The crowd cheered as Shining entered the center of the arena with three other ponies, all in night guard armor. One, an earth pony, his coat a mixture of gray and dark purple. His darker purple mane peaked out from under the helmet. His eyes were yellow and reptile like mine was when I transformed.

“This here is Dark Star.” Shining introduced this pony who bowed to me.

“Its a pleasure to meet you.” He said The one next to him was a bat pony mare with a black coat and a gray mane. She smirked at me with eyes just like Dark Star's.

“This here is Nightling” Shining introduced.

“Pleasure to meet you.” She said with a bow. Last was an unicorn stallion who had a midnight blue coat, very close to Luna's in fact. His mane was silver and blue in stripes.

“Finally is Star Bright” Shining finished. “These will be your opponents for your practice bout.” He said as he turned to me. Wait did he just say bout? As in one fight? As in all of them against me at once? Shining Armor that’s not cool! You put a rookie against three seasoned fighters? For what? To see how fast I get whooped?

“All at once?” I asked already knowing the answer. Being correct and screwed at the same time he nodded confirming it. It's official Shining Armor, you're a jerk. Just below the universe but right above life.

“This will be a knockout or incapacitate bout. Once an opponent is knocked out or claimed non combatant they will be removed from the fight.” Shining explains. “The rules are simple anything goes as long as it's not lethal and all combatants must remain in the arena until the fight is over. Is that understood.” I nod along with the other three. I slowly back away from them just in case Shining starts the fight before I was. “Begin” ready. I turn and dash to put some space between me and the three. I didn't realize until it was too late that doing this gave Star Bright time to cast a spell. I was nailed in the back of the head with a nice big rock. I turned to look at the offenders direction to see a really angry looking stallion galloping at me. He was too close for me to jump out in time or really do anything he nails me sending me flying back. I land quite hard on the ground twenty feet away. I got up just to be side swiped by a rocket kick that sent me spinning. I just got a low kick to a high ball I went down hard with both of my fore hooves holding a very sore and sensitive spot. It took me a few minutes to have feeling back there other than pain. I got up and reached for it, feeling that warmth within me. I sat and changed in front of everypony there. The once roaring crowd at my pain went silent, dead silent at my change. Their prince was not this half pony and half dragon beast before them. My mane was a blaze as I saw the red glow around me. No it wasn't it's normal orange when I was angry but an angry rage filled red. My teeth went from flat with a few sharp ones in the back to razor tipped fangs. I roared, not an angry pony yelling like roar but a pure beast roar, a roar that an adult dragon could produce. The three that faced me where surprised by my change. Shining who was off to the side looked worried. This time I wasn't playing, I wasn't going to get the mess I would have ended up being. I was going to make who ever did it play. My claws dug into the ground as I readied myself. The earth pony stallion Dark Star I believe was the first to snap into action and dashed towards me again. This time I was prepared, I did a full three sixty turn and bashed him away with the flat part of my diamond tipped tail sending him flying. Star Bright brought up a shield as he fired more large rocks from the ground at me. I took a few but was able to dodge a large portion of them. I return fire with my own breath weapon. It engulfs the shield covering the pony with a continuous stream of fire the pony couldn't see or move. I looked around to find Nightling no where in sight. I let up on the fire a bit to look around, big mistake, I was flung back by a wall of force and pinned to the ground by the ground itself; it came up and held my hooves. I did NOT like being restrained like this, I didn't like being restrained at all. I saw Nightling pushing a storm cloud over me, she wouldn't dare. She would, she bucked it and sent one large bolt of lightning right at me. It hurt of course but I felt that energy wash over me. The bolt of lightning broke my restraints. Star Bright looked at me breathing a bit hard from his spell. Even his shield dropped as I made myself look worn down. An act mind you and it was about to play off.

“I hope that knocked you down a few pegs Prince.” Star Bright said with a jerk like smirk.

“Oh please the Prince won't last much longer.” Nightling said as she floated down next to him.

“I bet this will do it.” Dark Star said as he tried to rush me. I stepped back in time and he tripped over himself in front of me.

“A little clumsy are we?” I said with a smirk of my own. He growled at me and tried to sweep my legs out from under me. Thinking fast, I jumped. “One moment” I said after I landed. Within a flash I ran up and bucked Star Bright in the jaw, you could hear the bone breaking from the impact. It must have been like a train hitting a car going at full speed. I then grabbed Nightling by the tail and swung her around in a circle. When I released her she went flying right at Dark Star who had just got up before getting nailed by Nightling causing them to roll over each other a few feet away. I had to make sure to de-spell all that energy in me soon, before the pounding headache comes back. They all got back up as I turned to the side to keep my eyes on the three of them. Nightling practically flew up into the air to avoid my ground attack and since I didn't know how to fly yet she was safe up there. It was about then I got nailed in the face with another large rock. Can this stallion use any other offense spell besides rock throwing? I got sick and tired of it and started pulling the wrongs out of his magic and into my own. Then I returned fire, with a yelp he covered himself in a shield as the rocks bounced off of it. That was when Dark Star bucked me in the side of the head sending shooting stars in my vision. I grabbed his tail this time with my claws and flung him towards Star Bright. Dark Star dinked off the shield just like one of the rocks hitting it head first. With a flick of magic the unicorn brought the earth pony into the shield most likely to give him some time to recover.

“Don't forget about me Prince” Nightling said as she came down and side swiped me again before heading back up into the air. These ponies were pissing me off, it's time for a few cheap shots of my own. I pulled magic into my horn as I took one of the rocks to rest my metal hoof on. I pointed it towards the sky at Nightling, who looks a little confused at my actions. My horn started to spark followed by the crackling sound from my prosthetic hoof. I tried to focus the lightning still in my body into my hoof. A beam of electricity fired out striking Nightling like a thunderbolt and she fell towards the ground. From that high up it would have hurt, maybe broke something, so I focused my magic to slow her descent; I was angry not murderous. I laid her down before a second magic glow wrapped her and she disappeared in a poof of smoke.

“One down... Two to go.” I said as I turned to where the shield was. But it was gone. “Now where did you two” Whack. The sound of a wooden impact to my skull sent a ringing sound through my head. I turn to see Dark Star with a quarterstaff in his front hooves as he stood on his back legs. He went for another swing but this time I bit down on the stick and flipped the stallion over. Then grabbed the staff in my tail before thudding it against the ground. “You really like the cheap shots don't you?” I growled.

“Not as cheap as this!.” Came from above me to see a giant... oh dear god that thing was a meteor! I thought we were trying to knock each other out not crush them! Okay two can play this game. Star Bright dropped the rock from his magic as it started to plummet towards me. I focused my magic on the rock to stopping it an inch from my horn. Breathing hard I dropped the rock away from me before another whack collided with my head. I turned and looked at him, same staff too. I growled at him as I wrapped him in magic and brought him up behind me. I bucked him right into the bolder he had brought forth. Within moments there was another poof of smoke and Dark Star was gone. “Two down... one to go.” I said before the meteor was picked up and repeatedly slammed into my head before I could react. It pounded me into the ground more and more each audible wham rang through my skull like a school bell made from a gong. About eight or nine more later I passed out from the pain throughout my body. I had lost.

***---***

“You did well for your first bit of combat Firestorm.” Luna said as I laid in one of the medical beds. “and against three opponents.” she continued beaming at me. Apparently it was her idea to stack the odds against me just to give me a real challenge and told them to even pull cheap shots too.

“We do apologize Prince about the way we fought.” Dark Star said apologetically.

“It's fine. I understand now why you did it.” I said as another pang of pain ran through my skull. “I just hope all the guards enjoyed the show.” I kind of really did. I put all I could at the time not to go overboard and murder some pony. “I just wished you left the crown jewels out of the fight. That was lowest of the low.” I said as my hooves went there. I could still feel that pain there. The doctor came over and gave me a shot.

“This should help with the pain.” The doctor said which was followed by me laying back.

“Nice moves with the lightning. I didn't see it coming.” Nightling said from the bed to the left of me.

“Well honestly I didn't even know that would work.” I said sheepishly.

“You’re kidding me?”

“Nope and I have you to thank since it did.” I said with a smirk.

“Wait... How?” Dark Star asked surprised.

“She struck me with lightning, I react differently to that attack then you ponies.” I said as I sat up a bit.

“How?” Nightling asked this time.

“His body can sort of absorb it and use it like an adrenaline boost. Though he can't hold on to it too long or it starts to burn him out.” Luna explained.

“Oh wow. So that explains how you got up suddenly to nail me in the jaw.” Star Bright said.

“Yeah. Sorry about that by the way.” I said.

“Nah it's cool. You fought very well.” He said, “and “I can't help but notice you say you ponies”

“Caught on to that one too?” Dark Star added.

“You caught me. Technically I'm not a pony. I'm what is called a dralicorn or dragon alicorn. I have some abilities from both species .” I summed up. Really I didn't even know the more detailed nature of how it works but at this point who cares?

“So when you transformed that was what a spell or just you?” Star Bright asked.

“That was me. I can transform into that form now at well. Sometimes I have to concentrate but I can with some what ease.” I said then an idea hit me. I couldn't help but grin devilishly as I turned to Luna. She noticed my looked.

“What are you planning?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh nothing.” I said as falsely innocent as I could.

“What is it?” She asked again.

“How about the five of us have some fun and drink?” I offered. Luna's eyes widen at my comment.

“Not after last time.” She shot back.

“Last time?” Nightling asked.

“Firestorm do not answer that question.” She ordered as I continued to grin.

“But Princess Luna don't you want to go drinking with me again?” I said.

“No. If you must then please let me have the drinks brought here?” She offered.

“Sounds good to me. Only if these three, Quickwind, and Ironside join me for drinks.” I requested and she nodded. It took six hours to get healed up. They were extra careful with me and made sure they got every spot healed. In both forms, much to my amusement the two doctors looking me over jumped when I transformed for them. I felt a little uneasy part way through with the mare doctor but for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. With all her staring it felt... weird. Like the creepy kind of weird. When they let me go I returned to my more pony like form. I didn't want to scare Quickwind and Ironside so shortly after the changeling's second attack. Which reminded me. “Luna did you ever get that information for Chrysalis?” I asked. She looked at me for a moment.

“Well she told me all she knew. She wanted revenge on Twilight after she screwed up her first attempt with Cadence at the royal wedding. So when she found out about you she wasn't prepared for that twist so she paralyzed you to get you out of the way. Then Twilight interfered again by getting you free sooner, shortly after Twilight was ponynapped and took to the old gem mine in the mountain and from there you can figure out what happened.” Luna explained as we went to the large hall that held my party and the gala which I was going to have to be there unless something happened. Which with my luck something would after so much crap, you get a sixth sense about these things. “I have had the staff prepare a bar in there for the you all. Shining will also be there partly to keep an eye on you and to enjoy it. I'm guessing he skipped your mind when you asked?” She said with a smirk. I felt ashamed, he was a friend and I forgot about him, like I did Lyra back at my party in Ponyville. “I was just kidding.” Luna said softly, trying to defuse where my mind went.

“I know you were joking but I feel like a heel now because I forgot a friend.” I said as I let out a sigh. Luna stopped me and forced me to turn to her.

“You listen to me Firestorm, you’re a good stallion and yes you forgot about Shining Armor but you can be expected to remember every pony you've met. Now I know why you wanted to do this. To have some fun and feel normal. So do it, have fun and be normal, as you put it, get so messed up you can't recognize your plot from a hole in the ground.” She said then hugged me. My sad demeanor shifted to a more happy one as I returned the hug. This felt nice and I kind of wish I could hold this moment but as quick as it came it left. Luna stopped hugging me and continued to the large room. Inside the room I saw barrels like the ones I saw at the bar Luna and I went to along with an assortment of bottles. This was a drunk's paradise and I was about to take part in it. They had a table set with enough seats for all of us. I took a seat and looked around; they had poker chips, cards, and snacks of all kinds. This place was set up for a night of poker and fun, this was going to be great. Luna smiled at me as I was so ready for some good old fun. Shortly after the others decided to join, All without their armor and a goofy grin on their faces. Yes, this was going to be so much fun.

“Welcome Fillies and Gentlecolts, tonight we have a fine selection of liquors and drinks for you to enjoy. Pick your poison and be ready to go home giddy because its time to get plastered.” I said standing up and taking a bow. “Now shall we have some fun?” I said as I floated over my first old viking like mug of hard cider. They got their drinks and came to the table.

Two Hours later...

“And I was like boy. You have know idea what kind of stupid I would do” I said ending a story that sprung from another story that derailed for six stories back. I was so hammered it was funny, I should know, I was laughing. We were all well off drunk, I honestly lost count of how many drinks I had. Granted I would remember in the morning.

“You know, you are like, the best prince ever. Not even-” Ironside started before he placed a hoof over his mouth just to belch. “Not even that prick BlueBlood would drink with us 'under ponies.'” he finished.

“Ah screw that joke of a stallion. I bet he wouldn't know a good time if it came up and bit him in the flank.” Star Bright added. I couldn't help but laugh again as I leaned so far back I tipped the chair with me.

“Whoops. There I go.” I said before another fit of laughs got me rolling, I got back to my wobbly hooves.

“You alright there buddy?” Shining said looking over at me as I saw the drunk blush on his cheeks.

“I don't know. Do I look alright there Shiny?” I called him by his nickname that we came up with about- Hell if I remember.

“Hey that's Captain Shiny!” he shot back. Before he started to laugh.

“Well El capitano we need another round. Bar keep more Wild Pegasus.” I said as some stallion brought it over. “Hey you know I never got your name.” I said to the bar keep.

“It's Hard Drink sir.” He said as he floated over shots for everyone.

“Well that's a fitting name. No offense.” I said as I held up my hooves to this.

“None taken sir.”

I floated the shot up and downed it chasing it with a gulp of hard cider.

“Anything I else I could get you?” He said and I grinned.

“Something harder.”

He raised an eyebrow at my request, “Harder?” He asked.

“Yes hardest you got.” I said, more demanding. He nodded then brought out a an old jug and poured me a shot.

“Be careful Firestorm this is one hundred fifty proof Ponyshire Moonshine.” he said I downed it like a shot. I felt the burn as it went down and damn did it feel good. I held up a hoof for a moment and turned my head, belching out the larges bit of ruby red fire I have. Luckily Luna planned ahead and had removed all the fabrics and had a fireproof charm cast throughout the room. Everyone clapped as I felt over again.

“Strong stuff.” I said.

“Told you.” Hard Drink said.

“Yes you did.” I said as I got back into the chair.

“We need some entertainment.” Dark Star said as he worked on his sixth or was it seventh mug of hard cider.

“Oh, oh, oh! I know!” I said as I bounced in the seat. “We should sing.” I said

“Sing what? I don't think any of us knows any fitting songs.” Nightling said as she was working on a stack of shots. I couldn't help but grin.

“Oh I know but lets see if you ponies can follow along.” I said I suddenly thought I could hear the music start around me. I looked around for where it was coming from but I couldn't find it so I shrugged as the group of ponies watched me. I drained my mug and began. “What do you do with a drunken pony, what do you do with a drunken pony, what do you do with a drunken pony, earl-eye in the morning!” I started to sing as all of them watched. Keeping in time with the song in my head. I even started to get up and dance a bit. “Way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, earl-eye in the morning” I continued to sing as I drunkenly danced. They all eyed me as a few of them got refills from Hard Drink. I even adopted an Irish accent as I continued. “Shave their belly with a rusty razor, shave their belly with a rusty razor, shave their belly with a rusty razor, earl-eye in the morning!” I returned to the chorus of the song, this time with Shining joining me.

“Way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, earl-eye in the morning” We sang.

“Put them in the bed with Princess Luna.” Nightling started as I got an even goofier grin on my face.

“Put them in the bed with Princess Luna, put them in the bed with Princess Luna, earl-eye in the morning!” The three of us sang as we drunkenly danced looking more like a pony Irish jig.

“What do you do with a drunken pony, what do you do with a drunken pony, what do you do with a drunken pony, earl-eye in the morning! Way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, way hay and up she rises, earl-eye in the morning” All of us sang including Hard Drink who was getting into it. Even some of the guards keeping an eye on us joined into the song.

“Put them in the back of the pony wagon.” Star Bright sang. Of course we all continued with”

“Put them in the back of the pony wagon, put them in the back of the pony wagon, earl-eye in the morning!” We continued to sing through at the rest of the song. We were drinking, dancing, and having a whole lot of merriment, someone put me down because I was in heaven. Suddenly a familiar orange and blond mare followed by an equally familiar rainbow maned mare decided to appear, towards the end of the song.

“Firestorm?” Applejack said in surprise. I don't know why she was surprised. Honestly I was having a great time. Why would she need to be all surprised at me about me having fun?

“Oh else would it be? Did you miss me?” I said with a drunken grin on my face.

“Oh Celestia this is too much.” Rainbow said as she enjoyed the show falling on the floor laughing. I couldn't help but join her.

“Come on get a mug and party with us.” I offered as soon as I got back to my wobbly noodle hooves again.

“I think you’ve had enough sugarcube. I need to get you to bed.” She said as she tried to get under my wing.

“But why? I'm having so much fun.” I said before I feeling caught my throat as I rushed over to the nearest trash can and filled it from the tap I called a mouth.

“That's why.” She said with a shake of her head. Wow... how does she keep all that mane together like that it's so wobbly like my legs. “Rainbow please help me get him to his room. You all should get some rest tomorrow too.” Applejack said before Rainbow got up.

“But we just got here. Couldn't I at least get a drink first?” She asked.

“Fine, one drink, then you help.” Applejack shot back.

“Alright.” Rainbow said before in a blur she was gone then back. For some reason my head felt like one of those bobble head things you find at sport stadiums. Oh what were they called again? Ah forget it. It will come to me sooner or later. Rainbow ran a hoof down my back as my wings shot open and my blush to deepen. I could hear the group of ponies behind me bust into laughter.

“Alright you guys and Nightling have fun, my ride is here.” I said before a fit of laughter got me again. Oh dear universe when you spoil me you do it greatly. Applejack got under my wing to my left and Rainbow to the right. Here I am stuck in the middle of them. That reminded me of a song that I couldn't remember the lyrics to. Oh well not important. “So why did you come all the way here? Did you miss me?” I slurred out.

“We kind of did sugarcube. That and Twilight wanted us to make sure you were alright after she found out that you knew about the samples.” Applejack explained. That was enough to sober me to stop.

“I wasn't suppose to know?” I asked my tone went from happy to more stern and angry.

“It's not like that sugarcube.” she defended.

“Then how is it like?” I said as I shot her a look.

“Just hold on a minute. It's not our place to explain what she was thinking. Just know she is sorry about how you must have taken it.” Rainbow said getting into my face again.

“Rainbow it's hard to not take it the wrong way. She could have asked me and it would have been fine. Instead she went behind my back and did it anyway. I'm upset about that Rainbow can't you see that?” I said as I stopped looking angry and just let my head droop. I continued towards my room wobbling the whole way.

“Firestorm look, if it means anything she is sorry.” Applejack said.

“So am I.” I said before we got to my door. I tried to open the door with my magic and all I got was sparks around the handle. Note to self drinking and using magic is as effective as drinking and driving, they’re somethings you don't do.

“Let me get that for you.” she said as she opened it. They helped me to my bed as I plopped. They headed towards the door quietly.

“Hey could you two please stay?” I asked as I rolled to look at them. They looked at me a little confused. “If you don't mind.” I said as I nervously tapped my hoofs.

“Why? If you don't mind me asking.” Applejack said.

“I... I just don't want to be alone tonight is all.” I said as I laid my head on my hooves. The two of them looked at each other then back at me.

“Sugarcube you're worried aren't you?” she said and I simply nodded.

“More than you could ever know.” I said as I started to curl up. “I can't help it.” I continued as both mares came over to me. “Why did you want to drink?”

“To numb my mind.” I said as she eyed me for a moment. “I used to do that from time to time when I didn't have much to worry about the next day. My brain likes to over think, it's my way of shutting it off to give it a rest.” I said as my gaze lowered to the ground.

“Dude it's cool. I know how it is too.” Rainbow Dash said as she walked up. “You worry about everything, trying to make things perfect to the point you want to break down. I get that. I do the same when it comes to my dream.” she continued.

“I'm just being a silly pony again ain't I?” I asked.

“Nah. You are just being you and that's all we could ask for from you.” Applejack said as she put a hoof on my left foreleg.

“Thanks you two. How did everything go back in Ponyville?” I asked a bit more sober then I was a bit ago. The two mares looked at each other then back to me.

“You sure you want to know?” Dash asked. Why were they avoiding the question? I nodded as I watched them.

“You sure you really want to know?” Applejack asked this time. Again avoiding the question.

“What happened?” I said flatly.

“Um... Nothing.” Applejack said with the worst poker face alive.

“What happened Applejack?” I more sternly said this time. They explained Trixie's revenge to me. How she threw Twilight out of Ponyville for the day because she got this artifact called the Alicorn Amulet. An item that gives any unicorn great power but darkens their souls and horn in the process. The room lit up, I could tell my mane and tail were on fire from my anger. I was pissed, drunkenly pissed but pissed all the same. It took a bit of work but they calmed me down and explained how they tricked Trixie into taking off the Amulet and saved Ponyville. Twilight asked both of them to come bring the artifact to Luna so she could hide it, so it would never be found again. Honestly in my drunkenness I wanted to make Trixie pay for her actions against Twilight but... I wasn't that kind of stallion. Chrysalis I was fine with because of what she did. Trixie was more of a bully then harmful. Didn't mean I wouldn't want to give her a good clawed buck, with a sigh I laid back down. I looked out the window for a bit.

“Firestorm?” Applejack asked.

“Yes?” I halfheartedly replied.

“You going to be alright?” She asked as she got down low enough to look me right in the eyes.

“I don't know, never have, and never will know.” I said.

“Oh come on, with a marefriend like Twilight how can you not be anything but happy?” Dash said.

“Marefriend?” I asked I had a feeling I knew what it was but I needed it to be clarified.

“Your special some pony?” Applejack asked.

“Girlfriend?” I asked. They nodded, I was right.

“I don't know if I'm Twilight's boyfriend or whatever you call it here. It's up to her. I mean, I want to be but... I'm afraid about it too.” I said as I look away from Applejack's eyes.

“What's to be afraid off? You two seem to really hit it off the other night.” Dash asked as she landed.

“Of screwing up. When you all chased me I felt like I screwed up big time. I jumped to a conclusion that had no base and it caused me to run from my friends. Then make you all panic from me over taxing my magic with blink. I... I'm just a grade A idiot.” I said as I finally closed my eyes to this. I didn't fall asleep really.

“You're not an idiot sugarcube. You just worry is all. I'm sure Twilight is just as worried about messing up as you are.”

“But I did mess up Applejack. I did something I didn't realize what it meant here.”I said.

“Oh come one what could have you done to make us chase you all across Ponyville.” Dash asked.

“I was trying to comfort Twilight as we laid in her bed. Get your mind out of the gutter right now Rainbow Dash.” I said as I saw that sly grin on her face.

“Oh come on, you two in Twi's bed? You have to amend that. It sounded, well, you know.” She said.

“But it was after what you said Rainbow. She was upset.” I said before Dash deflated.

“Yeah sorry about that again.”

“Could some pony explain what I'm missing here?” Applejack asked a little annoyed.

“I said something that got Twi all upset.” Dash said as she didn't look Applejack in the eyes.

“How bad?” She asked.

“Twilight blinking to her room crying bad.” I clarified this time. Dash looked at me for a moment.

“And throw a bed at me bad.” Dash explained. I had almost forgot about that part.

“What did you say Rainbow?” Applejack now sounded angry. Like I was with the mare when it happened.

“I um...” Dash started as she stumbled.

“Applejack quit it.” I said simply.

“Quit it?” She asked. “Twi was upset at her comment that she threw a bed at her.”

“In all fairness I was too. Not throw the bed angry but angry none the less. Back to the point here.” I said before I wrapped Applejack's head in magic and turned it back to me. I let it drop a moment later. “Well I was giving her a hug and wrapped my wings around her to comfort her. As I can assume Dash knows what that means.” I said as I saw a blush on her face.

“And what, pray tell, does it mean?” She asked

“Keep in mind I didn't know at the time. But it's a sign of dominance in um... bed.” I squeaked out that last part. Then ducked under my hooves. Silence... more silence, way too much silence. I looked up to the orange mare who now wore a blush. I blinked for a moment. Seriously she oh dear god put me out of my misery I think Applejack likes that kind of thing.

“I... I understand why you... um... like that now.” She got out. Okay where is Pinkie Pie with the awkward bomb because it just blasted awkward all over the place.

“Please stop thinking what you're thinking, Applejack you're making it just as awkward... Oh come on you too Dash?” I said now a little annoyed as Dash was on the ground wings completely out with a goofy smirk on her face. Seriously when this happened I thought I was the jerk of a pervert, but these mares have me beat, hooves down. “So do I have to get a mind cleaning spell for you two?” I asked a little more stern than I was drunk enough to be. With a bit of magic I gave them both a simple thud on the back of their heads. Which was enough to snap them out of it.

“Ah... sorry sugarcube. Lost my head there a moment.” Applejack apologized. I looked over to Dash who just looked back.

“What?” She said then I rolled my eyes.

“Oy.” I said before I rubbed my temples.

“Starting to get a hangover?” Applejack asked.

“No. Honestly never had one in my life.” I said as I started to sober up more. Being up straight long enough the booze worked its way out of my system.

“Really? I guess you just didn't drink enough for it.” She said.

“Oh I drank enough for probably a good six maybe seven of them last night.” I said with a smirk of my own.

“Oh really? Then how much did ya'll drink?” She said with a raised eyebrow.

“Well from my memory which has not failed me yet from drinking. Six barrels of your hard cider was working on the seventh, about twelve shots of Wild Pegasus whiskey, a shot of PonyShire Moonshine. Big shot mind you and I think that's about it.” I listened from the top of my head. They both look at me dumbfounded from what I said. “What?”

“How... are you so... I mean... How could you drink all that and not keel over?” Applejack gets out finally after stumbling a bit.

“One because I can pace myself within the two hours we partied and two because I've had worse. I can go into details but I think you remember my shed story.” I explained as I made my point.

“I've got to take you drinking with me sometime.” Dash gets out with a grin.

“Dash it's not funny.” Applejack snapped at Dash for honestly no reason.

“Okay cut it out. Really what is the problem that I wanted to enjoy myself and I can come out of it unscathed?” I asked more confused.

“It's just- really that much? It's hard to believe even though I know you're not lying.” She explained.

“Not to sound like a jerk here but... how do you know I wasn't lying?” I asked.

“Well besides being the Element of Honestly I just have a knack for picking up on people lying is all.” She said.

“I see.”

“I'm kind of surprised you haven't passed out yet?” Dash yawned.

“Because alicorns don't sleep as often as normal ponies.” I explained.

“Wait does that mean you were up at your sleepover?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah. I was in the basement drawing until Rarity came down to talk to me.” I clarified.

“You know I never got to ask you. Why were you so angry with her the following day?” She asked.

“I've been wondering the same thing.” Dash added.

“Look if you want to know ask Rarity. What happened was between me and her. No offense but I don't like airing out my dirty laundry like that.” I explained.

“You've got a point there.” Applejack relents. “So why did you want us to stay?”

“Felt lonely honestly. It sounds a little weird especially after just one night but... I just miss Twilight is all. Not to say you two aren't bad or anything. I just... I'm being an idiot again.” I said with a sigh.

“Look I know it may seem weird that you feel in love with Twilight and want to be around her. Especially if she is going to be your special somepony. Just to have them close to cuddle with so you don't feel alone anymore.” Applejack said almost spot on to how I felt. Though I don't really see Twilight like that completely. The way she made it sound, Twilight was like a safety blanket for me. Something to catch me when I mess up and fall, it was more than that. Twilight honestly felt like the only pony that could keep me together when I just want to fall apart. I also found her so fascinating with everything she could do. The magic, the experiments, the thirst for more knowledge even in things that are just fantasy. She made me want to better myself so I could try and be her equal, intellectual wise. Not just an idiot that just gets by dumb luck even though that wasn't true at all. I had no luck at all. It didn't change that I like Twilight for being Twilight. She was nice to me the first time I was completely new here. My first friend here and maybe my first marefriend. I smiled at that a bit as I looked down.

“Applejack, there is so much more to that then just cuddling. I find myself wanting to be around Twilight a lot, even if it is reading a book or enjoying a meal together. I feel whole around her, like something I have had missing for so long just returned. She makes me feel, well... not like an outsider. There's just so much that Twilight does that there is nothing I could do to ever repay and thank her for. If she's upset I want to make her feel better. When she is mad I want to calm her down. When times are hard I want to be there to keep her going. I want to protect her when things get dangerous. I just... I don't know what to really say anymore when everything I just well... you know.” I said as I continued. The two of them looked at me.

“Twilight would be a fool not to fall in love ya.” Applejack said with a smile.

“That was...wow.” Dash said. I looked at the two of them a little curious where they were getting at.

“That was, in it's own way, romantic. If she didn't have ya, I would have courted you myself.” Applejack said which turned my face red and made me do a double take.

“What?” I said like an idiot.

“Don't worry I don't plan to take you from Twi. I'm not that kind of mare.” She defended. Part of me was confused. Technically we haven't even made it official yet so there was that. I know I wouldn't even do that to Twilight myself. Honestly I would rather jump off the overlook then hurt her like that.

“Well this is good and awkward.” I said before silence filled the room. I had sobered up at this point and went over to the fireplace. One breath of fire later and it roared and crackled. It took a few moments before snoring behind me caught my attention. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash fell asleep on me. I lightly smiled as I floated them over to the bed and covered them with a blanket. I watched them for a few moments before I left. I shut the door and went down the hallway. A few turns later I had to ask which way it was to the archives. One of the guards lead the way for me. Once there the guard left me alone and I floated up one of the maps and scanned over it. Something had been in the back of my mind for a while. Grim Wand, since that memory I had gotten from Celestia I wanted to know more about the necromancer. I went down the aisles in silence just a little orb of light following me from a light spell I cast. I got to the restricted section were one of Luna's night guards blocked the path through a steel door into it. I walked up to him and he gave me a cold deadpanned stare.

“Hello.” I said wondering if he was going to act like one of the guards from some palace I knew of but I couldn't place a name to it off the top of my head.

“Hello, what can I do for you tonight?” he asked in a surprisingly nice but deep tone. His black coat with equally black mane made me think he would be a great sneak attacker in these archives.

“I was wondering if you knew where the Grim Wand tomes are?” I asked.

“They’re behind this door, three isles from the left.” He said still standing there.

“Mind if I go in?” I asked. He stepped to the side and opened the door for me. I stepped in and he followed locking the door behind us.

“This way.” He said as I followed just like he said three isles and to the left of the door and we found ourselves in a section marked Grim Wand. I floated one of the books over to me and flipped it open. The guard stood there pretty much doing his role, guarding me. I began to read, apparently this was one of his journals.

January 2nd
I had found a new form of magic, something unheard of in all of Equestria. I began to study it something about it intriguing me. I don't know why, it feels colder than normal magic. Almost like it's otherworldly, most fascinating.

What was so fascinating? Was this the beginning of his study into the necromantic arts and what was this being colder than normal?

January 20th
I found something most particular. This little ball of light that floated around me. It came from a graveyard. It had a pair of little wings on it like a parasprite but more glowing and feathery. Prodding with my magic I was able to talk with it. It insisted it was a pony at some point called Silver Star. A little research later told me that Silver Star died over a hundred years ago. Yet this thing said it was her. How is that possible? I must study it further.

Silver Star? Wait from the sound of it. She had turned into a fairy or the possibility that was her soul, but over a hundred years ago, wouldn't have the soul passed to the afterlife or the ponified version of heaven at that point?

February 6th
Soul? Was this ball of light Silver Star's soul? I had started to question the little ball about details on Silver Star to find out if it was indeed her. So far she was able to match up the story almost spot on. The only thing that wasn't correct was her death. From the records Sliver Star died after she fell from the second floor onto a pitchfork. Well from this ball of light she was stabbed with the pitchfork when a local colt was rejected by her from his advances towards her. He got angry and stabbed her and made it look like she fell onto it. I'm sort of inclined to believe her and I felt sorry for her life to be cut so short. The irony to this story was the colt, I later found was named Wind Duster, died two days later from falling into an empty well that some kid had dropped a pitchfork into. In the end Wind Duster's story became his end. Silver Star found this just as fitting.

“That's dark.” I said not really thinking about it.

“What is?” The guard next to me asked.

“Just this part of this journal. Is there any chance I could borrow some of these book to read over?” I asked. I honestly was starting to get a creepy vibe from this place and it was really unnerving.

“If you wish Firestorm. I was informed to let you into all sections of the archives. So I believe borrowing material would be equally allowed.” He said.

“Ah... thank you mister... you know I never got your name.”

“Night Tome” He said.

“Thank you Night Tome.” I said as I found his name perfect for where he was protecting. “By any chance would you know where some spell books would be? Like maybe novice to advanced?”

“Of course right this way.” He offered and lead me out of the restricted area of the archives. He helped me find a few spell books some of them pretty advanced. Like a spell that gave earthbound ponies a set of butterfly wings. I wonder if Rarity would like those? He helped me log them as checked out and I returned to my room to begin going through them. The simple ones first, I focused on some of the more elemental spells. Especially fire, what can I say I'm a bit of a pyromaniac. Since I could breathe fire an all.

***---***

An evil laugh filled the air causing all the cadets to shake a bit. The more seasoned fighters stood steady as I used the royal Canterlot voice. Luckily it took little convincing to get Luna to teach me how to do it. I told her I wanted it for a few reasons, mainly to intimidate in defense, or get monsters to run away by using it with my dragon roar. I wanted to give it a good test run though so Shining convinced me to scare the cadets. Apparently they had continued drinking after Applejack and Rainbow Dash pulled me away last night. I was a little against it after the fight yesterday but Dash pointed out that it was all in good fun and it would help them face up to dangers so I gave in. Now I was by the door to the castle using my evil voice with laugh to scare them, Dash next to me laughing her flank off. Applejack just watched waiting for my the signal to release the giant sling shot filled with dry ice and water, to create a fog for me to appear before them. I flicked my reptile tail as she nodded and launched it. I focused a bit and as soon as it hit and the fog appeared I blinked in front of them in the fog. I decided to roar as some of them took stance and others ducked in fear.

“Good work some of you.” Shining said coming over to his cadets. “Some of you need to work on stealing your nerve. Don't you agree?” He said as he turned to me.

“Oh most definitely. Some of you were ready to attack me without hesitation, Some not so much.” I said as I sat down on my hunches and flicked my tail. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash decided to come over. They sat next to me as some of the cadets started to whisper. I raised an eyebrow as I looked at one of the yellow stallion in front of me that was whispering into the gray mare next to him. “You.” I said as I pointed at him. This caused him to jump.

“Ye... yes, P-P-Prince Firestorm?” He stumbled over himself. I couldn't help but smirk.

“What did you just whisper to her?” I said as I pointed to the mare next to him.

“Nothing Prince.” He said standing at attendance. I gave him a deadpan look.

“Okay lets try this again. What did he say to you?” I said turning to the mare this time.

“He was wondering if you and the Elements of Honesty and Loyalty were an item.” She said which caused all of us do double takes shooting glares at the yellow stallion who had the most bug eyed look of fear. I smirked quietly as I nodded to the mare then turned to the rest of them.

“Can any of you tell me what these two did wrong?” I asked. The mare looked surprised for a moment that I included her in that. I looked at all of them, Shining a little puzzled, the rest completely confused. A stallion with a red coat nodded. “You, what did these two do wrong?”

“Daffodil lied to royalty.” He said.

“And the other?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. I took a shot in the dark that the yellow one was called Daffodil.

“I don't know sir.” He said.

“Does anypony here know?” I asked more to everyone there. A lot of them shook their heads. “Allow me to explain this one here is correct Daffodil did lie and that is what he did wrong but this one.” I said pointed to the mare. “Didn't conduct Loyalty to her fellow soldier.” This caught them by surprise. Well all of them but Applejack, Dash, and Shining who were now smirking. He must have figured out where I was going with this. “Does anypony here know the term brother in arms?” I asked. “Not you Shining.” I said cutting him off. He deflated a bit by that. Everypony there shook there heads. “Then I will explain to simplify it. Brother in arm means your fellow soldier or guard. The one you eat, sleep, talk, spar, fight, and defend with. You put your trust in them as they put their trust in you. The loyalty that you hold with your soldier or guard is what could make or break any pony doing his job. Look at the pony next to you.” I more ordered and they did as such. “You may not know that pony or that pony may not know you. But as you work together you will form bonds with them for a team or group with them. You will become friends and you will fight with them. If it's either fighting to protect the castle, to protect Celestia or Luna, or to protect those you care about. That pony will be there right by your side. Through the thick and thin of it. You want to know how I know that?” I asked as I watched each and every one of them. “Because I am willing to do the same for my friends. I am willing to lay down my life if it means they are safe. That the ponies I care about will live on and I trust that each and every one of you will do the same. Now as for these two. Daffodil did have the right idea to lie but he choose poorly to who to lie to. When it comes to your enemy you can't trust them all the time. Be on guard with them be ready to strike if you need to. Like I know some of you are willing to do from me appearing like I did. Some of you need to practice this. As for this mare here she also had the right idea. She was loyal to the royalty of this kingdom but not to her fellow soldier or guard.” I continued the mare gave a look of understanding where Daffodil did not. He had anger behind his eyes and I know that anger. I've seen that anger one that looks after himself and no pony else. He is just going to have to learn the hard way sometimes anger isn't the right motivator. “If you excuse me. There is a matter I need to deal with.” I said as I turned my back to the group of them. Both Dash and Applejack looked at me confused as well as Shining. I couldn't help but smirk as I could hear the muttering of Daffodil behind me.

“You son of a mule royal. You think you know what it's like to be one of us. I'll show you.” He mumbled before he drew his training sword which was just a simple wooden sword. I could hear him gallop at me before I stopped him with my magic holding him a few inches of the ground, my tail's tip pointed right at his neck all within seconds of him close enough to strike.

“Just as I thought.” I said simply.

“What do you mean?” He said as he spat out his sword.

“Look down.” I said simply as I turned my head to look at him. He looked down then it dawned on him that I had him from the git go. If he even tried to strike me I would have put him down. I found out that the edge of my tail was just like a sword, sharp and deadly. This was for a point nothing more, nothing less. “You let your anger cloud your judgment. Like my mind did during the bout I had with the night guards. A clear mind solves more problems then a clouded one of anger. Learn that well, all of you.” I said before I let the guard down back at his spot.

“Cadet Daffodil!” Shining said now taking on a boss like tone.

“Shining Armor.” I said using mine this time. He turned to me.

“Yes?” He now questioned.

“Do not punish him. I think I've already did enough to get the point across. In fact I want him and that mare to work together more often to make sure my words sink in.” I said before he nodded and I left. Applejack and Rainbow Dash following.

“That was mighty foolish what you did back there.” Applejack said.

“Foolish? That was awesome. Did you see how he had him from the beginning that was just genius.” Dash said with excitement.

“But what if he didn't Dash he could have been hurt.” She replied.

“One I knew he would attack. Honestly I baited him into it. When I said I had a matter to deal with that is what I meant.” I explained. “It was easier and more effective if I made my point like that. Plus I knew I was safe. If something happened to me then, one, Shining Armor would deal with him. Or two, you would have, plus Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and a royally pissed of Twilight. On top of that three royally pissed off alicorns and myself once I got up.” I pointed out. They looked at each other for a moment and nodded.

“I guess your right. You did really push his buttons though. Not saying it was right but I get why.” Applejack said.

“So what do we do now?” Dash said looking at me.

“Well I don't know about you two but I could go get something to eat. I didn't eat breakfast after all.” I said the two of them looked at me. Applejack face hoofed.

“Why did you go and do something as silly as that?” She asked.

“Never really was a morning pony. More times I ended up sleeping through it.” I pointed out.

“Okay so I'm going to have to make sure you eat breakfast here then.” She said before heading before towards some room in the castle. Of course I haven't fully explored it either but oh well. Ten minutes later we found ourselves in one of the kitchens. “Alright I'm going to make you a good old fashioned Apple Family Brunch.” she said before raiding the fridge of ingredients.

“Alright but um... could you avoid the eggs please?” I asked awkwardly.

“Why? Don't you like them?” She asked.

“Not really the biggest fan honestly, the rest I'm fine, just eggs... not so much.” I said as I sat down quietly. I watched her go to town in there, she was flying around cooking up a storm. She could have matched Rainbow Dash for speed alone when she was in the kitchen. Dash sat next to me watching all this. Within what felt like mere minutes she had three plates filled with food. I blinked in surprise. Applejack put the plates down and we sat there and ate in silence. Partly because I didn't have anything to say at the moment. Both Dash and Applejack looked at each other, a small blush on their faces before they turned to their plates. I raised an eyebrow to this. I had a very sneaky suspicion that those two were involved. I wonder if I should ask. You know what screw it.

“So how long?” I asked before I put more hay bacon into my mouth. They snapped their gazes to me.

“How long what?” They both asked at the same time. This was comical to say the least.

“That you two have been seeing each other?” I asked.

“We're not seeing each other.” They replied.

“Really? I figured since you're both blushing just looking at each other you two are involved with each other.”

“I am not involved with that pony.” They said as they pointed to each other. Inside I was laughing my ass off. Outside I played it cool and calm.

“Then let me ask you something. Why did both of you blush looking at each other just a few moments ago?” I said. Right then they turned red.

“But, we... um... well... damn.” They still said in unison. Okay I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started to laugh. I laughed so hard I tipped the chair backwards with me in it.

“What's so funny?” The continued to say. I was laughing hard at this. This was just too priceless.

“You're both saying the same thing at the same time. It's too funny.” I said throughout my bouts of laughter. That was about when I got a glass of water dumped on me. I was now wet and laughing. So after I finally stopped I got up and shook some of the water off.

“That wasn't funny.” Applejack said. I guess they finally figured out how to stop talking at the same time.

“You have to admit the two of you talking at the same time with the same response was kind of funny.” I replied.

“We didn't” They both said at the same time again. I couldn't help but laugh when they finally noticed it. That dumbfounded look was priceless, if only I had a camera to take a picture. Of course right then a flash filled the room. Followed by all three of us turning to see both Pinkie and Rarity. I looked out right surprised to see them there. Thinking quickly I sat up as quick as I could.

“What are you two doing here?” I asked a little more in surprise.

“Oh we thought we would come visit our favorite drony.” Rarity said causing me to blush a bit. I wasn't special for something like that.

“Because we wanted to make sure you're all having some super duper fun. Please I have a party to prepare.” She said before she zoomed right past me causing me to spin around like a twister before I landed flat on my face the room spinning still in my vision.

“Oh look I'm in the spin cycle again.” I said before I closed my eyes.

“You alright there?” Rarity said before I started to shake my head.

“Just a moment still waiting on the buzzer.” I said before everything stopped spinning “And there it is. Hows um... everything?” I asked that Trixie story still at the back of my mind.

“Better now honestly. After well you know... you do know right?” She asked before I nodded. “Right well I just needed to get away after that. So I thought coming up to see you since you couldn't be home would make a lovely reason to get away. Plus I brought you something.” She said.

“Rarity you didn't need to get me something.” I said before a light blue tint filled my vision.

“Nonsense I certainly did. After all your royalty now and you must look the part.” She said before I was whisked away to my room. Applejack and Rainbow Dash following shortly behind. I let out a sigh really there is no point in me asking them if they remember it's quite obvious that they either don't remember or care at this point. So I just floated there an annoyed look across my face but stayed silent. We got to the room and I was deposited onto the bed. Then I remembered Fluttershy and Twilight. Since four of the six were here I wonder if every pony had come.

“Is Fluttershy and Twilight here?” I asked. They looked at me. Rarity sighed before she turned to me.

“Fluttershy yes. Twilight I'm afraid to say no. She is still worried that you’re cross with her because of the samples.” She said before my ears felt flat before I gave off a depressive sigh. Yes I was still a little cross but I was more worried in all honesty.

“I see.” I said as I laid down quietly on the bed.

“Oh please don't be upset. I understand where you're coming from. She didn't mean to worry you about it.” Rarity started to defend Twilight.

“Um Rarity that's not what’s got him all upset.” Applejack said as I turned towards the fireplace. I got off the bed and went over to it.

“Really? Then was it because...” Rarity asked.

“Because she didn't ask him to do it. That is what is bugging him the most about it. He would have said yes if she only asked.”

“Oh... I see.”Rarity said not sure how to take that from the tone of voice.

“I need to speak with Twilight.” I said simply before I breathed fire into the fireplace lighting it again. I started to lay in front of it just to watch the flames dance around.

“Sugarcube...” Applejack said coming over to me.

“Please just...” I stopped before a hoof was placed over my muzzle as I looked up at Applejack who gave a worried look.

“I'll try to get her here. I can't promise anything but I will try for you.” She said before I nodded. “In the mean time why don't you see what Rarity has for you, to help keep your mind off it.” She said before I nodded again. I got up and turned to Rarity who was floating over some large neck thing. Well its what it looked like the metal necklaces I saw Luna and Celestia wear. Though this one was more fire-like, there was a fire that started deep red that turned orange and so forth all to the back. There also was some shoe like thing that each held a gem. They looked like rubies. I looked a bit surprised at this before she floated them over to me.

“Do you want help putting it on?” Rarity asked. I nodded quietly as she opened up the back of the giant necklace and slipped it on. It wasn't heavy, it was, well what would you expect from a giant thick necklace. It felt warm too for some reason but I guess it could have been the magic or the fire behind me. She then placed the first two of the hoof shoes? Or would that be horseshoes? Anyway, she placed them down as I slowly stepped into them. My left leg first mainly to see if they fit. Hard to tell with my right one since it was metal. Of course they fit perfectly, I've got to say it took a bit of time to get use to it but they felt nice. “I made sure the shoe would open up for your claws.” She said and with magic lifted up the small metallic flaps to show my hoof under them, clever choice Rarity.

“Thank you Rarity you didn't need to do this for me.” I said with a smile on my face.

“Well we want our prince to look the part right?” She said before I deflated a bit by that.

“I'm not a prince Rarity you know that.” I said as I sat down this time and looked at the shoes quietly. I never really did feel like a prince more like someone playing the role. I just... I didn't want to be a prince like this. It was more just given to me. I mean, I do accept that I am a prince in legal standing in Equestria. I'm fine with that but I just don't feel right trying to... trying to be one. I'm not as snooty as Blueblood. I'm not as wise as Celestia or Luna. I'm just stupid old me who just dropped in like some uncle that the kids want to see but the parents don't ever want around.

“Firestorm, stop it.” Dash said which cause me to whirl over to her. I was surprised at that. “Listen carefully, you are a prince but far better than anyone I've seen. You act like a normal pony not some stuck up snob.” She said as she got right into my face.

“I would agree with her” Celestia said from the door.

“Celestia!” I said in surprise as I jumped.

“Hello again Prince Firestorm. I'm glad to see you are still well.” She said as she came over to me.

“I thought you were with the delegates from Saddle Arabia?” I asked.

“I was, but have it settled. In fact they said to make it up to you that you and your friends can come anytime as their guests.” She said then gently gave me a small nuzzle. I blushed a bit at this. I know it was a family love kind of jester but still. “I also caught your speech to the guards about brothers in arms. Personally I would have suggested brothers in hooves but to each their own right?” She said with a wink.

“Thank you Celestia. I was kind of worried I went a little overboard with it.” I said scratching the back of my head.

“Quite the contrary, you did excellent, even when the cadet went after you. You didn't strike him, only proved a point.” She said before she came next to me and placed a wing around me. “That's that kind of speech a ruler should give their troops and I'm glad it was you that gave them that.”

“Thanks.” I said a blush across my face.

“Now I know you've been stuck here so why don't we get you back home finally.” She said and I stopped.

“No.”I said simply.

“No?” The group of them asked.

“Yes, no, Celestia I want a word with you alone. If that's alright?” I requested. The group of them looked at me confused for a moment. Rarity, Dash, and Applejack all left to have just me and Celestia alone in the room.

“What is it that you wanted to speak with me about?”

“Many things, right now besides the whole royalty thing is Grim Wand.”I said I heard the small intake in breath as she looked at me in surprise.

“What do you want to talk about that...” She said before stopping herself. I figured this must have been a touchy subject with her.

“Because something is bugging me about it. It's sort of eating at me to the point last night I went into the restricted section to try and understand it more. I found a few of his books. Nothing spell related. Just his journal and research notes.” I started to explain. She eyed me quietly mainly trying to judge my motive. “Don't worry I don't plan to go into necromancy or anything of the sorts. I just want to understand and learn more about the pony. There's something about him that jumps out at me, especially since I got that memory of yours.” I said.

“I see. So this is just extreme curiosity then?” She asked.

“For the most part. Which is why I wanted ask two things. One, if I could take the books I checked out with me to Ponyville to continue reading about him. I have a sneaking suspicion that you blocked all records of him from the public.” I said and she nodded to confirm.

“I can allow that request if they stay with Twilight so they don't get out.” She said and I nodded at this.

“Second is advice.” I said with my head lowing a bit. She turned to me.

“What's on your mind?” She asked.

“Twilight mainly.” I said quietly.

“Is this about the samples?” She asked.

“Partly, but there's more to it. I just noticed something a bit ago involving Twilight and I. I don't know how to proceed with it.” I said as I tucked my forelegs under me.

“Could you please clarify?” She asked.

“Well think about it for a moment. I'm part of the royal family. Which means I'm related to Shining Armor from his marriage to Cadence. Which makes me related to Twilight.” I said before Celestia smiled quietly.

“I see the whole legal family thing. Honestly it's not as uncommon as you're making it out to believe. Yes in technical terms you are already related to her. But that is as far as it goes. There's plenty of loopholes that allow you and Twilight to be together. If that is what you wish.” She explains. I started to think about it more. I would love to be with Twilight. How much I care for her and so forth but... does she feel the same for me now?

“Thank you. I just worry I guess.” I said as I look forward quietly for a bit.

“It's understandable. StarSwirl had a similar problem before. Though back then the whole legality was more tight knit about it compared to what it is now. It's not against the law for you two to be together, frowned a bit maybe, but not illegal. It's about the same with herds.” She continued.

“Herds?” I asked needing more context.

“Yes a herd. It's like a marriage but it's with more than two ponies in it. The normal is about three to six but sometimes special cases let more.” She explains this sent my mind spinning at this. So polygamy was legal here too? Okay I think at this point my brain tried to reboot itself. “Now don't get the wrong idea but I doubt all the element bearers like you like that.” Celestia said which caused me to jump and back peddle.

“What! I would never. No, no, no, no, no. Just no I... I just... No... My brain hurts.”I said as I laid down and put my hooves on my temples that was the last straw for it. My brain started to shut down. “Celestia I'm not that kind of stallion and I doubt the girls like me like that. As a friend yes but more. I highly doubt it. Twilight...” I sighed. “Twilight I don't know honestly, I do care and love her but with everything I just don't know if she feels the same about me. I've only arrived within what the last few months?” I asked. Celestia eyed me. “I just don't know anymore. Part of me screams that I don't deserve any of this. The friends, the family, any of this but I know I want this too. Then toss in my feelings for Twilight and it becomes a big ball of wibbly wobbly stuff. Too much to think about and too little brain to do it.” I said as I feel a hoof rub my back.

“Firestorm...” A familiar voice said from my right. Wait... my right? Hold on who is it when Celestia is just to my left. I turned to see Twilight there, her eyes glistening as she heard everything. Everything I just said my worries and all. “I do love you.” she said as she leaned forward and kissed me. I turned bright red as she held it there. I felt her warmth, her love just wash over me. My worries, my cares... gone just like that. I felt good and complete for once. When she pulled back I looked at her quietly before she rested her head against mine. “I'm sorry that I went behind your back like I did. I wanted to help you understand what your body does. I didn't think you would have minded so much if I could give you answers. I should have known better and asked first-” She would continued but I put a hoof to her mouth.

“Twilight, it's fine now. Just please ask me next time. I... I was being stupid too. I should have figured you were worried about me and sent a letter or something but... I felt conflicted.” I said as I closed my eyes. I heard the magic of a horn before it went silent again. Just the cracking of the fireplace giving the room its ambient sound.

“I'm sorry that I caused that.” She said as she started to cry lightly as I got up and brought her close to hold her. She nuzzled her head into my chest as I held her.

“Twilight Sparkle?” I asked. She looked up at me. “Will you be my Marefriend?” I asked. She started to smile at me and then jumped from my hold. She then proceeded to pin me to the ground like a little kid that just got the gift she wanted.

“Yes!” She proclaimed and gave me a long held kiss right there me turning bright red. Which was followed by the sound of two party poppers going off. Both Twilight and I looked up to see everyone there. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Nightling, Dark Star, Star Bright, Quickwind, Ironside, Moon Light, Clear sky, and Cotton Candy all smiling at the two of us. We got up real quick both red faced as they started to laugh. I looked down to Twilight and her up to me. We smiled before we leaned in to each other as I warped a wing around her back. Screw the rest of Equestria this was perfect and I wouldn't give it up for anything. Thank you universe you at least gave me this.

***---***

“So this is the journal you were talking about?” Twilight asked after the two of us got some alone time, mostly used to talk and... to kiss here and there. Hey give me a break we just became a couple so sue us.

“Yeah, It's Grim Wand's journal. Something about that name jumped out at me after the memory I got from Celestia.” I explained for the second time to her. I showed her the three entries I read and she got about the same feelings I did. Which was I didn't like where it was going but there was no proof.

“I don't fault you for wanting to know more things, but I have to wonder why do you want to know about him?” She asked.

“Ever since that memory something just jumps out at me about the guy. I don't know why and it's annoying. There is something about him that unnerves me that I have to know more about him. I only found his journals because it's the only thing I can find of the guy. I doubt Celestia will tell me anymore beyond that memory. So what better way to know about a guy then his journal?” I reasoned to her. She looked at me for a moment then nodded.

“Reasonable deduction.” She replied as she rested her head against me. I couldn't help but smile she was so affectionate and it was so adorable, dare I say, adorkable? I smiled at my own joking thought. I flipped open the journal again and started to read the next entry.

February 9th
I do believe this ball of glowing energy is indeed the soul of Silver Star. She told me about things back during her days and I couldn't help but listen, fascinated by them. I figured she would ask about my time but she reminded me that she was floating around for years and knew about it. We decided to be friends from that point on. Weird I know but sometimes true friendship comes from weird friendships. So we continued to talk until we found two more souls floating around. They seemed to be lost. Two young foals named Day Song and Night Song, the two used to be brother and sister that passed only a few days ago from a mishap with magic. They showed me where they had passed and there was nothing left but ashes. It was kind of sad that any of us could go right at that minute. Their parents were sitting there. The mother crying into the father's hooves. My heart reached out for them. So we went over and I told them about their children. The father was instantly angry at me, maybe he thought I was making fun of their loss. After I had asked the children a few questions that only they would know the answer to. The parents weren't so upset, we sat down and I gave the grieving couple some peace. Silver Star remained silent as the two souls were given the chance to pass on. What a sight that was, the two souls took the form of foals. They were completely white but that must have been what they looked like in life. It brought a warmth to my heart and peace to the parents minds. I asked Silver Star about her passing and she told me that she gave it up. She wouldn't tell me why so I can only guess.

That was the last entry for February the next one was a few months later. Twilight and I decided that we would go through the journal more once we were home.

“He does seem like a nice guy after doing that for the family.” Twilight said.

“Well we are taking his word of it. There is always two sides to every story Twilight we only have half of it.” I said as I read that entry again. Something just doesn't feel right and it was driving me nuts to figure it out. It was then that Twilight shut the book on me and got me to look at her in the eyes. Those perfect pools of amethyst beauty that made up her eyes could always make me feel like goo inside.

“Well I know a story I want to dive into.” She said before she leaned in and gave me another kiss. I started to melt on the spot. If she wanted to get my mind off of something she learned very quickly how to do it. I blushed deeply as I started to kiss back. It was right then the mood was almost destroyed by the paradox perplexing pink party pony appearing right next to us.

“Ooh what'cha doing?” Pinkie said snapping both of us out of it as we jumped at her sudden appearance.

“Pinkie you've got to stop appearing like that.” I said holding a hoof to my chest. “And Twilight and I were having a private moment.” I continued.

“Very private.” She smirks and I blushed.

“Ooh. Well since it's over. It's time to Party!” she yelled then grabbed both Twilight's left hoof my right before taking off out the door. A small pang of pain hit when she did that because she took my prosthetic hoof with her instead of me. Without the added balance I properly fell over.

“Ow.” I said when I smacked into the ground. I got to my three hooves and hobbled towards the door. I get there to find Applejack galloping towards me. She slide to stop looking at me.

“Hey... how. Hows it going?” She got out in heavy breaths. Did she just run all over the castle for me.

“Could be better.” I said then gestured with my head at my missing leg.

“Ah yea... I saw Pinkie fly by with Twilight and noticed she had your leg. Did she?” She got out.

“Try to drag me along and grabbed the wrong hoof. Leaving me as pony tripod? Yeah she did. I don't think she noticed which leg she grabbed but it's alright.” I said as I continued to hobble toward wherever Pinkie dashed off to.

“Here, let me give you a hoof getting there.” Applejack offered I extended my right wing and she got under it. Together we made our way to the ballroom where all the ponies where. Including a dazed Twilight and a laughing Dash. Pinkie run up to Applejack and I with my leg.

“Oh I'm so sorry I didn't mean to take your hoof. I just wanted you to come to your birthday make up birthday party.” she said as I warped the leg in my magic.

“Pinkie it's alright. I figured as much.” I said before I reinserted the leg back in. “So we are good Pinkie” I said as the three of us finally entered the party. Pinkie started to zip around to most likely make sure ponies were having fun. I went and had some punch. You know I never got around to ask about how hooves work and how they could hold stuff without fingers.

“How are you enjoying the party?” Celestia asked behind me.

“Oh hello Celestia. I'm having enjoyable time.” I said with a smile then took a sip of my drink.

“That is good to hear.” She said as she floated over a cup of punch herself. You know come to think of it Celestia and Luna may know the answer to this question. Well if any pony would it would be them.

“Hey Celestia I have a question.” I started with she took a sip and looked down at me with a raised eyebrow. “It's about hooves.”

“What about hooves?” She asked.

“How do hooves work? I know that's a bit of a weird question.” I started.

“Is this about how ponies can hold things in their hooves without claws or fingers?” She asked which surprised me. Was she reading my thoughts now? “Don't worry I'm more surprised you haven't asked that earlier”

“Well... technically I did when Lyra asked me how fingers worked. I just got the ‘they just do’ answer.” I said with a smile.

“Ah. Well not a lot of ponies know about it. Your aware that every pony has some sort of magic to them. Like earth ponies have it geared towards strength and constitution, unicorns as you know can control it more externally, and pegasi have it through flight and weather manipulation.” She started as I nodded to this. I learned that from the beginner’s guide to magic 6th edition that Twilight had back at the library. “Well everypony can use telekinesis at a fundamental level. Mainly through their hooves. It allows them to pick up things like how Applejack is using that fork over there.” She said pointing to Applejack just doing that eating a piece of cake.

“So it's like zero point telekinesis?” I said with a smile.

“I see why Twilight likes you.” She said which caused me to blush. “And before you say that you're not smart, you don't give yourself enough credit.”

“But-” I said before a well timed lavender hoof got me to shut up.

“She is right. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for. Which is why I didn't tell you about it.” Twilight said which surprised me. She gave me a smirk. I just shook my head with a sigh under the hoof and she removed it.

“Alright. I get it I have some smarts.” I said with a light chuckle at the end with both hooves up.

“About time.” Applejack said next to me.

“Oh come on you gotta at least give me that I have done some extremely stupid things.” I say in my defense.

“Like facing a Timber wolf for the first time?” Applejack asked.

“Detracting Nightmare moon?” Pinkie added.

“Panicking over a misunderstanding?” Dash added.

“Making a deal with Sha?” Fluttershy timidly said.

“Doubting yourself?” Rarity continued.

“Let the media get to you?” Luna said.

“Not think you could totally kick butt?” Shining added.

“Yes, I think we get it.” I said then turned to Twilight.

“Okay, okay, I do believe that you have done some apparently dumb things, but you're also pretty smart too. You understood my notes about Magic Batteries, you outwitted Chrysalis.” Twilight started to say.

“You proved to have wisdom beyond you time.” Celestia pointed out.

“You proved that you can handle yourself in a fight.” Luna added and I rolled my eyes at that one. Yes I could handle getting my butt kicked in a fight.

“And you showed me how much you love me.” Twilight added with a blush before she kissed me again. Which got me to turn red. Once she broke contact with me I smiled.

“Alright, I get it. I'm not a complete idiot. I just do really dumb things from time to time. So why don't we get some music going and have some fun?” I said

“I believe that would be my cue to drop the bass.” Said a white unicorn on stage with a DJ booth. We all turned to look at her. Me doing a double take because that was the unicorn from the other night. Purple shades and electric two tone blue hair included. She grinned as she started the music up something techno bass like. I couldn't place the tune honestly it may just be something from Equestria. But it was a good song none the less. She started to lightly head bang to the base of the song as it went on. Twilight and I looked at each for a moment before we went out onto the dance floor. It even had those old multicolored light squares that changed in different patterns. We all started to dance, even Celestia and Luna were dancing. Both Twilight and I danced so goofy it was funny. We didn't care, no pony there cared. We all had so much fun, that was until I heard a song that I never thought I would have heard there. Pinkie even hopped on stage to sing it with the DJ who later I found to be Vinyl Scratch or DJ Pon3. I couldn't help but laugh a little at that. She even played songs that I heard during my first stay at the castle. This was great... no this was beyond great. It was perfection in motion. Of course no pony there cared about that we all cared about having the time of lives.

***---***

Later that night Twilight and I returned to my room in the castle where I started to yawn a little bit. I guess all the fun festivities, drinking, fighting, and everything of the past few days caught up to me, I didn't mind really. Twilight wanted to make sure I got some sleep so she offered to take me to my room. I bid my adieus to everypony there and left. She wiggled up under my wing to help keep me up. I was close to dozing off on my hooves a few times on the way back. I know if Pinkie ever heard me even think this she probably call blasphemy from me but I had partied too much. We got to the door and Twilight opened it then floated me over to the bed. I sat there a few moments as Twilight made sure everything was together because we were going back to Ponyville tomorrow. As she got everything together I floated the box that held my sword over to me.

“What do you think you're doing?” She said as she watch the case float by her.

“Getting something.” I said simply.

“Why would you need your sword?”

“Never said it was my sword.” I replied in my sleepy tone. Then I patted the bed next to me. Getting the idea she came up with a raised eyebrow. She sat next to me as I opened it to reveal the sword and the cute star amethyst. Twilight's eyes widen as she saw it. I floated it up and over to her. She looked confused for a moment as I sat it before her.

“What's this?” She asked as she lifted it in her magic. I smiled warmly in my dozy state.

“It's called a Star Amethyst. The impurities in the amethyst makes it look like little stars and it's yours Twilight.” I said as I watched her look through it. Of course a few moments later she caught the it's yours part.

“Oh I couldn't, it's yours.” She started to say in a stumbled way. I put a hoof up to her mouth to shush her.

“Twilight. I'm giving it to you. I had planned to give it to you all along. I had it cut in the same shape as your cutie mark.” I pointed out. I then cast a small light spell and make the light shine right through the gem in her magic. A purple tint covered the bed with little specks of white like a purple night sky. The way her eye's widened with glee was almost perfect. It just needed one more thing. I gently leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She went bright red and there it was perfect. I lightly laughed and dispelled my magic and she put the gem down on the table next to us. She gave me a kiss.

“I hope you have pleasant dreams” She said before I laid back and drifted off to sleep. Something happened that hasn't happened in a very long time. I had a dreamless sleep. No dream, no nightmare, just nothing. It felt like time fast forwarded on me and I woke up to Twilight hugging me... in bed. It took a few moments for this to process. Twilight was in the same bed as me... asleep... hugging me. My face turned bright red and realized that we weren't alone in the room. Celestia and Luna both looked at me with a devilish smirk to their faces. I realized what that could have come across as and jumped out of bed. It didn't wake Twilight, damn she was a heavy sleeper. After they peeled me of the ceiling they did their darnedest not outright laugh at my reaction. They failed miserably, Twilight then woke up and looked at both princesses in the room, then at me, then back at the princesses, and followed up by the bed. One nanosecond later she followed my action and jumped out of bed. Both of us stumbled with our words to reassure them that we didn't do anything with the brightest of blushes on both of our faces. Twilight explained that after I fell asleep she got under the covers with me to keep me warm. I was apparently shivering from the cold night. I don't think the princess's bought it. Honestly if it wasn't me involved in this. I wouldn't have bought it either.

“Relax Twilight. I just wanted to make sure both of you were up and whatever you two do at night is your business and not ours.” Celestia said which part of me would like to say she wasn't lying but I knew better than that. Luna lightly chuckled.

“Like wise.” She added and I knew that was bullshit. She governed the moon anything under the moon was her business. I knew to keep my mouth shut though, a wise man once said a shut mouth avoids more problems. Otherwise I could end up with two royal sisters angry with me or my marefriend. I’d rather be on all three of their good sides.

“Twilight why don't you go get cleaned up first.” I offered as she nodded and flew right into the bathroom. Damn that mare can run, kind of cute to when she’s nervous about something. I then turned to the princesses who had adopted a more stern look. I couldn't help but gulp at this. Celestia and Luna both came in close to me and whispered.

“I'm sorry about this but in three weeks I need you to do a diplomatic peace talk with the dragons to the north.” Celestia said which got me to grew wide eye.

“What?!” I said in surprise. I really hoped Twilight didn't hear that. A few moments of silence followed. We heard the shower going.

“I'm sorry but they requested to have peace talks with an Equestrian dragon. The only dragons we have are the young dragons of my school, Spike who is also too young, and their mother but she can't leave the royal treasury. So we would like you to go and negotiate a peace treaty with them.” Celestia explained. I started to look worried... no I wasn't worried. I was fucking scared out of my mind. Yes I was royalty now and part of me knew I was going to have to do something like this at some point but they want to send me. The one that is notoriously known to do something extremely stupid and they wanted me to do it. Ladies and Gentlemen this just broke the what the fuck o' meter.

“You can't be seriously thinking of sending me for this. I don't have a flipping clue how to negotiate for anything. If you haven't noticed I'm pretty stupid at times. It's like handing or well hoofing some pony the history eraser button knowing full well they are going to press it. This screams bad idea on so many levels. Are you sure you want me? Me!? Of all ponies to do this?” I said. This was beyond bad.

“We would honestly send somepony else to do it but they requested an Equestrian dragon for this. You're the closest we have that isn't too young for this.” Luna explained. Which they did explain but I was hoping there was a way out.

“Fine but two conditions to this. As they said they will only talk to an Equestrian dragon for this. Did they specify that a pony couldn't come along?” The looked at each other for a moment then shook there heads. Oh thank you universe you're not a complete jerk. “Then I want Twilight with me. She is better suited for this and can keep me from screwing up. I will also keep her from harm because you know how I am.” I said staring at both of them.

“Agreed. Would you like us to explain what is going on and she can inform you how to proceed with it?” Celestia asked. I nodded. Partly because I rather trust Twilight being with me on this. She is from Canterlot and is Celestia's personal student. She would be fully aware how to conduct a peace treaty where I couldn't.

“Can you give us at least a week before you inform her. It's not that I don't want to tell her I just want to have some peace before having to cram for this. A little calm before the storm sort of speak.” I explained and wanting to buck myself for that phrase I used.

“Understood. I hope you all have a safe trip home.” Celestia said before she left. Luna walked up to me and whispered something in my ear.

“Good job giving her the gem. I agree with Tia you will be a great coltfriend to Twilight.” She said and I couldn't help but smile with a light blush. She left shortly but not before standing at the door and giving me a wink. With a click the door shut and I sat there. Everything was looking up for me. Twilight was my marefriend, my friends finally got me to stop doubting myself so much. Granted I still have pockets of doubt but nothing too mind crashing right? I still needed a place to stay in Ponyville, I don't think Twilight would like me staying at her place all the time... or maybe she would. I couldn't tell with that mare. I started to chuckle at that point. It was then Twilight came out with her fur and mane all done like she normally does.

“Where did the princesses go?” She asked. I walked over and smiled.

“They had to go take care of some business. Now if you would excuse me I have to get cleaned up before we meet everyone to head home.” I said before she stepped out of the way for me to get in the bathroom. I smiled quietly as I got into the shower and cleaned up. I even sang in there. I don't know the song really. But it felt like something straight from the heart. Once my coat was dry and I fire dried my mane and tail. Twilight and I left to meet everyone at the train station. We saw everyone there ready to go. Pinkie bouncing around, Dash flying around bored, Applejack and Fluttershy talked with Rarity making sure she had everything with her mountain of suitcases. The train came and we all got on. I sat with Twilight as we looked out at the scenery going by. The ride was uneventful and I didn't mind. All that mattered was Twilight was next to me. We got to the station in Ponyville a few hours later I think. Honestly I lost track of time as we rode. With a clip clop of hooves we all departed the train and walked into town. This day was beginning on a high note now but somewhere at the back of my mind I had a foreboding feeling something was coming. I couldn't tell what but I knew was it was bad.

-End Of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

So here's another lovely chapter for everyone. I hope you enjoy it and if you could give some feed back it would be nice. As for the song in this chapter. It's based off the whole song "What would you do with a drunken sailor. which is public domain-ed so I'm good in that regards to Fimfiction's rules. Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter and story. See you next time.