very warm. And yet...cool to the touch. It soothed me in a very pleasant way. Numbing any discomfort as I felt my mind clearing. And the haze began to clear. I felt my weakness starting to recede and any dizziness beginning to clear. In a matter of minutes, I felt like nothing had ever happened.

Only when Zecora started to step back after replacing the bandages on my head did I try pushing myself up. And I did so with ease. I looked at my hands once I was seated and reaffirmed to myself that I really did feel like I was entirely uninjured. Orbash then spoke with the slightest hint of levity in his voice, "You look like you're feeling much better."

"Yeah... Yeah, I am. That stuff really works!" I exclaimed while genuinely surprised at how relieving it was to have all that weakness gone now that my mind was not at war with my body's performance. I actually felt pretty good. Although I still had the mind to ask, "Remind me again... Are there any drawbacks to this stuff?"

Zecora did not share our optimism. She spoke firmly as she said, "Your wounds are as if they are not there. But time is one this opportunity does not share. It shall endure for a time, but make haste. For the effect will eventually come to waste."

"It only works temporarily... Got it. I should've guessed something like this would be too good to last." I retorted while not at all surprised that time was still not on my side. Sunflare passed my helmet to me before I placed it upon my head. Even with the bandages over my scalp, my helmet still fit me snugly. Almost as if it would always mold itself to the shape of my head. I closed my eyes to collect myself, grateful for the mere fact that I no longer felt like I was in bad shape. "Thank you, Zecora. I actually feel...kind of confident that this will turn out well now."

All she did was nod. But once I stood up and turned to the exit, I heard my friend speak in a manner I did not expect. "James... One moment."

I paused while even the king and queen glanced at my friend in puzzlement. I waited for her to finish, but there was no follow-up. Nothing to turn that statement into a rhyme like she always does. She then gazed up at me and said, "No... No little quirks of mine this time... I shall speak forwardly for this situation requires it."

It has always been very rare indeed for Zecora to break out of that habit. I think it only happened once as far as I remember. Any only for a brief instant. But for her to actually choose to not speak like that... Regardless, I turned to her and listened. And Zecora did speak. "I am certain you remember our first meeting. And what I spoke of from memory. While most of Equestria has forgotten about the legacy of your forbearers, my people did not. And I am...disturbed to see that the stories passed around the fire ended up being proven true. Humanity's legacy in Equestria...is one steeped in betrayal."

I did remember that day. When she found me as a strange little stallion in the Everfree Forest, the result of a ridiculous encounter with that patch of Poison Joke flowers. And then to have her hospitable tone change the instant I emerged from her cauldron in my true human form. Her words were bitter and wary... If only I could have guessed...that the true history of my kind in this world was really so dour. But before I could dwell on that memory for too long, Zecora spoke with a somber smile upon her lips. "But not you. Certainly not you. From the moment you came here, you have adored our world. I do believe when told your world is a blighted one. A world ours should never know. But you do not spread the sins of your world to ours. You savor and cherish what our world has always been about. You love this world. And you seek to preserve it so that it may never become like yours. Truly, I was mistaken about you that day. You are a friend not just to me, but to all of Equestria."

These were heavy words from my seclusive friend. It was such an innocuous thing to mention back then... Something I thought would never amount to anything. In hindsight, it was an ominous prelude to what would happen roughly two years later. All from a trap that had been set more than a millennium prior. I then asked with some hesitation, "You really mean that?"

Zecora nodded graciously as she continued to speak. "I do, my friend. And I can't apologize enough for my assumptions that day. Should we survive this war, I will send word to my people back home. I shall tell them that the stories of yore proved true. But at the same time, a new champion of humanity has arisen. One who defied his forbearers to preserve our world from the ancient vices of the one who gave rise to those old cautionary tales. They will know your name, they will know what you have done for our world, and you will never be forgotten. But please, my friend. Do return alive. My one wish is that should fortune favor it, you may meet my people and tell them your tale in person. They will definitely want to meet humanity's true champion."

A harsh sigh escaped my clenched teeth. Sad as it is to say, Zecora and I have never been the closest friends. She was always too isolated for her own good. I did get into the habit of visiting her regularly for my favorite teas, but circumstances prevented us from really interacting in any profound ways. But these words carried power. And it made me reconsider what she thought of me when I was not around. I dropped to a knee and held my arms out to her. Zecora all too eagerly stepped forward and held me in her arms. "Be strong, my friend. I have done all I can to see that you receive safe passage to and from your destination. You will be mourned should you not return."

"You always were a great friend, Zecora... Thank you for all you've done." I muttered while struggling to maintain my composure. We held each other for a moment. Gentle and wise, I always appreciated her. And with great reluctance, I departed from her haven. But outside that tent, my companions and I found an unexpected sight. "Um... Ember...?"

There she stood. Clad in full armor and armed, Ember stood before us with spear in hand. I am not certain if someone recovered the two halves of her broken spear and replaced the shaft or someone created an identical replacement, but the spear held in one hand perfectly match the one she had been wielding throughout the war until she broke it during the last battle. I could see a few spots where an enemy's sword had cut through her leather bodysuit beneath her gilded armor. Not that it was likely an enemy blade would hit the same place twice. Ember then asked from beneath her helmet, "You look like you're just fine now. I guess they weren't kidding that they'd get you back to 100% for this mission. We heading out now?"

"Dragon Lord... You know you can't come with us. You must remain here." Sunflare spoke while I too narrowed my eyes in regret. I wanted her to come with me. I always felt much more confident with Ember at my side. But the sun queen spoke the truth. Ember would only be a liability out there this time.

"Very funny. Where he goes, I follow." Ember retorted firmly with her armored feet carrying her forward a step. But I could see it. She was leaning much more noticeably onto her spear for support. That anxiety attack after evacuating me from the battlefield had taken its toll on her body. It would take days or possibly even weeks for her to be back to normal. She did not know her own weakness. Ember snarled under her helmet as her nerves burned, "I'm...fine. I can handle myself out there..."

"Ember. Please." I said softly as I reached out and rested my right hand upon her pauldron. This silenced her and allowed me to speak. "I want you to come, I really do. But please, stay. You can't help us this time. And I think you know it."

Her empty left hand rose to mine and firmly grasped me at my wrist. Her scarlet eyes glared at me in fiery defiance, but also with an unbearable fear. "I won't leave you. Not now. And not ever."

"Ember... Does your body not still ache? Do your muscles burn with fatigue? You can't fight like this." Orbash spoke firmly, yet softly. Doing all he could to ease Ember into relinquishing the will to fight further.

"That won't stop me!" Ember snarled as she then flinched with a jolt of discomfort. She then lifted her eyes to gaze up at me again and said, "I promised I would pursue you to the ends of the earth if you ran... I'm sticking to that. So I'll..."

"You would die out there for me?" I asked as that...dreadful memory came back to me. A memory of an axe buried in her chest. That wretched nightmare was in danger of becoming a reality more than ever. I softly pleaded, "Ember, if you do this... You'll die out there. And I'll have to carry you home in my arms... You would do that to me?"

These words awakened a gaze of horror in those beautiful scarlet eyes. Ember stammered quietly, "No... No, I'd never do that to you... I wouldn't... I couldn't...make you suffer like that..."

And yet, she still persisted. But someone was watching. When Ember tried to take another step forward, she suddenly strained to make her foot leave the ground. A glance to the grass below revealed a small tree root coiling up her leg to pin her in place. And another voice spoke from nearby. "That's enough, Dragon Lord. Be mindful of your limits."

Rain Shine. Ember turned to her fellow shield-sister, but did not find the will to speak. The beautiful kirin chieftain's stance was unsteady as she marched towards us. Fatigue had set in. She fought until there were no more Hollows to slay. Tens of thousands of enemies and she fought until there were none left. There was no way such an endeavor would not be exhausting, even with such power. She then spoke wisely, "I can feel it in your aura. It wavers weakly, your body burning. You are in absolutely no condition to face the enemy in your state."

I expected Ember to refute this statement, but she did not. There was no escaping the watchful senses of a kirin and Ember knew this. She said nothing and bowed her head as the roots around her leg released her. My beautiful companion then gazed at me with such a forlorn gaze in those eyes. "Your aura... It feels as if you were never harmed at all. You feel...well. And yet, I can sense the cracks just under the surface. You are still fractured, but such a powerful veil is holding it all together. Will you be all right?"

"I hope so... Zecora went through a lot of trouble to get that salve whipped up for me. Really though, I feel fine. Like I'm not hurt at all." I explained without hiding anything. I truly felt about as good as I could get. And yet, my words did little to soothe the beautiful creature before me. "I'll...try to come back in one piece..."

"Your heart says otherwise, my love. This feeling in your soul... You have resigned yourself to the end..." Rain Shine declared while I flinched at her insight. My mind kept telling me that I would be just fine and make it home alive, but my heart was not so convinced. I knew I should live, but I felt that only death would be a fitting end for me after all the suffering I was responsible for by proxy. This world was on the verge of losing everything that it stood for, a world that would be corrupted irrevocably by a world it should never know. She then whispered to me, "The malice and hatred I felt around us... It is not so noticeable now. Please do not think they despise you. They know what you are doing today for their sakes."

There was no arguing with the observations with a kirin about that. If she was so certain that the hatred directed to me up until yesterday was fading, then I had reason to believe it. But even if all of Equestria could forgive me, I could not fully find the will to forgive myself. When I could find no retort to that, Rain Shine spoke up again while those around us stayed silent. "But before you go... Please. Speak to them."

The runes on her horn glows. And beside us, a tall spiraling bellflower rose from the earth. A bellflower... I had seen this before. And then it dawned on me. "They can hear me from here?"

"They can. Please, speak to them. They have been watching and listening closely." Rain Shine said while taking a step back. That flower... Surely the entire population of the Grove of Silence was listening in through it.

I stepped up to the bellflower with it being level with my face. This felt so awkward, like I was being dragged into a private phone call. "Uh... Hello? Ladies? Is this thing on?"

I noticed Rain Shine crack a crooked smile at my confusion. "Ah... That got a chuckle out of them. Do not be skeptical. They can hear you clearly."

It was a shame they could hear me while I could not hear them. Even so, I began to speak. "All right... Hello there. How are you ladies today?"

Still no response. My ears were not in tune with nature like they are. I knew time was not on my side and decided to keep the subject to the point. "I guess you all know... You've felt the battles out here, right? You've sensed the tremors? Maybe even...felt the malice from atop the tower to the east?"

I glanced at Rain Shine. She nodded. They could hear every word. And so I said, "Well then... I guess you should know that...the war ends today. We're gonna take the fight right to the enemy and put a stop to it in just a little while. One way or another, your world's going to be just fine."

There was a distinct lack of joy on Rain Shine's face. Whatever she was hearing, her people were not responding with optimistic cheers. And I think they knew. They probably sensed everything that happened out there, even if they could not see the finer details. I sighed with my head bowing. "I guess you know... I know I sound OK, but I'm...not OK. I've been given an edge through some amazing arcane potion or something, but...I'm sorry. I'm not expecting to...make it in the end... I'm sorry I probably won't be seeing all of you again... I enjoyed my time with you all... I felt so at home. Like I...belonged with you. Thank you for that day..."

I could see Rain Shine's face starting to look more and more pained. But not from what I was hearing. When I turned to her, she responded quickly. "They are weeping..."

This weighed heavily on my heart. To know that those wonderful mares were crying for me stung more than I expected. I tried to hold my tears, but Rain Shine then suddenly glanced at the bellflower. As if she heard something unexpected. "Oh dear... Autumn, you..."

"Autumn...? Autumn Blaze?" I gasped with my memories from my time there coming back to me. I almost resented how I could not remember the names of any of the kirin in the Grove of Silence. Except for one. The mare who went above and beyond to make my time there special. Dear little Autumn Blaze. I found myself reaching out to that bellflower as I asked, "Autumn Blaze?"

"She can hear you. Speak." Rain Shine said softly to not let them hear her.

And so I did. "Hey... I remember our time together... And you were right. I do love this world more than I thought I did. Because I've seen the other side. And that other side is in danger of spilling into this world... You can feel it right? If you feel hard enough around that tower out to the east?"

I heard nothing, but I knew they could hear me. And I continued to speak. "Equestria won't be destroyed. No, nothing like that's in danger of happening. But...it will be destroyed on a fundamental level. There won't be any changes right away. But I know you... You will all live long enough to see this world become something it was never meant to be. You will all hate this world in due time if we fail... It'll take generations, but Equestria...won't even be Equestria anymore. And I... I can't let that happen. I'd rather die that let my presence in this world doom it to become like the one I came from."

They were surely howling in grief by then. And my tears were finally flowing free with my voice starting to break. "I love this world... I love everything about it... And I love all of you, all right? Please... Just...pray for me, all right? I need it now more than ever..."

I had to stop. I took a step back with my armored hands covering my face. Ran Shine whispered gentle words into the bellflower before it retracted back into the ground and out of sight. My farewells had been said. Once I lowered my hands from my face and inhaled sharply to steady my nerves, someone took hold of them. Ember had removed her helmet and was holding my hands in each of hers. But now words came. We gazed upon each other for a moment before I found the will to speak. "Is there...something you need to say?"

"Yes. Lots of things. Lots of important...wonderful things that need to be said." The beautiful Dragon Lord declared without blinking once. With my eyes opening wider at the implications of this statement, she spoke firmly. "If I say what I want to say, you'll have to break all of my limbs to stop me from chasing after you. And that's a promise."

"Ember... Oh my god..." I think I knew what she wanted to say. And it hit me right in the heart. I had to look away from the wonderful woman I wanted to hold forever, but never would.

"Please... Come back." Ember pleaded as we kneeled together. We held each other in our arms and wings. She cooed into my ear with grief on her tongue. "You're all I've ever wanted... All I've ever needed... Please don't leave me... Not now."

"I'll try... I won't just let the enemy take me. I'll make it back...or expire trying." I whispered to her as I took in those sacred words. I wanted to believe there is a beautiful future for her. And I wanted to be good enough for her. I wanted to be worthy of such a wonderful statement. And so I whispered, "Wait for me... My blue rose..."

"I'll be here... My little warrior poet." Ember cooed to me with a glimmer of hope in her voice. She believed in me as I believed in her. Truly, no one inspires me the way Ember does. I needed that moment with her. It stoked the flames of survival in my heart just enough.

I rose to my feet and held out my hands. Focusing the magic in my gauntlets, I knew it was time. I summoned the Lunar Shield before me in a flash of magic, the Celestial Sword still tucked in its scabbard. Once my shield was affixed to my left arm, Rain Shine gazed upon me and spoke her words of farewell. "You are all my people and I had ever hoped for in the return of humanity. Go with grace, my love... And bring a brighter tomorrow for our world."

"I will... See you soon, Rain... Be safe, Ember..." I muttered as I struggled to hold on to whatever hope was still in my heart. With no further words that needed to be said, Orbash and Sunflare led me away and down the path before us. Rows of tents pass us as we approached the path that would lead us to the eastern gate.

What an ominous feeling I felt... I felt as if I was being led along a mile of green to the gallows where a swift death awaited me. For just a moment, my fevered mind clouded my vision as Zecora's miracle cure faltered just momentarily. I could almost feel heavy shackles weighing my limbs down. The tents at my sides were replaced by so many faces of so many sizes. And far ahead was not the walls and the gate at the edge of our encampment. A gallows stood. A noose hung clearly in the middle. I knew I had received a death sentence. A fitting end for a traitor in league with an old enemy of Equestria.

Before I could get much further, someone stepped in our way to protest my execution. And only then did my vision clear to reveal what was actually before me and my escorts. Five mares. And five of the most important people in my life. Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash. Rarity. Applejack. Even Pinkie Pie was there despite the rear section of her body being suspended in a wheeled harness. I asked weakly, "Girls...?"

The sun queen and moon king immediately stepped aside. They made no attempt to interrupt this brief reunion. And for once, neither of us had anything to say. But the looks of pained dread in those eyes... Even Pinkie Pie had no shred of joy in her at the time. Twilight took the first step forward. I responded by dropping to my knees. The invitation given, those five wonderful mares rushed into my arms and held me like so many times before. And Applejack was the first to speak. "It ain't right... It just ain't right... Ya shouldn't have ta do this..."

"We know, James... We know... Ad we're against it." Twilight said before I could even ask for context. I heard her speak beside my helmet, "We were supposed to all go home together... We should be out there with you instead of staying behind."

"Don't say that... You know Equestria still needs you. You'll be getting out of here with Celaeno and her crew, right?" I asked while taking some comfort in knowing they would survive regardless of the outcome.

"It just won't be the same without you!" Rainbow Dash growled as I felt her tighten her embrace on me. "We promised to keep you outta trouble in case something like this came up again! And now you're literally the only one that can handle this?! It sucks! Like someone out there's really trying to mess with us!"

"I thought tragedies like this only happen in fiction... How is war so cruel?!" Rarity wailed as she buried her face into my breastplate. "Whatever will we tell Fluttershy should you not return?! She trusted us to bring you home in the end... Whatever will we tell the fillies? How will Gladesong even handle this when she's old enough to understand what happened to you?"

"Girls, please... I have enough on my mind..." Under any other circumstances, that would have sounded callous. But the thoughts of my family back in Ponyville only added to the pressure on my mind. The less I thought about, the better I could focus on my task.

"We know... We know... Just... You'll be OK, right?" Pinkie Pie pleaded as she finally tried to smile. "Just think about how great it'll be to be back home when this is all over! I'll... I'll throw the biggest greatest party we've ever had! A victory party just for us! But...you gotta make it there, James! It just...won't be the same if a piece of the puzzle is missing."

I listened as the five dearest friends I had spoke their words of frustration and regrets. It felt so wrong having to go through this without them. But as they groveled and wept, I was dealt a surprise. Rainbow Dash snuck a kiss right onto my lips. And as I gazed into those lovely rosy eyes, she whispered to me. "If you don't make it back, I'll... I'll look after Scoot for you. I'll be there for her like you were. Promise."

"Thanks, Rainbow... You were always amazing." I muttered before she slipped another kiss onto my lips. It was such a shame... There was potential for something more between us. Something we both wanted to see happen, but now... It may never come to pass. With this being quite possibly the last time I would ever get the chance to say it, I whispered to her. "Love you, Rainbow."

"Love you too, big guy." She whispered to me with the last moment of secrecy she could get. "You were...the only guy who was ever good enough for me."

It was then that Applejack turned to the king and queen as they stood nearby. She tried to stay composed, but she sound more than just a bit distraught. "Yer gonna make sure he'll be all right, ain't ya? He's gonna make it, right?!"

"We shall do all we can. It's all we can do." Sunflare retorted with her steely facade starting to crumble. Neither she nor Orbash could hide their own dour moods. Seeing us having to say goodbye for what might be the final time... It was painful to behold. "Even so, savor this moment. It may be your last..."

Rarity did not care who saw her. She reached out to me and placed a powerful kiss upon my lips. And I cherished it. I held my lady in my arms, closing my eyes as we indulged in each other one last time. My beautiful beloved then whispered to me, "Be brave, sweet prince. We believe in you."

"Thank you, my love..." I whispered to my dear Rarity. What I would give to just return to Ponyville like nothing had ever happened... To just be with her and Fluttershy and our daughters... We were still family in the end. And as much as it pained me, it was time to go. I rose from the pile of wonderful mares and gazed down upon them. "Thank you for...making my life in Equestria the paradise it was. I wouldn't be where I am without you."

"And we...we wouldn't have..." Pinkie Pie muttered as her mane and tail visibly...deflated. A very rare phenomenon. She wiped her tears with her hoof as she suddenly wept, "Nopony will ever be able to replace you! Please come home safe and sound! The puzzle will never be complete again without you!"

Our friends banded around Pinkie Pie to keep her from collapsing while she was still in that harness. The way she wept... It was not like before. Her voice sounded genuine. A cry of impending loss. She was so afraid... And it hurt to see someone of such boundless joy and optimism being forced to acknowledge the harsh nihilistic reality of something like warfare. And I hated seeing her like this. I wanted to avenge her.

There was one more important that I needed to say. Before I could forget. "One last thing, girls... Smolder and Ocellus. They'll be leaving with you too, right? Please, if I don't make it back... Look after them. Make sure they're happy in Ponyville. Especially Ocellus. That poor love bug's been through enough. I don't care what the rest of the world thinks of her, she's a good girl and deserves to be happy. Promise me. Please..."

They all gradually nodded together with Rarity being the one to provide a reply. "We... We shall, darling... The poor dears have been through quite a lot, haven't they? They shouldn't be left behind here... We will be there for them. I swear it."

Twilight Sparkle was the last to speak. The friend I shared the most with. One who understood me more than others. She barely held her tears as she gazed up at me. "Things will never be the same if you don't make it home... Be safe out there, James. I believe in you... We all do."

"Thank you, Twi... Girls... I'll...see you again soon." I finally said in farewell as I hesitantly walked past them. I wanted to believe. I wanted to believe I would survive this. And I clung tightly to that hope like a vice. But as the king and queen led me past an intersection in the rows of tents around us, I saw someone peeking around the corner. Gilda. Her one exposed eye met my gaze for just an instant before she squinted it shut and looked away. I was tempted to approach her, but knew I should not. She could not bring herself to speak. And she knew she would never see me alive again.

One last friend stood between us and the way out of the camp. Someone who had been there when I needed her most lately. Maud Pie stood motionless in the middle of the path. I almost thought she did not even see us. But rather than step around her, I came to a stop before her. "Maud?"

She did not even speak. Her head did not rise to look at me. All she did was stand tall and put her arms around me. Just to hold me one last time. And I did as well. I rested my right hand on the back of her head. Just to hold her for a moment. But as the seconds ticked by, I started to notice she was not letting go. "Uh... Maud? I...need to go now."

Pinkie Pie's stoic sister did not respond. I started to try to push her away, but her grip... Her arms were like stone. Then would not bend. "Maud, please..."

Still no response. She was conscious, I could see that much. But she would not cooperate. Orbash then stepped forward and said, "My apologies, ma'am. But we really should be off now."

The moon king cast his levitation spell upon Maud's arms to try and pry them off me. But I soon realized he was not making progress. Was he even trying to pull her free? "Your majesty? I think you'll have to make her let go..."

"I'm...trying..." Orbash groaned when I suddenly realized he did not look at all relaxed. His teeth were bared. He was straining to exert his magical force. Was Maud...truly so unfathomably strong that she could physically resist even a levitation spell from the most powerful stallion in Equestria's history? Realizing that he was witnessing the impossible, Orbash turned to his wife. "Sunflare... A little help... I can't budge her."

"Preposterous... But so be it." The sun queen replied. Together, they cast their levitation spells over Maud's arms. Only then did they start to very gradually pry her loose. At least until Maud began to actively resist them. I heard her groan slightly as her arms began to clamp around me once more. Sunflare growled in disbelief, "How...is this possible for a mortal mare?!"

"Maud... Come on, I can't stay..." I pleaded as I tried to push her away. She would not release me. "Please... I need to go."

Only then did she finally speak. "If I let go, you won't come back."

"Maud... Oh god, Maud...!" I finally broke, unable to bring myself to push her away. She loosened her grip just enough to let me kneel before her and desperately hold her in my own armored embrace. I sobbed lightly for a moment as I held her, not wanting to let go either. "I don't wanna go either..."

Orbash and Sunflare dared not interrupt this moment between us. They watched and waited to give us a moment. But I knew I needed to leave. At least while my courage was holding out. I whispered to her, "Your sister believes in me. Will you believe in me too?"

It took a moment, but Maud did start to loosen her grasp on me. But she still could not bring herself to look me in the eye. "If Pinkie Pie has faith...I will too."

Maud slowly dropped back down onto all four hooves while I dried my tears. I rested my right hand atop her head and whispered to her. "I'll see you again soon."

"Please... I'm doing all I can to not hold you back now. Please come back safely." Maud muttered unusually quietly, even for her. As brief as our goodbye was, I could not delay any longer. Anything to avoid being tempted to bail on my mission. I stepped past Maud and did not look back once. I could not look back. Not by then.

We reached the last stretch before the east gate. And I was greeted by such a site. Standing in rows on each side of the path were armored guardsmen and the militia's hippogriff archers. And as I marched past, they raised their hooves and hands to their brows in a waving salute. Among them was Sky Beak. And I could barely bring myself to look at the stallion who had become a father to me. But I saw it. As I pass, he too squinted his eyes shut as tears began to flow. Seaspray stood among his men as well. And when I passed him, he whispered to me. "Godspeed, my liege."

Right at the end of the saluting guardsmen was Shining Armor. He too raised a hoof to his brow, but this was the point where I stopped. I turned to face him even as the gate on my left swung open to reveal the vast expanse of the Empty Plains beyond. His face was like stone, a stallion who had always been a friend to me. I lowered myself to one knee, knowing this may be the last time we would ever speak. As I lowered myself to one knee, his stony facade began to crumble. "If I don't make it, look after Twilight for me. I don't think...she'll take it well."

Shining Armor inhaled sharply as the tears came out hard. He reached out and held me in his arms while I did the same. I heard him sob to me, "You were always like a brother to me... I'm sorry I can't go with you..."

"Then thank you for letting me be part of your family, Armor." I retorted softly as I held the brother of one of my most precious friends. A good man and a good friend. I would miss him dearly if we lost him. "I'm in good hooves... See you soon, captain."

"Give them hell, James... For all of us." He replied before reluctantly loosening his grasp. Shining Armor then resumed his salute as I turned away. With a heavy heart, I marched through the gate with all I ever knew in Equestria behind me. Despite my hopes and promises, I knew I would not be returning home.

For a while longer, I walked along the plains with Orbash and Sunflare leading me along. My pace slowed as I processed what was happening. How could I not fear death? This mission would surely be the end of me. But after a minute or two of shambling along...

I heard it. A familiar synthesized melody being broadcast from behind me. And it awakened a stirring in my heart. I recognized it instantly and turned to face west one last time. There... Spread out before the encampment's walls were so many familiar faces. And many that were not so familiar. So many seeing me off for this vital mission. And there in the middle before the open gate was our bard. Ponyville's own DJ. And she had moved her music table there to blast out that music as a parting anthem. But this was no mere melody. This was a song that told a story.

The song contained lyrics I did not understand, but had come to know. Lyrics she too could not have hoped to understand. Lyrics that told a story of a frail and even sickly entity that embarked on a journey very far from home to carry out a solitary mission. One many deemed impossible. And with so many close calls, that lonely soul reached its destination on the verge of death. And yet, against all odds, it returned home intact.

And that story...had become my story.

Tears built in my eyes as the synthesized melody gave way to brass instruments adding to the building fanfare. Truly, our bard chose well. A testament to her understanding of the magic of music. And as the fanfare peaked, I saw it. She lifted her sunglasses to reveal those eyes of beautiful purple. How many eyes were shedding tears? To see so many standing there, wordlessly wishing for a happy ending for me... To hear that melody... Only then did I truly feel conviction take hold. I had to survive this mission. I needed to live!

The instant that intro veered into a powerful guitar rift for further buildup, I turned and ran. Sprinted across the plains to my destination. Eyes to the east, the world I had come to know and love becoming ever more distant behind me in the west. I passed Orbash and Sunflare, prompting them to burst into a full gallop to catch up. One by one, they spread their wings and took to the sky. I readied my armor's great white wings, lunged forward...and began to soar.

Lyrics the registered with my memory, but not my ears, began to fill the air. Even as they became distant and quiet, that song continued to play on in my head and my heart. The three of us soared on, my mind sharp and aware. I was ready for this final showdown. And I knew... I knew I had too much to leave behind. Too many dear friends waiting for me. Too many wonderful futures to see with those I love more than anything.

Too much... Too much to just let go of now.

No words were spoken between me and my escorts. It would not be long now. Before the sun would set, the war would be over. And I prayed that falcon wings would carry me to victory.

The end was in sight. And all I could do was fly towards it.