//------------------------------//
// Recovery 
// Story: The Hero: Cozy Glow...? 
// by SoloBrony 
//------------------------------//

I woke up surprisingly refreshed. As it turned out, Luna had the best bed, and the fresh lavender around her room helped too. I was pleasantly surprised to find hay bacon and hash browns waiting for me on waking, and I was just finished with them when Luna returned. She smiled pleasantly, though she seemed very tired.

"Good morning, Quillon. Did you rest well?"

I nodded. My brain had had time to kick back into gear while I ate, and I remembered the situation I was in. But...

"The fear's gone, now. I know what I need to do."

Luna's smile faltered a bit, and she looked concerned.

"Quillon, I don't believe you should try to confront these dangerous ponies on your own—"

"I CAN'T—" I cut her off in anger, but I held up a hoof and steadied myself. "I won't get anypony else mixed up in this! I'm not weak or cowardly or..."

Why don't I want her to help? She's big and powerful, right? But... I wouldn't be much of a super hero if I just let others fight my battles for me. And... I don't want anypony else to get hurt.

I nodded and took in a sharp breath. "I'm going to clean up my own mess. I'm the one who got them into this. I can get them out."

Luna frowned. "Quillon, you're still very young. Nopony expects you to be able to fix everything that you break on your own! And you can't blame yourself for the actions of others—"

"Stop addressing me as a foal! I am a hero, and that means I have to take responsibility for my own actions and their consequences! Heroes own up to their mistakes and fix them, right?"

Luna's face darkened for a second, and it looked like she was going to object, but she stopped short and seemed to consider. Then she actually laughed softly.

"Oh, Quillon. You remind me a lot of myself, long ago."

I blinked in confusion. "Is that a good thing...?"

Luna snorted. "Not particularly, but... I won't push you away. If you're adamant about getting involved, well... I've seen the magic you wield, I couldn't easily stop you. Just, tell me how I can help...?"

Hrmph! She's trying to manipulate me!

But then again, why? It's not because she wants to use me for her own ends, it's because she's concerned for my safety. I guess I shouldn't be too angry with her. She wants to help, so... how can I have her do that, without her getting hurt or trying to control me?

"Well, my hero outfit got kinda wrecked in my last fight. I could use help putting a new one together."

Luna worked her jaw and blinked a bit in surprise. "I am... not much of a seamstress, I'm afraid. I admit I didn't expect that request."

"Oh, it's okay. I mostly made the first one using magic, and I can guide you through the process. I know a freaky amount about dressmaking for some reason."

Luna smirked at that. "You don't know why you are knowledgeable in that field?"

Oops.

"Uh-uh, I mean I'm not sure why I bothered studying it so much, is all. It's silly stuff, after all. But since I know it..."

Luna nodded. "Let's get to work. I admit, I am more familiar with armorsmithing, from the early days of Equestria..."

"Well hey, that could work! I get in lots of fights, so armor is probably a good idea!"

Luna frowned at that, but we got to work. By the time we were finished, we were both proud of our creation, and I just knew those evil wizards would be in for a surprise. Luna finally went to bed, though not before stating in no uncertain terms that I needed to wait for her before I did anything dangerous.

I felt bad about ignoring that when I left to go rescue my friends, but the longer I left them with the badguys, the worse it would be, and I had firmly decided not to get Luna involved any further.

Better watch out, villains. We all know when the hero gets a new look, that's when they get really serious.

I grinned to myself. Equestria wouldn't know what hit it.