Ember let out a content sigh as she let the sea breeze flow through her mane. She glanced down to herself and took note that the bandages on her arms were gone, just the chest remained and even that looked smaller in comparison. She gazed out over the sea and just grinned. Her home was now miles away, buried under rock and she was on her way to Manehattan.
She let out a soft sigh as she glanced over her shoulder, detecting faint anger from the stallion that walked up to her with heavy steps.
“I understand that your injured, ma’am. But the deck still requires cleaning.” He gestured to the deck behind him. “Your horn still works, correct?”
Ember shook her head slightly, “Yes sir, it does. I was just admiring the view. It's a first for me.” She grinned up to the stallion, and walked past him towards the mop and bucket. She grabbed the mop in her mouth and started to mop it. The stallion looked confused for a moment, then shrugged and returned to his post.
After a while, the stallion resumed watching Ember as she worked, she had made good progress and was nearly done, he did notice that she was wincing occasionally. He let out a soft sigh. “You can stop for now, Emerald Haze. Report to McCoy when you’re ready.”
Ember nodded and put the mop back in the bucket, wincing slightly. “I will, sir,” she walked towards the edge of the ship, “After I admire the view more. Don't know when I will get another chance, you know?”
The stallion nodded and resumed his duties. Ember kept watching the sea for a half hour more before finally heading inside and towards the med bay. After taking a few turns, she let out a sigh. How could she get lost in the ship again? The med bay was near the mess hall, right? No... towards the center of the hull, to protect its occupants.
She let out a groan and sat, wincing again and holding her side. “They need signs.” She grumbled to herself.
“Needing the medical bay?” The sudden calm voice made her yelp and glance over her shoulder where Clear Theorem stood calmly with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, and you need a bell.” She stood up with a soft groan.
“That would be illogical.” He calmly stated and started off down a hall. “This way, Miss Haze.”
Would be easier if you gave off an emotion of some kind, you stone wall. She thought to herself as she followed him. It didn't take long for her to get to the med bay, and for Dr. McCoy to berate her for mopping the floor without her magic.
Ember let out a soft groan as she rolled over on the medical bed that she has claimed for her journey to Equestria. McCoy glanced over at her and let out a sigh. This was the third night that it seemed she had nightmares and it didn't take long before she gasped and sat up. At least this time she didn't call out a name.
Ember sighed and looked at McCoy, and laid back with a groan. McCoy kept himself busy with paperwork for a more moments before he groaned and looked over at her.
“What's your story?” he asked, looking her up and down.
“Complicated,” Ember stared at the ceiling.
“I'm all ears, because that's the third night in a row you’ve tossed and turned and woke up gasping for breath. At least this time you didn't scream ‘Leviathan’ or ‘my Queen’.” He rested his head on his hooves and looked directly at her face. “And that sounds like changeling talk.”
“Guh… Am I that transparent?” Ember groaned.
“No, but that just gave you away. I had my suspicions about you from the start.” He leaned back in his chair. “But why are you trying to get to Equestria?”
“A new home, a new start away from the stupid drakes and griffins.”
“Why?” McCoy stood up and trotted over to the bed, grabbing a roll of bandages on the way.
“Because this war has taken everything from me. My friends, my family, my home.” She sighed and sat up slowly. “And I just want to get away from it.”
“And why Equestria?” He moved up and sat in front of her, gesturing to her bandages. Ember nodded faintly and started to unroll her own bandages with her magic.
“Just, something is drawing me there. I think an instinct or something, hard to pin down really.” She sighed, looking down. McCoy shook his head and rested a hoof on hers.
“I may be able to help you get started in Canterlot. The rest is up to you, but you have proven your medical expertise.” He grinned slightly. “Oh, and getting there is all you as well.”
Ember nodded slightly and rolled up the bandages. “I can find my way. If worse comes to worse, I can fly.”
“That's a long flight, I’d suggest train.” McCoy poked disinfectant at Embers chest wound. “And this is healing up nicely. It will leave a scar,” He paused, looking up for a moment. “Do changelings get scars?”
“On our natural form, yes. We can choose to carry it over to any form.” She looked down at her chest, “Which I may do so anyway. Be a reminder of who I protected.” She looked up to see McCoy looking at her confused and continued, “Only you and two griffins know what I am. And a part of me wonders if I’ll see those two again. One of them made that statue for me.” She pointed to her saddle bags.
“You may, the future is always uncertain,” McCoy said as he started to wrap the wound up.
“Oh, Dr. McCoy, can you keep what I am a secret?”
McCoy nodded. “Just a part of that patient confidentiality thing. My lips are sealed. Now, you get rest and stop worrying about stuff. Okay?” He gently poked at her barrel, earning a wince.
“You? Showing concern?” She leaned close to him, “Who are you?” She said with a smirk, McCoy just poked the wound a bit harder, “Ow.”
“Now you get rest before I tie you down. You’re taking tomorrow off to let that finally heal.” McCoy turned and went back to his desk.
Ember woke with a start seconds before she hit the floor. Something had knocked her out of the small bed and she could hear faint shouting. She groaned and slowly stood up, her eyes going wide as she suddenly detected a lot of panic in the air. She stood up and dashed towards the door of the med bay, seeing a few of the crew running too and fro along the corridor.
She watched them for a bit before sniffing the air. Her eyes widen as she detected brimstone, sulfur, and burnt wood. She then dashed out of the med bay and ran towards the deck. At least she didn't get lost this time in getting there. As she neared the stairs leading up, the shouting and smells increased. She climbed the stairs and stared in shock at the sight before.
A few drakes were making strafing runs on the ship, and parts of it were in flames. A few of the crew were fighting off the two that had landed, while one more was being attacked by pegasi. Gold Star was fighting with a drake with Clear Theorem at his side, and she spotted McCoy and another medic pony tending to the few wounded.
She let out a soft growl, charging her horn up and charging at the nearest drake...