//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 
// Story: Black Winter 
// by EMBER SPIRIT SHIELD 
//------------------------------//


Black Winter Chapter 4

Brass Shield rushed forward to stop the stallion from hurting his friend but stopped when he collapsed and, Skywishes caught him?!? he reached her just as she fell to the ground as well. 
“HELP! They need Help!!” He shouted frantically, as he collapsed and tried to help Skywishes wake up. “Come on Sky please wake up...” Brass Shield pleaded with the unconscious Pegasus. Dozens of medics were by him in an instant and he was being pulled away from his friend he fought the force that was pulling him and more auras were added to his body The princesses and the captains  He was still fighting.
“Stand down Lieutenant, you will only get in the way.” Captain Steel Cross shield demanded.
“No! She’s hurt I need to help her!” Brass Shield screamed
“Brass please listen to me, if you interrupt them now they may die, let them do their job.”  Celestia's Motherly voice filtered into his head and  he stopped fighting. He dropped to his knees and started to cry. 
“Princess we need to get them to Canterlot immediately if we want  any chance for them to survive” a medic called  Brass looked at his knees and saw a sword, the sword that Skywishes had been using. He picked it up in his hooves and wrapped it in cloth and put it in his saddle bag  on his side.
“ALRIGHT, EVERYPONY WE WILL BE TELEPORTING TO CANTERLOT IN TEN SECONDS” Princess Luna yelled in the Royal Canterlot voice. Bass could felt the air become magically charged and then  a white flash engulfed them all.

When Ember came to, he wished he was unconscious again, every bit of him hurt. He tried opening his eyes, but the light made the pain worse. So he left them closed. He was so tired he just wanted to sleep. So he did.

[Ember’s POV]

I was floating in space, out among the stars. I could remember the last time that I had this dream, it was just… just after losing them. My mom and dad, Rose Wood and Charcoal Star. My wife and daughter, Lilla Rose and Lila Licht. They were all murdered by that demon Zerdach. Zerdach was the leader of a Demon army that had escaped Tartarus before the return of Princess Luna. They liked to call themselves ‘Aves Umbra’ or Shadow birds. Most of them were not birds, some were mutations of other monster on Equis. Most were not intelligent enough to form their own thoughts and filled most of the army’s ranks.  Others were known as Shadow Demons. These few were smart as any other sentient creature. some brilliant, while others… not so much. Zerdach  was known as the Shadow thell or smartest shadow. I didn’t think he was smart. In my books he was stupid, with a bullet. He had crossed me and killed my family. When I get to him he will wish he was never born… or however demon things were created. 
I felt my sadness start to engulf the dream which would lead to the memory of that day. But it stopped as I remembered the pegasus that had tried to save my life. “ I wonder why is she so special from the other mares I have met on my travels? Mayde it’s her eyes and her wings that she has. I have never seen them before. Could she be a spy for Zerdach, maybe he is  trying to stop my hunt for him? Or maybe She is just a tortured soul like myself… If  I can find her I’ll ask her… maybe.” I said out loud “I mean I don’t even know her name…” I berated by self for trying to make friends. “Don’t start that again last time You made friends they were injured You know that you fool.” I told myself. I could never make friends again. Not while the Shadow birds still roamed free.
I felt a disturbance in the dream and felt myself start to wake up. 

[ End of POV]

When the group had arrived in Canterlot, the medics including Steel Cross had rushed the two patients to the infirmary. They medical staff had to put the stallion into surgery. Now Steel Cross was sitting in a chair in hall just outside the surgery room doors. The surgery had only just been finished. The stallion, that happened to be a alicorn, was now in stable condition. 
“Faust, I am getting too old for this, maybe it’s time I retire,” Steel Pondered “ No If I did the recruits would probably cut off their own hooves, they don't know how to do anything at all.” Steel sighed irritation. He got up and started down the hall to find the other patent that was brought in earlier, and to see how she was doing. After walking the halls for a little while Steel Cross heard a commotion, Clearly Skywishes wasn’t happy.
“YOU PRICK!! If you try to restrain me to the bed, I am going to take your balls and slowly crush them in a vice, while you're being effected by a paralysis spell! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?” Skywishes screamed. Steel Cross quickened his pace, if not to make sure that the pony in trouble was alright, then to see their punishment happen. Steel Cross let out a chuckle.
“He He...She’ll be fine. Maybe a little Blood thirsty, but fine.” Steel Cross said with a hint of admiration and restrained laughter.  When he reached the room that was where Skywishes was He noticed that the two sentries were quietly giggling outside the door, but when they noticed the captain they quickly snapped to attention.
“ It’s Okay boys just make sure that you are still doing your job.” Steel cross said as he entered the room. When he entered the room, he found the room a mess. The beds had been flipped and scattered around the room, papers were flying around the room and Skywishes was chasing a medical pony, who was running for dear life. Apparently he hadn't taken her seriously.
“I am gonna kill you!” Skywishes screamed as the pair flew past Steel Cross
“Help!” Screamed the medical pony, who happened to be Scalpel Blade, as he dodged Skywishes again.
‘Enough of this humor’ “ATTENTION!” Steel Cross yelled in his voice that was perfect for commanding troops, yelling over battles, or in this case stopping a patient from murdering her doctor. The effect was immediate. Years of training kicked in and both pegasus and unicorn halted, or tried to. Scalpel Blade stepped on a piece of paper and slid across the floor and into a upturned bed, flipping over it and landing with a CRASH. Skywishes flew into a wall with a SPLAT, then slowly slid down it.
“Now what is going on here?” Steel Cross demanded as both pony’s got to their hooves. They both started talking at the same time, creating a cacophony of noise.
“Adghk was tgherf trying asdfe kept sdbhri pushing me thkflo couldn’t gffrded got out hrbngi touched me hgfmg try hgtt kill me!” they both shouted Steel Cross couldn’t understand a thing they were saying. 
“QUIET!” Steel Cross shoute, almost rivaling the royal canterlot voice, and shut them both up.
“Now, Skywishes what happened?” Steel Cross asked in a quieter voice.
“Well, last thing that I remember was the strange stallion saving me. Then I past out and while I was out I had a nightmare of what that creature had said to me. Then I woke up with this prick over me , and I freaked out because I had nightmare and thought it was real. Then he said “ ‘You're bloody lucky to be alive’, ” She said in a deep gruff voice, then continued “And then He touched my Tail with his Tail!” She finished angrily.  
Steel Cross looked Sharply at Scalpel Blade at hearing this, and asked very slowly and sternly “Scalpel Blade Is this true?” 
“Yes it  is, But I didn’t mean to! It was an accident, My tail twitches when I see beautiful mares, I can’t always help it. Yes I also said that she was bloody lucky to be alive, she should have died. With the amount of adrenalin in her system she should have had a heart attack!” Scalpel Blade said “To be honest, I have no idea how she survived, So I wanted to get a blood sample and conduct a test-” Scalpel Blade started before he was interrupted by Skywishes.
“NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Skywishes screamed at him
“Alright, let’s just calm down, I’m sure that it was an accident and Scapple Blade here didn’t mean to and he’s really sorry,” Steel Cross said and looked at Scalpel Blade who nodded. “And I think that if a patient does not want her blood tested then we won't force her will we Scalpel?”Steel Cross said in a tone that indicated only one correct answer.
“Of course not sir.” Scalpel Blade said.
“Good, Now-” Steel Cross began , but he was interrupted by the doors opening and a century rushing in.
“Sir, The stallion that just got out of surgery is gone!” The Guard said slightly out of breath.
“What?! But he was in stable condition, how could he be dead?” Steel Cross exclaimed.
“No Sir, not dead. He’s gone as in he got up and walked away!”the Guard clarified 
“WHAT?!  But that’s impossible! He had to get 37 stitches in his chest, 37 stitches in his back, He had a broken leg which we had to reset so it would heal properly and put it in a cast, He had a broken wing where he struck Celestia and thankfully it was a clean break so it was easy to set and strap to his side dozens of cuts, claw marks, and bruises, he had internal bleeding in his intestines and left kidney, he lost 63 pints of blood, a hole in his lung where the sword wound was, which we patched up, and a concussion that would make a drum jealous. How Could He Have Just Gotten Up And Walked Away?!” Steel Cross Exploded in anger as he revealed the full extent of what the stallion had endured.
“I-I don't know Sir, But the stallion left a note. Here.” the Guard stuttered as he reached his armor to retrieve the note.
“What?! He left a note? Why?” Steel Cross said in puzzlement as he took the note in his magic. He quickly glanced through it then returned his attention to the guard.
“Please go and alert the rest of the guard of what has happened, I will go alert the princesses.  Skywishes, Come with me. The note mentions you.” Steel Cross Commanded as he left the room.
‘What, me?! why would it mention me?’Skywishes thought as she started after the captain. she looked back towards the creepy doctor and saw a grimace on his face along with disappointment in his eyes. But then it was gone as he set about restoring the room to it’s former state of cleanliness.
Sky wishes trotted up to Captain Steel Cross and started talking.
“Sir why does it mention me?” Skywishes asked in confusion.
“I don’t know lieutenant, but it does mention you. Also I need to apologize.” Steel Cross confessed
“What?” Skywishes said flabbergasted.
“ That was Blue blood’s personal doctor and he is known for getting dirt on other ponies that may cause blueblood any trouble. I should have been there when you woke up not elsewhere. I’m sorry.” Steel Cross apologise.
“But why would I cause trouble? I’m just a royal guard. What could I possibly do?”Skywishes asked.
“You are you. Yes I know your secret, I’m the one who approved you in the guard. But maybe that’s why.” Steel Cross confessed. Sky wishes stopped walking at hearing that someone knew that she was half-thestral.
“How- How did you find out? The blood tests came back pony only. How?” Skywishes asked just above a whisper in horror. 
“I noticed how you weren't afraid of the other thestrals all the recruits are. So I did some of the books digging. I’m sorry about Amber Night. She was a close friend of mine.”Steel Cross answered in a hushed tone, as he stopped with her.
“You won't tell will you?” Skywishes asked in fear.
“Not to a soul, as they like to say, Doctor Patient Privacy.” Steel Cross Replied with a smile. “Now come on we must get to the princesses and tell them the news.” Steel Cross said resuming his earlier pace down the hall.
“ Yes Sir” Skywishes said with a relieved tone, and continued down the hall without noticing  the two figures in the hall. one disappeared after they were gone, the other shrouded in a grey clock along the hall wall that breathed a sigh of relief for not being noticed.

When Ember had awoken in the Canterlot infirmary he awoke to pain. He had rolled on his left side and on to his injured wing as well. He cursed in pain and looked for his necklace which was not around his neck. ‘Oh No, Oh No, No, No, No! That’s the last thing I have of them. Please be here somewhere’ Ember panicked as we looked frantically around the room until he saw if resting wrapped around his sword sheath which rested on his saddlebags and cloak.
“Thank Faust. I don’t think I could live without that. It helps me remember them and why I fight.” Ember said aloud, relief clear in his voice. As he got to his hooves he noticed that he had bandages everywhere and a cast on his left leg.  ‘They helped me? don’t they know what I have done? Why would they help me all they ever do is try to lock me up and hurt me. why is this time different?’Ember thought in puzzlement as he used his magic to fasten his necklace, saddlebags, sword, and finally his cloak to himself with a pulse of pain that he ignored.
Ember noticed the bed note at the foot of the bed and brought it over to read it to see what it said.


Name:unknown
Age: unknown
Sex: M
Species: alicorn
Doctor's comments: Patient has suffered a sword wound through the chest that took 74 stitches to close along with the punctured lung that took 26 stitches to close. Patient also has broken left Hind-leg, has been put in cast and hopefully it heals soon. Patient has broken wing due to a collision with Celestia’s Horn. It was a clean break and has been put in a cast and properly secured to his body. Patient has internal bleeding in the intestines and the left kidney. I assume that his left side of his body took the impact of his crash in the Black Hair Forest. Patient lost 63 pints of blood. How he is still alive I don't know. Patient has multiple cuts, claw marks, and bruises. And finally Patient has a concussion. 
 
Doctor of Patient: Captain Steel Cross
X: _Steel_Cross_
Ember was shocked he knew that he had been through hell but to have it all laid out in front of. He was shocking to see the damage. ‘Gosh I didn’t know that I took that much damage.’  Ember thought as his jaw dropped. Ember the report and flipped it over and looked around for a quill and wrote,

Dear Doctor Steel Cross 
Thank you for saving my life. I hope that the pink Pegasus is still alive and well. Please make sure that she is healthy and give her a vacation, she need’s one after what she has seen. I am going to stay around but you won't see me no one ever does especially when one isn't focused. I will leave you a clue If you wish to find me. but I won’t just tell you. 
To find me, look for me in the sky where the sun and stars are always one.
Thank you again for saving my life,
~ESS
After his note was complete he put the report on top of the sheets of the bed at the end, with his note facing up. So the doctor would see it. Ember started towards the door and almost was to it when the handle started to turn. thinking quickly he jumped behind the door just as it opened and a earth pony guard walked in. Ember saw the guard noticed the empty bed and rushed over to it and saw the note. Ember took this chance to leave and slipped out the door and to the hall and waited against the wall and relaxed and focused on his breathing. He heard the guard grab the paper and run out of the room stuffing it’s folded contents into his armor, and run down the hall. ‘He, He...They are always too worried with their own duties to see what’s in front of their own mussels.’ Ember thought humorously as he started down the hall soon passing where Skywishes room and the commotion inside and down the hall. but then he heard voices and hooves coming behind him. He repeated the same process that he had when the other guard past him earlier. 
“You are you. Yes I know your secret, I’m the one who approved you in the guard. But maybe that’s why.” One pony said, a stallion. 
“How- How did you find out? The blood tests came back pony only. How?” the other one whispered back, a mare. He could hear their quiet conversation due to being right next to the pair.
‘This better not become blackmail or there is gonna be blood on the stones.’ Ember thought darkly. 
“I noticed how you weren't afraid of the other thestrals all the recruits are. So I did some of the books digging. I’m sorry about Amber Night. She was a close friend of mine.” The stallion said in a hushed whisper.
“You won't tell will you?” the mare asked fearfully. ‘you had better say yes, or you're dead bud.’  Ember swore to himself.
“Not to a soul, as they like to say, Doctor Patient Privacy.” the Stallion said  ‘you just saved your life Mr. mysterious doctor.’  Ember thought before he continued listening “Now come on we must get to the princesses and tell them the news.”
“Yes Sir.” the mare responded relief clear in her voice. As the two ponies continued on.
‘Hmm,well I think that she is half a thestral because as the doc said she wasn’t afraid of them like the other recruits.’ Ember thought as he continued through Canterlot Castle and canterlot garden. Where he found a maintenance ladder up the side of the Canterlot Castle and to his destination.  ‘Better go up a little later, like in two hours so I have less chance of being seen. good thing my cloak works with foliage as well as stone.’  Ember thought as he settled down to rest and wait for the sun to slowly lower.

Skywishes and Steel Cross arrived at the throne room doors and entered the throne room, to find  princess Celestia and Princess Luna argueing about the events that had transpired, while princess Cadance, Princess Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were watching the minor fight like a tennis match, in the corner of the room like scared foals.
“But sister how is it possible? It can’t be him he lived thousands of years ago. There is no way that it could be the same pony.” Princess Luna exclaimed as she argued with Princess Celestia
“Yes Luna I agree with you, But you saw what he did how he moved there is no way that he is not-”celestia stopped as she noticed The two guards bowing before them
“Princesses we have news on the stallion, we are sorry but it seems that he has escaped.” Steel Cross said. the princesses faces were full of rage and worry 
“But that is not all he left a note.” Steel Cross said as he reached for the note with his magic and presented it to the Princesses. as the rest of the group of ponies came over sensing that it was  safe to approach, since the argument was delayed.
Princess Celestia took the piece of paper and unfolded it, and began to speak.
“This is a medical report. It says that the Patient has suffered a sword wound through the chest that took 74 stitches to close along with the punctured lung that took 26 stitches to close. Patient also has broken left Hind-leg, has been put in cast and hopefully it heals soon. Patient has broken wing due to a collision with my horn. It was a clean break and has been put in a cast and properly secured to his body. Patient has internal bleeding in the intestines and the left kidney. You assume that his left side of his body took the impact of his crash in the Black Hair Forest. Patient lost 63 pints of blood.’  How he is still alive? ‘Patient has multiple cuts, claw marks, and bruises. And finally Patient has a concussion.” Celestia read of all of the stallion’s wounds with growing shock and horror.before addressing the captain. “How is this the letter Captain Steel Cross?” Celestia asked.
“It’s on the back Tia.” Princess Luna said with a slight giggle.
“Oh,”Celestia said as she turned it over in her magic. “It says ‘Dear Doctor Steel Cross, Thank you for saving my life. I hope that the pink Pegasus is still alive and well. Please make sure that she is healthy and give her a vacation, she need’s one after what she has seen. I am going to stay around, but you won't see me, no one ever does especially when one isn't focused. I will leave you a clue If you wish to find me. But I won’t just tell you. 

To find me, look for me in the sky where the sun and stars are always one.

Thank you again for saving my life, ESS?’ Who is ESS?” Princess Celestia finished, looking at both Skywishes and Steel Cross.
“I think it’s the stallion, and is it true that all of those injuries happened to him?” both Fluttershy and Sky wishes said at the same time and same volume, making it just audible.
“Yes Those were his injuries Lieutenant.” Captain Steel Cross said to Skywishes, shocking her and the rest of the group.
“I know it sounded bed but for the details to be confirmed…” Twilight said in horror.
“I know what ya mean twilight.” Applejack said 
“Yes this is all horrible, but where is he?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“we don’t currently know ma’am but I have already have the guards looking for him.” Steel Cross said.
“It’s all my fault. All of his injuries, It’s All My Fault.” Skywishes said quietly as she started backing away her eyes focused on a spot not even there.
“Lieutenant? What’s wrong?” Princess Luna said focusing on the shaking pegasus. the rest of the group focused on the pink pegasus.
“It’s all my fault, all my fault, all my fault!”Skywishes muttered and started to cry.
“Oh darling, It’ll be okay” Rarity said as she slowly approached the trembling pegasus.
“No It isn’t !” Skywishes screamed at the unicorn, making her jump back in fright. then Skywishes turned and flew out of the room crying.
“Lieutenant! Come back here! Skywishes!” Steel Cross shouted. He was about to run after her but a hoof stopped him.
“Don’t.  I have seen this before in my lunar guard, Lot’s of pony’s have lost loved ones, and so they join the guard to try to prevent others from feeling the same.” Princess Luna said with sadness and concern in her voice. 
“Right now the best thing for her is to be alone, but also to have friends waiting for her to return and willing to help her when she needs it.” Twilight said as she walked up to the pair.
“Indeed, my prised pupil. You are very right. Always be ready to help those in need and to be able to lend a shoulder to cry on.” Princess Celestia said with pride.Twilight blushed and looked embarrassed before she regained her composure.
“Yes, well, It’s what she needs. so that’s why I am going to wait for her and be willing to help.” Twilight said
“Well I guess that's what I’ll be doing as well.” said Rarity
“Well, Let’s just all help, I mean if that's what you want to do” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah lets all wait for her!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she grabbed the entire group in her hooves and hugged them.
“Pinkie… Pie… need… air!” The group said, before the party pony released them and apologised.
“If it’s alright I will go get her friend, Brass Shield as well. He is one of her best friends.” Steel Cross said as he looked after the pegasus.
“No I’ll have somepony else do that, you need to be here when she comes back.” Princess Celestia said as she gave a note to a guard outside the throne room doors and told him to find Lieutenant Brass Shield. The guard bowed and ran off.
“Okay, while that's going on that I’ll set up the sleeping bags for all Thirteen of us.” Pinkie Pie said in gidy excitement.
“Thirteen? But pinkie there is only ten, well eleven of us if you count Skywishes.” Twilight said 
“And Brass Shield and a mystery pony as well!” Pinkie said bouncing around the room already modified it for a sleepover.
“How did she-?” Steel Cross said in astonishment.
“It’s Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.”Applejack said with a chuckle as she and the rest of the group started over to there own sleeping bags that had been laid down around the room’s center.
“Don’t question it, It could cause bodily harm.” Twilight warned him as she passed by, remembering what had happened to her ten years ago. 
“But… she.. ugh, Nevermind.” Steel Cross said as he walked over to his sleeping bag marked with his cutie mark which had been laid next to Brass Shield’s, who coming to the room at that moment..
“You called Princesses” Brass said with a bow.
“Yes, I summoned you to ask you to join us while we wait for Skywishes to return from her flight.” Celestia said in explanation, as she gestured to where a sleeping bag with his cutie mark  was.
“Are you sure princess?” Brass Shield asked cautiously.
“Yes , and please just Celestia is fine, we are all friends here.” Celestia said with finality in her voice. with that Brass Shield walked over to where his sleeping bag was and noticed Steel Cross was laying with his head on his hooves.
“Are you okay sir?” Brass Shield asked
“Yes, I’m just tired. I haven’t gotten to relax since this morning with the surgery it just took a lot out of me.” Steel Cross sighed
“Alright, well I hope you feel better sir.” Brass shield said as he laid down on his own sleeping bag and listened to the others talk and wait for Skywishes to return.

Ember saw his opportunity and took it. The sun was going down and darkness covered the maintenance ladder in darkness that matched his cloak. He sprain from his spot and started to climb the latter. It was a little trouble to do with the cast on his leg, but he managed to do so. When he reached the top of the ladder he clambered up on to the roof and up to the pointed dome at the top. As he trotted up onto the spire and got into his position. He put his right hoof on the tip of the spire, and crossed his left over his right knee as he reared on to his hind led. this technique took a huge amount of balance, strength and patience. He stood on one hoof and closed his eyes and started to meditate. He didn’t notice the pink pegasus sitting on the left side of the dome watching the sunset.
“So do you like watching the sunset too, or are you just here to insult me as well.” Skywishes snapped at the figure out of the corner of her eye. the sudden voice made Ember’s eyes snap open and gasp. He recognised that voice. 
“You...” Ember said. 
“Yeah what about me!” Skywishes snapped and turned to this pony who was talking to her. When she saw who it was she gasped and all her anger left her, only to be replaced by sorrow.
“Oh, it’s you.”Skywishes said as she started to tear up again.
“Well I certainly didn’t expect that reaction, I was hoping for more of a ‘OH MY GOSH IT’S YOU!’ ” Ember said jokingly.
“Sorry… Isn’t that painful?” Skywishes said.
“Which part?”Ember replied.
“All of it.” Skywishes said before she started crying “I’m  so sor- sorry. It’s all my fault that you got hurt.” Skywishes cried 
“Whoa, whoa whoa wait a minute!” Ember exclaimed as he undid his position and slid down the dome towards her. 
“Wait, It’s Okay. I’m fine, and if anypony is to blame it’s me. I’m the one responsible for this, not you. I chose to do this, Nopony else is to blame for my injuries.” Ember consoled as he wrapped his right wing around her and he started to rock and shh her. Comforting her.
“But…”Skywishes started 
“no if anything I should be thanking you!”Ember said
“Thanking me! why would you thank me?”Skywishes cried
“You saved my life that’s why.” Ember said as she cried in his grasp 
“Shh Shh Shh, It’s Okay. You’ll be fine.” Ember said as he comforted her. After a little while she calmed down a little bit and started talking to him.
“I’m sorry, I just needed a break I guess. I don’t really do this often because I’m… different.”
“I know that you are half thestral half pony. It doesn't bother me.” Ember said. Skywishes looked at him in shock
“How ?” Skywishes asked in fear. Her secret had been discovered by not only one pony but two! ‘How many more know?’ she thought.
“I heard you and the doctor talking earlier and pieced it together. But as I said I don’t mind I’m different too.”Ember confessed. “But where are my manners, My Name is Ember Spirit Shield. Who are you?” Ember said as he finally introduced himself.
“Heh… A gentlecolt hmm. Hello Ember Spirit Shield, My name is Skywishes, how are you?” She replied 
"I am well, although a bit tired. You see I have been on the move for a few days, hunting those creatures you saw earlier. By the way they are called Shadow birds. I don't know why they call themselves that but they do.” Ember said with a small smile.
“That’s weird” Skywishes said with a giggle. Ember nodded in agreement letting out a chuckle of his own. ‘His voice is so soothing. I think I like him.’ Skywishes thought with a blush on her face.as she rested against him and started to dose off. After some time of just letting her lean against him he noticed the snow beginning to fall and said 
“Well I know how fun it is to be up here, but I think it’s time to go down before it gets too cold” Ember said only to get no response. He looked down in worry and saw her sleeping. ‘Oh she fell asleep. Well I guess that I will have to get her down from here.’ Ember thought as he lifted her in his magic, so that he did not disturb her. He used his magic to unwrap his wing and extended it with a hiss of pain, before he healed it with his magic. Then he took to the air and flew to the front of the castle and flew inside, above the guard’s heads, with his pink passenger floating silently behind him.
“I’ll just leave her in the throne room with my sleeping bag for the princesses to find.” Ember said quietly as he arrived at the throne room doors and landed. He then used his magic to opened the giant doors slowly and softly. He snuck inside and shut the door softly behind him and noticed a circle of eleven ponies and thirteen sleeping bags. One had Skywishes cutie mark on it, so he went over slowly and tucked her in it. Before giving her a kiss on the forehead and a whispered good night. As he rose from her sleeping bag he noticed how he acted and shook his head.
‘This isn't your family you don't need to do that.’ Ember scowled for some reason he wanted to, so that’s all that mattered. He shook his head and noticed a note on the other sleeping bag which was blank. It said,
Sleep here tonight and all will be better in the morning.  ~Pinkie Pie
Ember was shocked.  ‘How had this Pinkie Pie known that he would come?’  Ember remembered a saying,  Listen to the ponies who know it before you know it. Ember sighed and nodded, acknowledging the note and walked to the edge of the room. He pulled out his sleeping bag and laid it down. 
“Who are you?”
Ember’s head snapped up and looked for the pony who had spoken. It was the earth pony guard that had been sleeping.
“I will tell you that along with everypony else tomorrow. Right now you need to sleep.” Ember said as he cast a sleep spell causing the pony to groggily settle back into his sleeping bag.  Ember sighed and laid down on his own sleeping bag and drifted to sleep.
Tomorrow was going to be one hell of a day.