My Son, My Soldier, My Hero

by That_Random_Pony


Getting Rest (V of V)


"Ready?"

Draco cracked his neck, rolled his shoulders, and stretched his legs. Moon stretched his back, loosened his legs, and rubbed his neck soothingly. 

"Ready."

"Tiebreaker… once and for all."

"Good luck."

"You too."

They rushed forward, grappling with their own limbs and locking them onto their shoulders. Draco rolled back, launching Moon backwards. The wolf-pony dug his claws into the ground, tearing the mat as he came to a stop. Draco had charged him, and was nearly within range. Moon spun around quickly, tripping Draco up and giving him time to pounce on his back. He pulled his arm back and grabbed his head, trying to make him tap out. Unfortunately, Draco used his legs and free hand to push himself up, then threw himself onto his back. 

Moon expected as much, and he jumped off at the last second. Draco spun around and rose his arms, catching Moon mid-pounce and slamming him to the mat. They dueled through pure strength, Draco trying to pin his opponent's paws to the floor while he used the floor to keep Draco away. Moon planted his hind paws on his stomach and pushed him off, allowing him to roll over and charge. Draco spun onto his hands, locking his legs around Moon's midsection and pinning him once again. He was able to get a hold of Moon's paws, keeping his grip tight. 

Moon tried reaching up with his legs, but he was too pinned for that. He managed to rock backwards again, head-butting him and dazing him in order to grab onto his arm and a leg. Draco snaked his hand to his right hind leg, then wrapped his arm around his throat. They were tangled but determined to make the other tap out. Draco grunted in pain as Moon managed to get his other leg to uncomfortably pull on his shoulder. The wolf-pony helped as Draco used his other leg to press into his tailbone painfully. They were at their breaking points, farther than any previous match. And they loved every second of it. Draco smirked just as brightly as Moon, but they both turned to grimaces as their limbs cried for mercy. They could only push their bodies harder, hoping the other would finally surrender. Moon's vision was getting hazy, and Draco was grunting in pain as his arm felt as thought it would break with anymore pressure .

THUMP THUMP THUMP!

They shouted and let go, rolling beside each other and panting hoarsely, their bodies covered in a thick film of sweat. Draco rubbed his sore arm, while Moon gasped for breath frantically. After a few minutes of catching their breaths, they broke into small chuckles, then let loose boisterous laughs. Ember shook her head from the sidelines, chuckling to herself as she nodded to Spike. He sent a scroll to King Draco, who laughed softly and walked over to the farthest wall of the training mat area. He carved two more hash-marks into both sides.

"801-801. What's wrong with them?" King Draco laughed. 

Moon held up his paw, and Draco grabbed it firmly. They grinned at each other and nodded.

"Whatever happens… we'll always be brothers."

"Always."

They shook once more, then laid there for a while. 

"Do you think we were destined to do this?"

"To wrestle? I don't think so, Draco."

"But we've had 801 matches! It's a sign!"

"A sign you might be losing it."

Draco smirked and grabbed Moon, rustling his head fur before he pushed him away, laughing as well.

"I'm gonna see you guys soon. I promise."

"I'll hold you up to that."

They stood up, and Draco went over to Ember. He looked behind her and to his brothers. They nodded softly, going off to prepare their Nera'ak as Draco pulled on his shirt and went to Ember. She rested her head against his for a moment, then kissed him lovingly. Draco nuzzled her before going over to his mother. She wiped a tear from her eye and hugged him gently, kissing his cheek before he hugged his aunt goodbye. Twilight and Rainbow hugged him as well, the other Elements giving him warm smiles. He could sense Nyla waiting. They could feel each other's eagerness and excitement to train… 

…but Draco held a hint of sadness.

This was it.

The last time he would see any of them in two years. 

But it would be worth it in the end… it had to be.

He went back to Ember, still wishing to stay with her instead of leaving. She took his hand in her claw, the other caressing his cheek. Her soft, sad smile urged him to go, to go and carry out his promise so they could finally be happy together. Draco pressed his lips against hers one final time, then sighed as her touch left him. He turned around and followed the path his brothers had taken, straight to the courtyard. They waited on their Nera'ak, watching as he mounted Nyla's saddle. She flared her wings out, just as the others took flight. Draco took one last look to his friends and family, who smiled back at him as Nyla flapped her wings.

They believe in you, Reku'un. You'll see them again… I know it.

I… I hope so.

He nodded to Ember, and they were off. Ember watched as Draco became a black image in the sky. She felt a hoof touch her shoulder, then a paw on her side. 

"He'll come back, Ember," Celestia said soothingly. 

"You know what he says about his promises," Moon smiled, just as Ember stepped forward.

She placed a claw over her belly, smiling softly as she recalled the news. 

"He always keeps them."