“There are many questions that I need to ask you, Heihairn. First being if you are in need of any medical treatment?” Cobalt said as he knelt down and then sat in front of the large feral, the wonderbolt escort readying for any sort of aggression from the large feral. To their surprise it seemed to be calm, for now at least.
“Ie aika weirrn, Ieuoinje Airphai. I am fine, young Alpha. I am surprised you did not end my life in battle.” The large dragon replied, his english broken and somewhat accented. The dragon did not keep any eye contact to Cobalt as he spoke.
“Juuikh. I had no intent to kill you. I only wish to defend my territory.” Cobalt said firmly. “My name is ‘He who bears a Tunder-Tail, Thoinkehn-Taiern’, what is yours?”
“Thoinkehn-Taiern? There is a name I have not heard in many Amber moons. My name is ‘Eikbeiheikh-Heairtn’ or ‘He who is of Embered-Heart’ for your flat tongue… friends.” The dragon replied with a glare at the wonderbolts behind him.
“What does flat tongue mean?” Asked one of the wonderbolts to Cobalt, who turned his head to them.
“It means you don’t speak Dragon. Regardless, I want to know why you intruded and threatened my subjects, Eikbeiheik-Heairtn? May I refer to you as Ember?”
“Subjects? Who does this guy think he is?” Whispered one of the wonderbolts to another as the large dragon spoke once again.
“Yes, Airphai. I would like to ask you the same question.” Said the large dragon, finally seeming to muster up the courage to look Cobalt in the eye. “Your… subjects, stole my kin.” The dragon almost spat his words as he stared menacingly at the ponies behind him, who all backed up a little bit and got ready to defend themselves. Cobalt opened his mouth to rebuttal, but stopped himself and slowly grew curious.
“They did? Tell me more. Is there any evidence to what you have accused?”
“Yes, Airphai. The scent still remains in my Heikairei-sn Neisrn, in my Female’s nest. And there was a feather of Pegasus origin.” Said the large dragon almost threateningly. Cobalt’s suspicions were further enticed by the mention of the feather.
“Was it a blue feather, Ember?” Cobalt asked with a decisive tone. The Large dragon’s eyes widened and got down low on his forelegs, bearing teeth and grinding his claws into the ground.
“How do you know? Did you take my kin!? Answer me now!” The dragon snarled through his clamped teeth.
“Do not speak to me in that tone, you are still on my territory. And no, I have not taken your kin. I have an idea on who has, however. I do require your assistance to help me. In return, I will attempt to locate your kin and return them to you.” Proposed the young dragon as he pointed to the electric restraint on the dragon’s ankle. The dragon stared at him sternly, his anger seeming to dissipate slowly.
“And if I refuse?” The dragon uttered almost under his breath, the deepness of it, however, shaking the earth.
“You will lose your kin for good. You know my senses surpass yours, Heihairn. And if you return to my land once again, your female will lose another. I am offering my hand and my time to you in good faith. Do not try my patience, or my word.” Cobalt stated firmly, showing he wasn’t going to back down. The dragon seemed to retract slightly before looking away in thought. After a moment of thinking, the dragon once again turned his attention back to Cobalt.
“Very well, Airphai. If you release me, I will take you to my nest. But you must come alone. I do not want any of these Poithiekh Vienjeikh Hierthf in my den.” Cobalt suddenly smiled and nodded, putting his hand over his face to hold in laughter before gliding quickly to the shackled foot of the large feral.
“Uhh, Cobalt, is this really a good idea?” Said one of the wonderbolts as he and the others backed up slowly. Cobalt looked back at him and raised an eyebrow.
“You question a dragon’s word?” Cobalt said in a deep, authoritative tone. The wonderbolt, who looked to be rather young, shook his head quickly in apprehension from Cobalt’s sudden attention. With a roll of his eyes and a shake of his head, Cobalt flicked the electricity shackle around Ember’s ankle with his tail, absorbing the energy and freeing the large dragon from his entrapment. Ember rolled his heel and stretched his back to open up his large wings. “Go and ready yourself for flight, I must speak to my subjects before we part.”
“Very well, please make haste, young Airphai.” said Ember with a quick nod before walking off to the edge of the field. Cobalt nearly collapsed as he exhaled shakily, giving up his ruse behind Ember’s back. He quickly met up with the wonderbolts, who all seemed to be taking in what happened completely differently from one another.
“Subjects? Who in the hay do you think you are, Cobalt?” Said one of the older wonderbolts. Cobalt shook his head and twiddled his thumbs, reverting back to his shy personality.
“Ahh- sorry guys, I had to. If I didn’t he wouldn’t have cooperated with us. He likely knows you’re not anyway just by the way you act, but it was still necessary. And by the way, I think I’m the guy who saved your life. You’re lucky Ember didn’t have my hearing or you would have been a charred mess. You NEVER speak while an elder is speaking, even if you’re an ‘Alpha male’s subject’.” Cobalt said with his usual shyness showing through despite his best efforts. The wonderbolt who uttered the question under his breath suddenly tensed up and shivvered.
“Still, you don’t think you were a little harsh on the guy? I mean, you offer to help him and say you’ll kill him if he says no.” Said another wonderbolt as she took off her goggles and set them on her head.
“‘Harsh’ as you call it, would have been killing him on the spot. Talk like that is normal for dragons. It’s very stern, but there’s a reason to it. Showing that I want to use my time to help him even if he’s on my territory is a huge sign of respect.”
“And what about him? Will he actually help you or is this a trap?”
“If there’s one thing that a dragon will never do, is go against his word. ESPECIALLY on another dragon’s turf. As far as he’s concerned, his life is on the line as long as he’s around here.” Cobalt explained as he cracked his back and spread his wings. “Now, he wants to go with me alone, there’s a good reason to that. I’m the Alpha male, you are not even dragons. Do not follow me, do not ask me where I’m going, this never happened. Call it a covert op if you want.”
“I can’t let you do that, Cobalt.” Said the senior Bolt firmly as he stepped in. “This is a pony and dragon-related matter, you can’t just simply butt us out of it on some sacred grounds, it doesn’t work like that.”
“Oh yes it does. As soon as you step into that forest, you are no longer in pony territory. It’s his territory and he can choose what he wants in it. You can try to follow if you desire, but I can’t protect you from the consequences. I am bound by my word to not bring you.” Cobalt stated factually, his shyness being replaced by urgency.
“Why did you agree to that then!? You knew that Command would be interested in this.” Retorted the senior officer as he stomped his hoof.
“Look, it was either that or another damn battle and I think you guys are in no condition to do anything right now-”
“Are you coming, Airphai?” Shouted Ember from across the field, stopping Cobalt mid-sentence.
“Yes, I am coming!” Cobalt replied quickly before turning back to the Wonderbolts in front of him. “Look, I cannot protect you the moment I cross into the forest. I am bound by dragon code, and I will take you down if he desires. You may not work in the same ways that dragons do, but I obviously do. I’m trying to save unnecessary bloodshed, please do not follow.” Begged Cobalt as he started to walk backwards towards an increasingly impatient Ember. The senior bolt looked at Cobalt in anger, but sighed and gave in, nodding begrudgingly.
“Very well, you can go alone. However, DO NOT expect hospitality upon your return. You’re going to be in violation of many regulations when you do. One more thing, what did he call us?” Asked the senior officer to when Ember had called them some sort of name. Cobalt couldn’t help but snort and cover his mouth.
“Ehhh… it doesn’t really translate. As for the violations, I’ll deal with those when they come up. If it’s any consolation, I will tell you everything that happened when I return!” Cobalt said before taking off and flying to Ember’s side. The two dragons took off to the south and entered the Everfree forest territory. The senior bolt looked on and sighed heavily.
“If you return.”
~~
The first little bit of the travel between Ponyville and Ember’s nest was awkwardly quiet. Cobalt had a plethora of questions to ask, but didn’t know how to even approach them. He looked at Ember, who showed a little strain as he flew.
“You’re hurt.” Cobalt said as he watched ember lean slightly towards him in an effort to stay up, long gashes on his back.
“It is a scar that I choose to bear. We Heihairn let our wounds heal naturally to remind us of our failure. Do not fear for me, I have been through worse.” Replied the dragon, shaking his head to try and weather the pain. Cobalt felt guilty just letting him stay as he was, it was his fault that he was hurt in the first place. Despite what Ember said, Cobalt yawed overtop of Ember and sparked his claws. Ember looked overtop of him to see what the young dragon was doing, but was too weak at that point to protest. Cobalt’s claws started sparking continuously, and he ran them alongside Ember’s wounds, causing them to clot and then seal up almost instantly. Ember felt the immediate relief and was soon flying normally.
“I need you to make it to your nest if I want to help you.” Cobalt said as a guise of the fact it was because he couldn’t stand to see the dragon injured by his own hand. Ember simply grunted, not wanting to show that he was, in fact, grateful that Cobalt sealed him up. They both flew for a little while longer, neither of them speaking to the other as they were lost in their own thoughts.
“So you said you knew my name, Ember?” Cobalt asked to break the silence as the two dragons kept flying southward. The large dragon turned to him momentarily and smiled.
“Your name, it is the name of one of the lost sons bearing the Emperor's surname. Many Reije Vairkeihsh, leg walkers, have forgotten the story. The Heihairn, the feral, have not forgotten your name and its legacy. If what you speak is true, you are one of two heirs to our fallen Empire. And as much as it would go against my pride to say, it is a true honour to have fought with you.”
“Is that it? Would you just believe me off of my word.” Cobalt asked with a touch of dryness as he scanned the horizon.
“I just had a Hatchling the size of my forearm flip me onto my belly and knock me out for hours. At this point, I would believe you if you said you were Haos himself.” Cobalt giggled and smiled wide at Ember’s remark. Ember himself even chuckled under his breath. “You are incredibly young. Most alpha males don’t have your power until they are at least in their late decades.”
“I had a lot of help. My teacher, Daxholium-”
“Daxholium…” Interrupted Ember. “I see. That explains quite a bit.”
“You know him?”
“Of course. There are many things we know. both of our kind used to live together, long ago. Daxholium used to be the speaker to the rest of the great city. He was the only dragon that was equal in being as feared and awed as your father. I remember when I first saw him come down from the Great ascension temple to give me my first blessing from Haos to gift my element. I had been only 10 years of age when the war started. My parents decided it would be safer to be outside of the city. Then, your mother… well, It’s been a very long time since a name from the old empire crossed my tongue. Good to see the golden line still lives after so many years.” Cobalt could only imagine what it would have been like to be born when he was supposed to. The way Ember’s eyes seemed to sparkle when he talked about the Big dragon city. Dax had told stories to Cobalt when he was younger, explaining that the city was twice the size of Dragonto and had the biggest Spirit temple ever built. But even he said that his stories could never live up to the beauty that was the ‘Golden City’
“What was he like? My father, I mean.” Asked Cobalt hesitantly, almost unsure if he wanted to know the answer.
“Vexus? He was a strange dragon. What many didn’t know is that he had a hybrid element. He was born a Chimera, absorbing his brother long before their eggs had formed. As such, he had two elements instead of one; the strength of an earth dragon, and the rage of a fire dragon. At one end, he was a brilliant mind. His father had taught him well on how to run an empire. At the other, legendary rage.” Cobalt could hear the underlying fear in Ember’s voice as he spoke of his father. Cobalt could almost picture the differing scenarios given to him by the large feral, making his stomach flutter in a weird mix of curiosity and nervousness.
“What about my mother? What was she like?” Cobalt asked, his curiosity growing exponentially. Ember slowly drew a soft grin and sighed in contempt as Cobalt asked of her.
“Your mother, Coltor… she was the sole reason so many came to the city during the various Equinoxes and eclipses throughout the year. Even Celestia, herself, came with thousands upon thousands of ponies to listen to your mother sing to raise the Amber and Blood moon. Her voice never needed amplification, never went off pitch… for as long as I draw breath, I will never forget it. She was the only one who could calm your father in anger. He loved her more than a feral loves their horde, and you and your brother were his true testament of love to her.” Ember’s expression slowly changed from content, to sadness as he continued on.
“When you and your nesting sibling were stolen, it was like every bit of love and compassion your mother was known for, was drained to an empty sadness. No one came for the equinox that year as per her request. And when she sang, it was as if the whole city stopped and wept with her. And her sorrow didn’t end there. Your father grew extremely ill and passed away in the late stages of the war. Your mother, already stricken by grief and cornered by the pony army who were attacking, froze the whole city in infinite ice. Some say she died from the outburst of energy, others say she fled and still lives in the ice caverns in the most northern parts of the world.”
Cobalt felt numb. He didn’t know how to process all of this. If his mother was still alive… he needed to find out. But for now, there was a more pressing issue at hand.
“Is that your cave” Cobalt asked as he pointed to a large opening in the side of a smaller mountain down the range.
“Yes, follow me in.” Exclaimed Ember as he banked off to the right and headed in, closely followed by Cobalt. As they landed upon the mouth of the cave entrance, Cobalt could hear the quiet whimpers of what he could only guess was Ember’s mate. Sure enough, as they entered the main chamber, Cobalt could see his mate, a smaller, cream white female dragon coiled around an empty nest.
“How long have the eggs been missing?” Cobalt asked as he stood a little ways away from the nest.
“Two days.” Responded Ember as he slowly wrapped around his mate and attempted to comfort her. “Love, this is Cobalt. He is here to help us find our eggs.” Ember said softly as he pressed his muzzle to her cheek. She looked up slowly to the small dragon and sniffled quietly.
“Please, young one… help us.” She spoke almost with a whisper, her voice fragile and broken. Cobalt simply nodded before slowly walking up and kneeling down at the nest. He looked it over closely, all the while sniffing the air for any trace of a foreign scent.
“Do you still have the feather?” Asked Cobalt as he turned to look up at the two dragons. Ember’s tail slowly moved behind the nest in response, taking the feather softly in his tail tip and presenting it to Cobalt. He sniffed it over before turning and sniffing the air. “I got the scent. Follow me.”
Ember nodded and quickly got up, nuzzing his mate tenderly before following behind the young dragon, who had already spread his wings and took off. Cobalt, concentrated on following the scent, didn’t notice Rainbow dash flying towards him, who also not paying attention. Cobalt’s ears perked at the sound of another pair of wings, turned to the sound source and had to suddenly dodge out of the way as Dash just narrowly avoided smacking right into his side.
“Whoa! Dash? What are you doing here?”
“I’d like to ask you the same question. We found someone sneaking around the base, and I’ve been following them here. I just lost the trail about a minute ago. Hey, you okay? You look a little nervous.”
“Dash you need to get out of here, now!” Cobalt said as he put his body between her and Ember. “The dragon behind me is the one that attacked the city. Somepony got into his nest and whoever stole the eggs left this.” Cobalt put the feather in front of Dash, whose eyes widened.
“But that… that’s not even my colour.”
“It doesn’t matter, he’s already upset. If he sees you, he’s gonna-”
“Airphai, what’s goin- You…” Ember stopped in midair and glared in disbelief at Dash and Cobalt. “What is the meaning of this? Did I not tell you to come alone!?” Cobalt and Dash could see the flame brewing and flickering at the corners of Ember’s mouth as his breathing increased. “And she’s the same colour- You… you LIAR.”
“Ember, Wait!” Cobalt said as he placed himself in front of dash. “She wasn’t following us, she was following something else!”
“Why should I believe you!?” Ember snarled out as smoke started to plume out from his nostrils. Just as things started heating up, Cobalt heard a faint crackle off in the distance. He turned his attention to the sound and started to faintly sniff the air.
“Because the person she was following might be the same one that has your eggs. Follow me.” Cobalt muttered before darting towards the sound source and leaving Ember and Dash hanging.
“H-hey! Cobalt, wait up!” Exclaimed dash as she darted after him. Ember looked on towards the two, then back to his nest and sighed.
“By Haos’ light, this better not be a trap.”
Cobalt flew briskly just above the tree line, following the scent and sound of whatever was moving below the trees.
“Gosh, for something with such big wings, you sure are nimble.” Exclaimed dash as she finally caught up with Cobalt.
“Bigger wings means more control surface.”
“What are you following?”
“I have no idea. All I know is that it has the same scent as the feather, and the eggs.” Cobalt said quickly, brushing off the questions to focus on his flying as he made a sharp left turn.
“H-Hey, whoa!” Said dash as she had just seconds to dodge Cobalt as he corrected his course. “Watch it!”
“Stay out of my way. This could be my- our, only chance.” Dash raised a brow at Cobalt’s remark and spread out a bit from him to avoid any collisions.
“Why do I have a feeling there’s more to this than just finding those eggs?” Asked Dash as she tried to find what Cobalt was following. Cobalt stayed silent for a moment, and Dash thought that she wasn’t going to get an answer.
“This could be the same pony that stole Spike and I. I have questions that need answering.” Dash looked at Cobalt with concern, but nodded in understanding.
“Alright, let’s find this guy… or gal, whatever it is. What about...”
“His name’s Ember. He’ll be fine, he’s just a fire dragon. Follow me in.” Cobalt dipped below the treeline and into the forest as a small clearing emerged. Dash quickly followed him in and they were both joined by Ember, who was not too far behind.
Cobalt’s ears wiggled to catch the sound of faint rustling. The sound was suddenly drowned out by growling, and it forced him to lose concentration. He looked back to see Dash and Ember glaring at each other in distrust and anger, and sighed deeply in frustration.
“Okay, look. If you two are going to be like this, leave. I don’t have to drag you both along with me, and quite frankly, I don’t have time to deal with two Haivh Srietteikh bhiettrei Sheirrsh. Now, Keiiph ieuoihn suihtn skaireish uina and grow up or you can find your own dammed eggs, understood?” Said Cobalt with painful seriousness. Ember’s jaw dropped to the ground in shock. Dash took quick double takes between the two Dragons, trying to figure out what was going on. Cobalt snorted in frustration and quickly turned his attention back to following the scent; following the trails through the forest. He found some tracks and started to follow them deeper into the brush.
“What… do I want to know what he said?” Dash asked hesitantly to Ember, who still had his maw fully agape.
“If I were to repeat it, I would shame my ancestors and heirs for generations. I did not know the young one carried such a… strong vocabulary.” Ember said as he pulled himself together and slowly started to follow behind Cobalt, Dash closely following suite. “Regardless, he speaks truth, we have much more important matters than bickering like children. He says you are not responsible, I have no evidence to oppose, so I must trust his judgement.”
“I didn’t even know that you existed prior to yesterday.” Responded Dash as she looked ahead to Cobalt, who was cautiously moving through the brush. They all soon came to a small clearing, the trees hiding most of the sunlight and a dirt patch grassy floor revealing faint footprints that lead to an opening in the trees, where 3 large eggs sat in a depression of dirt. Ember’s ears perked at the sight of the eggs and his heart started to race.
“My kin… I must get to them!” Ember pushed the other two aside as he made a beeline for his eggs.
“Ember, Wait!” Cobalt said as he sprung to his feet. Just as he was about to run after him, there was a large thump, followed by ember falling onto his back dazed and confused.
“Atkias’ spirit! Wh-What sorcery is this!?” Said the dazed feral as he tried to get his bearings. Cobalt slowly walked up to the rubbery membrane that had stopped Ember in his tracks and pressed against it, recoiling his hand in pain immediately after.
“Ah! Hoikkn! It’s a magic barrier!” Cobalt examined his claw for any injury and then shook it as it returned to his side. He studied the barrier closely, trying to find any weakness. Dash slowly came up to his side and examined the membrane that was as far as she could see.
“S-so what do we do?” She asked with a puzzled expression. Cobalt huffed in frustration.
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen a barrier of this strength. This is way above my level…” Cobalt slowly walked the perimeter, before flying up to try to see if he could find a way around, but was disappointed to find that the barrier followed him. Ember, finally gaining his bearing, stood back up on all fours and studied it closely.
“I may have a solution, young leg walker.” Ember called out as he backed up from the barrier. Cobalt heard him and quickly made his way back.
“You know a way around?” Asked Cobalt as he watched Ember get into a strange position. The older male simply shook his head.
“Not around, through.” Exclaimed Ember as he got down low on his claws and started to whisper an incoherent enchantment. As he did, Cobalt and Dash could feel the air around them heat up, and could visually see little wisps of flame dance through the air. Cobalt turned at a sudden simmering sound and could see the barrier starting to burn and singe, holes forming as the burnt parts got large enough. Cobalt stared on in wonder as the Dragon behind him continued to chant quietly to himself, ripping a hole big enough to fit Cobalt.
“Ember… you’re-” Started Cobalt, but he was interrupted by Ember who grunted loudly as he repositioned his stance, the hole in the barrier getting temporarily smaller before opening back up.
“Hurry, young one, I cannot hold this for long!” Ember called out as he adjusted again. Cobalt quickly shot his glance to Dash and ran over to her.
“Dash! I need you to go get the eggs, The brush is too thick here and I’m too big.” Exclaimed Cobalt as he started to run back to the hole. Dash was taken aback and hesitated.
“C-Cobalt, I dunno about this…” Dash said as she held back in reluctance. Cobalt stopped dead in his tracks and turned back to Dash.
“Look, I really need you to help us here, you’re the only one who can do this! Just nab the eggs one at a time and then throw them to me through the hole, they can take it. Please, Dash.” Pleaded Cobalt. Dash, shook her head as if to ask herself what she was thinking, and started to run with Cobalt to the hole Ember was desperately trying to keep open. “Ember, how much longer can you keep that open?” Asked Cobalt as he pointed at the hole to tell Dash where to go. Ember opened one of his eyes, visibly in strain as he tried to answer.
“Agh! Not long, young one. You must hurry, I am not what I used to be!” Begged the dragon in desperation as he snarled loudly and forced the hole open a little more.
“Dash, Go!” Shouted Cobalt. Dash Nodded and Gulped, focusing on the 3 eggs a little ways down. She inhaled deeply and then exhaled to slow her heartbeat, her wings slowly opening up.
“I can do this… I can do this!” She exclaimed to herself as her wings started to flap quickly. With a fast breath, she took off like a bullet. Flying very low to the ground, she darted after the eggs. Within seconds she was at the clutch. She took one of the large eggs, almost as big as her, and powered through back to the opening; it was surprisingly light. “That’s one down,” Dash exclaimed as she handed the egg off to Cobalt. As she did, the barrier started to slowly shrink, followed by Ember grunting and starting to stumble a little bit. Dash quickly looked back at the eggs and then back to Cobalt. “I’ll get on it!”
“Hurry!” Called out Cobalt as Dash flew her way as quickly as she could to grab the second egg. As quick as she grabbed it, she had it back at the opening of the forcefield and rolled the second egg through it into Cobalt’s hands. By now the Barrier was just big enough to fit her, and there was no telling how long Ember would last. Without hesitation, she bolted back to the final egg, snatching it in her hooves before making an impressive beeline to the now barely opened hole. She squeezed the egg through first and then attempted to push through, herself. The barrier had all but closed up again and she knew that she wouldn’t be able to get through.
“Go! Get the eggs out of here!” She demanded as the barrier started to close around her, searing marks starting to burn her hair as it kept closing.
“Like hell! Shield your eyes!” Cobalt called out as he ran over towards Ember. Dash looked on in fear as Cobalt headed away, but did as he asked and closed her eyes, covering them with her hooves. Cobalt turned quickly about midway from both of his friends and dug into the dirt with his foot claws. With a deep exhale and a flick of his wrist, the ground started to hum with electric energy. The energy pulled up onto his body more and more until it started to collapse. cobalt held onto it for as long as he could before finally letting go, the energy dissipating and everything slowing down to the point where the leaves blowing in the wind of the shockwave he created looked like they were fake. The surge also beveled the force field, opening up the hole just enough for dash to fit through, but not for very long. Cobalt quickly made his way over to Dash, who at that point didn’t even realize what was happening because it was so quick. He slowly grabbed a hold of her hoof and very carefully pulled her back. He could have easily torn her arm clean off with how fast he was travelling, so he had to move at a ridiculously slow pace and make sure that nothing came in contact with dash other than his hands. The shockwave had already dissipated and the forcefield started to revert back to its original form before Cobalt could even move her a few centimeters. Slowly creeping up on them. Cobalt looked up in concern as he saw it start to pull back and decided Dash would survive a little strain on the forearm, and moved a little quicker, allowing him to pull her free just in the knick of time.
The forcefield blew out in elasticity and then slowly reverted back, the hole completely sealing up, and Ember falling to the ground in exhaustion. Cobalt blinked and breathed sharply, time around him catching up to him as things slowly sped up. All three of them kind of sat there doing their own thing; Ember trying to stand up, Dash trying to process what just happened, and Cobalt trying not to trip out like he was on acid. The three of them eventually collected themselves and managed to stand up.
“What… was that?” Asked Dash as Cobalt slowly stumbled to his feet. Cobalt looked at her, still slightly in limbo.
“It... well, it’s a thing my teacher taught me. I-I think he called it ‘Time Warp’. It lets me move at very quick speeds, but I have to be careful, I could end up really hurting someone, or worse.” Cobalt stumbled as he tried to walk, leaning against a tree for temporary support as he struggled to stay on his feet. “Gods, it drains you, though. I have no energy right now. Gimme a breather and I should be okay. Ember, are you alright? Ember?” Cobalt looked up to find that the Feral Dragon had made his way over to his eggs and sat there in a plethora of emotions. Dash slowly made her way to him, limping slightly from the sharp pain in her shoulder. Cobalt slowly followed behind her, stumbling every so often.
“You’ve… You’ve done it. They’re all here; my kin.” Ember spoke softly, slowly becoming overwhelmed with joy. Cobalt and Dash couldn’t help but smile as Ember brought his large head down and rubbed his cheek against his eggs. Cobalt sighed in relief as he regained his full composure. He looked over and noticed that Dash wasn’t putting as much weight on the arm that he pulled.
“Dash, you okay?” He asked as he gently put his claw on her shoulder. She reacted quickly and gritted her teeth.
“I think so. It’s just a little strained right now.” She said as she rolled her shoulder, a little pop escaping as it seem to set back into place.
“Okay, good.” Cobalt’s ears perked up as he still heard the sound of rustling, and it was very close by. He looked back at Ember, who was practically glued to his eggs and made his way over to him. “Ember, we’re not out of the woods yet. We must get your eggs back to your nest.” Ember looked up at him and nodded. “Take the eggs back, I will follow soon. There is something I must do first. Dash, go with him.”
“Do not stay here long, young Dragon. This place does not feel right. Please return to my nest once you are finished here.” Exclaimed ember as he quickly scooped up all three eggs and took off. Dash, on the other hand, stayed behind for a moment.
“You okay?”
“Yeah,” Responded Cobalt as he searched for the source of the rustling. “Just wanna make sure nobody is following us. Go with Ember, you’re in no condition to stick around should things get hairy. I’ll meet you back at his nest.” Dash wanted to protest, but the sharp pain in her shoulder reminded her that he had a point.
“Don’t do anything stupid. We’ve already pushed our luck here.” She said as she started towards the opening in the sky and flying off to catch up with Ember. Cobalt watched her fly off before turning back and sniffing the air.
“I know you’re here. Was it you that made this barrier?” Cobalt stated as he looked at the barrier from a distance. To his surprise, the barrier suddenly began fizzling and dissipating right before him, disappearing without a trace. The deconstruction of the barrier was followed by a voice seeming to come from all around him.
“You still live. I have waited a long time to see your return.” Called out a distinctively female voice. Cobalt’s head went on a swivel as the voice seemed to be moving from one point to another.
“A-are you the one who took my brother and I from our nest all those years ago? Where are you?” Asked Cobalt as the trees and bushes started to shuffle and rustle as if they were blowing in the wind.
“This is an Unfortunate truth. My time here is very limited, we are both being watched. Only you can hear me.” Called out the voice as it started to get distant.
“W-Wait! I have so many questions! Please don’t go.” Cobalt said as he began to run after the voice.
“Do not worry, our paths will cross again, young dragon. For now, find peace that I am pleased to see you have lived. “ Said the voice as it completely disappeared. Cobalt stopped in his tracks, completely dumbfounded at what just happened. He still had so many questions to ask, and he kicked the dirt in response to his frustration. He sat on the ground and laid up against a tree, momentarily forgetting what the voice told him about being watched. He sat up and thought idly about what just happened; was it her that put up the barrier? Why didn’t she show herself, what did she mean about being watched-SHIT. Cobalt’s eyes quickly shot up to a bunch of red eyes staring right back at him. Before he could process it, he was up and taking off into the air, looking back quickly to see if he was being followed, he breathed a sigh of relief when he found that whatever was watching him either couldn’t fly or didn’t want to follow. He headed up to a very high altitude and took a much longer, more convoluted way back to Ember’s Cave, however, just to be safe.
The sun was just about to disappear over the horizon by the time he got back to Ember’s cave. Dash had already left to go back to Cloudsdale for the night, and Ember and his mate we’re settled in for the day, both of them happy to have their eggs back. Cobalt walked into the main chamber and smiled warmly to the sight of both of them idly caring to their eggs. Ember noticed his presence and looked over to him as his ears perked.
“Young Airphai, you return, Good. I wanted to thank you in person for what you’ve done. I have already thanked Rainbow Dash for her work as well. I also want to give my deepest apology, I had acted so rash as my element often does. I should have inquired before I had acted upon my emotions and suspicions, the outcome could have been much much worse had you not been there.” Ember lowered his head in embarrassment, the words he spoke seeming to hit him harder than he had anticipated. Cobalt simply chuckled and shook his head.
“I have never been one to hold a grudge, Ember-”
“Tavek, young one. My actual name is Tavek. You have proved beyond a doubt that you are deserving of my name.” Interrupted Ember as he spoke. “Though, if you wish to still refer to me as Ember, I am quite fine with that too.
“Tavek, that’s a beautiful name.” Cobalt remarked. “Though I have grown fond of the name Ember, so if you don’t mind I will still call you that.” Ember smiled and chuckled.
“Very well, young one. Still, my mate and I are forever thankful for what you’ve done. You have a home here should your strength fail you or your home abandon you. We will welcome you with open arms.” Exclaimed Ember as he pressed his head against his mate’s. She reciprocated before speaking herself.
“I remember your face very well, young Alpha. It’s very similar to your mother’s. I used to be one of her closest friends in school and in life. It seems fate has brought her legacy to me once more.” Exclaimed the older Dragoness as she reminisced of her younger life. Cobalt’s eyes dilated and his heart began to race.
“Y-you did? That’s amazing! I… I can’t really ask many questions right now, I have to get back to my brother in the hospital. But I would love to ask about my mother if I can?” Asked Cobalt enthusiastically. The dragoness nodded her head.
“Of course young one. You have saved my hatchlings, you may ask anything you want to know about your mother whenever you like.” Cobalt smiled from ear to ear as she said that, the excitement causing butterflies to erupt in his stomach.
“Thank you, thank you so much. I promise I will come visit when I can, it is an honour to have been accepted in your home.”
“The honour is our, Airphai.” Exclaimed Ember as Cobalt slowly walked back towards the mouth of the cave. “Please do return when you can.”
Cobalt nodded and turned, opening his large wings once more and causing turbulence that kicked up large amounts of dust at the opening as he took off into the late evening sky.