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The next day came. My dreams were closely watched the night before by the two sisters of the night. I dreamed well and I woke up feeling fairly refreshed. My morning went by well enough, being surrounded by those I cherish. And yet, those dreaded memories began to resurface. Especially whenever I laid eyes upon Gladesong. I felt compelled to keep my distance. That I was not yet worthy enough to hold her.

I longed for my daughter. Wanted to hold her again like so many times before. And yet, the memories would not allow me. That accursed sensation of being so convinced that I had nearly doomed her to a darker future. The worst part was knowing there was something wrong with me and being completely unable to do anything about it. Like my brain had been hacked to sabotage my emotions and thoughts seemingly at random chance. The only time I could find any degree of peace was when Gladesong was out of sight. How cruel, my own child being the only source of dread in my own home...

The time finally came. Twilight had dropped off the message we had received from Celestia just in case I needed a reminder for when the first train for Canterlot past noon would arrive. I was familiar enough with the train schedule to know when it would be departing from Ponyville and sought to head out just past 11 AM. I dreaded having to pass through Ponyville again, knowing what I would feel. Eyes casting judgement upon me that were not there. Hatred and resentment from those around me who were perfectly content with my presence. Trapped in a paradox exclusive to me that I could not escape. But I had to. And the knowledge that there would be a way out before the day was over gave me the drive I needed to make that journey.

Scootaloo had already departed for school by the time I stood by the door. But I was not allowed to leave without a goodbye. Fluttershy stood behind me along with Smolder and Ocellus. And those eyes when I turned to face them... They feared for me. I sighed in admission, "Look... I know you are all aware of what's wrong with me... But I need to do this. If what Celestia says in true, I'll be just fine by the time I get home. I won't let my demons get the better of me now that I have a destination."

Ocellus, still shrouded in her favorite dragon form, stepped forward and rested a hand upon my chest. She gazed at me with worried eyes and said, "Your love...isn't as buried as it was all week... But there's so much fear keeping it back. Please... Don't do anything rash out there, OK?"

"I won't, love bug. And I won't be alone. There's supposed to be someone waiting for me at the train station to escort me all day. I won't be alone." I replied with my hand caressing her soft head of hair. She smiled hopefully at me, surely wanting to go with me while knowing this was my battle to fight alone. Smolder did not look so sure. If anything she almost appeared bitter. As if she knew of what I almost did just two days ago. I reached out to her only for the little dragoness and grab me in a very firm embrace. I stroked the fibrous purple crest atop her head and said, "I won't do anything stupid out there... When I get home, I'll be just fine."

"You better be... I wish I could do more for you. You don't know what it's like...being so helpless." Smolder snarled somberly. She buried her head into my belly, fingers digging into my backside. I knew. The love of a dragon burns hotter than anything else. To see her beloved suffering in ways she could not soothe... "I'm sorry... I wish I knew how to fix this."

"Don't apologize, Smolder. In a little bit, you won't have to worry about that. Celestia sounded very confident about the results of their research. I have no reason to doubt her input on this." I whispered with my hand caressing her smooth round head. Although we all paused as a tiny voice filled the air. Gladesong had found her way out of her crib and was toddling out of the nursery towards us. She was very vocal and almost sounded frustrated. "Oh no..."

Seeing my own flesh and blood hurrying over the best she could manage filled me with dread. I could not bring myself to touch her. My mind would not allow it. Fluttershy knew this and snatched up our little one, doing all she could to comfort her. "I'm sorry, sweetie... Daddy can't play with you right now. He has something important to do..."

Gladesong would not be deterred. She even tried to squirm her way out of her mother's embrace. The little thing almost sounded like she was on the verge of crying through sheer frustration. Smolder looked back at her before glancing up at me. "You haven't held her all week..."

Such a powerful burning sense of same ignited in my heart. And I knew it was out of my control. Desperately wanting to avoid distressing my own child, I kneeled before her and Fluttershy. The tiny filly reached out and immediately calmed down once her arms took hold of my head. If I could not bring myself to hold her, then she at least hold me. I kept my eyes closed as I felt Gladesong nuzzling her face all over mine.

I could hear Smolder and Ocellus becoming a bit emotional. The context of the situation was proving to be too much for them. I knew I could not stay long. And no matter what I did next, the poor thing was going to cry. I whispered to my daughter, "I'm sorry, sweetheart... Daddy is sick right now and he needs to go away for the day to be cured. But when he gets back... When I get home, I'll hold you all you want. So please... Just a little more patience, all right? I won't run away. I'll be home this evening..."

There is no way of knowing if she even understood what I was saying. And when I began to pull away, Gladesong immediately squealed with her little arms flailing at me. Wanting me to hold her. I began to step backwards out the door as she became all the more distressed. Ocellus stepped between the two of us and said, "We'll take care of her... Be careful."

The instant I closed the door behind me, I heard the telltale call of a baby crying. And Gladesong almost never cries. Such a powerful sense of shame filled my heart, knowing it was my fault. I hated everything about the situation. Being a slave to my own fractured mind and impulses. I ran down the path and off towards Ponyville. I needed to stay focused. Today would be the day where everything could go back to normal. But that would not happen if I did not reach Canterlot in time.

Determination filled me as I marched across the meadow and through Ponyville. And sure enough, that determination began to fade as I passed by the locals going about their day. Paying me no mind even while my thoughts convinced me that they loathed me. That some would even attack me from behind. The only thing I could do to drown out those demons was to focus exclusively on the path ahead of me. I could not let myself succumb now. There was a cure waiting for me.

The eastern edge of town came into view before my eyes glanced up at the distant mountain beyond it. The city of Canterlot was in plain sight, the sky being mostly clear with only a handful of clouds interfering with that boundless blue. And I could see the train station ahead. I hastened my pace to a very brisk walk. There was no train idling on the other side of the platform yet. I had made it in time.

The eastern edge of town tends to be very quiet more often than not. The busiest it gets around the train station is when passengers are boarding or disembarking trains. And Canterlot tends to not receive many visitors from Ponyville. I welcomed the general tranquility of the moment now that i was away from prying eyes, even as my thoughts and memories tried to overwhelm me with the lingering memories that would not leave me alone. My drive was the only thing keeping me going by then. The knowledge that there was a light at the end of the tunnel if I could only reach Canterlot.

During that agonizing march through town, I had forgotten all about the fact that the royal family would have assigned someone to escort me at the train station. When I marched up the steps to the platform, I suddenly force upon seeing who was standing out in the middle of it. A blue dragoness with arms crossed, a craggy stone scepter held in one hand that housed a large and impressive red gem at the top. She was looking up at the mountain nearby with a look of mild annoyance on her face. But when she did look my way...

She flinched. Her wings spread wide and her crossed arms opened. The dragoness stared for only a second before holding out her empty right hand. I wasted no time. My feet carried me forward just below a jogging pace before I sank to my knees and held her while she held me. Of all people to send for... Of all the people in the world who could have answered the call, it just had to be the Dragon Lord herself.

I came just shy of openly weeping as I held my beloved in my arms. Just like that, the demons in my head receded for the moment. The royal family had chosen wisely. I had always felt more confident and safe with Ember in my company. She had been the single sturdiest rock in my life on the Empty Plains. I knew I was safe then. I knew everything would be all right. And I heard her whisper to me, "Has it really only been a week? Feels like it's been so much longer..."

"I never would've guessed it would be you... But good lord, I'm glad you're here." I whimpered while I was held in those powerful blue arms and majestic wings. Nothing else mattered at that moment. We both dreaded having to say goodbye, but now we were back where we belonged in each others' arms.

"It's been...dreadful after we parted ways. I've been longing for you like you wouldn't believe... Shhh, let me hold you, my little warrior poet." Ember whispered with such a sincere tenderness, one of her hands reaching up and caressing the back of my bandaged head. "It hurt...going back to how things were before we met. I'm not used to being without you anymore."

"Same here. It's been...hard after you left." I muttered with my fingers tracing over her long flexible spines. I just felt so much better now that I was in my arms. I suppose in hindsight that Ember had always served as a type of security blanket for me during the war. And that had not changed.

Ember then suddenly pulled away from me so she could look directly at me. Her scarlet eyes were filled with a sudden fury as she asked quietly yet menacingly, "Now then... What happened while I was away? Has someone hurt you? Do I need to break someone?"

That fiery protectiveness was almost jarring to hear. And I could only hurriedly reply, "Wha... No! No, no one's hurt me. But...I am injured. Just...not in a conventional way. The memories... The trauma... The scars of war still linger, Ember. Don't you feel it too? Memories that spring up over irrelevant triggers? Terrible memories that just won't leave you alone?"

Her gaze calmed as she heard my words. And I could see she was deeply pondering my words. After a moment of silent thought, Ember lowered her gaze. "No... No, I have no idea what you're talking about. My memories of the war can be unpleasant, but...I'm not being haunted by anything. Maybe I'm just too...used to confrontations like that. I've always been a warrior. Why? Are you suffering from bad memories?"

"It's not really just bad memories. It's...Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was officially diagnosed a couple of days ago." I explained while Ember and I took a seat on a bench up against the station's ticket booth. Whoever was inside paid us no mind. "It's not a physical injury. It's...a mental injury. And it'll never heal on its own. From what I've heard, a vast majority of those who saw frontline combat in the war are also showing the symptoms. And...there's supposedly a cure that just became available in Canterlot. And I've been selected to be the first to try it."

"Mental injuries... I didn't know your mind could be damaged like that... But I guess that has something to do with my people being trapped millennia in the past, so to speak." Ember replied while I gazed at her in concern. I knew firsthand what it was like being plagued by such a debilitating wound. Ember was quick to notice and lightly tapped her fingers on the back of my hand. "Hey, really... I'm fine. Even the twelve who served with me are OK. Although they are getting impatient on when they'll be receiving their bounty for their services."

"That's right... They were promised a hefty helping of exotic gems, if I recall. I wonder how that's gonna be handled?" I muttered with some amusement over just how easily pleased the dragons of Equestria have been. But as my thoughts went to them, I glanced at Ember and noticed the Bloodstone Scepter in her hand. And she was alone. Not a single escort or guard was nearby. "Wait... You're alone out here? Were your people OK with you up and leaving on such short notice?"

Ember cast me such a smirk. She then explained, "All I had to do was mention that you needed me for something and they didn't question it further. I told you my men have grown to respect you. And... Well..."

Ember glanced around to check for prying eyes or ears. I think she knew someone was on the other side of the wall behind us. She then leaned my way and whispered into my ear, "There's a rumor going around back home. They think you and I have already become mates. That the Dragon Lord has been sworn to a war hero of Equestria. And they know better than to start trouble over that."

That... I cracked. I mean I howled at such an idea spreading throughout the people of the dragon lands. Ember too cracked up and laughed along with me before I had to barely catch myself with fresh tears of amusement squeezing out from my eyes. "Oooooh my god, that is rich... Man, I really needed that. And you're just playing along with it?"

"Heh, let them believe what they want. If it works in my favor, I won't burst their bubble." Ember snickered while we both just leaned back and gazed at the sky together. But just for a moment. I felt her fingers wrap around my hand before I noticed her looking at me out of the corner of her eye. "After all, who can say it'll never happen?"

"We'll see, Ember... We'll see." I said almost in jest. I responded to her grasp by clasping my fingers around her. There was no denying it to myself. I was madly in love with that wonderful woman of a dragoness. Her presence alone was proving to be wonderfully therapeutic for my heart. As long as I had her, I felt like I had nothing to fear. "Thank you for being here... You always make me feel secure."

"I am your shield. And I will be your sword if I must." Ember whispered sweetly, a beautiful smile on her lips. Although that smile dimmed as she added, "I really thought someone had jumped you from the shadows. That I was going to have to fend off assassins. I was in such a hurry to get here that I didn't bother with my armor."

"You would've been wasting your time if you did. Really, I'm not in any actual danger here. Whatever danger I feel, it's all in my head. Really. Just...please be near me. That'll be enough." I explained while my fingers tightened around her hand. Ember nodded before she glanced up at the red gem atop the Bloodstone Scepter in her other hand. It had begun to glow again. "Right, it does that sometimes, doesn't it?"

"Yep. And I have no idea why. And I swear it's been doing this more often ever since I got back home." Ember retorted before the glow eventually faded. Although she cracked a smirk while she stared at the gemstone. "Come to think of it, you won't believe who was messing around with this thing by the time I got home."

I paused in thought for a moment. I still remember some dragon youth trying to snack on the Bloodstone the first time I ever laid eyes on it. And only one dragon came to mind. "Don't tell me it was that buttmunch whose arm you twisted right after our first duel."

Ember's smirk only widened at that statement. "If you're talking about the one who calls himself 'Garble', yes. That's the one. He and his goons had been hanging out in my lair when I got back and were basically trying to figure out how to lay claim to the Bloodstone Scepter. Like it's that easy to become the next Dragon Lord."

My eyes turned to the Bloodstone Scepter. The fact that it was in her hands meant that their scheme had failed. "Well then... What did you do? Did you execute them for treason?"

"Nah. I just beat them up with my bare hands and sent them packing because they're all idiots." Ember retorted nonchalantly. While I broke down in quiet laughter, Ember then added, "Besides, they're not worth killing. They're barely more than kids right now anyway. As much a thorn in my side they can be, I'm banking on them at least developing some nuance and class once things start to progress out there."

"You're giving them much more of a benefit of the doubt than I think I would." I replied with an amused smirk of my own on my face.

"A leader has to know restraint. I mean sure, I'd be more than happy to nip that one in the bud, but I have to be patient... Reluctantly." Ember grumbled almost sarcastically. She then sighed with her head tilted back. "It's not like I have much faith in that bunch, but... Well, it's still too early to say. At least most of them are starting to listen to me more now."

That little bit of information really piqued my curiosity. I then asked, "Just like that? After all the trouble they gave you before?"

"I know, right?! After five years of struggling to get them to listen? Most of them are a... Well, just a bit more cooperative. Maybe it has something to do with me having served in a real war, but I swear they're a bit more...courteous to me. I guess word got around after my men and I got back." Ember replied while sounding equally flabbergasted. She crossed her arms with the Bloodstone Scepter next to her head and muttered, "I guess it's a step in the right direction, if nothing else..."

I said what little I could. My hand rested upon her thigh while I muttered, "You'll get there. You're the best hope for your people."

Ember beamed at me with such a delightful smile on her lips. "Thank you. That really means a lot to me. I mean I wouldn't even be where I am right now if I didn't bump into you when I did."

While I just smiled at the Dragon Lord, she suddenly glanced around in confusion. "Come to think of it, the instructions I received told me to meet you here... I had to ask around a bit to figure out where this train station even is... But what IS a train station anyway? And how're we getting to Canterlot from here?"

I replied bluntly, "By train. The train stations are designed to serve as a dock for them, basically. Passengers disembark and board the trains for travel from platforms like this."

My answer did not answer much of Ember's question. She stared at me with a cockeyed glance and asked, "And...what is a train?"

As if on cue, a distant steam whistle was carried on the wind from the south. I looked to my right and said, "Why don't you see for yourself?"

"What the..." Ember stared in disbelief as the next train came rolling on down the tracks. That pastel hued steam locomotive came rolling down the tracks and slowed to a stop in front of the train station. A hiss of steam was released from the sides of the locomotive as the brakes were applied. Three cars were present behind the locomotive. Probably for shorts trips and fewer passengers which was to be expected for any train that was heading up to Canterlot. The capital of Equestria tends to get relatively few visitors on any given day. As the passengers disembarked, none of which I recognized while none paid Ember any mind, Ember rose to her feet and slowly approached the train before us. I found myself wearing a bigger and wider smirk with every passing second. Ember suddenly turned back to me and asked, "James... What is this?!"

It was another instance of having to educate Ember about the marvels of modern society. Something I took genuine joy in every time it happened. With all of my worries pushed out of my head by this very pleasant distraction, I too stood up and approached her. "That's a train. It's a very common mode of transportation across Equestria."

"OK, I get that, but... What is it?! What are these?! And what's that?!" Ember replied with my answer doing nothing to soothe her bewilderment. It must have been such a shock to come out of a region that was locked in the Stone Age only to see one of the earliest forms of transportation provided by the industrial renaissance.

"Those? They are the passenger cars. And that there? That's what you call a steam locomotive." I explained while it looked like the train would not be idling for more than fifteen minutes. They were not restocking the coal supply, which gave me reason to suspect the locomotive would not be refueled until it reached Canterlot. Ember began to step towards the front of the train as I said, "It uses steam power to propel itself forward. I think it's got something to do with pressure..."

Ember sharply glanced my way and asked, "You mean to tell me that boiling water can make stuff move?!"

"Um... Kinda? I never really figured out how steam power works. But I'm pretty sure it does involve steam pressure forcing stuff to move... Sounds like the precursor to hydraulics, now that I think about it..." I replied before trailing off in thought. Ember walked right up to the locomotive and scanned it carefully. Most people would generally have the sense to not get too close, but Ember knew nothing about these things. Much to my surprise, she placed her hand on the side of the horizontal cylinder that made up much of the locomotive's forward section. It stayed on there for a good while. Since I knew that was the boiler and was surely piping hot, I felt the need to ask. "Um... Isn't that hot?"

Ember looked my way without showing any signs of pain and said, "Yeah, it is! You could probably cook on this. What is it?"

I snorted to myself. Of course dragons have a high tolerance for dangerous temperatures. They bathe in lava of all things. Boiling water does not come close to that level of earthen heat. I then explained, "That cylinder there? That's the boiler. It contains the water that's heated by a compartment at the back of the locomotive that the engineer shovels coal into to sustain the heating fire."

The Dragon Lord finally took her hand off the boiler and stepped my way. "You are pretty knowledgeable about this stuff..."

"What can I say? Trains have a certain timeless mystique to them and they really to kids. And I...really indulged myself in them for a time when I was very young. I guess I would pick up on a few things over time that would stick with me for decades." I explained while finding Ember's fascination with rail travel to be expected.

Ember cocked her head to one side and asked, "Really now? And...where did you get most of your information from?"

I saw no harm in sharing that with her. Not like she would understand the context. "The fictional Island of Sodor..."

"Never heard of it." Ember grunted while sounding a bit amused.

"Of course you wouldn't. It doesn't exist. Just a work of fiction. Even if steam locomotives are a common mode of transportation." I replied before I started to notice that the rear car of the train had no passengers aboard it. The ideal place for Ember and I to relax together. I began to step towards the rear of the train and said, "Anyway, we should probably board now. It won't be long before the train departs and we're being expected."

"Right, right, can't miss this." Ember replied as we were reminded of the business at hand. The conductor standing before the train stepped aside when I flashed him my lifetime pass for the Canterlot line, but he got in Ember's way once I stepped past and ducked into the rear car. Ember made her identity and objective quite clear once it was clear he was blocking her path. She spoke with a very authoritative tone, "I am the Dragon Lord. Ember. I have been tasked with escorting this man to Canterlot on official royal business. Stand aside."

"Uh..." The conductor muttered while I peeked out the first window to see what was happening. He leaned his head back when Ember tilted the Bloodstone Scepter towards him as the red gem atop it began to glow once again. She did not have any papers on her to confirm anything. She only had her word to go off of. Thankfully, the conductor was convinced by her presentation and her royal scepter. "All aboard, ma'am."

Ember took one step forward, but then hesitated while glancing to her left at the rest of the train. She then leaned close to the stallion and whispered loud enough for me to hear, "This man is in very delicate condition and privacy would be appreciated. Please direct all other passengers to the forward cars if you can help it."

I know Ember did not want to remind me of the situation at hand, but she meant well. The conductor even appeared to agree and closed the door behind Ember once she boarded. I took a seat right at the back of the car to prop myself up in the corner since the dividers between each seat, while very visually pleasing, were too consistently low for a human to lean against comfortably. Ember approached me slowly as she took in the sights aboard the train, a smile forming on her lips. "I learn something new every time I leave home."

That got me to smile too. It was pleasing to see Ember experiencing something new and enlightening. Once she reached me, she set the Bloodstone Scepter across the seat before us and took a seat beside me. The Bloodstone atop the scepter immediately began to glow. Almost as if it was protesting her setting it aside. Ember immediately scowled at it and said, "Oh, wait your turn. You can go a while without me holding you."

I found it amusing that Ember was basically scolding an inanimate object. And yet, it worked. The glow that was filling the Bloodstone dimmed away. Ember took note of this and snorted with a brief laugh, her scarlet eyes glancing over at me. "Huh. I guess you're not the only one who listens to me."

We were not stationary for much longer. Not even ten minutes later, we heard the distant call of the locomotive's steam whsitle. And then the entire car lurched forward suddenly. Ember's eyes shot open wide in shock from that sudden momentum. It was then the train car started to slowly roll forward as the train station on the left began to slide out of sight. Ember sighed in relief as she muttered, "That was very different than being on an airship... Very rigid."

Ember then looked past me as the scenery began to roll by. First the distant homes of Ponyville. And then the surrounding meadows. She was very taken with watching the scenery go by. She even left my side for a moment to get a closer look on the other side of the aisle. She was the Dragon Lord, but she was nothing more than a curious and excitable whelp at that moment as she experiencing the magic of rail travel for the first time. I spoke up with a delighted smirk on my face. "There's nothing quite like it, is there?"

"Nope!" Ember replied almost excitedly as she fidgeted in her seat, trying to find a better angle to see from. The fact that we were entirely alone kept us from feeling oppressed by judging eyes. It was good for her to enjoy this new experience on her own terms. Although Ember did eventually return to my side and rested her hand over mine, scarlet eyes gazing at me from their corners. "But I'd much rather look at you."

"Same here... There's little beauty in this world that surpasses all that lovely blue." I retorted with Ember beaming with a giggling smile. She was just so happy to be with me again. And the feeling was mutual.

The minutes rolled by as the train rolled along. It eventually reached the fork in the tracks with the train veering off to the right and towards the mountain that Canterlot had always been perched upon. Ember looked past me at that glorious mountain, but her eyes then fell upon me. I felt her hand tighten around mine as we were both reminded of our destination and the reasons behind it. Ember reached up to my face with her other hand and gingerly turned my head to face her. "James. Please be honest with me. Completely honest with me. Did someone hurt you?"

"No. No one has lashed out at me since my return. It just...feels like they will." I muttered as those memories came back and began to fester in my mind. Ember's presence was the one thing that made the memories tolerable. Because I knew I would never be not safe or welcome in her arms. "But I know they won't... It feels like the world hates me. That it and everyone in it wants me gone. But I know that's not true... But I just...convince myself of it."

"It really is all in your head, isn't it?" Ember muttered before she leaned into me, her right wing sliding under me to drape itself around me. She lowered her gaze almost in shame. "A part of me wishes I knew what you were going through... So I can understand your pain. I almost resent being a warrior... My heart too hard and my mind too sharp for this stuff to really eat away at. I wish...I was weaker..."

"Don't say that." I whispered with my hand lifting hers to my lips. I placed a tender kiss upon her fingers with my eyes closed in appreciation for her touch. "Your strength is keeping those shadows from completely consuming me right now. You're giving me the courage the keep going right now. All because you've always been so strong. Please don't think you're weak. Because you're not. I'm the weak one here."

Ember paused for a moment while I continued to kiss her fingers before resting my brow against them. But after a moment, Ember wiggled her fingers to get them free. I did not resist and let them go. But the instant she released me, she took hold of my hand again. Just in a different way. Her fingers interlaced with mine, curling down to hold her palm against mine. She gazed at me with eyes filled with a very sincere and firm devotion. "I am your shield. Even if the world betrays you, I will always be by your side. So long as you give me hope, I will always give you courage."

Such beautiful words... I felt tempted to cry. Even with those shadows in my mind trying to break me down, Ember's warm ironclad grasp on my hand with fingers locked between mine kept those thoughts from becoming too vivid. I closed my fingers over her hand with our grasp becoming unbreakable. And I took a grave risk. "I love you."

I felt her shudder in response to those words. I did it again. I could not conceal my true desires from her. Ember's eyes widened, but she then sighed harshly with head bowed. Her fingers tightened their grasp over my hand as she almost chuckled, "Why are you humans so eager to say these things? I wish I understood how your hearts work..."

"Dragons have all the time in the world... Most other creatures don't." I retorted while thinking deeply on this phenomenon. I sighed with my gaze lowering. "We...don't have as much time to think about these things... We can't be too patient."

I had to wonder how long dragon courtships could last before the vows are said. How long do dragons tend to pursue each other before they finally say those beautiful words? Years? Decades? But my thoughts were interrupted as I felt Ember shudder again. And when I gazed upon her... Those scarlet eyes were wide with horror. And thick wet tears began to cascade down her face. Just when I was about to ask if I did something wrong, she revealed an answer. "I'm going to lose you someday..."

Ember slowly and rigidly brought her brow to my chest and hissed with a barely contained sob. She grasped me. Held me as I squinted my eyes shut. It was such a dreadful thing to discuss with one almost untouched by the influence of time. The inevitability of mortality. What other thoughts were going through her mind? Recent harrowing memories? Ember whimpered pathetically, "Is this why...you say these things so easily?"

"Maybe... Just....maybe. I don't really have an answer of why..." I muttered as I too began to shed tears of my own. The shadows in my mind had been pushed away by an entirely unrelated sorrow. I never wanted to make her cry. I was so mad at myself from bringing sorrow to my beloved Ember. "I didn't mean to upset you..."

"Don't...apologize..." Ember whimpered as she tried so hard to keep her voice down. Her hand never released mine. Her grip even tightened to the point of being almost painful. She could crush my hand if she wanted to. When she finally lifted her head to gaze at me, her scarlet eyes were raw. And she all but wept as she spoke. "I'm so sorry I still don't have an answer... I still don't understand myself enough... Please... I'm begging you, James. Don't say this again. Not for a good long while. It...hurts too much...having to keep stalling for time..."

All I did was nod. And I could not bring myself to gaze upon her again. I had already said those three wonderful words too many times. But never before had those words brought my beloved pain. I had hurt her. So then why did her hand not release mine?

Ember's other hand rose to my face, forcing me to gaze upon her. And during that time, the train had climbed a short ways up the mountain and was approaching the first tunnel. As if on cue, the entire train car became pitch black. And I felt her lips upon mine. For just that ten seconds, we held each other and shared the true feelings in our hearts under the cover of the shadows. The instant the darkness began to be chased away by the afternoon light, Ember pulled away as I found her gazing into my eyes. She whispered with a ragged voice, "You fragile little man... I will shield you for as long as I can. And...I'll try not to keep you waiting for too long... When I do have an answer, I want to make sure I know myself well enough to give it."

The knowledge that I had just harmed her was still too much. And I turned away from her. But Ember was swift. She brought her other hand to my cheek and forced me to look at her. "No. No, don't turn away. Don't you dare run from me. If you run, I will pursue you. To the ends of the earth, if I must. When I have an answer, I will find you. Even if I have to upend entire continents to track you down."

"Why does it feel like you really would do that...?" I asked with a bit of caution in my heart. There was...an unmistakable sincerity in her voice. Not a shred of hyperbole was present in her voice.

Ember began to smile once more, the sorrow in her eyes fading. "Never underestimate a dragon's heart, my little warrior poet. They can burn hotter than the most furious volcano. Even this little blue lady can demolish mountains with her bare hands to get to what her heart longs for."

The more she spoke, the more artistic flair her voice carried. It was almost unlike her to be this eloquent with her words. And as I stared in genuine uncertainty of how to respond, I think Ember noticed as well. Her eyes wandered, her hands still holding mine and my face. "What's gotten into me... Is this your doing, my little warrior poet? Maybe there really is an artist in me that's only just starting to wake up..."

"You said...to never toy with a dragon's heart... Are you sure you I've not hurt yours?" I asked while still remembering that conversation we had so early on. A conversation regard dragon courtship...that should have served as an indication of the buds of romance that was starting to bloom in our hearts. The way Ember paced before me at the time... Gazing inquisitively at me... I think even then...she wanted me. And I was starting to want her. She had always been so different from all the others. A wonderful woman and a responsible leader. Beautiful and courteous, but strong and unwavering. If only I could have known just how madly in love I would fall for her.

"No... No, you've ever hurt mine." Ember muttered before her hand left my face and brought my other empty hand to her chest. I could feel that beautiful heart thumping away just under the surface of those bright blue ventral scales. "You've never played with my heart. All you've ever done is hold it. And never carelessly. Sometimes it even felt like you were afraid to touch it like it could fall from your hands at any seconds. But you always held it like a precious treasure..."

As those words touched me, Ember suddenly bowed her head as she let out a snicker. She then openly laughed for a second before she beamed at me and asked, "What have you done to me?! Just listen to me ramble! Ugh, those boulderheads would think I'm such a loser if they heard me spout this flowery junk!"

We...both laughed. We had lost ourselves in the love between us to the point that we could not resist speaking with only the most flowery of dialect. And that levity was something we desperately needed as the train continued to climb the mountain towards our destination. But when she became silent, Ember smiled softly at me. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm richer for having ever known you."

"Likewise, Ember. Likewise..." I muttered as I contemplated the fact that I owed her my life in more ways than one. I never would have lived to see the end of the war had she not been there for me. That beautiful blue dragoness was my guardian angel. One who pursued me across the Empty Plains for no other purpose than just to find me.

We held each other for a while longer, Ember's brow resting against my chest. Unfortunately, she did bring up a very recent topic we had just tried to forget about. "James... I know you'll leave this world someday... Long before I will. But...you'll come back eventually, right?"

"You mean...reincarnation?" I muttered as that concept entered my thoughts. Was that even possible?

"I think that's what they call it. I never thought much about it, but... You wouldn't just leave this world behind forever like that, right?" Ember asked before lifting her head to gaze at me. A quiet hope filled those raw and tired eyes. "I haven't even gone through the first tenth of my natural lifespan... I can't...imagine going that long without you."

"I really don't know, Ember. It's just a theory. There's no way to actually confirm whether or not reincarnation actually happens. And no one knows how things work...in the next world." I replied with my gaze focusing on the windows across from us and the rolling scenery just outside. "But...I have to wonder. I've only known Equestria as an outsider from another world. What would it be like...to be born and raised in this wonderful world?"

Ember whispered softly, "You will come back someday, right?"

"I'll admit... I'm tempted to try. This is a world I don't want to leave... Even if I return as something that isn't human, I would want to see this world again." I replied while starting to find myself hoping that such a concept did exist. My fingers tightened their grasp around Ember's hand as I muttered, "If I can return... I will."

The beautiful Dragon Lord then whispered earnestly to me, "When you do... Even if you're not really yourself anymore... I'll find you. I swear. I'll pursue you from one life to the next if I have to. Because you'll always have me."

She really meant that. There was no hesitation or wavering in those eyes. I then asked softly, "Is there anything that can deter a dragon's heart?"

"That's like asking if you can stop a volcano from erupting. You can...theoretically delay it, but you can't stop it." Ember retorted smugly before lifting her left wing to serve as a curtain just in case someone might be peeking through the door at the end of the train car. She then pressed her lips to mine before whispering, "My heart...is an inferno that will never be extinguished. And it burns for you, my warrior poet."

She was trying so hard to resist the urge to do what she told me to never do again. I really do believe her heart knows what it wants. And maybe a part of her mind does too. But the rest of her...was just so unsure. But for the moment, we held each other. And we kissed each other. This was not a time for sorrow. Ember leaned against me with her hand never releasing mine. And for just a while longer, all was well.

At long last, the trek up the mountain came to an end. We could feel the train starting to even out on flatter terrain. And a glance out the window revealed the unmistakable form of Canterlot coming up on the horizon. "We're here."

"Whoa... It's a lot bigger up close..." Ember mumbled while she also brought her head closer to the window to see ahead. But as we drew near, a new fear awoke in me. I would soon be surrounded by the people of Equestria again. And this time, it would be the societal elites of that society. Their judgement would be far harsher than those of the common folk. I had always viewed the Canterlot elite as a bunch of fops worthy of only disdain. So why was I now so afraid of them?

Ember sensed the shadows growing in my mind and acted accordingly. She firmly took hold of my hand, reminding me of the powerful warrior at my side. All I had to do was look in her eyes to be reminded of who was with me. And the brutal fate that would befall anyone who would make an attempt of my life. She did not need her spear or a dagger to kill. She could tear the people of Canterlot apart limb by limb if she wanted to. No words were needed. I knew I was safe with her.

The train came to a stop and the doors leading outside opened. Ember took the Bloodstone Scepter in hand and led me outside. But she immediately stopped to survey the elegant white, gold, and purple aesthetics of Canterlot's architecture all around us. "Whoa... It feels...so much fancier up here than anywhere else. All that white... And the purple and gold. It feels more like one giant castle than a city."

"Come to think of it, I'm sure that's what most people think when they see Canterlot from down there. It really does look like one from far away." I replied while suddenly realizing that I had not set foot in Canterlot since the day the royal family received the declaration of war from their enemy. And just before Ember could inquire on where exactly we were supposed to go, a familiar form was trotting our way. A white unicorn stallion clad in elegant purple and gold armor. "Hey there, captain..."

"James. Ember. Good to see you." Shining Armor said briefly while looking...more than just a bit haggard. I suspect he might have been one of the last of the militia to return home for the sake of being their for his men, but he looked exceptionally ragged by then. He then asked, "So then... You're getting first dibs on that?"

He looked tired. Like he had barely slept. I asked with a growing empathy in my heart, "The memories getting to you too?"

"Yeah... I've had a lot of sleepless nights. Cadence is worrying herself sick over me and there's nothing she can do about it..." The captain of the guard sighed while looking easily the worst I had ever seen from him. There were very visible bags under his eyes and he barely made any attempt in keeping himself kempt and orderly. He tried to smile, but he was just so tired. "There's a lot riding on this experiment. If there are thousands out there experiencing these symptoms, then we need to get them treated right away. I wouldn't wish this on anyone..."

I could not resist. I dropped to one knee and embraced my friend and brother-in-arms. We had served together out there on the Empty Plains and had both been left scarred by the experience. In my arms, I heard Shining Armor suddenly let out a whimper as he clung to me. "I'm just so tired... I don't wanna keep thinking about these things... How do you guys handle this where you come from? They just...won't go away..."

"It'll be OK, Armor... They'll fix us." I muttered while also finding myself unable to resist letting out a mutual sob. Being in each other's arms was an opportunity to let ourselves be vulnerable. And we did not care who saw. Ember stepped up beside us and patted us both on the backs without a word. Just trying to be kind to a couple of fellow warriors who served on the battlefield with each other.

"Right... Right, that's enough. The sooner they get this operation up and running, the better. As soon as they're done with you, I'm next in line." Shining Armor sighed after finally composing himself. Once I rose to my feet, he managed to smile at Ember beside us. "So then... They asked you to escort him? Any problems on the way up here?"

"No, nothing at all. No one's bothered us so far." Ember replied while tapping the Bloodstone Scepter on the train platform beneath us. She then said firmly, "But let's not waste time. You're both suffering here, I can tell. Where do we go?"

"This way. We need to check in at the palace first. Princess Celestia needs to see you before we do anything else." Shining Armor replied before he began to lead the two of us through the city of Canterlot. The elite were out and about like before as we wandered the streets. But unlike the unseen prying eyes I always felt behind me in Ponyville, I could see the elite ponies actually gazing upon me. Who knew what kind of gossip had spread among Canterlot's socialites after the truth was declassified to the entire world?

The shadows began to return in my mind in spite of Ember's presence. And she detected this. I felt her hand very firmly grasp mine, prompting me to look down at her. She glanced up at me with a growing fury in those scarlet eyes while she spoke with a menacing whisper. "They touch you, they die."

She had every intention of following through on that threat. As if in response to these words, the Bloodstone began to glow once again. Ember held her scepter out like a weapon, the bright glowing red serving as a beacon to warn away anyone who may get close. I doubt Ember was causing it to glow. More like...it was also trying to defend me in some way.

Ember's defenses was more than enough. The Canterlot elite stared, but did not approach. If anything, I suspect they were more taken with Ember than me. They had likely never seen a dragon in Canterlot before, let alone the Dragon Lord herself. They surely must have suspected that craggy stone scepter holding a massive glowing red gemstone atop it was a sign of some nobility. But there were those who made their intentions more known. Any member of the royal guard we passed would immediately salute us. And I felt their eyes gazing up at me as we passed. Their unblinking stares did not carry malice. These were mares and stallions who had served with us. Or at the very least knew of the trials we endured. Their eyes were the only ones that did not fill me with dread.

We finally came to the royal palace. I was rooted to the spot as I beheld it for the first time since that fateful day. I had to escape the palace last time. And now I was about to enter I took a deep breath and followed Shining Armor up the stairs with Ember at my side. A pair of guards saluted us, but one of them spoke to me as we passed. "Welcome back, sir."

I only nodded in confirmation. The halls were mostly quiet while Ember gazed around at her surroundings. It was her first time inside the home of the true sovereigns of Equestria and she was feasting her eyes on the elegant interior design. But once we came to the main hall...

Celestia and Luna stood at the bottom of the grand staircase. They stood rigidly stiff as Shining Armor led me before them. Ember stood back to allow them to speak first. For once, I felt terrified. It was the first time I had seen them since departing the battlefield. Clad in their regalia without armor, they gazed upon me with nearly unblinking eyes. But the facade soon crumbled in one of them. Celestia suddenly approached me with a brisk trot and threw her wings around me as she rested her head on my shoulder. I heard her whimper softly, "I was told... I did not bring you to this world just to lose you like that..."

We both slumped to our knees as we embraced. I squinted my eyes shut in shame, fresh tears spilling forth. I felt so foolish to have done something so reckless, even if it was caused by factors out of my control. This nightmare that I could not awaken from...

Luna finally stepped forward and draped a wing over the two of us. She spoke softly, "So good of you to come, my friend... Do not fret. It is nearly over. When you are ready... Just say the word."

I was so distraught in my beloved Celestia's embrace that I could not speak. I could barely even manage a nod. But just when I began to calm myself, a new sound reached my ears. The sound of hooves descending the staircase behind them.

Celestia heard this too and began to release me with her tears slowing. And when she stepped aside, I saw why. There they stood before me. Queen Sunflare and King Orbash. Just when I began to wonder if I would ever see them again, there they were before me in the royal palace of Canterlot.

For a moment, they stood beside each other without a word. The sun queen and moon king beholding me as I beheld them. They soon made the first move. Each extended one wing in opposite directions and waited. I soon understood the invitation they were offering and all too readily stepped forward. I stood between them and wrapped an arm around their shoulders while they draped each wing over me, their heads resting upon my shoulders in unison. I heard the king whisper to me. "We feared the worst when we heard, my boy. No one deserves such suffering..."

I could not speak as I found myself held in the wings of my dear Celestia's mother and father. The mighty king and queen of Equestria who proved vital in their world's salvation. I heard Sunflare whisper most kindly, "Fear not. Respite is finally within reach. And we are confident that their promises will ring true."

"Thank you..." I muttered as I started to pull back. But when I did, the two of them brought their muzzles to my cheeks and gently touched me. This mutual show fo affection from both the king and queen left me momentarily stunned and reminded me of how I genuinely feared I would never see them again. I bowed my head and muttered, "I missed you..."

"We did promise that would not be the last time we would meet, my boy. I am only sorry this meeting is not under better circumstances." Orbash spoke softly as they pulled way to gaze upon me. He then added, "And while we must avoid the public eye for now, we are still...undecided about our next move. Sunflare and I are fiercely debating whether or not we shall remain."

"Please stay. That's...all I can say." I said almost reflexively. I did not want this day to be where we would say goodbye forever. Orbash had become almost like a father to me. And I had nothing but respect for Sunflare, that unwavering high queen.

"We will...certainly consider that, child." Sunflare said softly before bringing her head forward and resting her central horn upon my brow. She closed her eyes and spoke, "You have suffered greatly for our world and people. And even after the dust had settled. I cannot beg enough for your forgiveness. I was a fool..."

"You did what you had to, your majesty... I was almost convinced it was for the best at the time too... We couldn't have known about the finer details of the emperor's methods." I whispered with my hand upon her shoulder, my eyes closing as well. I felt such horror and despair when that truth was revealed. For just a moment, I considered letting her unyielding celestial flames take me. A precursor of the guilt that would plague me in the coming weeks.

"No... With one single-minded whim, I nearly doomed my world. Thank you for enduring long enough for me to hear the voice of reason." Sunflare spoke firmly with her horn still upon my brow. She then opened her eyes as I did the same, those fiery irises filled with a firm determination and bitterness. "I will not forget my transgressions that day. I must be better than this. I must know restraint in times of crisis."

"But you already have that restraint, my dear. Or am I just not a factor in this equation anymore?" Orbash said with such a sly smirk on his lips.

Sunflare abruptly lifted her horn from my head and snorted dismissively. She then said to me, "Don't mind the jester here. He knows what I mean."

Just when the moon king added a much needed dose of levity into the situation, Sunflare slipped him a kiss upon the cheek. "But truly, I would be lost without you, my love. Thank you for always being there for me."

"It has always been a pleasure, my dear. I swore upon my crown that I would be your and no one else's that moonless night and I shall stick to it until our world decays to dust." Orbash said most sweetly in a manner that coaxed a smile out of all who witnessed it. The king and queen crossed horns for a moment as they displayed their conviction to us. For as sharply as their personalities have always been at odds with each other, they truly were meant for one another. Although they soon turned our way as Orbash said, "Now then... I do believe we have some important matters to tend to?"

We all turned to Celestia and Luna. I then asked, "Is it ready?"

"It is. We really shouldn't delay. The sooner we confirm this operation functions according to plan, the sooner everyone else who returned from the battlefield can receive treatment." Luna replied as they began to guide us back towards the hall from which we had entered.

It was then that I noticed someone was missing. A certain royal sister. I asked with the slightest hint of alarm, "Where's Nightmare Moon? She visited me in my dreams a couple nights ago. Did anything happen?"

Celestia turned to me with her smile having faded. "We decided it was for the best that you do not see her in your current condition. A precaution to prevent...any compilations. But rest assured, she is healing well and will be the first to be notified once the procedure has been completed."

I had far too much unwarranted guilt on my shoulders as was at the time. And I could still vividly remember the day when I thought I thought I was holding her corpse on the battlefield. Luna noticed my wandering gaze and said, "She will be waiting for you after the procedure is complete. I promise you."

"Thank you... Hm?" I then happened to notice that Sunflare and Orbash were not following. I turned to them as they watched before asking, "You're not coming?"

"As much as we would like to accompany you, it is for the best that we remain out of the public spotlight. At least until we have made our decision. Virtually nopony in Canterlot is even aware that we are here. And those that are have been sworn to secrecy for the time being." Sunflare explained with a very stern look in her eyes. And I understood why. While the rest of the world had at least some knowledge of the king and queen's existence as detailed in that newspaper article, the entire world probably assumed they had returned to the shadows once the deed was done. If only Canterlot was aware that Equestria's mightiest paragons were residing just under their noses at that moment.

We did not question it further, but Orbash still spoke with a smile. "We will catch up at least once more by the time we have come to our decision. As for now, we must not keep you. I pray for the best, my boy."

There was no need to delay. We all departed the palace with Ember staying close to me throughout the trek. It felt so wrong to wander the streets of Canterlot while feeling so much more uneasy than impressed and curious with the architecture around me. For all the disdain I held for the upper classes of that city, I never hated it. But now I was viscerally uncomfortable. Although the presence of the mighty royals around me provided some comfort. I asked softly, "Where are we going?"

"The psychiatric hospital of Canterlot. It's not one of the better known establishments in town." Celestia replied while she and Luna led us along. And once that building did come up on the horizon, I admit it looked a little too regal for anyone to assume it had anything to do with the field of medicine. That might have been part of the point when considering the messy and likely stigmatized reputation mental illness probably holds even in Equestria. "Here we are..."

The lobby carried a certain sort of uncomfortably clean and pale interior design. Possibly a means of making patients more willing to depend on those in an environment that feels...not right. The field of chronic mental health is not something I wish to familiarize myself in, having seen far too many cases of such incurable madness in the world I came from. Although the receptionist was far from unkind as we all approached the front desk. A unicorn mare spoke up, "Your highnesses! Just on time. Is...this the patient we're expecting?"

I assumed the receptionist did not even really know what a human is, but they knew I was coming. Celestia nodded and said, "Yes... This man will be the first. He needs it."

"So I've heard. Everything that happened out there... We wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'll call for them right away." The receptionist replied before pressing a button on her desk. She muttered something into an intercom before leaving us to ourselves.

Ember almost looked unnerved by the cold pale walls of the lobby. She glanced around with the Bloodstone Scepter in hand, "Why does this place make me feel...on edge? Something about all this white..."

Luna sighed before she said, "The subject of mental illness is a very sordid affair, Dragon Lord. I suspect these halls of white are an unintentional means of reflecting that. The only comfort we can take in it is that such crippling disorders are relatively uncommon in Equestria."

Only moments passed before one of the doors leading off to the side opened up. And we were not prepared for who came trotting over. A young alicorn mare caught me in an embrace, but not a true member of the royal family. "You poor thing... Shining Armor told me everything you went through out there."

"Hi, Cadence..." I muttered as I held my friend's wife in my arms. Such a sweet mare, so eager to soothe those with broken hearts. I asked softly, "You here to cheer us on?"

"Mmhm. And I'll be staying when it's Armor's turn. I've felt...so helpless watching him lately. I can fix a broken heart, but not a broken mind." She replied before I gently set her down. She then rushed into her husband's arms and held him in her wings. "You loveable dorks... It's almost over. They're ready to fix you both."

"I hope so, dear... I'm ready so just...sleep for a full night for once." He sounded so tired. Cadence's presence must have been utterly relieving for Shining Armor. Cadence began to converse softly with her aunts and her husband while I took a seat nearby. I had no expectations. I was just ready to get this nightmare over with.

Ember took a seat beside me, her hand resting over mine. I instinctively leaned towards her while she caught me with her own body. Her hand tightened around mine, her voice whispering to me. "It's almost over... Just hang in there."

All I could do was nod. I think my body was responding to the situation accordingly. I felt so tired... Like I was at the end of a very long journey. And before much longer, the doors leading down one of the halls opened again. "Mr. James?"

A voice I did not recognize reached my ears. And a stallion I did not recognize stood at the doorway. Draped in a white coat and wearing a set of glasses that complimented his gray beard, the man looked like the ideal psychiatrist of Equestria's people. I stood up without a word to confirm my identity. He then replied, "We've been expecting you. Right this way."

"Hold it." Ember said firmly before she too stood up and approached the doctor at a brisk pace. She then pointed right at him as he took a cautious step backwards. "This man has suffered like you wouldn't believe lately. If anything happens to him on your watch..."

"Ma'am, ma'am! I assure you there is virtually no risk. I am rarely this confident when considering new procedures. I assure you Mr. James will be in good hooves here." He replied promptly at the first opportunity. We knew Ember meant well. She just did not understand the delicate nature of treating mental health issues.

"OK, if you say so... Just remember. He better be safe on your watch." Ember said firmly before letting me pass her. All of my companions followed us down the halls without a word. But Ember always remained by my side. She soon took hold of my hand and whispered up at me. "I'm scared for you..."

"I'll be OK... I have faith in these people." I replied softly while we were led in a more spacious office. The interior design was not like the rest of the hospital. The walls and even the ceiling were made up of swirling shades of blue that was oddly calming. And while their were a few nurses and technicians going about to set things up, my eyes fell upon a young and very familiar unicorn stallion among them who was just about the last person I expected to see there. "Sunburst...?"

"Huh? Oh, James! You're the first patient for this treatment?" That nerdy bespectacled replied while still clad in his favorite cape. Although that smile quickly faded when he realized why I was there. "I... I didn't ever consider that so many would still be suffering like this. I was requested to come in and see what I could do to streamline the process."

"And thank you for answering the call, Sunburst. How are things looking?" Celestia replied while they stood near the door.

"To be honest, there wasn't much left for me to add. Medical magic isn't my forte, but I did what I could. And by that, I just made some suggestions for fine-tuning the procedure. And I'm feeling very confident that it'll be a success." Sunburst explained with a bit of unprofessional giddiness that clashed with the neurologists behind him. There was a reclining chair or table of sorts that was surrounded by podiums that held enchanted crystals. Almost as it was supposed to project a type of field over where I would be resting. Sunburst then said ore somberly, "I know we never really got to know each other that much, but I know what you've done for Equestria. I just hope we can finally help you this time."

I gazed upon where the operation would take place before looking back down at Sunburst. "You look like the right guy to ask. Exactly how is this gonna work?"

"From the sound of things, you and everyone else who's displaying these symptoms are suffering from varying forms of PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And with such a massive surge in cases, the minds behind Canterlot's psychological sciences and medicine have been developing a means to provide a long term solution to it. I would even dare say it can be considered an actual cure." Sunburst explained with a very forward and frank explanation as he processed the gravity of the situation now that he was seeing exactly what the war had done to me.

Shining Armor's ears perked up before he asked, "A cure? And how will this work exactly?"

Sunburst adjusted his glasses as he said, "Basically... PTSD is a trauma related disorder. And psychological trauma is a product of memories. Painful scathing memories that cannot be ignored or pushed away when remembered. If what I understand is true, this procedure will be addressing these memories."

Ember did not like the sound of this. And even I was somewhat alarmed by what this was implying. She stepped forward and asked, "You mean...this procedure is about erasing these painful memories?"

"Whoa, I didn't say that. And we can't really do that anyway. I mean we...theoretically can, but it's considered unethical in medical circles to entirely erase memories no matter how dark they might be." Sunburst retorted while taking a step back from the Dragon Lord. He then added, "So no, no memories will be erased. Instead, the procedure is intended to...dampen them. Dull the memories into being less vivid. They will still be there, but more difficult to recall. Colors dimmed, sounds muffled, even physical stimuli will be dulled. The memories will still be there. You just won't be able to recall them as clearly. And we will compensate by brightening more positive memories. Making those moments of levity and relief all the more pronounced to offset the less pleasant memories that are not traumatic enough to weigh too heavily on your mind."

This...sounded utterly brilliant the more I thought about it. So much so that I felt the most hopeful I had felt in days. And I had nothing but confidence in Sunburst by then. His contributions to the magical side of things during the war was nothing short of vital. His efforts saved lives. And he would surely save mine. Although as I pondered this, more questions popped up in my head. "Wait... You won't be able to actually see my memories, will you?"

Sunburst shook his head and said, "No, we don't have the means to do that. It wouldn't be necessary anyway. The procedure will basically cause your mind to recall virtually every waking memory between two separate dates. And in rapid succession. Entire days will go by in moments, although the operation will likely take at least a couple of hours. And to determine which memories need to be strengthened or dampened, we will be closely monitoring your body's reactions to the memories you're remembering. Stress and hormone levels. If physical reactions caused by negative emotions surpass a certain threshold, that memory will be greatly dulled. If this procedure goes according to plan, the memories that are still hurting you will basically be like a bad dream you can only barely recall."

I did not hesitate in given a response. "Do whatever you have to make me how I was. These are memories I'd happily let go of...if it means I can be happy again."

My comrade from the battlefield smiled very sympathetically at me while I think everyone else around me were showing visible signs of support. He then said, "Good to hear. I won't actually be taking part here. I'm only knowledgeable in magical theory. But I'm sticking around to see how this turns out. Best of luck, James. I'm rooting for you."

The same doctor as before stepped over to me with the lights in the room beginning to dim and the crystals surrounding the table beginning to produce a gentle glow of an almost amethyst hue of purple. "It's time, Mr. James. Please take a seat and we'll get started."

I looked back at my companions while Sunburst began to lead them out of the room. Celestia, Luna, and Ember looked back at me with gazes of hopeful concern. Sunburst then explained to them, "There's a viewing area just around the corner if you need to get comfortable."

There was a large glass panel on the wall to my left. I only saw a vague reflection of the room on that side, but we were all likely visible from the other side. I rested upon the table or chair as I was tilted back to gaze up at another cluster of crystals attached tot he underside of a disc affixed to the ceiling. I could hear and even feel a...soothing resonance. It only grew stronger as the seconds went by. I felt so sleepy...

It all felt so dreamlike. I passed from being awake to...almost being asleep while not quite going that far. And then... I saw it. Like everything I saw was being played on fast forward. I saw the day I came to Canterlot to learn the true history of humanity in Equestria. My daring escape from the palace once I had fetched my armor. Flashes of vast expanses of green and gray, followed by a very quiet little gray mare. That blue and black when Nightmare Moon caught up to me. And finally the light green of the vast Empty Plains. I could feel some of those memories becoming even brighter than I recalled. Becoming so vivid and beautiful.

Too many of those days upon the Empty Plains with Nightmare Moon were interchangeable with each other. At least whenever she and I were not resting inside that portable cottage she had the foresight to bring along. Those were lovely memories. Especially when considering what would develop between us in the coming weeks. I remembered stumbling across the mystical and beautiful Mistmane. And...the Grove of Silence. How I missed those wonderful mares. And my beloved Rain Shine.

The colors of craggy volcanic rock filled my vision. The hot colors of fresh lava. A flash of gold followed by blue. I could remember the instant I saw Ember's face for the first time. That memory slowed for a few seconds as I saw her face becoming evermore vibrant and recognizable. The beautiful dragon queen who would be arguably the most important person in my company by the end of the war. But I also remembered the unpleasant memory of when we first parted ways. And when I met her again that night in the realm of dreams. Memories that were unpleasant, but not scathingly painful. Those memories were left untouched.

In fact, any unpleasant memories I had for weeks on end were only that. Unpleasant. I was only aware enough to recall, but it was like I was being taken on a ride where I could only react to this rapid flurry of visuals on the most basic level. It was not about what I could do or say in response. It was all about what I felt. I was not asleep. I was in a deep trance.

The wonder of making new friends and reuniting with old ones. New discoveries made in preparation for the coming battles. The sheer optimism and confidence during the early days of the war. And the thrill of a hard-earned victory during the first few real battles we experienced. For just a little while, the future ahead of those memories was looking very bright.

Even my memories from outside the realm of reality flashed before my eyes. Even in the realm of dreams, I was lucid enough that the memories of those nights may as well have been from when I was wide awake. I could remember a desperate and climatic duel against a demonic knight clad in azure armor and a demon of scarlet with burning wings. I remembered my clash against a noble blue machine hero who parted ways with such kind words I needed to hear. A final duel against an old friend rendered mute in a dying world I had created in my own mind years ago. A desperate showdown against an ancient fallen king with five sentient swords at our sides. And...a world-breaking battle in the crimson sky against a dark wyrm with a new friend coming to our aide.

That was not the last time I would see that little dragoness of violet and rosy red flash across my vision. Dear little Cynder... Such lovely memories we made together when we had nothing but each other. Where had she gone?

And yet...the darkest memories came as well. The horror I felt when new truths were revealed by the arrival of Equestria's true king and queen. It was around then that I began to notice some of the visions before me slowing down. The colors becoming dull. The sounds and voices becoming barely more than white noise. The shapes becoming blurred. Every time these memories appeared before me, I would feel such a visceral and unpleasant reaction to them. And that agony would immediately fade almost to nothing as I found myself struggling to remember the finer details of that moment. Like I could not even remember why I was even in pain in the first place. All that remained was a scar that no longer brought me pain. Nothing more than a reminder that it had happened while not saying what caused it.

More and more of these painful memories flashed before my eyes. Many became dim and more incomprehensible, but some were just tolerable enough for me to endure. Especially those during the final days of the war. I remembered seeing Rain Shine become a demonic mare of scorched black and spectral flames. Ember tearing our enemies apart while tearfully shrieking in primal rage. And the final duel against the Forgotten Emperor atop the Heaven's Pillar. No matter how somber these memories, these needed to be left intact. They were too vital to that experience to suppress. They remained untouched and vivid enough, that rapidly passing sight letting me witness the old man's final breath all over again.

The last thing I remember seeing was the moment I took to the skies aboard the Alabaster. The true end of the war signaled by my departure for home. And with that... The entrancing resonance that pulsed through me began to fade. My senses came back to me. I began to open my eyes as the lights in the room around me began to brighten. The gentle hymn of the crystals around me fell silent as their harmonic glows dimmed away. I felt so...aimless. As if I may have awoken from a coma. A coma lasting as many days as i just witnessed in rapid succession. The doctor who had led me to that office stepped up beside me and said, "Welcome back, Mr. James. How do you feel?"

"I... I dunno..." I muttered in thorough uncertainty. What had changed? I slowly pushed myself up to a sitting position. What had I gained? What had I let go of?

"Easy now... Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Do you remember why you are here? What memories caused you to need to seek aide?" The doctor asked with his assistants watching and waiting.

I sat up on that table. Just staring into space. I did remember the misery of the prior week. I remembered the drastic actions I took. But...while I did remember how I felt, it was a struggle to remember why. I remembered the anxiety whenever I was in Ponyville, but the memories linked to it were so dull. Almost like the vague memories of a bad dream that never leaves you, yet cannot have all of its finer details recalled. Instead of dread, I almost felt silly over being so anxious and miserable without a concrete reason for it. I bowed my head in a bizarre mix of amusement and embarrassment. What had I been so afraid of? Why be so consumed with dread over such a nonissue? "You know... It's really a shame a procedure like this just doesn't exist in the world I come from."

The doctor cocked his head to one side and asked, "What makes you say that?"

I sighed in deep relief before casting a slight smile towards him. "Because it works."

Everyone in the room had faces that brightened as I pushed myself off the table and back onto my feet. I felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders that I was not even aware of in the first place. I bowed my head with eyes closed. And I felt a certain...conflicted feeling. I could still remember some of the most strenuous moments of the war. That finally battle against a Hollow army. There were several moment in those memories where my memories became blurs with the sounds I remember hearing sounding as if I had heard them through a thick filter. I remember Gilda...and I know she had a very close call with an arrow grazing her face. But...I could not for the life of me recall exactly what happened when I looked up upon hearing the shriek of a hawk. I knew what happened. I still at least knew that much. But it was like reading of a dark event in a book. I knew what happened, but no longer had the full context and experience that can only be had by witnessing it. But I knew that these dampened memories were necessary. Better to not be able to recall such agony than to have the memories sabotage one's life at every opportunity. I could still remember the misery of the past week. And I was all too ready to leave that behind and move on.

I carefully got back on my feet and even cast the medics around me a grateful smile. "I...almost forgot what it feels like to feel...this relieved. I don't really know how everything worked, but it did. Thank you."

"And you're only the first who will be receiving this treatment. Now that this procedure has been confirmed to be a success, we can send the information of it to every clinic available and start curing everyone else currently experiencing these symptoms." The head doctor said while he and I shook hand and hoof. He then said, "Now then, we just need to reset everything for the next patient in thirty minutes. A friend of yours has requested that he be next in line."

"Yeah, he certainly needs it. He was out there in the thick of things with me. Take good care of him, all right? Shining Armor's a good man." I replied before standing and heading out the door. And I was greeted by all the faces who had accompanied me. They eyes full of hope with Celestia almost looked like she was trying to maintain her composure as soon as she looked into my eyes. "How long was I out?"

"The procedure took somewhere between two and three hours. And you appeared to be very relaxed during the entire time." Luna explained while also looking very relieved to see me out of that room.

Shining Armor then took a step forward, his eyes almost looking excited. "So, how'd it go? How're you feeling?"

I told him all he needed to know. "It works. And they'll be calling you in half an hour. You're gonna be OK, captain."

"Oooooh man, I can hardly wait... I'm gonna sleep like a log tonight..." Shining Armor groaned in relief before letting out a very much deserved yawn. He clearly had not been sleeping well in recent days.

"You poor thing... It's almost over, dear." Cadence whispered before giving her husband a kiss on the cheek. For how hard the experience it must have been for the poor guy, I can only imagine how difficult it was for his wife.

Ember then stepped forward and raised a hand up to me. She was beckoning me to come closer. I complied and dropped to one knee as her hand stroked my face. She said nothing, but I think she was scanning my face. Her eyes even narrowed in contemplation. But it was not long before she smiled tenderly. "You're looking happier."

"I'm feeling happier... I honestly feel kinda silly about all that happened in hindsight... Like I was making a big deal out of nothing." I muttered in genuine embarrassment. All that grief... All that trouble... Such misery over a problem that did not even exist. Truly, one's mind can be their worst enemy. I was almost tempted to smack myself upside the head in an attempt to scold myself, but resisted when I remembered the physical injuries that I was still recovering from.

Speaking of that, Ember's hand rose to the bandages that covered my scalp. With my mind having been healed, I suspected she was wondering if my skull had healed by then as well. Or healed as much as it could with the bandages being safe to remove. There was a respectable amount of padding around where the fracture had occurred, but even I was wondering if it was safe to remove it.

Ember looked at the Princesses of the Dawn and Night, the two of them nodding at her. She then held out the Bloodstone Scepter towards Cadence and asked, "Hold this, please?"

Cadence did not refuse. She took the Bloodstone Scepter into the grasp of her levitation spell. I bowed my head and closed my eyes as she began to undo my bandages. And once they fell from my head, I felt those delicate fingers caressing me along my scalp. After having my head shaved for the sake of treating the wound, I could feel Ember's fingers sliding along a thin layer of hair that was already starting to cover my scalp. As if I had just gotten a buzz cut at the local barber in town. I ran my own fingers over the peace fuzz covering my scalp and almost laughed at it. "At least I won't have to worry about getting a haircut for a good while."

Celestia had the strongest response to this. She lifted her wrist to her lips as fresh tears flowed down her face. As soon as I looked at her, she stepped towards me with wings spread wide, "Just...let me hold you for a minute!"

I rose to my feet and was immediately embraced in her two wings, her head resting against the side of my head. She wept quietly as I held my beloved in my arms, "You're finally healing... At last..."

"Shhh... I'm OK now..." I whispered very quietly into her ear. Even if Celestia had escaped the horrors of PTSD, I was not going to contemplate what her own mind was going through. It was just...such a relief for everyone that all of us could finally start to heal on a physical and psychological level.

Celestia reluctantly released her grip on me as Ember took the Bloodstone Scepter back into her hands. The Princess of the Dawn hastily dried her tears while Luna stepped forward with a bit of an impish smile on her lips. "I must say now... While you were being mended, we sent for someone. And...there she is."

"Who... Oh my god..." I muttered before turning towards the nearest doors. And through them stepped a beautiful yet scarred sight. Nightmare Moon, her suit of barding having been discarded in place of her usual regalia, stood before us. We all fell silent as we beheld the royal sister who had been most brutally affected by the horrors of war.

I approached the Princess of Dreams slowly. Those memories were still there. As scalding as they were, I believe the most painful memories I had involving Nightmare Moon during the war were just below a certain threshold. They had been left intact. We stood before each other, each of us maimed by war. She extended a wing towards me, her body nowhere near as bandaged as it was when I last saw her. She still appeared relatively frail with only a few bandages here and there, but she was healing very nicely. Truly, her mother had mended the worst when she could. My eyes becoming hot with fresh tears, I embraced her as she embraced me. We were both healing and had finally left the worst of our experiences behind.

With her wing shielding our faces, we brought our lips together. The two of us shared a precious kiss. A reaffirming of the love we held for each other. A love that...could never be more than it already was. But we would be remiss to let it die. Nightmare Moon rested her horn atop my brow as she gazed into my eyes. "At last... We can all begin to heal."

"Yeah... I...can't begin to describe how it feels to just...have all those shadows in my head disappear like that... It really works. Make sure everyone who needs it gets it, all right?" I whispered while holding the beautiful Princess of Dreams in my arms. Once I loosened my grasp, I asked, "So then... What now? Should I just head home?"

"Already? Perish the thought! We still have an evening free. And it's been much too long since our last day on the town." Nightmare Moon retorted smugly before I turned around and saw that Celestia and Luna were very much in on the joke. They looked ready for an afternoon of having a good time. Nightmare Moon then turned to Ember and asked, "Would you care to join us for an evening of relaxation, Ember? We would like to ease ourselves back into civilized society, if you would join us."

"Would I?! Count me in!" Ember beamed with her eyes meeting mine. We both knew why she was really there. Where I went, she would follow. Even if it meant following me out onto the town for a nice time. The Dragon Lord then turned to the rest of our companions and said, "You coming?"

"Nah... I'm not going anywhere until these guys fix my head. After that, I'm going right home with Cadence and...probably gonna crash until morning." Shining Armor chuckled in fatigue while still trying to keep himself going. Cadence kissed him upon the cheek before he nuzzled her. "You'll be there with me, right?"

"Of course, dear. I wanna be there for my favorite dork once he's back to his fun old self." Cadence giggled while most of us found it hard not to laugh. The lovely young lady then smiled at us and said, "We really should catch up sometime once we've all had a chance to relax and get back to our old routines. I missed all of you!"

We were all in agreement on that. But I then noticed someone had stayed at the back of the group to go unnoticed for a while. Sunburst finally stepped forward as we all focused on him. "You're looking a lot happier now, James. It looked like the procedure was a smashing success. That's good news for all of our returning veterans."

"If they've been suffering like I have, they'll really appreciate this. Make sure no one is overlooked, all right? PTSD has taken too many lives in the world I came from. If this is a real cure for them, make sure no one slips between the cracks." I replied while all too glad to be free of those inner demons. And having a renewed sense of empathy with those suffering from those symptoms.

"Don't worry about that. The royal guard kept a log of literally everyone who signed up to serve in the militia, including their home addresses. They'll all be receiving offers for free treatment in the coming days. By this time next month, they should all be just fine." Shining Armor then spoke up since he was easily the one who knew most about how the militia enlistment process worked. He then let out another yawn and said, "Anyway, don't let us keep you. Come on, you're all back home. Have fun! And we'll catch you on the flipside."

Sunburst adjusted his glasses while he smiled at us all. "Just...take it easy today. We've all been through a lot. Especially you guys who weren't always safe and sound in a lab. I'll be checking in with the doctors here in case they need any assistance I can provide."

"Thanks, dude... Have a good one. And thank you." I replied before we all said our farewells and began to make our way out of the clinic. Once outdoors, we all savored a moment of silent under the wide blue sky. I went into that clinic and came out as basically a new man freed from the trauma rooted in my mind. I felt...good.

We all at that beautiful clear blue sky and the elegant spires of Canterlot's skyline. The horrors of the war were finally on their way to becoming a distant memory. But there was one question left. And Ember beat me to it. "Now then... Where do we start?"

"Why not dinner? It has gotten rather late. Why not get that out of the way?" Luna asked before I realized what time it was. Between the train ride up the mountain, going to the royal palace and then to the clinic, and the amount of time it took to carry out the procedure to soothe my fractured mind, it was definitely a good time to find a good meal for the evening. None of us were in disagreement. "Now then... Where shall we dine?"

"We could always visit one of the local pizzerias." Nightmare Moon suggested while I too did some brainstorming. I had not been back to Canterlot for a pleasure visit in quite some time. Ember had nothing to suggest since she was still largely ignorant to Equestrian cuisine at the time and knew nothing about Canterlot. Nightmare Moon then turned to me and asked, "What about you, our champion? What are you in the mood for?"

As if on cure, one particular dining establishment popped into my head. A place I had only visited once. I glanced at them with a hungry smile on my lips and said, "The Tasty Treat."

Celestia perked up with her eyes alit with intrigue. "Ooh, I've heard good things about that place! How about it, sisters? Shall we?"

None were in disagreement. Ember and I followed along with our hosts guiding us through the streets. While I could remember the anxiety of feeling so many eyes gazing upon me with resentment, and I did notice quite a few of the Canterlot elite around us were casting me some funny looks, it just felt more like the usual gawking of society's elites than anything else. I really did not feel in danger at all. Although Ember leaned my way eventually and asked, "So... Tasty Treat, huh?"

"It's the only restaurant of its kind in Canterlot and everything on the menu is amazing." I replied in brief while not wanting to spoil too much for a first timer.

Ember then cocked her head to one side and asked, "And...what's a restaurant?"

I was somewhat taken aback by the sheer ignorance of Ember's knowledge over establishments in society that so many of us take for granted. I considered my words carefully while I explained, "That's...an establishment that prepares and serves food to patrons. They handle the cooking themselves and have their own recipes. You just have to pay them for their services."

"Oh, it's a bartering center. Trading goods for edibles, right?" Ember replied while likely only having the most basic understanding of such a concept.

"Uh...no... I get the dragon lands don't have anything in the way of economics, but..." I retorted before reaching into my pocket to check my wallet. I pulled out one of the thick cold coins in it and showed it to her. "This is called a bit. And it's the currency of Equestria. You trade these for goods, whereupon the new owner of the bits can trade them for goods, and so on and so on..."

"I think I get it... Ugh, it makes my head spin the more I learn about just how far behind the times my people are... I'm not sure I can do this alone..." Ember muttered as the sheer gravity of establishing and running a modern society really started to dawn on her. Even I could not wrap my head around such a scale. Never had a mind for it.

Our conversation did not go entirely undetected. Luna looked back at us and said, "You do have a long road ahead of you, Dragon Lord. A very long ways to go before you catch up with the rest of Equestria. Just bear in mind that you may contact us and request any manner of aide. We are all friends here."

"Thank you. I think I'll be needing plenty of it before much longer." Ember said rather humbly to the Princess of the Night. I only found myself smiling at my beloved's willingness to set aside pride for the sake of the greater good. Ember eventually noticed the very knowing smile I was showing her and then smirked at me in curiosity. "What's with that look, James?"

I rolled my eyes over having been found out. I decided to say exactly what was in my heart. "I'm just very proud of you right now."

Ember flinched. She recoiled at my words, but then beamed at me with such a huge toothy grin as we walked along. "That means a lot to me. Thank you. You were the first to open my eyes to the reality of the situation back home. Really, thank you for all you've said and done."

"Ember... Come here." I muttered before we all came to a stop. I dropped to one knee and held out my arms to her. Ember all too readily stepped into my embrace. We held each other while the royal sisters watched and waited patiently. I then whispered to my beloved, "You really are the best dragoness in al the land."

"That's a bold claim, my friend. I intend to live up to those expectations." Ember giggled proudly before she pulled away and traced a finger along my jaw. Those beautiful scarlet eyes gazed into mine as she said, "Don't be a stranger, champion of humanity. You're always welcome in my territory."

"With all due respect, you two... Shall we be off? The locals are beginning to stare..." Nightmare Moon retorted while we did notice some of the Canterlot elite staring in curiosity. I could even see them gossiping amongst themselves with inaudible whispers. Ember and I hastily rose to our feet and followed our hosts through the streets. Although it did not take long for Ember to start doing some staring of her own. Specifically towards members of the Canterlot elite who walked along with eyes closed and faces turned up to the sky. I was most fortunate that Jet Set and Upper Crust were not present on the streets at the time. I had not seen them in much too long, but I doubt they had forgotten about me. Nightmare Moon happened to notice the weird looks Ember was giving many of those who passed us by and asked, "Something amiss, Dragon Lord?"

Ember then glanced her way and asked, "What's the deal with so many of these fancy ponies holding their heads high and staring up at the sky? How do they even see where they're going?"

That actually got quite a chuckle out of our royal hosts. They were all too aware of the failings of the highest echelons of Equestria's capital. I decided to provide an answer after being exposed to more than one such lout. "Basically... Think of the worst of Canterlot's elite as the extreme opposite of you people's worst. Extremely sophisticated and refined to the point where it becomes a detriment to them."

"I didn't know such an extreme was even possible!" Ember retorted while sounding genuinely shocked. I suppose even she did not know it was possible to go too far in the other direction.

"Tragically, yes. Canterlot is not without is own dark spots in its society. And we do our best to not associate ourselves with them at our own leisure." Luna replied as she huffed with a frustrated sigh.

As if to spite our observations, a familiar couple of unicorns rounded the corner. And they all but immediately cast me a scowl while they stayed on the opposite side of the street. I returned the stare while staying on my wits. It was always difficult for them to resist the urge to approach now that there was nothing but bad blood between us. The unicorn couple muttered to themselves while Ember was also observant to notice exactly where they were staring. She leaned my way and asked, "Enemies of yours?"

"Yep. Those two really don't like me." I retorted before Ember very suddenly held out the Bloodstone Scepter to me without looking away from the distant forms of Jest Set and Upper Crust. "Ember...?"

"Hold this for a minute. I'm expecting trouble." Ember growled while I did not refuse. I took the Bloodstone Scepter into my hands as we continued to walk along. Sure enough, just when we were about to pass each other, the unicorn couple adjusted course and began to veer towards us. And Ember was not having it. They barely had enough time to face us before Ember propelled herself across the street with a flap of her wings and stood before the startled socialites. "That man tells me you are enemies of his. Is that true?"

Upper Crust stammered a bit as she and her husband took a step back from the blue dragoness who had put herself between us. The royal sisters and I came to a stop as most standing nearby in the streets stopped and watched the confrontation. "I suppose you can say that."

Ember brought her hands together and menacingly cracked her knuckles one by one. "His enemies are my enemies. State your business."

Jet Set was taken aback by this show of aggression, but his arrogance once again overshadowed his common sense. He maintained some degree of composure while adjusting his glasses and said, "And just what association do you have with that rube? That mongrel has been nothing but..."

With a snap movement, Ember shut them both up by very suddenly grabbing them both by their horns. She pulled their faces much closer to her as I heard her snarl, "I am the Dragon Lord! And that man very nearly died on the Empty Plains for your ungrateful hides! And if you know what's good for you, get outta my sight!"

Ember all but threw the two of them to the ground when she released her grasp on their horns. I almost expected her to very bloodily tear them apart. But Jet Set and Upper Crust fled as quickly as their hooves would carry them while no worse for the wear. When considering the extremes Ember had taken to protect me, she was exceptionally merciful that time. The three royal sisters watched silently as Ember began to return to our sides, but one of the royal guard stationed nearby came trotting our way with spear floating in his magical grasp. The armored unicorn stallion spoke up, "Halt. What was that about?"

Nightmare Moon then spoke firmly, "Ember has been tasked with protecting this man for the day and those two have a certain ongoing feud with him. They approached with the intention of harassing him and his guardian here put a stop to it preemptively."

"I see. Carry on then." The guardsman replied before he turned his gaze up to me. He then raised a hoof to his brow and said, "Good to see you, sir."

I nodded at our ally before he trotted off to resume his patrols. Ember then stepped forward while I dropped to one knee to bring myself closer to her height. I held out the Bloodstone Scepter to her and whispered, "Thank you."

Instead of taking the Bloodstone Scepter back into her grasp, Ember instead closed both hands over mine. We held the scepter together as she gazed tenderly into my eyes. "I am your shield. And I always will be."

The gemstone atop the Bloodstone Scepter bean to glow in response to those words. But that was all it did. We both turned our gazes up at the Bloodstone while Ember could only sigh. "I wish I knew what it was trying to say... I'm almost convinced there's a presence in there trying to talk to us."

"Wouldn't that an intriguing discovery? The Bloodstone Scepter has always been an enigma outside the dragon lands. Even we don't know much about it." Celestia retorted while I rose to my feet, the Bloodstone Scepter back in the grasp of its rightful owner. The Princess of the Dawn then groaned, "All this drama is just making me all the more famished... Isn't the Tasty Treat's cuisine known for really filling you up?"

"Yeah, that stuff always puts me in the mood for a nap. At least as far as I recall. I really need to dine there more often..." I grumbled while starting to feel exceptionally hungry myself. I was ready for a feast and knew the Tasty Treat would provide. But we did not go much farther before yet another unwelcome face stood in the street. "Not this guy..."

I averted my eyes while Ember's fell upon the approaching stallion. The unmistakable form of Prince Blueblood himself stood not far from our path. Nothing was said as we passed him. At first. "A moment, your highnesses."

I sighed harshly as I head his voice. Ember responded as well with the Bloodstone Scepter held in each hand like a rod. I turned and found the fop of a noble looking up at me with a very stern gaze that contained no hospitality. With Ember ready to put him in his place, he then said, "I understand you faced many trials out there recently."

There was a certain bitterness in Blueblood's tone, but he was being more cordial than I expected. Ember was about ready to step forward, but I rested my hand on her head to dissuade her from getting too confrontational. She then stood aside while I replied, "I did. And I heard that you provided a not insubstantial amount of funding towards the war effort."

"I did. Fancy Pants and I collaborated in aiding the war effort with our own deep pockets. I had...an obligation to aid the greater good in this struggle." Blueblood replied while maintaining an almost begrudging sort of respect towards me. I too felt compelled to commend him for his own brand of assistance in spite of my own mutual dislike for him. It was...such a strange dynamic. "I will not keep you. You've earned your day of respite. Carry on."

"Uh... Sure. You too." I retorted before the haughty stallion continued on his way without looking back one. I muttered to myself, "That was...weird."

"You two...really don't like each other." Ember almost said with a laugh.

"Tell me about it. I haven't gone one Grand Galloping Gala without having to deal with him personally. I think he sees me as a really weird kind of rival in those events now." I grumbled with a crooked smirk crossing my lips. I have no idea what to think of that stallion anymore.

We thankfully did not encounter any other interruptions on our way to our destination. Much like my first time there, we could already smell the Tasty Treat well before we first saw it The sun was finally starting to get low in the western sky as the intrinsic need to settle down for the evening came over us. There was no better time to unwind after a very tiring string of bad days. Ember lifted her head and inhaled deeply. "Mmmm, don't tell me that's coming from where we're going. That's amazing! I'm getting hungry just smelling this..."

"Yeah, that's definitely it..." I muttered as I tried to recall the exact directions I took to get there. After rounding a corner that led to a dead end street, there it was right at the very in A vibrantly colored building that contrasted very harshly with the pale architecture around it. We all stared at the very inviting exterior of the Tasty Treat. "Yep... Here we are."

"Then let us not delay. We must feast!" Nightmare Moon declared with such a hungry gleam in her eye. I suspected this was their first time dining at the Tasty Treat. And they had likely been waiting for a special occasion for the visit. As we approached, a couple of rather refined looking ponies departed from the establishment. A mare and stallion that were surely part of the Canterlot elite. And they looked very satisfied after dining in. A bit sleepy too since they barely paid us any mind while passing. The Princess of Dreams smirked and said, "If those fops had a fine time, then we are in for a treat."

"A Tasty Treat, no less." Luna chuckled as she entered first and held the door for us. She then stepped up to the receptionist podium and said, "Good evening. A table for five, if you please."

My companions gazed about at the vibrantly colored interior of the Tasty Treat. The interior design was complimented by the soft serenading audio being broadcast throughout the restaurant, the exotic melodies of a land far away that I quickly found myself adoring. What also surprised me was just how packed the Tasty Treat was. Barely a table was available. The gentle clamor of several parties mixed with the music filling the air. The place had hardly anyone in it the first and only time I ever visited. While seeing so many dining there was a shock, it was a very pleasant surprise. I was happy for Saffron Masala and her father. Speaking of which...

"Ah, James!" A voice laced with a lovely exotic accent reached my ears as I turned just in time to see the receptionist rush out from behind the podium and into my arms. Ember was about to step in her way, but I stepped past her while dropping to a knee to welcome this happy greeting. "It's been so long, did you only just get back?! The stories that have been spreading!"

I was at a loss of what to say. The beautiful and endearing Saffron Masala herself was in my arms once again for just the second time in my life. And the scent of her amazing cooking had been absorbed into her voluminous mane. I inhaled deeply the aroma of cumin and saffron spices, my hunger intensifying all the more. "Oh man, has it really been that long since I last came by? I didn't know how much I missed this place..."

"Months, at the very least! And word got around after your review went public! Just...look! Look at how many are here!" Saffron replied before extending her hoof towards the rest of her customers. They were so distracted by their food and conversation that they were completely oblivious to the hearty welcome my party had just received. Not that the clamor in the air helped. "Everypony in town was curious about seeing what the only human in Equestria liked so much about the Tasty Treat and started coming in droves. And they just kept coming back for more! We've had to hire a few extra helping hooves to keep up with demand."

"That's... Wow. There's few things more depressing than an empty restaurant. This just...makes you smile." I replied while looking around and drinking in what was familiar and what had changed.

Ember observed from the side and began to smile upon seeing that Saffron Masala really was just happy to see me. I think she wanted to say something, but was unsure of how to approach the situation with her being the odd one out of our entourage. Saffron quickly caught herself and realized that I had not arrived alone. She turned to face the rest of her customers. "Oh, how rude of me! You're all together, your highnesses? And...this is your first time dining with us, yes?"

"It is. And we are simply famished. Please, lead on." Celestia replied while Saffron Masala led us to the only empty table. She quickly used her levitation magic to set up a few extra chairs around the outer edge while Ember and I took a seat upon the booth bench at the other end. Saffron trotted off to fetch us some beverages and menus. Celestia smiled at the very happy mare as she ducked out of sight. "Such a dear, that Saffron. Seeing her happy makes me happy."

"She was a very good host the last time I was here. So good to see the place doing much better in business. The place was almost empty last time." I replied while just getting so hungry with those wonderful aromas filling the air. Although I did notice Ember appeared to be very distracted while she sat to my left. She kept looking around without a word. As if just scanning her surroundings. "You OK, Ember?"

She smirked at me in amusement and said, "You know how you tend to just go quiet when you're really absorbing what's happening around you? Yeah, it's basically my turn now. I'm just...blown away by this place. There isn't anything like this in the dragon lands. It makes me really glad I came here today."

"I've heard good things about this place too. Wonderful stories about dishes more flavorful than anything else in Canterlot. I'm eager to test that theory." Nightmare Moon added right as Saffron Masala returned to our table with water glasses and menus. Our host then quickly disappeared into the kitchen for a moment without a word. And I quickly saw why. Coriander Cumin proceeded to emerge with a look of shock in his eyes. And I could see why. The three princesses of Equestria's royal family were seated inside his restaurant. He approached with an unsteady gait I had never seen out of him before while Nightmare Moon glanced his way and asked, "Coriander Cumin, I presume?"

"Ye... Yes, your highness... I... I can hardly believe that you're all truly here. It's an honor to have you with us this evening." The host of the Tasty Treat stammered in uncharacteristic coyness. Seeing Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon inside his own restaurant and seated for a evening of filling exotic cuisine was probably the last thing he ever expected to see. He bowed his head and spoke more calmly, "We... I heard that you only just returned from the war out east. Please, I must accommodate you. All drinks and desserts are on the house."

"Oh, you are too kind, Coriander. We'll try to not go overboard tonight." Celestia replied with a beaming smile. Although she then glanced at me and said, "But really, you should be thanking our friend here. It was his suggestion that we dine here today."

Coriander got a hearty chuckle out of that revelation. He was certainly much happier than the last time I saw him. "Mr. James? That review you left after your last visit really got around. We started getting a trickle of new business. Then word of mouth spread and now business is booming with many regulars coming in all the time. I can't thank you enough."

"I didn't think one little review would turn so many heads... I'm glad it was enough. I'd hate to see this place go out of business." I replied while I think he took note of the peach fuzz that was covering my scalp. He had only seen me once before, but I am sure even he could remember that I had a full head of hair last time. I said nothing of it, but Coriander then glanced over at a table that had a small party trying to wave him down. Their plates were empty and they looked like they just wanted to pay up. "Oh, don't let us keep you. We're not the only ones here."

"Ah, so sorry. We will catch up later. Please, do enjoy yourselves." Coriander replied before trotting over to tend to his customers. These were much better times for the Tasty Treat and it was good to see business booming.

Saffron Masala soon returned from the kitchen with a both of cold wine and even provided an ice bucket for it. I think she overheard the conversation we just had with her father and even whispered to us, "Father just about tripped over himself when I told him exactly who was dining with us tonight. Nothing beats the glowing praise of the royal family."

Luna got a giggle out of the awkward thought of that fairly stoic stallion stumbling through the kitchen just to meet the royal sisters. "Oh my, he doesn't seem to be the type of stallion to do that. Well, first impressions have been extremely positive. And I'm confident you will not disappoint with the rest."

"We will do our best to satisfy, your highness. I can still barely believe you are all here... But what about you, miss? We've never had a dragon dining with us. Are you a friend of the royal family?" Saffron said before she set her sights on Ember. The Dragon Lord had been unusually quiet. I suppose she was trying to take a walk in my shoes for once.

Ember cast our host a smirk as she spoke, "Oh, I'm not just a dragon. I'm THE dragon. The Dragon Lord. Ember. And I'm here on official business with my companions."

"The...Dragon Lord? As in...dragon queen? Oh my goodness, this just makes it even better! I remember reading that the Dragon Lord did serve in the War of Preservation..." Saffron replied with utter delight over seeing another royal amongst the Equestrian royal family. Although she then turned to me and leaned on the table with a very happy and inquisitive gaze in her eyes. "Speaking of which... I read that article recently. I never imagined you were a hero summoned to our world for such a great purpose. I'm honored, my friend. Thank you for all you've done for us. Whatever you order tonight is all on me."

"Thank you, Saffron. Really, I try to not think about the bigger picture over why I'm here. I'm just a simple man who wants to be happy in this wonderful world." I replied in brief. I just wanted to put the war behind me.

Saffron Masala nodded before she turned her gaze just a little higher. "A very humble hero too. I bet your comrades look up to you... Ooh, I like your haircut too."

My eyes glanced upward instinctively before I said, "Nah, that's not really a haircut. They had to shave my head to deal with a head injury I got right towards the end."

My friend's ears twitched as she lifted her head higher, eyes widening in concern. "You're...hurt?"

"Not anymore. Really, I'm completely fine now. The reason I'm even in Canterlot today was to finish up my treatment for those old war wounds. It feels great to be happy again." I explained while trying to avoid the worst details. While many of the most unpleasant memories were still intact in my mind, some were nearly impossible to recall. And I wanted to keep it that way.

"Oh, thank goodness... You had me worried there for a second." Saffron sighed with a hoof to her chest. Although I happened to notice Coriander pass by while casting the two of us a very knowing smirk as we chatted. What was he thinking at the time? Although I did not have time to think on it while Saffron shifted her attention to our guest. "Anyway... Miss Ember? How did you end up getting swept up in everything that was happening?"

"Me? I got swept up in that all because of this man right here." Ember retorted while she set a hand on my shoulder. I almost flinched as I noticed that very loving gleam in her scarlet eyes. She then said, "It's a long story, but let's just say I signed up for his sake. We served together. He liked to call me his shield-sister. And I always was his shield. Still am, really."

Saffron could definitely see the camaraderie going on between the two of us and almost giggled at how comfortable we were with each other. "You do look like you ended up becoming very good friends. Oh, but I shouldn't keep you waiting! Is there anything I can get you started on?"

We started going over the menu with everything sounding just as amazing as I remembered. But poor Ember had no idea where to start. I had to put in a recommendation for her before Saffron took away our menus to get started on our orders. That table of customers that Coriander dealt with departed moments later only to have a new party show up and be sat at that table. Business was steady and that was a good sight to see.

Celestia proceeded to pop the wine bottle open and poured us all a glass. It appeared to be a sweet rosé with that bright pink hue. Although Ember was unsure of what to make of it. And then it dawned on me. She had never consumed an alcoholic beverage before. At least I do not think she did. Luna appeared to notice this too and took the wine bottle into the grasp of her levitation spell and took a closer look at the label. Her look of curious concern faded while she placed it back in the ice bucket a second later. The royal sisters sipped from their glasses while I whispered to Ember, "This drink is a bit different from what you're used to. It's an alcoholic beverage. There will be a bit of a bite, especially on the first taste."

"OK... Here I go." Ember muttered before bringing the glass to her lips. She really felt that strong wine bite as she winced and almost gagged with it going down her throat. "Oof... I see what you mean! Although I...kinda like it."

"Just be careful to pace yourself. Especially with wine. And especially when you're running on an empty stomach. Liquor, especially wine, tends to dehydrate you." I explained after having become much more fluent in the field of liquor over the past few years. And I had no idea what sort of an effect it would have on a dragon.

"I guess that's what this is for." Ember replied before chugging her entire glass of water. I found it bizarrely hilarious to see the mighty Dragon Lord have absolutely no grasp of dining etiquette. Especially in a proper restaurant. She would need to do something about that in due time, but now was not the time to care too much about etiquette. We were there to have a good time.

We gave Ember a little more to drink. And then a little more. And a little more still. If she was going to really get herself drunk, that was the perfect time to do it for the first time. Ember was in the presence of very powerful friends who could easily restrain her if necessary. Ember set aside her wine glass after the fourth dose with a hand rubbing her head. "OK, I think that's all I can stomach... Oof, I see what you mean about wine getting to you...."

"I think it might be the sulfites that mess you up like that." I retorted while we all kept a close eye on Ember. There was no way she was not mildly intoxicated by then. Or she was at least starting to feel the effects. "Anyway... How're you feeling?"

"You mean aside from feeling a bit flushed? I'm fine... Really..." Ember grumbled before downing another glass of water. She was taking all of my advice to heart. Although she then smiled at me very sweetly and said, "But I always loved that about you. You're always so concerned with me, my little warrior poet."

That was definitely not something Ember was prone to calling me in public. It was a very private title that she would only whisper to my ears and mine alone. Or when behind closed doors with those she can trust. I noticed the royal sisters starting to look very amused across the table while Ember rested her elbow on the table before setting her jaw atop her. She then smirked at me and said, "Come to think of it, it'll be too dark for me to navigate home before long. How about I bunk with you tonight?"

"That...actually sounds great! I'm sure everyone back home will be happy to have you over again." I replied with a smile of my own. Just when I had started to fear Ember would have to leave for home, it would not be possible under the cover of night. Although Ember then started to scoot a bit closer to me, hers eyes narrowing into such a...flirtatious gaze. Thank goodness the guests around us were not paying the least bit of attention to us. "Ember... What's with that stare?"

"Oh, I just can't wait to be able to hold you again... You know what? Why wait?" Ember retorted before she grabbed me in an embrace with even one of her wings wrapping around me. The royal sisters burst into giggling as they saw Ember getting much too comfortable in my presence. I felt myself tense up with a powerful giddiness filling my heart, Ember forehead nuzzling under my jaw. "Mmm, my little warrior poet... You know I'll always be your shield."

"Thank god your a happy drunk." I grumbled before getting quite a laugh at just how cuddly Ember gets when she has been drinking. She was impressively docile while under the influence of alcohol. I then muttered quietly, "Just remember. No kisses in public. Don't give anyone the wrong idea... Please."

"Kiss you? I just wanna hold you." Ember chuckled before she lifted her gaze to look up at me. "Although you do give amazing kisses... Let me know when you want more of mine."

"Oh my god, Ember... Peheheheh!" I snickered under my breath before noticing Saffron Masala standing beside the table with another bottle of wine and a water pitcher floating in her magical grasp. It appeared to be a bottle of merlot. Our host's bewildered stare told us everything we needed to know about how she felt about the Dragon Lord's awkward position. I glanced down at Ember and then back at my friend, the Dragon Lord being completely shameless with her affection. "It's...uh...really not what it looks like."

Celestia then leaned in Saffron's direction and said, "It's her first time having any strong drink. Best to do that in a controlled environment, you know?"

"Ooooooooh, now I see. No worries! I was just wondering what was happening." Saffron Masala replied with a bit of a giggle. I was sure merlot is too strong and dry for a first-timer's tastes, so we would not have to worry about her consuming any to further her intoxication. That did not stop her from trying. Ember tried a sip and coughed pretty hard upon feeling the much stronger bite of the nearly lukewarm red wine. She pushed the glass over to me with a look of dissatisfaction in her eyes, her taste buds still too virginal to appreciate finer wines.

Ember went right back to cuddling with me, her hand lovingly stroking over my chest. She was happy and I was not going to push her away. I put my arm around her before looking towards the three royal sisters. It was then I was reminded of what I had learned recently. "So then... You really declassified everything?"

The three of them looked my way with their smiles disappearing. Nightmare Moon spoke first. "Yes... We had to. There was nothing to gain in keeping those secrets buried. The people of Equestria needed answers. And if we did not provide, they would begin to demand them. And so...we did. I suppose you read the article?"

"I did... Was pretty distressing to se all that information just laid bare like that... I'm surprised no one's really bothered me about it yet." I replied with my arms starting to wrap around Ember instinctively for protection. Ember responded in kind, her embrace becoming more thorough.

Celestia's eyes opened a bit wider as she suddenly had an unpleasant thought. "James... No one has harassed you over that information, have they?"

I shook my head. "Not yet... You'd think someone would've said something by now. Not that I don't appreciate being left alone."

"Perhaps we should consider it a blessing that the public has been more...accepting of these ancient secrets being revealed. It's always a gamble revealing these things after keeping them buried for so long." Luna added while none of them looked particularly hopeful over what this choice could bring them.

Not much later, Coriander emerged from the kitchen with a tray floating over him. And it was lined with very colorful bowls of vibrant curry and plates holding a layer of rice. Ember snapped out of her affectionate state and gazed in awe as our meals were served. "Now I see why you say that cooking is an art form... That really does look like art!"

"Doesn't it?! I'm almost afraid to make all this color disappear!" Celestia beamed while that aroma was whetting our appetites. For as beautiful as the sight of all those colors was, we could not resist chowing down. I think Ember was not prepared for the general spiciness of her curry, but she was clearly enjoying it too much to stop. I suppose a high tolerance for hot temperatures does not necessarily translate to a tolerance of spicy foods. They at least remembered to make my order a bit more on the mild side.

There was not much more to say about that visit. Good eating, Good drinking. And good company. And Ember became too distracted with eating to worry about her intoxication messing with her head. When we finally departed after sharing words of praise with the Tasty Treat's owners and a few goodbye hugs, we all stepped outside with night having started to set in with the streetlamps now aglow. Ember patted her belly with the Bloodstone Scepter in her other hand, "I have to say... The Tasty Treat really lives up to its name."

"Amazingly filling... I shall sleep well tonight." Nightmare Moon replied before letting out quite the yawn. That cuisine is always so filling. Although when considering a dragon's nearly bottomless stomach, Ember could have easily gone for more. Even if she too looked more satisfied than she should have been.

Celestia then smiled at me before glancing about for any prying eyes. I knew what she wanted. It was almost time to say goodbye. After making certain no one was watching, she and I shared a kiss. The Princess of the Dawn gazed lovingly at me and whispered, "I really enjoyed myself tonight, my love... And it's so good to see that wonderful smile again."

"Thank you for making it happen. I never would've been able to get that kind of treatment if I was back on Earth... It's a shame you can't share such a thing with my world." I replied while feeling a sense of melancholy. Now that I had experienced a taste of the horrors of PTSD, I now knew of the suffering too many from my world have to go through with no cure to be found. And they have suffered through it for much longer. I was lucky. I endured that inescapable dread for no more than two weeks before the cure was ready. Whether Earth or Equestria, it is a fate I wish on no one. "It's something everyone would benefit from..."

"Indeed... All we can do is hope that your world's medical sciences will eventually find an equivalent to ours in due time. My sisters and I are also considering an examination for ourselves. Just to insure that we are still in our best minds." Luna replied before she stepped towards Ember and I. "But enough of that... We've kept you for too long. Shall I give you two the express route back home?"

"Come to think of it, my family really shouldn't be kept waiting any longer. If you can get us back to Ponyville right away, that would be great." I retorted while still remembering how poor Gladesong had been left crying when I could not bring myself to hold her. That was something I wanted to rectify immediately. Although I then remembered another mother and father. "But...please give my best to the king and queen."

"Don't worry, my dear. You will see them at least once more. They would not dare depart for the shadows without saying farewell to you." Nightmare Moon said before nuzzling her face up against mine. "Now then... Off for home with you. It's time for you to finally rest free of those demons."

"Thank you... See you all soon." I replied while Ember took hold of my hand. Luna stood near us and began to channel her magic through her horn for a moment. A few seconds later, we were consumed with a flash of magic light and found ourselves standing not far from Fluttershy's home. Light filled the windows to convey that no one had gone to sleep yet. The night had only just gotten started.

"This is as far as I go. I must be off." The Princess of the Night spoke before she and I shared an embrace. She then faced Ember and bowed to the Dragon Lord while our guest did the same. "I can't thank you enough for answering our call, Ember. Safe travels. May we meet again soon."

"It was a pleasure, your highness. I wouldn't have missed this for the world." Ember replied while Luna spread her wings. Instead of teleporting back up to Canterlot, she decided to take the scenic route and fly on home. Or perhaps transporting the three of us that far was a bit too taxing on her mind and she did not want to strain herself too hard. Canterlot could easily be seen even from where we were thanks to the many little lights of the city scattered across its shadowy silhouette. Ember then gazed up at me in the dark of the night and said, "Shall we?"

"Yeah... You'll be staying with us until tomorrow, right?" I asked with our feet carrying us forward, the Bloodstone Scepter's gemstone conveniently beginning to glow to help light our path.

"Please... I was hoping you'd have me overnight again." Ember said with a grateful smile. She then shook her head a bit before adding, "I think my head's starting to clear up too. That wine stuff only lasts for so long, huh?"

"I'll give you the rundown on the topic of alcoholic beverages some other time. It's a more complicated subject than you might expect." I retorted while relieved that Ember was fully coming back to her senses. Not that I minded her becoming so cuddly and tender. Moreso than she normally is with me anyway. We soon stood before the front door with the sounds of crickets in the air. Another sign that autumn was upon us. The air was cool, but uncomfortably so. "Home at last... For real, this time. It only feels like I really just got back."

"You weren't yourself when you came home a week ago... But we fixed that, right?" Ember asked, her scarlet eyes gazing up at me in the shadows as the Bloodstone Scepter's glow dimmed away. Ember then knocked on the door before opening it. "Hey there. Anyone home? I know it's only been a week, but..."

"Huh? Hey, Ember! Back already?" I heard Smolder call out from just inside the house.

"Yeah. And I brought someone home." Ember replied before looking over her shoulder at me. I very carefully ducked through the doorway now that my head had no padding on it and stood at the front of the living room. Smolder was holding a cup of tea while Scootaloo and Ocellus were playing quietly with Gladesong on the couch at the back of the room. Ember noticed the very surprised glances I was getting and asked, "Notice anything different?"

"The bandages are gone... And you're already growing your hair ba... Ah! Wait! Gladesong!" Ocellus began to say before Gladesong suddenly wiggled out of the false dragon's arms and fluttered to the floor. We all watched in surprise as she scampered over to me while babbling loudly. It was hard to say if she was upset or just very happy to see me. And I knew why.

Ember stepped out of the way as my child toddled over to me. She looked at me with a very soft smile and said, "I think someone missed you."

I remembered being so afraid to even touch her. A feeling of being unworthy. But now it felt absurd to have ever felt that way. Almost angry with myself, I squatted down and held out my hands to her. Only to finally feel my baby girl in my hands for the first time in days. "Hey there, sweetheart... Daddy's home."

No sooner did I take Gladesong into my hands did Fluttershy step in from the kitchen. And she gazed in awe at the two of us. Everyone in the house was just watching in disbelief. The fact that my bandages were gone and I was holding my firstborn in my arms with a smile was a sign that something had profoundly changed in me. Fluttershy steadily inched closer, a hopeful smile on her face as I think she was on the verge of tears. "James...? Dear, are you...all right?"

"I... I feel like I only really just came home... They fixed me, Fluttershy. I'm OK." I muttered while also starting to feel fresh tears building in my eyes. My body had come home earlier, but not the rest of me. I was trapped somewhere in my own psyche, a slave to shadows that did not belong there. But now they were gone and I was truly home. Gladesong snapped me out of my thoughts with her nose touching my cheek. I gazed into those chocolaty brown eyes and whispered, "Sorry for keeping you waiting, sweetheart... Daddy...wasn't all right for a while. He needed to be fixed. But they found a way. Daddy's OK now... He's home. And he missed you bad..."

The tears flowed as I kissed my baby girl on the nose. And she just happily licked up my tears with soft cooing. She was tired and I suspect Scootaloo and Ocellus were trying to lull her to sleep only for my arrival to really get her attention. She was fighting sleep and would only get cranky if she stayed awake for much longer. "I'm gonna sleep well tonight too... But for right now, let's get you to bed."

Fluttershy and Scootaloo followed me to the nursery with Smolder, Ember, and Ocellus watching from the doorway. The light was dim to ease our child's eyes to sleep. My wife and adopted daughter watched as I began to rock little Gladesong in my arms as I began to whisper a familiar lullaby to her. "Hush now... Quiet now... Time to rest your sleepy head. Hush now... Quiet now... It's time to go to bed..."

Bit by bit, Gladesong's eyes became ever heavier while I snuck in one last kiss onto her forehead. I gently set her down in her crib and ever so carefully tucked her in. Upon looking down, I found Fluttershy gazing up at me in tears while Scootaloo was just beaming at me. My smiling daughter whispered, "It's great to really have you back, Dad."

"It's...so good to really be here as myself... Things just weren't the same." I whispered before we all very carefully tiptoed out of the nursery and closed the door behind us. Gladesong would be watched over by Fluttershy's littlest nocturnal friends. We all made a beeline for the kitchen to get as far away from the nursery as possible and let Gladesong really settle in for the night. Fluttershy was quick to pour us all some very warm tea while Smolder sipped at her cup. It was quiet aside from the ambience of the night just outside the windows. It felt so...wonderfully familiar. Like something I had only viewed through a haze laced with a near constant anxiety that was finally been seen clearly for the first time in much too long. "I didn't really know what I was missing..."

"Your heart feels so much less clouded now... All that love isn't buried in anything anymore. Did they really fix you?" Ocellus spoke between little sips of her tea.

"Well, they didn't fix my heart. They fixed my head. It was all about the memories... Memories that just wouldn't stop getting in the way. They're still there, but...just a lot fuzzier. Quieter... Harder to recall. It feels weird not being able to remember these things as clearly, but I guess that's a small price to pay for some peace of mind. They even sharpened some of the nicer memories I made during my tie out there... Just...makes me feel warmer and fuzzier than they used to." I explained while Ember held my hand. She could tell just how much better off I was by then.

"I could tell. When I saw you holding Gladesong, I knew something had changed. It was like...you never really came home, but there you were for the first time since before you left. You were just...buried in there somewhere. We missed you..." Fluttershy whispered as she wiped a tear from her eye. Scootaloo was trying to not get too emotional as well, but I think she was also just tired. It was getting late and she looked like she just wanted to turn in for the night earlier than usual.

I yawned, but also sighed in deep relief. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm just glad to be home for real. I can finally just leave that mess behind."

Smolder then turned to Ember and asked, "Come to think of it, James was supposed to meet someone at the train station today. Was that you?"

"Mmhm. The royal family contacted me and let me know what was happening. As soon as I heard who needed me, I was on my way. I've always been this man's shield and I stuck to that duty today." Ember explained while keeping the Bloodstone Scepter in her spare hand. Although she then noticed that Scootaloo was eyeing her royal scepter. "What's up? This thing catch your eye?"

Scootaloo nodded and said, "Uh huh. That's a huge ruby there. What is it?"

"This? That's not a ruby. This is the Bloodstone Scepter. Instead of a crown, this is the symbol of the Dragon Lord. I just brought it with me today since I'm here on official business." Ember replied while tilting the scepter towards Scootaloo. And then the Bloodstone started to glow again. "Oh, don't mind it when that happens. It does that a lot and I have no idea why."

We all engaged in quiet conversation while Fluttershy even saved us some dinner. I was much too full to eat much, but Ember finished off everything I did not. Her stomach is basically bottomless, I swear. And Fluttershy was more than happy to allow Ember to bunk with us again for the night. Once things started to really settle in for the night, I decided it was time I did something important. I opened the boxes containing the journal entries I wrote out on the Empty Plains and started skimming the entries that covered the more harrowing events that occurred out there.

It was...such a strange feeling reading about such dark and disturbing things that I could only barely recall anymore. I knew these events happened. The descriptions were vivid and detailed, but I could not remember them clearly at all. Even though I did feel a vague pain in my gut. As if the text before me was playing upon those very dull memories. Very unpleasant. At least those memories had been preserved in text so that they would not be truly forgotten. Just as long as they remain on paper and not in my thoughts.

I have spent much of the last hours of the day documenting what happened since this morning. The younger girls have turned in for the night, but Ember and Fluttershy keep checking on me. And sharing a kind caring kiss with me now and then. I think I will be able to let myself part ways with Ember more easily tomorrow than the last time now that I know just how easily she can reach us. It was good to see her again after so little time. I really needed her today.

I suppose that will do for today. I am ready for a hot shower with my beloveds and just know I am going to sleep like a log tonight. Everything is all right. Everything is as it should be. I just hope that everyone else who is suffering as I was will be receiving treatment right away. Medical magic truly is a godsend I this world...

Time for bed. And this time, I know I will dream happily.