Drops of Fire

Chapter 16- Goodbye

The hushed whistle of a train blasted in Skywatcher's ears. The faded, faint silhouette of the first train car appeared faintly in the distance and she let out an exasperated sigh as it approached, feeling unusually drained and sluggish. The rest of her friends converersed around her, their excited chatters wafting up into the air like the joyful drift of birdsong. The train station was oddly busy for this early time of day. Ponies nearly filled every square inch of open space with their intent bustling. But despite the cheerful attitude of the setting around her, Skywatcher could not share the contagious sentiment from their recent success with Umbra Shadow. Today was the day she would be saying goodbye to Tide Breaker. Now, the group waited back in Applewood at the leading train station to depart for the last time to Canterlot and Skywatcher cold hardly believe that just a little less than a week ago, she had been in this diverse city of fame for the first time about to meet the pony who would accompany them on such a life changing journey. And it's not just the mission that brought us close, Skywatcher reflected while huffing a sad sigh. I feel like there's something else. Like a special bond held between us....

In the near distance, Tide Breaker sat down on a bench, his head low and his normally shimmering eyes dull. Skywatcher gulped. He's thinking about it too, she thought, shifting her weight to the side. He knows that this is the last time we'll see each other in a long time to come.

The train came to a screeching halt up barely inches ahead and Skywatcher felt the increasing weight on her heart drop to the pit of her stomach. She watched as the doors open with a hissing puff of steam and ponies of all shapes and colors trotted out, filling up the station with their bustling in a matter of seconds. The conductor stepped into the open, his eyes glued to his watch as he waited for the next group of passengers to board the cavalcade. She swallowed against hard lump rising in the back of her throat. Well, this is it. It's now or never.

At that moment, Tide Breaker's eyes met hers, and she bit her lip as he came trudging over to the group, a wry smile edging the corners of his smooth lips. A fake smile, Skywatcher thought, watching as one by one, each of her friends gave the broad stallion one final farewell hug. Phoenix Feather let out a heartfelt chuckle while Cloud Chaser gave him a shy fist bump. I know what it looks like when he's sad. And right now, he's miserable....

Tide Breaker finally approached Skywatcher. His lips parted slightly as if he was searching for the right words to say, but no words came and he was left staring blankly. She stared down at her feet, feeling tears dot the crevices of her eyes. Oh come on. He can't see me cry now. I can't let him see how upset I truly am...... She took a deep breath and boldly lifted her eyes to his delicate baby blue stare. She felt her breath catch. Why is it breaking my heart to say goodbye?

"Well," he sighed. "This is it. I suppose this is goodbye...." His voice cracked, and she heard him inhale sharply, his face twisted in grief. She felt her heart crack, as if something were slowly pulling it apart inch by inch. She struggled to breathe against the crashing wave of despair falling over every nerve in her body.

"Yes I suppose it is," she murmured. "I wish you the best of luck for the future."

At that moment, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her, the soft tips of his hair gently brushing the side of her face. They remained that way for what seemed like an eternity, and Skywatcher hesitantly curled her hooves around shoulders in a returned gesture. She breathed in his cool, elegant scent, the lump in her throat forming into an unmovable boulder. "I'm going to miss you," she choked.

Tide Breaker's chin shifted on her shoulder. "I know. I'm going to miss you too." His breath was warm, and she could feel it's moisture touch her skin. The whistle of the train blew nearby, and she felt panic clutch at her gut like sharp talons. The conductor's impatient shout broke through the air. "Two minutes to Canterlot!"

She pulled away and stared desperately into his eyes. "I'm going to see you again, aren't I?" her voice was shrill, like a foal whining for it's mother. But she didn't care. The emotions coursing through her was almost too much to bear. They made her tremble and shake. All she wanted to do was embrace these last few lingering moments with Tide Breaker.

"Of course you are," Tide Breaker gently touched the side of her jaw. "I'll make sure we see each other again," his gaze dropped. "I just don't know when though."

"Soon," Skywatcher reassured, ignoring the doubt prickling at her belly. "I don't know how long I'll be able to last on my own without you." The bottom of her lip slightly trembled.

Tide Breaker smiled at her compassionately. Admiration sparkled in his soft stare and Skywatcher thought she might be able to get lost inside it's depths for hours. "But you're not alone, Sky," he acknowledged with a quick flick of his ears. "You have your friends, and I know they'll be with you for all the time we spend apart. Rely on them. Remember they love you," he blinked. "Now go, before you miss your train."

I don't care if I miss my train, Skywatcher thought, anguish clawing it's way through the shield of panic hardening in her chest. Just as long as I'm here with you. But she didn't dare speak the words aloud. She didn't want to mistake Tide Breaker's affectionate behavior for infatuation instead of friendship. He probably doesn't like me back, she thought with a prickle of doubt. But what if I'm wrong?

She also had to get back home to Canterlot. She couldn't just leave her friends. They had to return back to their home city and report the news of Umbra Shadow's defeat to Princess Celestia. She knew her mother and father had probably grown worried sick about her over the past week and her heart thumped in anxious anticipation of seeing them again. I can't just abandon my family and friends. Even if it means I won't ever be able to see Tide Breaker again.....

"Sky!" Phoenix Feather was waving an impatient hoof by the door of the train. Her blue eyes glittered in the sunlight. "Come on!" More quietly she added, "It's time to leave."

Ignoring the excruciating stab of grief that tore at her heart, Skywatcher nodded and turned away from Tide Breaker, risking one final glance behind her shoulder. The blue stallion waved weakly, one last smile on his face.

I'm going to miss you, Tide Breaker, Skywatcher though as she took a seat inside the train, gazing out the window only to see Tide Breaker's face blur over from the fog of her breath. We've endured so much this week. Me, you, Phoenix Feather, Thunder Paw, Graphite Paint, Storm, Cloud Chaser..... She shook her head. But we are the seven fires whom were destined to save Equestria. We will always have a special connection that will last us a lifetime and yoke us to the stars for all eternity. And I have a feeling, even though we may be saying goodbye right now, that our time together isn't over just yet....