[Still Wednesday, 18 May 2016, The Equestrian 17th Day of Love.]

The long day had finished with completing the entire book on the Changeling Invasion of Canterlot. The additional commentary from Thunder was also providing further details and enlightenment about the event.

Not to say that it was a prideful or boastful retelling, but her narrative was certainly something Chris would have loved to hear.

"So, yeah. Changelings were everywhere. Three of them jump out of nowhere, and I instantly lose my halberd. Half of my squad was either captured or being captured. I roll away and lose one, kick off another, and then I'm fighting this other one. It's just me and him, or her; hard to tell. Next thing I know, there's two other guards standing with me. I call for help from the guard nearest to me, and it's another changeling in disguise."

The door opened just as the story was getting good, and Rainbow shambled in.

With ice trailing down her tail and snow in her mane, she shivered and did her best to shake off what bit of work she had brought back with her.

"Fuck the cold and fuck snow. I officially hate my job."

Far be it from Cerb not to say the first thing that came to mind while looking at the half-iced-over pony. After all, she was the shit-talker of the mane six.

"The hell happened to you, Dash? It looks like you got gang-banged by a dozen snow ponies… Did they at least buy you dinner?"

While the joke should have been funny, Rainbow instead grit her teeth and bore her eyes shut to violently shake off the remaining ice and snow. With her cold, damp fur left dripping, she turned to leave the room, doing her best to exit with a witty reply as a new low set of hooves clopping grew closer to the door.

"I feel like I was force-fed a snowjob from a pack of wendigos. Not even so much as a pat on the head or a post-fuck-you cookie. Tomorrow I'm going back out again, and Spits, you've just been promoted to assistant lead weather mare. Congratulations. Your on-the-job training starts tomorrow at zero eight hundred when we brief with the Crystal Empire staff for Cadance. I'm gonna go thaw out in the tub, which means I'll see you after dinner unless you need me. So, Justin, you're gonna shower with Thunder like normal tonight. Also, we're having owlbear for dinner, so don't take too long, or it'll get cold. Cadance is on a schedule, ya know."

Speaking of the Princess, Cadance gracefully made her way into the room. Tired but mindful, she bowed as she entered.

"Spitfire. If you would be so kind as to assist Fleetfoot down to our Medical Ward. The local specialist requested by Nurse Redheart has arrived and would like to examine her injuries."

It seemed as though the day's fun was over, prompting Cadance to make another request.

"Thunder. I will be joining with the medical examination, as I have my own needs to follow up with, on top of assuring no wrong questions are asked of the cause of our injuries. Could you please attend to Justin in the shower so he may be ready for dinner? Also, I requested you to be examined after we are done."

After running through every pony there, Cerb was curious why he was overlooked.

"What about me?"

Cadance held the door open for Spitfire to roll Fleetfoot out and spoke confidently in her response.

"Our staff is not ready to handle your medical needs. If they are competent in their assessment of Thunder, we will approach their involvement. As for now, I only trust those who have already been entrusted with your care by Becky; the Ponyville staff, and Becky herself. Partially due to Nurse Redheart's warning not to leave you unattended to any medical staff not trained in assessing a human. My staff will be trained in due time. I will not risk your health to them until then."

Hearing the reasoning, as it was, made Cerb remember how certain mares could act out their newly discovered interests. So, for the time being, he was in no shape to fight off a new batch of love-crazed ponies.

"No. You're right," Cerb humbly answered back. "I guess I'll see you after you're done."

Only a few short minutes later, it was a clumsy mess of a time with Thunder helping Cerb into the shower. That is to say that it would have been, had Thunder been able to see what she was doing.

"Alright," Cerb begrudgingly protested towards the intentionally blind mare. "Thunder, for the love of fuck, will you open up your God damn eyes. Or do we have a problem?"

Cautiously, Thunder forced her eyes up to take in the sight of Cerb, disrobed and still seated in his wheelchair. He didn't bother covering himself with much more than a robe sleeve, which did little to hide his modesty and nothing to mask his scent.

The sites and senses bombarding her would have left her acting foolish had it not been for her guilt and fear taking control. At least the mental dredge was enough that the annoying twinge feeling in her ears was masked as they were left pinned back.

"I don't want you to think I'm confusing my professional duties with an opportunity to pursue desires of a romantic nature. I know that my place is-"

"Woah!" Cerb loudly interjected with a quick swipe of his free hand. "Woah-Woah. Okay. Hold up."

This wasn't going to be as easy as it was last time explaining to Rarity and Fluttershy the social taboos and acceptable degrees of comfort for his nudity. Hopefully, she would adjust as quickly as Rainbow did.

"Look… I appreciate the concern for respecting my boundaries, but I know I need help getting cleaned up and help getting in and out of this chair. If you're confused about the whole… what rutting concepts are, this isn't it."

It was clear as day that Cerb was not only in no condition to rut, he wasn't even adequately stimulated by the looks of it. Given these facts, Thunder could relax, knowing he must have understood at least part of her concern.

Of course, that only meant she needed to address those concerns directly.

"It is because I am fully aware of your rutting practices; I did not want to appear focused on your… You prefer, dick, correct?"

Thank Christ phrasing wasn't a thing Cerb had to deal with Rainbow gone. Thankfully, the immediate drop in tension and Cerb’s nonchalant nod allowed Thunder to relax more with her explanation.

"Rainbow has been kind enough to remind me of what I already knew. That Fluttershy and Rarity both…" She trailed off for a moment, unsure how to accurately describe his struggles. "I guess I can't properly claim to know what all it is you're going through. But I know in some ways how close you three were, as well as some of the private acts you shared."

Finally addressing the uncomfortable portion of this meeting, Thunder's tone rose with her flustered demeanor.

"All the mares with a human of their own shared moments of their sexual experiences. Their struggles, their pleasures, how to be careful to minimize pain, and what precautions to consider with your emotions."

This wasn’t a typical conversation to share. So, Thunder raised her eyes to meet Cerb's, hoping to convey her most honest feelings.

"There was no mare that did not make what you all shared sound wonderful or leave any of us to feel envious at one point or another… But I'm not any of them. I'm not… None of us here are what those two were for you. Least of all me, and… I don't want to make you think I'm trying to be. I respect you too much to think of myself as anything more than your guardian. One that you will soon make into a more worthy warrior to serve alongside you."

Nothing about this new life or the current living arrangements would be easy, but Cerb had to deal with every new complication as it came. At the moment, he had to be careful in how he handled this particular issue, and it started with a weary sigh.

"Look. I'm having a hard enough time dealing with how everything got fucked up with me and them. I don't need everyone feeling sorry for me on top of it. As for the sex stuff…"

Cerb held his tongue momentarily. The thoughts and memories of all he had done sat precariously on a needle's point. They could have fallen in any direction, good or bad.

Perhaps he was still unsure of what all he thought he wanted. Was there anything he actually needed, given Harmony's lack of control over his arrival?

Without a prophecy to explain his purpose, he was flying blind. His mere existence had ruined potentially everyone’s fated path, let alone his own. Even his flimsy grasp of what he thought he needed from the failed relationship with Fluttershy and Rarity now seemed like foolish delusions.

Problems for another day to be dealt with. He hadn't unpacked enough of that emotional baggage to be able to sort it out with anyone, let alone Thunder, even if he did want to still confide in her. Those wounds were left too wide open that the wrong kind of intentions could end up tearing them open even further.

"Thank you for being as concerned as you are. I have been a bit on edge about who might be trying to get with me next, and I really don't need that right now… Which… might be why I lean on you and Rainbow so much."

Knowing there was more both could say, Cerb quickly flipped away what bit of fabric covered him and gave a step up in his voice to squash any further debate.

"Not that I don't like the Wonderbolt girls. I certainly do appreciate what they bring to the table, and, ya know. They're cool… But… So long as you're okay with it, I still like having you all close to me. Both, because, I believe it will help you heal faster, but also I think I need it, too."

Thunder thought the bridge had been mended between the two of them. Their positions clearly stated made their intentions clear, and Thunder extended her hoof to assist Cerb out of his chair.

"I will be here for you as much as I can in any way that I can. And for all the pain relief that you provide for me, it's all the more comforting if it helps you deal with your other issues in the meantime."

With a little better understanding of the two's positions, Cerb took hold of Thunder's hoof as he rose weakly from his seat. Even the short walk of only a few steps wasn't easy, made only more challenging as he lowered himself down to the stool. At least this time, Cerb took a closer look at the scabs forming on Thunder's back, giving him thoughts to dwell on.

"Hey. How fast would you say you were healing compared to the bat ponies who had to be in the hospital?"

As the faucet was turned and the rapidly warming waters sprang from the showerhead, Thunder stopped to try and assess her progress.

"Umm… I know I was really bad when we all first got to the hospital, but the holes in my lungs sealed up faster than Becky thought was possible. Even the other punctures appeared to start closing up faster than what the two bucks or any of the bat ponies were able to start recovering from. It's actually the only reason I wasn't ordered back to the hospital."

Thinking back to that night again, Thunder remembered something else that stood out.

"I remember how much it hurt when I first got hit in the back in the cave. I also remember how much less it did once you realized that it was me you were wrestling. Although, I feel terrible about not being able to save your arms more from the bits of crystal exploding. For how much you were bleeding everywhere, I know it had to hurt."

Thunder couldn't overlook their shared injuries. not after thinking back on how they bled together in Harmony's cave. She undoubtedly saved his life, but it was astonishing how close she came to losing her life, even while in the hospital. Only, in retrospect, all those painful hours compared to where she was now?

"Although, I think I started healing a lot faster since leaving Ponyville Hospital. I know it hurt a lot worse at times since leaving, but nothing like what you went through with Ember."

Cerb struggled to hold a position that hurt the least while trying to figure out what he was missing. There were bound to be changes, and it was likely that Thunder needed anything other than more time to heal before he could see anything drastic.

That is to say if he even knew what to look for, which he honestly didn't. The blood contamination theory had all but been solidified by Sniff, though it lacked any definition. In theory, any contact or fluids could or already had created changes. He was going to need Chris's input on this as well.

"Yeah… We both had it pretty bad, but you were with me through the worst of it. So, if you could do me a favor. Keep me informed on your medical updates. Without Becky or Chris here, I'm probably the most knowledgeable on things to look out for with any sudden changes you might have."

Thunder raised up on her hind legs to reach up and adjust the shower head, slightly straining herself in the process.

"Changes like what?"

Even if Cerb was still dealing with the pain of his war wounds and the emotional damage of his relationships falling apart, seeing Thunder standing in a partially revealing display roused up some questionable feelings. More so, the view he saw was a physically inspiring spectral of romantic encounters he recently grew accustomed to.

"Umm… You know… Shit that seems different?"

The shower head shifted out enough to allow the streams to fall only as far as Cerb's knees. Just far enough for Thunder to shift Cerb where she needed him and best manage a rinse-off if needed. More than enough space to give herself room to wash up as well.

So, as she dropped back down to all fours, she couldn't help but notice a sudden spike, if not a sizzling scent, an exotic seasoning burning with salt in the steamy air. It was pleasant enough to almost be distracting, had not it been for the sting from hot water dancing upon her back.

There was so little left of what she could remember feeling normal in her life. Where should she start?

"I've been stuck like a pin cushion with crystal shrapnel from a fake Twilight Harmony abomination from another dimension. Also… feeling you in your different emotional states while either fighting me off or holding me close, those are all types of different I'm dealing with."

She still didn't know precisely what Cerb was inquiring about, though she had no qualms with attempting to feed any of his interests. There were plenty of new topics to cover during the duration of this mutual scrub session.

Actually, as she picked up a sponge with her front right hoof, she noticed something odd. Something that had distracted her the night before.

"Uh… Now that you mention it. I do feel a little different since getting injured in the cave."

She held up the sponge, tightly pinching the small portion of material her frogs could grasp.

Something was distinctly new, the unfamiliar sensations against her cloven flesh, against her entire body, the more she thought about it.

"It's like… some kind of heightened sensitivity."

All these thoughts were curiously interesting, but she continued on by applying a healthy dose of soap to the sponge and reaching out to start washing around Cerb's shoulders.

"I've never hurt like this before, stab wounds or not, but it's just the same with the good stuff, too. Warm stuff is warmer. Cool things feel cooler. Softs are softer… and all of them are better when I'm with you."

She retraced a path of suds down over a discolored bruise on Cerb's chest but pulled away to take in more of what she was currently experiencing.

"The hot water stings when it hits my stitches. It's almost like a burn and an itch, but it's so warm and relaxing on everything else that I kinda like it."

A few seconds drifted by before Thunder gave a half sigh and returned to her washing duties, focusing on Cerb's chest again.

"I guess my other senses are more sensitive, too… Food tastes better. Smells are richer. Some other things feel odd as well."

Her eyes followed lower down to Cerb's midsection as she continued her scrubbing. A trail of bubbles raced down farther ahead of her progression, having been caught in a stream of water flowing quickly toward Cerb's groin.

Of course, her intentions were innocent, yet the area of focus gave another reminder of newer sensations she had yet to understand. The entirety of the derailing experience gave her pause and a blurred state of mind, letting her thoughts and eyes wander.

"I find myself getting distracted a lot easier as of late. I’ll get… lost in my head at times. And now I can’t help but notice...”

As her voice trailed off, Cerb's mind started to rapidly calculate what response he should lead with. With her eyes locked on the area of his nude member, he didn’t want to jump the gun and imply she was eyeing his goods. However, if this was anything like his prior encounters...

“You’re bleeding again,” Thunder finally declared in a defeated tone.

Cerb looked down at his arms. First, his left, then his right, and near his elbow on the latter, a small trail of dark red was slowly washing away down off his leg.

His previous concerns, while cut short of being fully thought out, appeared to be needlessly appropriated, and he relaxed again.

“Oh, shit… The scab must have broke open when it got wet again. Yeah. That happens. It’s fine. Just wash around it when you get to it, and we’ll bandage it up again when we’re done.”

Thunder went on with her gentle scrubbing. Never pressing too hard in any general area and always gentle with every stride over each bruise. Not once did she allow the cloth to catch a protruding stitch or course edge of a scab. Just the same, she would not dare venture near the most tempting danger zone, despite Cerb not explicitly hiding himself or warding her away.

She merely kept quiet to herself for the time being. To herself, she rolled over some of her previous thoughts of how things had changed for her. Which senses and sensations had changed precisely, and how many of them were tied directly to Cerb, and why she hadn’t been more clear about that?

At the same time, Cerb had been lost in his thoughts as well.

How much weight and importance had he placed on Fluttershy and Rarity before letting them go? Why did he allow himself to be swallowed up in their embrace so easily? What made the sex they indulged in so addicting that he still missed it?

Might he have fallen into the same mental traps as Sniff and Kelly? Losing himself to the physical release to avoid the true issues he held within?

No... Well, maybe... Slightly... There were so many more moments of opening up and finally accepting help for once.

Was that it? Had his life become so complicated from all the barriers he’d built up that the first physical relationship with any positive emotional support allowed him to endanger so many around him? If that was the case, was he still searching for purpose with those around him?

“Thunder?” He suddenly spoke her name while she was washing around his knees. “Have you ever been afraid to be… I mean, been too afraid to live a life others would tell you not to, even if it would make you happy?”

The perpetual droplets had not made it too difficult to converse in the shower, yet, Thunder still reached behind her to turn the water off. This discussion didn't sound like an out-of-the-blue random topic, so she would give it the proper attention it deserved while returning to her work.

“I’ve never liked being told what I could or couldn’t do. And I don't mean being given orders. I mean being told that I wasn't strong enough. I should stick to something easier. I shouldn't enjoy beating up my fellow guard so much, even after they mocked me. A mare wasn't meant to be so mean just because she can't be pretty… I was even told to stay away from you."

Having finished the lather over both of Cerb's legs, she turned the water on again and used her feathers to help clear away the suds. She could speak clearly and loud enough to remain professional during her tasking.

"But there are limitations… I'm not strong enough for the war hammers Earth Ponies have for special training, but I mastered the halberd. I'm mean when I need to be, but I don't care to be pretty."

She flicked away the last few suds but then sat under the stream of water with Cerb for a moment, almost looking vulnerable.

"I paid for a makeover, once… and I hated it… Not that I wasn't pretty. Pretty just wasn't me… I even hated the compliments. That’s just not who I am."

Finally, she looked up at him, sharing a weak smile.

"And I wanted to beat you as soon as I knew Luna would call me to the mat. I wanted to pummel you… I didn't even properly know you, but I wanted you to show respect to the guard after you challenged Captain Flash Sentry. Even if you were right, I wanted you to show us... me... respect... Instead, in the gym, I took your forfeit as a rejection or an insult. So… despite the danger, I was walking into and the insults I deserved after the events of the Everfree Forest, I knew I wasn’t going to be happy unless I had the chance to learn from you, no different than I did from Cutter."

She gave a short chuckle, not having a full breath remaining to provide much of a laugh, then cracked a grin up at Cerb.

"Just the same, I came between you and the exploding echo... Can't seem to stop myself from jumping into danger's way.”

She took a deep breath, inhaling the thick steam and rich aroma that was ever present with Cerb, giving a slight vibration in her right ear and a larger smile.

“I don’t know what secrets you passed along to Rarity and Fluttershy that made them so fierce while they were still with you, but I did what I could to prove myself worthy... I was happy then, and remain so now, knowing that I gave it my all and will continue to do so. And unlike my makeover, I don’t regret my choice. This is who I am. I would not be happy otherwise.”

Cerb took a moment to let that response sink in. That, and since it was so well spoken, he would have hated to have interrupted her had she anymore to say.

However, since she sat there proudly, so sure of herself, so sure of him, he was convinced she was waiting for him to reply.

Sadly, this wasn’t a very well-thought-out conversation on his behalf.

“Yeah… You've never really seemed to back down from what you wanted since I’ve known you.”

Thinking back to himself, Cerb had a moment of clarity about his own history of behavior.

“I’ve always really had to hold back.”

He needed room to breathe for this conversation, and maybe a distraction wouldn’t hurt either.

“Hit the water for us and turn around for me.”

Taking the request as an order, Thunder shut the water off once again and stayed facing away from Cerb as his good hand gently guided her flanks down while he explained himself properly.

“When I bathe, you bathe. You take care of me; I take care of you.”

A handful of shampoo found its way onto Thunder’s back, which she was grateful to receive, and Cerb found himself back into his previous thoughts.

“I wasn’t always so nice, but I’ve always been good at hurting people. I got too good at it.”

Another familiar feeling reclaimed Cerb as his one good hand worked the lather of suds into Thunder’s neck. He was wounded, still in recovery, unsure of himself, and questioning his growing relationship with a mare he was now bathing with.

Even still, he couldn’t deny that he enjoyed the familiarity and the comfort it brought.

"I was addicted to it for all the wrong reasons. It made me feel safe. Even the pain, I was proud to be hurt and keep fighting… After a while, it wasn't even for only me and my brother's sake. Not even the war could take that part away from me."

Careful of his hand placement and Thunder's reactions, he worked his fingers under her wing and down her left side.

"I was still happy to fight. Still proud to take the hits and suffer through it all if at the end…"

He trailed off in his words, switching his hand to Thunder's right side and working a new lather over what he could reach. In thinking about what he would have said, he gave a deep sigh and started over.

"If I never would have stuck it out with my friends, I would have been a horrible person. Had I been in this world growing up, I probably would have been a villain, not a hero."

That last statement had Thunder turn quickly to face Cerb, giving a ghostly look of shock on her face.

"But… You were a killer in your world? And Luna spoke of your familiarity with death-"

"I didn't enjoy it," Cerb quickly interjected, though his expression was becoming difficult to read. "-or at least not all of it… You learn a deeper appreciation for life and the things that matter that others never will. There's a rush it gives you that you can't get anywhere else."

There was a look coming from Thunder that was oozing with repressed resentment and judgment. A look that Cerb would confront without hesitation.

"You told me of your fight with the changelings today. You fought to subdue and repel them. With me, you fought to kill the echoes and owlbear just like they fought to try and kill us."

He let his hand drift away, and silence fill the space between them to escalate the tension.

"Tell me… Even if for the wrong reasons, which battle will hold a greater impact on your life? Which one made your heart race faster? Which one reminds you more than the other that you're alive and serve a purpose?"

Thunder tried her best to think how she could answer around the question. Some quick-witted way she could respond without any positivity towards death. Yet, when she tried to think of the answers, the questions were stacked against her.

Fighting alongside Cerb, if even only out of necessity at the time, had been so rewarding and impacted her pride immensely. Knowing the stakes and rising to face the challenge the echoes posed with Cerb made her heart race with more than just the shock and initial fear of the changeling invasion. Then, to sacrifice her body, to be held so warmly and see the care and concern in Cerb's eyes as they bled together?

Those were unfair questions, but only she knew the full truth to the answers and turned away, angry with so many of her emotions conflicting with her duties.

"What of it?" She answered, trying to sound neutral, but there was audible anger and reservation in her voice.

Cerb returned his hand to the center of Thunder's back, granting her some much-needed warmth and comfort along with his touch. His gentle strokes reworked the lather from behind her ears to the dock of her tail in a manner he knew she would appreciate.

"We're more alike than probably anyone else here… Overprotective… Dedicated to our duty. Our friends… We like to hurt others that deserve it more than we should… Hell… We even push through the pain more than we need to because we know we can… So I guess it's a good thing fate has us watching out for each other. I just wish I was as sure of myself as you are."

The pleasant sensations from Cerb's cleansing hand and his reassuring words were double trouble against Thunder's concerns she held before. This was more than the praise she was receiving. There was camaraderie to the point of admitting he was lucky to have her with him while lavishing her with physical attention she thought reserved for royalty or the Elements.

At the same time, Thunder was relieved that she wasn't falling into a logical trap to be coaxed into being painted as a villain. She was getting closer to Cerb in ways others likely never had, so she had to try to stay just as positive toward him.

"What is there not to be sure of? You knew better than the rest of us what to take care of. Mission planning for going into the Everfree Forest. How to save Onyx and the civilians from the Timberwolves. Discovering what happened with the guards who attacked Kelly and clearing their names. Defeating the echoes. Justin? ...you’ve been ahead of everything.”

“I expected a fight every step of the way,” Cerb quickly answered as he moved his hand down to pull her closer and start working on her chest. “I planned for the worst based on what we knew at the time. I wasn’t sure of anything, and when I thought I was, it nearly got me killed."

Much like his injuries, the truth hurt, and Cerb did his best not to let it show as he summed his experiences thus far.

"I was at my best when I was overly cautious and lucky the rest of the time.”

Whether it was Cerb’s plan or not, Thunder was completely under his influence and leaning back further against his seat to increase his access below her chest. At the same time, she had to question his admissions, as it sounded unlikely her new idol had made so many mistakes she hadn’t heard about.

“None of us knew about the echoes. Even then, you were cautious and knew we were walking into a trap... Not that it saved Harmony or the echoes."

That was true, but not at all what Cerb was referring to, yet he continued rubbing below her ribs as he went on to explain.

"You weren't there for the discussion, but in our first fight in the Everfree against the Timberwolves, I thought being magic-proof made me invulnerable… And then one of them tore into me… Even then, I was only mostly right. So, like you said… Limits. That, and I only figured out what happened with the guards that attacked Kelly on accident with everyone else's help. I went in trying to prove their guilt."

As he cracked a grin from finding the humor in pointing out his flaws, he instantly remembered another one that Thunder happened to leave out as a previous brag-worthy achievement of his.

"Oh, and less we both forget. There was also that awesome coaching advice I gave you that nearly had you hoof-blasting Spitfire's skull off her shoulders."

Thunder snorted out a laugh, as there was no forgetting that slip-up.

"Pft! Please. That was hardly the fault of either of us that she never thought to duck. Your advice was flawless… It's not our fault she was operating coachless on Team Zero at the time."

Laughing still hurt Cerb, but that joke caused him some pain he was willing to endure.

"Okay, fine. Plenty of blame to go round on that one," Cerb admitted with a smile before his tone changed. "But I also thought for a while that there was a grand scheme in motion with me and my friends."

Different thoughts and pieces of conversations about the night fighting Harmony collided in his mind. So many broken theories and misunderstood concepts still lay unexplained amid the clear picture of where he and his friends actually stood.

"We never could figure anything out about why we were here because Trixie fucked up her spell because that other Trixie fucked up, and we ended up getting brought here. But even that other Trixie was confused, or… Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I thought I was making a lot of the right choices because of how this world works, but this world never wanted me here to begin with."

In the midst of rehashing his thoughts and where his theories led him again, a touch of sadness ran through his fingers. Colder, empty, almost ghostly feeling through Thunder's skin was what she felt as she turned to face Cerb again and what he had left to say.

"I just wanted help. And I couldn’t keep them safe. Then Cadance... you…"

There was no getting around it. Cerb wasn’t the unending mountain of strength and resistance Thunder typically built him up to be. His moment of hesitation and doubt was more than just a fluke in the cave against the owlbear. His weaknesses went beyond the bruised skin and torn open muscles.

She knew now by the new trails streaming down Cerb’s cheeks that Rainbow Dash had been right. The damage done to him on the inside was worse than any she had bandaged up for him on the outside.

Now overwhelmed with a rush of emotions, Thunder softly hushed Cerb to be quiet as she turned and raised herself to gently hold each other chest to chest. Drawing closer, she softly laid her neck over his right shoulder, letting the soap and suds mesh and slide over one another, both holding each other as best they could, but still weakly, mindful of open wounds and so many other injuries.

“Oh, Justin,” she confidently spoke. “I am your faithful Lioness. I understood there were risks to be taken when we entered that cave, but do not ever think I would hold any of my misfortune against you."

She was crossing the line. It wasn't exactly clear how or to what degree, but he was nude, exposed, and if she drew any closer, she would likely have to climb atop his lap or press between his legs. Had that been an afterthought, or perhaps buried under her intuition to cater to his emotional needs, it was impossible to tell. Either way, it felt as if she was creeping irresponsibly close to where she had seen Cerb rut with Rarity.

"Try as I might, my halberd was not empowered like Swifty’s blade to strike down Harmony. My greatest effort to you was aiding Cadance and her plan. Even then, my wounded target snuck away so I could blindside the echo Cadance had distracted... One strike of Kelly's knife, that was my only contribution... That was until… I came to you. And yes… I know… but what was I to do? I was without Kelly’s blade. I couldn’t intercept the echo’s attack nor move quickly enough to push us both into safety.”

Even with the dampness of their bodies chilling in the air, Thunder couldn’t pry herself from the growing heat emanating from Cerb. It pierced the soft chill from the sorrow he still had swimming in his heart, as there was still something else stirring, which was far more inviting. Something that silently beckoned her closer, had she been brave enough to listen.

Sadly, though, as the truth was, just as it had been in the cave when they had been struck down, she knew her limits here as well.

“I was only there to support you until we could return aid to Cadance and the others… Instead… With no weapon or shield or even enough time to think…"

As Thunder slumped lower to kneel in front of Cerb, the silhouette of another standing at the entrance of the shower was finally noticed.

Both turned to see Cadance watching them with interest, only now moving closer to intervene.

"I swear, you two when left alone."

Using her magic, the water was turned on again, raining down over Thunder and rinsing Cerb's legs clear.

The two expected a lecture. Instead, Cadance carelessly dropped her regalia, sat her crown on the floor, and stepped out of her shoes. Then, without warning or an invite, she sat next to the pair and shifted the shower head to begin rinsing off as she lowered her head with a look of exhaustion showing through as she stared at her hooves.

"Justin… clearly, you were more prepared for combat than any who fought in any of our battles. Even still, you had next to no training in, or exposure to our tactics, or understanding of our full capabilities, let alone that of our foes. It is unreasonable to hold any expectations to protect everyone around you while so ill-prepared.”

Finally able to allow herself to relax, she turned to face Thunder.

“And Thunder… I shouldn’t have to explain why you’re here, despite the fact you should be in Ponyville Hospital, where Twilight ordered you to stay. Yet, time and time again, you have proven your dedication to Justin. It has nothing to do with the power you wield behind your halberd or the skill you showed with Kelly’s knife in my time of need. Just the same as it is for Justin, you need to remember where your true strength lies.”

In a sudden and precise jab, Cadance extended her left wing to poke a long primary feather in Thunder’s chest, followed by a stern glare.

“It lies within your heart.”

No sooner had she gotten her point across she retracted her wing and returned her focus to relaxing in the warm downpour of her long-awaited hot shower.

Or, at least, she would once she finished with another set of orders.

“And while I hope not to sound rude, but if you could be quick with your rinsing and drying off, the doctors are waiting to see you. I hope there have been no issues and that you both were merely taking your time to be overly cautious. Justin is still bleeding, after all."

Both quickly turned to see the slow trickle of blood Cadance had pointed out, and Cerb instinctively tried to cover the mess with his other hand while Cadance continued pointing out their oversights.

"Otherwise, I can’t see why other than stopping to converse mid-bath, it’s taken you both this long to not finish bathing when dinner is nearly ready.”

There was no need to throw Thunder under the proverbial bus, so Cerb quickly spoke up to cover for them both.

“I was holding Thunder up. Just… having a harder time tonight, then my scab tore itself open and…” He gave a heavy sigh, not sure if he was overselling his own pity party or trying to overprotect Thunder. “Candy… you know I got a lot of bad memories locked up inside ‘uh me. I trust Thunder enough to talk to like I do with you… It’s only fair I let her open up so I can listen, too.”

Cadance took a deep breath and exhaled, sounding more like it was an exercise than if she had been upset. However she may have felt on the inside, she expressed it with her eyes remaining closed, pointed up toward the shower head, only barely cracking a smile.

“I’m not angry at either of you. The day has been long, and I’m tired of dealing with doctors and stress. Now, you’re keeping the doctors waiting that I so cleverly stepped away from so you could be seen, as was my concern, and now I will have to finish bathing Cerb so we can have dinner. And I am famished.”

There were plenty of reasons for Thunder to vacate the shower. Not wanting to upset Cadance, she used all of them to hastily finish rinsing herself off with what little bit of the spout still fell upon her.

“My apologies, Princess,” she spat out with urgency. “It is as Justin said. We were-”

“It’s fine,” Cadance all too quickly replied, returning the full force of the shower head to Thunder as she spoke. “Even I find myself relying on Justin for council and support while in need of it. However, time and place need to be kept in mind when there is a schedule to be upheld.”

Since Thunder wasn’t wanting to be scolded any further, or potentially expose any unprofessional behavior, if not unsavory intentions, she hurried with her rinse. It was clear enough that Cerb wanted to calm her nerves, even if he thought she was overreacting.

“Don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in you. That’s never been the case. And maybe we can talk more tomorrow… take a longer shower, too. Finish with we both started.”

Maybe he was sending mixed messages, but it wasn’t intentional. He wanted to help her, just as he had been honest about trusting her. Then, there was also how easily she slipped through his defenses and could rest so close to him. No differently than Rainbow or Cadance. No differently than Rarity or Fluttershy.

Perhaps, deep down at his core, that really was a weakness of his. He really was love-starved; needed someone to be close to, and Thunder accepted this unspoken request blindly.

“Of course," she answered after a short pause and with a confident smile gracing her lips once more. "I'll see to it that we have plenty of time reserved. And Princess, my apologies. I left off at his knees. Now, if you'll excuse me."

And with that agreed upon, she gave a bow to Cadance and stepped out beyond the curtain, walking out with a towel and closing the door behind her.

After the door latched shut, Cadance returned with a sympathetic gaze to Cerb.

"I should apologize. I entered when you were discussing why you were confused as to why you were brought here… I should have made myself known, but I also don't want to deprive you of what sounded like a very healthy way of dealing with your issues. But… I was afraid Thunder Glide was getting a little too worked up near the end, and I know that you already have so much troubling you…"

Cadance grew quiet again, but turned in her seated position to face Cerb at his side and grabbed a washcloth that Thunder had neglected to use earlier.

"Justin… it's no secret that we're all lying to each other in one way or another about how we feel. That we're fine, how we hurt, what we can tolerate, or the lies we tell by omission."

She gathered a hefty dose of soap and began to wash his left leg, taking slow strides down Cerb's shin. Her speech was well-controlled and reserved as she carefully navigated this potentially touchy subject.

"You have taken on so much for us, and have burdened yourself with more than you should be concerned with. Even worse, even before all this horrible madness, I wished to have you here so that I could consult with you on another matter that I struggled with for as long as I can remember. Now, I can only imagine the emotional weight all the others may end up piling on you."

Feeling a cold and draining chill flowing through Cerb's skin, despite the abundance of hot water washing over them, Cadance knew she found him at his core about how he felt about the others. Knowing this, it was going to be difficult to proceed, so she continued to work over his feet, carefully washing between his toes.

"How much are you capable of taking on? All of our sorrows and insecurities while dealing with your own? Sorting through your past while recovering for our future? I only ask these questions because your body was so badly injured and your heart damaged even more… I will not risk us breaking your spirit when we have so little to contribute other than our company."

Cadance switched her attention to Cerb's next leg, continuing her lecture.

"You are here to recover under my care and protection."

Finally, she turned her eyes to meet his guilty expression with the finality of her thoughts.

"I know your heart is guarded. I feel the love and hurt you have inside, and it scares me at times how in flux it races in your chest while emotionally shutting itself off from us… If you would like more defined boundaries or do not recognize the need for them, I can, and will enforce them."

Slowly, Cerb’s heart was sinking into his stomach. She had him dead to rights on all accounts, and he had no real answers to provide.

“Candy, I… I dunno,” he answered, now staring at his feet. “It’s like… everything I’ve wanted has been taken out of reach from me. And now, everything that's still in reach…”

Cadance nodded along, acknowledging the trending thoughts.

“We all are rather dangerous mares, Justin,” she happily stated, almost as if she was replying to a different conversation. “Only now, away from the fields of battle, opening up your heart is leaving you vulnerable to all the dangers I wish to save you from. The ones you’ve left locked away deep inside, and I worry of new wounds you may be inviting in.”

There was, of course, some truth to that, but Cerb had another concern weighing down on him.

“Everyone has such high expectations of me. I can’t meet all of them. Right now, I can’t meet any of them, but I still want to help.”

“And you are,” Cadance happily retorted without hesitation. “You were right about Fleetfoot. The doctors said that after reviewing her medical documents, they said that she should be much worse off at this point. And while I’m sure Becky’s assistance also played a role, her pain management is much easier to control while she's with you. Otherwise, she’s admitted to not following the minimal time needed between doses or relying on your alcohol to get her through the night. And while I may not be a doctor, I know without a doubt, Thunder has healed faster than nearly any pony before her with even lesser injuries while beside you.”

There was that welcomed fact to be addressed, but Cerb desperately needed to speak with Sniff and the others regarding it. There was likely so much information he needed to get a better understanding of before divulging such knowledge to Cadance or the rest.

Until that time came, he would contribute in the ways he knew he could. For the rest, he would fake it until he could make it, as they say.

“I know enough not to let things go too far. Everything today was fine. That last bit with Thunder was unexpected, but I would have handled it, just like I still plan on talking to and helping you tonight.”

That should have lifted Cadance’s spirits, yet, it somehow appeared to leave her looking more dreary than before. If her appearance did not give away as much, her saddening tone certainly did as much.

“I fear I will only continue to grow ever deeper in your debt… And yet, the only thought more frightening is Twilight may demand to have you returned.”

Cerb huffed and nearly laughed at the notion, but realized Cadance was serious.

"Demand to have me returned? How? Why? I'm free to go anywhere in Equestria I want with whoever I want. Luna said so. Twilight can't tell me what to do."

[Back in Twilight's Throne Room.]

The main six were gathered and in their assigned seats, save for Rainbow Dash, now replaced by Starlight.

Along with the heroic ponies, papers had been collected, drinks half consumed, serious business started, and Rarity hammer-dropping her hoof on the table yet again.

"You most certainly can demand to have Justin returned to us!"

Twilight was uncharacteristically collected, despite her friend's repeated outbursts and the papers rudely dropped in front of her.

"Rarity, you don't need to keep forcing this fucking document in front of me. I wrote it. I know what it says. I know what it means. Justin isn't a criminal. The status of forces agreement doesn't apply."

Fluttershy, still much calmer than her counterpart, spoke up to take a different approach.

"Perhaps not, but he does need to come back to Ponyville, Twilight. He said so himself. He's not well. And as his guardians, it's our responsibility to ensure that he receives the care he needs. We've learned from our mistakes. Now we need to make up for it, and we can't do that until-"

While such ideas were well-spoken, Twilight sat up and cut in to stop the repeated request.

"Fluttershy? Weren't you listening? Cerb left of his own free will with Cadance. The Crystal Empire is still an independent kingdom. I can't make a demand without a valid reason."

Rarity bore down on the table with both hooves, huffing out her answer.

"Ember ripped out the shards from his back. Cadance took him away to a Kingdom a thousand years behind our advanced medical knowledge. Knowledge that only works because of Becky's help. His night terrors put every pony around him in danger without us there to calm him at night. He needs us!"

This was a crucial point for Twilight to intercept her friends. She needed to be considerate, but she couldn't be weak to their desires either.

She'd never had her crown tested in this manner before.

Thankfully, with the help of a reply from Cadance she would now read from, she hoped that would help set the stage.

"Ahem."

Dear Twilight,

I was rather shocked to receive a letter with concerns regarding the well-being and health of ambassador Husk. First and foremost, any report concerning his sleeping issues not being properly attended to has no standing. Such issues are directly attended to under my care and have been reported to be just as effective with the same quality of sleep, as per the declaration of ambassador Husk himself.

Furthermore, all required medication needed for continued care is stored locally under my protection, along with all instructions provided by Ponyville Hospital's most trusted staff. For further assistance, my on-site medical staff has begun to review materials provided by Nurse Redheart while treating Fleetfoot, Thunder Glide, and myself.

However, in regard to the emotional needs of ambassador Husk, out of respect for all parties involved, I will only state that he is doing better than expected in a warm and supportive environment. At all times, he is cared for by at least one of your trusted heroines involved in the Young Ambassadors Rescue Event when I am otherwise unavailable.

To be clear, ambassador Husk's current treatment extends to more than simple food, rest, and medication. With the assistance of Prince Aspen, we provide a balanced diet dedicated to his unique needs. In consideration of his sensitivities, he has multiple caretakers to assist with his hygiene needs and examinations familiar with performing his assessments, and has his approval of trust.

What's more impressive, beyond his ability to adapt to his new surroundings, is his continued positive outlook and sense of humor since departing. So much of his infectious humor has kept all of them actively engaged with him, even while he energetically has been assisting others around him to improve themselves for future endeavors.

With all these matters addressed, I hope all your concerns have been calmed, and any extradition request can be needlessly avoided in the future. We have all gone through so much as of late, and such strenuous legal demands would surely cause unnecessary tension where it need not be.

With love,

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza

Twilight lowered the parchment with a glare, keen with a focus on Rarity.

"First things first. Don't you ever go behind my back to send not only a legal, but highly political, correspondence to another fucking kingdom! And you used Spike to send it when he should be healing!"

Rarity, unmoved, didn't yield an inch in defiance as she sat with her forelegs crossed in her chair.

"Twilight, dear. You know as well as I do that Justin is not safe in the Crystal Empire. The Crystal Guard is laughably small, trained less than the Solar Guard, which was probably by Harmony's doing, and has what other support? Rainbow Dash by herself? Oh, wait, one wonderbolt who can't fight on her own, another with two broken legs, and one of your newly appointed guards who nearly bled to death after failing to defeat a single echo. All of them gathered under a Princess who could barely hold her own and had to be carried out of the cave as well. For crying out loud, not even your brother is there. Justin is vulnerable and unprotected."

The defenses surrounding Cerb were painted all pitifully tragic by Rarity. Yet, there were no lies in her claims. All of which Fluttershy would build up upon.

"Even if Cadance can help Justin get through the nights, for now, she's only one mare. The others can't help him with his night terrors. With all his injuries, Justin should also be sleeping during the day. He would need both Rarity and me at his side for that. The same goes for his bathing needs."

What should have been some breach of trust that would launch the others into a fit, Fluttershy proceeded to seamlessly speak calmly and professionally.

"We were able to bathe with Justin before becoming intimate. But even after the fact, he would have a much greater level of comfort with us being able to ensure he's kept properly clean. And as you remember, staying clean is vitally important to avoid infections and illness, just like it was for Applejack. But beyond that, I’m far more suited to deal with his nutritional needs now that we have access to a reserve of owlbear. For everything else, we would have Becky, Nurse Redheart, and all of us, plus his family is here to support him. So there is no reason we should risk having Justin stay in the Crystal Empire any longer than what a friendly request to have him returned would require.”

While Rarity brought the passion, and Fluttershy laid the logic down thick, one simple solution seemed to evade all but the simplest of minds, and Pinkie wasn’t about to let that go unchallenged.

“If it’s such a good idea to bring Cerb back, why don’t you both go over and ask him to come back with you?”

Fluttershy’s calm persona stayed relatively unchanged, minus the slightly frighteningly psychotic twitching in her right eye and otherwise stone-like smiling face.

"Why... Not?" Fluttershy asked, sounding like she was about to utterly lose her shit if even the slightest agitation were to be added to the mix.

Twilight lit her horn and slid the papers provided earlier back to Rarity, and offered the room an explanation.

"Because they can't. Rarity's brilliant idea of sending a correspondence was actually a demand letter to Cadance to release Justin back to her and Fluttershy in twenty-four hours. At her doorstep, no less. Instead, despite Cadence still recovering, she managed to send a reply message to Celestia and another to me. Celestia had my letter courier delivered to me so Spike wouldn't be bothered. Celestia did let me know that Cadance apologized for her abrupt departure before the dinner with Justin, stated that they all arrived without any issues, alluded to some weather issues that Rainbow Dash would be looking into, and informed Celestia that upon receiving that demand letter that two of Equestria's citizens would be temporarily barred access from entering the sovereign land of the Crystal Empire."

With Rarity's anger renewed, she stewed even deeper in her seat with a sharper scowl.

"The nerve. Cadance issued some frivolous Royal Travel Ban for threats against the crown. We were stopped in Canterlot and had our tickets refunded. The ticket pony said that he had no choice but to enforce the order. We even stopped to ask Celestia, but we ran into Lyra instead. She told us that not even Celestia could overrule another kingdom's decree, even if she wanted to, despite the fact Fluttershy had committed no fault in this."

As angry as Rarity was at Cadance, she was largely angry at herself for creating the blunder in the first place.

"Fluttershy should be free to march in and make her claim... Had I only written my name on the letter, we likely could have avoided this."

Already way ahead of the blame train, Twilight huffed and groaned.

“That’s what status of forces agreements are for, and I'm more pissed off that you didn't run any off this by me. Even if she considered you both friends before all this, and that she's part of my family, as well as a fellow princess, it was never going to work just demanding that she give him back... If anything, we're lucky neither of you made it there. You have no idea how much trouble that would have caused.”

With that point out in the open, that left room for the others to voice their input. Starting off with Applejack after a sip of her tequila.

"Welp, I certainly do feel for ya two. I know ya both helped me out a lot before shit really hit the fan, and we've been through thick and thin long before. But… I can say the same for Cerb now, too… And he made the choice to walk away after you both did the same to him. It’s up to him to come back now. Not you."

Before emotions could run into overdrive, Starlight leaned in with a voice that almost came as an alarm.

"But it's not so simple to point the blame."

The room stopped to give her their attention, allowing Starlight to lean back and collect herself.

"Cerb was hurt, and there wasn't an easy solution to his situation if it meant keeping yourself involved. Granted, things were different with Chris and me, but I ended up pushing him away when I should have tried holding him closer. But even then, I had to earn Chris's trust again before I could fix things between us. You girls will have to do the same."

There were some similarities between the two sets of relationships, but also some harsh extremes. Regardless, the two romantic mares could appreciate the wisdom of Starlight’s experiences and her compassion for their situation.

Then, of course, there was Pinkie, who wasn’t going to reflect so gently on their mistakes.

“You two really fucked up.”

“PINKIE!” Starlight shouted in shock.

Equally as offended as Starlight was shocked, Pinkie stood up from her seat and pointed at Starlight with a domineering hoof.

“No! You weren't there with us before everypony started calling dibs on their special somehumans.”

Not letting her anger falter, only redirecting it towards its true targets, Pinkie dropped her gaze to Fluttershy and Rarity.

“Every human was so precious to every pony who started falling in love and craving cock! But what happened when Pinkie wanted to get a taste? What was the answer when Pinkie wanted to feel it too? Was Pinkie invited to play along with anypony to get her pink pussy smashed, dashed, bashed, splashed, or even fucking looked at? NO!”

Ripe with justified anger, Pinkie again pointed her hoof at Rarity, who was actually having trouble facing these arguments.

“You two jealously guarded Justin! You were mean to ponies who got too close to him! You were mean to me! And Thunder Glide! And Ember! And lots more who just wanted to be nice to him! But do you remember what you both told me when I wanted to run off and have Benny rut me in the bowling alley?”

Fluttershy remembered that afternoon vividly well. The build-up, the porno they watched, and how poorly they treated Pinkie that day. None of which made her feel any better about her current situation.

“We-”

“Me neither,” Pinkie abruptly shouted. “But it was really nice… Something about putting those I care about before my vagina. But… not directly in front of my vagina, which was what I wanted to do with Benny. More like, emotions, and being nice or-”

Wherever this conversation had to go, this wasn’t it, and Twilight had to real her belligerent friends back into some form of civility.

“Will all of you shut the fuck up!”

Confused, angry, and whirling with a mix of so many other issues still left unaddressed, Twilight brought her forehooves to her temples and dropped her head to the table. It was there, through some muffled speech she issued her true cause for this portion of the meeting.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought, which is why I asked you all to come here tonight. You’ve all basically made the same points I’ve come up with on my own. Not just the letter of the law or Rarity sending that stupid fucking letter behind my back…"

There was more than the simple frustration of the letter that was bringing Twilight down. The inner conflicts couldn't be held back at this point.

"Rarity… Fluttershy… You’re both my friends… I care about both of you, and I want you both to be happy, just like I want the same for Justin. Even more so after everything he’s done for everypony he’s helped and saved so many times over… But I can’t overlook the fact that you both abandoned your duties as his guardians.”

Even if they had claimed to have learned their lessons, on top of the other hardships that had befallen them, neither of the two could bare to look at Twilight sulking with her face on the table.

“But still,” Twilight continued, finally raising her head enough to rest on her now crossed forelegs laying on the table. “Fluttershy is right about Cerb’s well-being while with Cadance. Her guard is small and not well-armed, either. They rely too much on outside support from the likes of us or the Solar Guard. Her medical staff will have no clue how to treat Cerb if he has any health problems while he’s with her. Even Nurse Redheart and Doctor Horse still have trouble without Becky looking over their shoulder most of the time.”

Finally, coming up to some of the more sensitive issues, Twilight sat up to address Fluttershy and Rarity directly.

“As for Cerb’s hygiene, I know Rainbow Dash has been trusted to oversee his health assessments before, and I imagine Thunder Glide would be trusted to help as well. Especially since she risked punishment by disobeying my orders to stay in her hospital room to heal.”

Despite sitting up to address Fluttershy and Rarity, Twilight was still staring at them, while they were staring at their hooves. It was understandable, but it left Twilight shaking her head in disappointment.

“We know Rainbow Dash, at one point, wanted to pursue a relationship with Justin. It’s just as likely that Thunder Glide, with all her admiration for him after seeing what he was capable of in the Everfree and how he treated her, she’s likely feeling the same… What I’m saying is, I don’t want this to turn any uglier than it already is.”

Fluttershy couldn’t bring herself to so much as blink in Twilight’s direction, but Twilight did catch Rarity turning an eye up to her finally. That was promising enough to allow her to continue with confidence.

“Rainbow Dash fought Starlight once just to let Becky talk to Chris, and Thunder Glide didn’t back down when you threatened to skin her alive after requesting to spar with Justin… We know Rainbow Dash already attacked Rarity once, and she won’t hold back anymore after fighting Sword and the echoes, and Thunder Glide may not have been able to do much against the owlbear or other echos, but she held her own the whole way through. Now though? Just like Spike, she has Justin’s blood to empower her. Once she’s done healing… she could be as strong as any of us.”

That got the entire room's undivided attention, and Twilight had to make her position perfectly clear.

“Legally, right now, only Justin can decide if he stays or goes… Though, technically… our humans fall into two categories. They are honorary guests, as well as they are wards under the protection and responsibility of their guardian or guardians."

Instantly, Applejack's eyes went wide, and her jaw nearly dropped.

"Woah! Hold on a minute!"

Twilight knew that since Applejack had grown up raised by her grandmother, she knew what was about to be implied. As a percussion, she raised her hooves up defensively.

"Yes. I know. It's sneaky, dirty, and an under-hoofed trick. And honestly, there may be a lot more problems created by trying to go that route than any solutions created."

On the other side of the table, Fluttershy was completely lost.

"What problems? What solutions? How can we get Justin back as his guardians?"

Applejack shot Twilight a dirty look that was about as sour as day-old milk left out in the sun.

"She means treat'n Cerb like a lost foal and you his state-appointed guardians. The courts would battle it out to determine what's best for 'em at that point."

Twilight groaned, levitating over a bottle of bourbon, her voice coming off in a mix of anger and disgust.

"Or, Justin would renounce his honorary citizenship status and dissolve the guardianship altogether. Possibly break ties and damage relations with the rest of us in the process. Oh. Also, the courts may decide that only humans can only be honorary citizens or wards and not both. Then we have a political battle of our own where they lose political protection and rights as they lose their status as diplomats. That and..." Twilight's voice wilted along with her posture as she reflected on her final thoughts. "-there are other issues that could arise from the legality of our guardian status if it were pushed to the courts."

The tension in the room grew thick as Twilight poured a tall glass. She capped the bottle and carefully hesitated to a drop of water to add to the bourbon before she spoke again.

"Our world is changing without Harmony pulling her strings. Our normal problems are no longer bickering friends, and petty rivalries of not getting enough attention, not being noticed fast enough, or feeling left out… The choices we make here won't just affect us in small ways shortly and the rest of the world gradually. They can have massive impacts that might bring about irreversible damage far beyond Equestria itself."

Twilight reached out with both hooves and brought her drink to her lips. She took a slow sip, silent, gentle, then carefully set the glass down with a controlled exhale.

"Justin's physical and emotional health are potentially both in danger while in the Crystal Empire. His protection is in question. His sleeping conditions and dream state are subject to review. All of these combined put not just his life in danger. It puts all of those around him and potentially the rest of the world in danger if it's discovered what a human body can do to empower another creature or the weapons they bleed on."

Applejack nodded, though she still looked angry as she harshly eyed Rarity.

"But ya can't be making decisions just fer yerself. If 'ole Cerb don't want to be near these parts because 'uh what y'all did 'tuh him… He'll be just as vulnerable and miserable here as y'all think he already is over there."

Starlight wilted slightly in her new seat at the table and groaned.

"He said he needs time to heal. Maybe that's all he really needs, and we should send him our support instead of our demands. Then, once he's better, maybe then he'll know that you've changed and come back."

Pinkie sat a little cross and munched a Moonshine cherry.

"Justin might have been scared of me at times, and that's fine. I can be a bit much when I'm excited, and I even scare ponies when I get excited. But Justin noticed when I was sad and still tried to help. I was too busy trying to help BenBen, and had to stay away from him because of you always getting so angry at me… And we owe Justin better than what he got after he fought so many echoes for us. He can do whatever he wants."

Twilight sighed and pulled her glass of bourbon closer for another drink.

"We will have the night to think it over. Tomorrow, I'm going to see the remaining Stranded Seven in Ponyville to ask them how they feel about it. Then, the decision will be made as a vote between Celestia, Luna, Shining, and me. I wanted your input before I decide on how I’ll vote."

She looked around the table; her face was tired and heavy with stress.

"The well-being of the humans is my sole responsibility. Celestia knows she can't take that away from me, but this is now an international issue as well. I can't act alone with everything in play."

The room was quiet again, and it seemed as though the severity of Cerb's choice to leave and the conflict of their desire to have him return was becoming fully realized. That left Rarity to offer one final peace offering.

"I will give it some serious thought. But also, just to be clear and avoid any misgivings of malice or neglect towards Spike, I asked him when he would be well enough to send the letter. He said he couldn't leave a lady in distress. It was not my intent to force him to hurt himself."

As she thought back to Spike's small sacrifice, her eyes began to well up.

"Spike admires both Justin and Peter. Now both are gone while he's wishing he could heal like Ember or be there to protect either one of them… I couldn't have stopped Spike from helping me if I had to… Our men have taught him better than to leave a lady in distress and shown him time and time and again that the sacrifice is worth it. So, do be kind to the poor lad."

[Over in the Canterlot Castle Throne Room.]

Celestia sat upon her throne, looking over the latest letter she would soon send her sister.

“Damn it all, Rarity. Had you not the legal president to even speak on Justin’s behalf, I’d have placed you under house arrest. Making such a demand of Cadance after all the stunts you pulled.”

Knowing what finer details had been worked out with Benny in the status of forces agreement’s amendments with Twilight, Celestia pend in more notes as she sipped from her glass of white wine. It was doing wonders to calm her nerves and quench the flames she was kept under control for the moment, but there wasn’t much more to hold them all back.

“I can’t believe I’m going to have to be this direct with Luna after everything. Even if we are on better terms, I’d be a fool to believe I can just shift the blame on Harmony for all I’ve done. Even still…”

She levitated up the paper and reviewed her writing as she drew another sip. Her words were simple and direct but not lacking empathy. They did well to explain the situation but also didn't drown the paper with details.

“Flash? Not to put you on the spot, but do you know why I am so incredibly vexed over Rarity sending a letter demanding the return of her ward, Justin, back to her, at her own castle, at a time of Rarity's choosing?”

The throne room was empty, so Flash Sentry had no concern about answering candidly if his princess was asking.

“Because everypony is still recovering. Emotions are still running high with all the losses we suffered, and even after all the mistakes both she and Fluttershy made, she’s ignoring them and trying to correct them by exercising power she doesn’t actually possess… She may be Cerb’s guardian, but once outside of Equestria, it becomes a matter for a princess or the courts to arrange his return.”

Celestia nodded slightly but didn’t smile as if she was pleased with his answer. Her expression was rather flat and bore notes of contemplation before she downed the rest of the wine and took a deep breath.

“I like the way you think. You’ve taken a lot of perspectives into consideration and the processes that should have been followed that Rarity clearly failed to address. And for those simple reasons, you are correct, but I am beyond disappointed in her that she couldn’t keep herself in control long enough to work with Twilight to start a civil dialog. At least start to work things out to reconnect with Justin... as if she could rely on her guardian status. We could have worked something out on her behalf over time if needed.”

As Celestia levitated up her bottle and began to pour herself another small glass, she huffed again, letting off a small wave of heat that put Flash on high alert that he may have missed something.

“But no,” Celestia finally answered, ending her pour. “Justin left those two behind for a reason. Cadance made sure not even Rarity would follow along with them but took two of my Wonderbolts, one of Twilight’s guards, and Rainbow Dash along with her while stealing away Justin like a thief in the night.”

She turned to Flash with a look of a mad-mare who had seen into the abyss long enough to learn how to no longer blink.

“But before that, she helped Justin save Benny’s newly adopted daughter, remotivate all his friends, and if you didn’t notice, win the allegiance of all the most powerful allied kingdoms surrounding Equestria. Even I was cheering along!”

Leaning farther down off the thrown, her pupils narrowed and flashed with auburn embers above her twisted smirk.

"And all those cheers came from a letter read by Dragon Lord Ember because neither Justin nor Cadance were in attendance."

Still, without blinking, Celestia’s horn began to glow, wrapping the scroll in her aura, rolling it closed, binding it with her seal, and finally teleporting it away. Only then, with her hopes of fighting off the pending tide through the aid of her sister, did she let her eyes rest and give up the ghost, and relaxed back against her throne.

“I do not ask you these things to mock you nor explain them as an insult. These are dangers I hope to train you to understand better in the future. What we are witnessing Rarity doing, and likely without even realizing it, can very easily lead up to distress between nations and even wars. Because you are right. Emotions are running high. And if the laws force my hoof to act against Justin’s wishes…”

Now Flash was getting it.

“The Deer Kin, Hypogryphs, Dragons, Yaks, Abyssinians, The Crystal Empire… perhaps even the griffins if Gilda or Gal-”

“We’re surrounded,” Celestia coldly answered. “And you’re forgetting the remaining humans who are still among us.”

Having explained herself, and knowing that Flash understood, Celestia raised her glass and calmly sipped her wine.

“Mmm… But, thankfully, we have all made amends. The fair lady Kelly has been most welcoming to us and the Solar Guard after correcting Spearheads’s misunderstanding. Miss Landon has only once run afoul with us, or actually, it was I who ran the transgression against her, but we easily corrected ourselves and have maintained a positive, albeit professional-friendship, with her. The Chris fellow has always been accepting, and Lumberman has held no grudges. Benny even has shown great respect now that he has taken on more responsibilities for his delegation.”

She sipped again, tasting her wine with a much sweeter flavor, bringing a wide smile to her lips.

“And, of course, mister James has taken up residency with us to remain protected and heal. He, among all of them, has always shown great favor toward me. Of which, I must remind you. Peter’s safety is to take top priority. Even above my own, as I’m sure you need no reminder as to what I am capable of.”

Flash gulped, too afraid to move while a thin bead of perspiration built up at the thought of the fiery beast that still dwell under the unassuming exterior of his princess.

“Yes. Of course, princess. I have not forgotten. It need not be repeated. A new dawn is rising upon the Solar Guard. We will be ready for the next threat that comes when it is time for us to answer the call.”

Content for the evening’s events and Flash's resolve, Celestia moved her glass to the side and returned more papers to review in front of her.

“Glad to hear it, but if there is nothing else, you may retire for the night. I will see myself to bed shortly. Tomorrow will start early for me, as I have a meeting with Benny and Chris. I expect them to receive a warm and cordial welcome when they arrive by train. Oh, and be sure that only the most competent staff and guards are present to cater for our guests. Twilight will be with them. I want her to leave with no doubt that Peter is receiving the best care possible while with us... I require her attention elsewhere after tomorrow, not focused on us or flaunting the authority over Peter and the others."

Flash bowed as he backed away to take his leave for the night.

"Yes, Princess. I'll inform you if any alterations to the plan are required."

Author's Note

So, I wasn't able to get any art done for this chapter either. Just never had the time or energy/motivation after dealing with all my health issues. I did, however, end up doing all of my own editing this time, mainly because I forgot to get ahold of my editor and kept making changes during my readthroughs.

Regardless, the shower scene did drag on a bit with Cerb and Thunder, but I kind of had to for the purpose of showing there are reasons for Cadance to worry. Cerb still does need a lot of help and not everything is probably meshing as it should be. Not to say it's terrible for him, but the little things do add up.

Mainly, it was to show were the real tension was coming from. Right now, political tensions are already forming between different royal factions. Twilight's crown, Celestia's, and Cadance's have all started to lean and pull their influence on each other in different ways. Soon, even Luna will be pulled into the mix, along with the humans, and we haven't even begun to see how the other kingdoms might want to mix in when the time comes.

Also... why did Flash mention a plan? Doesn't Celestia always have a plan?

What could be in store for Cerb or any of our other stressed-out royals? Find out next time in the next installment of Chapter 05: CHAPTER NAME PENDING DUE TO ME BEING ILL AND NOT COMPLETING THE DAMN THING! ...my bad.

Also, acknowledgments to my story support:

The Fan Without a Face:

Editor for Chapters 01 - 03.

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