Two days had passed when Firestorm started to watching over Twilight Sparkle. Since then it had rained in Ponyville. No pony thought much of it, he was royalty after all. So if he wanted to sit in the rain he could. That was at least what everypony thought all but a few of them. Applejack noticed him not moving. She had even tried to yell up to him but he either didn't hear her or pretended not to. Applejack looked a little worried as she entered the hospital to visit Twilight again. Since she and the other Elements of Harmony found out, they had visited her everyday. Word was sent to Shining Armor, Cadence, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light, the last two being Twilight's mother and father, They didn't even look at the Dralicorn prince when they visited. Applejack got to the door and opened it. All the ponies inside but one got up until they noticed who it was and sat back down. Shining was next to his sister's bed with Cadence next to him. In the chair sat Nightling who was pointed as a guard for Twilight and to make sure the prince would not come in. So far that didn't happen since he was watching from the window. Rarity was there next to Twilight looking worried.

“Hows she doing?” The country mare asked.

“Still not awake. She did wiggle a bit but nothing beyond that.” Rarity said as she gently help Twilight's hoof. She was the one keeping Twilight looking good. As she put it if her friend was going to be stuck in the hospital she is was going to be the best looking one there. She honestly only did it to keep her mind off the worry she felt for her friends. The one in the bed and the one in the cloud just out of the window. She tried to offer him an umbrella but he didn't answer. Almost like he wasn't really there at all.

“Applejack...” Rarity said as she glanced back to the window for a moment.

“Yes Rare?” She asked coming close.

“Your worried about him too, huh?” She asked picking up on the looks.

“Yeah, I don't think he's taking this well.” She said.

“Well good for him.” Velvet blurted looking a little angry. “He should be beating himself up for not protecting Twilight.”

“Velvet calm down he is royalty after all.” Night Light said trying to calm his wife down.

“I know but he should still-” She said in a huff. Other ponies looked at each other in the room then at Velvet.

“Mom don't be hard on the guy. I'm sure he tried his best to protect her.” Shining said.

“Well his best wasn't good enough.” She yelled. “I'm going to go for a walk.” She said before leaving out the door. An Eep was heard from outside the door when it slammed. A few moments passed when Fluttershy entered with a basket.

“Sorry about Velvet, Fluttershy.” Night light said.

“It's... okay.” She said coming in. “How is she?”

“The same as yesterday.” Applejack answered.

“What about him?” Fluttershy said turning to the window.

“The same as well.” Rarity said. “I'm worried.”

“We all are Sugarcube.” Applejack said. The rest of the day went uneventfully the same as for the next five days since then two more rainstorms happened. On the sixth day it was raining when Dash landed at the hospital. She looked up watching Firestorm just sitting there in the rain staring at the window like he had. She entered quietly going up to Twilight's room. Inside both Rarity and Applejack sat there watching her friend.

“Still the same?” She asked.

“Yeah, The doctor said she is doing better than he expected.” Applejack said with a small smile. It was a little fake and could easily be told it was.

“Has he?” She motioned with her head.

“Still there. I don't think he's even moved once.” Rarity answered this time. “I've tried to talk to him but he just stares and blinks a few times. It's like he's not even there anymore.” The three mares went to the window to look at Firestorm who didn't even blink. His mane and tail were matted down from the rain and his normal vibrant orange was dulled almost if it had paled naturally. The glow of his eyes from under his mane told them he was still staring.

“I hope he decides to keep warm tomorrow. We’re suppose to start the first snow.” Dash said as she went back to looking at Twilight. Her chest continued to rise and fall with a normal breathing pattern. Dash started to shake a bit in an unseen anger. “Damn it all. Why did this happen?” He yelled causing the other two mares to jump. “Why, for Celestia’s sake, did this have to happen?” She said stomping.

“Sugarcube. There was nothing you could-” Applejack said.

“Do? Applejack, there was nothing I could do? No if I was there was she would have been just fine. But no I get left in the dark.” She now furiously “On top of all that one of my friends is in a coma and the other is torturing himself outside in the rain. How long has he been there?” She asked.

“Eight days.” Came the voice of Nightling from the doorway. “As for being left in the dark. They weren't alone Rainbow Dash. I was there and I saw what happened. There was nothing any pony could do. If there was then I would have done it.” She said now getting in Dash's face. Dash pushed her back.

“Well you should have done better.” She yelled back. “If I was you I would have saved her.” Dash continued to yell pointing at Twilight.

“Calm down Sugarcube.” Applejack said.

“Calm down? Calm down! Don't tell me to calm down Applejack.” She said now getting into Applejack's face. It was before a magic wrapped around Rainbow Dash holding her in the air. The blue magic came from Princess Luna that had entered the room.

“Princess Luna?” They all asked and bowed but Rainbow since she was being held by the princess’s magic.

“Hello every pony.” She said coming over to Twilight. “How is she?” She asked.

“The same still.” Rarity answered.

“I see.” She said then turned to the window looking at her nephew on the cloud in the rain.

“Him too.” Applejack answered.

“I see.” Luna said again. She knew that her nephew wasn't even sleeping. She cast a spell to make sure she was noticed when he slept. But within the eight days not one bit of sleep from this stallion. She could tell something was wrong with him but any attempt speak to him was only met with silence. She even tried to put him to sleep but he fought it. Something in him wouldn't let him sleep, move or anything. “A silent guardian” Luna whispered as she looked at him.

“Beg your pardon?” Applejack asked.

“It's nothing. Look Dash I know you're beating yourself up for what happened but please don't. I think enough ponies are doing that.” Luna said as the rest of them looked at the pony out in the rain.

“Is there anything you could do?” Rarity said as Luna released Dash. Who just landing on the ground in a plop.

“I've tried. I honestly have.” She said as she watched. There was nothing any of them could do because the stallion out on the cloud was watching Twilight Sparkle.

“I have failed her. I must do better. I must not fail again. What if it was worse. I need to be better. I need to be stronger. I failed and she paid for it.” Kept running through his mind. Over and over again as he watch his marefriend. He didn't even notice the other ponies that came and went except for the doctor. He sat there lost in the continuous thought of waiting for the moment Twilight awoke so he could protect her right this time.

Another three days had passed and it was snowing outside like it had for the prior two days. Fluttershy walked through Ponyville like she normally would avoiding most of the ponies. She, like most of her friends when to visit Twilight again. She was doing alright though now there was a small glow from her horn at night. She was on her way to the spa to do her spa date with Rarity. As soon as she got in she saw the white coat unicorn mare sitting at the table.

“Hi Rarity.” She said as the unicorn turned to see her.

“Ah Fluttershy its so nice to see you. Aloe and Lotus two of our usuals.” She said as the two mares went in back. “How is she?” She asked.

“A small glow from her horn last night but otherwise the same.” She said worry in her voice.

“And him?” The white mare asked. She knew the answer to it but she did hope something was different.

“Still there. I knocked off the snow from him but he didn't say anything. I'm worried.” She said with a frown on her face.

“So am I Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash tried to buck the cloud out from under him but he only blocked her attempts with a shield. From what she told me. He didn't even watch her when she went all around to do it. Being out in all that can't be doing him any good.” Rarity said as the two were taken to the tables. “I don't think he's even sleeping.” She added.

“I know...” She said.

“Somepony has to do something. He can't just stay like that can he?” She asked worried.

“I... hope.” She said. It wasn't long that there spa trip went on in silence. When it was over the two mares stood at the door looking at the dralicorn stallion in the cloud. His coat had dulled almost to a gray his mane and tail were much the same. The only thing the still had a bright color was his eyes. Those red draconic like eyes.

“We need to get him down before he has to be in the hospital. If he's not at that point already” She said.

“Couldn't Celestia.” Fluttershy got out.

“Your right. Maybe Celestia could get him to come down. Is Spike still at your house?” Rarity said and Fluttershy nodded. “Then we need to get him to send a letter to her. If we can get her to come to Ponyville then maybe she can get him to come down.” She said as they both rushed off to Fluttershy cottage by the Everfree.

***---***

The letter was sent five days ago but nothing was said beyond that. Celestia knew she would need to do something about Firestorm. She figured he was beating himself up since he couldn't go in and watch Twilight but she also had a feeling that he would do something foolish and try to help. He did want to always help if he could.

Dear Princess Celestia,
We're writing to you because we need you to come to Ponyville and help Firestorm, he has been in that cloud since he woke up. Since then it had rained and is currently snowing. We are worried about his health and safety. We beg of you to come and do something please.
Signed
Rarity, Spike, and Fluttershy.

She went over the note again. There was more to this then they knew. He was still pretty weak from the Dragon's rage he went through when it happened. Which was why he slept for two days but to find out he hadn't slept since then and is resisting all attempts for a sleep spell to work. She guessed that he was running on his magic alone. Nothing else made sense, something had to be done but she was at a loss to what. Luna had tried everything she would have thought. The only two things she could think of was to let him see Twilight in person but that she wouldn't do or for Twilight to wake up. She sighed quietly looking out at the falling snow over her kingdom.

“Was I a fool to prevent him from staying by her side?” She thought. “Was it time for me to lay the chips on the table? No, not yet, I need to see him at least. Maybe I could talk sense into him.” She got up from her personal chambers and went towards the door, Luna came in right in front of her.

“Sister.” She said looking at her. “Are you about to go to Ponyville?” She asked. Celestia only nodded. “Then I'm coming too.” She said.

“Alright.” She simply said before they both left to get to the royal chariot. “What is the reason you're going to Ponyville Luna?” She asked.

“I've done some research and think I have found a spell to force Firestorm to sleep. He still hasn't slept once since he woke up.” She answered.

“Where did you get this spell?”

“It was one of Starswirl’s spells. It's one he wasn't well known for.” Luna explained.

“Ah, I see.” Celestia said as they traveled to Ponyville. She wanted to see how her student was doing with no word about her recovery. She had started to worry about her and her nephew, she was having problem sleeping herself, though not as bad as Firestorm. The trip there happened in silence. The chariot stopped a few feet away from the hospital. The snow covered ground filled most of the streets as some of the ponies worked to remove it. She looked up to see the same cloud that she had ordered there over sixteen days ago. She frowned in silence as she took flight up to check on Firestorm. What she saw surprised her, on the cloud stood an almost perfect light gray coat colored Firestorm his mane was a dark gray as well. There was no color to him at all but the reds of his eyes. Not even the scales on his wings had any color it them. He was also covered in snow from his lack of moving. Luna flew up next to her sister and saw the same thing. They looked at each other before a disc of magic was summoned for them to stand on. Celestia stepped close. What happened next surprised the two of them.

“Can I?” Came out in a raspy voice from Firestorm like he hadn't said anything during his time watching, his eyes shifted over to the princess of the sun herself. Luna was confused trying to figure out what her sister did differently than herself when she tried to talk to him.

“I'm sorry but you can't, not until she wakes up.” Celestia said with a pang in her heart at this.

“Oh.” Was the last thing said before his gaze returned to the window and the mare he was watching through it. The silence between the three of them was almost deafening. It was Luna who tried next.

“Firestorm you need to get some sleep.” She said and there was silence as a reply. Her horn glowed from Starswirl's spell as she unleashed it at Firestorm. It didn't connect as a small wall of magic appeared and deflected it into the air before the wall dissipated. Celestia watched this and turned to Luna.

“Cast it again.” She said and Luna did that. Celestia countered the shield, weakening it enough that the spell bust through it. However she didn't predict a second wall was behind it and once again the spell was deflected. Luna was started to get a little annoyed and charged up a third one. This one she put more magic into.

“He is going to get some sleep whether he likes it or not.” Luna thought as she unleashed the large midnight blue beam of magic. What followed surprised Celestia, a whirlpool of magic appeared in front of the beam swallowing it whole before a second one appeared and sent it back, striking Luna causing her to fall to the disc in magic asleep.

“You... you redirected...” Celestia started to say.

“Her spell... yes.” Was answered from the stallion on the cloud. She seemed to be the only one to get him to talk. From what she heard he hadn't spoken a word in all the time he was sitting here.

“Why do you stay here?” She asked.

“To watch over her.” Was his answer.

“But why?”

“To protect her.”

“Why must you stay here in the cloud.”

“Because I can't be next to her.” The answers started to circle back to because he couldn't be with her. She knew why, she was afraid of him doing what she did. Enter her mind to help her recover. She knew the dangers of doing it but she didn't expect the lengths Firestorm would go to. He's been sitting in the rain and snow for Twilight. She wanted to give in to give him some relief but she was too afraid to do it now. It was clear that he wasn't in his right mind at this time. She could only guess what caused it.

“Storm... If I allow you to go inside what will you do?” She asked.

“Protect her.” He replied.

“How?” She asked.

“Any means necessary. No harm from me or any pony will happen to Twilight Sparkle.” He answered. She could tell the venom in his voice when he spoke of himself or any pony.

“Does he blame himself for this happening?” Celestia thought.

“If you're done with me go see Twilight” Firestorm said. The princess of the sun looked at the stallion with a raised eyebrow. She nodded quietly before she lowered her and her sister down. With a flick of magic she woke her sister up who was not to happy about her spell being redirected back at her but there was nothing that could be done. The two alicorns went to see Twilight who was still laying in her bed comatose. Both sisters sat next to the bed in silence for a few moments.

“Luna...” Celestia started.

“It will be alright Tia.” Luna said.

“What about him?” she replied.

“I do not know... I wish I did. I don't even understand what is driving him to this.” Luna said with a twinge of sadness to her voice.

“I believe it's because of me. Since I won't allow him to come in until Twilight is awake.” She answered.

“But why Tia?”

“Because I'm afraid he's going to try and go into her mind to pull her out. If he did she could be lost to us forever.” Celestia said as grief was ever so present in her voice.

“Tia...” Luna said. The door opened up to see a doctor walking in with a chart wrapped in his magic.

“Princesses.” He said taking a bow.

“Rise my little pony.” Celestia said and the doctor did walking over. “Do you have any news?”

“Yes, a few nights ago Miss Sparkle’s horn started to glow. We think she's fighting her way back but we can't say for sure.” The doctor answered

“What do you mean? There's been cases of magically induced comas and records of tracking it's progress. What makes this case any different?” The princess of the night asked.

“Because of the spell she cast backfired. We don't know what spell it was but it's interfering with any tracking spell we could use.” The doctor said setting down the clip board for the two royal sisters to look at. As it was stated all the data was there. Nothing seemed to be able to scan the progress.

“What spell did you try to cast Twilight?” Celestia thought to herself. There was a small mumble coming from the bed. Celestia, Luna, and the doctor all walked over. It had looked like she was starting to come out of it. “Luna go get her friends. They need to be here and send word to Shining, Cadence, and her Parents.” She more commanded and Luna agreed with these actions. She left to do so. It didn't take long to get everypony there as they all sat there watching Twilight in the bed. Her horn was glowing more than it did the few nights before. They stayed away from the window to give the dralicorn outside a perfect view of the bed. It was then it happened. For the first time in eighteen days. Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes.

“Twilight!” Everypony exclaimed when she sat up.

“Hello everypony? Did I miss something?” She asked groggily as she wiped her eyes. A few moments passed followed by a thud from outside. Everypony there turned to see a white cloud floating outside the window.

“Finally” Dash exclaimed as she flew up to Twilight. She starts to give her a hug followed by everypony else. Both Celestia and Luna watch at the group hug. They smiled warmly to see their friend awake at last. A few moments passed before the dralicorn entered the room.

“What is he doing here?” Twilight Velvet proclaims in anger.

“Mother!” Twilight said in surprise. But none of this bothered him he just came over to Twilight and sat down. She noticed how off colored he was, he didn't have any color but his eyes, his red eyes.

“Firestorm.” She said softly and rubbed a hoof on his cheek, it felt ice cold. She looked up to him, his fur and mane were still matted down. He didn't say anything but that look he gave said it all. It showed the sadness, the regret, and so much more. She wanted to comfort him.

“Twilight...” Celestia started which got everypony but Firestorm to look at her. “What spell did you try to cast back at the dragon's den?” She asked.

“I... I don't remember Princess. Most of that was a blur. Can somepony please explain what happened?” She asked. Luna launched into the story from what she knew. Nightling also added what she knew. Too much of it was still left out because of not being there. When Firestorm was asked nothing was said as he just looked at Twilight with those eyes.

“Please say something.” Twilight had asked him.

“I'm sorry... Twilight.” He said before he fell onto his side with a wet thud. Twilight, Celestia, and Luna's eyes widened when he hit.

“Firestorm!” They all yelled. Twilight tried to get out of bed before she was forced there by Celestia.

“Some pony get a doctor now!” Luna said in the royal Canterlot voice. It didn't take long for a doctor to show up to check on the prince. From the look on his face it wasn't good. Firestorm pushed his body too far this time. Especially since his system was weakened from the Dragon's Rage and now sick because of the weather, to say he wasn't well was an understatement. His body was colder than a normal pony body should get.

“Get him up here.” Twilight proclaimed. “I will use my body to warm him.” She said focusing to bring the stallion up. As soon as he hit the bed with a plop she laid across him.

“Twilight are you sure that's wise? You just woke up” Velvet said completely shocked by the turn of events.

“Yes I'm sure. This is my coltfriend mother. He's willing to do anything for me to make sure I'm safe. Why shouldn't I do the same for him.” She shot back holding Firestorm as close as she could.

“Twilight let's get him to the one of the royal rooms. The beds there are larger. I want to help too.” Celestia said.

“As will I.” Luna added. The doctor went out to get the orderlies to help move them. It took longer than it should but they finally did it. Firestorm was laid on the bed as Twilight laid on top of him holding him close. Luna was to his left and Celestia to his right. They each draped a wing over the two as they all stayed close to warm up the stallion.

“Why?” Twilight asked to nopony in particular.

“Twilight...” Was heard from the body of Firestorm. She started to cry slowly as she nuzzled into the stallion.

“Celestia, what happened when I was in the coma?” Twilight finally asked. She wanted to know what had happened to the stallion she loved.

“Two days after you went into the coma Firestorm woke up from a weakened state because of his Dragon's rage. It's quite taxing on both his mind and body. Since then he has been sitting outside your window watching you and waiting for you to wake up.” She answered.

“Why didn't he just wait inside?” She asked.

“Because I told him he couldn't.” Celestia answering, regretting it even more. If she knew this was going to happen then she would have let him in.

“But why didn't you let him in?” She asked, no anger in her voice.

“Because I was afraid for your safety Twilight. I feared he was going to push into your mind to help you come out. But since your mind was in a fragile state. If he did so we could have lost you forever.” She answered. Twilight just sat there and rested her head on Firestorm's crying.

“How long?” She asked.

“How long what?” Luna asked this time.

“How long has he been out there?” She asked again.

“Sixteen days.” She answered.

“You're telling me that you let him stay outside for sixteen days?” She asked.

“We tried to get him to talk, to go inside but... he didn't answer. He didn't move. He didn't do anything. But watched you the whole time.” Luna said looking away in shame.

“Did you try to put him to sleep? Did you try to get him to eat something? Don't tell me that he didn't at least eat something during those days?” She more yelled at the two alicorns. The both looked ashamed.

“I tried two different sleeping spells on him. The first one he resisted, the second one he returned it upon me.” Luna answered. “We don't know if he ate or not.”

“I failed her.” Was heard from the feverish dralicorn. Silence filled the room after that. Twilight just continued to hold Firestorm as close as she could.

“You didn't fail me... I failed you.” Twilight thought as she just laid there crying. as the four of them remained into the room.

***---***

I woke up to being covered in ponies. Well figuratively. Twilight was laying on my back with Celestia and Luna to my sides. I just looked forward not saying anything. I didn't have the right to honestly. I had failed her again and now I was the one being cared for. It felt wrong to me. Twilight needed to be cared for before I was even allowed to be dealt with. I sighed quietly as I looked at all of them. Both alicorns and Twilight were asleep around me. They looked so peaceful, like nothing had happened, just a touching moment between my marefriend and my aunts. With magic I floated Twilight up off me, slowly, so I didn’t wake her. I then slid out from between them all. I placed her back down then went to the bathroom. It was a little unnerving with all the doctors and nurses watching me as I came by, like I was some kind of ghost. I got into the bathroom and finally got a look at myself. I was so pale there was barely a hint of orange in my coat. So I was pretty much a ghost to them. A little fitting if you asked me. I relieved myself and was cleaning up when the bathroom door was ripped open to see Twilight standing there worry plastered on her face. I looked at her in surprise. She then disappeared and reappeared on me pinning me to the floor.

“Are you alright?” She asked and I just looked at her for a moment. She looked like nothing happened to her. Like I was the one in the coma for eighteen days. I looked away from her at the shame I had failed to protect her.

“Sorry.” Was the only thing out of my mouth. She turned my head to look at her and she just stared right into my eyes. I gulped at this it was then she leaned in and gave me a kiss right on the lips. I felt a warmth go through me. Her hooves wrapped around me in a tight hug. My eyes had started to close quietly.

“Firestorm, I'm sorry.” She said which got me to open my eyes again.

“You didn't do anything wrong Twilight. I am the one that's sorry.” I said sitting up holding her close. “I failed you Twilight.”

“No Firestorm you only did what you could do.” She said.

“But you got hurt Twilight. You were in a coma for eighteen days. Eighteen days. How can you sit there and say it's not my fault. If I did better, if I was stronger and didn't falter I could have saved you.” I started to say until a slap across my face stopped me. I looked at Twilight who had slapped me.

“Don't you dare doubt yourself. You did your best it was all I could ask of you.” She said then nuzzled into me. “Why did you sit outside for those days.” She asked and I sighed.

“Because I wanted to protect you. I couldn't sit by you since Celestia pretty much banned me from going in because she was afraid of me doing something stupid. So I did the next best thing. Once I started to do so I started to think over what happened. How I had screwed up and how I had failed.” I said before I got another whap across my cheek.

“You didn't fail me Storm. If I have to I will drill it into that thick head of yours.” She said looking stern before her gaze softened and she hugged me again.

“Twilight... I'm sorry I caused you pain.” I said under my breath.

“And I'm sorry I did the same for you.” She replied. I guess I don't know how to whisper either. I smiled lightly as we sat there. Then a cough caught our attraction, we looked up and saw one of the doctors.

“You two probably should go back to your room.” The doctor with a blue coat and a blond mane said. He adjusted his glasses before he left. Both Twilight and I looked at each other with a blush. We returned to find both Celestia and Luna awake. They watched us enter quietly, I had the look of shame of my face. I didn't get much choice as I was lifted up and brought up to the bed. Between both princesses of the celestial bodies as Twilight came up next to me. They placed a wing over both of Twilight and I as I slowly drifted off to sleep. Now having slept after being up for sixteen days would have been nice and I would If it wasn't for the dream I was having. This one seemed out of place compared to the other dream. This felt different and I couldn't place why. It was a normal busy day in a pretty decent sized city. I was walking down and I do mean walking on my back hooves, standing upright like a human would. Everything was fine as I entered a small convenience store. Just the place I normally went to buy the pop I drank. But this is where things derailed. I wasn't watching it as it was me. No... I was watching it from third pony perceptive. I watched as I went around and picked up a few things in my magic. It was then that thing showed up. It pointed the gun at the pony behind the counter.

“Give me all your bits old man.” The beast said. The stallion reached for the register to open it up for the bits. About then there was a scream from a mare finally noticing the beast and the gun. He turned and fired right past the mare. “Next shot I won't miss.”

“Leave her alone.” Came from me as I stepped in the way.

“Stay out of my way boy.” The beast said. The mare behind me dropped down to her knees and started to cry. “And shut her up.”

“Fine, I'll shut her up.” I said slowly bending down before the beast could react I jumped and tackled the beast, but it was stronger. He picked me up by the neck and pinned me to the wall. He then took the butt of the gun and started to bash my skull with it. Wham, wham, wham it rang as it continued. With each impact a red mark got worse until it started to bleed. Even then it didn't stop it. The beast then threw me to the ground pointing the gun at me. “You shouldn't have gotten in my way boy.” He said before he fired. Right then I shot up awake, startling Twilight out of her sleep. Both princesses were gone so it was just Twilight and I. Breathing hard I looked around the room the image of me being shot was still fresh in my mind, I was trembling over it, Twilight grabbed my head and pressed it to her chest.

“It's alright Storm.” She gently said as she held me. I just gently wrapped my hooves around her and let her continue to press my head against her chest. I looked up at Twilight as I rested there, something about the dream felt too real... What was it though? Could that have been a memory? If it was then what did it mean? Was I? I couldn't be... right? I was alive, right now I was alive in my marefriend’s hooves. She was trying to make me feel better. “Want to talk about it?” She asked as she released my head. I removed my hooves for a moment to sit up slowly before I brought her close again this time wrapping my forelegs around her.

“Just not right now. I just want to stay here right now holding you Twilight.” I said as I held her. She nuzzled into my chest gently as we laid back onto the bed again. I brought the covers back up as we laid there. My breathing returned to normal, Twilight seemed to be the only one to calm me down or see things. Well she was the best one to do it. It was still pretty dark out when I woke up. As I kept Twilight close to me I started to stare out at the night's sky. I wonder if I was going to get a visit from Luna. She did govern over dreams and that was one hell of one. I sighed quietly as the door opened.

“Think the devil's name.” I said under my breath as I turned to see the princess of the night herself. “Hello Luna.” I said as Twilight shot out of my hooves and up right. “Let me guess you're here about my nightmare?” I preemptively asked and she nodded confirming my guess. “Then I'm going to take a heavy hoofed guess as in you're wondering if it was a memory or just a dream. If you are the answer is... I don't know.” I said as my gaze turned to the window. “And it bothers me.” I added after a few moments of silence. From there more silence continued to fill the void between the three of us. “Please say something.” I requested.

“I don't know what to say honestly to this but we're here to listen if you want to talk.” Luna said.

“But...” I started trailing off more before I began.

“We know, you don't want to let anypony know about your problems but you need to really start talking. Maybe that's why you're having these nightmares, to get you to open up to ponies. Maybe then you can feel better.” Twilight said. “What got you to open up to me about Aria... I mean Jessica?” She corrected herself.

“Because you asked Twilight.” I simply answered. This got me a confused look from both of them. “Twilight I won't lie to you. You asked a question to me that day and I just started to talk. It was as simple as that.” I explained and again confused looks from both of them.

“So we just simply have to ask what's wrong?” Luna inquired this time.

“Sort of... for the most part. I don't really share my problems unless I'm stressed out completely to the point I explain like I did with Dash after the whole storm thing. When I'm just feeling too weak to hold it in any longer and get asked at the right time. Either of those unless I'm forced. The only one I will always give a straightforward answer about what she asks. Unless I'm being playful in a joke sense is Twilight.” I explained.

“Storm, first off your not weak.” Twilight bates and I knew it was coming. “and second... please tell me what's wrong.” She requested a second time.

“I should have seen that coming.” I said with a light chuckle. “Alright, if you want to know. I feel... like a maelstrom of emotions at the moment. I'm happy that I get to relax for once and I have an adorable mare as my marefriend to share it with. I feel upset and pissed off at myself for not protecting you Twilight. I feel angry that I let my anger control me. I'm frightened that what if something like that happens in Ponyville? What could happen then? Confused about the whole Sha being my mother. I don't even know how to process the fact that my supposed mother controlled my body. Let's not forget about having my dark side out there doing who knows what to Equestria, a supernatural pony that wants and has ripped my soul out of my body. Then I have this nightmare that could be a memory of me dying. I don't even know where to go with that. Am I technically dead and if so what does that mean for me? It gives me too many questions and not enough answers. But the one that I always asked is why can't I be normal for once. Just enjoy being with my marefriend. Have a day, maybe just lay under a blanket and read a book with her. But no. I don't get that. I get one thing after another, after another, I feel like I'm just falling apart inside.” I said as I started to shake a bit. It wasn't long before tears followed as I stared into the night. “But lets top that off with me foolishly sitting outside in days of rain and snow to keep an eye on the mare I love. Only to turn out needing medical attention and worrying her plus my friends. I feel like an outright bastard and I deserve to just crumble into dust.” I said before I get pulled back into a warm hug from Twilight. She was pressing my face into her chest. I didn't even look up at her. I didn't have that right so all I did was close my eyes and cry. I felt cold inside for doing that to them. I told them what was bothering me and I know it bothered them to know. I felt like I just dropped my problems into their lap to deal with while I went on a vacation at a five star resort. I was a bastard. If they hated me for it then it was what I deserved. I was already taxiing to these wonderful, wonderful ponies.

“Storm.” Twilight started. “I'm sorry.” She said and it more cemented it in my head. “If there's anything I can do please tell me. I want to help.” She said and my eyes shot open. I blinked a few times looking up at her. She was crying too. Damn it I caused her pain again. I tried to shift out of her hold but this caused her to hold on to me tighter. “Please.” She begged.

“Twilight just being here is enough for me.” I answered. She looked down at me.

“But even with me here. You're still hurting.” She said as she loosen her grip on me. I took the top to slide out of it again.

“That is true.” I started before I got up and held Twilight against my chest. “Just knowing I have a pony who cares for me as much as you do. It helps, it helps more then you could ever know Twilight.” I said as I nuzzled her quietly. I looked up to see the princess of the night and her glowing horn. I felt a doziness fall over me, with a flick of my own magic it stopped as fast as it came. “Do not put me to sleep like that again.” I growled. This caused both mares to look at me in surprise. “I do not like being put to sleep like that.”

“I was trying to help.” Luna defended.

“I understand that. But did you think of asking if I wanted to be put to sleep at the moment?” I asked, I knew the answer already.

“I see your point. Would you mind if I put you back to sleep?” She asked this time.

“You can do that. After.” I stated that last part a little loud. “Twilight and I are comfortable. But can I ask you something before that?” I asked.

“Yes go ahead.” She said.

“Is there a way Twilight and I could share a dream?” I asked. Luna raised an eyebrow at me. Wait... crap. “I mean so I can get some peaceful sleep. Since I need it and all. Nothing more, nothing less.” I said she thought about it and nodded.

“There is a way but it would be after you two are already asleep.” She answered.

“If he has a nightmare could you please put him in mine?” Twilight requested with a blush. I blinked for a moment. Why blush at that? Was I missing something? Honestly that was most likely a yes. Luna nodded at her request as I laid back into the pillow. Twilight laying next to me. She snuggled into me and with a flick of magic both Twilight and I were whisked off into sleep. The two of us found ourselves in the middle of a field on a dark night. We just sat there, the rain around us was coming down slowly. Like if someone put the rain itself into slow motion. It was kind of nice to see and look at but it gave a foreboding feeling as well. Twilight was sitting next to me under the umbrella as we watched the rain make it's way to the ground.

“Your mind surprises me at times.” Twilight said next to me as she wiggled herself under my wing.

“How so?” I asked.

“With everything you've had to go through it can still come up with such beautiful scenery like this. I figured it would be um... different.” She answered being a little timid. I understood what she meant. She figured that my dreams would be dark and foreboding, that or evil looking.

“Well Twilight remember I am an artist. I don't do it as much anymore.” I pseudo explained.

“How come?” She asked.

“Honestly... I don't. I really just don't have a reason why I don't draw as much anymore. Maybe it's the fact that I'm to involved in Equestria to sit down and draw. Or it could be that I have too many unanswered questions that my brain won't let me draw until I find an answer. I just don't know, it's speculation at this point anyway.” I answered. She leaned into me as we sat there watching the rain fall.

“Do you ever regret coming to Equestria?” She asked. I wasn't expecting that question but I already had an answer.

“No.” I said she looked at me.

“With everything that has happened. Not even one bit?” She asked.

“Twilight I don't regret what happened. I've learned a long time ago that regretting something you had no power over isn't worth regretting over. If I didn't come to Equestria, I would have never met you.” I said looking at her. She smiled softly and just nuzzled in next to me.

“You know just what to say don't you?” She asked and I looked away. The answer to that was no, I didn't always know what to say and half the time when I did open my mouth I made things worse.

“I...” I started before she kissed my cheek causing me to blush.

“You don't have to answer that Storm.” She said and I softly smiled. We just laid there watching the rain until morning came.

***---***

Whap! The sound of a hoof striking the side of my face in a slap. Well it looks like my day was starting on a painful note.

“Dash why did you go and do that for?” Applejack said. Everything snapped into focus pretty fast. In the room with Twilight and I was Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash who just slapped me awake.

“Because that was pulling his little stunt having us all worry about it.” Dash said looking quite pissed off. Yup... I did it again. I had gone and pissed off my friends.

“And you thought slapping him was going to do him any good? Dash look at him he is still paler than a ghost of a white sheet.” She shot back. I looked down at my coat for a moment. Granted I was still pretty white but there was a small orange tint to it.

“No, I deserved that.” I said cutting off Dash's reply. “I worried all of you because of my own stubbornness to watch over Twilight. I'm sorry.” I said before I rested my head against the pillow the red part clearly visible.

“What were you thinking?” Dash said getting in my face. I didn't flinch at this.

“Do you really want to know?” I asked not really showing any emotion at all. Twilight looked worried watching me.

“Yeah!” she said. I sighed quietly and turned directly to her.

“I was thinking about how much I failed protecting Twilight. How much that moment ran through my head, telling myself I needed to be stronger and better, Dash. I was beating myself up for failing. That was what I was thinking. If you want to hit me again for it then do it.” I said as I laid my head back to the pillow. Silence filled the room. “Look I already know it was pretty stupid of me to do what I did.”

“Yes it was.” Applejack said. “But I think we all understand why. Your heart was in the right place even if your head wasn't.” She said then came over. “Sugarcube, If there is anything we can do to help let us know.” She said. My gaze went to the window.

“Just be yourself. That's all I can ask.” I said followed by a few moments of silence. I turned to see her a little annoyed. “What?”

“Seriously Firestorm. Tell us something to do to make you feel better.” She said with a stomp. I gulped at this. Oh dear, there going to force me into picking something. But I didn't feel right requesting something like this.

“Yeah, go ahead.” Dash added.

“Don't forget me.” Rarity added. I sighed and put my prosthetic hoof to my temple.

“You're not going to let me get out of this are you?” I asked rubbing it gently as Twilight hugged my side.

“Sorry partner. Not this time.” She said and I sighed.

“Can I get sometime to think about it?” I asked and they looked at each other.

“You sure you need to think about it?” Dash said with a cocky grin. I sighed quietly at this.

“Yes I'm sure.”I said avoiding the awkward bomb that Dash set up.

“It's understandable.”Rarity said and a thought crossed my mind reminding me how we parted. Her turning me into a dress up doll for her work. She didn't deserve the anger I gave her that day. Before anypony could derail my thought.

“Rarity.” I said as she looked at me.

“Yes?” he replied.

“I want to apologize about snapping at you back when I was um... a mare.” I said with a light blush. It still felt awkward saying that for the fact it was true.

“No, no, no. I should be the one to apologize I didn't let you speak when you were trying to tell me something important. Oh, that gives me an idea!” She said stretching out that last word a little with a higher pitch. “I'm going to make you a fabulous outfit to make it up to you.” She said before she rushed off. I blinked a few times at this.

“What?” I asked confused. “Do I even want to try and understand what just happened?” I said my brain feeling like I just got Pinkie Pied from Rarity of all ponies. It was either that or my brain was still groggy from waking up.

“Let's just say prepare to play dress up again.” Dash said with a chuckle.

“Well... damn it.” I said with a sigh before I looked over to Twilight. She smiled and I couldn't help but smile back. Then I leaned over and gave her a small peak on the lips. She blushed for a bit but smiled. It was then the doctor came in floating a clipboard next to him and over the course of the next two hour the Doctor goes over the medication I will have to take for the next two weeks. Since my body hasn't recovered from my bout of stupidity from sitting outside. I had used up a lot of my bodies natural magic to keep myself going. I didn't even know I could do that. I just kept feeling magic with in well that was my bodies natural magic. A device was inserted into the latch for my prosthetic hoof to prevent me from touching that magic again. So all I had was my natural magic pool which had grown from what I was told. I guess my stress test caused it to enlarge. No where near the size Twilight had but still. The question would be if it would last with my train wreck of a track record. I kind of laughed at that. But after the lecture from the doctor with more added on by Twilight we were on our way back to the library. I wanted to get my hoodie on so I had some color besides my pale orange, red, and brown. My eye's where the only thing that didn't get affected from the use of magic. It was odd but who am I to complain. So we get my orange hoodie on. I had to have some help. These wings could be a royal pain sometimes. Twilight was laughing watching me fight before she took over to help get my wings through. It was then I noticed a book I haven't seen in a while, it was Grimwand's Journal. I looked at it for a moment as Twilight went to go get Spike to prepare a lunch for us. So I figured a entry or two would be fine.

May 2nd
I haven't had a chance to write in this journal much after Celestia had sent me off to do a magical study. In hindsight I probably should have brought more than I did but nonetheless it was fantastic. I was sent over to the zebra lands to study their magic and I found out more about souls there. Silver Star joined me as well. The best part was some of the zebras could see Silver Star. I was then told a lot more about it from a zebra stallion named Zamos. This was one of the shamans of the tribe. He's study was of the dead themselves. Very few get to see the dead like they are and rarer was the fact that they would talk to me. He asked if I had touched into a magic called Necro or necromantic magic. I had told him no but I was studying a new form of magic. Well it was explained to me that the magic I was dabbling in was Necro magic. The two of us talked about my knowledge of it. He had a wealth more on it. So during my stay I spent the day to do that study the Princess Celestia has asked of me and at night I was with Zamos studying necromantic magic. But as soon as it came it had to end. I was called back to give my report. I tried to send word to her but I received the same order again. So upon my return I went up to the throne room and gave my report. She was pleased at it but not so much about my request to return. I was told that some of the dignitaries there requested for my return. Which I found odd because I didn't meet any of them. Lucky for me Zamos gave me a few of his books to continue my study.

“Zamos?” I asked out loud.

“Who?” Twilight asked behind me causing me to jump and spin around.

“Geez Twilight trying to gave a pony a heart attack?” I said in surprise grabbing my chest. Dear god she was stealthy when she didn't mean to be.

“Oh sorry. But who is Zamos?” She asked.

“It was a zebra that Grimwand had met during his travels to the zebra lands. As this book puts it.” I answered as I looked over the entry. His stay must have been at least two to three months long, give or take.

“Did it say why he was there?” She asked.

“He was there at Celestia's request during this time he touched into Necro magic or necromantic magic.” I explained.

“One of the banned magics? Why would he?” She said as I could see the gears turn in her head at full speed like a train using special crack powered logs that could easily destroy normal steam engines.

“I think it was more because he was fascinated by it. After he used it he became friends with a soul called Silver Star. From that I don't know much, I only went through about four or five entries.”

“Well what does the next one say?” She asked and I turned the page.

May 8th
I'm ready to do my first experiment with the magic. A few of my lab rats have died from age and I thought it would make the best test subjects. Two I may have done wrong because they exploded in a meaty pop after swelling up to the size of balloon. The last one worked finally after a few moments it's coat darkened and his eyes opened again. It's eyes were a bright red that glowed in the dark room. I did it. I brought a life back. If it works with rats maybe I need to move on to something bigger. Maybe a cat or a bat. Wait. Why not go with something bigger? How about a full pony. The graveyard at the base of the mountain would give me enough test subjects. Tomorrow I go and gather specimen.

I paled even more when I saw the words meaty pop remembering how my right leg felt. Twilight was just as pale when it talked about disturbing the dead.

“What kind of vile pony would do such a thing?” She said shaking. I closed the book and brought her close.

“Twilight it's alright.”

“Alright?” She said shooting out of my hooves. “Some pony went down to the royal graveyard and stole bodies for some experiment. To what bring back the dead? It's wrong Firestorm. I... I need to tell the-” She started before I shushed her with a wrap of magic.

“She already knows Twilight. She dealt with Grimwand herself remember?” I said, she looked at me.

“Yes I know I just pulled the same move that pissed me off with Rarity.” I said and removed the wrap. “I just wanted you to listen for a moment. Grimwand has already passed to beyond the veil. Let’s not worry about any of his experiments with the dead.” I said fully remembering the zombie attack right after I had got my body back. “I hope.” I said under my breath as I looked out of the window. I got up and placed the book next to the sword case. “Twilight...” I started as I turned around. Now I would have said something heartfelt but suddenly a little pony flew right into the room at me. Young Scootaloo flew into the room and collided with me. She knocked me onto my back and was standing on my chest.

“That was so cool.” She started then a few seconds it was followed by an “Aw” The room at this point was spinning or was that my vision. Honestly at this point I shouldn't be surprised.

“Scootaloo!” Twilight yelled in surprise.

“Oh hey Twilight. Is Rainbow Dash around?” She said jumping on my chest. Okay this filly had bony hooves.

“Can you please get off me Scootaloo?” I asked. He turned around and looked at me.

“Do I know you?” She asked and I sighed.

“Yes Scootaloo. You beamed me with your ball in the hospital.” I said.

“Wait, you're that stallion. Don't you normally have an orange coat?” She asked and I sighed again.

“Scootaloo please get off me.” I said and she jumped off. I got back onto haunches.

“Okay why did you just fly through Twilight's window?” I asked.

“Oh I was trying to get a flying cutie mark. Which didn't work” She said and I blinked for a moment. Oh right they were trying to get there cutie marks. I went over to the window looking out. There was a catapult with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle right next to it.

“Did it work?” Applebloom yelled up. I shook my head at them.

“Please come in.” I said down to them. I could see their ears drooped a few moments later we had the Cutie Mark Crusaders sitting in Twilight's room looking a little ashamed. “I'm going to ask you this. Why did you three think it was a good idea launching Scootaloo into a tree?” I asked.

“We thought we could get our cutie mark in catapult operators.” Applebloom said. I just shook my head.

“Look you three. You're going about this the wrong way. Why are you so dead set on getting your cutie marks right now?” I asked.

“Because we are tired of being the only ones without our cutie marks.” Applebloom said.

“Plus Diamond Tiara and Sliver Spoon won't leave us alone, calling us blank flanks.” Scootaloo added.

“Yeah.” Sweetie belle added. I smiled quietly at this. Honestly I know how these kids felt being picked on for something they can't help.

“You know what?” I asked with a smile laying down tucking my forelegs under me.

“What?” The three of them asked at the same time.

“Why don't we forget about the cutie marks right now and have fun?” I offered. “If we see those two that pick on you. I'll deal with it?”

“But we want our cutie marks.” The three wined. I couldn't help but smile and got back onto my hooves. I turned to Twilight and gave a wink. Of course she looked confused.

“Well Dr. Sparkles I think we have a serious case here. I diagnose that these young ones here are having a case of trying too hard. Don't you concur?” I said giving them my best doctor voice. Twilight's eyes widened and nodded. I think she finally got my idea.

“Why yes Dr. Storm quite concur. What do you think the best treatment is for them?” She asked.

“I think these ponies need twenty CCs of fun, stat.” I said picking up the Cutie Mark Crusaders in my magic taking them outside into the snow. I plopped them down gently into it.

“What did you do that for. It's cold.” Scootaloo complained.

“Oh that's easy. How else are you going to return fire in a...” I paused for dramatic effect and to allow myself to form three snow balls behind me. “Snowball fight!” I yelled throwing them at the kids. They connected and I dived behind a snow bank.

“Oh it's so on.” Scootaloo said.

“Hey don't forget me.” Sweetie added.

“Yeah me too.” Applebloom joined in and that's how it started. I started to gather the snow around me to create more ammo. I popped up to be beamed with a snowball in the face. I dived back down wiping it off.

“Clever shot, you three.” I said before popped up and ducked down to avoid three more balls. Getting back up I returned fire at them. I got Applebloom squarely in the muzzle.

“Hey no fair you have magic.” Scootaloo said before I popped up and blew her a raspberry of course the clever pegasus used that to draw me out. I got nailed with three more snowballs right on the horn. Now all I needed was some stones, twigs, and a top hat and I would have frosty on my horn. I shook the snow off before I decided to go bigger. Taking three snowballs. I combined them into a large one about bowling ball sized. I slowly floated it around above one of them. I dodged a few of them before I got Applebloom to stop with me pointing above her. She looked up and I saw her ears droop. I let go of the magic around the snowball and it plopped on her with a wet sound. I couldn't help it I started to laugh rolling on my back. I had completely forgot about the other two in my bit of laughter. They took the time to sneak around and pelted me with snowballs.

“Alright alright. I give, you win.” I said still laughing. The snowballs stopped as the three of them came over.

“That was fun.” Sweetie said with a bounce.

“Thanks Mister.” Applebloom said.

“Yeah that was cool. Not as cool as Rainbow Dash but still cool.” Scootaloo said. The other two rolled their eyes at this.

“Hey but you four wouldn't last one minute with us.” Said three older stallions. One of them was an earth pony with a brown coat and a darker brown mane. His cutie mark had an arrow in a bull's eye. The other two were unicorns and honestly if it wasn't for the cutie marks being different, I would have swore someone put a mirror up next to one of them. Both unicorns had a forest green with a black mane. The one on the left had a ball being shot from a cannon and the other simply had a baseball on it.

“Hello.” I said after getting up. “and what do you mean we wouldn't last one minute with you?” I asked.

“Oh please we watched your snowball throwing. It was amateur at the best. We could out snowball you any day.” The brown one said.

“Well sounds like a challenge. Are you three up for it?” I said turning to the fillies. The nodded eagerly. I turned back to the stallions.

“Oh please we wouldn't even waste our time with the likes of you.” My smile dropped at this.

“Well then why don't you put your money where your mouths are?” I said with a growl. I was getting a little angry with these three. I could take an insult just fine, but they insulted little kids. That I couldn't stand for.

“Oh? What did you have in mind?” The green on to the left said.

“Pure and simple. We win you treat us to hot chocolate at sugarcube corner. We lose I treat you to the same thing.” I explained and I did have the bits to back it up.

“Free Pinkie Pie's hot chocolate? Oh you’re so on. Meet us at the practice field in one hour.” The other green one said before the three of them walked off laughing. They probably thought they were going to win this.

“Mister are you sure about this?” Applebloom said.

“Of course Applebloom and you three can call me Storm if you want.” I said with a smile.

“Yeah, we are so going to kick their flanks.” Scootaloo added.

“We have Storm here so we are sure to win.” Sweetie added with a smile.

“Now why don't we go ahead and scout out the area. Just in case?” I said with a sly grin. They nodded and dashed ahead of me.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Spot Scouters!” They yelled as they flew down the street. I couldn't help but smile at this. Twilight came up to me.

“You really are good with foals.” She said.

“Just because I'm a big kid at heart.” I said with a smile.

“Well I hope you have fun. I have restocking to do. A new shipment of books are coming in.” She said before something collided with my head with a loud wham. Hello Mr. Snow it's nice to meet you again. I sighed at getting face planted into the ground from the books.

“Oh my, Storm are you alright?” Twilight asked lifting up the box of books.

“Yeah nothing broken but my pride.” I said shaking the snow off.

“Sorry.” was said above us. Looking up I saw a gray coated pegasus with blond hair and a set of yellow eyes that went off in different directions.

“Oh hello Derpy.” Twilight said looking up at her. “You really need to be more careful.”

“Sorry about that. I just don't know what went wrong.” She said looking at the cart attached to her, floating with her. I blinked watching that, it was a large moving wagon sized cart and she was keeping it in the air herself. My brain tried to wrap my head around it... Let's just say a page not found error popped into mind. “Are you alright Mister?” she asked causing me to look back at her. She looked a little worried.

“Nah, I'm fine Miss Derpy. I've had harder hits.” I said which was true. I mean getting smashed through a crystal pillar was any indication, it was of that.

“Alright Mister...” She said and I smiled.

“Firestorm or Storm if you want.” I said smiling as she smiled in return.

“Oh I have a package for you.” She said digging into her bag. She then produced a medium brown paper wrapped box. I looked at her questioningly. Who would send me a package? Celestia and Luna would just send it to me directly since I have the whole dragon breath mail thing. Everypony else was here in Ponyville and would drop it off to me directly. I turned to Twilight who shrugs. “I need you to sign here.” She said holding a clipboard out to me. I wrapped it in my magic and took the quill. I scribbled my new name on the paper and returned it. “Thank you.” She said putting it in her pouch. I looked at the box quietly blinking a few moments before entering the library. I focused and transformed my left hoof. I ran a claw down the paper to gently cut it open. I opened the box to find a book. A brown leather looking binding book just sat there. I looked at Twilight for a moment as she floated up the book in her magic.

“Who could have sent me this book?” I asked as I tried to look over the packaging. There was no return address, in all honestly the only markings on it was a to Firestorm done in marker. It felt odd, so I turned back to the book. The brown leather like binding was masterful, like someone whose profession was just to do binding. Twilight gave me the book and I opened it up to just a blank book. I looked at this for some time. I even flipped through pages just to find something. Maybe a card in the page or a note on one of them but from cover to cover it was blank. But not just that, it felt... cold to me, like it didn't want me touching it. I placed the book down with my things in the corner. I still didn't really have a place to put things. Twilight and I never got around to figuring out a place for them. I was fine with that honestly, this was her place and all. What right would I have to have a place in it. I took a deep breath and looked at her.

“Do you know any pony that would send you a blank book?” She asked. Well honestly one pony did come to mind.

“Well technically yes, I know of one pony who would do it.” I said with a smile. She looked confused.

“Who would that be?” she asked and I pointed to her. She pointed to herself as if to be clarified and I nodded. “Why would I give you a blank book?”

“To keep notes in. Maybe use it as a journal, to put my thoughts down.” I said with a shrug. She looked at me for a moment. “Well I guess that would make sense. Then when there's a problem with you I could just simply read.” She started before I cut her off.

“No.” I said. She turned to me.

“No?”

“Yes, no. If I did start a journal I wouldn't like any pony reading it. It would be in invasion of privacy Twilight. Like what If you had a diary and I had starting reading it?” I offered she turned red at the thought.

“You haven't have you?” She asked in a panic tone. I blinked for a moment... why would she... oh! She did have a diary, well that's good to know.

“So you do have one? I didn't peg you for a diary keeping mare. Notes I can see. A journal most likely for a record. But a Diary? Kind of surprises me really.” I said. She shot me a glare.

“What's wrong with me having a diary?” She asked looking a little angry at me. Ah, shit. I stepped too far in that one and now was going to regret it. Maybe with me pulling a Scootaloo with me going out instead of in. I gulped quietly with my ears going back.

“I didn't mean anything by it. I was just um... never mind just do it Twilight.” I said waiting for it.

“Do what?” She asked still glaring at me but with a hint of curiosity.

“What ever you plan to do. Throw me out the window, down the stairs, just go ahead and do it.” I said more figuring that I went too far and deserved it.

“What?! But I would never. Why would you think I would?” She asked.

“Because I went too far with my words.” I said closing my eyes sitting there waiting for it nonetheless.

“But I... you... and the-” She started before she sighed and came over. “Storm I'm not going to do those things. Why would you think I would?” She said as I opened my eyes looking at her. She was on the verge of tears.

“Because I deserve it for going too far.” I said simply as I reached over to hold her. She stopped me before I could.

“Just so you know I wouldn't. It hurts that you think I would stoop to there. I don't want my colt friend hurt, especially by me.” She said and I felt like a heel.

“Sorry Twilight.” I said pulling back and just sitting there.

“I am too... I think you need to find somewhere else to sleep tonight.” She said pretty much kicking me out. I nodded quietly as I brought over my stuff to me. I left Twilight's bag and put it all in my saddle bags. I then slipped them on and turned to the stairs. I looked at her for a moment as she had her back towards me. Shame filled my heart as I left in silence. I didn't even hear my hooves against the floor as I passed the doorway before it shut behind me with the loudest click I could ever hear. I stared at the door for a bit before I left to walk in to. I still have about thirty minutes to kill before the snowball fight. Since then I had set up a room at the travelers inn for twenty eight bits. I had dropped off my stuff all but my key and the hoodie I had on still to keep warm. I left the pants there as I was not just drifting through Ponyville. I decided to sit at a cafe and sip some coffee. The hot bitter taste only soured my mood more. But it was finally time maybe a snowball fight would help my mood. So I made it to the training field to see the three foals standing there looking a little angry as the three stallions laughed. My teeth were grinding at this point.

“Well look who showed up?” The forest green one said. I didn't say anything.

“Did somepony get lost. Another one asked. I was starting to get annoyed.

“Why don't we just get this over with?” The last one said.

“Yeah, so here's the rules once you're covered in snow you're out. Last team having at least one pony standing wins.” The first one said and I nodded. The three foals did two as we took a side. I started to make the snowballs as Scootaloo and Applebloom worked on making sure our snow bunker was solid. I kept quiet as I waited for the starting signal. The three jerks as I have dubbed them got me to agree they would start it. There it was and right from the get go they cheated. Because when they said go a large blob of snow dropped in right on Applebloom counting her out. With a puff of smoke she disappeared and reappeared on the sidelines.

“Hey that's cheating!” She yelled.

“I never said you couldn't do that did I?” Jerk one said as my eye twitched. Okay so they wanted to play that game, then two can do it right back. I pulled out our full set of ammo and pleated the first stallion in the head with the full load. The funniest part of it was that look of doom when he got nailed. With a puff of smoke he was on the other side. I started to create more ammo as Sweetie belle and Scootaloo fired. I got nailed with a few balls in the back of the head but nothing coating. That was when they started to insult me. My teeth started to grind as I tried to block them out and made ammo.

“I bet his marefriend doesn't like him because he's too much of a coward.” Jerk number three said. I growled at this but said nothing. Just make the ammo, don't let them get to you.

“Oh please I bet he only has one out of pity.” The second jerk said. I trying my best to stay calm. I had a healthy stack of them ready before I popped up and fired one. It was then I got beamed with one that had a large chunk of ice in it. I got up now fully pissed off now. My horn glowed as I drew all the snow to me.

“Hey what are you doing? That's cheating!” Both remaining jerks said. I didn't care, I wanted to get this done with. I focused all my magic as the snow formed into a large Chinese style dragon. It even let out a roar. I saw the two remaining stallions gulped.

“You never said I couldn't do this.” I said using there own comment as returning fire. My snow dragon flew at them and two puffs later. The four of us won but it felt hollow to me. They tried to weasel their way out of it but let's say I could be persuasive when I'm not in the mood to be jacked with. So the stallion's all chipped in and got the four of us our hot chocolate which was delicious. Well it would be to me but I still wasn't in the best of moods. My thoughts where on how I screwed up with Twilight. Why did I even think that, just how fucking stupid can I be? I sighed and slowly sipped at my drink.

“Oh man that was so awesome and that look on their face was priceless. I just wish Dash could have seen us win like that.” Scootaloo finished saying me not catching the beginning of it.

“Maybe we could try for a snowball throwing cutie mark next.” Applebloom said.

“How would we even start to get those?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“By challenging ponies.” I answered not really thinking about it. They looked at me with a smile.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Snowball Champions” They said finishing their hot chocolate then flew out of the door. I smiled a little but I didn't go after them. They seem to have plans and I just didn't want to interfere anymore. So I sat there and sipped my hot chocolate. I decided to finally let my wings out. Since I left Twilight's I stuffed my wings into the hoodie to keep them warm. But at this point it was annoying me so I let them out. I also noticed that my coat had gotten some of it's color back. Not much but a noticeable amount. I sighed quietly watching the ponies by their sweets, treats, and hot drinks. Not a care in the world for most of them but the little bit of joy they had at the Cakes, and Pinkies confectioneries. Pinkie was bouncing around serving people as Mrs. Cake was working the register. My guess the Mr. Cake was in back baking. This was nice I guess, just watching ponies do their normal daily things. It was then I noticed Pinkie right up next to me. I glanced at her then down at the cupcake she brought me. It was blue and I mean the whole thing was blue, the cupcake, the frosting, and the plate too.

“It's on the house Storm.” She said with a smile.

“Thanks Pinkie.” I said before I took another sip.

“So what's gotcha all downy wowny?” She said and looked at her for a moment before I closed my eyes.

“It's nothing for you to worry about Pinkie.” I said, I just didn't want to talk about it.

“But you're my friend and you're all moopy here in the corner.” She said before she sat down next to me.

“I know Pinkie. I know. I just want to think and wonder is all.” I said before I took another sip.

“Please tell me.”

“Pinkie I just don't want to talk alright?”

“Please.”

“Not right now.”

“Please.”

“No.”

“Please.”

“No.”

“Pretty pretty please with sugar on top?” She said now giving me puppy dog eyes like that over blown look you see on cartoons. I sighed at this knowing this mare wouldn't leave me be until I said something.

“I just assumed something that I shouldn't and now I'm sleeping elsewhere is all.” I explained without giving details. “Before you even try. I just don't want to go further into it. I just need to figure it out for myself is all.” I said. She nodded quietly.

“If its worth it. I'm sorry.” She said bouncing off. I sighed quietly as I watched her as her tail bobbed up and down. I set down my glass and reach for the cupcake. I turned it in my hooves before I took a small bite of the blueberry cupcake. It tasted good, well better than my normal tastes at the moment. I don't know why but Pinkie could always put me in a better mood then I was. My thoughts returned to what I did and I couldn't even say why I thought that. I felt lower about myself when I said that, assuming that I was just going to the extreme when it comes to my stupidity. Not saying that I haven't done something extremely stupid; In this case was assume but why did I say anything about it? It wasn't lying when it comes to that. She didn't even ask me and I had no reason to really tell her. Then why the fuck did I open my big fucking muzzle? I laid my head on the table with a defeated sigh. I really was an idiot. Right now Twilight must hate me, she rightfully has a good reason to. I finished off the cupcake and got paid for a refill on the hot chocolate. Applejack came in looking around. She then spotted me and came over.

“Just the stallion I was looking for.” She said as she sat down in the booth across from me.

“Oh come?” I said before I took another sip.

“Well I heard you were looking a little down and I wanted to see what was the problem.” She said which was then followed by Dash appearing out of no where.

“You too?” She asked as we both looked at the door.

“Yeah. So whats up partner?” Applejack asked.

“Not much. Just had a snowball fight with Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. Got free hot chocolate out of it. Not by those three before you ask but by three pumice stallions who thought they could be jerks. Then I pretty much sat here drinking the hot chocolate. Oh and Pinkie Pie got me a cupcake.” I said glazing over it. Avoiding the whole Twilight thing.

“And what happened with you and Twilight?” She asked. Damn it!

“I don't want to talk about it.” I simply put.

“Firestorm you know you can't keep hiding everything inside. It's not cool.” Dash said.

“I know but right now I just want to think. You know process it until I can talk to Twilight tomorrow. Enough time for things to clear out.” I said which both of them looked at me. Wait... ah fuck I had to open my mouth again.

“So why are you not going to see her until tomorrow. Is she going somewhere?” Applejack asked.

“No and I don't want to explain why.” I said before taking another sip.

“Sugarcube, at least tell us where you're staying so I know you're not going to pull another sitting on the clouds on us.” she said.

“The Traveler's inn. I already paid for my room and I have my stuff there.” I said.

“Wow what did you do to have Twilight kick you out?” Dash said and I just stayed quiet. I finished my hot chocolate in silence. “That bad?” She asked and I nodded.

“Please tell us.” Applejack almost pleaded in a worried tone.

“I... I just don't want to... if you need to know ask Twilight. She needs you all more than I deserve.” I said before I placed a few bits down and left. Leaving both mares to watch me go. I started to walk for a bit more before I decided to stay at my room. I had nothing else to do and I really didn't want to talk about any of this to them, especially after they found out what I said. I figured my friendship with them was going to dwindle to nothing. I entered my room and locked the door. With a plop I laid on the bed and just let time pass. The only sounds were my breathing, the grandfather clock, and the ponies outside until it got dark. With a click I turned on the light in the room and reached for my bags. I pulled out the book again as nothing was written in it or on it. So I returned it and noticed I had the journal with me. Well the damage was done so I may as well read a few entries.

May 10th
I gathered at least thirty or forty bodies and body parts to test out on. For the most part the spell worked I did lose a few of them to that meaty pop but it worked nonetheless. I stopped after having three of them to examination as for their bodies all I pretty much did was return magic to their bodies. Their minds were completely gone so they were easy to control with a simple suggestion spell. Oh this is just so fantastic, I did a little research into the book and found that I could transfer souls into these bodies. So another trip to the local graveyard. I came back with the soul of a boy named Feather Flight. He was nice and all, it was sad to find out he died because of his wing snapping in mid flight. So I offered him a chance to come back. I have a pegasus body to even transfer him to, a female one but He agreed and came with me to the lab. This kid was nice and very chatty too. So we got ready and focused my magic it was such a rush. Once I had cast the spell the zombie pony began to speak. It worked, oh dear Celestia, it worked. Now a mare, she bounced around and flapped her wings. But alas it was short lived as the body rejected the soul destroying both the body and Feather Flight along with it.

I gulped at reading that. What did it do to the stallion to find out he killed a soul. Not a pony but the soul as well. So I flipped the page to see the next entry.

May 11th
After my mistake with Feather Flight I decided to find out how it happened. Two more souls were lost but I figured out what happened. The bodies didn't belong to the soul's since they had once had souls themselves. But if I changed a part of them the didn't stand as much. So now after cutting up bodies and creating an all knew one, I'm going to go try again.

So it didn't depress him but made him want to prefect it. I can understand wanting to do better next time but when you lose souls or lives then you should just stop. Well that's how I felt anyway. I continued to read.

May 17th
Solar Star was another failure but she lasted six days before her body exploded and she completely disappeared with it. From what I gathered, I need to find a way to let these bodies know that they never had a soul in them. So I started to experiment, reading deeper into the book. There I found it a way to kill the muscle magic memory of the body. With a bit of luck and maybe the divine. Rose Whip is with us. I don't know how long she will last but she is happy nonetheless for the second chance. She seem to have died only nine days ago after an explosion claimed her real body. Her friend was studying on fire spells when one of his wards went off killing her. I helped him through it and even found a way to let her speak directly to him. He is still upset but is getting better. Now after I did that I let Rose leave. The funny thing about all this is the cutie mark left on the body was one of a shooting star but after I transferred Rose into it. The star disappeared and a long stemmed rose appeared in it's place. I may have to do further studying on this and cutie marks themselves. Maybe even on a live subject.

I felt sick to the bottom of my stomach as I flew to the bathroom and removed what was left of the blueberry cupcake into the toilet. I flushed it and then did it again a few more times. Just knowing that he did that to dead bodies bothered me and more for the fact this was non-fiction so it happened but what tipped me over the edge was the fact that he may have done it to a living pony. I put the journal away and laid in bed. The problem with being a dralicorn was I couldn't sleep things off. Nope I get to stay up for days to think about it. In this case it was a curse as well as a blessing. After reading that I knew I was going to have a nightmare anyway. A knock at my door caused me to jump.

“Um... who is it?” I asked and I swear if I heard Rose Whip I was going to dive out the window.

“It's me.” came the voice of Rarity from the other side of the door. I unlocked it from on the bed.

“Come in Rarity.” I said as I laid back down. Next to her was a little bag, for what I didn't know but I could guess.

“Hello Storm, how are you to this evening?” She asked.

“Could be better I guess.” I said before I crossed my forelegs and rested my head on them.

“I heard what happened.” She explained.

“Please, I just don't want to talk about it.” I said now having to subjects to avoid talking about.

“I understand but I was asked to tell you that. Twilight is upset.” She said looking a little upset herself.

“I know, what I did was extremely stupid.” I said more venom in my voice. Rarity bit her bottom lip as I watched. She looked nervous maybe worried I would do something stupid... again. In all honestly I probably do something else stupid before the nights through. “Look don't worry about me doing something stupid. I more likely would say something first.” I said as I turned my head to the side and just looked out the window.

“Storm please stop.” She asked and I looked over at her. “I know you're regretting what you said and I don't even know what drove you to say that. I know it hurt the two of you.” She said as I remained silent. She was right, what I said had hurt us both. I just sighed quietly. “Can you please explain what happened?” She asked and I looked back at her.

“I thought you knew?” I more asked.

“I have Twilight's side. Not yours.” she explained.

“Well it started after I got delivered this book” I said floating it up for her to see. “To make this short it went from this to talking about journals. To me finding out Twilight had a Diary, to her thinking I had looked in it, then for her to get angry with me because I made my comment not seeing her have one. She got cross with me and I just broke down. All followed by me opening my big mouth.” I explained the fastest way possible. I really didn't need to go into details on how I figured Twilight was just going to launch me out the window. I watched her look over the blank book in silence. She then put it down and I brought it over to me again. I tossed it into my pile of stuff.

“So all this over that book?” She asked.

“Yeah...” I said dejected. “So what's in the box?”

“Oh well... It's something you asked about. I thought you would like a pair.” She said floating it over. I opened it to find four socks. All of them bright orange with a blue band at the time. I looked at them then back up at Rarity.

“Thank you Rarity. But you didn't need to do this.” I said she smiled.

“Nonsense I figured with the snow your leg was going to start hurting so I figured in the cool days and nights you could wear those to keep warm.” She said floating them out. “Here let's try them on.” She said lifting the socks up with me looking a little annoyed but she slides them on me. They felt nice and looked like wool but felt like silk. I looked at them. If it wasn't for knowing that my right foreleg was mostly prosthetic I would look like a normal dralicorn. But I know I wasn't normal... far from it. “Don't even dare start thinking about what I think you're thinking about?” I looked up at Rarity and blinked a few times. “Don't you dare think you're not normal.”

“But it's true Rarity...” I said slowly removing the socks. “And because I'm not normal, I hurt Twilight with just my words alone.” I said as I floated them to the box. I turned my head away from her as I rested in the bed.

“No darling. You're just- you're not in a right place right now. Too much has happened that's got you not thinking straight.” She said as she walked over to me and placed a hoof on my shoulder. “I don't know what you said but I'm sure Twilight will forgive you.” She said.

“I don't deserve forgiveness Rarity.” I said but under my breath. “I never did.” I said before tears started to fill my vision. It was true, after everything that has happened. I didn't deserve it from any pony.

“Don't you dare even say that Firestorm. Let me be the judge of that. Tell me what you said.” She said. I didn't look at her as I explained what I said. About whatever she wanted to do, launch me out a window or down the stairs. Rarity looked at me as I didn't hide my shame, it was out for everypony to see. I was a bastard and in the end I deserved for all of it to happen. “Storm, I don't know what made you think she would do that. I... I don't know what to say about it. I'm going to go talk to Twilight about this.”

“Alright Rarity. If you could please tell her I'm sorry... for what it's worth anymore.” I said as I curled up on the bed. The door shut without anything said. I bought the brown book over to me and sat it before me. All because of this book... no. I shouldn't think like that. This book was sent to me and it didn't do anything. I was the one that did it. I sighed before I felt sleepy and I placed the book back with my stuff as I turned the lights off slowly letting the sounds of night help me drift off to sleep.

***---***

The dream felt different... well sort of. I was standing in an almost destroyed Ponyville. Around me was dead bodies of ponies. A lot of them I never knew but some were familiar, like Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Derpy, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. I started to walk through the town. The bodies continued to litter about. I finally found one pony still alive until I got closer. I stepped closer to find it not a pony but... a skeleton pony. It turned to look at me with red dots. On top of that it was unicorn skeleton and with magic he produced magical arrows. They started flying at me. I ducked and ran the other way. Why the fuck did I always have these fucked up dreams? But it got worse, the bodies started to get up and with them held weapons as well. Swords, bows, axes, hammers, and so much more. I was being chased by the village of the dead. I went around to look for any pony that wasn't out to kill me. I dodged multiple magic arrows as they flew by. I ran past house after house until I ended up in an alley. I turned to see the way cut off by all of them.

“Get out of the way.” Said a very familiar voice. I gulped as the undead monstrosities let the figures past. I couldn't help but be scared out of my mind. I looked at them. Each one of them a pony I knew. To the left a larger orange mare that was over muscled wearing plenty of scars, in her teeth was a pitch fork and on her head was a stetson hat. Her blond mane and tail where done up in a pony tail. Next to her was a butter yellow mare who's back half was in a steampunk wheelchair with a top hat on. Her pink mane only covering the side for face. On her was a thing that looked half bunny and half machine. Next to her was that nightmare pinkie with a cut up Rainbow Dash almost as if someone cut her into pieces then sewed her back together. Her wings were replaced with metal blades. She also wore helmet that looked like an oversize pony skull. The pony next to her reminded me of a fantasy mage. But this Twilight Sparkle wear a dark red and violet mage robes. On her coat had dark estranged tattoos that run from her hooves and her eyes that were hidden by a dark purple cloth. On her foreleg held black metal hoof guards with dark looking markings etched into it. The last one looked the most normal among all of them it was just Rarity in a fine looking dress. The only thing that looked off was that it was made out of a leather like material. That I knew was not worn in Equestria.

“It looks like we still have a living pony here.” Said this Twilight Sparkle.

“And look at that fine coat of his. Oh I would love to get my hooves on it.” This Rarity said like she was inspecting fabric.

“Only if I get to be the one to play with him.” Pinkie said. I gulped and backed up into the wall.

“Oh look he's an Alicorn. I always need a new test subject.” Twilight said with a grin.

“As long as I get the body. I could always use another worker.” The oversized Applejack said.

“Not before I get my hooves on him.” The mechanize Fluttershy said.

“Girls it's me.” I said hoping it would snap them out of it. I really hopped this was a sick joke. A really sick and twisted joke. The only one that didn't speak was Rainbow Dash who flared her wings at me getting ready to attack. She looked at Twilight and shifted her head towards me.

“Yes Dash you can go have some fun.” Twilight said.

“Just make sure you leave enough of the coat whole.” Rarity said. Within a moment Dash flew at me. My pulsed jump as I leaped to the side but I wasn't fast enough. Three large gashes cut through my side under my wing. She then flew back and double hoof stomped onto my back. She grabbed on to my wings and began to pull them out. I began to scream as I felt my wings slowly get pulled out of my back. At first the sound of bone snapping was heard before the sound of ripping flesh that followed. I had started to scream in pain as Dash threw my left wing on the ground before me. She then focused on my right repeating the process. The second wing landed before me, my back started to numb from too much pain that it felt like it overloaded the nerves. I started to breathe hard until I felt six points where blades stabbed into my back. I started to scream again before Dash grabbed my left hoof and with one motion snapped it back. She let it drop lifelessly next to me. She pulled the knives out not before twisting them and then cut my hoof off. My voice started to die from all the painful screams. She then grabbed me by the tail holding me up in the air. My blood started to stream out of my wounds and pooled below me. But Dash wasn't done with me she then swung me into the walls and ground. I felt bone after bone break until she dropped me in front of Twilight. She grinned down at me before she leaned down close.

“Oh look at the poor pony. Maybe I should help her. Here let me give you an energy boost.” She said before her horned glowed and a bolt of black lightning struck me. I had found my voice again because I was able to scream as my body started to expand. My body started to turn black with my vision. The first thing to go was my eyes as they expanded out of the sockets. Two loud meaty pops turned my world black. One last pop was heard before I shot up awake to see a very angry Fluttershy staring at me in the room. I gulped and recoiled back into the head board.

“You.” She said in a tone I don't think I've ever heard. It was in anger... no. Not angry that was a tone that loathed a pony. She hovered up into the air before she grabbed me by the neck and pinned me against the wall.

“Fluttershy...” I got out as she crashed my neck She grinned as she watched me fight to breath. “Why?”

“Because you hurt Twilight. You hurt my friend and nopony hurts my friend.” She said then tossed me against the wall. I bounced off it and hit the floor. She then jumped on me grabbing me by my mane. Then slammed my face into the floor over and over again. A small pool of blood started to form on the floor as she broke my muzzle more and more.

“You shouldn't have been so stupid you freak of nature.” She said as she continued to pound my face into the carpeted floor. She then got up and gripped my legs and it felt like sharp needles stabbed my hind legs. I was then picked up and slammed into the floor to her left then slammed me to her right. After a few times of this she started to spin around in a circle grinding my face into the carpet. It started to burn until she flung me out the window causing the shards of glass to stab into me. I flew into the air propelled from Fluttershy's toss. She then flew after me continuing to punch me in the face over and over again. Then she double hind kicked me higher into the air. She grabbed me by the face with large claw like hands before flying straight into the ground. “You're going to pay for having that bastard of a monster kill me again.” She said as she flew right down holding me face first. We collided with the ground digging into it. She curved up and I was sent through three ceilings and a brick chimney. I was flying up into the air before she fly right by and kicked me directly into Twilight's house. I smashed through the wall into the main floor of the library. I started to spill blood from my mouth as I started to get up to see Twilight, Rarity, and a Fluttershy looking at me in shock. It was right before the other Fluttershy flew in and kicked me. Sending me through the floor into Twilight and laughed. That Fluttershy came down and looked at me. “Pathetic, I thought you would have done better.” She said grinning at me. She reached for the portal device and picked it up. She started to slam it into me over and over again. I felt every blow, every time it smashed into me, I felt it when it broke as she took the pieces and stabbed me with them. But I couldn't scream in pain, all that came out was blood as I knew something punctured my lungs. I tried to focus but before I could do anything about it. I felt something shoot through me like liquid fire. I looked up through the hole to see two scared ponies. Both Rarity and that Fluttershy stared in fear as I saw Twilight looking quite angry. Her horn started to glow violently as her eyes became pure white. Without a moment's thought a beam of pure magic struck the assaulting Fluttershy. This sent her into the wall. Before magic started to cover me as I was lifted into the air. “Oh no you don't.” I heard behind me as I was set flying faster up into the air from two hooves kicking me in the back. I collided with the ceiling before I dropped in a heap on the table and rolled off to the floor.

“Rarity, Fluttershy, protect Firestorm.” Twilight said as I saw the two mares come over to me. But I couldn't focus, I couldn't even turn my eyes to look at them. I only knew there were there because they came into my vision.

“What are you going to do?” Rarity asked as she looked off to the side.

“I'm going to make sure this... Thing learns a very valuable listen. Not to mess with my coltfriend” I heard that last one yelled followed by an explosion of magic. The force of the wind behind it sent me rolling to the door.

“Fluttershy we need to get Storm to the hospital.” Rarity said as I was lifted up again. I was turned to see the door to the library open as I was flown through the night. I knew very well as luck wasn't on my side because it wasn't long before I saw my marefriend sent flying past us and me being grabbed again by the face. I was crying not for myself but for my marefriend. I couldn't as that fire continued to burn in me. There was one thing I could think off. I reached out with my magic to Twilight. She got back to her hooves as she looked quite angry at this Flutter... no. This wasn't Fluttershy. I knew who this pony was. This was Vermom, that comment about Max killing her fit too perfectly for it to not be her. Damn it I needed to focus. I started to focus my magic on Twilight, to give her my magic. In the end I deserved this punishment for being as pathetic as Vermom said. Twilight's eyes widened as she looked at me. She then looked focused with a nod. I watched her magic aura around her horn turn into a fire like pattern like mine did. Within moments a brilliant flash of magic shot out of Twilight's horn striking Vermom. It's violet glow flickered around her. Then an explosion sent me flying towards Twilight, my body limp. She caught me in her magic and brought me close. I was turned to see that around the mass that was Vermom was purple flames. She sat there breathing hard before she turned my eyes to see her. Tears coming from her face. “Storm please tell me you're alright.” She pleaded. I tried to say something but all that came out was a glob of blood. Some of it splashed onto Twilight’s cheek. She began to cry as I watched unable to do anything but a small bit of magic. With what I could I covered my prosthetic hoof and used it to wipe the blood of her cheek. She looked down at me as I tried to smile. She held me to her chest as I continued to bleed into her coat. “I'm so sorry Storm. I... I shouldn't have tossed you out.” She cried.

“Oh how touching, making up before the end but you won't live long to regret that.” Vermom said getting up as her skin and fur repaired herself.

“Not if I have something to say about it.” Was said then Vermom was sent flying to the side as a cyan blur collided with her. I could only see this out of the corner of my eyes when Twilight looked up.

“Twi you alright?” I heard from the only pony to have that southern drawl.

“I'm fine Applejack but we need to get Firestorm to the hospital.” Twilight said as everything started to fade in and out, becoming nothing but blurs for periods of time.

“Oh Horse apples he doesn't look good. Here get him on my back.” I was lifted up and placed on a pony’s back. My guess was Applejack's but as soon as I was a large amount of blood spilt from my muzzle. “Darn it. Twilight I don't think I could carry him. He may have some broken ribs. Rarity do you think you could float him there in your magic?” She asked.

“I haven't tried but I think I can” I heard from the white unicorn as I felt a different magic take me. I was then flown away from everything before everything turned into a blur then black.

***---***

Twilight turn to watch Fluttershy and Rarity take off with Storm towards Ponyville hospital. She turned to see Rainbow Dash, and Applejack next to her. The three of them looked out right pissed at Vermom who just got up from being smashed into the wall from Rainbow Dash's kick. Twilight's horn glowed with a fury of flames thanks to the magic she got from Storm. It felt warm to her almost to complement natural cold that her magic normally had. The magic she got almost acted like a booster, it made her magic grow out of control but she was in control the whole time. She needed to focus on the task at hoof. She was angry at this fake alicorn mare with dragon claws.

“What do we do Twi?” Dash said as she readies for another attack.

“She hurt Storm. We take her down.” Twilight said as she started to get angry to the point her mane and tail starts to engulf in lavender flames. The magical byproduct of getting a power boost from Firestorm.

“I reckon your right. We need to show this mare nopony hurts our friend.” She said before she snorted pawing at the ground.

“And my coltfriend.” She added as her horn started to glow. Vermom on the other hoof floated over to the three of them.

“I would so enjoy entertaining you three but I have a stallion to hurt.” She said taking off into the sky. She was shot out of the sky as a bolt of magic striking her.

“You're not going anywhere.” Twilight growled as she readied another bolt of magic. Vermom got back up and readied for the attack with one of her own. The problem was she took her eyes off Rainbow Dash and Applejack who were not with Twilight. Magic starts to build up in Vermom's horn ready to strike back.

“Show me your best show pony.” Vermom growled.

“You asked for it.” Was said from above. Vermom looked up right in time for Applejack to land on Vermom's head with her back hooves. She then jumped off and buck her. An explosion of prismatic color can be seen over Ponyville before the streak of color went flying down main street. Rainbow Dash flew at Vermom after performing her Sonic Rainboom kicking her right in the face. Sending her flying right at Twilight who unleashed another blast of magical energy into her sending her into the air.

“I need to buy some time before Princess Celestia gets here.” Twilight thought since before she came out she had Spike send a message to Celestia for help. She knew that she couldn't hold off Vermom forever by herself. But she is going to do her best and make sure she regretted hurting her coltfriend. She started to gallop after Vermom who was sent across Ponyville. Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed when they got where Vermom had landed all that was standing there was Pinkie Pie against the ground looking rather beat up.

“Pinks you alright?” Dash said flying up.

“Yeah Dash I'm Okay.” She said getting up.

“Thats good, have you seen that Vermom pony?” She asked.

“Hey she went that way.” Pinkie pointed towards city hall. Dash nodded and flew off with Applejack following.

“Pinkie are you sure you're alright?” Twilight said stepping closer.

“Why wouldn't I be?” She asked.

“Because you're all dirty and beat up.” She said.

“Oh this? I was just trying to make mud pies for fun.” She said with a smile. “So who is this Vermom pony?” She asked.

“Someone that hurt Storm again. I have to go.” Twilight said about to take off following Applejack and Dash.

“Twilight?” She asked.

“Yeah Pinkie.” She said turning back.

“I'm not Pinkie.”She said before a bolt of lightning struck Twilight from her horn. Twilight started to scream in pain. This fake Pinkie transformed back into Vermom grinning. She then picked up Twilight by the neck lifting her into the air. “You shouldn't have gotten in the way pony.” She said throwing her into the air. She flew up after her, punching her in the face before grabbing her again and whipped her towards the ground. The magical energy surrounded her horn before another bolt of lightning flew out striking Twilight again causing her to scream again.

“Twilight!” Dash said flying towards her but was stopped by getting grabbed in a telekinetic wrap being slammed into Applejack right next to her. Twilight slammed into the ground and slid a few feet. Vermom grinned and turned to Applejack grinning. At this time both Applejack and Dash recovered from it getting ready to strike. With a boost of speed Vermom flew at and grabbed both of them.

“You shouldn't have gotten in my way.” She grinned as she had a smile bigger than her head should allow.

“Let go of my little ponies.” Sound the angry and regal voice of Princess Celestia. Within a flash of magic both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna appeared before them.

“Well look who we have here. Hello Princesses.” Vermom said in a mocking tone bowing to them still gripped tightly on both Rainbow and Applejack's necks. “Oh the honor to have thee before me. So I must ask, why?” She said with a smirk before she smashed the two ponies she held heads into each other before tossing them to the ground. This caused both princesses eyes to narrow as they caught both of them in magic before they hit the ground. She brought them over to her and placed them off to the side.

“Princesses.” Twilight said getting back to her hooves slowly making her way over.

“Twilight are you alright?” Celestia asked glancing down at her.

“I'm fine, but she-” Twilight started to say.

“Attacked Firestorm we know. He is right now getting treated.” Luna said cutting off Twilight.

“I guess I'm going to try harder.” Vermom said flying up into the air before two auras of magic wrapped around her hind legs and brought her back down slamming her into the ground.

“You're not going anywhere, Vermom. You attacked our family and our friends, we can not let such an austerity go without punishment.” Celestia said stepping closer with her normal soft colored mane started to become pure fire that began to heat the area around her. Her normal purple eyes became a fire red. The sky began to darken around Ponyville as Luna's midnight blue and star filled mane became a jet black. A black of nightmares as she readied themselves.

“Oh please do you really think your little display going to scare me? Oh look at me I'm oh so scared.” Vermom mocked before started to laugh at her joke. “I've seen scarier you're not even a two on the scale.” She said grinning as her horn began to light with black energy. She fired it at Celestia who redirected it back striking Vermom in the hind leg. It expanded and popped within seconds before reforming back to normal. Celestia knew of this dark and foul magic she was using.

“You will regret your actions here Vermom” She said before a bolt of magic flew at the necromantic pony in the air. She dodged it like it was nothing. Luna gathered magic in her horn as Celestia started to fire again. But this time she wasn't alone, Twilight Sparkle started to join in her attack with beams of purple fired energy. Celestia eyed the magic then Twilight noticing her horn's aura was in a fire style like her nephew Firestorm. She was going to have to question her student later. She stepped forward reading another attack before she took to the air.

“Really Celestia do you think I don't know all your tricks.” Vermom said grinning as her horn started to glow as well. Celestia unleashed of magic right at her, Vermom returned it, locking them, beam for beam. “Oh please do you really think this trick is going to work against me if it didn't against that weakling Chrysalis?” She asked as she started to put the beam back.

“She's not alone.” Luna said before sending a crescent moon of midnight blue energy at Vermom. Twilight added to the fray as she fired her own beam at Vermom. Twilight’s blast caused Vermom to lose concentration so the other two attacks struck her sending her back into city hall. The three horns still lit with magic rushed into the main area to see a downed pony. But it wasn't Vermom but Rarity her horn broke. Twilight's eyes widen before she remembered the Pinkie Pie trick. Her horn grew brighter.

“Don't let her fool you. That is not Rarity.” Twilight said as a warning.

“I'm fully aware Twilight she is with Firestorm.” She said as she focused more energy into her horn.

“You take the fun out of this.” She said in Rarity's voice. She got up and looked at the three of them. Her horn lit up as magical arrow appeared around her. They launched at the three of them and Twilight brought up a shield to block them. She looked over to her mentor to see Luna funneling her magic into Celestia's horn. Twilight nodded and did the same sending in her's and Firestorm's magic. Celestia's eyes widen and turned to Twilight. A few moments passed as she starts to smirk as her horn glow goes from a bright yellow to a multitude of colors. She unleashed the magic as it flew into the air. With a burst of light the magic took the form of a large serpent like dragon. It coiled around the two alicorns and the little unicorn. It looked down at the three of them and grinned. It turned to Vermom looking in complete surprise before it roared. It flew right at the necromantic pony swallowing her whole. With a gulp the magical dragon construct curls up in itself turning back into a ball of magical energy. It shot through a hole in the sky before it exploded lighting up the night sky.

“Wow.” Twilight said looking up.

“You're telling me.” Celestia added followed by a whistle in amazement from Luna. “Twilight I'm going to guess Storm gave you some of his magic.” Luna said, more assumed.

“Yes before he was taken. I think he wanted to help the only way possible.” Twilight guessed.

“Then let's go see how he's doing.” Luna said as the three of them left what remained of the town hall. Tomorrow Celestia was going to send a constitution team to repair it and Ponyville. They arrived at the Ponyville hospital within moments and into the waiting area to see both Rarity and Fluttershy sitting there. Pinkie was also there looking worried. Dash and Applejack was waiting there both of them having bandages on their faces nothing major but enough to deal with the cuts and slashes. Applejack wasn't even warning her trademark stetson as it sat in her lap just quietly staring at it.

“How is he?” Twilight asked with worry plastered on her face.

“We... don't know.” Fluttershy answered.

“He just went in a few minutes after we arrived. He's in the E.R. right now and we haven't heard anything yet.” Rarity said.

Celestia came over to them and sat there. “Come here my little ponies” She said as they came around and she gave them a hug to help them feel better. Twilight sat quietly watching the E.R. door for a doctor to come and let them know. Luna sat next to her.

“He will make it through Twilight Sparkle.” She said placing a wing around her.

“I hope.” She said as she looked down.

***---***

It seems I was in the E.R. for half a day. When I came to from passing out I found myself in the royal medical room again. This time with several bandages on me. From what I could have read I broke quite a few ribs, bones, and other things. I was also injected with this poison that made me weaker than normal. Which would explain why I couldn't fight back when I wanted to. I sat looking out the windows catching the reflection of almost half my face bandage up. When Vermom decided to use my face as a floor sander she cut it up pretty good, but I was told that these wounds would heal up in a few days. Alas I was going to be stuck in the hospital for at least five days. I heard the door open to see Twilight, Celestia, and Luna coming in. Twilight came over to me and gave me a hug. She didn't see the bandages under the blanket as I started to jerk in pain. She caught on fast and pulled back.

“Sorry.” She said and I gave her a hoof wave saying it was alright. I looked at her for a moment before I sighed. Returning my gaze back to the afternoon sun of Ponyville. We sat there in silence for a few moments. It felt like there was an unspoken question waiting to be asked so I waited for it. I turned to look at the ponies in my room. Celestia and Luna looked sad but it was Twilight that got me the most she was crying looking at me. I looked at her and gave her an apologetic smile. She saw it and nodded quietly.

“What happened?” Celestia asked and I just looked at her. I blinked, “Can you hear me?” She asked and I nodded. “Then please Firestorm explain what happened.” The sad thing about this was I couldn't answer her at all, even if I wanted to. My horn lit up before I cast the drawing light spell I haven't used since the sleep over. I drew an arrow pointing to the chart at the end of the bed and wrote read backwards so she could read it. A few moments passed as I dissipated the spell and Celestia floated up the chart. “I see.” She said with another twinge of sadness in her voice.

“What is it sister?” Luna asked.

“His vocal cords were damaged, the poison burned a lot of them, currently he is without a voice to speak.” She explained. Before I didn't want to talk about my problems, now I couldn't even if I wanted to. It's kind of funny really, I don't like talking about them and now I couldn't. That sounded like an effect of poison joke, so comical it was sick. I sighed quietly as I turned to the window again. Silence took to room until Dash came in busting the door open.

“Hey man. How you feeling?” Dash said and I wanted to face hoof. I would if it wouldn't cause me more pain.

“Dash, he-” Twilight starts.

“Twi I want to hear it from him.” Dash said I couldn't help it. I face hoofed, yeah it hurt but it had to be done. I sighed gently rubbing the spot I face hoofed.

“Dash he can't talk right now. His vocal cords are damaged so he doesn't have a voice.” Twilight explains finally.

“Ah, So if you're alright then say nothing.” She said with a smirk. Okay now I wanted to strangle this mare. I mouthed no over and over again but not a sound came out.

“So you're doing good.” She said coming over to me and giving me a hard pat on the back. Right where some of the glass had stabbed through. I jolted in pain from that contact.

“Dash he just got out of the E.R. not too long ago.” Twilight warned and Dash took a moment to process that.

“Ah man sorry. I forgot.” She said and I deadpanned. She forgot that I was in the hospital getting recorded from having the ever loving shit kicked out of me from some necromantic pony that wanted to see me dead? Someone needs to get this mare's head examined because she either has a large chunk of her brain missing or she's crazy, my vote was on both. Of course that could be because I was still in pain. Twilight hopped onto the bed with me and laid next to me making sure not to touch me. I frowned quietly at her still, I still felt like I didn’t deserve, just from making Twilight upset.

“How you doing partner?” Applejack said as she came in with Rarity and Fluttershy. I sighed and cast the spell writing no voice and an arrow pointing at me. “Ah I see” she said. Everypony remained silent for a few moments before the doctor came in. It took him a few moments to realize both princesses were in the room. He bowed and greeted them before turning to me.

“How are you...” he paused looking up. At this point I was giving him a deadpanned look. Seriously this was getting stupid fast. “Right, sorry. I came in to see how your doing.” I shrugged a bit but of course it caused pain. I winced and he noticed. “Ah, I see you're still feeling it. From what I've been told you broke several bones. I'm surprised you're awake honestly. As for your vocal cords you will have them back in a few days. I'm going to request you stay here so we can make sure all your bones heal correctly.” He explained and I already knew. I had seen my chart already. I sighed quietly and cast the light drawing spell once again. I drew in the air a pencil and pad of paper followed by please underneath it. I mainly wanted it because I was getting a little tired from the spell, the blood coming from my nose told me that I was low on magic. Twilight brought over a towel and wiped it up as best she could.

“Careful now. I don't need you getting any paler on me.” Twilight said. “Or a repeat of when you ran off.” My ears flattened back at that. Of course I wasn't going to live that bit of stupidity down. I nodded quietly her small smile turned into a frown as she looked at me. “I was only teasing... are you alright?” She asked. I was alright considering everything that happened. What was a little reminder of how much of an idiot I was compared to being with Twilight. I nodded slowly before I returned my look to the doctor. He gave a questioning glance as I waiting for the question. As predicted he asked about the incident in question and Twilight was the one to answer. Well leaving out what lead to it and I thinking ahead wrapped Rainbow's muzzle in magic with holding up one of my metallic claws up to shush her. She looked annoyed but nodded, with that I released her. Twilight finished explaining that I pretty much had almost killed myself unknowingly from over taxing my body. The difference between then and what I did was I did it rapidly. The time I sat outside was longer and its more draining on the long run to my body, like driving a car on a two liter bottle of gas as far as it would go. I, of course, get the lecture from both the doctor and Twilight again. Once they where done I was given a pad of paper and a pencil. Then the questioning started so I took the time as I was rapidly fired questions to explain what happened and how Vermom got me. I explained that I was asleep at the Traveler's Inn which got Applejack, and Rainbow Dash to asked why. I simply wrote long story short I was an idiot... again. They looked at me with a skeptical glance. My reply was, well I was. They rolled their eyes. Twilight on the other hoof didn't look at me after that. I sighed again and continued to explain that I had went to bed making sure not to go over the nightmare when Fluttershy who was Vermom at the time started to attack me. From there it was self explanatory. Everypony but the doctor looked at each other worry on their face. Vermom just proved without any doubt that no matter where I go, I was still in danger. Which meant I was never going to be safe in Equestria and worse, she even attacked all my friends including my marefriend. At this point it was safer for every pony I cared about to just let Vermom kill me. They would be safe and I wouldn't be a bother to these wonderful ponies. I turned to my side and wrapped myself up in the blanket.

“We should leave every pony. I think he needs some rest.” Celestia said and I nodded quietly in the blanket. I heard all of the hooves clop out of the door before the light was turned off. I sighed quietly as I laid there in the dark. It wasn't long before I felt a hoof on my back. I turned to see Twilight looking at me. She was still with me in the bed. She was crying as she looked at me. I gently reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I'm sorry. I... I shouldn't have kicked you out.” She started before I put my hoof up to shush her. I shook my head before I reached for the pad and pencil again. I wrote “not your fault. It's my fault” on it and showed her. She shook her head. “No, it was my fault I should have realized that with everything happening you weren't in the right mindset anymore.” She said before she inched closer. “You've had to deal with so much that you can't help but over think everything. Especially after sitting in the cloud outside for sixteen days.” She said before I shook my head again I scribbled down. “But I shouldn't have opened my muzzle like that and assumed the worse.” she looked at this. “That is true but you're not in the best condition for thinking straight. Please don't beat yourself up for this when it's my fault.” She said and I sighed. I wrote down “Twilight I never blamed you to begin with, so there is nothing to seek forgiveness for. I was in the wrong.” She looked at it then at me and shook her head. “No Storm you're just mixed up inside is all.” She said before I could write she stopped me with a kiss. My face lit up with a blush but only my left side could be seen with all the bandages on. I looked at her and wrote “Can you forgive me for being stupid?” She smiled and nodded. “Storm you're not stupid. You're just you is all.” She said and leaned against me. I winced for a moment as she put pressure on the bandages I took it and placed a wing around her. Vermom wherever you are, you can go die in a fire. I think I can keep together with Twilight by my side... I hope.

-End of Chapter-