//------------------------------// // Not that I care...! // Story: World of Ponies: A Collection of Days // by ShadowWalking18 //------------------------------// Spike yawned as the first morning light of the sun shone through into his room. He lifted a leg and scratched at his head, before standing on all fours and shaking himself away. Then he stood up on his hind legs and stretched, his joints cracking as he did so. "Man, I slept like a baby." Spike said, as he rubbed his back, pausing briefly to feel at the nubs that were growing out of his back. He took time to feel those nubs, and thought they had gotten bigger since yesterday. Finally, he would soon have wings! Then he could learn to fly! Spike grinned at the thought. Once he could fly, he wouldn't be considered a baby dragon anymore. Soon he could drink cider and stay up late. He could even go see all those horror movies that Twilight had said were too scary for him. Well now she couldn't say that anymore. In fact, since it was Nightmare Night, he was going to have a horror movie night marathon. Stretching once more, Spike went to the shower to wash up. He didn't know when Twilight would be back, she had gone out with Castus and Fluttershy last night...but she hadn't come back last night. Did she stay the night at Fluttershy's? Well they were friends so he guessed it made sense. Well either way, a shower was the best way to start the day. After a good, hot shower, Spike felt like a million bits, and went down to the kitchen to make himself some breakfast. As he entered into the kitchen, Spike saw a note on the fridge, which he snatched up and looked at the contents. It was from Twilight, guess she left it for him before she left for her date last night. It was a list of things to do to prepare for Nightmare Night tonight. Strange it did not look very long though. Spike scratched his chin, and slowly slide a claw to the edge of the paper, and not to his surprise he saw that the note was folded up, and as he unfolded it the list became a little bit longer. "Now it looks like a Twilight List." Spike said with a smirk. He set the list on the counter, as he began digging around for something to eat. He was feeling like having an omelet today. He liked how he could add anything to it, especially gems. Getting to work, Spike began making his breakfast, mixing in some gems stones into the eggs as he poured it into the pan. Of course, as he grew older he soon found that he needed a more protein based diet in connection with gems, so he added anchovies and some cheese, pepper jack today, as well as some jalapenos. Oh and some more gems. "Mmm, this is going to be good." Spike said, licking his fangs as he smelled the cooking omelet. "Mmm, something smells good." Spike turned, and saw Twilight entering the kitchen. She was wearing what she wore last night, only this time with a jacket around her. "Hey Twilight. Did you just get home?" Spike asked as he flipped his omelet to cook the other side. "Yeah. Hope you were okay spending the night by yourself." Twilight asked as she went to the fridge and pulled out the orange juice to pour herself a glass. "Eh, I was fine. How was your night? Did you have fun?" Spike asked, turning to Twilight. Twilight flushed, "Oh. Yes it was...enjoyable." She giggled. Spike blinked, "So what's with the jacket?" "Oh," Twilight looked at the jacket she wore, "Oh, Castus lent me his before I left. It's a chilly day today." "That was nice. Did you want an omelet? I can make another, this one has gems in it." Spike said as he placed his finished omelet onto a plate. "That would be nice. Extra hay please?" Twilight asked. "Sure thing." Spike said, setting the plate down on the counter and going to the fridge again. "So, what do you plan to do today?" Twilight asked as she drank her juice. Spike closed the fridge as he got out some more eggs, "Well I found your list. Figured I'd get started on that after breakfast." Twilight blinked, "Oh yeah, today's Nightmare Night. I almost forgot." Spike chuckled, "I'm not surprised. You were practically jumping off the walls on the day of your date with Castus and Fluttershy." Twilight rolled her eyes, "I was not jumping. I was simply excited." Spike smirked, "Right." Spike paused, and thought he saw something on Twilight's neck, "Hey Twilight, what's that?" Spike pointed at an area of Twilight's neck, that looked a little red and as if something had nibbled on it. Twilight gasped, and threw her hoof over it, "Uh. N-Nothing! J-Just a bug bite. Y-yeah that's it." Spike blinked, but shrugged, "Okay. If you say so." Twilight chuckled nervously, "S-so what else do you have planned?" "Well, I was planning on a Horror Movie Marathon after some Nightmare Night candy gathering. I already know what I want to watch." Spike said, as he cooked. Twilight frowned, "Spike, you know you aren't old enough-" Spike turned, cutting Twilight off, "Twilight," He said exasperated, "I'm not a baby anymore. Look, my wings are coming in. You have to realize that I'm growing up. I'm practically a teenager now." "But-" Twilight went, but sighed at the look Spike gave her, "Oh you're right Spike." She approached the dragon and gave him a hug, "I guess I just didn't want to admit it. But you are growing up. It just seems to be happening so fast." Spike smiled and returned the hug, "Thanks Twilight. But don't worry I'll always be your number one assistant." Twilight giggled, "That you will." The two hugged each other tighter, before Spike sniffed a scent. "Hey Twilight. Why do you smell like Castus?" Spike asked. "No reason!" Twilight shouted, releasing Spike and stepping back. "Hmm, it's probably the jacket." Spike said with a shrug. "Y-yeah. That's it. The jacket. Ehehehehe." Twilight chuckled nervously, a deep blush on her face. Spike just lifted a brow at the pony. He then just shrugged and got back to work making her breakfast. He was use to Twilight acting weird by now. Later after breakfast, Spike set to work on completing the list of things to do for Nightmare Night. He spent the better part of the morning, with some help from Twilight after she washed and changed, decorating the castle exterior. Twilight had prepared a spell to help make it look dark, and covered in cobwebs. While Spike set up carved pumpkins and some spooky props. Next was getting the candy. Unfortunately they were low on candy at the castle, so Spike had to go to the store. On his way, he spotted the CMC, alongside Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon. It was still odd seeing those five together after years of hating each other, but it just went to show you that time could make enemies into friends. Spike was also surprised to see Valen here today. "Hey Spike!" Applebloom called, waving to him. "Hey Applebloom. Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo. Tiara. Silver Spoon. Valen." Spike said, greeting each, waving as he walked over. "Hello fire drake." Valen said, bowing his head to the dragon. "Geez, you can just call me Spike. It is my name." Spike said, blushing a little. Ever since he had met the human Valen, he would often bow his head and call him fire drake as a term of honor. Spike was at first flattered, but now it was a little embarrassing." "Sorry." Valen said, "How are you...Spike?" "Fine, thanks for asking," Spike said with a smile, "What brings you here." "I came to visit. The day before I asked the Fire Man to bring me to Ponyville with him before he left the Empire. Though I was not expecting to be here during a festival." Valen said, looking around. "It's not a festival Valen dear," Tiara said with a smile, "Its called Nightmare Night." Valen just looked confused, "What's Nightmare Night?" "Uh," Silver Spoon scuffed in surprise, "Only like the best holiday ever. The whole town throws a big party with games and scary haunted houses and hay rides. And ponies go around to houses collecting candy and dress up in costumes." Valen just blinked, "Costumes?" "Yeah," Spike said, "this year I'll be going as a hydra." "Oh Valen you should totally go as a Viking." Scootaloo said, "That would be awesome." "You'll love my costume," Tiara said with a smile as she leaned in against Valen, "I know you will." Valen blushed, "I-I'm sure it will look good on you." "Will you be going to any of the haunted houses tonight Spike?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Nah," Spike said with a wave of his claw, "I got something better planned." "Like what?" Applebloom asked. "I'm gonna have a Horror Film marathon. Now that I'm old enough, Twilight can't say no." Spike said, feeling proud. "Ooh, that does sound fun." Applebloom said. "What's a movie?" Valen asked. The girls and Spike all looked at Valen like he was nuts. "Are you kidding," Silver Spoon gasped, "Don't you humans have movies?" "No." Valen deadpanned. "A movie is like," Spike paused and thought of how to explain it, then an idea came, "I know. How about I show you. Come to the castle later tonight and you can watch the movies with me." "Is that alright?" Valen asked. "Totally," Spike said, "We can make it a party." "Oh!" Sweetie Belle called, "Can we come. Do you have Camp Diamond Massacre? Rarity would never let me watch that." "Oh what about Night of the Timber Wolves?" Applebloom asked. "I want to watch Nightmare on Mare Street." Scootaloo called. Spike thought on it then nodded, "Sure. You can all come. The more the merrier I say." The girls cheered, though Valen still looked confused. "Meet you all later tonight." Spike said, waving goodbye. "Bye Spike. See you later." the girls called, waving bye. Valen giving a silent wave in farewell. Spike smiled, feeling excited. It would be a lot better watching his movies with friends. This night was going to rule! Spike was so excited and so deep in thought on what movies to watch, that he didn't see who was in front of him before bumping into them, knocking them both to the ground. "Ah, hey watch where you're going runt." Spike got up, dusting himself off, "I'm sooo sorry, I-wait..." Spike knew that voice. "Ember?" Spike said, looking up from his claws as he dusted himself off and saw the blue scaled dragoness standing before him. Ember looked like she had the last time he had seen her some years back during the Gauntlet. Well, maybe she looked a little bigger, and her form and thinned out a bit and curved a bit more. But she was now only a head taller then him. "Duh, who were you expecting?" Ember said, crossing her claws over her chest. "Well, I'm just surprised to see you is all. I thought you were in the dragon lands. What brings you to Ponyville?" Spike asked. "No reason, I just came here to see Twlight. So don't go thinking this has anything to do with you, cause it doesn't." Ember said, looking around and not at Spike. All around ponies looked at them, or at Ember mostly. Spike blinked, "Uh okay. Well it's nice to see you. Are you here for Nightmare Night?" "Nightmare Night?" Ember asked confused. "You know. Nightmare Night. Famous holiday. Uh getting candy and haunted houses. and...you know?" Spike rubbed the back of his head as Ember just looked at him with a blank look. "Uh, well you should totally stay. I'm having a get together later at the castle. Why not come." Spike said. Ember blinked in surprise, the huffed, blowing some smoke from her nose, "Maybe. But not cause you said I could. I just don't get these pony holidays and I might as well have you show me." "Uh, sure. Whatever you say. Well I have something's I have to do for tonight. Twilight should be at the castle if you need to talk to her. See you later." Spike said, walking off as he waved bye to Ember. Behind him Ember watched as the purple dragon walked off and huffed, feeling angry. 'The little runt could have at least asked if I wanted to help.' She thought, casting a glare at some ponies who began to whisper to each other. That sent them running. With another huff, Ember turned to look at the castle in the distance. So that was where Spike lived. Well, it looked decent. Nothing like a good cave, but it was fine. Figuring it would be best to wait there instead of hanging around to be gawked at by ponies, Ember flapped her wings and flew over to the castle. Returning to the castle sometime later, with bags of candy in his claws, Spike was surprised find Ember and Twilight in the throne room, sitting at the Friendship table drinking tea. Or well Twilight was drinking tea and Ember just looked at her cup in confusion. "Spike, Ember came to visit." Twilight said with a smile. "I know. I ran into her in town. She's gonna stay for my movie marathon. The CMC, Valen, Tiara and Silver Spoon are coming too." Spike said. "CMC? Valen? And who are Tiara and Silver Spoon?" Ember asked, looking at Spike critically. "Oh, their my friends. Don't worry you will like them. Though Valen is a human, just a heads up." Spike said as he set the candy down on the table, "Be right back. I gotta grab some bowls." Ember blinked in surprise, even as Spike left. She turned to Twilight, "A human? How can you be friends with a human?" Twilight smiled, "A lot has happened in recent years Ember. But it's an amazing tale. You see it all started when a human named Castus came into our world-" Twilight began to tell the tale. Ember listened only partially, though she did blinked and listen more intently on a few interesting parts. Especially about this Castus person and how he could use magic. How could a human use magic? She would have to meet him, just to make sure he wouldn't pose a threat to her or other dragons in Equestria. But really, her mind was on the thought that others would be at Spike's party. 'The little runt didn't tell me there be other girls there.' She thought bitterly. Not that she cared. She just didn't want a bunch of whiny pony girls spoiling things. She had heard of movies, if only partially enough to know what they were. But had never seen one herself. Last thing she wanted was for some pony girls to scream and cry over something scary and spoil it. 'Stupid runt. inviting stupid pony girls and stupid humans.' Ember thought angrily, huffing out smoke from her nose. Well okay, the human would be interesting to meet. Even if to her humans were just tasty little snacks. "Um, Ember are you okay?" Twilight asked. "Huh?" Ember said, looking at Twilight. "W-well you just seem mad. Smoke keeps coming out of her nose. I didn't say something to offend you did I?" Ember blinked, "N-no. No. I was just thinking is all." "Are you sure?" Twilight asked. "I'm fine." Ember snapped. Twilight leaned back, then leaned in and patted Ember's leg, "Ember. If something is troubling you, you can tell me. We are friends." Ember frowned, feeling a little bad she had snapped at Twilight. Maybe...maybe...wait... Ember leaned in and sniffed Twilight, then leaned back with a blush, "Th-that smell!? I smell a human on you! Did you-!" Twilight leaned back, blushing , "N-n-no! I mean...your just smelling his jacket is all. I th-thought I had washed it away!" "Well its harder to smell, but I can still smell....that on you." Ember said, blushing herself and looking at Twilight in shock. Twilight blushed even further, "O-oh dear this is so embarrassing." Twilight covered her face with her hooves. Ember cleared her throat, "Uh, don't worry about it Twilight. I mean, I've smelled that a lot of times. Especially from my dad back when he was dragon lord. Though I bet Spike was just as surprised." Twilight blushed, "Oh well um...S-Spike didn't really realize...um...he...uh...I still haven't..." Ember blinked, "Wait. You haven't even talked to him about that? He is almost a teenaged dragon. All dragons know about that when their wings start coming in." Twilight held her hooves up, "I-I just never had time and well it always seemed a little embarrassing. I've practically raised him myself, so I guess I wasn't expecting to have to give him the Talk just yet." Ember groaned, face clawing. 'Great. That just makes it worse!' Ember thought. "Back. So what were you girls talking about?" Spike said, coming back with a stack of wide bowls which he poured and mixed candy into. Ember and Twilight looked at each other, then at Spike and they both blushed. "What? Why are you both blushing?" Spike asked. "I'm not blushing!" Ember shouted suddenly, pointing a claw at Spike. "But.." Spike started, but Ember stood up with a huff. "I'm gonna go sit in the sun a bit. Don't you dare follow me." She growled at Spike, before quickly walking off. Spike blinked, watching Ember go, then he looked at Twilight, "What did I say?" Later that night, Spike was putting the finishing touches to the room he had sectioned off to use for the movie. He had set up the projection screen needed, and the movie projector and had a pile of movie's set up beside the projector. All the lights were off, save for a small lantern that Spike had. He set a cooler with cider, non alcoholic, and other drinks and bowls of chips, some candy and other snacks on a table, with plates beside the bowls to use to hold the snacks, he had some low glowing mage lights to allow everyone to see the treats without interrupting the light from the projector. "So, this is where the movie is gonna play?" Spike turned and nearly jumped as his lantern shined on Ember, who looked down at him with a smirk. "Sorry, did I scary ya runt?" Ember asked with a chuckle. "What? N-no, I was just surprised. And do you have to call me a runt, I mean I'm only just a head shorter then you now." Spike asked. "Still makes you a runt." Ember said with a smirk, "Anyway whats with the get up?" Spike blinked and looked down at himself. He wore a costume of yellow colored fake scales and long yellow tubes that ended in look alikes of his head, with little flaps in them to allow his claws to move in and out of if he needed to grab things. "It's my costume. I'm a hydra." Spike said proudly. Ember rolled her eyes, "Well it looks ridiculous." Spike sighed, "Whatever. Anyway, yeah. The others should be here soon, so feel free to wait here if you want." Ember crossed her claws over her chest, "Nah, I want to see these friends of yours." Spike shrugged, "Well okay. Probably best if you meet them first anyway. Come on." The two left the room and went to the main doors to the castle. A knock at the door told Spike that someone was there. He smiled as he opened the door. "Hey Spike." Scootaloo greeted him. "We're here." Sweetie Belle sang. "Hey everybody. Come on in." Spike said, motioning for them all to enter. Spike took a moment to admire his friends costumes. Scootaloo was dressed as daring do, even going so far as to dye her mane gray. Sweetie Belle he had to admit looked cute in her witch costume. Applebloom was dressed as a skeleton. Valen of course was dressed in furs, with a fake axe at his back and wearing a horned helmet; though he did not look at all comfortable. "I still don't see why I would wear this? These horns are something an enemy could easily grab and hold my head down with." Valen said, poking the fake helmet. "It's just a costume Valen. Geez, it isn't suppose to seem realistic." Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes. "Yeah. Just have fun." Tiara said, stepping in and wrapping her hooves around Valen's arm. She had on a nurses outfit, though she had the chest part buttoned a little low and her mane tied up in a bun. Valen went stiff and still, looking up at Tiara with a gulp. Then at Scootaloo who gripped his other arm in her hooves. Spike chuckled a bit, pitting the poor human. "So, where's the movie at?" Silver Spoon asked. She wore a pointed princess hat and gown and hoof gloves, in the style of old Victorian Equestrian style, she even had an umbrella in her hooves. "This way. But first I want you all to meet a friend of mine. This is Ember." Spike said, as he turned toward the dragoness. Everyone looked, now noticing the female dragon. The girls all jumped, and all but Valen took a step back. "Sh-she's a dragon?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Gee, no really?" Ember deadpanned, claws crossed over her chest. "Don't worry. She's cool. She just acts tough." Spike said with a chuckle. Ember growled at him, then looked at the ponies before her. She growled a bit, making them step back a bit. 'Ppfft. Cowardly ponies. Them and their stupid curvy bodies and their fat butts.' She thought, eyeing them all. Then her eyes settled on the human. She guessed this was Valen. She eyed the human up and down, who looked back at her with a critical eye. "So. Human." She said. "Yes," Valen said, "And you are a dragon." Ember recoiled a bit, still not use to hearing a human talk. Still she stepped forward, "You know I've eaten humans like you." "Ember." Spike said, holding his claws out to stop her and looking at Valen. "You would have a hard time with me. I'm tough to chew." Valen said. Ember and Valen glared at each other now, before Ember smirked. "Well, you look like you have a spine." Ember said, and turned. Spike just blinked, "Uh...so everything's okay." "Yeah. Now shut up and lets go see these movies already." Ember snapped at Spike. Spike chuckled uneasily, and the girls all looked at him with confused and questioning expressions. "Uh, so anyway this way." Spike said, leading them all in. Ember sat, claws crossed as she watched the movie that Spike had playing on the projector. The purple dragon sat next to her, tail wagging as the movie played, a bowl of popcorn in his claws. Ember cast a glance at Spike, and slowly eased her tail closer to his. When his tail touched hers, he blinked and looked behind them before looking at her. Ember sucked in a breath and yanked her tail back. "Watch your tail runt." She whispered a hiss at him. Spike blinked, then looked away, "S-sorry." He curled his tail away. The music on the screen picked up as the mare in the movie noticed the shadow behind her. Slowly turning she then screamed as a cloaked figure brought a knife down on her again and again. Everypony screamed, covering their eyes. Well, except Ember and Valen, who just sat their watching. The ponies Tiara and Scootaloo both clung to Valen, and Applebloom and Silver Spoon hugged each other as they screamed. But the one called Sweetie grabbed Spike in her hooves and shrieked. But worse, Spike also screamed and hand his claws around that stupid unicorn pony. Ember let out a low growl. Stupid Spike. Stupid unicorn. She just had to sit next to him didn't she? Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Finally as the scene ended, and the girls all stopped screaming and let each other go, though Scootaloo and Tiara leaned against Valen, Spike looked up at Ember. "Not scared Ember?" Spike asked. Ember blinked, "Uh no. I mean, that was kinda scary but..." "Why didn't she fight back? She had several opportunities to grab his hoof in hers, or jump back from the blow. And that stabbing motion is not exactly a good way to land a killing blow." Valen said. Everyone, but Ember sighed. "Well don't worry. That's just the first movie. We got plenty of others." Spike said. "Uh, great." Ember said, before looking back to the screen. Though her eyes gazed to the side, to glare at the unicorn and Spike. Did she have to sit so close? When the first movie wrapped up, Spike got up to put in another. During this, Ember slid her tail over to Sweetie Belle, and jabbed the pointed end into her fat, pony flank. "Yeow!" Sweetie Bell shrieked, jumping. Ember retracted her tail quickly and pretended to not notice. "Sweetie, what are you doing?" Scootaloo asked. "Something poked my flank." Sweetie Belle said, looking around. "It was probably just a bug. Sit down, the movie is starting and your in the way." Scootaloo said again, motioning for her friend to sit. Sweetie Belle frowned, but sat back down. Though not in the same spot. Once the movie was playing, Spike sat back in his spot. Ember smirked, Sweetie was still a little close then she would like. "This one ought to scare you Ember. And you too Valen. It's regarded as the scariest movie in Equestria." Spike said, giving the two a cunning look. Ember smirked, "We'll see runt." Everyone focused their eyes on the screen, and once again Spike's tail was wagging. Once more Ember felt her self sliding her tail towards his, and once again his tail hit hers, but this time it managed to hit a sensitive part causing her to jump and blush. When Spike looked at her, she glared at him, "Watch your tail runt." Then she looked away and wrapped her tail into her lap. Though the blush still remained. "Oh, uh sorry Ember." Spike said, rubbing the back of his head before looking back to the screen. He moved his tail to the side, and it started wagging again, but now it was wagging especially close to Sweetie Belle's tail. Ember growled, 'Stupid runt.' It was well into midnight when it was time for everyone to leave. Everyone yawned, in different levels of exhaustion. "Thanks for inviting us over Spike." Sweetie Belle said. "Yeah, those movies were awesome." Scootaloo said, before yawning. She leaned against Valen for support. "We should to this again next year." Applebloom put in. "Yeah, that be cool." Spike said with a smile. He was glad his get together had gone so smoothly. Spike escorted them all to the door and they all waved goodbye as all of the went their separate ways. Spike smiled as he closed the door, stretching and turning to head to his room. Only to back into someone. Spike paused, stepped back and looked up at Ember, who looked down at him. "Oh, Ember. You aren't leaving?" Spike asked. Ember growled, "Why? You that desperate to see me leave?" "Uh, N-no I just...well it is late so I thought you were leaving." Spike said, nervous. Ember huffed, "Whatever. If you must know, Twilight is letting me stay the night. But that's only because I don't have a place to stay and I don't want to have to find a cave this late at night. And that's the only reason. Got it!" Spike leaned back as Ember leaned in on him with a glare, "Uh, right. Right." Ember leaned back and huffed, "But...I don't know where my room is." Spike blinked, "Oh, well I can show you to the guest rooms." Ember huffed, but followed as Spike led the way. Though the halls of the castle were dark, the two dragons eyes were able to see clearly through the halls as if it was still daylight. As they passed a slightly open door, Ember caught sight of a bed, just big enough for her with a bowl of gems beside it. "This will do." She said, and walked into the room. "Huh? Ah wait!" Spike called, following in. He stopped and blinked as he watched Ember crawl into the round bed and curled up into it. "What? Is there a problem?" Ember demanded. "Uh, no but...well," Spike said, "That is my bed. This is my room." Ember blinked, and looked around, "Hmm. Whatever. This bed is just fine for me. I doubt any normal pony bed would be comfortable for me. I wouldn't want to accidentally rip up the mattress." "Uh, well. I guess, but-" Spike started. "I am your Dragon Lord Spike. You should be honored I even think that your bed is worthy of me to sleep in. Or are you going to argue with me further?" Ember demanded, glaring at Spike. Spike winced, "Uh...well..uh fine. I guess you can sleep in it." He sighed and turned to leave. "But." Ember stated. Spike turned, expecting that maybe she decided to let him have his bed instead. "But, this is your bed. And you have been a decent host, so you may sleep in it as well." Ember said, looking away. Were her cheeks red a bit? "Huh?" Spike said, tilting his head confused. Ember growled, "I said get in here! Now do it!" Spike jumped, and moved to obey. A mixture of fear, though he didn't think Ember would actually do anything to him, but also an instinctive need to obey that seemed to stem from her title as Dragon Lord. He crawled into his bed, his form curling up inside the circle that Ember's body made. He curled up tighter, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "D-don't mistake my motives alright!" Ember growled, "I-I just think that you shouldn't have to leave the bed your comfortable with. And besides, you smell too much like pony." Spike rubbed the back of his head, "I..well...it's just." Spike gulped as he realized how warm that Ember's body felt. He blushed a crimson red. "Just...just shut up and go to sleep. Runt." Ember snapped, and closing her eyes. Spike watched her, and he looked around. He moved himself a bit, hoping to keep a little space between him and Ember. He then closed his eyes, and tried to get to sleep. But it was very difficult, especially when he felt one of Ember's wings slip over him.