//------------------------------// // Meeting Royalty // Story: From the Ashes: Ember's Story // by Zoljen //------------------------------// “Get away from me, parasite!” Quicktail heard from across the hospital lobby, making him look in the direction that Ember had gone a few minutes before. It had been a day since the riots of Canterlot had happened. There was news that Prince Blueblood had hired on some mercenaries to reclaim the throne from the ‘evil’ Royal Guard and Wonderbolt reserves. It had also been a day since Ember revealed herself to almost everypony at the hospital. That was the fourth time he heard those words within the last few hours, and each time he sighed because he knew who it was directed at. He had often wondered if ponies were both a little too trusting, and not trusting enough, at times. Although this had proved just how much damage Chrysalis had done with her little attack. “But sir, I am -” Ember’s voice squeaked out. Quicktail flapped his wings a little to get into a hover so he could see who was causing the problem this time. He spotted Ember talking to a brown pegasus who had received plenty of wounds from the rioting the other day. Quicktail shook his head and started to glide over to them. “I don't care! You are not going to touch me with those love sucking hooves of yours! Just keep you and your magic to yourself!” The stallion snarled, drawing the attention of a nearby brown earth mare. Ember took a few steps back, shaking her head slightly. “But I don't…” She trailed off as the stallion stamped a hoof down, barely wincing as he moved his injured arm. “All you changelings are the same! So begone!” Ember took another step back, before turning and dashing towards the lobby doors. The earth mare taking a few steps towards her, but stopping once Ember kept running past Quicktail. She didn't even stop as she almost ran over Faith Cure on her way out the doors. Quicktail started after her, stopping for a second as Faith stepped in front of him. “You're still holding something,” She gestured to the box he had on his back, he quickly reached back and set it down in front of her. “Good, now go make sure she’s safe. While I have a few words with that stallion.” Quicktail nodded and took to the air, quickly gliding out and over a small butter cream colored mare, making her squeak as Quicktail quickly angled himself so he wouldn't hit the mountain of a red earth stallion behind her. Once outside he angled up and scanned the area, she had already fled the hospital and could be anywhere. He sighed and started down the road, flying as fast as his slightly hurt wings could take him in the direction he hoped she’d be. Quicktail sighed as he walked along the streets of Canterlot. He was still looking for Ember, as per Faith’s request. And so far he had no luck in finding her. He had enlisted the help of Lode Stone and Opal as he searched around, and together, they couldn't find her. That was half a day ago, and Quicktail was still searching. He had tried their home several times, the hospital and it's roof, a park, even where the Wonderbolt compound had stood. Though at the compound, he stood in shock for a few moments as he gazed at the old wizard tower there. All were devoid of her. As he did another lap of the park, he sighed looking down at a bracelet she had given him a day after he gave her one. “Where are you?” He mumbled to himself as he heard the sound of wings flapping near him. He looked up and toward the source, seeing a dark blue pegasus with a blue and green mane land by him. The pegasus looked him over, seeming to be glaring as he did. “Who are you to be yelling about for Ember?” The pegasus demanded, watching the griffin before him fearlessly. Quicktail raised an eyebrow as he kept looking him over. “Who wants to know?” Quicktail shot back, starting to glare at the pegasus. “Someone who has been looking for his sister since she fled the hospital,” He narrowed his eyes, stepping closer to the griffin. “Sister?” Quicktail raised an eyebrow, “You don't...are you from the Ruby Home as well?” The pegasus blinked, looking confused now, “Ruby… Home…?” “If you are Ember’s brother, then your from the same home as Lode Stone, Topaz, and Opal.” The pegasus’s eyes widened at that, “Opal is alive?!” “Er… yes… I think we’re getting off track,” Quicktail chuckled softly, just as he heard a set of hooves come running up to him. He turned to face their owner, as Lode Stone ran up to him, panting and wheezing. The pegasus looked over as well. “Lode!” They both shouted, then looked back at each other. “Did you find her?” Quicktail asked as he focused back on him. He nodded, still gasping for breath as he held up a hoof. “Where?!” “By a… waterfall,” He slowly looked up, then over at the pegasus. “Hi, Feather Dust,” He turned back to Quicktail. “I barely sensed her by it,” he sighed, sitting down, still gasping for breath. “I came searching for you as soon as I found her. Hopefully she’s still by it.” Quicktail took a few steps towards the waterfall, stopping and glancing back over his shoulder, “Why don't you two go find Opal, and meet me there along with a meal. I bet she’s going to be hungry.” Quicktail then dashed off. Lode nodded and stood up, closing his eyes for a moment. He smirked and grinned towards Feather Dust. “Found Opal, she’s by the house.” Feather raised an eyebrow, “That trick of yours has really improved,” Lode shrugged slightly as he dashed off towards Embers house, with Feather following behind. Quicktail found the waterfall easily enough, only passing by various ponies as he ran past them. One single thought in his mind at the moment, praying Ember was still there. He slowed down as he neared the waterfall, perking his ears as he slowly moved towards it. All he could hear was the sound of it running, and after a few steps he flattened his ears, sighing softly. He kept inching towards it, and soon picked up very faint sobbing. He stopped and focused on it, perking an ear towards it. A grin slowly swept across his beak as he recognized it. “Ember?” He called out, just loud enough to be soft over the waterfall. Both his ears perk up when he hears a squeak. “It's me, Quicktail.” He peeked around the waterfall, seeing the changeling he loved curled up into a ball, staring wide eyed in his direction. Though trails of tears ran down her face as she remained in place, watching Quicktail and looked ready to bolt. Quicktail sighed at the sight, seeing her broken almost broke him, but he grinned warmly at her and took another step forward. “It's got to be cold here. You’re shivering,” He spoke calmly and quietly, just loud enough to be heard over the waterfall right next to them. “I…” She tried to speak, sounding very hoarse from shedding so many tears. Quicktail took another step towards her as she looked down. Quicktail blinked and barely glanced to his side, not letting his eyes fully leave Ember. He could see Lode and Opal running up with Feather landing behind them. He held out his wing, wincing slightly as he did to signal them to stop. The three instantly stopped where they were, a good distance away and watched Quicktail disappear behind the waterfall. Quicktail moved up and with the grace of a soldier many times his actual age, laid a wing over Ember and slid her closer to him as he laid next to her. She squeaked as she felt his embrace, and the love flowing from him, and buried her muzzle into his chest. Art By Foxenawolf “I’m sorry,” She squeaked out softly, her voice cracking up as she spoke. “No need for words right now. Just relax, you’re safe, and so am I,” Quicktail said softly as he lowered his head towards hers, speaking at a whisper by her ear. “I searched everywhere for you.” “I…” she started, before a talon went over her lips to silence her. “I’m not mad. I was worried for you, my love,” Quicktail grinned warmly at her and snuggled up next to her. “We can remain here, if you like. But your friends are out there, just as worried about you,” he blinked, glancing up for a moment with an ear perked. “And...some pony wearing armor?” Lode sighed as he looked at the familiar earth pony guard. “Look, Blitzkrieg. She isn't up for seeing anypony right now, ok?” He just grunted back and pointed towards the waterfall. “Well, the Princess wants to see the changeling who was at the hospital. She has questions for it.” “She,” Lode growled slightly. “is just getting over the potential loss of her job, and life! That blasted Princess can wait, okay?” Blitzkrieg turned to Lode, growling softly in return, “The Princess heard from Faith Cure that that changeling was from a Ruby Hive, which the Princess knows is an extinct hive from the drake empire!” Lode’s eyes widened as the guard continued. “And Faith was able to vouch for her! Buck it all, she just wants to talk about her future here in Canterlot!” “Who could she have talked to, to know that kind of information?” Lode stepped back, still slightly wide eyed as he watched the guard. “Somepony named Talon. Said he was a very good source and described the hive in great detail,” Blitzkrieg sighed, stepping back and looking towards the waterfall. “I followed that griffin here, because I have seen him around Emerald for the past few months. I never knew that Emerald was a changeling, and honestly? It doesn't even bother me that she is.” “It doesn't?” Opal asked, finally speaking up. “Buck no,” He quickly shook his head. “I'm thankful she fought for the hospital! And I personally would like to give her a medal or something to show that she is faithful to the Princesses,” he grinned, looking back at the waterfall. “And Princess Twilight is just curious about her, that's all.” “And so are we, but right now she is just getting comfort from the one that can provide it best,” Lode nodded as Blitzkrieg refocused on him. “But again I say, she isn't up for a-” “I'm fine…” The four looked towards the waterfall, seeing Ember, as a unicorn, on Quicktail’s back. He grinned as he slowly walked up to them, looking at the guard for a moment before focusing on Lode Stone. Ember, however, kept her eyes on the guard the whole time. “The Princess wishes to see me?” Blitzkrieg nodded and bowed slightly, “With all due respect ma’am, yes. She would like to get to know you, once you are well enough that is,” He straightened back up. “We understand this has been a rather… horrible week. And that it must have taken it's toll on you, being a changeling and all.” Ember looked down at Quicktail, who turned his head slightly and looked back at her with an eye. “Up to you, love,” he spoke gently. “Well, you only live once,” Ember looked to her friends. “As long as they come with.” “Er, well,” Blitzkrieg looked between the ponies, shrugging. “Why not. I am sure Twilight won't mind the extra company,” He nodded. “I’ll let them know you’ll have extra company.” Ember gazed up at the castle in the moonlit sky and sighed. She was still drained from earlier, and as such was being carried by Quicktail. Lode Stone and Opal were at her sides as she glanced to each of them. They had dropped by their home, which was still somewhat standing after the riots, just mostly charred on the outside, and cleaned up a little. Feather Dust had returned to the hospital, to resume helping out. The guards outside the castle looked towards the four, looking over each before finally stopping on the griffin carrying Ember. “State your business,” one said, somewhat gruffly. “Princess Twilight Sparkle wished to see me,” Ember stated calmly, before Quicktail could speak. “These are my friends and I was told it shouldn't be a problem if they come.” “She wished to see just you,” the other said calmly, looking at Ember. “So I'm afraid they-” She was cut off as a pony behind them cleared their throat. The guards turned and looked to see Blitzkrieg standing there. “They can come inside, however, the Princess will only see Quicktail and Ember,” he paused to look at the guards. “Seeing as how she can't really walk right now.” “Right away, sir,” They side-stepped to let the four in as Ember looked towards Opal and Lode. “We’ll be outside the door, Ember. Don't worry,” Lode grinned up at her as she nodded back. Blitzkrieg led them through the castle in silence, though once they arrived at the door to her room, Ember let out a soft sigh. “She isn't going to bite you, you know,” Blitzkrieg looked over his shoulder at Ember. “I know.” “Then what's the problem?” Blitz turned partially to look at Ember. “I have seen royalty in passing at the hospital, never had the chance to meet one face to face. Let alone be summoned by one,” Ember stared at the door as she spoke. “But what about your…?” “It's been over two decades since then,” She kept her gaze locked on the door, as Opal and Lode both looked down, sighing. Blitz looked at the others as they sighed, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged and turned towards the door, knocking on it. He stepped back as he noticed a purple glow surround the door and open it. Quicktail waited a few moments as he looked at Blitz who was gesturing inside. After a few hesitant steps, Quicktail made his way in and gazed about the lavish room. A purple alicorn sat in a chair, her horn faintly aglow as she held a book in a magical grasp. A fireplace sat nearby, along with a few other chairs hastily set up. Quicktail took a few more steps in and the door closed gently behind him. The pair continued to look about the purple room, as Twilight looked up finally from her book with a soft grin. “Hello,” she said calmly, making the pair squeak and look at her. She frowned for a moment before putting on the warmest grin she could muster, “I won't bite. Please, have a seat,” she tilted her head slightly, looking at the pair as they slowly walked over, “I was informed that Emerald favored a unicorn form, who is…?” Ember glanced down at Quicktail, who is still moving slowly towards the alicorn, then looked back up at her. “This is Quicktail, my partner,” She poked the back of his head with her nose. “She won't bite you.” “Right,” he trailed off, glancing up at her for a moment before moving up to one of the chairs. He stood right beside one and helped Ember into it before sitting next to it, eyes locked on the alicorn before them. Twilight grinned, watching the pair, and waited till Ember was comfortable before speaking. “Right, so. Ember was it? Uh…” She trailed off, now at a loss of how to start this conversation. Ember chuckled weakly as she watched the princess and engulfed herself in fire, making Twilight jump for a moment as she revealed her natural form to her. Twilight blinked, looking her over. “You look like Talon.” “Only his wings and crest are blue,” She turned partly to show Twilight her crest as she extended her wings. “Mine are green. One of the many traits of the Ruby Hive.” Twilight nodded, glancing at Quicktail. “Is he…?” Quicktail shook his head, “Nope, I'm all griffin, ma’am.” Twilight blinked at him, “Uh, you don't need to be all formal with me.” Quicktail shrugged faintly with a chuckle, “I treat all superiors this way, ma’am. I was a part of the Sky Wings and most of their teachings stuck when I transferred to the Embassy.” “You were a part of the Sky Wings?” Twilight looked over the griffin in detail now. “Why’d you stay here?” “Because of various reasons,” He turned partly, looking at Ember directly for a few moments before glancing back at Twilight. “But you wanted to see Ember, not me. Correct?” “Er, right,” she blushed slightly, looking at Ember who was just chuckling. She fell silent again as she struggled to find some topic to talk about. Ember picked up on this and sighed softly. “You were mainly wanting something to take your mind off of recent events, weren't you?” Ember asked, making Twilight nod. “It’s just. I’ve never been in a war before, and…” She trailed off, looking down. “Nothing can prepare you for it, Princess,” Twilight looked back at her, ready to say something, but she kept going. “Books can only take you so far. Trust me, I was in the middle of the last griffin-drake war, and…” Ember looked at Quicktail. “This was worse than that.” “You…” Twilight paused for a moment. “Is that where you got that scar?” Ember looked down at it, resting a hoof on part of it and shook her head. “It was after the fall of my hive. In fact, I earned it protecting him and his mother,” she nodded her head towards Quicktail. “I was traveling from the hive towards… well, at that time just towards Equestria. Things took various turns, some of which were lucky, some weren't. And… I eventually wound up at the Hospital, working there.” “I do recall seeing you, er, the pony you, there a few times,” Twilight nodded. “I never really asked where you were from. But your methods with those bandages were something unique.” “Well, given I was tending to griffins, drakes, and even dragons before coming here. It has become how I apply healing magic, although I am branching out into other ways.” “But he looks to be in his thirties. Along with you.” “Mid thirties for me, which isn't too far off. Talon must of told you that we age slower than normal ponies, right?” “He mentioned something like that. Sharing all kinds of drake traits. Er, is it true that you all breath fire?” “Nope, only he and the Queen,” Ember sighed softly. “I hope he’s okay.” Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Do you know where he is?” “He’s with the Renegades and Wonderbolts, wherever they are at. I…” She looked down. “I still worry for him.” “When I met him, he said that he was alone. Does he now know of you?” Ember nodded, “That was a very… scary night. I was taken to the castle, a few rooms over in fact. And led to his room where Witching Hour was looking over him. He had lost a fight with somepony named Sin, and…” She trailed off, closing her eyes as Quicktail rested a paw on her hoof. “Sorry, It’s just…” “You don't have to say more. I was curious why you revealed yourself while at the Hospital.” Ember sighed again, staring at the paw that rested on her hoof. “I saw Quicktail surrounded by those mercenaries. After that it was a blur.” “She shifted,” Quicktail started up, his eyes never leaving Ember. “Taking on a beautiful drake form and proceeded to hack and claw her way to me, as I defended a pony who had been struck down, hard. Once she finally got to me, I picked up what I thought was a grenade, turns out it was an artillery marker. After that I grabbed her and we all feld back to the safety of the Hospital.” He paused for a moment, glancing at Twilight who just looked shocked, before continuing. “She was panicked after calming down, but she managed to regain some composure. Afterwards, the ponies seemed reluctant to let her help them. And it wasn't until after that big red earth pony and some forces came in that things finally calmed down,” He sighed softly. “After that, she ran. Being called a monster by some of the ponies whom she had protected.” “I… I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight almost whispered. “But you’re not one,” Twilight grinned warmly as she watched Ember. Ember had started shaking again after Quicktail spoke up. She leaned more on him, looking for reassurance as he draped a wing over her. “I know the medical staff aren't allowed to wear bracelets that can be removed easily,” Twilight started up. “Or stuff in their mane, but…” she looked to her left, a small box floating over in her magic. “I heard from Faith Cure what happened, and then again from Quicktail here,” She paused to open the box, showing off a well crafted ring. “How would you feel about a horn ring?” Ember looked at the ring, looking it over in great detail. “I…” “Consider it something equal to a medal of honor, given in military for distinguished service and willing to sacrifice yourself so others may live on,” Twilight grinned softly. “I would like to get to know you, and any others from your hive, if you have found them.” “I…” She trailed off again, looking at the ring. Nodding slightly, she took the box in her hooves, eyes never leaving it. “Can you let in my friends?” Twilight nodded, looking towards the door and opening it slightly with her magic. Once the guard poked his head in, she spoke. “Can you let her friends in?” The guard nodded, opening the door a bit more and gesturing inside. Lode and Opal quickly took a few steps in, before slowing their pace and walking up to Ember’s side, since she was still undisguised. Twilight looked at the other two, then back at Ember who was still staring at the ring. “I assume they know what you are?” “Yes we do, Princess,” Lode spoke up, looking at Ember for a moment and sitting by Quicktail’s other side as Opal sat at Ember’s right. “Please,” Twilight spoke, as she closed the door again. “I just want this to be as informal as possible. I’m wanting a break from all the royalty and stuff of getting this city back together.” They each nodded, as Ember spared a glance at the two newcomers before focusing back on the ring. “How do you two know what she is?” “Simple, Twilight,” Opal spoke up, grinning slightly. “We’re siblings.” Twilight blinked, focusing on Opal. “How many of your hive has been found?” “Ten,” Lode started up as he reached into a saddle bag. “But… uhh… This part may shock you more.” He held up an address book in his mouth. “What could shock me more than the past few days?” “One serves under your brother,” Ember finally spoke, glancing up as she did just in time to catch Twilight’s eyes go wider than dinner plates, her eyes become pinpricks, and her pen and paper that she had been using to take notes falling out of her magic and almost hitting the floor before a dark red aura caught them. Opal chuckled softly with her horn faintly glowing, “I believe you met him too, Scope. White unicorn with a blue mane, that has a blue and purple streak in it.” “I… We were near the Heart! How…” Twilight stumbled for words. “We don't directly feed on the same love it provides. Sure, we get nourishment from it, and it does power us up. But that's where the similarities stop,” Lode chuckled softly. “Not all changelings are the same, ma’am.” Twilight shook her head quickly, than focused on the book that Lode had set in front of himself. “That book is…?” “It holds the addresses of all of our hive that I have found so far,” he paused with a weak chuckle. “At least, their names. Two are planning on moving to Ponyville, one lives in the griffin empire, and one is off with the Wonderbolts. That's about it. I’d like it back, honestly.” She floated the book in front of herself and flipped through the pages, stopping on each one that had a name. It was sorted by pony name, it looked like, and when she hit F, she went wide eyed. “Feather Dust?!” The changelings all winced as she spoke, Ember looking at her and grinning weakly. “He told me he works for both Cloudsdale and Ponyville medical centers.” Twilight shook her head quickly again, floating the book back to Lode. “I...er, would like a copy of it, after all this is over.” She rubbed her forehead, sighing loudly. “I was hoping this would be stress free, but I was wrong.” Ember frowned a little. “You said so yourself, we aren't evil.” “I wasn't expecting one so close to home. He practically lives next door! And… and…” She stopped with a sigh. “You're right, you're not evil. I am basing all this knowledge off the stellar impression that Chrysalis left. I need some time to myself. Take that box with you Ember, and consider it a personal gift from me.” Ember nodded and slowly stood up, wincing as she did and retook her unicorn disguise. She put the box into Lode’s satchel, and the four of them bowed towards Twilight, before departing. The group was walking the torn up streets of the middle class after dark. The dim glow of the lanterns lighting their way, even though three out of the four walking didn't really need it. The four walked along in silence after their chat with Twilight Sparkle, learning that she was really more down to earth then Celestia or Luna. Lode, Ember, and Opal all ignored the feeling of sorrow in the air, as they somewhat huddled around Quicktail. He led them down one of the cleared paths that ran past some houses that had remained standing. Each of the houses they passed offered homes to those who lost them, during both the cannon blast, and the recent rioting. As the group rounded a corner, Quicktail stopped with his ears perked. The others stopped as well and looked up at him. “Something wrong dear?” Ember asked, looking around. “Yeah, a familiar foal crying,” He looked towards one of the homes, and pointed. The group looked and saw a familiar purple foal with an auburn unicorn foal next to her, trying his best to cheer her up and failing. Before Quicktail can say anything else, Ember was already going towards her. Ember stopped a few yards away, looking at the pair and sighing, “Magenta?” She called out, making the foals gasp and look up toward her. She took another step before hesitating and looking down for a moment. She could tell there was a lot of sorrow around her, and it almost hurt to be near her. “Miss Haze?” Magenta squeaks out, looking at the unicorn before her, then looking towards her little group. The other unicorn quickly moved up to protect her, making Ember take a step back. “Tricks, I…” Ember starts, sitting down and looking at the foals, “What's wrong?” “She…” Tricks glanced back at Magenta, “lost her mother,” he sighed, looking down. “And I can't cheer her back up,” Magenta looked down again, sniffling. Ember grinned warmly at Magenta, “I know exactly how you feel, Magenta,” Magenta blinked, looking up at Ember with misty eyes as she continued. “Nothing can get rid of the pain you feel, but the comfort of those around can lessen it. I lost my mother nearly two decades ago, and a good portion of my family along with her. And do you know what I did?” Magenta shook her head slightly. Ember glanced back at her group, “I ran. I tried to run from the pain,” She looked back, “And eventually, it passed away,” She looked down at the ground. “It passed when I let someone else in, and that someone filled the hole that was left. But that didn't happen until recently,” She looked back at the group again, her eyes focusing on Quicktail. “I know what I’m saying is probably - ERK!” Ember suddenly gasped as she felt somepony hug her. She looked down to see Magenta hugging her, and burying her snout into her side. Ember just grinned down at her and laid an arm on her, “Come on, it's cold out here and you shouldn't be alone. I think we can scrounge up a meal for a sixth,” she looked up at Tricks. “Go on back to the castle Tricks. Let Leaf and Daring know you’re friend is alright, ok?” Tricks nodded and walked up to her and Magenta, giving them a little group hug before dashing off towards the castle. Ember looked down at Magenta, who was still hugging her side as tightly as possibly. “Uh, it's going to be a little hard to walk with you hugging me. However, you can ride on Quicktail’s back.” Magenta nodded slightly, stepping back and looking up at Ember. Ember leaned down and brushed the tears away, “No more tears, ok?” Ember said quietly. “Plenty have been shed today, and more will be shed by others. So let’s not add to the river for a long time.” Magenta nodded again as Ember grinned softly at her. Quicktail walked over and looked at the pair, grinning softly. “We should get going before it gets any later,” He lowered himself down, as Ember helped Magenta onto Quicktails back.