Black Winter

by EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Adventure, Sex, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Mystery
Length: 30650

An unknown alicorn returns to equestria. Shrouded in a cloak of mystery, and keeping to the shadows. will the princesses find out that he has returned? will the princesses remember him and his crimes or...

An unknown alicorn returns to equestria. Shrouded in a cloak of mystery, and keeping to the shadows. Will the princesses find out that he has returned? Will the princesses remember him and his crimes of pastry theft or will the spell he once cast still hold? Will Equestria ever know his crimes? Was this possible Cookie thief wrongly accused?!

Published 2016-02-16 05:00:09 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-28 21:03:40 UTC

Chapter 1

Black Winter-Chapter 1

Up upon the high peaks of Canterlot Mountain, a black shadow looked down upon the capital of Equestria, Canterlot.

“Ha, the blind selfish snobs have no idea what will soon befall them.” Suddenly the shadow turned its head east and seeing the approaching dawn vanished with the night.

The stallion got up from his camp site, his cloak was around his shoulders he adjusted it with his midnight blue magic

‘It’s colder this morning’ he thought to himself as he looked to the east at the morning sunrise.

“Celestia, you always do a marvelous job with the sunrise.” the stallion said quietly.

After the sunrise was over the Stallion packed his campsite and set off for Canterlot, through the freshly fallen mountain snow.

The stallion was almost half way through the pass when he saw the Shadow Beasts setting up what looked to be a drill to the side of the mountain. The rustic sword that was slung at the stallion’s side was half way out of its sheath as the stallion called to the other traveler.

“Hello there good sir, may I interrupt for a moment to ask you for a directi—whoa!”

The shadow beast had whipped out a long-sword and a spear was thrown so close to the stallion’s muzzle that it almost cut off his tongue. The stallion’s blade was out as fast as the spear was thrown. As the shadow beast charged with it’s own sword in hand, the discarded drill that looked like a box started to glow a sickly green orange color. The stallion’s blade parried the oncoming thrust with ease as his horn shot the beast through the chest with a bright blue beam. It exploded out behind the demon with a purple hew and the shadow started to dissolve into golden dust. The stallion looked around for any more threats. Finding none, the stallion rushed over to the box which was now a molten red, dropping his sword beside him he refocused his attention and magic on dismantle the box with speed and persecution, clearly having done it before. The stallion missed the second shadow beast appearing behind him as it picked up his discarded sword, and plunged the sword into his back and out the through the stallions chest, the shadow beast said “Gurd Chi Dellethe” (burn in hell), as the stallion collapsed coughing up blood, as the wound began to congeal around the blade. The shadow demon vanished. The last thing the stallion did was throw the box as hard as he could off of the cliff, then his vision went white as the box exploded.

“Having to work on Hearth’s Warming Day, what a waste.” Brass Shield said to his friend, Skywhishes

“Hey someponys got to be on duty, even on a day like today, so others can enjoy the holiday, It’s part of being a Royal Guard.” Consoled Skywishes.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” replied Brass Shield.

Just then there was an explosion on the side of Cantorlot Mountain, shaking the foundations of the entire city.

“What the hay…” muttered Skywishes as the green and blue fireball shot out in an uncontrolled blast.

“Come on we have to check it out” said Brass Shield

“Wait Brass, you fool…” Called Skywishes. Taking flight after him as he galloped off towards the North Gates of the city and the cliff passage on the mountain beyond.

Author's Note

Hello Everycreature I hope you are having a good day
this is my first story please leave constructive criticism
and have a great day!
Also All Characters from the show belong to the show I just made the story all aspects of My Little Pony: Friendship is magic belong to Hasbro
:rainbowdetermined2:
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 2

Black Winter-Chapter 2

Brass Shield and Skywishes rushed towards the direction of the black cloud outside the northern edge of the city indicating where the explosion occurred. As they rounded the corner on to the main road of the city, Brass Shield ran straight into Captain Steel Cross. Skywishes looked back at Brass Shield to ask if he was alright, but froze in shock, seeing that Brass Shield ran into Captain Steel Cross. Captain Steel Cross hated being interrupted during anything, especially while he was thinking, and based upon the expression upon his face that is exactly what he had been doing.

As Skywishes eyes went wide, she said “I’ll-just-go-on-ahead-it-was-nice-knowing-you-Brass-good-luck.” She zipped away leaving a pegasus shaped dust cloud in her wake.

“Damn it” Brass shield muttered and looked back at the stunned caption.

“What are you doing here Lutinutit Brass Shield, you are supposed to be on guard duty?” questioned Captain Steel Cross

“Sir there was an explosion-“

“I know that Lieutenant, I just got my orders to investigate “ snapped Captain Steel Cross.

“S-sorry Sir” stuttered Lieutenant Brass Shield.

“Ugh… it’s fine, where were you going anyway?” said Steel Cross

“Towards the explosion,” Brass Shield replied, “We were going to see if anyone was hurt.”

“Okay, then let’s go, I am also going that way as well” said Steel Cross

“Ahh, okay, let’s go” said Brass Shield. The pair then started off towards the direction of the explosion.

Skywishes went as fast as she could, dodging street lamps and heading towards the north gates.

“What could have possibly caused that explosion?” she thought worriedly.

She past the gate in a blur and flew over the trees and as she flew she saw the destruction that the explosion had caused. The trees five miles around the explosion were flatten, and as she got closer to the center of the blast, there were just twigs left. The center was ten feet from the edge of the mountain cliff.

“The bomb must have been thrown to save the mountain structions,” she concluded as she examined the crater in the mountain side.

She gasped and had to remember to continue to flap her wings to stay aloft, because the crater was at least 60 feet and was glowing a dull red. Among the dull, red glow there was a black blob near what used to be the path towards Canterlot.

“Oh NO! the poor soul,” she thought. Then the blob started to move.

Celestia was raising the sun as Luna lowered the moon. This process took an excessive amount of concentration to complete. When it was complete, they sat down at the dining table along with the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony, who waited patiently for the royal sisters to complete their duties.

“No matter how many times I see you do that, I am still amazed, Princess Celestia” said Twilight Sparkle.

“Twilight, how many times must I tell you it is Celestia among us,” scolded Celestia.

“Of course, sorry” squeaked Twilight the rest of her friends chuckled at Twilight’s antics. During their meal there was a bright blue and green fireball flew off the side of the mountain and in ten seconds later as the stained glass windows shattered from the force. Guards appeared from out of nowhere, and formed a protective circle around the occupance of the room, as they recovered from the sound. All their ears were still ringing.

“Princesses, are you alright?!” demanded one guard!

“Yes, I believe we are fine, Luna, Twilight?” Celestia inquired.

“We art disorientated but unharmed dearest sister” replied Luna who had resorted to her old speech pattern due to the disorientation.

“UMMMMMM, I am okay Princess, girls?” replied Twilight, a chorus of confirmations that they were all well responded to her question.

“What was that, are we being attacked?” Inquired Celestia.

“We don’t know Princess, we have just received word that three guards have been sent to investigate, a scout, the Captain, Steel Cross and Lieutenant Brass Shield” replied one guard.

“We shoust go see if there is a threat ourselves” said Luna.

“But princess – “ the guard started.

“Guard we art more than capable of taking care of thy selves!”, snapped Luna in the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“Luna, there is no need to be harsh, ...or loud. ” said Celestia in a quiet soothing voice ,

“Well I will have to come as well, so I know how to handle these things in the future, right Princess” questioned Twilight.

“Yes, indeed, all three of us shall go to see what has happened” replied Celestia now even bothering to correct her protege with that Princess Celestia, Luna and Twilight teleported to the north gates,

“Princess Celestia, are you sure everything is alright, that was a pretty big explosion “questioned Twilight.

“I don’t know Twilight, I am trying to find that out.” replied Celestia, and after questioning the guards on duty, they teleported again to the first bend on the path, so they could observe what was accruing at a safe distance.

Ember Spirit Shield stirred, as the he regained consciousness, “Damn every orpheus in the world, I am glad that I insisted to put the dragon skin on the inside of the cloak.”

Ember had gotten the skin from the Dragon King twenty years ago from saving his daughter from being kidnapped by his corrupt adviser. His skin didn’t go to waste for it had has served Ember well for years since then.

Ember tried to get to his hooves but it was too painful.

'I will just try again in a few minutes... But I need the change the cloak...' he argued internally. With a flicker of midnight blue magic he opened a phantom window and pulled out an identical cloak to the one before the blast. It was a grey green colored fabric that covered the dragon skin hide. As he transferred the cloaks he noticed a pink and purple blur coming his way.

“Horse apples, I have to run.” With a mighty heave brought himself to his hooves only then did he realize why it was so hard to get up. “I have my sword or what is left of it, in my CHEST! Of course.” The hilt had melted and then evaporated due to the heat of the blast. Ember knew better than to remove the blade for it would make the wound bleed more. So as he retrieved another sword to closed the magic window he snapped the blade as close as he could to his chest. He heard a set of hooves touch down behind him and he knew he had taken too long. “Crap!” he cursed.

“It was moving the black form was moving, it must be whoever saved us, but how… it is impossible, there would be ash… based upon the glow off the stone.”

“Whoever it is they must need help.” and with that Skywishes flew towards the form. As she neared it, it went from black, to orange, to gray. At that point she realized it was a pony, an orange pony, that must have put on some sort of cloak. She could clearly see that it was using magic as it struggled with something in front of itself.

As she landed she heard a sharp SNAP! Heard the clatter of a sword blade hitting the ground and with that the pony glanced back at her. An orange pony with emerald eyes, and with that the pony started to run a crossed the path towards Canterlot castle.

“Whoa, wait friend stop!” Skywishes shouted, but the pony kept on running. Skywishes took to the air and took chase, to stop him or her from hurting themselves further.

“Must get away, can’t let her take me to the princesses.” thought Ember as he ran.

“Damn, this third of a sword in my chest isn’t helping” said Ember.

”Stop in the name of the royal guard” yelled the pegasus again!

“Like Hell!” he shouted back over his shoulder as he continued to gallop harder than ever. Ember rounded a bend and not ten feet in front of him ran into two more of the royal guards. The collusion made all three fall on their flanks. Ember registered their stunned looks and heard the flaps behind him and jumped off the edge of the cliff…

As Brass Shield and Steel Cross were about to round the pass, an orange blur came barreling around the corner and slammed into them. It was like running into a brick wall! Then Skywishes came around the corner, a with a scream from Skywishes to stop, the stallion jumped into open air…

Skywishes was getting annoyed with this pony, it wouldn’t not stop running, she had even used her status as an undercover royal guard and the pony didn’t stop. When the pony shouted ‘Like Hell’ back at her, she knew it was a stallion. Then he rounded a corner and she heard a crash.

“Please let that have stopped him.” She rounded the corner and saw Brass Shield and Steel Cross on their butts and the stallion rising to his hooves.

“My chance to stop him!” She went for him but then he threw himself over the edge.

“No Don’t!!!” Skywishes screamed as he went over the edge, she flew over after him but to her astonishment, he was flying.

“He has wings?!!!”

As Ember spread his wings he knew that they now knew he was an Alicorn. Suddenly, Princess Celestia and Luna appeared before him along with a purple alicorn he did not recognise. Ember attempted to swerve over them but he clipped his left wing on Celestia’s horn, which was as strong as a steel sword, effectively breaking his wing.

“Crap” Ember cursed, as he tumbled in a spin into the trees and pin-balled into unconsciousness, he finally hit the forest floor, leaving a skid mark to the edge of the forest before the vast foothills beyond.

Author's Note

Here is the second chapter
hope you enjoy
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 3

Black Winter Chapter 3

Ember slammed into a thick tree trunk, feeling something give. He crashed into the forest floor hard, the thick covering of leaves and undergrowth doing little to soften the impact. After rolling and bouncing a small ways, he felt his head collide with a tree and a branch hit..., then nothing.

Back a ways Princess Luna was hovering over her groaning sister, who was whimpering in pain.

“Mmhh my horn,” she whimpered, “was his wing made of stone?!"

“Sister you have been buried under a tower before surely this is nothing in comparison.” stated Luna

“But that was two thousand years agoooo.” whined Celestia

“Does this mean, Gasp, my older sister hath gone soft!” Luna said in mock surprise. Grunting in annoyance Celestia got to her hooves, glaring at her sister.

“It was only half a tower…” Celestia grumbled.

“Come we must find that fiend before he gets too far.” Luna said

“ Captain Steel Cross” addressed Princess Celestia

“Yes Princess?” replied Caption Steel Cross

“I want you to take lieutenant Skywishes and begin searching for the agresor, nofro the individual, we don’t know the intentions this...pony holds.”stated Princess Celestia” It’s a stallion, your highness.” Skywishes interjected, as she trotted over from reporting to her commanding officer, and bowed to all three Princesses.

“Rise My little pony, and please explain how you came across this information” Celestia Inquired.

“I know he is a stallion because of two things: One, because of his voice, and unless he was modifying his voice though magic, then it was indeed a stallion. Two, I saw his eyes.” stated Skywishes

“Can you describe his eyes?” said Princess Luna and Princess Twilight in unison

“Yes your highnesses, His eye’s where a green color, if I was to be specific, a beautiful emerald Irises, with a purple pupil.” said Skywishes in a slight wistful tone. Princess Celestia and Luna exchanged a look that only they could discern the meaning behind it. “I would also say that his eyes held a sadness that I have ever never seen before.” Finished Skywishes with a hint of melancholy in her voice. The two sisters looked at each other and lit their horns’ and stared into eachothers eyes. Among the guard this was known as private speak and it was very rude to interrupt, so Skywishes just stood there and used her training to seem like a statue. ‘hmm I wonder why his eyes had a purple iris, It was really quite beautiful. I wonder if he is seeing anypony…--where the heck did that come from, I don’t even know him let alone anything anything about him! Besides I don’t even know if his intentions are hostile or not! what is wrong with me!!’ skywishes thought becoming concerned on where that came from. ‘Maybe it was the Hearth's Warming spirit getting to me, yeah that must be it. The Hearth’s warming spirit got to me.’ Skywishes thought to console and comfort herself.

“Thank you Lieutenant Skywishes, do you think you are fit for another mission?” asked Luna. snapping Skywishes out of her revery

“Of course ma’am.” affirmed skywishes with a salute of her wing.

“Good, we would like you to accompany Captain Steel Cross and search for the stallion. More teams will be dispatched in time, However until that time we need to move fast and begin looking for the stallion as soon as possible.” Began Princess Luna

“Yes ma’am, is there anything else ma’am?” Asked Captain Steel Cross.

“Yes, if and when you find the stallion, Please secure him and make sure any injuries that he may have received are treated, and only if he does not have hostile intentions.” Finished Princess Celestia. The Pegasus and Unicorn saluted and said “Understood.”

Ember groaned in pain as he regained consciousness, every part of his body hurt. the last thing he remembered was the chase, crashing into Celestia’s horn (that thing was like a steal beam), spinning into the trees, and a branch hitting a not so nice place. Then nothing. He opened his eyes and winced in pain as the bright light assaulted his eyes. He tried to get to his hooves but there was a grinding sensation in his back left leg. The leg was broken. Ember knew this even as he looked back to check. It was twisted to the side and he could see the bulge beneath his fur, that indicated the brake.

“Sooty feathers” Ember groaned. ‘well let's try to fix this’ he thought and fired up his magic, or he tried to. A sharp pain pulsed through his head, and he quickly stopped trying to use magic. Ember lifted his hoof to his horn to check for any damage. Finding none along it’s length, he moved to his forehead. There he found blood, and a lot of it.as his hoof made contact with the broaken skin, he gasped in pain. by his judgement from how big the gash was he was lucky to be alive.

‘A head wound will bleed a lot, so as long as I don’t panic then I will be fine.’ He thought as he got to his hooves. Once on his hooves Ember let out a sigh, but when he sighed the portion of the blade still in his chest fell to the ground. It had been loosened by his crash landing and moved around giving the wound new cuts. The new cuts had bled, wetting the blade with blood. So when Ember sighed the blade slipped out of the wound.

Ember realised what had happened when he heard the blade hit the forest floor with a wet *THUMP*. As a horrendous pain filled his chest, a pain filled scream that would put a banshee to shame, tore itself from his lips.

Lieutenant Skywishes and Captain Steel Cross were flying low over the treetops, after they reached the end of the forest the chariot started to descend. When the Chariot landed with a bump, Steel Cross got out of the chariot as Skywishes unhooked herself from the front of the chariot.

“I hate flying” grumbled Steel Cross in his gravelly voice, “So what are we looking for lieutenant?” in a louder voice.

“Well, the stallion had a orange coat and a grey cloak.” Skywishes said

“Well a orange coat will make it easier to see in the snow so the grey will make it harder to see.” Steel Cross mumbled “So look for anything orange.” commanded Captain Steel Cross.

“Yes sir.” Skywishes said with a salute and took to the air. With that Steel Cross summoned his magic, and cast a spell called ‘Blood Compass’, It was a spell that he had learned when he was a recruit. The spell would create a compass that would point to the nearest injured creature. The needle spun three times and stopped, pointing east.

“Well best start there” Steel Cross said to himself and began walking east as a gentle pulsing glowed from the compass needle, indicating if he was getting closer. Suddenly there was a shriek of pain from an animal, for a pony could not make that sound. It was in the eastward direction. “Well, let’s go see what that was…” Steel Cross said and galloped off into the woods.

As Skywishes soared across the forest she couldn’t see a thing through the snow topped trees. As she decided something she looked around to make sure no one was around, and once she was sure she was alone she used her secret. She activated her heat vision that she had inherited from her mother who was a thestral. when she was young she had been bullied about how she looked because she had leather wings when she was young, but later on her feathers had come in and the bullying stopped. Ever since her secret remained a secret.

“I am using my gift’s for good now, right mom?” Skywishes muttered with a hint of loss in her tone. As she looked about the forest, she saw a few creatures that did not hibernate like a family of owls in a tree off to her left about two hundred yards. A few hundred more and to the south a unicorn who started running east. ‘there is the Captain, but where--’ Skywishes thoughts were interrupted by a scream of pain. as she franticly looked around worried that her secret was exposed she saw a large heat signature about a thousand yards ahead of Steel Cross.

“There.” Skywishes said and flew towards it . as she flew she started to notice that the creature was producing a lot of heat for the ground and rapidly losing its own body heat. That meant only one thing, the creature was bleeding out. Skywishes returned her eyes to normal and flew harder to where the creature had last been.

The pain was unimaginable, Ember could feel that one of his lungs had been punctured and had collapsed, ‘thanks to the HOLE IN IT.’ Ember thought sarcastically

“Grraaa, I am So stupid, huuuuh, never get up until you are sure that movement won't kill you, huuuuh.” Ember shouted while he struggled to breath. He started coughing up blood. ‘DAM IT!’ Ember thought as his diaphragm calmed down. He could hear hooves snapping twigs in the distance. “Shit , I can't let them catch me, I can’t let them know what happened to them, or their families will suffer the same fate as them, I won't let them know my love of Chocolate chip raisin cookies. huuuuh.” Ember whispered horsley with a mineacle tone at the end then gasped.

Ember started off towards the more spaced out trees indicating the edge of the forest, limping heavily and leaving Splatters of blood behind him as he walked.

As Skywishes landed on the forest floor she noticed a silver glint in the trench in the ground caused by the stallion’s crash landing. The silver glint was the rest of the sword blade that was in the stallion. She noticed the blood glistening on the blade when she picked up out of the dirt and snow. She put it in her armor’s saddle bags. and looked for any trace of the stallion, and she found one, a big one. Her jaw dropped as she dropped to her haunches in shock. there wats a blanket of snow on the ground but there was a dark crimson strip going to the south-west and edge of the forest. the blood had congealed and was so thick that it was like a carpet.

“To lose that much blood and still be moving, let alone alive…”Skywishes gasped in horror.

“Yes he needs medical attention immediately” A gruff voice said behind her. Skywishes whirled around and found Captain Steel Cross, looking at the blood trail in awe and suppressed horror.”Yes, he does and we need to find him now.” Skywishes said with purpose as she shook off her surprise and annoyance.

“I will fly ahead and try to stop him from doing more harm to himself, while you contact the princesses and get more help” Skywishes said decisively.

“Alright, just make sure that you keep him alive until we can get there with help.” Agreed Steel Cross and disappeared in a flash of teleportation magic. With that Skywishes turned and flew kicking up dirt where she left the ground. ‘Faust, please don’t let another pony die in my arms due to my inability to save them.’ Skywishes prayed as she zipped above the path of blood.

As Sky wishes flew she started to notice that the trees were getting farther apart making it easier for her to see more. As she scoured the trail ahead of her she saw a orange and grey figure ahead moving slowly. Sky wishes stated to slow down so to not run into the stallion. Then she was ten feet from the figure she opened her mouth to tell him to stop moving but she never got the chance.

Ember was getting tired which started worry him because he knew it was from blood loss. ‘I’m almost there almost out of here.’ he thought to himself. He heard something approaching him from the right and started to slow down and get his sword out with his magic, pushing through the pain and making his head wound bleed more. Then he heard flapping wings coming from behind him. He started to turn to face the being,

“Hey, yo-” The voice started but was stopped by a war cry from above and a thud of a Shadow beast landing on her. Ember was fully turned and charged towards the shadow beast, IT roared in the pegasus's face causing the pegasus to flinch and lunged for her throught. It never had a chance. Ember thrust his sword through the beast's head, sending it off the mare and to the ground. As Ember looked around, he heard more coming from the East, North and South. He looked down at the mare, She was looking back at him with wide fearful eyes and stuttered

“Wh-What was that th-thing?” Ember looked at her and said

“If we live I will tell you. Now get behind me against this tree.” Ember said.She complied and got behind him, As he turned towards the oncoming attackers.

As Captain Steel Cross Appeared in the throne room, startling the princesses, and bowed and started talking.

“Your highnesses I have news,” he wheezed, teleporting such a long distance had really taken it out of him. “We have found his trail and he need’s intense medical treatment” Steel Cross said

“Where?!” Said both princesses

“Just a few hundred yards from the edge of the Black Hair forest” replied Steel Cross.

“Point us there with your magic, we will teleport us all there along with the battalion of guards here with us.” Princess Luna said

Steel Cross noticed that there was indeed a battalion in the throne room with them. ‘How did I miss that?’ He nodded and closed his eyes and thought of the place in the forest that was decorated with blood that he would never forget. “Alright I have the place” he said as he lit his horn. The princesses touched their horns to his and they flashed away to the trail of blood in the black hair forest.

“Is this it?” Princess Celestia asked as they appeared at the trail of blood.

“Yes your highnesses, this is the place. Lieutenant Skywishes went on ahead to stop the pony from hurting himself more” Steel Cross said groggily.

“Well let's go then” the princesses said. The group started off along the blood path at a gallop.

Skywishes was in shock. She had almost died and this stallion had saved her life and was going to defend her from the monsters that were coming. she had not questioned why because if he really wanted to hurt her he would have let her die. See watched as the stallion took a defencive position in front of her as more of the monsters came to a stop ahead of him.

“Halt! Gut, gut , gut , was haben wir denn hier? Ein totes Pony ist es? (Halt! Well, well, well what do we have here? A dead pony is it?) the demon growled

“Noch nicht.”(Not yet.) the stallion growled back and attacked. Skywishes had never seen such ferocity in battle before the stallion spun and slashed through the hoard of monsters. He was a Orange and grey blur fighting them all at once.It was as if he didn’t evenhave a gapeing hole in his cheast! he was putting bods in trees with his magic and bucks when he lept over a beast that charged him. He was putting bodies on the ground left and right. Suddenly he was kicked in the chest and fly clear of the pile of bodies and crashed to the ground beside Skywishes,kicking up snow, dirt and blood from his wounds.There was only five of the monsters left and they were approaching the two ponies on the ground

Skywishes scrambled over to the stallion and tried to help him up but he was unconscious Thinking quickly she picked up his sword in her jaws and stood between the monsters and her savior.

“Hach hff!”(Back off!) She shouted brandishing the sword.

“Ha ha ha ha, Or vat little pony, you going to kill us?” the lead monster said, But there was a flash of silver as the pegasus flared her wings sending daggers at all of their throats. The leader grasped the one aimed at him, but the other four weren't so lucky. As four bodies fell to the ground grasping at their throats, Skywishes lunged at the remaining monster.

The leader scowled at the fact that his men were dead, but smiled at the pegasuses attempt to save her companion. He grabbed her by the throat from the air with his claws and slammed her to the ground knocking the wind out of her and the sword from her mouth.

“I like your spirit little pony maybe I will spare you vor vater…enjoyment.” He growed in her ear, in a tone that let her know what exactly ‘vater enjoyment’ ment. She shivered in fear and struggled against his grip.

“Oh there is no need vor that, little pony” the Shadow demon said ‘No, No I don’t want to do anything like that I will never-Oh You vill, there is no question about that and I am going to LOVE IT, HA HA HA HA’ Skywishes eyes shrunk to pinpricks as her soul was violated, her thoughts were violated! She started to shake and cry, the tears leaking out of her eyes and running down the sides of face as her senses started to fade the world went quiet and her vision started to go black.

“GET OFF OF HER .”

The Beast looked up and was shocked to see the orange stallion getting to his hooves

“Vhat did you say?!” the Shadow Demon said.

“GET OFF HER.” Ember said again a little louder.

“Vhy should I?” The shadow demon asked in an amused tone.

“BECAUSE I SAID TO!!" Ember Screamed at The Demon as he lunged at it. The demon watched in slow motion as the stallion,which by any right should be dead, lunged at him with glowing Blood Red pupils and Sky Blue irises. The next moment the Shadow demon was against a tree being beaten to a bruised and bloodied mass. The tree behind him shattered and he was thrown into another tree where the beating continued. his ears were ringing and he could not hear anything from the outside world. For the first time in his life The shadow Demon was scared. He teleported two trees over and gasped in pain, collapsing to the ground. He felt the stallion pick him up by his throat and started to squeeze. He heard something in his mind ‘If You Ever Come Near her again I will Kill you as slowly as possible and if I kill you, Well, I’ll just bring you back and start again.’ Then the stallion punched him in the chest sending him flying far off into the frozen north.

Brass Shield and the rest of the guard and the princesses arrived to see Sky wishes take down the four creatures and then get taken down by the final creature. As they started forward they heard a voice scream “BECAUSE I SAID TO!!” and say a orange blur shoot into the creature and through a tree, as the orange thing punched it went through another tree and then the creature teleported to the side and fell down. Only to grabbed by what looked like orange claws and Then They heard a voice in their head scream ‘If You Ever Come Near her again I will Kill you as slowly as possible and if I kill you, Well, I’ll just bring you back and start again.’ and then the orange creature sent the black one flying all of this in twenty seconds.

Skywishes felt the weight on her throat vanish and glimpsed a orange blur then the sky. As she struggled to sit up she felt her hearing return along with the rest of her senses and felt her neck start to swell around the claw marks on her neck. See saw the stallion send the monster it the sky at a speed it shattered the sound barrier. She saw his eyes they were a mix of anger and fear and worry. They were returning to their original color as he rushed back to her. But he froze, skidding on the ground and came to a stop next to her. He looked at her with an... apology? in his eyes, as he collapsed to his knees then to the side as his eyes rolled up into his head. Skywishes leaned forward and coat him in her hooves as he whispered something to her as the rest of the guards and princesses came rushing over to her.

“I’am Sorry...” That is all that she heard before she blacked out as well as her system crashed from too much adrenalin.

Author's Note

Here is the third chapter Hope you all enjoy :derpytongue2:
~ EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 5

Black Winter Chapter 5

Luna walked among the dream world dispersing any nightmares that she came across. As she walked past a pink door she heard a scream resonate from inside. Luna calmly opened the door to deal with the nightmare, but what she say inside was unexpected. It was the forest from earlier today along with the demon, how was currently raping Skywishes.

“Stop! Please Stop!” Skywishes Screamed, but the demon just laughed at her.

“Begone!” Luna yelled as she used her magic to disperse the dream. But when nothing happened Luna rushed forward and tackled the demon effectively putting the halt to the traumatic event.

“WE DO NOT KNOW HOW YOU ARE ABLE TO BE RESIST US BUT NOW YOU WILL FACE YOUR DOOM.” Luna yelled in the royal Canterlot voice as she summoned a Broad sword and raised it to kill the demon. Before she could strike she was thrown off and into a tree.

“ You should have not intervened little pony. Now you will suffer the same fate as her!” The demon said as he approached Luna. As Luna tried to get to her hooves a force pinned her to the tree. Luna was frozen in shock and fear. She had never been as vulnerable as she was now. Before she had been so confident as of now she felt powerless. Suddenly there was a deafening CRACK as the dream world was torn apart by a very powerful magic. The Orange bler from the earlier that day emerged from the hole that had been made.The creature was recognisable as the stallion that they had saved but it was also so different. The eyes were the first thing she noticed they were Blood Red and Sky Blue. The body structure was that of the demon in front of her. The claws were the length of a longsword and they looked even sharper than that. They too were blood red. his fur was orange but there were splotches of black residing around the hole in it’s chest. It growed as it bent its claws into fists and spoke.

“I told you to never come near her again and you ignored my warning, Now you will be destroyed soul and all.” the beast growled before it lunged and Skewered the demon with it’s claws. as the demon started to cough up blood the beast roared and stabbed the demon in his eyes the demon twitched and then dissolved from the dream world.

“I can find you now and that is the first thing that will happen when the sun rises.” It laughed before it turned towards Luna. She stumbled back and turned towards the door to escape the dream, but as she approached the door the creature appeared before her.

“Where do you think your going?” it grinned with it’s sharp black teeth and lunged at her. She flinched away expecting to feel the pain of it’s claws impaling her, but when it never came she looked back to see the creature choking and gagging as a chain pulled at it’s neck.

“Your work is done, now go back to where you came.” a voice said startling Luna, before the creature was dragged back through the hole before it shut with a pop.

“I apologise for that, he doesn’t get out ever.” a figure said. Luna whipped her head towards the sound and saw the stallion by the door. the stallion approached the crying Skywishes and picked her up in his magic before he started to comfort her.

“Who-Who are you?!” luna demanded.

“I will tell you that when you wake up but first I must ask both of you, did the demon...finish… inside either of you?” the stallion said looking at both in worry.

“No she saved me before he could.” Skywishes cried, shaking if his embrace.

“No he didn’t touch me either, but I must ask why?”Luna said as she also started to shake as her body wore off the excess adrenalin.

“Because If it had then It would have killed you in the waking world and transformed your body into a demon as well...or worse. It could have impregnated you.” the stallion said in a broken voice filled with the emotion as he remembered what had happened last time.

“How are you able to dream travel?” Luna said as she calmed down.

“Lets just say that I have a very large amount of magical potential, and leave it at that.” the stallion said with a kind smile.

“How. Much. Magic. Do. You. Have?” Luna demanded.

“Let's just say if Tirek were to try to steal my magic he would explode before he even drained half of it, does that answer your question.” the stallion said in a bored drawl along with a smug smile.

“Bu…tha…how...that…THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE NOPONY, NO-CREATURE COULD HAVE THAT MUCH POWER.”

“But I do so just deal with it.” the stallion said in an offended voice. “However I need to leave and go keep a promise before the sun comes up. and you won't have to worry about this happening again because once the source is destroyed then the soul can never invade other's minds again.” the stallion said as he rose to his hooves and walked to the door leaving Luna and Skywishes behind in a stunned stupor.

“It’s okay princess I‘m gonna wake up and go get Ice cream so I can get over this traumatic experience. Go after him.”Sky wishes said as the dream started to dissolve around the two. Luna nodded before rushing out of the dream room and turned to the left as she summoned the exit of the dream realm.

Ember got up from where he lay and summoned his phantom window and the room beyond before bringing Chocolate ice cream out and setting it beside Skywishes. He knew what she went through not by experience but by having to watch it happen to his own-‘No I won't go there, I have a job to do.’ Ember thought harshly before he walked over to the throne room doors and opened them with his magic. Ember could feel It’s anger growing. ‘I need to get out of here before It takes over.’ Ember thought as he spread his wings and started to fly down the corridors and out into the early morning night sky.

Luna awoke from the dream realm and got to her hooves. She caught a glimpse of the stallion leaving as the stallion flew down the corridor and into the night sky. Luna started to gallop after him but before she got two steps she tripped and fell, effectively faceplanting. Luna got to her hooves and looked to see what had caused her to trip. It was the sleeping bag, she kicked off the sleeping bag in annoyance and embarrassment. ‘I am lucky that nopony saw that, especially Tia’ Luna thought as she started down the hall to resume what she had gotten up to do in the first place. After she closed the throne room doors she flew down the hallway and into the night sky. As she flew in the starry night, she noticed that the stallion was flying at breakneck speeds towards the East. She flew after him, and as she flew she noticed him doing something she had never seen before. He was soaring through the sky,leaving a orange blur behind him. As he soared into her story masterpeace doing flips and tricks, loops and he swerved left, right, up, down and then he started to slow down. What he had done was amazing. He had used the night sky as a canviousand used his speed to write something in the sky.

‘I WILL ALWAYS PROTECT YOU’

The message confused Luna, she knew that he wasn’t telling her this but someone else. ‘So who is he telling?’ Luna thought as she accelerated after the stallion who had speed of towards the Frozen North.

Ember could see the location of the demon that had violated Skywishes soul. He was in a cave outside the Crystal Empire. The memories of when he had returned with it fifteen years ago. He had been flying out of there when Sombra had cursed the place, taking the empire away. Ember had flown on as soon as it had returned. It was like the empires residents was frozen in time. He had been charging his magic when he was leaving to cast a long range teleport. This meant that he had effectively charged his magic for a thousand years and now he had a emince storage of the magic. When he had learned that the empire had been gone for a thousand years he had been crushed to him the murders of his wife and children, had been sixteen years ago to him, but in reality it was one thousand twenty six years ago. One thousand sixteen years for Zerdach to build up his forces. The last time he had seen Zerdach he only had about one hundred thousand demons at his command. Now Ember had no idea how many he had under his command. Ember shook his head to clear his head of the painful memories.

“I must focus.” Ember berated himself as he flew towards the cave in the distance. His anger returned and grew in ferocity. His inner soul started to make itself more pronounced his hooves changing into claws, his eyes changing color and a hole grew in his chest where his heart was.

Ember let out a roar of fury and anger as he landed ten feet from the entrance of the cave and charged inside to kill the demon.

Ember or rather Amber as he called himself in this form, ran through the endless tunnels looking for the demon. Amber found him in a domed cave that had a lake in it, and in the center of it there was an island where the demon sat with two short swords on his lap, and the demon seemed to be waiting.

“Zo you ‘ave come at last…” the demon said as he opened his eyes to stare at Ember. Amber lunged at the demon yellin a blood curdling war cry with his sword drawn. the demon reacted to this action be blocking the enraged stallions blow with his short swords. The demon laughed said

“Begierig darauf zu sterben sind wir?” (Eager to die are we?) Then the demon thrust one of his swords into the stallion‘s chest. When the stallion didn’t scream in pain the demon looked down, and was surprised to see the hole in the stallion's’ chest.

“Wie?!”(How?!) the demon gasped in shock.

“Ich habe einen Deal mit der Finsternis selbst gemacht , man die Macht zu haben, jeden Gegner zu besiegen , vorausgesetzt , dass ich nicht nachlässig . Nun werden Sie leiden meine Warnung zu ignorieren.” (I have made a deal with darkness itself, one to have the power to defeat any enemy, provided that I am not careless. Now you will suffer for ignoring my warning.) Amber said as he shunted the Demon back off the small island and into the lake.

“Wie heißen Sie, Dämon?” (What is your name, demon?) Amber asked, as the demon got back to his clawed feet.

“Ich Heiße Asmoday, und wie heißt du?”(My name is Asmoday, and what is your name?”) Asmoday said, gesturing to the stallion.

“Ich bin Bernstein Feuer, und es ist Zeit für dich zu sterben.” (I am Amber Fire and It is time for you to die.) Amber said with a unnerving stare, before he rushed Asmoday once again resuming the fight with a clash of swords. Amber was relentless, hacking and slashing at Asmoday causing multiple wounds, but none of them were fatal. Asmoday blocked his sword again before slashing quickly at Amber's head, seeing this amber dodged but not before getting a small gash on the right side of his cheek. The pair broke apart to take a breath before Amber lunged again at Asmoday. Asmoday jumped up into the air and summoned wings to keep himself aloft.

“Sie sind schwach, um Ihre Familie zu sterben verdient.” (You are weak, your family deserved to die.)Asmoday said taunting Amber. Amber lunged into the air screaming.

“Wagen Sie es nicht!”(Don’t you dare!) Amber slammed his sword into Asmoday’s Swords the force caused the pair to collide with the roof of the cavern.

“Sie werden durch meine Klinge sterben und ich werde besuchen nervtötende pegasus fortzusetzen , was ich früher begonnen.” (You will die by my blade and I will visit pesky pegasus to continue what I started earlier.) Asmoday growled at the stallion while they struggled to gain the advantage over the other.

“Nein Sie werden nicht! Du wirst sterben!”(No You won't! You will DIE!) Amber screamed as anger completely flooded his vision.

Princess Luna was trying to find where the stallion hed gone. He had disappeared in the light blizzard and she couldn’t see any trace of him at all. She looked to the mountain range to the North-East. ‘There is nothing out here! where did he go?!’ Luna thought in frustration. Just then The earth erupted out of the ground, leaving a two hundred yard crater in the snow, while a black and orange blur emerged from the ground.

“There!” Luna said ‘As though the universe called him.’ Luna thought with a smirk, as she Launched herself towards the battle.

Amber had lost control he knew this as he threw Asmoday at the ground fifty meters away. Asmoday’s body collided with the snow packed earth kicking up snow and dirt, along with a dull crunch. Amber dropped to the ground letting his hooves take the entire impact. He barely felt it. Amber took three deep breaths and regained some control of his power. Amber heard a soft groan of pain from the second crater, and walked over as he summoned his phantom window, as Asmoday stumbled to his clawed feet.

“Bitte , Barmherzigkeit.”(Please, Mercy.) Asmoday begged as he dropped his broken blades and clutched at his chest.

“Warum! Warum sollte ich erspare Ihnen ?! Sie sparte sie nicht!”(Why! Why should I spare you?! You didn't spare them! ) Amber Screamed at Asmoday as he pulled every single sword from his phantom window, all seventy three thousand sixty two of them, and brandished them around Asmoday, waiting for his answer. He had once had one hundred thousand but they had broken over his long live. Long before he married Lilla Rose and had Lila Licht.

“WARUM!”(WHY!) Ember screamed as he fell to all four hooves and started to cry. Tears streaming from his eyes.

“Because If you don’t, then you aren't any better than him.” a voice said behind him. Ember swirled around ready for a fight,only to find Princess Luna slowly approaching him.

“Princess Luna. Of course it’s you. First, How would you know if I was better than him in the first place. Second You don’t know the story se don’t you dare judge me!” Ember snapped at her, before turning back to Asmoday.

“If I spare you then you will be killed by Zerdach, do you understand this?” Ember said as he approached Asmoday.

“Vhy vould he kill me?” Asmoday asked

“Because If I spare you, you will join me to fight him and learn to live with friends.” Ember said in a cold tone as he glared down at Asmoday. Asmoday was shocked. How could this stallion give him a second chance, after all he had done. Asmoday fell to his knees andlooked down at the ground in shame and thought it over.

“Zo… you vill give me a zecond chanze to do good? How do you know I von’t betray you?” Asmoday asked in a soft tone.

“I won’t. It would be up to you to decide to not betray us.” Ember said. Asmoday looked at him in shock, before he smiled and got up, the shadows that were wrapped around him disappearing as he embraced his second chance.

“Vell I guess that ve are friends now, I ave never had a friend before.” Asmoday said as he held out his claws. Ember smiled and shook it with his hoof as he put the mass of swords back in his phantom window before closing it.

“You know you are screwed when we get back to canterlot, right?” Ember said before continuing “You will have to apologize to Sky wishes to be forgiven. And whether or not she forgives you will affect if I forgive you. You know that right?” Ember said in a cold tone.

“Yes, I understand this. I doubt that she will forgive me though.” Asmoday said sadly.

“ It’s the thought that counts, and I believe that you also owe me that apology.” Princess Luna said as she approached the newly reformed Asmoday. her magic flickering out as she had just finished lowering the moon.

“Princess Luna, I am zo zorry that I zexually assulted you in the dream realm. I vas vrong and I am zorry for that. I hope that you can one day vorgive me.” Asmoday said as he bowed on one knee to the Princess.

“Perhaps one day, but we must be going.” Luna said indicating the rising sun.

“Got it covered.” Ember said as he teleported them all to canterlot castle.

As the trio appeared in front of the throne room doors, the Four guards there reacted already having their spears pointing at the three, ready to fight. But when they saw Princess Luna they snapped to attention and all muttered apologies at pointing their weapons at her royal highness.

“Tis alright, You were doing you jobs. please carry on.” Princess Luna said as she walked to the throne room doors, and opened them with the other two intow. As ember entered the throne room her noticed that most of the group was still asleep except for Celestia and Skywishes who were talking quietly to each other. as the throne room doors closed they looked up and noticed the two ponies and dragon.

“Good morning Luna, Who is this?” Celestia said as she and Skywishes troted over.

“All in good time Celestia. We will tell you when everypony is awake.” Ember said with a smirk as he walked over and layed down on his sleeping bag, as Asmoday took the other blank brown sleeping bag, and brought it over to where Ember was, and put it down.

“ Wake us when they get up, without ‘help’ from Celestia or you Luna, we’ve had a long night.” Ember said before he rested his head and went to sleep.

Author's Note

Alright Chapter 5 is done.:pinkiehappy: *falls out of chair and falls asleep*
Hope you enjoy it and all have a good day. :moustache:
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 6

Black Winter Chapter 6

Skywishes looked at the sleeping form of the stallion in shock nopony ever dared to order the princess around and for them to listen to him! ‘Who was this pony to have such gall to say such things?’ Skywishes thought as she stared at the stallion in wonder.he had fallen asleep maybe half-an-hour ago and she was doing her best to let him sleep as he had requested but she kept noticing that he was shifting very minutely but violently in his sleep. This meant that he was having a nightmare. After a particularly large twitch she started to get really worried about him. Skywishes moved towards the sleeping stallion carefully avoiding the other creature that looked like a dragon, and went to touch his shoulder, but before she made contact he grabbed her hoof.

“I am up.” Ember said as he turned towards the pony who had tried to wake him.Seeing it was Skywishes he got to his hooves looked at her in concern.

“What is wrong Skywishes? Is there something wrong!?” Ember asked with concern.

“I just say that you were having a nightmare and so I was going to wake you up and end it…” Skywishes said sheepishly as she rubbed her right fore leg against her left fore leg.

“Oh, well I am fine there is no need to worry, but How are you doing?” Ember replied with a hint of surprise in his tone.

“Oh well I guess that I am Ok, although I probably won’t forget what happened last night.” Skywishes said with a full body shudder. “ That reminds me, How did you know that chocolate ice cream is my favorite?” Skywishes said with an inquisitive look. Ember blinked before he started rubbing the back of his neck absentmindedly, and mumbled something that Skywishes couldn’t here.

“Sorry didn’t quite catch that, could you repeat it please.” Skywishes said as she leaned her ear closer to here him better.

“I didn’t know, I just gave you my favorite…” Ember mumbled softly as he glanced away. Skywishes blinked in surprise before her cheeks flushed and she quickly looked away trying to focus on anything else than the stallion in front of her but as she glanced at him her wings betrayed her, snapping out in a spontaneous wingboner. The sudden action surprised Ember shaking him from his embarrassment. He looked at Skywishes in shock before, he smiled and startled to giggle, then full on laugh at her. Skywishes face was a dark beat red, and as she Thought ‘FAUST. KILL. ME. PLEASE. RIGHT. NOW!’ Skywishes pleaded in embarrassment, as Ember laughed louder. Then a thought struck her mind. With a evil grin she slowly started to slink her away, before leaping into the air and hovering her pray. Ember started to calm down and went to tell Skywishes that he was sorry for laughing at her, but found the previous area that she was in vacant. ‘Where did she go, I really hope that I didn’t hurt her feelings to bad…’ Ember thought worriedly as we looked around noticing the other ponies all awake and struggling to hold in their giggles as they looked at something above his head. Confused he looked up and found Skywishes hovering ten feet above his head making faces at him and swooping around him like a warbler in lazy glides above his head. just then Skywishes swooped down at him and tackled him. he let out a “oph” of air as the pair landed on the ground, with Skywishes on top of him, and looking into his eyes with a predatory stare in her own eyes. Emb er blinked and gulped as he started to become very nervous. As Skywishes leaned closer towards Ember, he froze with anxiety. Then Skywishes spring her trap, She kissed him full on the lips causing the stallion squeak in shock and then she jumped off him as he was launched into the air by his powerful wingboner. As he spun in the air shrieking, having never been forced into flight in such a way before, he cursed Faust because only she could have devised such a cruel plan, But before he could finish his thought he landed face first onto the throne room floor with a loud ‘SMACK’.

The room erupted into laughter as the group started over to the poor stallion who was now an interesting shade of red. Skywishes flew over to the stallion with a smirk, but a pair of voices drew her attention away from Ember.

“I can’t believe you did that Skywishes That was Priceless.” Both Brass Shield and Discord said between their laughs as they rolled around on the floor.

“What could you possibly be talking about, I’m as sweet as an angle.” Skywishes said in mock innocence as she put on a face of sensor confusion. “Who knew that you were such an interesting Pegasus, Ms. Skywishes. I am laughing my wings off right now.” Discord said as he laughed his wings off, and they fell off his back before they started laughing themselves.

The group stared in shock before they started to laugh as well. Ember got up off the floor and noticed Skywishes sweating As she looked around nervously, forcing a fake laugh to hide her panic.

“Discord, you are so random.” Rainbow Dash said as she walked over to the draconequus and gave him a hoof...paw...poof bump? Pinkie jumped up and landed on top of Discords antler and started to twirl like a ballerina. They three burst into Laughter as the continued their antics.The three pranksters had become best friends over the years and were use to each other's antics. Even sometimes they would add to each other's plan causing udder chaos and destruction rivaling that of the cutie mark crusaders themselves!

Ember walked quietly over to the laughing trio and pushed Discord, making him trip over his wings and falling on top of Rainbow Dash, while Pinkie Pie hovered in the air still spinning before falling onto Discords gut, causing the air in his lungs to disappear. Ember smiled before declaring,

“One, Two, Three, Four, I declare a prank war.” Discord looked at Ember with a surprised look before smirking and finished the rhyme.

“Five, Six, Seven, Eight, whoever loses must make a me a cake.” Discord said with a cackle of laughter. Ember lit his horn and helped all three to there hooves.

“ It seems that being in stone hasn't affected your memories, Mr. Discord.” Ember quipped with affection.

“And it seems that you are still alive, and just as…” Discord started but was interrupted.

“Handsome, or how about swift as ever?” Ember smirked

“Ha, Ha, Ha, I guess I would say just as chaotic as ever.” Discord said with a cackle of mirth.

“Wait, wait, wait. You two know each other?” Twilight said in surprise.

“ Yes dear Twilight, we do know each other and we were good friends before I became mad with power.” Discord said with a airy tone as he glossed over the discussion.

“So were you like us, like good,good friends, Oh, Oh like that one time we all had a slumber party and had lots of ice cream and had a contest where we tried to toss as many ice cream cartons onto Twilight's horn and then she woke up with one on her horn still. Or are you kinda like kindasorta friends…”Pinkie Pie’s rambling was quieted by a hoof .

“Good Friends. Pinkie Pie, We were Good Friends.” Discord said in a wistful tone. Ember rolled his eyes and went back to his Sleeping bag and rolled it up. He noticed Asmoday the dragon, He didn’t really see Asmoday the night before. He was a big white and electric blue dragon. Ember walked over to Asmoday and nudged him awake.

“Hun...wha… ugg vas is vrong, vhats going on?” Asmoday stuttered as he woke.

“It’s time to wake up Asmoday. Also you still need to apologize to Skywishes.” Ember said gruffly as he packed away his sleeping bag.

“Oh, Okay, and I will. I swear to you.” Asmoday said as he got up. Ember nodded his head in acknowledgement before summoning his Phantom window to put his sleeping bag inside.

“What are you doing?”

Ember jumped startled and turned around to see Twilight and the rest of the group staring at him.

“What do you mean? I am just packing away my sleeping bag-” Ember stated nonchalantly as he shut his phantom window. Before he was interrupted.

“No not that, How did you create that window. If that was what I think it was, how are you able to make that.” Twilight said with a scowl. Ember blinked in surprise, then started to sweat nervously.

“Window, Well the windows are made of glass and metal-”Ember started trying to weasel out of the question. But was interrupted again by Twilight.

“NO I Am Not talking about normal windows. Do I look stupid to you?! I was Princess Celestia’s star pupil for many years. I Am Not Stupid. Now,How Did You Produce A Phantom Window. They are nigh Impossible to produce. Not to mention To open them and furthermore hold them open for any amount of time.” Twilight snapped at Ember. Ember sighed and looked away.

“Lets just say I am just bad ass, and leave it at that, Okay?” Ember replied. The answer angered Twilight and the other five of the friends. The sound that exploded from the six was like a cannon blast. After waiting a minute before he got tired of their endless stream of noise and used his magic to zip their mouths shut, silencing the clamor.

“Now if you are quite done I will answer any question that you want as long as it doesn’t bother me to much. Is that Satifactory?” Ember asked. The six ponies nodded with irritated eyes. Ember nodded before he released their mouths from their magic. Rainbow Dash got in to his face and glared into his eyes.

“If you ever do that again I will clip your wings, break your horn and then drop you off the highest mountain of Canterlot.” Rainbow Dash threatened.

“That may be, but If you do either you will lose your wings by my sword, of you will fall dead to the earth with my sword in your chest. But I hope that never has to come to pass. Yes?” Ember said in a fierce rebuttal. Rainbow Dash’s Face held shock for a moment then it Resorted to anger.

“Why you little-” Rainbow Growled as she lunged at Ember. She found herself on her back and then froze in fear as she felt the tip of a sword blade at her throat.

“Don’t ever try that again…” Ember said in a deathly stern tone. Rainbow noticed his glare and all her emotions disappeared. His eyes held power, even Rainbow could tell that, His eyes could freeze armies or cause the tides to falter. She slowly and carefully nodded her understanding.

“Good.” Ember said before he removed his sword tip from her throat and sheathed it, and turned around to be hit in the face with two orange hooves, sending him flying over Rainbow Dash who had just gotten to her hooves, and into the wall behind the wooden thrones which were now broken from his body hitting them.

“Ya’ll Stay away from her, Ya here?” Applejack called to him standing in between him and Rainbow Dash. Asmoday rushed up the stairs and helped Ember out of the wall. After shaking his head, Ember glared at The orange pony.

“I admire your desire to protect your friends, but know that If I wanted to I could kill everyone in here in less than a minute, Yes even the princesses Twilight. You wanted to how I can summon a Phantom window, it’s because I have more power than you could ever imagine. You want an example, here Tirek would explode before consuming even twelve percent of my power. I am Ember Spirit Shield and I am hunting those demons that some of you have seen because of the death of my family, One thousand and twenty six years ago. I have lived among dragons for twenty years for a wrong that I did not commit.” Ember exploded in anger and shouting at them to release his pent up energy so he did not kill them all.

“You lie. Your a lier. You murdered your Family. I remember You now, You fiend.” Celestia accused. Trembling with suppressed anger. The group gasped and looked at the pair of enraged alicorns. Ember's anger had almost broken through his will. He tried to suppress it to save their lives.

“You will never be forgiven for that and you will be arrested to face trial.” Celestia Said as she approached him. Ember’s will shattered. Ember rage shifted. His hair and body erupted into flames, his fur a liquid orange, and his hair a bright purple fire. His voice shattered the windows and cracked the stones themselves.

“YOU DARE ACCUSE ME OF MURDER WHEN YOU HAVE COMMITTED GENOCIDE TO PROTECT YOUR NATION, YOU DARE TO DISHONOR THEIR MEMORY WITH YOUR FILTHY LIES. YOU KNOW NOTHING!”Ember screamed at the solar alicorn drawing his sword with his magic. His eyes flited among the group noticing their fear and disregarding it without care. Then his eyes fell on a pair that held pity and concern. Skywishes was concerned for him this calmed him slightly, before he returned his attention on Celestia.

“I DO NOT WISH TO FIGHT YOU, AND NOR WOULD ANY OF YOU WIN THE BATTLE NOT EVEN THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY COULD STOP ME FOR I AM THE ELEMENT OF SACRIFICE! Now If you want the truth I will show you, but don’t ever say that I murdered my family or I will destroy Equestria, by my word.” Ember said as he returned to normal as his rage shift ended. Ember Summoned his memories of that fateful day, and projected them in the air. He closed his eyes in pain of the memory,Tears welling up in his eyes, before stopping himself. He spread his wings and flew out of one of the broken windows.

~~~

Skywishes watched in horror as they watched the memories with the rest of the group. The watched as Ember was dragged, bloody and beaten into a room filled with demons like before in the forest. They were laughing at him.

“You are weak, and there is nothing that you can ever do to change that.” A large cloaked figure said with derision.

“I will kill you, I swear it.” Ember said before he coughed up blood.

“That May be but They will die first. Do with them what you will.” The Figure said as he left the room. The demons started laughing and then parted as two ponies were thrown into the middle of the room.

“Emder, help us!” Screamed a young earth pony mare with a light red coat and purple hair, as she held a alicorn foal with a light purple coat and white hair.

“Daddy, please…” the foal cried as she stretched her fore hooves out towards the stallion.

“Your daddy can’t help you now.” A demon said as he grasped her by the throat and wrenched her from the mares arms.

“NOOO” Ember screamed, but the damage was already done the claws had pierced her neck and the blood seeped from her body, Ember struggled fruitlessly trying to get to his dying daughter.

“Oops oh well there is always another.” the demon said before burning the body. Ember was frozen in shock.

His wife's screams filled the room The rest of the demons grabbed her and started to rape her, their claws piercing her flesh all over her body. Then there was an explosion and The demons fell to the floor all of them dead and as their bodies dissolved into golden mist. Ember was stopped at the last demon and pulled his hooves from the corpse and let it fall to the ground before rushing to his dying family and collapsed near his wife's body.

“Lilla Rose please hold on, Please don’t die.” Ember pleaded as he held her in his hooves.

“Ember… My dear… please don’t worry...about me...you must live and...enjoy life…find others…to love...and protect them… Thank you...for loving me…” Lilla rose said with gasps as her breathing faded. And with a last gasp of air she died.

“ Lilla? Lilla! No Please Lilla Rose! Celestia Please don’t take her from me Please,Lilla Rose!” Ember cried as he held her. Then the doors burst in and a royal guard stallion burst into the room and said

“Lilla Rose what… Ember you killed her. You kill her!” And jumped at Ember.

“No I didn’t Sterling Shield, I didn’t kill her, wait!” Ember cried as he dodged the stallion's hooves, Before he was struck in the chest and thrown through the wall of the building.

“LIER!” Stirling Shield said as he pulled his sword from it’s scabbard and slashed at him, but missed. Panicked Ember fled. He cried the entire way and said one last thing before the memory ended.

“I swear that I will Find him Lilla, I will.”

The group was silent All in shock in what they had heard and witnessed Skywishes turned on Celestia.

“How could you say that Celestia? I know It may not be my place but by Faust it needs to be said. You really have no Idea what you were saying.” Skywishes said with a snarl as the the group gasped at her words. But before they could say anything she left the room as fast as she could and went to find Ember.

Author's Note

Hello Everycreature, how are you.
It's Done.
Sorry for the late update, I had a small writers block.
But it's done, Hope you enjoy
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 7

Black Winter Chapter 7

Skywishes soared over the castle spires looking for Ember Spirit Shield. After a short time she found him on the roof of the Spire of the garden tower where he comforted her the night before. As she fluttered down, she heard his racking sobs, and she felt sorrow and for him and hatred for the princesses for forcing this pain upon him.

“Hey...” Skywishes said softly as she landed softly on the snowy roof, before folding her wings against her body and cautiously approached Ember. Ember shifted and looked at her with tears in his eyes.

“Oh..H...Hey, It’s you. You can stay if you want.”Ember said as he turned back to looking at the landscape of the countryside as Skywishes walked over and sat next to him.

“So… What do you want to do? You can talk about it if you want...Or we can go do something else instead, whatever it is you want to do we’ll do it just tell me and I will do my best.” Sky wishes said with determination in her voice. Ember was silent for a few minutes before he broke the silence.

“We’ll...I don’t want to talk about it, not really. But since we both have wings I do have a idea of a fun activity that we could do if you want…” Ember mumbled unsure of himself.

“Sure what is it?” Sky wishes said with enthusiasm.

“Cloud hopping.” Ember said.

“Cloud hopping? What is that?” Skywishes asked in confusion. Ember looked at her with a grin.

“Oh… Nothing much just something fun.” Ember said with a wicked grin.

“That may be but what is cloud hopping?” Skywishes Inquired.

“Cloud hopping is when a winged creature is has a long line of clouds in the direction of where they want to go they jump from one cloud to another until they reach their destination or they fly to their next cloud to continue cloud hopping or fly to their destination. It’s a fun way to travel.” Ember explained.

“That does sound fun, if a little lazy…” Skywishes said while letting her silent insinuation hang in the air.

“Are you calling me lazy?!” Ember said in a affronted tone.

“Nooo...I’m not calling you lazy...just slow.” Skywishes said in a cocky tone

“I am not slow. Just so you know, If I went all out I could go across the world in...two and a half hours, maybe less.” Ember said in a dead serious lie.

“You are a liar, that is impossible!” Skywishes said with a laugh.

“All right, all right. You caught me I can't go around the world in two and a half hours...I can do it in one minute.” Ember said with a guiltily facade.

“No you can't. I know you can’t, even if you did you would die on the G forces alone.” Skywishes said in a worried tone.

“Exactly the problem. I've done it once before but that was long ago…” Ember said as he stared off into the distance. Skywishes stared at him in astonishment.

“That’s not true. If you did you wouldn’t be here now. You would be dead!” Skywishes screeched in a high pitched voice. Ember looked at her with a quirked eyebrow and knowing smile.

“Hmmm… Then If that’s the case then I guess that I never did, right?” Ember said with a knowing grin. Skywishes looked at him. The way he had a composure of such confidence caused her to faltered.

‘The way he looks at me with that knowing glint in his eye, Could he have done It ? But that’s impossible He would be dead,...wouldn’t he?’ Skywishes wondered as she stared into his eyes.

“Y-Yeah, You must-have imagined it.” Skywishes said shakily before looking away.

“Well anyway let's not focus on such dark topics. What do you think, should we go cloud hopping?” Ember asked.

“Well it sounds really fun, but where would we go?” Skywishes said

“I don’t know, but we can go anywhere you want. Let's brainstorm.” Ember said in a unsure tone. And then the pair sat and started thinking hard. After a few short minutes Skywishes spoke up.

“Well, we could go to my house… but I feel like that's a little too forward.” Skywishes mumbled.

“It’s not too forward, because it was the first place that you thought of and it is the one place you really want to be at right now. So where is it?” Ember said in a comforting manner. Skywishes blushed and pawed at the ground in embarrassment from his words.

“It’s in ponyville. Which is south of here.” Skywishes squeaked, then remembered something. “But before we could leave I need to get by things from the barracks and sign a temporary leave of absence form. Do you think you could wait for me until then.” Skywishes said in a louder and more confident voice as she made her request. Ember nodded.

“I’ll wait for you, I’ll be up here when you come to find me, okay.” Ember promised.

“Okay then I’ll be right back then.” Skywishes said before taking flight and flying off to the guard barracks. Ember chuckled as her personality reminded him of Lilla Rose. ‘You would have been great friends with her Rosey, great friends indeed.’Ember thought sadly before he continued staring off into the morning sky.

~~~

Stunned silence filled the throne room. Twilight stared blankly at the place where the pegasus guard had stood moments before. Nopony had ever dared to speak up to the princess like that.

But The horrors that the stallion, that Ember Spirit Shield went through was beyond belief. How could somepony go through that and not go insane! The will that he must have would be enormous to not go mad after losing his child like that.

“Princess? Are you okay?” Twilight asked cautiously. Snapping out of her shock, Princess Celestia looked around and noticed the worried faces of all present.

“Huh… Yes I am fine, but I never expected that that was what he did- or rather now -went through. Skywishes and Ember are right. I had no Idea what I was saying.” Celestia said in a shocked and quiet voice.

“Then what are you going to do about it, sister.” Princess Luna inquired.

“Captain Steel Cross, Lieutenant Brass Shield, please go find both lieutenant Skywishes and Ember Spirit Shield and bring them here as soon as you can.” Princess Celestia said. Steel Cross saluted then turned around and left followed closely behind by Brass Shield.

“T-That w-was h-horrible. How can he even move.” Fluttershy whispered in horror.

“I don’t rightly know Flutters, But right now I feel mighty foolish.” Applejack said saddly

“That may be true darling but to lose the one you love in such a way...” Rarity said horrified

“Not to mention your foal…” Twilight said as she stared at the place where the memory was at. Having helped raise Flurry Heart she could only imagine what Ember went through.

“Princess? Could me and Pinkie Pie help look for him?” Rainbow Dash asked tentatively. Princess Celestia looked at them and smiled.

“Of course you can Rainbow Dash, I think that that would be really helpful. Just make sure to tell Captain Steel Cross.” Celestia said. Rainbow Dash nodded before she and Pinkie Pie rushed out of the throne room and went to find Captain Steel Cross. Twilight turned towards Celestia before starting.

Celestia what did he mean by the Element of Sacrifice?” Twilight asked. Celestia glanced at her before sighing.

“The Elements consist of a group of nine: Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Magic, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, and Love. There are rumors of three more elements but hard evidence has yet to come to light.” Celestia confessed. Twilight looked at Celestia in shock.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this Celestia?” Twilight said in surprise.

“The other three or six, I guess I should say, are very hard to find, their bearers usually die while using the elements so to save as many lives as they can. I hid any information pertaining to these other elements from the world because of that fact.” Celestia explained.

“So should we try to find these other elements or not, princess?” Applejack asked as she shuffled her hooves.

“I don’t think so, my little pony, I think we need to make amends with Ember first, because if he is as powerful as he said then we can not afford to have him as an enemy.” Princess Celestia said.

“ I agree sister we were all rather quite rude, I think. Oh and I do believe that he is as powerful as he said he is.” Luna said as she remembered Ember's rage earlier that morning.

“Oh, Why is that sister ?” Celestia asked with a small frown on her lips.

“Let's say I had a first hand demonstration with a quite unfortunate sir Asmoday here.” Luna said as she in decade the white and electric blue dragon that had been silently watching the proceedings as he leaned on the back wall next to the crater in the wall. At the mention of his name he focused on Princess Luna.

“Was brauchen Sie Prinzessin Luna?” (What do you need Princess Luna?) Asmoday asked.

“Bitter kommen hier Asmoday.”(Please come here Asmoday.) Luna said. The Main six looked at each other in confusion.

“Um excuse me princess but what language are you speaking?” Twilight asked.

“I’m speaking a very old language called German, which is very similar to Germane.” Princess Luna answered. Before turning back to Asmoday.

“Könnten Sie die Kraft, die Sie Zeuge von Ember Geist Schild erklären.” (Could you explain the power that you witnessed from Ember Spirit Shield.) Luna asked politely. Asmoday sighed before sitting on the floor and began to retell his story.

~~~

Skywishes left her superiors office with a sigh. ‘Thank Faust that I have never taken a day off in five years, Now I have time to relax and recuperate.’ Skywishes thought. She sighed again before spreading her wings and flying off through the castle and out the front doors, as she flew she noticed that the guards were organizing in the gardens. Becoming worried she sped up and looked around for Ember. She spotted him on the same roof where she left him. She glided down and landed next to him.

“All set are you ready to go?” Skywishes asked as she shifted a little nervously.

“I am just waiting for you. Also I think were moving quite fast for not even being on a date yet…” Ember said with a sly smile. Skywishes stuttered and blushed furiously.

“I-It’s Not Like That!” Skywishes squealed, causing Ember to laugh.

“I know, I just like to see you blush.”Ember said quietly before continuing. “Any way shall we go?” Ember asked. Skywishes nodded and spread her wings and took off in the direction of ponyville, with Ember close behind. Unbeknownst to either of them A white Unicorn stallion glared as his prey escaped him again.

~~~

Later that evening the pegasus and alicorn landed outside of Skywishes home.

“Well here we are..” Skywishes said. Ember smiled as he looked at her.

“Mares First.” Ember replied kindly, causing Skywishes to blush. She shook her head and went to the front door and opened the locked door with a key that she produced from her saddlebags. As They entered the house Ember noticed that the house was a very nice dark blue, almost purple, that soothed his mind and tense body. He sighed pleased.

“The guest bedroom is this way, come on.” Skywishes said in a cheery tune. Ember trotted to catch up and followed her on the tour of the house until they reached the guest bedroom.

“Well here you are,” Skywishes said as she opened the door to reveal a medium sized room with a bed, nightstand, writing desk, closet bookshelf, and bathroom. The room was a light mint green with a perfectly depicted night sky on the ceiling. “I hope it’s not too bad for you.” Skywishes said as she scuffed her hooves on the floor nervously. Ember walked in and set down his sword and cloak on the nightstand by the bed.

“It’s perfect” Ember said as he walked back over to Skywishes and gave her a hug.

Skywishes smiled and returned the hug happily before disengaging.

“I’m glad to hear that, If you need anything my room is upstairs, second door on the right. Okay?” Skywishes said with a smile.

“Okay thank you very much, but I think I’ll just rest for now if that’s alright?” Ember said. Skywishes just nodded and turned around heading for her room, and slyly adding a bit more swing in her steps as she walked away, grinning all the while. Ember started, slack jawed, before blushing furiously and softly closing the door. That night he slept peacefully for the first time in twenty years.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait here is the Chapter 7 for your enjoyment.
Sorry if it is a little short.
Hope you all have a Great day!
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 8

Black Winter Chapter 8

Ember dreamed about his life and how he had enjoyed his life with his wife and daughter. They were playing together at a park in Manehattan. Lilla Rose was playing tag with himself and Lila Licht. There lives were ended to sooner than they should have. As the dream went on the trio laughed and enjoyed life. Then the dream blurred into a white room with many book shelves all around the edge of the room. As Ember looked around the room, he noticed that there were very old tomes and books mixed in with many new books and scrolls.

“Where-” Ember started to say, before he was flung into the wall in front of him.

‘I Have a feeling that this is going to start happen a lot…’ Ember thought sadly before he was pulled from the wall by a marone glow and slammed into the opposite wall before he saw his attacker.

“Oh It’s You…” Ember said lamely.

“HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU THREATEN MY CHILDREN LIKE THAT” Screamed Faust. Ember rolled his eyes and broke her magical grip on him.

“Please, your highness if anything I broke a promise to you. Don't you remember? Last time I was here I promised that I would kill them if they brought them up again, but I didn't.” Ember said in exasperation. Faust glared at the stallion, seething in anger.

“If you do kill them then you will die.” Faust growled at him.

“No I wouldn’t, If you did then the world would fall to the demons, But since most fear me, most do not dare try to escape from tartarus.” Ember said with a sly grin as he looked in Queen Faust’s eyes. He could see the hate and anger in them.

“But then again I wouldn’t know what you would do, I can only know what I would do.” Ember said as he backed down. Ember then looked to his left and sighed before looking back at Faust.

“Look, I’m sorry that I threatened to kill them and I am sorry that I threatened them, but I couldn’t hold in the anger any more and it was my fault, so I am sorry.” Ember said humbly. Faust looked at him taken aback the change that the conversation had changed was startling to her.

‘How could he be so easy to give his anger up when he was in a full blown rage just seconds ago?! He used to be able to do this for hours...’ Faust thought as she stumbled back in shock. Faust stared at Ember Spirit Shield in puzzlement before she spoke.

“Ember Spirit Shield what is wrong? Have you finally conceded to be beaten?” Faust asked in a concerned tone. Ember looked away hiding his face from her view.

“Faust… I don’t know what to do,” Ember said as he slumped to the floor. “I don’t know how to act around her anymore she is just like Lilla Rose, She is different at the same time as well. I want to love her but what if She dies what if She’s attacked again by them. What if I lose her to?!” Ember said as he broke down into tears. Faust moved over to him and pulled his shaking form under her wing in a comforting manner.

“Ember I know what you have been through I know that you have fought for many years by your self with no one to be there beside you. I know. I guess that all you can do is try and make sure that none of that happens again.” Faust said as she rubbed his back.

“I know but I’m scared. You know what happened. What about when she finds out about the element of sacrifices’ power-”Ember started again before he was cut off again by Faust.

“Shh Shh Shh, It’ll be fine Trust me. It’ll all work out in the end.” Faust said in a soft motherly voice. Slowly stroking his back. After a few minutes when Ember calmed down, she spoke to him again.

“So how many swords do you have now? I wasn’t able to count them all last time I saw them…” Faust said as she poked Ember on the nose. Ember snorted and broke the contact.

“ Close to Seventy three thousand.” Ember replied, Faust looked at him in shock.

“Seventy Three Thousand?! Why still so many?” Faust asked, stunned.

“I used to have more but You know that the dragons made them before I was stuck in that time lock spell. I haven't gotten to use them as much sense then, you know not being able to find their dam base.” Ember quipped back.

“But then how are you so strong you have way more that just the twenty seven percent of you total power???” Faust gasped as she figured it out. “You were charging your magic for that thousand years weren't you?”

“Yes I was going to go to the dragons before I got trapped.” Ember grumbled. But I just want to sleep If that is okay, I haven’t gotten to get a full night sleep for about a week, I have been having nightmares ever since I re-entered Equestria. So Can you please send me back to sleep…” Ember pleaded. Faust giggled and nodded before lighting her horn.

“Yes but I will talk to you again soon.” Faust said as she cast her spell sending him back to the world of dreams.

~~~

As Ember returned to his dream he looked around the earlier dream had been dispersed and so he settled down to have a dreamless sleep. That was before he was tackled from behind by something that was giggling. This startled him and caused him to wake up.

Ember’s Eyes flew open. He stared at the roof above him and pondered who could have breached his dreams other than Faust.

‘If some creature managed to get into my dreams so easily, then I need to guard my mind better or they could be consumed by the darkness and memories, effectively killing their brain, and then the body itself!’ Ember thought worriedly as he rose from the bed and headed for the window. When he moved the curtains aside with his magic, he was temporarily blinded by the rush of sunlight that entered the room. Ember squinted and looking away from the window, until the he could see without dots of light flickering across his vision, then he looked back out into the morning of a new day. After a few minutes Ember used his magic to open his phantom window and walked inside, after a few minutes of rummaging inside, where many crashes and clatter were heard, the phantom window grew and Ember walked back out lifting a grand piano and piano bench with his magic and put them in the corner by the window, facing the door had opened while he was inside.

Skywishes walked down the stairs and then started down the hall in the direction of the guest bedroom, the carpet muffling her hoofsteps. As she neared the door she heard muffled crashes from inside. Worry blossoming in her heart her she opened the door to see if Ember was alright. Skywishes looked into the room and found nothing...except an purple portal that was widening. She started to back up, worried that something bad might happen. Then Ember walked out of the portal, horn glowing, as he lugged a Grand Piano out of the portal. Skywishes jaw dropped ‘How is that even possible?!’ Skywishes thought as she stared at the piano now present in the room. She was brought back to reality as Ember set down the instrument.

As Ember set down the giant instrument and dispelled the phantom window. He looked at the piano, he hadn't seen it in the light for some years, but was still as elegant as the day he bought it. He smiled and sat down on the Peltogyne wood piano bench before he spread his wings and hooves before beginning to play.

When he finished he relaxed and sighed in content.

Then he heard a slight gasp behind him.

Sky wishes was frozen. She couldn’t move, the elegance and the smoothness that the song had held… Skywishes shuddered and gasped slightly as she started to breath again, feeling very flustered. Skywishes stared at the stallion as he stiffened and turned towards her.

“I’mSorryForBotheringYou,I’llJustGo.” Skywishes blurted, blushing furiously, before she ran into the hall and away from the room.

Ember Stared at the pegasus shaped dust cloud, wondering why she had been so flustered. All he had done is play the piano. How had he upset her? Ember looked at the open door. After a minute and a half he shook his head dismissing the worry from his mind. Ember rose from the bench, and walked over to his bed. Ember grasped his cloak and sword in his magic before securing them to his body. He glanced at the mirr to make sure that his wings were concealed, before leaving the room.

Ember walked down the hallway, as he walked he looked at the walls, noticing some pictures and the elegantly painted cyan vines on the dark violet walls. Ember walked up to a picture hanging on the wall and studied it closely. There was a group of five in the picture, Skywishes was in the center, the left and above her was another older bat pony mare with a dark blue coat and purple mane and tail, below her was a young pegasus filly with a yellow coat and orange mane and tail. In the upper right there was a large older unicorn stallion. He had a green coat with a black man and tail with a neon orange stripe through it. Below him was a teenage unicorn stallion with a cheerful smile. He had a silver coat that was hard to look at for long, as well as a white mane and tail with a red strict running through his mane.

Ember Stared at the photo of the family, feeble ring how his own had been torn apart by by ultimately each other before Zerdach finished the job. Ember shook his head, dismissing the memories.

“I will protect them, I must.” Ember mumbled resolutely as he continued to walk down the hallway. Ember continued to walk down the hall until he reached the kitchen door. As Ember entered the kitchen noticed that Skywishes just sat down with a cup of coffee in her hooves. Ember looked closely, and noticed that her face was slightly ruffled and wet with water. Ember realized what she did, then an idea hit him. He smiled, before he executed his plan.

“Guten morgen, Himmelwünsche, Ich sehe, dass jemand war heute Morgen aufgeregt. Wie geht's heute?” (Good morning, Skywishes, I see that somebody was excited this morning. How are you today?) Ember said as he walked to the kitchen table. Skywishes jumped, and looked around wildly before noticing Ember and started stuttering.

“Wh-What, what did you say?!” Skywishes squeaked. Ember chuckled before repeating.

“Good morning, Skywishes, How are you today?”

“O-Oh, ahem, I am doing good how are you?”

“I am great thanks for asking. Also, do you have any plans for today?” Ember asked politely, as he sat down across from her.

“Nothing really, except going grocery shopping. That reminds me is there anything that you need while I am out?” Skywishes asked, before taking another drink of coffee. Ember thought hard before he responded.

“Well...no, nothing I can think of, However do you mind if I go with you to get a layout of the town?” Ember asked kindly. Skywishes blinked at him before she nodded.

“Sure, but why are you asking me?” Skywishes asked.

“I thought I should ask you sense, in a way, you are sort of a guardian for me, also it’s polite to ask you.” Ember explained, causing Skywishes to blush slightly at the comment of being a guardian. The blush quickly faded away as she looked at him with a hint of curiosity.

“My previous statement still stands.” Skywishes said with a twinkle in her eye. “Hmmmmm…” Skywishes thought silently as she watched Ember.

“Ok well thanks and ‘Hmmmmm’ what?” Ember asked confused. Skywishes just shook her head and smiled and drank the rest of her coffee.

Ember looked at her with a quirked eyebrow, before giving up. He waited for her to finish her coffee before she stood up and took care of her dishes. Ember stood up as well and walked with her to the front door, and opened it with his magic, allowing her to walk through first and shut the door behind him.

“Let me just lock the door and then we'll be off!” Skywishes exclaimed with enthusiasm, before locking the door. Ember looked around and noticed that Skywishes house was built on the outskirts of town near whitetail woods, and the Everfree forest. Ember smiled at the location around him enjoying the solitude but also the proximity to the town a little way to the west.

“Alright, ready to go?” Skywishes asked as she spread her wings next to him, as she prepared to take off. Ember nodded, and followed Skywishes as she took off. The pair speed towards the still sleepy ponyville. After barely a minute of flight they started their descent. Skywishes touched down gently in front of the store, the snow crunching lightly beneath her hooves. The Scratched Cello. Ember pulled his hood up over his head as the entered the music store where some quiet music was playing.

A white unicorn mare with an electric blue mane and tail, greeted us at the door.

“Hey how's it going Skywishes? And who’s this with you?” the white unicorn said as she looked at Ember.

“Hey Vinyl, I am doing good. How is it going with you and Octavia?” Skywishes asked with a sly grin.

“We been doing really good and things have been going really smooth with us.” Vinal said as she looked away from Ember to talk to Skywishes. Ember looked at Vinal, something was off about her and it wasn't anything to do with her character, but what was… She was wearing sunglasses inside!

“Hey is this a new song of yours Vinyl?” Skywishes asked in wonder. Snapping Ember out of his thoughts.

“Actually it’s me and Octavia’s song, in our first album called ‘The Tipping Point’ Isn't it amazing!” Vinal said enthusiastically as she started bobbing her head. Ember listened to the music, she was right it truly was amazing.

“Where is the album at?” Ember asked quietly, startling Vinyl. Vinyl turned her head around and stared at the cloaked stallion. He had been so quiet it was eerie and slightly scarey.

“Um by the front counter, would you like me to show you?” Vinal asked cautiously.

“Please, if that wouldn't be too much trouble.” Ember replied kindly. Vinyl lead Ember and Skywishes to where the new album was.

“So...what's your name?” Vinyl asked

“It's Ember, Ember Spirit Shield, but you can call me Ember if you want.” Ember replied as he turned back to Vinyl and removed his hood. Vinyl gasped slightly, before shaking herself and holding her hoof out to shake his own just as the the song ended.

“Hello Ember, the names Vinyl, Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl said as they shook hooves.

“A pleasure to meet you Vinyl. I apologize if I scared you earlier, It was not my intention to do so.” Ember replied with apologetic grin.

“Nah it's okay dude. Hey Skywishes so what brought you by here anyway?” Vinyl asked as she looked back at Skywishes.

“ I just wanted to say hi and catch up and to let you know that I am gonna be staying a while hopefully.” Skywishes said.

“Cool,” said before looking back at Ember “I hope we can get together soon and hang.” Vinal said while wiggling her eyebrows. Causing Skywishes to blush.

“So do you have a system to play this on?” Vinyl asked. Ember stopped and thought for a second before responding.

“Well none I guess... which would you recommend?” Ember said casually, causing Vinyl's jaw to drop. She shook herself before asking short rapid questions.

“One; What type of music do you like?”

“Instrumental music, classical, inspirational, relaxing, happy, sad, some stuff to kick ass too and some electrical.”

“Two; Do you move around a lot?”

“Yes”

“Three; Do you care if other can hear your music as well?”

“I would like you share it with others, but I would also like to enjoy it by myself.”

“Four; do you care if you go def?”

“What kind of question is that, of course I do!”

“Okay I think that the device for you is a U-PON 13, A hoof held music player, with some noise canceling, volume restricting, headphones with a MO built in.” Vinyl concluded. Ember Looked at Vinyl curiously.

“MO, what’s an MO?” Ember asked.

“Manual Override, so if you want you can listen to your music at full volume.” Vinyl explained.

“Oh, ok that makes sense,” Ember said as Vinyl used her magic to gather the items that she mentioned. “Also do you have any music that would be perfect for a fight as well as any of the previous genres I mentioned before.” Ember asked. Vinyl looked at him, taken aback at what he said, before bringing a good number of albums over from the shelves and stands around the store.

“Yeah I do but why would you want music to fight to, and are there an any songs that you couldn't fight to for that matter?” Vinyl asked concerned evident in her voice.

“I dislike rap,” Fourteen albums floated back to their previous places. “And to answer your other question fights just seem to…hunt for me.” Ember said with a small smile that seemed sad.

“Well...okay then, If that's all you want do you want me to ring this up for you? Or is there something else I can help you with?” Vinyl asked politely. Ember looked at the collection of goods before turning to a standard record player as well.

“Just one of those.” Ember said pointing. Vinyl smiled and engulfed the player in her magic and brought it up to the counter along with the other items, as the trio walked over as well. Vinyl soon calculated the price of the headphones, record player, U-PON 13, and the seventy-six albums.

“Do you want the music to be loaded on your new U-PON or do you want to do that yourself?” Vinyl asked politely.

“Please, if you could.” Ember replied. Vinyl nodded.

“Ok and your total today is...One thousand, four hundred, thirty bits.” Vinal said a little shocked at the price. Skywishes jaw dropped.

‘One thousand, four hundred, thirty BITS! Jeez. Does he even have that much?!’ Skywishes thought in shock. Ember just nodded and lit his horn and grabbed a small bit bag from under his cloak.

“One thousand, four hundred, thirty bits, correct?” Ember said as he began extracting fourteen hundred bit pieces, and three ten bit pieces, before returning the bit bag to his cloak.

“There you go, One thousand, four hundred, thirty bits. Do you have an estimated time frame for when you will be done with loading the music?” Ember asked, snapping Vinyl out of her trance.

“Huh, oh uh, Well based on the amount of music, I would guess by... Four Thirty, maybe.” Vinyl concluded.

“Ok then I will see you then.” Ember replied happily. The trio said their good-byes before Skywishes and Ember left to continue their shopping.

~~~

Skywishes stirred at Ember as he prepared to take flight. Ember noticed her searching expression.

“What’s Up, Is something wrong Skywishes?” Ember asked worriedly. Skywishes snapped her head back looking around slightly, before shaking her head.

“No there is nothing wrong, I was Just… Forget it. Ready to go?” Skywishes asked with a small grin. Ember looked at her before shrugging it off.

“Sure, let’s go.” Ember agreed before the pair took to the cold skies once again.

~~~

The Next store that Skywishes stopped at was ‘Silver's metal smithing and forging’. Ember landed next to Skywishes and began to walk forward, but was stopped by Skywishes outstretched hoof. Ember Looked back at Skywishes to see a concerned look on her face.

“Hold on, Silver is a bit weird and doesn’t really like strangers in cloaks, It might be best if you stay out here.” Skywishes said in a worried tone. Ember looked at her before nodding.

“Do you want me to go pick something up for you while I wait?” Ember asked, not wanting to feel useless. Skywishes eyes lit up, screaming ‘yes’.

“Yes! That’s a great Idea, here Is the list of food we need, You can find it in the Market.” Skywishes said as she gave the list to Ember and pointing of in the direction of the market. Ember nodded once more before Skywishes turned away. As Skywishes trotted to the front of the store, Ember became suspicious.

‘She seemed a little to happy about me offering to go somewhere else...’ Ember thought. Quickly casting a spell Ember followed her inside while Ember walked over to a bench in front of the store and waited patiently for his double to return. The Ember inside a was in every aspect the same as the one outside, however he didn’t have the necklace that Ember cared so much about, being the only difference. The Ember that walked in the store coated itself in a light bending spell that concealed his form by pulling the light around himself, projecting the images of his surroundings around him. It wasn’t a perfect spell, Creatures could still see a shimmering outline like an image behind a glass of water, and anything he interacted with but it worked none the less. Ember silently walked around Skywishes and observed his surroundings.

“SKYWISHES!” a voice called, Ember wiped his head around and saw a Silver stallion float to the ground, carrying a large anvil in a golden nimbus of magic.

Embers eyes widened as he saw the wings and horn on the stallion.

‘He’s an alicorn!’ Ember mentally Screamed in surprise.

“Hey Silver, How is it going?” Skywishes said as she hugged the stallion, before the pair broke apart.

“It’s so good to see you Sis!” Silver said in excitement.

‘Sis?!... It’s her brother! How did I notice?! He looks exactly like the stallion in the picture!’ Ember concluded as he recalled the picture in Skywishes house slightly surprised at his own stupidity.

“To answer your question I am doing well and before you ask, nopony knows about me being an alicorn.” Silver said in an exasperated, yet playful tone. “But forget about that, What can I do for you?” Silver asked with a happy smile.

“Well I need more of those throwing knives you make, I lost some of mine.” Skywishes said sheepishly. Silver burst out laughing.

“That’s my sister, always losing her stuff.” Silver chortled. Skywishes opened her mouth, before closing it. “Sure I can do that for you, sis, follow me.” Silver said as he trotted into the back of the shop. Skywishes looked around quickly before following, the Ember inside decided to leave.

‘I’ve invaded their privacy too much already.’ Ember thought guiltily, as he dissolved into smoke before seeping through the door and back to his body. Ember ender his magic as he felt his body become whole once again. Sighing, he rose to his hooves and looked in the direction that Skywishes had indicated.

“Well Guess I better go get this done.” Ember said as he started trotting down the snow covered road.

After a short ten minutes, Ember arrived in the market. He looked at the list.

“Alright, So I need: A stalk of celery, thirty apples, A bundle of thyme, and Bread from Sugarcube Corner.” Ember recited. Then looked around and spotted a large red earth pony stallion with a red stocking hat on his head, selling apples. “Apples first then.” Ember chuckled lightly, as he headed over to the stall.

“Hello, Could I have Thirty apples please?” Ember asked the red stallion. The stallion nodded before grabbing a small covered crate and set it on counter of the stall. The stallion pulled the cover back to reveal large juicy apples, and covered them again.

“That’ll be forty-five bits, Friend.” The Red stallion said in a deep voice. Ember nodded with a pleasant smile, before pulling out his bit bag with his magic. As Ember pulled the money from the bag, he decided to strike up a conversation.

“So,H How has business been for you today?” Ember asked kindly.

“Business has been good, but it has been tough on me, pulling double shifts while my sister is in Canterlot on business.” the stallion sighed, before continuing. “I'm Big Macintosh, but some just call me Big Mac.” Big Mac said introducing himself while holding his hoof out. Ember took the hoof in his own, and shook.

“Name's Ember, Ember Spirit Shield. Maybe we could get together and do something sometime?” Ember offered.

“Maybe, would be nice to have a break from the work.” Big Mac said with a kind smile. Ember set ten, ten piece bits, before encasing the crate of apples in his magic.

“Well thanks for the apples and the company, keep the change and Happy Hearths Warming.” Ember said as he walked away, Leaving a grateful Big Mac behind.

“Alright apples: check. Next up: Celery.” Ember recited as he walked among the stalls. He put the apples in his phantom window, before continuing on his journey. Ember looked around the market before spotting a snow covered stall selling celery. Ember walked up to the unicorn stallion running the stall.

“Hello, Could I have A stalk of celery please?” Ember asked politely. The stallion just snorted and grabbed one in his magic and set it down on the stalls counterpart.

“Twenty bits.” he growled. Ember blinked in surprise.

“Twenty Bits?! That's not really fair, may I ask you for a fair price, say fifteen?” Ember asked kindly. The unicorn sighed.

“I wish I could, but I can't afford to sell for less than twenty. The taxes on celery were raised by the bloody nobles again and I am struggling to pay them. I'm sorry for being so gruff earlier, but I'm just worried that I’ll go under.” the unicorn explained.

“ Ah, I understand, well I'm sorry to hear that. Yes I’ll pay. By the way what's your name? And for that matter, do you know which noble is responsible for this?” Ember said as he reached for the bit bag in his cloak.

“Well I be Celery Stalk, and the noble, I believe he be Prince Blueblood.” Celery Stalk said. Ember frowned at that, before forcing a smile and started to extract the money from his bit bag once again.

“Hmm, well I guess that is no surprise at all, but I'll talk with the princesses when I get a chance, too bad I didn't know this yesterday. I just came from canterlot.” Ember explained as he deposited a twenty piece bit on the counter and taking the celery and slipping it under his cloak, where it entered a small phantom window and was placed on top of the apple crate. “Also here.” Ember said as he dropped two, hundred piece bits on the counter. Celery stared, fumbling for words.

“I hope this helps until I can fix the problem.” Ember said with a determined smile. Before he locked away leaving Celery Stalk flabbergasted.

“ Alright apples: check. Celery: check. Now I need the herbs. Where are the herbs?” Ember said looking around the market place. Seeing no stall selling herbs around him, he started to walk looking for a stall that sold herbs. Ember walked around the market place for fifteen minutes, he finally found a stall selling herbs. Ember approached the stall with relief.

“Finally. I thought I would never find one!” Ember exclaimed happily.

“Find one of what, I'm not sure, but maybe I have the cure.” said a voice behind the stall, startling Ember. Ember looked around the stall for the pony that had spoken, but only found nothing.

“Weird, I could have sworn-” Ember said in confusion.

“Amusing it is, to see one looking around, before looking behind.” the voice again. Ember stood still, he knew that voice. Ember looking behind himself and found a zebra.

“Ahh, I see the flesh of a zebra, but the mind of a leader, with a heart of gold.” Ember said smiling widely. “Hello Zecora, it's been a long time.” Ember finished while turning around to face Zecora. Zecora beamed and embraced Ember before breaking off.

“To see you again fills me with glee, but why you are here, Is a mystery to me.” Zecora said raising a eyebrow at Ember. Ember sighed.

“I travel the same path as before, but now I just worry more.” Ember answered cryptically.

“I do not claim to see, but you have my sympathy.” Zecora said with a small smile. “But you have come to me for another reason, so let me see what it is so the problem is fixed, with out much confusion.” Zecora said as she walked around to her stall.

“Ah Yes, I need a bundle of thyme.” Ember said with a sly grin.

“A bundle of thyme or a bundle of time.” Zecora said jokingly, as she retrieved the requested herb from her supplies. Once she found it she set it on the counter and looked at Ember with a knowing look. “Is there anything else that I can do for you, or do you need me somewhere else?” Zecora said with a sly lusty grin.

“Thank you but no. Perhaps another time, For now I must complete my list.” Ember said rolling his eyes with a grin as well. The two smiled wider, before bursting into laughter.

“You win this time, my friend, but next time you shall lose.” Zecora said smiling widely. “All I need from you is twenty-two bits.” Ember nodded and placed the requested amount on the table, before taking the bundle of thyme, and putting it in the phantom window and on top of the apple crate as well.

“You know what, those two bits there look lonely, they might need three friends.” Ember said as he tossed three more bits on the counter.

“Ember you are too kind, will I see you in time?” Zecora asked.

“In time.” Ember confirmed before Turning away and heading to Sugarcube Corner.

As Ember approached Sugarcube Corner it started to snow, looking around he saw Skywishes. She was waiting, looking nervously around. Ember galloped to her and slid up next to her, startling her slightly.

“Skywishes, what's wrong, and don't lie to me.” Ember said, staring into her eyes in worry.

“I-I’m fine, when I was leaving Silver’s there were ponies in black suits, and they attacked me, one of them hit me on the head. The next thing I know, they were all laying there with lances in their backs and blood was everywhere. I went back in Silver’s and looked everywhere. But I couldn't find him any where!” Skywishes explained frantically. Ember nodded.

“I understand, I will go and find him you go inside Sugarcube Corner and get the bread, and wait there until I return. I already got everything else on the list. I’ll cast a spell on you if you need me. Just say my name in reverse and I'll be there, literally, in a second.” Ember said as he cast the spell.

“Shield Spirit Ember, got it.” Skywishes said, nodding.

“I will find him, I promise. When I find him, I'll take him to your house, then I will come and get you.” Ember said softly.

“Ember you need to know that-”Skywishes started.

“I know, don't worry, his secret is safe.” Ember said, cutting her off. “Now go inside, please.” Ember pleaded. Skywishes just nodded to nervice to question how, and went inside Sugarcube Corner. Ember then teleported to Silver's shop.

Author's Note

I finally finished the eighth chapter. Oh my goodness, It took forever, and school delayed it so much.
I apologize for the long wait. I AM SO SORRY! :fluttercry:

Hope you all have a great day/night.

~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 9

Black Winter Chapter 9

[Ember’s POV]

As I materialized in front of the store, I noticed the bodies of at least fifteen ponies, all garbled in black. Shaking my head, I cast a spell to look back an hour to see what had occurred.

As the spell took hold I saw Skywishes leaving the store and walk twenty steps before the black covered ponies arrived, the teleportation discharge was defining. Skywishes screamed in surprise, blinded and disorientated as she stumbled backward. Skywishes was then knocked unconscious by one of the ponies.

“That was too easy all it would have taken is one of us.” one of the ponies said. The group laughed at Skywishes limp form. Suddenly from behind me came the sound of a sword blade being unsheathed, I turned around, but the group ignored it, sealing their doom. In the open doorway of Silver's store stood Silver in black armor with a blood red blade grasped in his golden aura. The alicorn growled before summoning fifteen lances and hurling them at the unsuspecting ponies. They never stood a chance. All of the ponies lives were extinguished, with a huff Silver approached Skywishes. But before he took ten steps, a scream broke the silence. Silver and I looked around wildly trying to discern the cause of the sound. I spotted the object that was hurtling towards Silver. The object was approaching at supersonic speeds, I manipulated my spell and slowed time down so I could understand what was coming. It turned out to be a black Pegasus mare with a black mane and tail with a red streak through it. She seemed to have lost control, and now was in a desperate attempt to slow down and stop herself. I let time resume and the Pegasus launched forward hitting Silver Lance, sending both of them flying to the field just outside of ponyville, seconds later there was a giant upheaval of earth and snow was thrown into the sky, I ended my spell and looked to the fields to my left, before taking to the sky.

[End of POV]

Ember flew over the trench in the ground. He had been flying over it for a while and was starting to get annoyed.

‘Frozen Toast of the north, how bloody long is this thing?!’Ember thought. Just then the trench ended at the base of a tree.

‘Finally’ Ember thought, as he landed and approached the end of the carved up earth, he saw the two ponies laying next to each other. The Pegasus's wings were broken and looked possibly even fatal, while Silver Lance had a bloody head wound and impaled his hoof with his sword.

‘Well, shoot. I better get them to Skywishes house.’ Ember thought as he examined the injuries, he took the blade out of Silver Lance’s hoof, causing a splatter of blood to fall to the ground. Ember burned the blood immediately, before it could do anything. Ember then encased both of them in his magic, before teleporting away.

Ember appeared in Skywishes Kitchen with a small pop. Ember walked down the hallway to the guest-his room now. Using his magic he opened his door and gently placed the pegasus mare down on the bed, belly down, to prevent anymore damage to her wings. Ember then summoned his bedroll and blankets, laying them out to provide as much padding as possible, before laying Silver down.

‘I’m gonna stop the bleeding, then go and get Skywishes.’ Ember concluded, before encasing Silver's hoof a midnight blue glow, the spell healed the wound, closing it seamlessly as though it never happened.

‘There all done now to go get Skywishes.’ Ember thought, as he teleported once again.

Ember appeared in front of Sugarcube Corner, before he started towards the door. As he approached he noticed that the shop was dark. Ember used his magic to open the door and trotted inside. His glowing horn illuminated the shop slightly, he looked around in concern.

‘Where is she?!’ Ember thought worriedly, before he heard a voice whispering in his head.

“Shield Spirit Ember help me please there's somepony here.” Ember sighed, relived. He found a light switch before turning it on. The bright flash temporarily blinded all of the ponies that were in the little shop. Some let out screams, while others jumped up and wobbled around trying to regain their balance.

“Skywishes, where are you at?” Ember said, looking around for the pink pegasus.

“GET BACK! WE WON'T LET YOU TAKE HER!” A yellow stallion said as he and a blue mare stepped forward, brandishing brooms and wooden spoons. Ember looked at them, and rolled his eyes.

“Skywishes, come on. I found Silver Lance, but to make sure that he will be fine I need to get back to him, fast.” Ember said ignoring the bakers weapons as he walked past them and towards Skywishes. Suddenly Ember was hit so hard on the the head the broom snapped sending wooden shrapnel in every direction. Ember fearing others could be hurt stopped all the splinters of wood in their paths with his magic, before setting them down at a empty table in a pile. Ember then looked at his assailant, the yellow stallion looked back putting himself in front of the mare. Ember looked down towering over the two ponies, their faces blanched white, fear in their eyes.

Ember just shook his head, and continued towards Skywishes. Ember walked up to Skywishes before speaking quietly.

“How are you doing?”Ember asked, concerned.

“I’m doing fine, where's Silver?” Skywishes asked worried.

“He’s safe at your house, come on, we need to go. I need to make sure that he's going to be alright” Ember said holding his hoof out for her to take.

“One moment,” Skywishes said before walking over to the trembling couple. “I’m sorry that this happened Mr. and Mrs. Cake, thanks a bunch. I'm sorry if Ember here scared you, but he's safe and a good stallion, I'll be safe with him.” Skywishes apologized to the two.

“Are you sure honey, he doesn't seem that way to me…” Mrs. Cake said eyeing Ember cynically. Ember just huffed and pulled up his hood, hiding his face and hurt for never being trusted.

“Yes I'm sure, thanks again but I need to go.” Skywishes said, before looking back at Ember. Ember had his hood hiding his face, but under his hood there was a small glow, the glow made him look extremely intimidating. She noticed the wooden twigs of the broom fixing themselves, before melding back into one piece of wood. The glow that emanated from the hood went out shrouding his features in total darkness.

Skywishes sighed before looking back at Mrs. Cake, and gave her an assuring smile.

“I'll be fine, trust me I can take care of him, if I need to.” Skywishes said, smiling mischievously. Mrs. Cake nodded, before turning towards Ember.

“I apologize for how we acted, but we were concerned that you were going to pony-nap her.” Mrs. Cake said.

“It’s okay, You did the right thing although I suggest that you get something more capable to defend yourself with, than a broom. “Ember said as he gave the newly fixed broom back to Mr. Cake. “Now Skywishes, can you please come along, before we are to late!” Ember pleaded. Skywishes jumped before nodding and mumbling, ‘Right’. Ember extended his hoof for her to grasp, and when she did he teleported them back to his temporary room leaving a shower of sparkling midnight purple dust behind

Arriving in the room, Ember quickly steadied Skywishes as she wobbled, uneasy on her hooves from teleporting. After a few seconds, she waived Ember off.

“I'll be fine, now where is my brother?” Skywishes asked. Ember just pointed down at a pile of bedding near the bed. Skywishes looked where he indicated. Skywishes froze. On the bed there was a black pegasus mare, with wings broken beyond repair.

“Her wings…” Skywishes whispered. She brought her hooves to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

“She’ll live.” Ember said in a flat voice. “Your brother is down here.” Ember continued, as he walked forward and next to the pile of bedding. Skywishes crept forward, fearing what she would see. To her relief, Silver was fine, only suffering a small head wound.

“I healed his hoof he had been stabbed by his own sword.” Ember said, indicating the blade resting next to Silver. “Now, I need to work on this nice pegasus, could you please put the groceries away in their proper place?” Ember said as he summoned the small pile from his phantom window. Skywishes, not knowing anything else she could do to help, nodded and left the room carrying the heavy load out of the room. Ember sighed. He moved over to the bed where the pegasus laid. Ember sat by the bed, the poor pegasus's wings were truly destroyed. The Feathers were bent at odd angles, broken and hanging limply. The bones of the wings were clearly broken, some had even pierced the flesh. Dried and matted blood covered the pegasus's wings.

‘Come on Ember you can do it, just think of her as Lila Licht…’ Ember thought desperately. A surge of power and determination emanated from deep in his heart. Lighting his horn, he began fixing her wings. Ember looked at the situation. What could he fix first, cuts and bruises vanished leaving no trace of their existence. As he continued to heal her wings he found that some of the bones had already set. Meaning that if he was going to let her fly again he would have to break them even more. Tears welled up in his eyes, before stealing himself. He proceeded to snap the bones, flinching with each gristly snap and pop. This caused blood to gush through her new and partially healed wounds, before he continued and properly set the bones. As Ember worked, Skywishes had returned to the bedroom to see if she could do anything. Seeing that Ember was focused, she decided to leave him alone, and went to do her morning dishes. Ember strained to fix the Pegasus's wings, attaching muscles and tendons to their proper places, while removing splinters of bone from the flesh, and re-assembling those pieces into bones.

After an hour Ember noticed the pegasus started to stir.

“Ugh, A-PHFPPH, aer um I?” The pegasus mare said sneezing into the bed harshly, before looking around with blurry eyes. When she spotted Ember, her eyes shrunk to pinpricks, and she started shaking violently. Ember was confused, before remembering that he never removed his hood.

“Calm down miss, it's okay, you're safe now I not going to hurt you.” Ember said as he removed his hood showing his face. His horn was still glowing as he continued to heal her. The mare relaxed slightly before sneezing again.

“A-PHFPPH” Ember looked at her concerned.

“Are you alright?” Ember asked.

“A’m fing, buh I can't breathe ery well in ere.” the mare said, sneezing again. “A-PHBBHP”

“Why is that?” Ember asked, worried. The pegasus mare looked up at him slightly.

“A’m allergic to arything.” She said sadly, tears welling in her eyes, before she cleared her sinuses with a small growl. Ember thought quickly, before channleing another spell into his horn and creating a breathing mask out of magic.

“How about this, It’s made out of pure magic and can filter out any sort of dust, pollen, dirt, and other airborne substances.” Ember said hopefully.

“...Okay...” The pegasus mare said cautiously. Nodding, Ember moved the mask towards her head, gently fitting it to her face. After a few moments the mare spoke again this time in a clear voice.

“This feels amazing! I only feel this when I’m flying.” The Pegasus exclaimed, trying to rise to her hooves.

“NO! Don't move!” Ember snapped, causing the mare to freeze, shocked by his outburst. “You need to stay still. I still haven’t finished healing you.” Ember explained, nodding towards her wings. The Pegasus nodded, fear in her eyes, as she slowly settled back in the position that she previously occupied. As time went on the silence started to get awkward.

“So... what’s your name?” Ember asked, trying to make conservation.

“It’s Dainty, Dainty Dish. You?” Dainty asked nicely.

“It’s Ember, Ember Spirit Shield.” Ember replied, as the last of the skin on her wings sealed together, becoming whole again. A sigh left his lips before he looked at her.

“You can get up now. And tell me if anything hurts at all.” Ember said as Dainty got to her hooves, slowly stretching her wings, legs and body.

“Everything is perfect, there is no pain at all, not even any fatigue.” Dainty Dish said happily with a little hop.

“That’s wonderful.” Ember said with a small, tired smile, happy that he had managed to save Dainty Dish’s wings. Embers ears perked up at the light hoof-falls coming down the hallway.

“Hey Ember, how are you doing?” Skywishes asked as she entered the room.

“Hey Skywishes, I just finished healing Miss Dish here…” Ember said as he rose to his hooves. Skywishes stared at him stunned.

“You're done?! B-But it’s only been An hour since you asked me to put the groceries away!” Skywishes gawked. Ember blinked.

“Really? Hmm didn’t seem that long…oh well, It’s done now, So...That's that.” Ember said with a shrug, before moving across the room to sit at his piano, and began to play.

As Ember played he thought of how he lost his daughter. Silently he sobbed thanking her for giving him the strength he needed to save Dainty Dish.

‘But why couldn't I save her?’ Ember thought, wishing that he could have saved her, she was so young and he had failed her. As Ember played, he remembered the short time he had spent with his daughter. He remembered how they had played tag, her favorite game, running through the grass, laughing and happy. How quickly that feeling had faded when he had lost her. The inconsolable pain that was inside him...Ember then decided to make a promise.

‘I Ember Spirit Shield Promise to protect and serve the creatures that need help in anyway I can. I also promise to enjoy the days and nights that are ahead of me, living them for my family and my daughter, Lila Licht.’

Ember mentally declared to the heavens. Ember sighed and smiled as he played, enjoying the music for those he had lost.

Skywishes looked at Ember, wonder dancing across her features, ‘How had this stallion managed to take her heart so easily?! For he truly had.’ He was something that she couldn't figure out. Skywishes sighed and looked at Ember, noticing that he seemed to relax and enjoy the music more. She glanced away, feeling self conscious, looking around the room to see if anypony had noticed. That's when she spotted Silver sitting up, looking cautious and scared. Slowly Skywishes moved around the room, stopping next to him, quietly sitting down and putting a wing around him. Silver jumped slightly, looking over at his sister, a small smile adorning her muzzle. Sighing, Silver relaxed slightly and leaned into his sister. The biggest thing that he missed about Skywishes was her ability to make others relax, just by being around. Silver breathed and listened to the piano, letting himself enjoy the calming melody.

Silver could feel the emotion that this stallion managed to put into the music itself, transforming it into something almost alive. As he listened to the end of the piece he looked at the cloaked stallion noticing the wings and hooves that he played with. Silver looked at the back of the orange head and was shocked to see the horn atop his head, meaning that he was an Alicorn just like himself.

Silver just stared, dumbfounded at the stallion. But as the piece finished he was snapped out of his stupor and applauded with the other three ponies in the room.

"That was amazing, Ember! ” Skywishes said as she rose to her hooves. Silver's eyes widened slightly, before they returned to the standard look of amazement.

'So that's his name... but what interests does he have in my sister?' Silver thought as his eyes narrowed slightly, watching the stallion as he stiffened around on the piano bench.

"Thanks, Skywishes... I really appreciate it." He said smiling. Silver felt suspicion settling in his stomach.

"So what else can you play?" Silver asked with a small hint of admiration in his voice. Ember looking around, looking for who had spoken. When Ember’s eye landed on Silver, a small smile adorned his face.

“Ah, You've awoken, I hope that you weren't awoken rudely, by my piano playing." Ember said with a small, apologetic smile.

"No, I wasn't awoken rudely by the piano, but you didn't answer my question." Silver said as he rose to his hooves.

"Ah, right, well, I guess I would say I know a few songs…but certainly not a lot." Ember said with a little chuckle. Skywishes eyes bugged out in disbelief, smoke lightly rising from her feathers.

"When you say ‘certainly not a lot’ that could be millions for all we know!” Skywishes said with a little filly’s voice as she copied Ember. Before she continued. “You bought a new U-PON music player and music, which cost One thousand, four hundred, thirty bits! That’s a lot of cash to spend on something so small!!" Skywishes said starting to rant. "And that's not to mention all the other purchases that you made for the other groceries... Are You Even Listening To Me!?!" Skywishes shrieked as she noticed the look of thought on Embers face.

"Hmm, Oh yes I heard your rant of how my ability to buy things is outrageous, but all you need to know is that, I've lived awhile. Also thanks for telling me about that U-PON thing again I almost forgot about it." Ember said as he got off the piano bench.

"Forget!? How could you forget?!!" Skywishes Screamed, her feathers bursting into flames, as she grabbed Ember by the shoulders and shook him silly. After Ember collapsed, eyes rolling around in his skull. Skywishes realized what she did.

"Oh, ponyfethers." Skywishes muttered, as her wings extinguished themselves. "Oh, Ember, I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me, I'm sorry." Skywishes apologized as she helped Ember to his hooves, eyes still a little disorientated.

"Uhh, It’s Okay... I think?" Ember said as he stumbled a little. "But to answer your question, before you managed to turn my word into a legitimate spinning teacup, I was worried about saving these two ponies here." Ember said as he pointed his hoof ahead of him. His hoof was slightly circling as it pointed at the closet, completely in the opposite direction of the ponies. Skywishes grimaced at his direction sense. Silver Lance and Dainty Dish looked at the woosy stallion, then at each other, and back again. Ember shook his head and noticed that he was facing the closet. He turned around towards the bed and the ponies that where there.

“Ahm, right, So the two of you were injured, Dainty Dish severely injured her wings, which I managed to fix, and Silver just a few scrapes and bruises and an impaled hoof. Your sword was stuck in your hoof.” Ember said, speaking at each pony in turn. “I hope that your meeting will not harm your chances of becoming friends. In any case I need to go pick up my purchase, so I hope that You two can be nice to each other until I return.” Ember said as he gathered his cloak about himself before heading to the door, Sky wishes following. Silver and Dainty Dish stared at the retreating stallion, before looking back at each other nervously.

“So…?” Silver said cautiously. “What do you like to do?”

~~~

Ember shut the door to the room after Skywishes came out. The pair continued walking down the hall, heading for the main door.

“Thanks for saving my brother and the other mare.” Skywishes said, as she unlocked the door before the pair proceed out.

“Your welcome.” Ember said as he waited patiently for her to lock up the house. Skywishes Turned and walked over to Ember before preparing to take flight once again.

“Ready?” Skywishes asked politely. Ember just nodded spreading his wings, causing his cloak to fold neatly on his back in a long strip of cloth. Skywishes kicked off the ground and took to the skies, Ember following shortly after.

As Skywishes and Ember climbed into the air Ember noticed that his position behind her was at just the right angle to see her...jewel. Ember blushed deeply and frantically rolled to the right in the air, preserving her and his own dignity. Skywishes looked back at him with a smirk and did a barrel roll, showing off how effortlessly it was for her, silently challenging him to do better. Ember shook his head, smirking as he flipped upside down and flew on by Skywishes, casually Sticking his tongue out at her. Skywishes gasped and watched as Ember lined his head strait with his back and took off soaring up into the clouds, leaving a black and orange after image behind him. Shaking off her stupor, Skywishes flew after him. As Skywishes flew to catch up to him she started to leave her own Pink and purple after image. Soon she reached Ember and corkscrewed around him creating a pink and orange image as they flew together, above ponyville.

~~~

The train rumbled along the rails creating a rhythmic click-clack that Pinke listened to, as she looked out of the window of the train. The countryside sped by in a blur, but that wasn't what she was looking at. She smiled as she saw two ponies flying together above ponyville. They were creating a picture of a purple and orange flower that resembled a poison joke. As the Two ponies started making the pedals, Pinkie let out an ‘oo’ as the pedals seemed to fold out from the top of the flower as if the picture was a real flower. However Her thoughts were interrupted when her friends looked at her and started asking what was going on.

“Hey Pinkie, what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash asked as she approached her friend.

“Oh, There are just some ponies flying around creating love art, over ponyville.” Pinkie said drawing the rest of her friends attention.

“Who?” Twilight asked as she neared a window.

“I don't know but It’s really cool.” Pinkie said as another flower petal folded down into place. The rest of the group stuck their heads out of the window and watched in awe as the flower took shape. Each pedal smoothly folding into place, as the two ponies flew in the sky. The head of the flower opened and orange and pink pistil’s emerged, eight in total.

“Wow” The group chorused. The flower seemed to be done, but a Ring of orange, pink, black and purple fire exploded around it completing the image. A few seconds a light shockwave and a BOOM reached their ears. Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped along with everypony else's.

“That was a sonic Rainboom!...” Rainbow said stunned. Pinkie just smiled and cheered. As they started to pull into Ponyville.

Minutes earlier:

As Ember and Skywishes flew, they unknowingly drew their flower. Ember had turned and flew through a cloud drawing the moisture around him. Quickly followed by Skywishes, The pair flew, leaving a trail of moisture behind. Their color trails merged with the water and created single colored rainbows. Skywishes and Ember dived and climbed, twisting and turning, and having fun. As Skywishes and Ember climbed once more, Ember noticed Skywishes Slowing, Ember matched her. When they reached their peak, Skywishes and Ember both stalled and came to a stop. Hovering there in that moment Skywishes could see Ember for who he truly was. She could tell that he could see the same of her. They could see clearly who the other truly was. Then, they fell backwards together, falling towards the earth. Ember moved closer and grasped her in his hooves eyes gazing into her eyes.

‘His eyes are Beautiful.’ Skywishes thought. As she embraced Ember inturn.

“Lock your neck straight against mine.” Ember said quickly. Skywishes nodding. She trusted him completely. Doing as she was asked, She locked her neck resting it firmly against his. Her eyes resting on the ground as they approached. As they continued she started to feel pressure pushing her closer to him. The wind increased, then it stopped with a small *snap* and her field of view changed. She could now see the mountains and horizon slipping beneath her. Ember chuckled as they flew. The feeling was amazing against her fur as his diagram wiggled slightly. She focused on the ground beneath her. Her eyes noted that the ground was above her, meaning that she was upside down, But she didn’t care. Pushing a little more firmly against Ember. She smiled, happy with her partner.The ground turned to a desert, then lush green trees slipped bye, then there was a giant gap of water, then it changed as a city came and passed green grass flowed against the land, the Mountains slightly snowcapped as the flew over them and around the clouds.

‘And he’s my partner.’ Skywishes thought as they approached Canterlot She could feel them starting to slow as they neared ponyville.

Ember knew what he had to do to land. Using his magic he cast two spells. As his cloak gained more cushion and support, the hood came up around his head, supporting it. The second spell took the ill effects from the flight from Skywishes and protected her, in a soft glowing purple nimbus of light that surrounded her body closely. “S-Skywishes, Pull in you wings and lock them at your sides.” Ember chattered the effects already taking effect on his body. She did as he directed and Ember Smiled lightly. “Good now don’t worry or let go, Okay?” Ember said. Receiving acknowledgement through a small nod against his neck. Ember breathed and spun his body so that he was flying upside down. He breathed again, before descending towards a field just outside ponyville. As he approached the ground he angled his body to stop from tumbling, and drew in his wings. And waited for the Impact.

As Pinkie and her friends departed the train they heard a ground shuddering THOOM. Looking around The group saw a large spout of dirt snow and rocks launched into the air near the edge of the town, in between the Everfree Forest and the town.

“What was that! Applejack said as she stared.

“I don't know Applejack, But we need to go check to make sure that nopony was hurt.” Twilight said. The group nodded and started forward at a gallop in the direction of the impact zone.

A jarring thump shook Skywishes, scared she griped Ember tighter. Ember groaned.

“W-What was that?”Skywishes mumbled.

“The only way that I can land after going at such speeds.” Ember said with a slight cough. Skywishes Relaxed and moved to get up, but Ember stopped her. She just relaxed back against his side with a small sigh.

“Ember How do you mean? How fast were we going?” Skywishes asked tentatively, unsure if she should be concerned for Ember.

“Fifty times the speed of sound. Now I have the effects of both of us so you don’t die from it.” Ember explained as he coughed again, This time Skywishes saw the blood land on his chest and neck.

‘No, no, no, NO!’ Skywishes Screamed.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

~~~

The scream made the group of friends gallop faster. Somepony was hurt. Rainbow Dash leapt into the air and flew full speed ahead of the group, attempting to get to the injured pony as fast as she could.

When Silver heard his sister's scream from the house, his eyes widened and her lit his horn in preparation for a long range teleportation. As he located her magical presence, he felt a presence grab on to him. Dainty Dish looked worried as she silently asked him if she could go. With a small nod Silver teleported them both to Skywishes side.

~~~

The Report of the teleportation spell didn't even register to Skywishes as she stared at the body of Ember. His breathing was shallow and weak. A hoof fell on her shoulder, and Skywishes turned to see her brother. she lunged into his open fore-hooves and started to sob.

Ember noticed the appearance of the two ponies as well as a large group in the Everfree, and remembering Silver's secret summoned another cloak and covered Silver with it. Silver's eyes widened as Ember tried to rise to his hooves. The stallion was bloody from coughing up the blood from his destroyed organs due to the speed. Ember’s horn cast a spell. The group in the crater vanished and appeared at the edge of Ponyville. Ember stumbling as he appeared upright rather that on his side.

The howl of a battle horn cut off any attempt of conversation. Embers eyes narrowed dangerously. He knew that sound.

“Get back...and Stay Back.” Ember growled, his horn Glowing ominously. The others were forced back as they reached out to stop him. Ember growled and disappeared, only to reappear on the lip of the creator. Ember sighed again as his horn glowed as he opened his phantom window and began to draw his Swords from where they resided.

“So beginnt es wieder…(So it begins again…)” Ember said tears welling in his eyes.

Rainbow Dash landed by the group who were Shouting at somepony.

“What’s going on here? Who are You yelling at?!” Rainbow shouted loud enough to be heard.

“Ember Is going to fight them alone!” Skywishes said as the pointed at Ember.

“Ember is gonna fight Who?!” Rainbow dash asked again as she looked at the pegasi and unicorn, finally noticing Dainty Dish and Silver Lance were also there. Dainty Dish Grabbed Rainbow’s head and turned it Facing the scene.

“Them.” Dainty Dish said sorrow in her voice.

The army of changelings, that were emerging from the Everfree forest was massive.The lines of soldiers went on for Thousands in either direction, the Skies above them seemed to be turn black as night. The Changelings were invading again. And Only one pony was going to try to stop them.

“Is he stupid?! He’s gonna die!” Rainbow Dash said, stunned. The rest of her friends rushed around the corner only to slow to a halt on seeing the army at their doorstep.

“Dear Faust, How do we stop that?” Rarity whimpered.

“You don’t, I do…” a voice said as a shield formed around the entire town, tinting the outside world a darker purple. “Don’t try to help if negotiations go south, If you do, You Will Die.” The voice said again as Swords began to appear from the shield, every two sword lengths apart. “If You wish to help,Have Twilight call for Celesta's armies from the castle, And Skywishes, I don’t regret taking the damage from you for the flight that we shared, Always hold that in your heart so we can enjoy it, I’m sorry.” Ember said before he cut the connection off.

Ember sighed, and gazed at the army, as It drew ever closer.

*To Be Continued...*

Author's Note

First: Duh, Duh, Duuhhh!
Second: The creation of Dainty Dish goes to AdmiralTigerclaw
Third: Dainty Dish's original story can be found here.
Fourth: Hope you all enjoy!
Fifth: Cliffhanger!:pinkiegasp:
Sixth: Peace or War?! Vote below!
Seventh: Hope you all have a good day/night

~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD

Chapter 4

Black Winter Chapter 4

Brass Shield rushed forward to stop the stallion from hurting his friend but stopped when he collapsed and, Skywishes caught him?!? he reached her just as she fell to the ground as well.

“HELP! They need Help!!” He shouted frantically, as he collapsed and tried to help Skywishes wake up. “Come on Sky please wake up...” Brass Shield pleaded with the unconscious Pegasus. Dozens of medics were by him in an instant and he was being pulled away from his friend he fought the force that was pulling him and more auras were added to his body The princesses and the captains He was still fighting.

“Stand down Lieutenant, you will only get in the way.” Captain Steel Cross shield demanded.

“No! She’s hurt I need to help her!” Brass Shield screamed

“Brass please listen to me, if you interrupt them now they may die, let them do their job.” Celestia's Motherly voice filtered into his head and he stopped fighting. He dropped to his knees and started to cry.

“Princess we need to get them to Canterlot immediately if we want any chance for them to survive” a medic called Brass looked at his knees and saw a sword, the sword that Skywishes had been using. He picked it up in his hooves and wrapped it in cloth and put it in his saddle bag on his side.

“ALRIGHT, EVERYPONY WE WILL BE TELEPORTING TO CANTERLOT IN TEN SECONDS” Princess Luna yelled in the Royal Canterlot voice. Bass could felt the air become magically charged and then a white flash engulfed them all.

When Ember came to, he wished he was unconscious again, every bit of him hurt. He tried opening his eyes, but the light made the pain worse. So he left them closed. He was so tired he just wanted to sleep. So he did.

[Ember’s POV]

I was floating in space, out among the stars. I could remember the last time that I had this dream, it was just… just after losing them. My mom and dad, Rose Wood and Charcoal Star. My wife and daughter, Lilla Rose and Lila Licht. They were all murdered by that demon Zerdach. Zerdach was the leader of a Demon army that had escaped Tartarus before the return of Princess Luna. They liked to call themselves ‘Aves Umbra’ or Shadow birds. Most of them were not birds, some were mutations of other monster on Equis. Most were not intelligent enough to form their own thoughts and filled most of the army’s ranks. Others were known as Shadow Demons. These few were smart as any other sentient creature. some brilliant, while others… not so much. Zerdach was known as the Shadow thell or smartest shadow. I didn’t think he was smart. In my books he was stupid, with a bullet. He had crossed me and killed my family. When I get to him he will wish he was never born… or however demon things were created.

I felt my sadness start to engulf the dream which would lead to the memory of that day. But it stopped as I remembered the pegasus that had tried to save my life. “ I wonder why is she so special from the other mares I have met on my travels? Mayde it’s her eyes and her wings that she has. I have never seen them before. Could she be a spy for Zerdach, maybe he is trying to stop my hunt for him? Or maybe She is just a tortured soul like myself… If I can find her I’ll ask her… maybe.” I said out loud “I mean I don’t even know her name…” I berated by self for trying to make friends. “Don’t start that again last time You made friends they were injured You know that you fool.” I told myself. I could never make friends again. Not while the Shadow birds still roamed free.

I felt a disturbance in the dream and felt myself start to wake up.

[ End of POV]

When the group had arrived in Canterlot, the medics including Steel Cross had rushed the two patients to the infirmary. They medical staff had to put the stallion into surgery. Now Steel Cross was sitting in a chair in hall just outside the surgery room doors. The surgery had only just been finished. The stallion, that happened to be a alicorn, was now in stable condition.

“Faust, I am getting too old for this, maybe it’s time I retire,” Steel Pondered “ No If I did the recruits would probably cut off their own hooves, they don't know how to do anything at all.” Steel sighed irritation. He got up and started down the hall to find the other patent that was brought in earlier, and to see how she was doing. After walking the halls for a little while Steel Cross heard a commotion, Clearly Skywishes wasn’t happy.

“YOU PRICK!! If you try to restrain me to the bed, I am going to take your balls and slowly crush them in a vice, while you're being effected by a paralysis spell! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?” Skywishes screamed. Steel Cross quickened his pace, if not to make sure that the pony in trouble was alright, then to see their punishment happen. Steel Cross let out a chuckle.

“He He...She’ll be fine. Maybe a little Blood thirsty, but fine.” Steel Cross said with a hint of admiration and restrained laughter. When he reached the room that was where Skywishes was He noticed that the two sentries were quietly giggling outside the door, but when they noticed the captain they quickly snapped to attention.

“ It’s Okay boys just make sure that you are still doing your job.” Steel cross said as he entered the room. When he entered the room, he found the room a mess. The beds had been flipped and scattered around the room, papers were flying around the room and Skywishes was chasing a medical pony, who was running for dear life. Apparently he hadn't taken her seriously.

“I am gonna kill you!” Skywishes screamed as the pair flew past Steel Cross

“Help!” Screamed the medical pony, who happened to be Scalpel Blade, as he dodged Skywishes again.

‘Enough of this humor’ “ATTENTION!” Steel Cross yelled in his voice that was perfect for commanding troops, yelling over battles, or in this case stopping a patient from murdering her doctor. The effect was immediate. Years of training kicked in and both pegasus and unicorn halted, or tried to. Scalpel Blade stepped on a piece of paper and slid across the floor and into a upturned bed, flipping over it and landing with a CRASH. Skywishes flew into a wall with a SPLAT, then slowly slid down it.

“Now what is going on here?” Steel Cross demanded as both pony’s got to their hooves. They both started talking at the same time, creating a cacophony of noise.

“Adghk was tgherf trying asdfe kept sdbhri pushing me thkflo couldn’t gffrded got out hrbngi touched me hgfmg try hgtt kill me!” they both shouted Steel Cross couldn’t understand a thing they were saying.

“QUIET!” Steel Cross shoute, almost rivaling the royal canterlot voice, and shut them both up.

“Now, Skywishes what happened?” Steel Cross asked in a quieter voice.

“Well, last thing that I remember was the strange stallion saving me. Then I past out and while I was out I had a nightmare of what that creature had said to me. Then I woke up with this prick over me , and I freaked out because I had nightmare and thought it was real. Then he said “ ‘You're bloody lucky to be alive’, ” She said in a deep gruff voice, then continued “And then He touched my Tail with his Tail!” She finished angrily.

Steel Cross looked Sharply at Scalpel Blade at hearing this, and asked very slowly and sternly “Scalpel Blade Is this true?”

“Yes it is, But I didn’t mean to! It was an accident, My tail twitches when I see beautiful mares, I can’t always help it. Yes I also said that she was bloody lucky to be alive, she should have died. With the amount of adrenalin in her system she should have had a heart attack!” Scalpel Blade said “To be honest, I have no idea how she survived, So I wanted to get a blood sample and conduct a test-” Scalpel Blade started before he was interrupted by Skywishes.

“NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Skywishes screamed at him

“Alright, let’s just calm down, I’m sure that it was an accident and Scapple Blade here didn’t mean to and he’s really sorry,” Steel Cross said and looked at Scalpel Blade who nodded. “And I think that if a patient does not want her blood tested then we won't force her will we Scalpel?”Steel Cross said in a tone that indicated only one correct answer.

“Of course not sir.” Scalpel Blade said.

“Good, Now-” Steel Cross began , but he was interrupted by the doors opening and a century rushing in.

“Sir, The stallion that just got out of surgery is gone!” The Guard said slightly out of breath.

“What?! But he was in stable condition, how could he be dead?” Steel Cross exclaimed.

“No Sir, not dead. He’s gone as in he got up and walked away!”the Guard clarified

“WHAT?! But that’s impossible! He had to get 37 stitches in his chest, 37 stitches in his back, He had a broken leg which we had to reset so it would heal properly and put it in a cast, He had a broken wing where he struck Celestia and thankfully it was a clean break so it was easy to set and strap to his side dozens of cuts, claw marks, and bruises, he had internal bleeding in his intestines and left kidney, he lost 63 pints of blood, a hole in his lung where the sword wound was, which we patched up, and a concussion that would make a drum jealous. How Could He Have Just Gotten Up And Walked Away?!” Steel Cross Exploded in anger as he revealed the full extent of what the stallion had endured.

“I-I don't know Sir, But the stallion left a note. Here.” the Guard stuttered as he reached his armor to retrieve the note.

“What?! He left a note? Why?” Steel Cross said in puzzlement as he took the note in his magic. He quickly glanced through it then returned his attention to the guard.

“Please go and alert the rest of the guard of what has happened, I will go alert the princesses. Skywishes, Come with me. The note mentions you.” Steel Cross Commanded as he left the room.

‘What, me?! why would it mention me?’Skywishes thought as she started after the captain. she looked back towards the creepy doctor and saw a grimace on his face along with disappointment in his eyes. But then it was gone as he set about restoring the room to it’s former state of cleanliness.

Sky wishes trotted up to Captain Steel Cross and started talking.

“Sir why does it mention me?” Skywishes asked in confusion.

“I don’t know lieutenant, but it does mention you. Also I need to apologize.” Steel Cross confessed

“What?” Skywishes said flabbergasted.

“ That was Blue blood’s personal doctor and he is known for getting dirt on other ponies that may cause blueblood any trouble. I should have been there when you woke up not elsewhere. I’m sorry.” Steel Cross apologise.

“But why would I cause trouble? I’m just a royal guard. What could I possibly do?”Skywishes asked.

“You are you. Yes I know your secret, I’m the one who approved you in the guard. But maybe that’s why.” Steel Cross confessed. Sky wishes stopped walking at hearing that someone knew that she was half-thestral.

“How- How did you find out? The blood tests came back pony only. How?” Skywishes asked just above a whisper in horror.

“I noticed how you weren't afraid of the other thestrals all the recruits are. So I did some of the books digging. I’m sorry about Amber Night. She was a close friend of mine.”Steel Cross answered in a hushed tone, as he stopped with her.

“You won't tell will you?” Skywishes asked in fear.

“Not to a soul, as they like to say, Doctor Patient Privacy.” Steel Cross Replied with a smile. “Now come on we must get to the princesses and tell them the news.” Steel Cross said resuming his earlier pace down the hall.

“ Yes Sir” Skywishes said with a relieved tone, and continued down the hall without noticing the two figures in the hall. one disappeared after they were gone, the other shrouded in a grey clock along the hall wall that breathed a sigh of relief for not being noticed.

When Ember had awoken in the Canterlot infirmary he awoke to pain. He had rolled on his left side and on to his injured wing as well. He cursed in pain and looked for his necklace which was not around his neck. ‘Oh No, Oh No, No, No, No! That’s the last thing I have of them. Please be here somewhere’ Ember panicked as we looked frantically around the room until he saw if resting wrapped around his sword sheath which rested on his saddlebags and cloak.

“Thank Faust. I don’t think I could live without that. It helps me remember them and why I fight.” Ember said aloud, relief clear in his voice. As he got to his hooves he noticed that he had bandages everywhere and a cast on his left leg. ‘They helped me? don’t they know what I have done? Why would they help me all they ever do is try to lock me up and hurt me. why is this time different?’Ember thought in puzzlement as he used his magic to fasten his necklace, saddlebags, sword, and finally his cloak to himself with a pulse of pain that he ignored.

Ember noticed the bed note at the foot of the bed and brought it over to read it to see what it said.

Name:unknown

Age: unknown

Sex: M

Species: alicorn

Doctor's comments: Patient has suffered a sword wound through the chest that took 74 stitches to close along with the punctured lung that took 26 stitches to close. Patient also has broken left Hind-leg, has been put in cast and hopefully it heals soon. Patient has broken wing due to a collision with Celestia’s Horn. It was a clean break and has been put in a cast and properly secured to his body. Patient has internal bleeding in the intestines and the left kidney. I assume that his left side of his body took the impact of his crash in the Black Hair Forest. Patient lost 63 pints of blood. How he is still alive I don't know. Patient has multiple cuts, claw marks, and bruises. And finally Patient has a concussion.

Doctor of Patient: Captain Steel Cross

X: _Steel_Cross_

Ember was shocked he knew that he had been through hell but to have it all laid out in front of. He was shocking to see the damage. ‘Gosh I didn’t know that I took that much damage.’ Ember thought as his jaw dropped. Ember the report and flipped it over and looked around for a quill and wrote,

Dear Doctor Steel Cross

Thank you for saving my life. I hope that the pink Pegasus is still alive and well. Please make sure that she is healthy and give her a vacation, she need’s one after what she has seen. I am going to stay around but you won't see me no one ever does especially when one isn't focused. I will leave you a clue If you wish to find me. but I won’t just tell you.

To find me, look for me in the sky where the sun and stars are always one.

Thank you again for saving my life,

~ESS

After his note was complete he put the report on top of the sheets of the bed at the end, with his note facing up. So the doctor would see it. Ember started towards the door and almost was to it when the handle started to turn. thinking quickly he jumped behind the door just as it opened and a earth pony guard walked in. Ember saw the guard noticed the empty bed and rushed over to it and saw the note. Ember took this chance to leave and slipped out the door and to the hall and waited against the wall and relaxed and focused on his breathing. He heard the guard grab the paper and run out of the room stuffing it’s folded contents into his armor, and run down the hall. ‘He, He...They are always too worried with their own duties to see what’s in front of their own mussels.’ Ember thought humorously as he started down the hall soon passing where Skywishes room and the commotion inside and down the hall. but then he heard voices and hooves coming behind him. He repeated the same process that he had when the other guard past him earlier.

“You are you. Yes I know your secret, I’m the one who approved you in the guard. But maybe that’s why.” One pony said, a stallion.

“How- How did you find out? The blood tests came back pony only. How?” the other one whispered back, a mare. He could hear their quiet conversation due to being right next to the pair.

‘This better not become blackmail or there is gonna be blood on the stones.’ Ember thought darkly.

“I noticed how you weren't afraid of the other thestrals all the recruits are. So I did some of the books digging. I’m sorry about Amber Night. She was a close friend of mine.” The stallion said in a hushed whisper.

“You won't tell will you?” the mare asked fearfully. ‘you had better say yes, or you're dead bud.’ Ember swore to himself.

“Not to a soul, as they like to say, Doctor Patient Privacy.” the Stallion said ‘you just saved your life Mr. mysterious doctor.’ Ember thought before he continued listening “Now come on we must get to the princesses and tell them the news.”

“Yes Sir.” the mare responded relief clear in her voice. As the two ponies continued on.

‘Hmm,well I think that she is half a thestral because as the doc said she wasn’t afraid of them like the other recruits.’ Ember thought as he continued through Canterlot Castle and canterlot garden. Where he found a maintenance ladder up the side of the Canterlot Castle and to his destination. ‘Better go up a little later, like in two hours so I have less chance of being seen. good thing my cloak works with foliage as well as stone.’ Ember thought as he settled down to rest and wait for the sun to slowly lower.

Skywishes and Steel Cross arrived at the throne room doors and entered the throne room, to find princess Celestia and Princess Luna argueing about the events that had transpired, while princess Cadance, Princess Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were watching the minor fight like a tennis match, in the corner of the room like scared foals.

“But sister how is it possible? It can’t be him he lived thousands of years ago. There is no way that it could be the same pony.” Princess Luna exclaimed as she argued with Princess Celestia

“Yes Luna I agree with you, But you saw what he did how he moved there is no way that he is not-”celestia stopped as she noticed The two guards bowing before them

“Princesses we have news on the stallion, we are sorry but it seems that he has escaped.” Steel Cross said. the princesses faces were full of rage and worry

“But that is not all he left a note.” Steel Cross said as he reached for the note with his magic and presented it to the Princesses. as the rest of the group of ponies came over sensing that it was safe to approach, since the argument was delayed.

Princess Celestia took the piece of paper and unfolded it, and began to speak.

“This is a medical report. It says that the Patient has suffered a sword wound through the chest that took 74 stitches to close along with the punctured lung that took 26 stitches to close. Patient also has broken left Hind-leg, has been put in cast and hopefully it heals soon. Patient has broken wing due to a collision with my horn. It was a clean break and has been put in a cast and properly secured to his body. Patient has internal bleeding in the intestines and the left kidney. You assume that his left side of his body took the impact of his crash in the Black Hair Forest. Patient lost 63 pints of blood.’ How he is still alive? ‘Patient has multiple cuts, claw marks, and bruises. And finally Patient has a concussion.” Celestia read of all of the stallion’s wounds with growing shock and horror.before addressing the captain. “How is this the letter Captain Steel Cross?” Celestia asked.

“It’s on the back Tia.” Princess Luna said with a slight giggle.

“Oh,”Celestia said as she turned it over in her magic. “It says ‘Dear Doctor Steel Cross, Thank you for saving my life. I hope that the pink Pegasus is still alive and well. Please make sure that she is healthy and give her a vacation, she need’s one after what she has seen. I am going to stay around, but you won't see me, no one ever does especially when one isn't focused. I will leave you a clue If you wish to find me. But I won’t just tell you.

To find me, look for me in the sky where the sun and stars are always one.

Thank you again for saving my life, ESS?’ Who is ESS?” Princess Celestia finished, looking at both Skywishes and Steel Cross.

“I think it’s the stallion, and is it true that all of those injuries happened to him?” both Fluttershy and Sky wishes said at the same time and same volume, making it just audible.

“Yes Those were his injuries Lieutenant.” Captain Steel Cross said to Skywishes, shocking her and the rest of the group.

“I know it sounded bed but for the details to be confirmed…” Twilight said in horror.

“I know what ya mean twilight.” Applejack said

“Yes this is all horrible, but where is he?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“we don’t currently know ma’am but I have already have the guards looking for him.” Steel Cross said.

“It’s all my fault. All of his injuries, It’s All My Fault.” Skywishes said quietly as she started backing away her eyes focused on a spot not even there.

“Lieutenant? What’s wrong?” Princess Luna said focusing on the shaking pegasus. the rest of the group focused on the pink pegasus.

“It’s all my fault, all my fault, all my fault!”Skywishes muttered and started to cry.

“Oh darling, It’ll be okay” Rarity said as she slowly approached the trembling pegasus.

“No It isn’t !” Skywishes screamed at the unicorn, making her jump back in fright. then Skywishes turned and flew out of the room crying.

“Lieutenant! Come back here! Skywishes!” Steel Cross shouted. He was about to run after her but a hoof stopped him.

“Don’t. I have seen this before in my lunar guard, Lot’s of pony’s have lost loved ones, and so they join the guard to try to prevent others from feeling the same.” Princess Luna said with sadness and concern in her voice.

“Right now the best thing for her is to be alone, but also to have friends waiting for her to return and willing to help her when she needs it.” Twilight said as she walked up to the pair.

“Indeed, my prised pupil. You are very right. Always be ready to help those in need and to be able to lend a shoulder to cry on.” Princess Celestia said with pride.Twilight blushed and looked embarrassed before she regained her composure.

“Yes, well, It’s what she needs. so that’s why I am going to wait for her and be willing to help.” Twilight said

“Well I guess that's what I’ll be doing as well.” said Rarity

“Well, Let’s just all help, I mean if that's what you want to do” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah lets all wait for her!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she grabbed the entire group in her hooves and hugged them.

“Pinkie… Pie… need… air!” The group said, before the party pony released them and apologised.

“If it’s alright I will go get her friend, Brass Shield as well. He is one of her best friends.” Steel Cross said as he looked after the pegasus.

“No I’ll have somepony else do that, you need to be here when she comes back.” Princess Celestia said as she gave a note to a guard outside the throne room doors and told him to find Lieutenant Brass Shield. The guard bowed and ran off.

“Okay, while that's going on that I’ll set up the sleeping bags for all Thirteen of us.” Pinkie Pie said in gidy excitement.

“Thirteen? But pinkie there is only ten, well eleven of us if you count Skywishes.” Twilight said

“And Brass Shield and a mystery pony as well!” Pinkie said bouncing around the room already modified it for a sleepover.

“How did she-?” Steel Cross said in astonishment.

“It’s Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.”Applejack said with a chuckle as she and the rest of the group started over to there own sleeping bags that had been laid down around the room’s center.

“Don’t question it, It could cause bodily harm.” Twilight warned him as she passed by, remembering what had happened to her ten years ago.

“But… she.. ugh, Nevermind.” Steel Cross said as he walked over to his sleeping bag marked with his cutie mark which had been laid next to Brass Shield’s, who coming to the room at that moment..

“You called Princesses” Brass said with a bow.

“Yes, I summoned you to ask you to join us while we wait for Skywishes to return from her flight.” Celestia said in explanation, as she gestured to where a sleeping bag with his cutie mark was.

“Are you sure princess?” Brass Shield asked cautiously.

“Yes , and please just Celestia is fine, we are all friends here.” Celestia said with finality in her voice. with that Brass Shield walked over to where his sleeping bag was and noticed Steel Cross was laying with his head on his hooves.

“Are you okay sir?” Brass Shield asked

“Yes, I’m just tired. I haven’t gotten to relax since this morning with the surgery it just took a lot out of me.” Steel Cross sighed

“Alright, well I hope you feel better sir.” Brass shield said as he laid down on his own sleeping bag and listened to the others talk and wait for Skywishes to return.

Ember saw his opportunity and took it. The sun was going down and darkness covered the maintenance ladder in darkness that matched his cloak. He sprain from his spot and started to climb the latter. It was a little trouble to do with the cast on his leg, but he managed to do so. When he reached the top of the ladder he clambered up on to the roof and up to the pointed dome at the top. As he trotted up onto the spire and got into his position. He put his right hoof on the tip of the spire, and crossed his left over his right knee as he reared on to his hind led. this technique took a huge amount of balance, strength and patience. He stood on one hoof and closed his eyes and started to meditate. He didn’t notice the pink pegasus sitting on the left side of the dome watching the sunset.

“So do you like watching the sunset too, or are you just here to insult me as well.” Skywishes snapped at the figure out of the corner of her eye. the sudden voice made Ember’s eyes snap open and gasp. He recognised that voice.

“You...” Ember said.

“Yeah what about me!” Skywishes snapped and turned to this pony who was talking to her. When she saw who it was she gasped and all her anger left her, only to be replaced by sorrow.

“Oh, it’s you.”Skywishes said as she started to tear up again.

“Well I certainly didn’t expect that reaction, I was hoping for more of a ‘OH MY GOSH IT’S YOU!’ ” Ember said jokingly.

“Sorry… Isn’t that painful?” Skywishes said.

“Which part?”Ember replied.

“All of it.” Skywishes said before she started crying “I’m so sor- sorry. It’s all my fault that you got hurt.” Skywishes cried

“Whoa, whoa whoa wait a minute!” Ember exclaimed as he undid his position and slid down the dome towards her.

“Wait, It’s Okay. I’m fine, and if anypony is to blame it’s me. I’m the one responsible for this, not you. I chose to do this, Nopony else is to blame for my injuries.” Ember consoled as he wrapped his right wing around her and he started to rock and shh her. Comforting her.

“But…”Skywishes started

“no if anything I should be thanking you!”Ember said

“Thanking me! why would you thank me?”Skywishes cried

“You saved my life that’s why.” Ember said as she cried in his grasp

“Shh Shh Shh, It’s Okay. You’ll be fine.” Ember said as he comforted her. After a little while she calmed down a little bit and started talking to him.

“I’m sorry, I just needed a break I guess. I don’t really do this often because I’m… different.”

“I know that you are half thestral half pony. It doesn't bother me.” Ember said. Skywishes looked at him in shock

“How ?” Skywishes asked in fear. Her secret had been discovered by not only one pony but two! ‘How many more know?’ she thought.

“I heard you and the doctor talking earlier and pieced it together. But as I said I don’t mind I’m different too.”Ember confessed. “But where are my manners, My Name is Ember Spirit Shield. Who are you?” Ember said as he finally introduced himself.

“Heh… A gentlecolt hmm. Hello Ember Spirit Shield, My name is Skywishes, how are you?” She replied

"I am well, although a bit tired. You see I have been on the move for a few days, hunting those creatures you saw earlier. By the way they are called Shadow birds. I don't know why they call themselves that but they do.” Ember said with a small smile.

“That’s weird” Skywishes said with a giggle. Ember nodded in agreement letting out a chuckle of his own. ‘His voice is so soothing. I think I like him.’ Skywishes thought with a blush on her face.as she rested against him and started to dose off. After some time of just letting her lean against him he noticed the snow beginning to fall and said

“Well I know how fun it is to be up here, but I think it’s time to go down before it gets too cold” Ember said only to get no response. He looked down in worry and saw her sleeping. ‘Oh she fell asleep. Well I guess that I will have to get her down from here.’ Ember thought as he lifted her in his magic, so that he did not disturb her. He used his magic to unwrap his wing and extended it with a hiss of pain, before he healed it with his magic. Then he took to the air and flew to the front of the castle and flew inside, above the guard’s heads, with his pink passenger floating silently behind him.

“I’ll just leave her in the throne room with my sleeping bag for the princesses to find.” Ember said quietly as he arrived at the throne room doors and landed. He then used his magic to opened the giant doors slowly and softly. He snuck inside and shut the door softly behind him and noticed a circle of eleven ponies and thirteen sleeping bags. One had Skywishes cutie mark on it, so he went over slowly and tucked her in it. Before giving her a kiss on the forehead and a whispered good night. As he rose from her sleeping bag he noticed how he acted and shook his head.

‘This isn't your family you don't need to do that.’ Ember scowled for some reason he wanted to, so that’s all that mattered. He shook his head and noticed a note on the other sleeping bag which was blank. It said,

Sleep here tonight and all will be better in the morning. ~Pinkie Pie

Ember was shocked. ‘How had this Pinkie Pie known that he would come?’ Ember remembered a saying, Listen to the ponies who know it before you know it. Ember sighed and nodded, acknowledging the note and walked to the edge of the room. He pulled out his sleeping bag and laid it down.

“Who are you?”

Ember’s head snapped up and looked for the pony who had spoken. It was the earth pony guard that had been sleeping.

“I will tell you that along with everypony else tomorrow. Right now you need to sleep.” Ember said as he cast a sleep spell causing the pony to groggily settle back into his sleeping bag. Ember sighed and laid down on his own sleeping bag and drifted to sleep.

Tomorrow was going to be one hell of a day.

Author's Note

Hello, Update as requested hope you enjoy.
Also the Rangers Apprentice idea belongs to John Flanagan and his Rangers Apprentice series I do not own it. :moustache:
Remember to give credit where it belongs. The Rangers Apprentice series Is really good trust me I have water, :facehoof: Later. :scootangel:
If you see any mistakes any misspellings be sure to tell me.:pinkiehappy:
Thanks and have a good day!
~EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD