I sat on the train as it continued through the frozen tundra surrounding the Crystal Empire. I spent most of the time writing out the events of the last few days on the parchment that was left in the bag with the inkwell and quill. I thought writing it out would clear my head more. Unfortunately it didn't, with a sigh, I put the stack of papers back into the bags and capped the inkwell as I arrived in the Crystal Empire. It wasn't hard to notice Cadence standing on the train platform waiting for me. She had two of the Crystal guards with her. I get out and met up with her.

“Hello Firestorm.” She said as her guards bow to me. I rolled my eyes at this.

“Hello Cadence. How have things been lately?” I asked.

“Oh same old, same old. Shining Armor is still in Canterlot training cadets.” She said “Why don't we go get something to eat and you can explain what happened?” She asked and I nodded. We slowly made our way through the streets as I tried to figure out a good place to start.

“Are you familiar with the concept of the Multiverse?” I asked. I figured if I had to explain it I may as well make sure she can understand it.

“You mean that there are multiple universes out there besides our own? Is this about your journey to another one?” She said like it was nothing. I stopped and looked at her. “What?”

“How did you know?” I asked most likely like an idiot.

“Celestia sent a letter when she found out you left.” She explained and I face hoofed.

“Did she explain what happened completely?” I asked and she shook her head. We got to the crystal cafe just down the road from castle, a large, towering, and very Eiffel tower looking, structure. We enter and get our table.

“What's wrong?” She asked and I took a deep breath.

“To overly simplify, when I was in the other universe I wasn't in my body. I was in someone else's. A human body mind you, when I was able to return to this universe I was still in that form. I was attacked by Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. Rarity didn't really do anything and I forgive them for it. They didn't know it was me until Fluttershy pointed it out, but the damage was done.” I said not looking at her eyes. “I saw the looks on their faces, hatred, like they hated me right down to my soul.” I started to shiver just thinking about it. I could still so vividly see their faces. “When I look at them I still see those faces and it scares- No... not scares, terrifies me which is why I didn't want you to let them know. Celestia and Luna I'm not as scared of just unnerved I guess.” I said before I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

“I think I understand. You wanted to get away from them so you could get those images out of your head.” Cadence correctly guesses.

“For the most part you're right. I just needed to get away from it all you know?” I said looking at her with my head resting on the table.

“I do, I will be here as long as you need me. Though I do have to ask: What about Twilight?” She asked and I just glanced at her for a second before turned it forward again.

“I still care for her and love her. Which is why I wanted to get away, to get it out of my head. Before I even think of moving forward with her. I mean, we are already marefriend and coltfriend so...” I said before I sighed again.

“It will be alright Storm. This is just a hurdle you need to get over.” She offered.

“I know but... what if I just screwed things up between Twilight and I?” I asked looking up to her and she gave a warm reassuring smile. As she gently ran a hoof in my mane.

“I'm sure that you two will work through this. I can tell you deeply care for her.” She said and I nodded in silence.

“Sorry for dropping this on you like I did. I couldn't think of a safer place after Vermom attacked twice.” I said before the hoof stopped. I looked up at her.

“Vermom?” She asked a bit of worry in her voice.

“Yes, this all started with Vermom ripping the soul out of my body. I don't know why or how but she did it.” I explained before I continued to rest my head on the table. “When I got my body back she attacked again with... zombie ponies. They’re dealt with so there is no worry about an attack.” I explained as she looks at me. “Sorry” I squeaked out.

“It's not your fault Firestorm. This all must be so overwhelming.” She said then the waiter came up. We placed our orders. both salads, her’s a daffodil, mine normal. I took a drink of my water before I began.

“It's almost over powering when it comes to all this. I can't help but worry and wonder about things. I'm scared to face them after that. I mean I know they feel bad for what happened and I wish I could just make them forget it did but I can't. I can't even forget it myself. Then getting attacked by a pony that I don't even know what I did to wrong them or their boss. This may sound weird or at least it sort of does with me. I don't feel safe anymore, like no matter where I go I worry that the universe is just going to do something to smite me. Either to wipe any happiness I could feel from the face of the planet or just to do it as some sick joke.” I said before I went silent before I could voice my darker thoughts. Cadence gently rubbed my back quietly.

“I'm sorry Firestorm, I truly am.” She said as we sat there in silence. I just wanted to break down into little pieces and get blown away in the evening breeze. “Maybe you need a good night's sleep.” She said and I tensed up. I turned to Cadence when she said that. “Nightmares?” She asked and nodded.

“I don't get to enjoy sleep much. I've had one day of rest but I didn't really dream that night.” I said as I started to breath deeply to calm down a bit.

“Luna should be able to help you with those.” She said. I shook my head.

“She's tried but it doesn't help. Nothing gets solved or I wake up too soon for her to show up.” I explain. “Is peace just too hard to ask for. Just one nice peaceful day to enjoy things. When I don't have to worry about anything? Just enjoy the moment, enjoy my time with Twilight? Even enjoy it so much that I just feel safe and at home?” I said as I fought to not cry. The waiter then came by with our orders.

“If you want you can stay in the castle until you feel safe.” She offered and I shook my head.

“I can't do that either because in less then three weeks I have to go negotiate a treaty with the dragons to the north. Which with that over my head now because I know I will screw up. Then you know where that could lead I just... Why did it have to fall to me on all this? Why can I just be a normal pony? Just some average unicorn or earth pony and have a happy no worry life?” I asked

“What about a pegasus?” She asked.

“I'm afraid of heights...” I said as I floated my fork over and poked the salad lightly with it.

“Oh... wow. Um... sorry.” She nervously said and I glance over to her.

“It's fine Cadence. I know I should try and get over it but it's just like it is with Twilight and them. When I see how high I am I just close it and panic. Last time I was stuck up there I did something extremely stupid.” I said as I roll a small round tomato around the lettuce.

“What's that?” She asked.

“Buck the cloud out from under me and dived into a small lake barely making it and probably would have been killed if I didn't transform to get away from Rainbow after I made a huge mistake with Twilight earlier that day.” I said not really focusing anymore just going into a more into auto with my responses.

“That was very um... what's the word I'm looking for?” She asked running her chin

“Stupid, idiotic, dumb?” I offered.

“Brave?” She countered and I shook my head.

“Brave would have been staying up there and facing Dash. No... I'm not brave.” I said before I stabbed the tomato letting the lightly tinted red juice ooze out.

“But you faced a Timber wolf for Fluttershy and Twilight. You faced your friends nightmares and even Nightmare moon herself to distract her. Then you faced the queen of the changelings.” She said.

“Sha faced the changeling queen in my body. That wasn't me. As for the other two. I only did what was right. I was scared more than you could know but I focused on the task at hoof.” I said as I took my first bite.

“You're not giving yourself enough credit Storm. You faced three of Luna's night guard captains and defeated two.” She said.

“Out of anger from the cheap shot. If they didn't make me angry like they did. I doubt I could hold up against one of them let alone three.” I said before I stabbed at my salad for another bite. “Look I may do stuff that ponies think I'm being brave to do or should find strength in. I don't Cadence, I'm not strong, I'm not brave. I just do what I have to. Only to make sure the ponies I care about are safe.” I said before I took another bite. My gaze was just on my salad bowl in front of me as my fork just floated around doing what I would have done with my hooves.

“Can you at least consider yourself brave for your friends?” She asked.

“Brave... no. I can't Cadence. I see myself as their shield. Even for Twilight, I want to be everything for her. Make her feel better when she is sad or upset about something. Calm her down when she is mad or at least have it focused on me than any other pony. I want to make her happy when she needs it or when ever we are around. I do miss her and during the whole universe issue I couldn't help but miss her. Even when I saw that universe's Twilight. I only thought about my marefriend. I...” I couldn't help it anymore and just broke down crying right there. “I can't... Cadence. I just can't be as brave as she deserves me to be.” I said as she placed a wing around me to comfort me. In silence, between my small quiet sobs, we ate. No pony interrupted us as we did so. I think they knew best not to. I finally stopped crying a little after I finished eating. Cadence took her time just gently looking over at me ever so often as I let my mane just go a little wild. Just enough to cover my eyes. I sighed quietly as my gaze felt like it turned cold. Like the coldness you could feel down to your heart. When you feel alone or apart from everyone and everypony you know, like you grew a little away from them. A few moments passed before Cadence finished and paid for the meal. We both made our way to the castle, the only sounds were the world around us, and the hoof steps that the four of us made. Time sort of flew by with me just stuck in slow motion. Cadence showed me to the room I could use to stay and I entered. The walls where made out of a solid non-transparent crystal. There was one window fairly large but not overpowering. The bed was made out of crystals and was a four poster bed with a soft mattress overlaid with a velvet red blanket. The two white pillows adorn the top of it. I removed and placed the saddle bag I had with me on the table and went to the bed. I just climbed on top of it and looked out at the setting sun. Night was coming and I didn't know what to do.

***---***

“How long has he been in there?” Shining asked after he had received word that Firestorm left Ponyville. He was still in his Canterlot guard uniform.

“About a day give or take.” Cadence said as they both looked through the crack in the door.

“This must really be eating him.” he said.

“More then I think any of us could know. He doesn't feel safe anymore Shining and what happened just... It feels like he is breaking apart inside.” Cadence said worry ever present in her voice.

“Is there anything we could do?”

“I wouldn't even know where to start. The only thing I could think that could work is getting Twilight and the rest up here to talk to him but... He's scared of most of them right now.” She said before the two of them left the door.

“I heard something happened in Ponyville but I didn't get the details. Do you know what happened?” Shining said as they reached their personal room.

“Well from what I was told. When he returned they attacked him. That was before he was able to switch back to his body.” Cadence said before she leaned against her husband for support.

“What could have caused them to do that?” Shining said before he gave his wife a comforting nuzzle.

“I think they were scared too. They thought that maybe Firestorm was gone for good. I think that weighed too much and they made a rash decision before they knew who it was.” Cadence speculated.

“Then what can we do? We may have to get him to face them but... how?” He said before before an idea hit him. “Why don't we get him into a room with them maybe that way they can face it head on.” He offered.

“Shining dear. I don't think that is wise. He may panic and do something rash out of fear.” She said. “Remember when we started to date. You were tripping over your hooves just to make sure you didn't mess up with me.” She said. He blushed a bit in embarrassment. The sounds of a light patter started to fill the halls of the crystal castle. The rain started to fit the mood that both ponies felt for their friend and family in the other room.

“You may be right but... maybe one at a time. Give him some time to get use to them all. You're going to have to get them here.” Cadence said as she looked at Shining Armor.

“Why me?” He asked. “Couldn't you do it?”

“No, I was told not to tell them about him. You weren't so you have to do it.”

“Alright.” he said giving his wife another nuzzle before he kissed her. Then the sound of a piano could be heard echoing through the halls. The notes each rang with a sadness that told volumes to the pink alicorn. “Who's playing that?”

“I think I know.” Cadence said before she left quietly. Leaving Shining to notify his sister where her coltfriend was. He wanted to help himself but he knew that nothing he could say would get through. Even after meeting with the orange dralicorn he knew that even he had a stubbornness to him about his outlook of himself.

“He must really be beating himself up for all this.” Shining thought as he left to find the messenger mare. It didn't take long for him to track her down. Crystal Wing was always around ready to send a message at a moments notice.

“Hello Prince Shining Armor.” Crystal Wing said with a bow. Her crystal coat was ever so glimmering even in the gray light from the rain outside.

“Hello Crystal Wing. I need you to send a message to my sister in Ponyville.” He said before he pulled over a piece of parchment and a quill.

Dear Twily,
I need you and your friends to come to the Crystal Empire. Firestorm is here and he needs all your help. I can't go into the details right now but please hurry.

He stopped writing because right then six mares came in to the castle all soaking wet but the white one that wore a raincoat and the yellow Pegasus that had an umbrella on her back.

“Well that saves me the trouble of sending them to them” he thought before coming over to them. “Hello Twiliy.” He said before his sister came up still wet.

“Hello Shining, how is he?” She asked.

“I take it you knew?” He asked.

“Well... no we didn't know where he went, until Spike told Rarity.” Twilight said before a flash of her horn she was dry again. Her coat and mane a bit fluffed but otherwise dry.

“Oh dear you've got to show me how to do that spell.” Rarity said with a smile. Both Dash and Applejack didn't look amused as much. Pinkie on the other hoof just shook like a dog and was dry like her normal self, poofy mane and all. Dash and Applejack sighed before, two mares came over with towels to help dry them off. It didn't take long for them to be all dry and sitting in the large meeting room that the girls used before to go over the book of the Crystal Empire's history.

“So that's what happened.” Shining said after explaining what he was told from Cadence to the group of them.

“I... I... I did this...” Twilight said quietly as he looked down.

“Sugarcube you didn't know how he would have taken all this. I honestly think I would have been scared too.” She said as she gently rubbed her friends back.

“Oh man. I feel like a heel.” Dash said feeling just as dejected as Twilight does.

“We all did something we're not proud off, besides Fluttershy and Pinkie of course. But I think we need to help him realize that he has nothing to fear from us.” Rarity said.

“But how? Every time he sees us, it brings back those images of us.” Twilight said.

“Why don't we get him better images for them to flash to make him all happy.” Pinkie said with a bounce.

“I think that would be easier said than done Pinkie.” Applejack said.

“Yeah it is. All you have to do is make him laugh at us instead of being all scared of us.” She said still bouncing.

“And how do you plan to do that?” Applejack asked.

“Poison joke?” She offered.

“No way am I going to go through all that again.” Applejack said. Rarity paled a bit from that remembering when all her mane and fur were so untamed. Rainbow Dash shook her head.

“I don't think that will work Pinkie.” Twilight said.

“But Spike laughed when you were all Twilight Flopple, Hairity, Appletini, and Rainbow Crash.” Pinkie pointed out.

“Don't forget Flutterguy and Spitty Pie” Dash retorted.

“Yeah those two.” Pinkie said. Cadence made her way in worry still on her face. She just left Firestorm in the music room.

“Is he doing any better?” Twilight asked worry ever present in her voice and face. Cadence just shook her head.

“He's closed himself in. I got him to agree to sleep tonight but I don't know how well that will go over, him having nightmares and all.” Cadence explained as the ears of all the ponies in the room flatted back.

“That bad?” Twilight asked. Cadence took a deep breath and nodded.

“Luna's unable to help him.” She said.

“But she helps all ponies through their nightmares.” Rarity said.

“Then I know what we have to do. Throw him a super-rific party to make him have great dreams from now on and to make him forget about all those nasty images in his head.” Pinkie said before she pulled out an almost comically over-sized pink book. Upon opening it streamers shot out with the same sound as a party popper. “This is going to need the super duper big book of planning for.” She said before she sat down and went over it. The rest of the ponies looked at her in a mixture of confusion and surprise.

“Pinkie where were you hiding that book?” Twilight asked.

“With my other stuff.” Pinkie said as she pulled out her party cannon from nowhere.

“Pinkie you’re so random.” Dash said with a shake of her head.

“What is he doing right now?” Twilight said turning back to Cadence. The same echoing note of sadness reached all the way there as the song started to play over.

“He's playing that.” She said as she turns to the door. She couldn't help but feel sad at the beautifully played music. Being the alicorn of love herself she was able to sense the sadness in the heart of the one playing it. The group just sat there and listened to the music. It was almost hauntingly sad. Twilight looked around quietly before asking.

“Where did Fluttershy go?” She asked.

***---***

A sigh left my mouth as I continued to play this piano. It took a bit of practice but I could manipulate the keys with my left hoof while my right used the prosthetic claws. It did kind of help my mood, music was just another form of art that I dabbled in, not really my forte though. I heard that some ponies arrived by the guards out in the hall keeping watch. Apparently they were told to report on my actions. Which was how Cadence found out that I was playing in here and came to check on me. I told her like I did before, I didn't sleep much because of that nightmare again. It was worse this time because in the dream even the girls said the same as that thing “You shouldn't have gotten in my way” That still echoed in my head. I spent my day reading up on dragons to prepare for the peace talk. Which it seems that the dragons to the north were very brash from what I had read. So being straight to the point was going to be key here.

“Are you alright?” The timid voice that could only come from one pony said behind me. I stopped playing and turned to see Fluttershy.

“Oh, hello Fluttershy” I said before I turned back and continued to play. She came up to me and watched me play a bit. “Not really, to answer your question.” I said before I switched to another song. They started to melt together about an hour ago when I started.

“Do... do you blame us?” She asked which got me to stop again. I turned to her.

“Fluttershy. I don't blame any pony for what happened. I'm not angry if that's your next question. The problem is just with me.” I said before I returned to the music. Silence filled the space between the two of us as the only thing that rang out was the strokes of the keys from the piano. Fluttershy gently floated next to me and played with me. “I didn't know you played Fluttershy” I said, I saw a small smile on her face.

“I used to play lot when I was a little filly. My mother taught me how to play the piano before she passed.” She explained.

“Sorry.” I said more feeling like a heel. That must have brought up a painful memory for her.

“It's alright. I miss her but I learned that music can help you remember your loved ones, like how I sing with the birds back home.” She explained and I smiled quietly. The two of us started to play a duet together, me taking the more base like tones and her the more lighter pitched ones. We continued to play, slowly letting the song take us.

“I take it every pony is here?” I asked, already knowing the answer. She nodded as she continued to play. “I take it there worried about me?” again a nod. “I'm going to guess Cadence explained my problem.” and yet another nod. I was three for three, “Then what are they planning?” I asked.

“Pinkie wants to throw you a party to make you feel better... if that's okay.” She said.

“I do enjoy Pinkie's parties.” I started with a smile before it turned into a frown “But I don't know if it would help honestly.” I said as I continued.

“If you don't mind me asking. What will help?” She asked and I stopped for a moment to think about it.

“I really don't know Fluttershy, part of it is from when... It happened. The look you all gave me just... Just makes me feel like a little mouse with a cat looming over.” I tried explaining. It did make me feel like I was their prey with how angry they all looked at me. “I don't want to be scared of them Fluttershy but... I... I just can't help it. I've seen anger before but, I’ve never saw that kind of anger. It was like they hated every fiber of my being. I know it's not the case but it felt like that. You know?” I said turning to her. She nodded quietly before gently rubbing my back with a hoof. Both of us weren’t playing the piano anymore. “So how did you all know I came here?” I asked.

“Spike told Rarity and she told us.” She explain. Damn it, I knew I forgot to tell him that. I said Twilight not the others, great going you idiot, I sighed quietly.

“It's alright Fluttershy. I should have known you all would find out.” I said before I hopped off the piano bench. “I don't know if I'm ready to even look at the group yet. You and Pinkie I'm fine with because... I didn't see that from you two. I know this may come across weird but. You looked worried for me even though you never knew it was me until it was too late.” I said.

“I did know.” She said which got me to stop and turn to her.

“How?”

“The look in your eyes when you came through the portal. You felt happy to see us like you belonged there. That's how I knew. I don't know about Pinkie but... sorry.” She said with the last of it ending on a squeak.

“Like I said Fluttershy it's fine. I'm glad at least one or two of you knew it was me.” I said before I left to go back to my room again. The two guards followed me and stopped right at my door. I opened it to find Twilight looking through the papers in the back. I saw her head turn towards me and I panicked, slamming the door. Note to self: not this door right now. I turned to head somewhere else, anywhere else, maybe the kitchen. One small trot later changed my mind, the kitchen was out because I opened the door to see the back of Applejack's head working on the stove. Maybe um... the armory. That should be safe... right? I had the guards lead me there. Every so often they gave me looks when I changed where I wanted to go. The Armory was out, Rarity was in there looking at armors like fashion. The library was out because Twilight decided to poof in as soon as I opened the door. Maybe my room... damn it, Rainbow was outside the window. Damn ponies, you make it hard for some pony to avoid you. I decided to go outside, granted it was still raining but it was better than getting ambushed inside the castle. I go outside to find it surprisingly empty, not so surprising, it was raining and not a lot of ponies like the rain. I didn't mind it, it was nice and refreshing, though I never did like driving in it. I had some time alone but something felt off... a small unearthly chill blew on the breeze. I shivered at this before I turned to go back inside. Maybe I should just... what the hell was that? There was a large spiraling vortex in the middle of the large snowflake looking pattern on the ground. The portal looked like a crystallized cavern, being a moron, I couldn't help my curiosity getting the better of me and stepped into it. Something about this place felt familiar to me. I didn't know why. I started to walk down it every so often I see a dark maroon splosh of dried blood on the ground. I continued to walk it nothing happening but that chill filling my body so much more. Each step echoed throughout the cavern, it became the only melody that could be heard for miles. Until I finally got to the opening which lead into a giant cavern above it, the Infinity Torch. That's where I knew this from, back when Shadow controlled me, he hid here to trick Twilight and her friends into releasing him from me. The Torch floated down to me so I could see the golden base radiate colors of a rainbow in it's flame. I couldn't help but put my hoof into it, it felt comforting, like a warm embrace.

“Long time no see.” I heard echo around me. I froze at the voice. That was my voice, slightly distorted but my voice. I looked around, nothing, please tell me that was in my head at least. “Just going to pretend I'm not here. Oh Fire I'm wounded.” He said as I turned to see Shadow Storm walk out of the wall like it was just made of smoke.

“What do you want?” I said taking stance.

“Oh nothing. Just wanted to talk to my brother.” He said calmly sitting down, I didn't move.

“You're not my brother.” I said angrily, I still remember what he did in my body, to my friends and family.

“Oh but I am. You and I are one side to the same coin.” he said as he pulled out a bit, instead of the sun and moon on them It held two of my face. One with a smile the other a frown be flipped it up in the air quietly.

“We are not the same.” I said.

“Oh that is clear, crystal clear.” He said a smirk on his face. “But we're not here about the difference between the two of us. No, we’re here because of how you feel to about them.” He said as the wall behind him lit up with the hate filled images of Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Celestia, and Luna. “We’re here so you can make them feel like you did.” He said walking closer.

“Stay back Shadow.” I said as my mane started to light. I focused my gaze on him and not the images behind him.

“Or what? You're going to hurt me? Please, right now you're too shaken up to do a damn thing.” He said before he swung at me, knocking me clear across the room. I get up spitting out the bit of blood he caused. “You're too much of a coward to do anything about me” he said getting closer again. He went to strike me again but I bit his hoof to stop him. With his other one he punched me off. “Oh so we are down to biting are we?” He said before the crystals around me shot up and stabbed into my leg. The same one that had a large piece of wood in it less than a week ago.

“Let me go Shadow.” I said before I started to struggle against it.

“Like I said I know how you feel. You feel like they don't care about you.” He said getting up into my face. “Why should they even care? You're not from here. Don't even lie to me Fire, I know as much as you do. You’re not a drony, or a pony, but a human that doesn't belong here.” He said as my head lowered. He was right, I don't belong here, I didn't belong anywhere did I? “So why don't you just give up already. Give up trying to fit in, you can take over.” He said. I look up at him in silence. “Oh, caught your attraction did I?” He said grinning to show his razor sharp teeth. “You heard me right, take over, then you don't have to worry about fitting in. They would have to worry about fitting in with you. Do as you tell them to do and have nothing to worry about anything.” He said trying to sweeten the deal with me. “You can even keep Twilight all to yourself. Hell you can have any mare you want to be yours and to do whatever you want with them.” He said and I started to shake at this.

“You want me to take over all of Equestria?” I asked.

“Not just Equestria but all of it.” He said.

“So you want me to take over everything? Why?” I asked.

“Because you deserve it.” He said.

“So you want me to take it over because I deserve it, just so I can control everything.” I said and he nodded. “So I can have any mare I want, as what, some kind of pet?” He nodded again. “and keep Twilight to myself?” He nodded again.

“Sounds good doesn't it?” he said grinning.

“Yes it does but you know what sounds better?” I asked he turned his head.

“What?”

“This!” I yelled as my horn flashed and crystal spikes flew out of the wall at Shadow turning him into a pony pin cushion. He grinned as he turned into smoke for a moment before he stepped back, letting all the crystals that perforated him go. I watched him carefully before the crystal around my hoofs starts to break.

“So I take that as a no then?” He mocking asked.

“Maybe this will clarify it for you.” I said before I broke the crystals leaving them around my hooves like blocks. I collided my right crystal covered hoof into his face sending him back. I then swung sending the left one off my hoof into him.

“Most definitely a no then.” he said before the crystals behind him turned back and broke out making spears. “I guess I have to give you a rebuttal.” He got out before shooting them at me. Thinking fast I brought up the floor to shield me. A few of them pierce through but got stuck. I pulled one through and it turned red. Hmm... I wonder. I floated it above me as I started pulling the remaining out. They all turned red as my magic held them. I balanced on my back hooves as I held one in stance.

“Gutsy I see.” he said before he readied himself. I waited for his move as must have mine.

“What are you waiting for Shadow. I thought you wanted to get your point across?” I asked. He grinned and fired spikes at me. I used the crystal spear to pole vault over them, jumping on top of him. This was kind of funny. A pony riding on a pony like a cowboy. He tried to buck me off but I held on to his horn. Let's see if I can go for eight seconds. He continued to try to buck me as he fired spikes at me. I grabbed one of the spears in my magic and stabbed it through his hoof into the ground as I jumped off to avoid the spike. I stabbed him three other times, I had him pinned down like a butterfly collector would a butterfly. I stood on the spears. “Feeling a little pinned there Shadow?” I asked before I jumped down landing with all four of my hooves onto his back. I jumped off, walked around the front of him. “Listen carefully Shadow, I will not take over anything. Do I make myself clear?” I asked. He looked up at me with anger in his eyes. “You won’t convince me otherwise, but let me burn that into you.” I said before I breathed in and shot out a stream of flames. What I didn't expect was for the crystal spears to act violently to my fire. They exploded, sending me back into the wall, I could have sworn I heard a bone or two break when I hit the wall.

“Idiot” Shadow said as he stood back up and walked over to me. “I don't want you to control shit. I want you dead.” He said before grabbing me by the back of my head and started to bash it into the wall. Over and over again, he continued to try and break my skull on the wall, too bad no pony told him I had a thick head. I was able to grab onto his fur. He looked down and slightly released his grip. I sent my face into his. Well mostly, I got my horn right into his eye. He stepped back, grabbing his eye and screaming in pain. I was breathing hard as I spit some blood out. Black ooze came from his eye socket as I watched him. I galloped up to him, turned, and tried to buck him but he grabbed me by my back hooves and started to swing me against the wall like a kid would a rag doll. I reached out with my magic and shot a pillar of crystal up, but he caught on and sent me right through it, breaking it. “Sorry no pillars for you.” He said, before he threw me up into the air. He then sent a spike into my prosthetic hoof, destroying it. I was also pinned to the ceiling by it. Damn it why won't this pony leave me the fuck alone? Wait, what the hell am I thinking? I felt out that familiar warmth and transformed. I disconnected my hoof and landed on my three hoofs breathing hard. “Oh please do you really think an illusion is going to trick me into running. You must be really stupid, thinking it's going to work.” he got out before I turned and slashed him across the face with my tail. “Okay, not illusion.” He said holding his hoof up to his face. It was then he started to change into a dark version of me. His coat turned a unearthly violet, his mane remained black but looked like smoke itself. He grinned at me with obsidian, black, razor sharp teeth. His eyes turned black with serpent style purple eyes. “You're not the only one to know that trick Fire.” he said before he started to fly up into the air. Shit, I forgot he knew how to fly. I was able to jump out of the way before he was able to strike me with black flames.

“You're not going to win Shadow.” I said as I braced myself against the wall with my stub. A small thumb bump could be felt through it. I turned to look at it in surprise. That was a big mistake. That gave him enough time to do the pony version of a dropkick, sending me into and through the wall.

“Don't take your eyes off the enemy, you moron.” He said before he grabbed me by my tail and swung me around again. I expanded my wings giving him wind resistance and me enough time to flip before I landed on him.

“You shouldn't underestimate me.” I said before I breathed fire right into his face, but something felt different. My fire normally took a ruby red color, but this time it was a multitude of colors, a rainbow of them. Shadow screamed in pain, before he got his hooves under me and kicked me off. I landed on my four hooves. Wait... four hooves? I looked to see that I had a crystallized prosthetic that looked like a claw out right. I felt a calm warmth that I never felt before. It was then I noticed my scales were not the normal red, but white with a sheen of rainbow in them. I looked up to see the Infinity Torch sending it's rainbow flames into my body. So this thing didn't like Shadow either, good to know. “Get up Shadow.” I commanded. I watched as Shadow dissipated into shadow for a moment and returned into his draconic form from the wall.

“So you think just because you have that you can defeat me?” He said as I could see the wear on him.

“No, I know I can defeat you because I'm good and your evil, pure and simple as that.” I said.

“Not all good is right and not all evil is wrong Fire.” He said before shooting more spikes at me as he covered his body in crystals. I brought up a wall in front of me to stop them. He then rushed at me in a set of crystal armor. It pierced me, like being stabbed by a wall of spikes. I rolled back sending him over me. He then grabbed me by the neck and lifted me up. His left crystal covered hoof turned into a spike and stabbed me. I'm not going to lie, I screamed, well roared, in pain. He broke it off in me before reforming another one, this time I returned the favor with one of my own through his back. He tossed me away as he broke the one in his back, pulling it out. He then started to laugh quietly. I pulled out the spike, it left a good size hole in my side. It felt lucky to me because I think the torch was keeping me going. Otherwise I may have dropped a long time ago.

“Don't give up.” A voice echoed in my head. It sounded female and motherly but I couldn't place who it was. I took a few deep breaths to steady myself. Remember what you read Storm. Crystals here can reverberate sound and he is covered in them. So I need to get a way to reverberate him... wait. That's it. Why didn't I think of it sooner. I started to manipulate my vocal cords and prepared. He flew right up to me and with two quick motions stabbed me in the forelegs. Lucky for me the idiot put himself too close.

“Check mate.” I said before I unleashed a royal Canterlot voice powered roar right into the crystals causing it to echo throughout the whole caverns. The crystals here were like little tuning forks that could take any sound and reverberate it everywhere down it. Since he covered himself in it, I was pushing right into his ears, echoing over and over. He dropped me and grabbed his head trying to tear out the crystals of his makeshift helmet. This gave me time to pull out a crystal spike from the wall and run it through his check. This one was semi hollow, perfect. I let out another roar right into it so he got double dosed. With a puff of smoke he disappeared within the wall. I sat there for a good hour soaking in the flames from the Infinity Torch. This thing did wonders, as it healed up all my wounds, except for my leg, that was lost for good. The crystal prosthetic shattered and broke away shortly after my second roar. Oh well, I never had much luck with these prosthetic when it came to combat. I lose one almost every time. I lightly laughed at that. I looked up at the Torch for a moment. “Thank you for helping me.” I said to it. I got no reply, didn't expect one either. It was kind of nice really, for something Sombra used it at least knew right from wrong. I hobbled over to it again, like before it came down to me. I gently put my hoof into it again just enjoying the warmth for a moment. This was nice... very nice.

***---***

So I got out of the vortex to find a group of guards running all over the place. Shining Armor was barking orders out.

“Find him!” He yelled to the guards. Which one of them pointed at me. Oh crap what did I do now? He turned to me and looked in surprised.

“Where have you been?” he asked coming right up to me and shaking me.

“I was around.” I said, not sure what to make of all this.

“No seriously, where did you go? You were gone for over two hours. No pony knew where you went. Even the guards we had following you lost sight of you. They said you just disappeared.” He said as he continued to shake me.

“Please stop shaking me.” I said trying to hold on to what was left of my lunch. He finally stopped shaking me. “Okay I will explain but can someone please send for a new prosthetic leg for me, the last one broke.” Shining deadpanned at me.

“Fine. You get him a new leg.” He said pointing to one of the crystal guards. “You send word to my wife and my sister that we found him.” He said to another. They both nodded and galloped off. “You will now explain, where the buck did you go?” He said wrapping me in a fairly tight layer of magic as he dragged me inside to my room. Oh joy, I was going to get scolded for this for sure. He puts me on the bed and looks at me. “Okay where did you go?”

“Alright, I went to the Infinity Torch” I explained his eye's shot wide. “Hold on I will explain.” and so I did. I explained the events that transpired when I was trying to avoid the four mares. I went over the fact that Shadow Storm was not done with me and how I defeated him.

“That explains the rumbling and roaring we heard.” He said. So apparently I was loud enough to shake the whole kingdom and be heard. That was kind of good to know. It was then I was sent sideways from a flash of purple magic and a lavender mare tackling me. I honestly couldn't help but shrink back at this, sue me, I was still scared of the mare damn it.

“Don't you ever run away like that again.” Twilight said as she gently nuzzled into my cheek. I couldn't help but blush and look away, I did go quite rigid at this.

“Sorry.” I squeaked out with a bit of shakiness to my voice. I turned to see Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity at the door. The images of those three flashed in my head and started shrink back more with my eyes firmly shut.

“Um... Twily. You may want to let him go.” Shining said most likely noticing my reaction to all this.

“But I was worried.” She said.

“And he's still scared of you.” He pointed out. There was a few moments before I was released and curled up quietly.

“Please don't be scared of us.” Twilight asked. I chanced opening an eye and looking up at her. She looked so sad I wanted to just make her feel better. We just sat there looking at each other in silence. I could even see the worry in Shining's face in my peripheral. “What do we have to do to make you not scared of us?” She asked.

“Yeah, It's not cool to have some pony afraid of us.” Dash said coming up behind Twilight.

“Please, sugarcube. How can we make this up to you.” Applejack added when she came up.

“I... don't... know.” I said then I watched them in silence.

“Please darling, just tell us what we can do...” Rarity added a few moments later. She didn't come up but I felt a hoof on my back. As my gaze shot over to see Fluttershy gently rubbing my back.

“Shh... It's alright.” She said trying to calm me down. I blinked slowly before I turned to Twilight again. She leaned down towards me so she was the only thing in my vision. She was crying at this point but gently kissed my forehead. I felt a little safer around her but. It still wasn't much. “Why don't we let him um... rest a bit? He's had a long day.” Fluttershy asked and Twilight nodded. I was then wrapped in Twilight's magic and placed back on the bed. I slowly uncurls and laid there watching the ponies in my room remaining silent. I few moments later Twilight's horn lit up and I started to feel drowsy. Damn it, she put a sleep spell on me. This was not fair but it was too late. As soon as my eyes closed I was in la la land again. Surprisingly enough this time my dream was not of that thing. It was peaceful. It was sunrise and I was laying on a nice warm blanket. The warming breeze blew through my coat and wings.

“Hello Firestorm.” The regal voice that could only belong to one princess of the night said behind me. I turned to see her walk up, but not alone. With her was Celestia who looked worried at me. I gulped quietly as I wanted to shrink back.

“Hi.” I timidly said that could easily match Fluttershy on her best day.

“We're not here to hurt you Firestorm we just wanted to talk to you.” Luna said. I couldn't help but feel nervous.

“Yes?” I asked still timid.

“We just wanted to know why you left to the Crystal Empire.” Celestia asked.

“I needed to get away from everypony. I... I've been afraid of them and you two.” I said even more shyly added the last two.

“From when we attacked you?” Luna asked and I nodded.

“I still see your faces. I... I just wanted to get away from all of you so I could try forgetting those looks.” I said as I turned from them to watch the sunrise.

“We do apologize for our actions.” she said.

“I know you're sorry and I know the rest of them are sorry. I know I'm sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” Celestia asked as I felt a hoof on my back gently messaging it.

“For running away like a coward. I just... I couldn't deal with it face to face.” I said as I closed my eyes. “I... needed time. Time that I don't have.” I said

“The peace talk with the dragons right?” She asked.

“Yes, I've done some research on them so I'm not going in blind like I was. I just needed to clear my head, maybe find some clarity so I can just see this as one big mistake that it was and get over it. But I can't, for some reasoning every time I look at either of you two, at Twilight, Applejack, Dash, or Rarity. I see those angry faces and it scares me. I turn into a little foal scared of the dark. I don't want that Celestia. I need to get over it. For me, for my friends, and especially for Twilight.” I said as my gaze turns to Celestia on my right. I see that face of her but I fight the urge to be a coward. I shake at her gaze but it's better than nothing.

“Firestorm...” Celestia quietly said before she placed a wing around. “I didn't mean to...” She started.

“To cause me this pain, I know Celestia. I think I understand it most of all.” I finished before my gaze turned to the sun which was now setting. “I know both of you wanted to protect Equestria. Honestly I think I would have done the same thing. Look I don't mean to be like this. But... I'm just running in circles at this point.” I said just shaking my head

“Firestorm... I want to apologize too, about the nightmares.” Luna said and I turn to look at her. My heart jumps a beat as that face flashes in my mind but, I quill it for now. “I don't know what is causing them but... It seems that they have stopped, at least for now.” She said looking around at the now night time field. “It's rather nice here. Is there a memory tied to this place?” She asked.

“Kind of. It's more a thing I like to do when I get a chance. I like to lay down on a blanket in a field just on a nice spring or summer day. Sometimes at night, just to listen to the music of nature I guess.” I explained.

“I see.” She said continuing to look around.

“Can I ask you two something?”

“Go right ahead.” Celestia answered.

“Why can't I feel safe?” I asked.

“I do not know.” Celestia answered.

“Neither do I.” Luna added.

“I figured as much. I guess its a fact that followed.” I said sighing.

“A fact that followed?” Celestia questioned.

“It's a feeling, I don't get to really feel safe. I feel on edge every where I go. I try to feel safe, sometimes I can delude myself into thinking I am but, I'm never really truly safe. Hell, I thought the Crystal Empire would be safe, but nope. I ended up facing Shadow Storm in the Infinity Torch chambers. Before you ask yes it's still there and safe.” I said cutting off the next question.

“Why did you face him?” Luna asked this time.

“He wanted to break me. He wanted me to snap and try to take over Equestria for myself. I doubt that was his real plan, break me most likely just to kill me but it failed. I used the crystals down there with the Royal Canterlot voice and my roar to cause the crystal armor he wore to echo vibrations to deafen him. I don't know if it worked completely but it got him to back off. It also seems it was powerful enough to shake the Crystal Empire and was heard here.” I explained again.

“Do you think he will try again?” Celestia asked.

“With my track record. I think he will.” I said with a sigh. “Just one more to add to the ponies that want me dead list.” I said with bitterness to my voice. Both Celestia and Luna look at each other then back at me. “Don't worry I'm not seeking for a fight. I don't plan to fight unless I have to.” I said before I laid my head down on the ground. Honestly I wasn't one for fighting. If I needed to fight or get it out of my system I more watched something for that enjoyment. That or read a book but to each there own right? We sat there quietly as it became night and day over again. “So... I think I may understand a bit of my cutie mark.” I said pretty much out of no where.

“Oh?” Luna said now intrigued.

“Yes, I think it's about the elements. Like the natural elements.” I start of.

“Like fire?” Celestia asked.

“Well yes, fire comes natural to me anyway. I always loved just watching fire burn. How the flames dance to a song all their own but water does the same and I enjoy just relaxing by a lake. I even like playing in the water itself. I take to it like a fish. The air I'm not so much into. I mean I like the thought of flight but... well you can guess why I don't fly.” I said that last part sheepishly.

“Quite understandable.”

“And the earth itself. I do enjoy a good walk from time to time, even when I was human I did it barefooted. I also can enjoy the beauty of nature itself. If you put it in that context with my abilities so far. It's not a stretch to think that my cutie mark is about the elements of nature itself.” I explained.

“Could you clarity what you mean about your abilities?” Celestia asked.

“Well fire is pretty obvious but I can breathe in water, lightning is self explanatory. Earth, I didn't know I could do until my fight with Shadow. I was using the crystals down there as both my offensive and defensive means. In all fairness so did Shadow but I don't know what to make of it. But it doesn't change what happened. I've got to say though, I don't think I would have won without the Infinity Torch's help.” I said before I noticed both Luna and Celestia going a bit rigid.

“What do you mean it helped?” She asked now going into a serious tone. I gulped at this. Did I do something wrong? Why does this world just hate me so that even a helping force is something bad.

“Well... When I was fighting I noticed my normal flames where multicolored, sort of like Rainbow Dash's mane. I saw streams of fire from the torch enter my body and turn my red scales to white with a sort of rainbow sheen. I haven't transformed since then so I don't know if it stuck but it wasn't just that. Honestly, I think the Torch wanted to helped and protected me. I even think I heard it speak to me. It told me don't give up. It felt.. warm. Not like a warm blanket or a nice bath but a more... I don't know a warmth from a loving family member, a comfort that felt right.” I explain more to myself really. It did help me feel safe... well safer at the least.

“Maybe you're right then. From what I can tell the torch wanted to help you. But I would ask that you refrain from going there again.” she said.

“I understand.” I said simply. She didn't want another Sombra and I really do understand that. The world around us started to fade away. I guess this marked the end of my dream.

“It appears our time is up.” Luna said as she got back to her hooves.

“Goodbye Luna and Celestia. Thank you.” I said before I saw them wave as the world around them disappeared and them a few moments later.

***---***

I yawned quietly leaving my eye's closed just to rest. Really I didn't need to be awake yet, too much to do around here.

“Oh he's waking up.” The unmistakeable voice of Pinkie Pie said in front of me. I sighed quietly and slowly opened my eyes to two pools of blue staring back at me surrounded in a ocean of pink. A small giggle could be heard but I just shrugged and closed my eyes again. It's okay, just Pinkie being pinkie is all. Wait... Pinkie? My eyes shot wide as everything snapped into focus with Pinkie being snout to snout with me. Being the idiot that I was I jumped in surprised and fell off the bed on to my back.

“Ow.” I said rubbing by back after I got to my hunches. Note to self crystal floors are not soft, like at all. I turned to see Pinkie just as bouncy as always as she hops onto the bed and bounces on it. “What are you doing here so early Pinkie?” I asked after I got back onto my hooves.

“Oh well it's the afternoon and I wanted to make sure you're all up for your party.” Pinkie said as she bounced off the bed like a diving board, it sounded like one too and landed right in front of me on one hoof like if it was nothing. My brain just sent back an error at this. Of course this being Pinkie I could just easily ignore it and label it as a Pinkie moment. I shook my head to wake up more. So I had slept until the afternoon? How strong of a sleeping spell did Twilight put on me? I was going to have to have a word with the lavender mare. Honestly I really was starting to hate getting put to sleep like that. I took a deep breath and looked at Pinkie.

“Pinkie could you.”

“Get you a cup of coffee black? Sure.” She said then suddenly magiced up me a large mug of it. I just took the cup. Seriously I should stop being surprised by this mare.

“Alright so... this party? Do I even need to ask the reason for it?” I asked.

“Its a let's party so your not afraid of your friends anymore because of a complete misunderstanding party.” She said and I blinked. Could that all fit on just one banner? What the hell am I thinking? She just woke me up, gave me a cup of coffee from literally out of no where. Then turn around and try to take me to a party with my friends, who I'm currently terrified of because of their attack. True, it was a complete misunderstanding, but she is expecting me to just jump out on that and say its totally a good idea? Lets go party with the ponies that scare the ever living hell out of me. Is she completely flipping crazy? Wait, wait, never mind this is Pinkie pie I'm talking about. With another deep breath.

“Alright. I'll go just after.” I start

“Another cup of coffee?” She said producing another cup, I simply face hoofed and finished my current cup. Then floated over the cup. I just sat there and drank it with Pinkie watching. Like she was waiting for me to finish. In all likelihood she was waiting for me to finish. Once I am done but before I could even put it down, Pinkie grabs my left hoof and flew down the hall with me in tow. When she stopped in the large ball room. She forgot to make sure I stopped to because I went flying right into the curtains on the stage, that had a wall behind them. I hit the wall with the force of a Pinkie Pie cannonball launched from a Pinkie Pie cannon. It hurt, a lot. Luckily the curtains allowed me to slide to the ground without just falling. I got back to my hooves and started to shake. Note to self: have Pinkie grab the right hoof. I’d rather hobble to the party then go slamming into the wall. Pinkie bounced up to me all apologetic but I held a hoof up.

“Pinkie it's alright. It happens.” I said followed by “a lot” under my breath.

“I would give that at least a seven maybe a seven point five for entry. A two for style and a zero for awesomeness.” Rainbow Dash said as she hovered over me. I shook my head trying to make sure my brain wasn't broken from that impact.

“Dash, that's rude.” Twilight said as she trotted closer. Well I could only guess my eye's were still closed from shaking my head.

“Oh I'm just playing with the guy. He's totally cool.” I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. Did Dash just say I was cool? I wasn't cool, stupid most definitely but cool, don't see it, like at all. It was then I realized that they were staring at me. I looked at them and didn't quite see that hatred looking face flash in my mind. Angry yes, hatred no. Maybe I was getting use to them again? I could only hope.

“You alright there Storm?” Applejack said next to me.

“Well what is alright when it comes to me.” I said with a light chuckle.

“He does make a point.” Twilight added with a small chuckle herself. It kind of went out of hoof from there as everypony started to laugh. It continued for a bit before Dash poked my side to get my attention. I looked at her and she was giving me the most devious of grins. This was not going to bode well for me.

“So about flying?” She started and my ears instantly went back against my head. “Oh come on you did say you would at least try to learn.” She said crossing her forelegs looking at me. Damn it she got me on that one.

“Alright, alright. I will try to learn how to but please. Please. Close to the ground to start.” I said and Rainbow nodded. For some reason that felt too easy. What was she up to? I guess I will find out when the time comes. I hope that wasn't for a long, long time. I floated a cup of punch over to me as I sat down on my hunches. I looked around just watching everypony there. Most where crystal ponies here. They looked all nice and crystal like. My question was only how was it even possible. I mean if there were all see through like this. Wouldn't we be able to see the food and drink they had? Maybe I'm just over thinking but I'm kind of surprised that no pony had asked that question before. Of course that could turn completely awkward if you could see that.

“Looks like somepony is letting his mind wander.” Rarity said next to me. Wait when did she come up to me like that?

“Ah. Ha ha. Yeah. Caught me red hoof there. Sorry just one of my random questions that I know I shouldn't ask. Oh well right?” I said with a shrug.

“I see.” Rarity said with a small pause before she brought over a fairly large box. I blinked for a moment and pointed to the package. Then back at me. Rarity only nodded at this gesture. I blinked again for a moment.

“You didn't have to Rarity.” I said.

“Oh but I had to. I needed to make it up to you after the unladylike thing I did.” She said.

“We all pitched in and helped.” Twilight added. “We wanted to make it up to you.”

“We know you forgave us but... it felt too easy.” Applejack said.

“But you didn't have to do this. Really it's fine.” I said defensively.

“You can't say that us doing that didn't hurt you. I mean we heard what you said to Princess Cadence and Fluttershy.” Applejack said more looking angry with me. I shrunk back at this. If she was too angry we may have a repeat episode of the other day. “Oh horse apples, I'm doing it again. Sorry there sugar cube, I didn't mean too got so angry but that's what I mean, you’re still scared of us.” She said looking down. I turned to see that Twilight and Rarity looked downtrodden to.

“Okay. Yes I'm still scared of all of you in some way. I'm trying to get over it, I'm here aren’t I? That's got to at least stand for something... right?” I said. “Applejack, I understand that you're all upset over this but there are some things that only time can heal. I don't want you ponies beating yourselves up over this.” I said as they looked at me. I'm not going to lie but my heart raced as they all looked at me. Dash too as she was staring at me determined. I gulped at that look. She of all ponies had the ability to freak me out, by sticking me on a cloud over the ground. Last time I did something stupid and bucked the cloud under me and fell towards the lake. At least I had the lake to land in, out here, yeah, crystal hard ground, I would be a Firestorm modern splatter art. Then my vision got covered by something large and orange, it took a few moments before I realized that Rarity had forced me into an orange hoodie. This was like the one I used to wear all the time. It was one of my favorites too. I turned to see Rarity smiling at me. It took a bit but I found the little spots for my wings to come out. Having your wings in an outfit does not feel good, like being stuck in a straight jacket where your arms were close to coming out but not far enough. It seems Rarity made it that the spots for my wings was a little flap that I could just snap open and close around the wing. I didn't know how to use them but still it was nice.

“I made sure there was a fire proof charm woven into it.” Rarity explained.

“My idea.” Twilight added.

“Oh of course we also put a few more protection spells. No offense, but we thought would be safer that way with your- well, your run of luck.” Rarity added.

“I honestly agree, If you hadn't, I would have asked for it.” I said as she then lifted up a pair of... well it was pant but with giant saddlebags attached to them. I blinked at this for a moment. Would that make them saddle pants then? She helped me slip them on which felt weird to say the least. They did cover up my more um... sensitive places. I slid my tail into the hole in the back and it just felt right. I mean yeah normally ponies here don't wear anything but the guard ponies, for the most part the only other time was for special accusations. Like my birthday party, I wanted something formal. It wasn't normal for ponies but honestly at this point I could just say screw it to normality.

“I've made sure this could handle your more elegant transformation” Rarity said. Elegant? Really was that what they were calling it now a days? Honestly I would have said scary, maybe demonic, or hell even draconic but elegant, really?

“Is there anything I should worry about when it comes to the change?” I said more to make sure.

“Oh there's nothing to fear. I made sure that the area for the tail would stretch for you. Very rarely I have to use elastic for such things but in your case. It was needed. No offense.” She added.

“None taken.” I said as I took a few steps around. It felt a little weird, having clothes again but I could get used to it. I mean I did have that giant necklace thing with me so if worse comes to worse. When I don't wear this I could at least wear that. It was also nice too because the hoodie had long sleeves to hide my prosthetic hoof. I sat there for a few moments just looking the outfit over. I was silent as I did so. It was done so nicely to the bright orange hoodie was a few shades brighter then my coat color and the blue pants just complimented it nicely. I mean those two colors should catch any ponies eyes just fine.

“Do you like it?” Rarity timidly asked.

“Like it... no.” I started and I saw her deflate for a moment before I added. “I love it. Thank you Rarity.” I said giving her a hug. I small huff could be heard behind me as I turned to see Twilight looking a little miffed. Most likely at me. You know because I as the idiot here. I stepped back after releasing the embrace “Sorry.” I said scratching the back of my head for a moment.

“It's quite alright dear.” She said with a smile checking her mane. Twilight came over to me and before I could even say sorry to her. She gave me a kiss right on the lips. I turned a shade of red that I knew the color spectrum could not have but it wasn't just me wearing that color. Twilight did too and it looked cute on her. My heart started to pound faster but not in fear but... in love. I did care for this mare.

“Well it looks like Twily is getting a bit unambitious.” Shining said which caused me to jump and turn around to him.

“Dear you shouldn't tease them. Whats a little fun between ponies?” Cadence said in a hard to read tone. Was she kidding or being serious? I'm never going to understand these ponies.

“It's not like that. I mean we um... never had or did... Oh... Celestia.” She stammered out and I couldn't help but turn even more red at what they were talking about. She was completely flustered at the topic and honestly I was starting to get a little uncomfortable about it. Look I know am I guy, well last time I check I was and we do think about this. But I really hated talking about it in the open like this. It felt wrong to me.

“Can we um... change the subject... please?” I get out nervous and a bit shyly.

“Oh is some pony.” Dash started.

“You finish that question and I will make sure you regret it.” I said shooting a glare at her. That was one subject I will not stand being talked about. It was personal and I want to leave it like that.

“Geez I was just playing.” Dash said defensively.

“Dash can I have a word with you in private?” I said a bit to calmly. She looked at me and nodded with a raised eyebrow. We head into the hall. She followed.

“So what's up?” She said as I shut the door.

“I'm going to be blunt here. That is a subject I don't want talked out in public. I hate it when people or in this case ponies ask me about it or bring it up. So I'm going to calmly request you don't ever bring it up again.” I said staring right into her eyes. She looked into mine.

“Knew it.” She said crossing her forelegs.

“Knew what?” I ask my eyebrows twitched that the word what.

“You're a newbie to it.” She said if she was talking about what I was.

“What if I am?” I said my eyes narrowing quietly slowly.

“Dude relax. I was only playing. I didn't know you would take it like this.” She said.

“Dash, I do. So please stop?” I simply requested.

“Can do. Look sorry about before anyway.” She said looking a little nervous herself.

“Dash, it wasn't your fault.” I said as I turned away from her towards the door.

“Doesn't change the fact I did that to one of my friends.” She said.

“Dash it's water under the bridge now.” I said as I returned to the party. Then I noticed the banner. Apparently Pinkie did fit it all onto it, some how. I just smiled and shook my head at this.

“What was that all about?” Applejack asked.

“Nothing important now.” I said as I returned to them. I was still pretty nervous around them but I did my best not to let it show.

“Why don't we get this party started?” Pinkie said bouncing behind a DJ booth and pulling out no where... Vinyl Scratch? How does... oh never mind it's Pinkie, enough said. I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. Music started to play and everypony there danced, Shining with Cadence, Me with Twilight, and Applejack with Dash. I couldn't help but smile watching those two. Those two looked like they would make a great couple but honestly I couldn't say much beyond that. I only know them some what, not compared to Twilight. I should hang out with them more than I do. I mean it's only fair right? Well that's for a later time, right now I have a lovely lavender marefriend that I want to give my full attention. Even if I'm a little jumpy around her.

“Hey... Storm?” Twilight asked as we danced to some rock song. I couldn't put my hoof where I heard it from but it was familiar.

“Yes Twilight?” I answered.

“Can I ask you for a small favor?” She said timidly.

“Sure what is it Twilight?” I asked.

“Can I um... sleep with you?” She said and I stopped, turning bright red, completely forgetting about what my wings would do. An audible pomf was heard as my wings shot out, one right towards Pinkie. Who in perfect timing ducks to avoid it. “Not like that! I mean just sleep in the same bed as you.” she corrected now just as red as I was.

“Sorry um... hard not to ah... take it like that.” I said more stammering over my words trying to get my wings down. Stupid fucking wings, why the hell did you have to do that. Of course Rainbow watching couldn't help but laugh. Fluttershy turned red and squeaked. Cadence just smiled shaking her head with Shining completely clueless. Oh thank you for giving me that one... ah fuck. Cadence just whispered into Shining Armor's ear and they went back giving me a glare. I gulped at the sight of that. Shining as going to kill me I knew it. So what's it going to be? Throw me out the window, crush me with a giant crystal, toss me in jail to rot? “You can if your brother doesn't kill me first.”I said a little joking but knowing it was coming.

“My brother?” She said then turned to Shining who was coming over. I gulped and started to back away.

“Storm can I have a word with you?” He said and I gulped again. Really hope this is just a big brother protecting speech thing. Not a big brother about to chuck a coltfriend out the window from a high building thing.

“Sure.” I squeaked and we walked into the hall. He closed the door behind us and turned to me. I started to run escape plans through my head.

“Storm I want to make something clear.” He started before he turned to me with a smirk. “You've got to be the easiest stallion to jack with.” I did a double take. What?

“Was that all... it was wasn't it? You were just jacking with me because you didn't get to do the big brother protect speech back in the hospital aren't you?” I said and he couldn't help but crack up laughing. I face hoofed at this. It's seems that every pony is just jacking with me.

“Alright, you can stop laughing Shining.” I said as it took a few moments for him to stop laughing.

“Oh that was just too good.” He said and I just shook my head.

“Okay not for the six four billion bit question. Do you have any problems with Twilight and I being together?” I asked. He gave me a deadpanned stare. “What? I want to make sure.” I said more defending now.

“I don't have a problem with it. If Twily is alright with me marrying her old foal sitter then why should I be upset about her dating?” He said and I paused at this.

“Thank you Shining Armor.” I said with a smile.

“But I would be prepared to meet the parents soon, knowing Twily.” He said and my ear's shot back.

“Should I be worried?” I asked.

“Only if you've never had one of those meeting before.” He answered and I gulped. “You've never had one? Seriously? Oh dang man, you're doomed.”

“Gee thanks Shining, you make me feel so much better about it.” I said with sarcasm in my voice.

“Oh calm down. It will be fine.” He said waving his hoof nonchalantly.

“Alright, alright. Why don't we get back in there. We both have mares in there that need a little attention from their stallions.” I said. He eyed me for a moment then nodded as we went back to the party. Cadence and Twilight were talking, for some reason Twilight was blushing and Cadence had a smirk on her face. I looked confused and so did Shining. I should know because I looked at him before returning my gaze to Twilight. We both came over and Twilight came right up next to me gently leaning into me. I blushed quietly and placed a wing over her. She blushed but smiled at this.

“I'm glad to see you two have worked everything out.” Cadence said with a knowing smirk. Okay seriously why is she smirking. Does she know something I don't? Never mind I know the answer to that one. They all knew stuff I didn't, like almost everything. Twilight I would put as one of the smartest mares period. Celestia and Luna would be up there too I mean with over a thousand years they’re going to know a hell of a lot of stuff.

“Yeah we just had a bit of guy talk.” Shining answered which snapped me back to the conversations. Damn it I really need to stop blanking off like that. It was then a light blue mare with a silver mane came up to us. She was a unicorn with a wand and whoosh of magic as a cutie mark. She also had an over the top wizards outfit on, a purple hat and cape covered in stars of blue, yellow, and silver, clasped with a sky blue gem. She really wanted to pull of the whole wizard thing or would that be more a mage. Hmm... come to think about it. Did they have the word mage here? I was going to ask Twilight that later. If I remembered.

“Trixie has to thank you Twilight Sparkle for getting the pink one to invite me.” This mare said. I could guess her name was Trixie but why was she speaking of herself in the third person? Wait... would that be in the third pony?

“It's alright Trixie, I thought this would show you no hard feelings between us.” Twilight said and it clicked. This was Trixie, The Trixie. The same mare that caused so much trouble for Twilight when I was away from Ponyville. I was angry now but I only stared at the mare in an unnervingly calm way. She noticed my look and I saw her ears go back.

“Um... Hello Mr.” She starts before Twilight cuts me off.

“Trixie this is Prince Firestorm my um... coltfriend.” She timidly said and Trixie's eyes widen. She then bows to me. This time I really didn't mind it.

“Hello Prince Firestorm it's an honor to meet you.” She said I was grinding my teeth in my closed mouth before I stopped and opened mine.

“The pleasure is all mine Trixie.” I said. I could only guess that she could guess what I was thinking or at least feeling because she shot me a worried look before she came over.

“Please don't be angry with her. She did apologize for what happened.” Twilight whispered into my ear.

“Fine, but I'm giving her one chance.” I evenly whispered back into Twilight's. Trixie at this time got back up and looked worried at me.

“Prince Firestorm, Trixie um... would be honored if you let me put on a show for you. To um... make it up for my transgressions against your marefriend Twilight Sparkle.” Trixie said and I raised my eyebrow at this. Something did not bode well and I couldn't tell if it was for me or not.

“Alright Trixie but if you don't mind could we do this tomorrow? I don't want to mess up Pinkie's party alright?” I said she smiled and nodded.

“Yes the great and powerful Trixie wouldn't think of doing that to the pink one.” She said.

“You mean Pinkie right?” I said my eye twitched a bit.

“Yes the pink one.” She said. Was she doing this to annoy me? Because congrats she succended.

“Excuse me, I need to go get a drink” I said and walked off before anypony could stop me. I was quite angry, both from seeing the mare that caused so much trouble and at myself for being such a jerk. I don't know why I'm unstable today. I went from upset to happy to angry, almost crushingly enthralled then back to angry again. I think my mind is just breaking apart, I really need a break from all this. I floated over glass of punch. Normally I would enjoy the taste of the strawberry punch this time my taste for it was soured by my mood. With a sigh I walked over to the corner of the room that wasn't hit with light. I just kind of wanted a few moments to think out of the limelight. Which knowing Pinkie she would find me and drag me back. I watched as both Trixie and Twilight talked. Both Cadence and Shining were dancing. Applejack was over by the treats with Dash. Rarity was gushing over some crystal pony that I haven't seen before. Pinkie was zipping around to almost every pony, most likely to see if they were having a great time. Vinyl was playing something with a lot of bass, though I thought I heard her say something about wubs, before she put on the next song. I saw Fluttershy sitting at a table alone. She looked nervous so I thought maybe she wanted some company. I went around and stayed out of the light of the party until I got to the table with the yellow pegasus. “You alright Fluttershy?” I asked. This must have startled her because she jumped up out of her seat. Thinking fast I wrapped the yellow ball of shivering pony in my magic and floated her down gently. “Sorry I surprised you.” I said gently.

“It's um alright.” She squeaked.

“Are you alright?” I asked again.

“Yes I'm just... fine.” She said a little distracted.

“Fluttershy I know something’s wrong, please tell me.” I said a little worried for the yellow mare.

“It's nothing.” She said in a way that sounded like she wanted avoid talking about it.

“Fluttershy. Please tell me, you’re a friend and I don't want to see my friends upset.” I said. She looked at me with worry on her face. I'm guessing my look was matching hers.

“I'm worried is all. I'm worried about you and the girls. Sorry.” She said and it became obviously apparent.

“Fluttershy, look if it means anything. I won't be scared of them forever. Think of it as a test of friendship? Like when all of you had to deal with Discord. Twilight reminded all of you of that friendship you carry. If not that then the Elements of Harmony themselves. That proves you all are great friends.” I said as I gently rub her back hoping that makes her feel better. She tensed up for a moment then looked at me before relaxing.

“I guess you're right.” She said smiling. “So why aren't you out there? If you don't mind me asking.”

“Not really my thing at the moment. I've been out of sorts so I figured a small break would do.” I said before taking a sip.

“Out of sorts?” She asked.

“I've kind of had mood whiplash, if you know what I mean?” I said she turned her head in a bit of confusion. Couldn't blame her, I was confused by it too. Not what I said but what's going on. “Hmm... think of it like dice. On each side is an emotion waiting to happen. One roll I'm happy then suddenly a second one I'm angry then upset and so forth. That's what I mean I just feel like my emotions are running a little wild. You know?” I explain. She thinks it over.

“Maybe you should take a break. Maybe... if you want... you could go to the spa... if that's okay” she timidly suggest.

“That's a marvelous idea. When we return to Ponyville you must join us in going to the spa.” Rarity said causing both Fluttershy and I to jump. After they had to peal the two of us of the ceiling. We calmed down and looked at her.

“The spa?” I asked.

“Why yes. They have the most lovely serious. I do suggest getting a horn job.” She said and not realizing the double entendre there. I tried hard not to blush. Luckily for me it was dark enough to hide it.

“I see...” I say a little hesitant. Well with a thing called a horn job. You couldn't blame me. Anyway I could easily tell Rarity didn't catch it, probably for the best.

“You know it's such a good Idea that I may ask Twilight to join.” She said before she trotted off to find her. I turned to Fluttershy and just had to ask.

“Please tell me you caught the double entendre there.” I said and she nodded with a visible blush. “Thank you. I thought it was just me.” I said with a relieved breath.

“You don't have to join us if you don't want to...” She said.

“It's quite alright Fluttershy. I was thinking that I could use a message or something.” I said maybe it would help me not be so stressed about everything. From there the party went on like normal, with Pinkie bouncing around. I just chilled and watched everypony. I wasn't really bothered for the rest of the night until Twilight was getting tired. So we bid adieu and left to my room. She stretched a bit before I lifted up the covers for her.

“I'm sorry I won't be sleeping along side you.” I said and she nodded.

“I know, after the sleeping spell I figured you would be fully rested.” She said as I started to get out of the outfit Rarity made me. I've got to say getting out of it was way easier than getting into it. I folded it up and placed them off to the side. Both Twilight and I slid under the covers. Twilight first before I joined her.

“Good night Firestorm” She said and I couldn't help it and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

“Good night Twilight Sparkle. I hope you have pleasant dreams” I said before she nodded off to sleep. For the most part the night went fine. I just laid there and thought about everything. I thought about how I arrived again. How it was Sha that breathed fire on me and how everything just started to happen from there. The whole Nightmare moon problem with help from Shadow. But why didn't Shadow escape from the dream world instead of having to wait for a moment of weakness. I mean it would have been easier right? Then what about Vermom, she wanted my soul gone because of her boss. Which was some pony I didn't even know. At least she was gone for good... hopefully. I mean having you skull caved in by a large tree branch would end most ponies. Well technically so would snapping one's head where it spins twice. When we get back to Ponyville I'm going to go check to see if she's still there. If I remember. My thoughts then derailed when Twilight turned over and started to hug me tight, she nuzzled into my chest gently still fast asleep. I watched quietly before a gentle smile crossed my face as I started to hold her close. Twilight was so adorable when she was asleep. Like there's not a care in the world for her. I couldn't help but lightly chuckle as we just sat there. Her asleep in my hooves. Even if I couldn't join her in sleep, this was still nice.

***---***

So far it wasn't really that bad, Trixie did know how to put on a show. She mainly told stories using her magic to create neon looking signs. She told of her trips to Ponyville, leaving herself out as the character in it and just calling her the mage in story, they did have that word after all. I only knew it was Trixie because Twilight whispered it into my ear. Trixie came into Ponyville a few years ago showboating and boasting about her magical exploits that she didn't even do. Such as the Ursa Major when she hasn't even faced an Ursa Minor. Which given the general description I got was like a giant glowing bear that was semi see through with floating stars in it. It was also bigger than the houses in Ponyville and lived in the Everfree forest. Thank you Twilight not that I needed any more reasons not to go into the forest again.

“Can the great and powerful Trixie get a volunteer from the audience?” The show mare asked. I couldn't help it, I did love a magic show so I raised a wing. Along side a few of the crystal ponies. Only taking a stab in the dark here but I figured that she wanted to make a good impression still and picked me. I trotted to the stage, Twilight looked worried when I got up on stage. “Now the great and powerful Trixie will ask our Prince here to show us something he can do and I will try to out do it.” She said. Oh I have got to screw with this mare.

“So anything?” I asked.

“Yes, The great and powerful Trixie wants you to do one of your best tricks.” She said with a worried smile. I couldn't help but grin, I pointed my muzzle straight up and kept an eye on the show mare. Then with a breath I shot out a steady stream of fire into the air. The ruby red flash laminated the crowd. Trixie looked surprised at this. I saw her eyes shift back and forth. I guess she was checking to see if my horn was glowing as I did this. Like some sort of spell. Sorry Trixie this is all me. I finished breathing fire and looked at the mare. She looked worried. “Ah, yes now Trixie will show she can do it.” She said before lighting up her horn and pointed her muzzle to the sky. She let out a green gas it took a few moments for me to realize she just turned her breath into propane. She looked worried. I leaned over and asked simply.

“Do you want a little help?” She of course shot me a look and nodded. So I let an ember float over and boom. She was now breathing a long steady flame of her own. I bit bigger then what I did but I didn't go full force with it either. Trixie decided that was enough and dropped the spell.

“The great and powerful Trixie as proved she could do it but please give a warming hoof to our prince. With that the group of ponies started to stomp at the ground in applause. I smiled and waved before I stepped off stage. Okay so I wasn't that angry anymore at the show mare. She could show humility when needed and didn't shy away from asking for help. I went back over to Twilight who was looking at me a gentle smile on her face. I sat next to her and she leaned into me. I placed my wing around her as we enjoyed the rest of Trixie's act.

“That was nice of you to help Trixie like that.” Twilight said as she looked up at me.

“I know. I kind of felt like a jerk up there after my little flame trick. So it was only fair to help the show mare out.” I said with a soft smile on my face. We sat there and watched the fireworks. It was a fantastic show. Afterwards Trixie came over to the two of us.

“Trixie hopes that both of you enjoyed her show.” She said.

“It was lovely Trixie.” Twilight said.

“I had fun. Sorry about the whole fire thing.” I apologize.

“Trixie's not mad, you surprised her was all.” She said with a smile. “Trixie has to bid both of you adieu” She said before her horn lights up and a cloud of smoke appears covering both of us. It clears to both of us watching Trixie galloping off. I blinked in confusion.

“Does she always do that?” I asked.

“Every time.” She said. We just watched her make her exit I just simply shook my head.

“So when are the carriages coming to take us back to Ponyville?” I asked.

“Oh they've been waiting for about an hour now. I gave the guards a few hours to relax since I knew you wanted to watch Trixie's show.” She explained.

“Oh... shall we go then?” I asked and she nodded. We go and meet the rest of girls waiting with six carriages. That and a lot more baggage than I even thought any of us could. Of course most of them had the same three diamond cutie mark of a specific white unicorn. How much of that did she really need? Wait... how much of that would a normal pony really need because for Rarity she needed all of that. One long trip later that I had to keep my eyes closed the whole time until we get back to Ponyville. Everypony went their own way, me going with Twilight back to the library. Spike was there just relaxing in a chair eating a bowl of gems. I watched him quietly as he picks up one green one and just takes a huge chunk out of it. I blink for a moment watching this. He just bit into it like a potato chip. For some reason that gave a cold chill up my spine. I don't know why. Maybe the fact of a dragon can bite something as hard as a gem like it was nothing. He looks at both Twilight and I a little confused at first then surprised.

“Your back!” He said loudly, like he didn't expect us back so soon. Like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I couldn't help but smile at this. Twilight on the other hoof.

“Spike! I told you not to dip into the gems so early in the morning.” She scowled. Spike looked ashamed at this.

“Sorry Twilight. I got so hungry.” He said gently kicking at the floor.

“Couldn't you get something from the fridge?” She asked.

“I would if there was. You didn't leave a list for me to go shopping so I didn't buy anything.” Spike said. This caught Twilight off guard.

“I forgot the list? Oh dear. How could I forget something so important.” She then rushed off upstairs leaving the three bags at the door way. I wrapped them up in levitation magic and took them upstairs with my sword case. I went up to see her pulling out folders trying to find something.

“What's wrong?” I asked. I was a little confused.

“I forgot to make sure Spike had the list for shopping. I need to get one otherwise things will get off track.” She said as she started to look over files. Of what I don't know but she started to scribble down something. I watched worriedly at my marefriend. I don't think I've ever seen Twilight so frantic about something so trivial. I just put away what I could, leaving Twilight's outfits alone. I realized I didn't really have anywhere to put them so I just returned them to the saddlebags and just found a place to sit. I remained quiet as I just looked around. This was all Twilight. Part of me felt like I didn't really belong here, like an outsider again. I gently rested in the corner that I found that didn't have anything important in it. She continued to fly through parchment before she finished and rushed downstairs. I was just a guest in her house... well more like a freeloader. I sighed quietly and I just looked at the bag silently. “Something wrong?” Twilight asked me when she returned.

“It's nothing.” I said not even looking at her, just zoning out. Silence filled the area before she walked over to me breaking my line of sight.

“Please tell me.” She asked gently raising my head up to make my eyes meet hers.

“It's nothing Twilight. Just thinking is all.” I said which was true. I was just thinking.

“What'cha thinkin about then?” She asked sitting down before me.

“Stuff.” I said vaguely I knew I was being vague but I had a reason. I've already been taxing on these wonderful ponies. Even my marefriend, I was mooching off such wonderful mares. I even did it to family. I felt low. No, I felt the lowest of the low.

“Please tell me” She said before she wiggled into my lap. I gently placed my hooves around her, hesitant at first.

“Alright Twilight.” I said softly as she looked up at me. “I feel... like an outsider I guess.” I said not really focusing on anything in sight anymore.

“But you're not an outsider.” Twilight defended.

“I am Twilight. No matter what, I will always be an outsider. I'm not from Equestria even though it's my new home. I don't really have a home Twilight. All I've done is mooch off you all.” I said.

“But you do have a home.” She said which got me to look at her.

“Your home is here with me.” She said turning around to hug me tightly. I looked down at her and couldn't help but smile as I hold her close. “Thank you Twilight.” I said quietly. We sat there quietly just holding each other before a brush sound came in.

“Hey Storm you ready for your... wow.” Rainbow Dash said before sounding a bit caught of guard. Both Twilight’s and my gaze shot right at Dash who was looking at the two of us with a smirk with an adoring blush. “Sorry for interrupting your intimate moment there.” She said. Twilight shot up with a blush on her cheeks.

“Dash we weren't doing anything.” She defended. My ears kind of went back at that. Was holding each other in a warm embrace nothing to her? What did she really see all this as. I guess my look got Rainbow attention.

“Um, Twi?” She said as she pointed to me.

“Sorry” She tried to apologize.

“You didn't do anything wrong Twilight.” I said simply my gaze turning to the floor. She didn't it was me... all me. Silence filled the room even Dash came over to look at me.

“What's wrong with him?” She whispered. Well it was louder than a whisper but I don't think she realized that.

“He's been feeling like an outsider.” She said knowing full well I could hear them talk.

“Storm you're not an-” She got out before I wrapped her muzzle in magic.

“Don't Dash, just don't.” I said before she looked surprised at me. “I just... I don't need to hear it right now. Please?” I said looking up at here after I dropped the magic.

“You know what. That's it. You’re coming flying with me and I won't be taking no for an answer.” She said as she grabbed my left hoof and began dragging me towards the stairs..

“Dash, this is not the best time to scare him out of his mind.” Twilight said as she wrapped my right leg in her magic pulling back. I was in a tug of war between two ponies one being my marefriend and I ended up being the rope. Well... shit. Both of them tried their best to get me to go with them. Twilight wanted me to stay and Dash wanted to take me flying. I of course, wanted to stay with Twilight, she was my marefriend and all. Her magical grasp on my leg tightened even as she started to grab my left leg with her hooves. Dash grabbed my right prosthetic hoof and pulled on it too. She flew up and flapped back to give her the air advantage. I could hear a few popping joints as I felt like I was on an old medieval torture device. You know the one that pulled on people's arms and legs. Well I pretty much had the two mare version of it.

“He's going to go flying to deal with his problems.” Dash said as she grunted at the strain.

“No he's not. He's going to stay here and talk them out.” Twilight said fighting too.

“He's going flying” Dash said.

“He's staying here.” Twilight said. I on the other hoof was trying to fight the tears coming from the pain of having my legs pulled like this. There was even a metallic groan coming from my prosthetic leg. It didn't even like this. The pain started to get unbearable levels so my horn lit and I blinked a few feet to the right. I was still in the air for a few moments before gravity had to give me a reminder that it still works. With a thud I landed right on my stomach. Two thuds follow, Twilight falling back in the floor and Dash into the wall. My limbs hurt too much so I pulled them as close as I could and just covered myself in a shield.

“No more pain please.” I whimpered as I started to shake at the pain. They would not stop hurting from the abuse I got.

“Now look what you did!” Twilight yelled.

“What I did? If you let me take him flying none of this would have happened.” Dash yelled back. I saw both of them angry at each other. It was then the images of my return with them flashed in my head. I decided I needed to get out of there and blinked down stairs onto my sore hooves. I slowly made it to the door taking careful steps because if I went too fast they would most likely hurt worse than they do now. It felt like touching a really bad sunburn, with pain instead of stinging heat. Spike watched me but didn't say anything as the yells of the two mares upstairs could be heard. He held the list Twilight gave him in his claw. I left in silence not even the door could be heard as I closed it. Ponyville looked so peaceful compared to the fight going on back at the library. Of course my short three step walk outside the door was quickly stopped by blue magic wrapping me up and floating me into the air. Panicking I curled up into a ball to protect my limbs with a squeak.

“Firestorm perfect timing. Ready to go to the spa?” Rarity said with Fluttershy next to her. She looked at me worriedly. I squeaked something I don't think it was even a word honestly. “Is something the matter?” She asked realizing my lack of an answer.

“What's wrong?” Fluttershy said flying up to me. She gently pulled one of my legs and I winced in pain. “Oh dear. What happened?” She said taking a more forceful tone. I gulped a little.

“I don't want to talk about it.” I said curling back up. The two mares looked at each other before floating me closer to them.

“Did something happen?” Rarity asked. Granted it was a really stupid question considering my track record, then the sounds of yelling could be heard.

“It's your fault Rainbow.” Twilight said as she could be heard from outside.

“No way. This is your fault Twi.” Dash defending. This got both Rarity and Fluttershy to look at me.

“What happened?” They asked and I gulped.

“Could we please go somewhere else first?” I squeaked out. Still being carried by magic I was taken toward what I could only guess was the spa. I had pretty much told them the main point of the problem. They fought over me in a way to help me but in doing so hurt me... a lot. Both of them looked worried at me. They sat me down once we were inside. Two ponies one pink with a blue mane and tail, the other had the same colors just reversed. Both of them had bands in their manes that reminded me of tennis players. On their flanks they had a white lotus. Was it possible to have the same cutie mark as another pony? Was mine even original? I sighed quietly as it felt that everything just dulled to me.

“Hello Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy, and Prince Firestorm. How could serve you today?” The pink one with the blue mane said.

“Hello Aloe we need three specials. Especially the prince here.” Rarity said. Aloe nodded and went into the back. I followed a bit slowly since my hooves were sore still from being used as a stretch pony toy. It started with a message and oh I so needed it. Lotus Blossom which was the blue one with the pink mane started to gently rub my back. Getting right in between the wings. She even acted fast enough for their rapid expansion. Fluttershy was laid on the table next to me. She looked like she was enjoying it as much as I had.

“My prince your muscles are so tense. You've been working hard haven't you?” Lotus said and I figuratively melted in her hooves. You've heard of magic figures but Lotus here had magic hooves. I was like butter on fresh baked toast in her hooves.

“Just stressful is all.” I muttered into the head pillow they provided. Oh I most definitely have to come here more often. Maybe have Twilight join... me. I let out a sigh as I felt bad just disappearing like that. Granted I did have every right now after what they did but part of me just wouldn't stop chastising myself about doing it.

“Something wrong Prince?” Lotus asked and I completely forgot that I had ponies around me.

“Oh it's nothing just a thought is all.” I said while mentally kicking myself with an Applejack powered buck. I pretty much said the same thing to Twilight that started this whole mess.

“Darling you really should talk about what's bugging you. Otherwise how are you going to enjoy such a lovely treatment? Right Fluttershy?” Rarity said somewhere on the other side of me.

“Yes.”She timidly said.

“Sorry I just can't stop thinking about what happened back at the library.” I said a bit of depression tainting my tone.

“It wasn't your fault that those two played tug of war with you like that. I must really talk to those two about their actions.” Rarity said.

“Rarity you don't have to do that and it's not just that. I'm upset with myself just blinking out of there without letting them know where I was going.” I continued to explain.

“Storm you shouldn't beat yourself up for that. You only did what you thought was best to stop hurting.” She responded.

“Are you feeling better?” Fluttershy asked.

“Much. I feel all that pain just faded away, like a butterfly leaving a branch.” I explained. Okay so I explained a little too much how it felt. Sue me I like metaphors.

“That's... nice.” She said with a smile.

“You really should join us every week.” Rarity said.

“With how amazing this feels. I may just have to.” I said smiling. Lotus continued to work down my back legs. There was a bit of silence between the group of us. Before I decided to probably ask a really stupid question. “Miss Blossom would it be alright if I removed my prosthetic?” She stopped for a moment.

“As you wish and please just Lotus will be fine.” She requested. It was then I finally could point out her accent. It was like a Eastern European accent. It was kind of nice to hear. So I remove the prosthetic without any pain at all. For some reason that didn't feel comforting at all. More kind of worried me but oh well. I was here to relax and stop hurting. So after the wonderful message we moved over to the sauna. Where it was nice and hot. Honestly I always enjoyed the heat, more than I used to now that I thought about it. I preferred back then just a nice cool day. Not too hot or not too cold. But since becoming a drony I've enjoyed the heat more. The three of us sat there each wrapped up in a robe. Rarity of course having her own designed robe. Fluttershy and I had the ones supplied by the Spa. Lotus was in here gently pouring a bit of water over the hot rocks to make the steam.

“If it's not too much trouble could I ask you two something?” I asked after an idea kind of struck me. Something I haven't done yet since Twilight and I became a couple.

“Oh of course.” Rarity said smiling after she gently adjusted her towel on her head and Fluttershy just nodded.

“Well since Twilight and I became a couple I noticed something.” I started gently running my hoof in a circle on the wood next to me. “Well we never had gone on a um... you know... date. So... I was wondering... where do you think Twilight would like to go on our... first date?” I asked, I was so flipping nervous. I figured these two would know best being her close friends. Well Rarity mainly since I figured she would be more accustomed to dating. Nothing against Fluttershy but she was quite timid I figured she would faint or hide behind a sofa before even thinking about a date.

“Oh you've come to the right ponies for this Firestorm.” Rarity said as her eyes lit up with the same creepy star thing they did when she shipped off to la la land. Fluttershy smiled as I couldn't help but have a cold chill up my spine. For a sauna it became ice cold really freaking fast. It took Rarity some time to come back from her voyage to daydream island. “I know the perfect one. Picture it now, You and Twilight sitting at a table overlooking Canterlot. the city streets like an ocean of stars matching the night sky.” She started and I was already liking it. Not to say ill of the white unicorn she could really paint a great picture in your mind. “The only thing laminating the night besides the stars above are two candles. The two of you at a fine restaurant in a personal veranda. Two plates of the finest salads accomplished by glasses of Chateau Le Celes 35. I've always thought it as a good mood setter.” She continued. I really hoped that was a wine. “The two of you looking into each others eyes like star struck lovers.” She said and I turned bright red at the word lover. Say what you will about a stallion but this mare could really have the worse choice of words at times with me. “Just losing each others eyes. The soft melody starts to play, you ask her if she wants to dance.”

“To Fur Elise” I said as I already pre picked but only really said it to help Rarity's vision of the night. This didn't quite work out as planned. She stopped and looked at me.

“I'm not going to say it's a bad choice but why that one?” She asked.

“Well... It's kind of special to us. Both Twilight and I danced to this song one late night at the overlook. It was the first time I danced as a pony and it was the song that played. I started seeing it as one of our songs. I don't know if she sees it that way but I hope she does.” I explain. Fluttershy smiles.

“That sounds lovely.” Fluttershy said.

“And romantic. Yes the song you two start dancing to must be Fur Elise. No other song will do” She said as we moved over to the mud baths. I wasn't one for getting dirty and jumping into the mud was just that but after the mud masks Rarity talked me into it. So I got in and they put cucumbers over my eyes and just sort of laid there to enjoy it. “Oh I can just see it now from there you catch a lovely romantic play then to the look out where you confess your love for her. She becomes overwhelmed and returns it. You then pull out the ring and ask her to marry you.” Rarity continued with and got me to suddenly freak. Hold up I wasn't even ready for marriage yet. How did Rarity jump from first date to marriage?

“Um... Rarity too much too fast.” I simply said. I few moments of silence.

“I suppose you're right. I mean you two have plenty of time before you even think about marriage.” She said and I let out the breath I didn't realized I held. Then I felt a light scraping against my horn and I got a little nervous.

“What's going on?” I asked.

“Oh you must mean the horn filing. Don't worry about it. It's done because a unicorn’s horn sometimes gets a little rough as they use magic and it builds up. So this is to help keep it smooth and strengthen the horn. While keeping it looking fabulous.” She said almost giddy.

“So nothing to fear?” Just to make sure.

“It's perfectly safe.” Said Aloe this time.

We continued through the mud bath a while before they removed the cucumbers and we exited. I had a hard time not from laughing just looking at Rarity she looked like a mummy wrapped in seaweed. I had to turn from her just to not lose it. We got mud from out coats washed off and we found ourselves on what reminded me of cushion folding chairs. From there both Aloe and Lotus with another mare that had a blond mane and coat with nail files. We laid there as they gently went to work on our hooves. It was sort of like filing your nails but it kind of tingled a bit as they did it. I floated my prosthetic over to me since I figured we were almost done. The mares gently pulled out this bottle of clear stuff. It took me a moment to realize it was like fingernail polish but for hooves. The gently gave our hooves a gentle coating of it. It kind of tickled when they got my back hooves. I guess that was one thing that never changed. I was still ticklish there, good to know. Well to my surprise and delight we had one more massage to end on. I guess this was part of the special, just to make sure I felt great leaving here. I already felt like I was worth a million bits, probably a lot more then I was actually worth but at this point I was just in love with the feeling. Both Aloe and Lotus did the massage each in turn. Fluttershy was first followed by Rarity. It then finally came to me. Both girls watched me as the two mares went to work on my back and legs. They got to the back legs before they stopped and went for the wings. I shuttered at this. Oh god not this again. Please tell me this isn't what I think it is. I looked over to see them doing something with my wings.

“Oh my. You should preen these more often” Fluttershy said. Which confused me to no end.

“Preen?” I asked.

“Oh its relining the feathers and cleaning them.” She explain. Oh that made sense, don't birds normally do that? I mean I guess since I did have wings I would have to do that. Maybe Twilight has a book on it so I can know how to do it. They got up to the top of the wings and stopped.

“Um... Firestorm if it's not rude for me to ask. what's wrong with your wings?” Aloe asked. I turned and looked to see her hoof was on the scaled part of my wings.

“Oh do you mean the scales on my wings?” I asked to clarify and she nodded.

“Well that's how my wings are. They’re like dragon wings at the top when I'm like this. If I was in my other state then they would be dragon wings themselves.” I stopped for a moment what if this was a problem. “I hope it's not a problem.” I said voicing my worry.

“Oh it's no problem sir. We just wanted to make sure before we proceed” She explained before she pulls out this oil. She gently pours it onto the scales as Lotus does the same with the other side. This oil felt warm when it made contact with my wings. They then start to rub it in. Oh I was in heaven at this point. It felt like the back message but on the tops of my wings. Once they finished it was time for us to go. It seems this oil was made for dragons that visit. It helps clean and strengthens the scales on a dragon. It also made them very shiny and reflective, I couldn't help but smile at all the problems that just melted away as we left the spa after Rarity paid. Things were looking up, until Rainbow Dash found me. Now here I would have one of two choices run in complete fear from being pulled somewhere again or well stallion up. Now I would have picked one but she grabbed me and took me somewhere.

“Gotcha” She said before dropping off on a platform. I blinked a few moments a little confused. I looked down and saw it was a normal platform attached to a bar that... oh shit. She put me on one side of a giant see saw. On the side had a platform with a bullseye on it. Next to it was a wooden tower and looking over the side at the top of it was Applejack.

“You sure he wanted this RD?” she asked.

“Of course he wanted to know how to fly remember?” She replied I started to shake my head rapidly as I started to step back and off it. “Don't want him to chicken out.” She said and Applejack nodded. Within seconds the orange earth pony jumped off the tower right onto the other side of the platform. This sent me flying through the air over Ponyville. To say I was screaming my head off was an understatement of a lifetime, no of all time. I went flying over house after house. I even passed over Twilight's house at the library. She just so happened to be looking up at that time to see my whiz on by. The look on her face was of shock. well what I could tell from the split second I saw it. Damn it Rainbow Dash I said close to the bucking ground, then I noticed where I was headed. Right into the Everfree forest. Panic set in as I tried everything to stop myself. all but my wings because those things would not move at all, like they were glued to my side out of fear. Seconds passed and it happened, I slammed right into a tree. Things went dark as I blacked out.

***---***

I woke up several hours later. This I could only tell because when I was launched but a certain rainbow maned pegasus it was daylight out. Now it was dark out the only thing lighting up the area was a light blue flower. They looked nice as they gave off a little light blue glow. I sighed quietly as I started to hobble my way back to Ponyville. Things just felt off, the way I felt, the way I saw things just felt different. For the fact my mane was covering part of my sight. I brushed it back with my magic. To at least keep it out of my eyes. I started to light up the area a few feet away from the flowers. They did look pretty but I didn't think I could keep them like that to give one to Twilight. Maybe to make up disappearing like that. I sigh as I made my way out of the Everfree was uneventful. Most of Ponyville was quiet too. The only thing lighting up the way was the street lamps, it was kind of peaceful. I continued my way to the library as the lights there was still lit. I had wondered how late was it when everywhere else was dark. I guess it was pretty late. I came up to the door and opened it to see my marefriend in a panic. Her mane and coat looked a bit unkempt. There was even spots where wild hairs where going.

“Sorry miss but the library's closed.” She said lifting me up.

“Twilight it's... me.” I said suddenly realizing that my voice was different. I had a female voice I was close to Twilight just a bit higher.

“Do I know you.” She said stepping closer to me. That as she also pulled me closer. I turned to see that I still had my wings and cutie mark. My coat was still the same color but I was smaller and slimmer too. I reached up and noticed my horn was... smaller. Like barely a numb.

“What happened to me Twilight?” I said starting to panic. This must have caught her off guard. She dropped me onto the floor. “Ow.” She started to look around me, eying me for some way to tell it was me.

“Firestorm?” She said as she placed her hoof on my wing and ran it across it.

“Twilight please stop. Don't you remember what Fluttershy told you about wings?” I said with a shudder from her running a hoof down my wings. This caused her to gasp and hug me. That was then I realized I was also smaller than Twilight now. She held me close to her chest.

“I was so worried after you disappeared like that.” She said I couldn't help but shake a bit. Just remembering how I was treated not too long ago. She then pulled me back looking me right into the eyes after she brushed back my longer mane. “Tell me what happened.” She requested.

“Well after you and Dash played tug of war with me. I panicked and wanted to get out fast... Because you two were... hurting me.” I got out starting to go timid from saying this. Twilight's ears went back hearing that. She must have remembered when I curled up into a ball trying to protect myself.

“I'm sorry Storm. I'm so sorry. I was acting like a fool. I didn't realize I was hurting you. But after Dash tried to drag you away like that I.. I felt like I should protect you.” She said as she brought me close again to her chest. I looked up at her. She did look quite sad at me. She was even crying. My heart was just starting to break at this and I gently hugged her. I couldn't hold her like I used to but this felt right. “Can you forgive me?” She asked and I just nodded into her chest. “If I may ask. What happened after that?”

“Rarity and Fluttershy took me to the spa to relax. Which did help I felt better after everything. I explained to them what happened leaving out a lot of the details about my thoughts and stuff.” I said leaving out details to her about my plan for the date. “For the most part we just talked. It was... nice.” I said. “When we left Dash found me and moved me on top of this over-sized see saw. There she talked Applejack into launching me into the sky to help me learn how to fly. Which you can um... remember since I flew by.” I said as she continued to watch me. I went flying into the Everfree forest.” This got Twilight to go rigid at that. “Nothing happened to me after I hit the tree.” I said she didn't relax. “From there I woke up and headed here to find myself like this.” I said looking down at me. My coat and mane were a mess. There was twigs and leaves all through my mane and very long tail.

“I see.” She said as she looked me over. “Well from what I could tell you've become a mare now.” She said and a ball of ice just nailed me right into the gut.

“I'm I going to be stuck like this?” I said as fear could be easily heard. If I was stuck going to be a mare then there was pretty much barely anything left of the old me but the memories. I started to shake more just thinking this.

“Shh. It's going to be alright. We will get you back to normal, I promise.” She said and I couldn't help but look up with my eyes started to water up.

“Pinkie Promise?” I asked and she couldn't help but warmly smile at me.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.”She said as she lifted me up in her magic. She then took me into the bathroom. “Until then why don't we get you cleaned up.” She said walking ahead of me. I just floated there worried. I closed my eyes and just floated. Twilight started to run the bath water. She then placed me into it. She then followed by getting in herself. I started to turn bright red.

“Twilight do you think it's wise for us to be... bathing together?” I asked nervously.

“I don't see anything wrong with two mares enjoying a bath together.” She said teasing me. I continued to blush. I kept my back to her just not wanting to do something I would regret. Honestly I think just being here was a regret, I cause too many problems. Twilight had started to pull out the leaves and branches from my mane and coat. “I know this must scare you.” She said and I nodded slowly. “But it's also something... wonderful.” She said and I couldn't help but look right at her when she said that.

“Wonderful? How?” I said now a little angry.

“You get to see how it is to be a mare. Not a lot of stallions get to say that.” She said smirking and bright red as my eyes went wide. Out of a sense of habit my back legs clamped shut and I started to shake. I was worried now. What was Twilight going to do? Her smirk dropped when she noticed I was starting to get scared again. “Sorry. I was just joking to lighten the mood.” She said before she pulled me close again. I looked at her quietly.

“Twilight...” I started and she looked down at me. What I was about to ask was something that started to worry me after I calmed down a bit.

“Yes?” She asked.

“Do you still... love me?” I asked worried about this answer. This caused her ears to go back and looked worried herself.

“Did you think I didn't?” She said and I felt shame. A new level of shame as I looked away.

“I was worried now that I'm not the stallion you knew that maybe...” I stopped as my voice died on my breath as I just cried.

“I won't stop loving you Storm.” She said as she held me tighter. “You've taught me something I never thought I would know.” I looked up at her when she said that. “I learned that I could love another pony. That I could feel such things for another. It's like my friendship with the girls but... more. Something just... more. I can't explain it. like butterflies in my stomach maybe. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for and quick witted. Your willing to defend me and my friends without a thought about your own personal safety.” She said as she just held me. “When you left for the Crystal Empire I felt this emptiness, something I don't want to feel again.”

“Thank you Twilight.” I said with a little smile on my face.

“You know you could call me Twi if you want?” She said.

“I know but... I didn't want to assume. I've been doing too much of that. I assumed that you didn't like me anymore like that after... well. I changed. There is just too many things I don't know about here. Which is why I call myself an idiot. I feel like a lot of what's happened is my fault. I mean think about it. Fluttershy most likely wouldn't have been in the forest if she didn't get nervous about what we were talking about at the party when I arrived. Nightmare Moon wouldn't have made the deal with shadow for her return. Then we have Vermom and my being stabbed causing all of you to go into my mind. The list just goes on.”I was stopped by a telekinetic wrap around my muzzle.

“Storm, I understand you feel responsible for all this, but you're not.” She said holding my head to force me to look at her. “You're just in the wrong place as the wrong time is all.” she said smiling. Her smile then turned into a smirk. “You know you're cute as a mare.” She said which caused me to turn red. Before she leaned in a gave me a kiss right on the lips. I was red as a tomato from all this. It seems that my marefriend swung both ways... or was it because she knew I'm normally a stallion. Maybe she would love to... Stupid fucking brain stop that. This is your marefriend for Celestia's sake. Hold up did I just think that. Wow okay so either what ever turned me into a mare really screwed with my mind or I’m replacing god in my inner cursing with Celestia. It's kind of funny that I think about it. Twilight broke the kiss with a cute blush on her cheeks as I knew I had a similar one on me. I remained silent just looking at the soft smile on her face. She was beautiful and I don't care what anypony else said. She was perfect, a little manic at times but perfect nonetheless. I Leaned in and gave her a kiss this time. She blushed more as I got up a little bit to put some force behind it. Twilight looked a little surprised as the water displaced a bit from the tub. When I broke the kiss she blinked for a few moments. “Wow.” She said sounding out of it a bit.

“Indeed.” I said sitting down in the tub again as I floated over the bottle of soap. I squeezed a little into my hoof and began to work it into my coat. I would use the prosthetic here but Twilight removed it before she placed me in the tub. Twilight smiled and helped me get cleaned up. The two of us went up to Twilight's bedroom and there I noticed the second bed wasn't back yet. “Um... Twi. Where am I going to sleep?” I questioned and she gave me a smile.

“With me silly.” She said and teleported us next to her bed. She then wrapped the blanket in her magic. She slid in then patted the bed next to her. I slid in after and she then rested the blanket over us. Without a moment's thought Twilight drew me in close and held me. I looked up at her and she sleepily smiled down at me. “Good night Firestorm.” She said and I smiled.

“Good night Twilight Sparkle.” I said as she drifted off to sleep. Moments like this were always nice. I just hope we can settle this change thing fast. Being a mare is good an all, but I would like to be myself again soon. With that thought I nuzzled into Twilight's chest and let the world of dreams take hold of me. Only one thing was clear, no matter what Twilight still loved me and I wouldn't change that for the world.

-End of Chapter-