Two days had passed since I had the gift returned to me. It sat next to me currently as Heart Shy was having five of his unicorn doctors go over my head a few times. Apparently my break down included fixing the issue with my head. At this point I didn't want to know and frankly didn't care, my head was elsewhere. Both Rarity and Fluttershy were sitting in the guest chairs in the room as about the seventh magical scanning was going on. Octavia on the other hoof left after a few more songs not knowing what had happened but I think she at least put two and two together when my look went from okay to depressive. I had to explain it to Applejack later that I gave Twilight the star shaped amethyst as a gift. Of course something didn't sit right to her about all this. She was going to go get to the bottom of it but I convinced her not to. As I did with all of them. From what I could guess Twilight took it when she found out I was dead to begin with. The group of doctors left to discuss what they found as I sit in the bed quietly. I really wish some pony would get me a new prosthetic. I don't really care if it's just a normal one. I'm tired of being three hoofed here. I rather have all four so I don't need to hobble anymore.

“So Firestorm what are you going to do when you get out of here?” Rarity asked me.

“Honestly I don't know yet. It depends when the property map of Ponyville gets here after I can look it over. I can figure out my next step from there.” I said running my hoof in circles on the comforter.

“If you don't mind me asking. Why a property map? It's okay if you don't want to tell us.” Fluttershy inquired this time.

“It's fine Fluttershy. Since what happened I figured I need a new place to stay. I doubt Twilight wants me at the library anymore. So I need to find a new place and before any pony offers. No, I will not be staying with any of you. I don't want to be a bother anymore then I have already.” I said just as a white pegasus mare came in, with the requested papers under her wing. She of course bowed before coming over and giving them to me.

“Here is the requested papers you wanted Prince Firestorm.” She said before bowing.

“Thank you... miss.” I started not knowing her name.

“ Scribed Note.” She answered.

“Well Thank you Miss Note.” I said softly, she bowed again before leaving. I let out a sigh before opening up the scrolls. Ponyville is larger than I thought it was, it also included a forest called White Tail Woods. When I noticed a set of cabins in the woods and one odd one a bit further away by a small lake.

“That's... odd.” I said out loud.

“What is darling?” Rarity asked coming over.

“These cabins here...” I pointed out to her.

“Oh that's the cabins we send all the stallions to during the heat cycle.” She answered a small blush adorned her face.

“I really hope we are talking about the same here.” I said thinking back to that really awkward conversation with the other universe Pinkie Pie, my face adored a blush as well.

“I believe we are Storm.” She answered.

“Well... what about this one here.” I said pointing to the further away one.

“I don't know honestly. I don't make it a habit to go into the woods you see.” She said looking at her hoof again.

“I see.” I said before going through the ownership listing that Scribed Note brought with the map. For the most part the cabins are owned by Ponyville itself which included that Cabin which hadn't been used in years. Even during the estrus seasons. It was to far away apparently. I wonder why for the most part. The rest of it was because the only available housing in Ponyville is too close to the library. Doubt Twilight wants me that close so that cabin was my best bet.

“You can't be seriously thinking of moving all the way out there?” Rarity said in a bit of surprise and annoyance.

“Why not? The only other available houses are close to Twilight's. I highly, highly doubt she wants to see me again.” I said rolling up the scrolls and brought over the gem. I lightly ran my hoof over it. This was followed by silence for several minutes.

“You still having feelings for her don't you?” Rarity asked and I nodded.

“As I said I would do anything for her. If it means she wants me to avoid her then so be it.” I said more adamantly. Didn't change how much it hurt inside. I still felt that icy yank at my heart. Another doctor came into the room with a clipboard floating in his azure magic. He had a pristine white coat with a short styled blue mane that was brushed by back a small swoop that curled around his horn.

“Well Prince Firestorm, I was informed that you will be needing eye reconstruction. Well I'm sorry to inform you that it won't be available for a few days. The required doctors are not here to do so. Well to be honest three of them are out sick at the moment. So there is no telling when they would be.” He said and I took a few moments to let that sink in.

“Then what are we going to do about this?” I said pointing to the eye patch as best as I could. It was a little hard to really point to something I couldn't quite see.

“Well besides the eye there is no reason to hold you here Firestorm. So until they're available I can discharge you if you like.” He offered and I thought again for a moment. Getting out would be nice stretch out my three legs, I've been going a little stir crazy in here. Well when I'm not... no. I just need to get my mind off of her for a while.

“Alright I suppose. Could I get a prosthetic please. I'm tired off hobbling.” I requested.

“Ah, well we can give you a temporally one. Your... unique one need won't be available either.”

“That's fine. I’d rather have a temporary one then not one at all.” I said as he nodded and left. In the mean time I started to pack up what I had left out in the room, both photos and my large comforter. Once the duffel bag was full I slowly made my way off the bed. The idiot that I was misjudged the distance I had and slipped whacking my face into the ground. “Ow.” I grumbled. Rarity lifted me up in her magic and back onto my hooves, all three of them.

“You must be careful darling. I wouldn't want you to injure yourself anymore then you have.” She pointed out which was followed by a sigh.

“I know I just don't good depth perception at the moment.” I said making sure the eye patch was still in place. I didn't want to scare anymore ponies. The doctor returned with a simple looking metal pole with jointed prosthetic leg. He quickly inserted it and I was finally on four hooves again.

“There you go prince. I will have the castle notified when we can deal with your eye issue.” He offered before starting to leave. With that four of us made our way to the castle. The guard that I didn't even know was posted at the room's door carried the duffel bag in his white aura. Out of all the colors I've seen for magic I didn't quite expect white. Now that I thought about it the only time I've seen black was when that vile necromantic magic was used. We got to my room to find all of Twilight's things gone. She had brought a few bags with her when I had been transferred to Canterlot for medical reasons. Now like her they were gone. I sighed quietly as I started to pack up what was left of my things. Fluttershy and Rarity had already got most of it together for me after they tried to talk to Twilight the other night. The lavender mare in question refused to talk to any of them. Surprising enough including the princesses, Cadence, and her brother Shining Armor. From what I was told she sounded pretty upset, crying upset not furious which kind of surprised me. Once I had everything packed up in the saddle bags and duffel bag. The three of us went to Celestia's private study. Honestly the only reason why I'm coming here was when Rarity came in she told me that the Princess requested me to come see her after I was able to leave. I had a feeling she already had gotten the report about me possibility getting released today. Right there in the middle of her study Celestia was there reading what looked like a file.

“Hello Celestia.” I greeted as I walked up to her. She closed the file and turned to look at the three of us. Fluttershy and Rarity both bowed as I just continued towards her before sitting down resting the bags next to me.

“Hello Firestorm. I'm glad to see you out.” She said turning to the three of us. He eyed the bags before turning back to me. “Planning to go somewhere?” She asked.

“I have some business I want to take care of in Ponyville.” I answered already curving the whole why question I knew that was going to follow.

“Is this involving the requested papers earlier?”

“Yeah, as it stands I figured it was best to find a new place to stay in Ponyville.”

“If I may, where exactly are you planning to stay?” She asked and I pulled out the papers again.

“This cabin here after I paid for it of course. I figured I could use the seclusion and I wouldn't be in any pony’s way.” I said. Celestia looked at me for a moment. I had the feeling she didn't approve of my choice of words.

“How do you plan to get there?” She asked.

“Could I have one of the chariots take me?” I asked.

“What about your fear of heights?”

“Doesn't matter anymore and this is the quickest way. The next train isn't to come for another three hours.” I explained.

“What do you mean doesn't matter anymore?”

“It just doesn't.” I answered not looking at her this time. I gently ran a hoof against the prosthetic I was using.

“I understand. I will have one ready for you shortly.” She said pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill in her magic before scribbling something down. This was followed by the parchment disappearing in a flash of magic.

“Thank you Celestia.” I said floating up the bags again and turning towards the door.

“Firestorm for what's it’s worth. I am sorry for what has happened to you.” She said and I stopped with the saddlebags back on.

“So am I Celestia. So am I.” I said then left. Both Rarity and Fluttershy stayed behind, I figured they had to talk to Celestia too. So by myself I traversed the halls of Canterlot Castle and surprising enough it was empty. I guess every pony was avoiding the abomination.

“Howdy Storm.” Applejack said to my left and I turned to look at her.

“Hey Applejack, how's it going?” I asked.

“Alright, just trying to keep the crusaders out of trouble. What about you and why do you have all that stuff with you?” She asked eying the saddlebags and duffel bag.

“I'm alright I suppose, I'm on my way back to Ponyville to take care of some business.” I answered.

“What kind of business?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“A new place to stay. That and to retrieve my last remaining items from the library.”

“Where are you going to stay if not the library?” She asked.

“I've got to talk to the mayor about a new home.” I answered. I figured she would reprimand me about waiting to move to White Tail Woods.

“Well if you want I can come with you.” She offered.

“I don't want to bother you with something like this. That and what about the crusaders?” I asked looking at the three little fillies running up to the two of us.

“Well I've got to get them home anyway. School is starting back up soon.” She said.

“Aw but sis, we want to see the castle some more.” Apple Bloom whined behind her sister. I couldn't help but smile lightly.

“Apple Bloom I told ya, school is important.” Applejack shot back.

“How about you four come with me back to Ponyville. We'll be taking the chariot so you can feel the wind in your manes.” I said with a warm smile. The look on the fillies faces all lit up.

“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked and I nodded.

“Um... Storm not to shoot the idea down but what about your fear?” Applejack asked.

“It doesn't matter anymore.” I answered once again.

“Sweet!” Scootaloo said as the three C.M.C. ran off to pack their bags.

“What do you mean it doesn't matter anymore?” She asked.

“It just doesn't.” I said looking at her. “Applejack please don't ask for the details. Just it doesn't matter anymore. I'll be by the main entrance when you're all ready.” I said before taking off again. I really need to find a better answer to my fear of heights question. Honestly like I had said it doesn't matter anymore. If I fall and hit the ground, what's the worse it's going to do? Kill me? I was already dead so it didn't matter anymore, to any pony. The halls of the castle started to feel colder to me as I continued to the main entry. Outside was a little nippy when it came to the winter weather but otherwise it was nice. Honestly the cold never really bothered me either it felt like a cool breeze to me, well in my current form anyway. I watched the chariot pull up being pulled by two white pegasus stallions both adorned with Celestia's guards golden armor. I went over to them and placed my bags in the chariot. As I wait for Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders to come out.

“Hey Storm.” Shining said coming out clad his in purple and golden armor. He slid off his helmet as he came close.

“Hey Shining.” I said glancing over to him.

“Hows it going?” He asked and I sighed.

“I'm surviving, I guess.” I answered turning back to the pages. I survived back home and went on from event to event. Hanging with friends when I could, got into fights protecting them, dealt with family, and much more. Each time surviving, even in Equestria I did the same. With my eye gone I survived. I knew I was going to get my eye back in a few days but didn't change the fact I survived my state of crazy. Now I'm just going to survive on my own once again, if could get the cabin.

“It's still bothering you isn't it?” He asked.

“Depends on what your talking about.”

“Twily.” He answered and I nodded.

“It's going to bother me for a while. It's only been a day give or take.” I said not looking at him at all. The only stallion I didn't want to see any time soon decided to make himself appear by me.

“Hello brother.” He said with a bit of venom in his voice. I didn't care what he had to say honestly, didn't care if he hated me anymore.

“What do you want Blue Blood?” I asked not looking at him. Lucky for me he went to my blind side.

“Oh nothing I just wanted to see my brother off before going back to my pony peddy.” he answered. Really a pony peddy? Was it anything like a manicure? On second thought I probably didn't want to know that.

“Blue Blood watch it. This is not the best time to start something.” Shining said trying to defend me.

“Oh because the poor prince here got dumped? He should really stallion up and keep going. I bet Twilight got tired of dealing with a monster like him.” He snidely said.

“Blue Blood!” Shining said his tone raising.

“Shining it's fine.” I said cutting off his outburst.

“Finally some pony with some common sense. I take it you have accepted your monstrous tendency?” He said.

“No Blue Blood I'm not a monster.” I answered still not looking at him.

“Too bad. I bet Twilight Sparkle and those other commoner ponies had-” He said. I turned to look at him dead in the eyes. From what I could see in his sky blue eyes; This stallion was nothing but a prissy prancer of a prince that thought he could get away with anything. I could tell the hate he has for me because of who I was. I couldn't quite tell if it was just at me or who I was to him. Did he see me as the better?

“Blue Blood, I'm going to state this to you. I don't care what you have to say about me. I don't care if you don't like me, frankly you're not even worth the time to point out much to you, but let me ask you a question. Do you know the saying that eyes are the windows to the soul?” I asked in a very flat even tone with no real emotion to it.

“Of course” He said puffing up with pride. “I've been told I have the loveliest set of sky blue eyes. So I'm well loved.” He egotistically answered.

“Well let me tell you what I see. I see a stallion that thinks being all high and mighty kicking a pony that he sees underneath him while he's down. That he wants to make sure he knows who is the better. That is what I see. Now let me ask you this. What do you see in my eyes.” I answered lifting up the eye patch to show the empty socket of a right eye. My tone was never beyond calm. It was even and well paced. I watched his eyes retraced to pin pricks. What I saw there was disgust at looking into the empty socket. It was as empty as I felt at the moment. He turned and ran off as I slid the patch back over the eye. “I guess what he saw didn't agree with him.” I spoke to no one in particular as I went back to waiting for Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“That was a little excessive.” Shining said coming over to me.

“Really? I thought it was pretty tame.” I retorted.

“Well you didn't need to scare the guy.” He added and I shrugged.

“I thought he should see what I had become. Then maybe he would just stay away from me.” I said my voice an unnerved accepted calm.

“What do you mean Storm?” He asked and I figured he wasn't told.

“I found out what happened to me before coming to Equestria.” I started not looking at him either.

“What happened?” He asked curiosity probably getting him.

“I died.” I said keeping my tone.

“Wait. Is that why Twily's all upset?” I nodded to his question.

“But you both realize that you aren't dead here. You're alive like any other pony.” He tried to quell and already accepted fact.

“Doesn't matter anymore. I put on the table to everypony which does include you that if you don't was to know me anymore then I will understand.” I said.

“Relax man. I'll be still a friend.” He said putting a hoof on my shoulder.

“Thanks Shining, It helps.” I said.

“Do we really have to go back?” Apple Bloom said coming out followed by the other C.M.C. and Applejack each of them with set of saddlebags. Each of them had one of these pillows stuffed into their bags.

“Yes Apple Bloom.” Applejack retorted with an annoyed look on her face.

“Ready to go you four?” I asked.

“Of course.” Scootaloo said hopping into the chariot.

“Yup.” Sweetie added before joining her friend.

“Yeah.” Apple Bloom added a little disheartened before jumping in. Applejack came over to me.

“Are you sure about this Storm? Twilight may come around-” She started.

“Applejack please stop. She made her choice and you should respect that.” I said as I motion for Applejack to get on before me, which she did. That was followed by me hopping in. “If you sirs would be so kindly.” I requested and the nodded before taking off into the air. The flight to Ponyville was a little uneventful. For the most part the C.M.C. leaned on the front of the chariot with Scootaloo having her wings out with a smile. I raised an eyebrow at this and gently let my wings expand a bit. Just enough to get wind through it. I didn't really think about it before but the feel of wind in my wings felt rather nice. Maybe I should try and fly. During the rest of the flight I had closed my eyes until I felt our touch down. I know what I said about my fear of heights didn't matter anymore. I kind of lied, It still bothered me just thinking about being up so high like that.

I was glad when we finally landed in Ponyville. It was nice to see the town until my eyes laid upon the library once again. Sadly enough I had to go through first for the most part. With that I floated my bags with me as the five of us made our way to the library. I floated the key out of the secret spot Spike told me about. He kept a secret key outside when he found himself locked out a few times when Twilight was in her experiment set of mind and locked it on him a few times too many. So I opened it up and went in to retrieve the last of my items. The sword case and bag that housed the first ever delivery I got plus everything Twilight didn't bring with her to Canterlot of mine. With that tacked away in the duffel which was feeling rather full at this point. Applejack said she would meet me at city hall after dropping off the C.M.C. I didn't mind so much really. It was kind of nice to walk around for once on my own. Now that I thought about it. Most times when I was alone I didn't really get to enjoy it.

Either it being in the hospital from an attack or something of my own stupidity. With that I made my way to city hall which was close to the center of town. The large building reminded me of a fantasy medieval house. I didn't know if I made the comparison from my own imagination or from the amount of video games I played on earth. I sat outside waiting for Applejack to return. I started looking around more as the snow covered Ponyville. Some how it reminded me of those old warm winter postcards you find around the holiday season.

I watched Derpy fly from mailbox to mailbox in what I could guess was a postal uniform. She had a fairly large set of saddlebags and a large red cap on her head. Would the correct term for it be mail mare or was it mail pony? She waved over to me and I returned it with a smile as she went on. Lyra was out sitting in a very odd for a pony style way on a bench with a cream colored pony with a blue and pink curly mane mare next to her. She was playing her lyre as they sat there. A few of the passing ponies stopped to listen to the music. I wondered if Lyra and Octavia had ever known each other. I played with the idea of them doing a duet together, a Cello and Lyre duet. Now that I thought about it more I would honestly like to hear something like that. I sat there for a bit longer until Applejack returned.

“So ready to meet the mayor?” She asked and I nodded. As much as I really didn't want to do this. I had to at this point. Mainly because where else was I going to stay? I didn't want to impose on everypony else and I did have a source of income myself. Granted I wasn't too happy about from where but at this point that was moot. The two of us enter the city hall which was surprisingly not as crowded as I thought it would be. Granted I compared it to the city hall back home which for some reason was busy every minute of every day. Applejack already knowing where the office was helped me find it. Giving the door three solid knocks I was sort of glad to hear.

“Come in.” come from inside, the tone was authoritative. We entered and I found a tan mare with a gray mane sitting behind what I could guess a mahogany deck. On her muzzle she wore a pair of glasses. Around her neck she wore a white wrap with a green poof in the center. She was in the middle of looking over paper work when Applejack and I entered. I placed my bags at the door gently so I didn't disturb her more than I already had. She looked up with her set of deep blue eyes. She only took a few moments before getting out of her chair and came around to bow to me. I shook my head quietly at this. “Hello Prince Firestorm, How may I help you this evening?” She asked.

“I would like to make a purchase of a house..” I requested and she rose looking at me with a smile.

“Oh? Which house would you like to purchase?” she said going over to a filing cabinet and pulled out a rather sizable map of Ponyville that including White Tail Wood. Which was good for me because the house I wanted was in there. Slowly moving over to the map she had started to lay out on the desk before us. I pointed to the lone cabin close to the little lake in the woods.

“This one if it's not too much trouble.” I requested. The mayor looked at it for a moment then returned to the cabinet fishing out a document.

“I do apologize but that seems to be unavailable for purchase. That was one of the few cabins set aside for the season.” She said smiling to me. “But it is allowed to be rented during the off season, will that do?” She asked. I thought about it for a moment and nodded.

“That will be fine. How much is rent and how often would I need to pay?” I asked. She looked it over and about an hour had passed for me to fill out the required paperwork. A good amount of my bits were used up. Applejack sat there and watched mostly. Dealing with officials really makes me nervous. There's been times where I ended up in trouble so I always get nervous around them. Mayor Mare gave me the key and Applejack and I both headed to my new home. It took us about an hour to get to it with it being further away than Sweet Apple Acres from Ponyville.

“So why did you want to be all the way out here?” Applejack asked me.

“Well a few reasons but the main one is because I didn't want to be a bother to Twilight. If she saw me more around town then I may end up causing a problem with her and I really don't want to do that.” I answered.

“That doesn't make much sense Storm. How would seeing you cause problems for her?” She asked.

“Look at what she did when she found out I was dead. She ran off upset. Now what do you think would happen if she saw me in town and got reminded of that?” I explained.

“I think I see your point. But I still don't think Twilight would do any of that.” She said trying to defend Twilight. Couldn't blame her honestly but I rather be out of sight out of mind then be the problem I have been since I arrived in Equestria.

“It doesn't matter anymore Applejack. Out here I won't cause a problem and I won't be a bother to any pony.” I said as the cabin started to come in view. It was log cabin with a green shingled roof. It was nicely sized close to the first floor of my old house. There was a large window that showed the already decorated first floor living room. There was a second floor which was much smaller. Most likely a bathroom and bedroom up there.

“Storm you're not a bother to any pony.” She said stopping me and jabbing her hoof into my chest. I shook my head at this.

“But I am, if you need another reason then if I happen to snap again. Out here I am less likely to hurt anypony.” I offered this time.

“That one I will have to give you, as much as I hate to admit it. But you don't have to deal with it alone or seclude yourself like this. Come on, you can stay in the guest room at the farm.” She offered not for the first time.

“Applejack I'm not going to impose like that to you and I would hate myself if I ended up hurting any of you.” I said as I floated the keys out before continuing to the door.

“More than you already do?” She asked which got me to stop again. I didn't look at her but nodded. With that I unlocked the door and opened it with a flick of magic. “Storm you shouldn’t hate yourself like you do. Maybe it's the reason you have to deal with 'those' nightmares.” She said and I sighed.

“Applejack they’re nothing new to me, yes my mind may want to torture me because of how much I hate myself. But it doesn't matter now does it?” I asked after placing the bags just inside as a small throb rang through my skull. I guess I hadn't recovered all my magic yet. Then I heard the sound of something liquid hitting the floor followed by a metallic copper taste hitting my mouth.

“Whoa, here let me help you.” She said getting under my wing as I started to lose balance.

“I think I over did it with my magic again.” I said lightly chuckling.

“Well you did use a lot of it fighting. I guess two days of recovering didn’t do enough for ya. Here let's get you to the living room and I'll make you something to get you back on your hooves in no time.” She said helping me to the living room. The living room itself was fairly large, there was a fireplace against the furthest wall and the dark forest green sofa fit will with the tree log table. She got me up to the sofa where I laid there a bit touching my hooves under me. She got me a few napkins and I placed them to my nuzzle to soak up the blood. “Not you stay here and I'll see what's in the kitchen to work with.” She said walking off.

“Applejack you don't need to do this. I'm fine.” I said. For the most part I was fine just a little headache and a bloody nose, nothing serious right?

“You're not fine, not by a long shot. So you sit there and rest. Unless you want me to make you rest.” She said and I gulped. What did she mean by make me rest? Was she going to buck me in the head to knock me out?

“Can I at least start up the fireplace?” I requested.

“That's fine but don't push yourself.” She warned as I got off the sofa still shaking a bit with the tissue stuck to my muzzle. I pulled it off before getting to the fireplace. I tossed the paper in and gave the fire place a small poof of fire as it started to crackle. I watched slowly as the tissue burned up. I sat there quietly watching the red flame flicker and dance quietly. Not a care in the world to them. Sometimes I envy the fire.The warm of the fire felt rather nice, I slowly placed my hoof in the fire itself and watched the flames dance around it. “Whoa! Storm what are you doing?” Applejack almost yelled coming into the living room. I turned my head to look at her and the surprise on her face.

“I'm just putting my hoof in the fire. Is something wrong with that?” I asked a little confused. This wasn't the first time I had done something like this, fire didn't bother me like it would a normal pony.

“Pull your blasted hoof out of the fire Storm.” She said coming over and yanking it out for me. I blinked confused for a bit.

“What's wrong?” I asked as Applejack looked my hoof over.

“Looks like nothing's burnt.” She said not even looking at directly just the hoof.

“Applejack, I'm fire proof.” I explained simply.

“What?”

“Fire Proof. Fire doesn't bother me like it would you. I can even go into lava too.” I explained.

“But wait is this because you're one of those dragon pony things?” She asked and I nodded.

“Yes I'm fire proof because I'm a drony Applejack. I'm surprised Twilight didn't explain that to you all. It's like how I can take a bolt of lightning directly and breath underwater. It's part of my body's natural abilities like how I can breath fire.” I explained a bit better this time.

“I keep forgetting at times that you're not quite a normal pony.” She said. You would think that would be etched into her mind like the rest of them, after everything that had happened.

“It's fine Applejack.” I said as I slowly went to get my bags. This time I didn't really use magic I just slipped the saddlebags over me and carried the duffel bag, which was heavy in my teeth, to bring it into the living room. Once I had it in there I unzipped it and began to dig into it. The glint of the gem got me to stop and look at it for a moment. That icy feeling of the tendril around my heart re-manifested itself before I buried it deep within and continued to dig for what I wanted.

“You're still hurting Storm.” Applejack said which caused me to look up at her.

“Doesn't matter anymore.” I answered before pulling out the quilted blanket I got from Fluttershy.

“That is hog wash and you know it Storm.” Applejack said adamantly as I placed it on the sofa.

“What can I do about it Applejack? What's done is done so there's no changing it now. So like I said it doesn't matter anymore.” I replied. That's what I had to keep telling myself at least. Otherwise I would just break down and start crying. At this point I just didn't really want to think about it.

“Storm... I'm sorry.” Applejack said and I looked at her.

“For what?” I asked this time a little confused.

“For what happened. I know there was no stopping it at this point but I don't like seeing my friends like this.” She said looking up at me and I just simply nodded. Silence filled the gap between us before she went back into the kitchen and the sounds of food being prepared filled the room. I slowly came into the kitchen to see Applejack over the stove stirring a pot. I remained quiet as I watched. Her tail flicked from side to side as she was standing on her hind legs to manipulate the wooden spoon she was stirring with. I went back for a moment to retrieve something else before returning to the doorway of the kitchen. Firmly on my head was the stetson the Apple family had gave me. As I watched her I started to think more about the past. My real family laughed after my death. So did they even really care for me like that? But they cried at my funeral so I didn't know what to think about it. I sighed quietly to myself which caused Applejack to jump and whip around to look at me.

“You alright there?” She asked instantly.

“Yeah just thinking is all.” I answered before turning towards the living room. I placed my rump on the sofa and just let my mind wander a bit. My gaze joined it until they both fell right on the photos right at the top of the open duffel bag. The ones of my friends and family. I saw myself in there with them. My large oversized fat body there with my bright orange shirt with blue sweat pants. I couldn't really see my feet in them so I couldn't tell what I was wearing. My hair was wild and unkempt most of the time. Mainly because I rather it be natural. My mother was not as heavy set as I, was shorter then I was, I was the tallest of the family. She had a lot more hair than I did but like her we both where brown haired. She was sporting a ponytail herself which was tied up in two sections. She wore a dark blue shirt with gray pants on. I couldn't tell if there were sweats or jeans from this photo. My father was just a hair shorter than I was and had the least amount of hair then any of us. He was sporting a bald patch on the back of his head and mustache. He was in a white short sleeved shirt with a pair of blue jeans on. My little sister was in a dark gray hoodie that had a skull on the chest of it. She also wasn't heavy set like me and our parents where. She also had black pants on, with her hair being split in half back and red. I remembered some of the better times we had, like when me and my sister went to a few haunted houses for fun. Kind of ironic now that I thought about it, horror was just about every where in my life and unlife now.

“Here you go Storm, some good old fashioned Apple Family soup.” She said after she came in setting the tray down on the log table.

“Huh? Oh, thanks.” I said as I snapped out of my inner thoughts.

“Are you sure you're alright Sugarcube?” She asked coming over to me and placing a hoof on my shoulder, I nodded slowly.

“Yeah I... just need to stop thinking is all.” I said as my gaze slowly went back to the photo.

“Storm if... if it's alright. Can I ask you how it happened?” Applejack nervously. For some reason it felt odd how she said that.

“Only if you join me for dinner.” I said with a light smile. She wasn't getting out of not eating with me this time. She pulled it once before at the hospital saying it was just for me. This time she was going to have some too if she wanted to know what had transpired.

“Alright, let me go get a bowl and I'll be back.” She said going to get some too. I waited quietly for her to return with another tray and bowl. She sat down and I launched into the story. With that I had to tell her that I did it to protect some pony. As I figured Applejack listened to all of it. Well I stopped up to the point I died. “How did...” She started.

“Everypony take it?” I asked and she nodded. “My friends took it the hardest that I could tell. They got into a fight, literally. Well Knives only really yelled but it was Ghost and Viper that really duked it out. That was until Viper left to drown his sorrows.” I continued but stopped again.

“What about your folks?” Applejack asked and I looked away.

“After the funeral I found them laughing. This was only about an hour or two after the funeral.” I answered and looked down a small tear dripped into the soup before me. Applejack put a hoof on my shoulder.

“I'm sorry.” She said.

“I know Applejack... so am I.” I said barely above a whisper as I tried to keep it together. But I failed as I just broke down and cried. Applejack just gently rubbed my back gently as I sat there, tears coming out like a waterfall. I cried for everything, the worse part is that when I finally stopped crying. I felt cold inside, almost to the point that it was numbing. In a way I felt cut off from every... one I knew back there. The only person I had was Jessica and I got to see her only once. Even here I felt just alone. I mean yes I did have friends and a new family but... The only place it counted was gone now.

“Is there anything I can do to make ya feel better?” She asked.

“Stay my friend.” I said simply.

“You won't have to worry about that. We've gone through so much for ya not to be your friend.” She said with a smirk before tilting the stetson on me.

“Thank you Applejack.” I said finally smiling for once. We sat there and ate. Just like before Applejack's cooking was sensational. Almost like there wasn't enough taste buds to take in all of the flavors assaulting my senses. It felt like home to me. The rest of the visit was short, Applejack had to return to Canterlot after a letter appeared out of me. Celestia wanted her to return after the incident mainly to discuss something. As well in her letter reassured me that the doctors will be notified to come to Ponyville when they were prepared to repair my eye. I figured the real reason why Celestia wanted Applejack back was to talk to Twilight. At this point I could only guess hasn't left her room. Applejack said when they all got back they would come and see me. I figured Twilight was out on that one.

“Oh trust me, I do. Who else is going to drag you out of here when you hurt yourself.” She said with a smirk.

“Yeah I guess.” I said. “Just be careful please.”

“Don't worry about me partner. It's hard to keep this mare down.” She said leaving. I waved to her until she was out of sight. Which wasn't hard since I was in the middle of the woods and the path to the house had a sharp right turn back to the tail for the running of the leaves. Even the lake behind the cabin had a bit of snow on it. With that I closed the door and pulled out one of the myth books I got from Twilight. Then curled up with the quilt on the sofa and began to read.

***---***

Four days had passed since I started living in the cabin. Since then I had gone over both myth and legend volumes three times. The girls hadn't returned or if they did I wasn't notified. They’re busy and I knew I wasn't that important anyway. It's kind of nice really. The only odd thing about all this was I hadn't had a dream since that last nightmare. All that's happened was I went to sleep and woke up, no dream. My day is always the same, I get up and say good morning to the photos of my old family and friends. They don't reply but it's at least nice to pretend that they say it back. Oddly enough I thought about that other universe. About the versions of my friends there and Max, I wondered what they where up to and if things were still going well for them. I thought about that date I had that universe's Pinkie promise me. If she was anything like the Pinkie here and if Max was the kind of person I thought he was. I bet it went well. As normal I got out of bed and made my way downstairs.

“Morning everypony... I mean every one.” I said having to catch myself again. This world's lexicon was pretty ingrained into me. I trotted downstairs I started up the coffee maker after plugging it in. I was getting better using the prosthetic hoof that didn't have fingers instead I had only the flat hoof with a small grip on the bottom to help me walk. In fact I went face first into the ice on the lake, it wasn't as thick as I thought. Spent an hour in the water, thankfully I can breath under water. Though to be safe I did transform into my more draconic state. One breath of heat later and I was able to walk out. Note to self don't try to walk on ice... like ever.

The funny thing was that most of my time here was spent reading. The only book I haven't read and really didn't want to was the book I got from Twilight Velvet. I did have it setting out on the shelf but beyond that I didn't read it. Though I've got to see when did she ever find the time to really get this published. I mean I only knew her for a week at the most. Well I guess more if you count the time with me sitting outside the hospital on the cloud but from what I remember she was pissed off at me. Which was kind of funny now that I thought about it. Night Light more defended me back then while Velvet wanted to rip my head off. Now it was reversed well they both probably wanted to rip my head off now after Twilight left like she did. Well I guess that gives me another good reason to hide out in the woods like this. The sound of the dripping coffee and that rich smell wafted throughout the room which told me the coffee was ready.

So I pulled out one of the white mugs and filled it. Lucky for me that the cabin was filled with nonperishable foods. I did have to go into town once to get some food. I still stayed away from the flowers. That was the one thing I don't ever think I will get over. I know I am a herbivore now and like the equines back on earth they eat flowers... My internal thoughts were knocked aside by the literal knocking on the front door. I set my coffee back down on the kitchen table and went the short distance to the door. Lucky for me the kitchen was right at the front door so if one of my failed cooking tries to burn down the house I can at least make a hasty escape. I opened the door to find both princesses of the celestial bodies at my door. My eyes widened a bit seeing this. I didn't quite expect to see them so soon well at least in the middle of no where like this.

“May we come in?” Luna asked and I nodded stepping out of the way. Behind them were Nightling and one of the day guards I didn't know yet. Nightling of course didn't even look at me which was fine. She was probably still angry with me and didn't want to talk to me.

“Would you two like a cup of coffee?” I offered and they nodded. So I reached up and pulled out two more cups pulling them out with my hooves. I hadn't really used my magic much since last time. I poured their coffee and brought it over as they took a seat at the table. I slid my cup over to the tree seat. Celestia slid the chair over and sat on the floor. Well with the larger body she had compared to Luna and I it was understandable she didn't need the chairs as much as us. “So what brings you two to my neck of the woods?” I asked a little amused by my little pun.

“Well we wanted to see how you're doing.” Luna answered

“I'm doing surprisingly fine.” I said raising an eyebrow.

“Oh? From what we heard you were upset the other day about what happened.” Celestia decided to chime in.

“Well I was. But I've had some time to myself and thought about it more. In the end of all this there was nothing I could do. I was meant to die and I did.” I said, I had accepted it. Granted thinking about it got me a little emotional at times but who wouldn't be? “How is everypony?” I asked to change the subject.

“They’re doing fine. In fact they’re suppose to be returning soon.” Celestia answered.

“And... Twilight?” I asked timidly. I was still worried about the lavender unicorn. She was still a friend in my book even if she didn't want to be. I wasn't stalking her or anything I just was worried is all.

“She's doing better. We finally got her to come out and talk.” Luna answered this time. Her gaze not on me this time.

“I take it she went back to her normal routine then?”

“For the most part, I think she still feels bad about it but doesn't show it to any pony. Almost like she just put it away in the back of her mind.” She answered.

“It worries me, I've never seen Twilight act this way before. Almost like she had completely forgot about all of it.” Celestia said and I could read the worry on it. Normally the princess of the sun could hold the most perfect of power faces, but other times I could read her like a book.

“Is it possible she locked her memories away?” I asked, getting more worried.

“It is a possibility she could have but I haven't sensed any memory locking spells on her.” Celestia answered.

“I didn't even know you could sense something like that.” I said now a little intrigued.

“Well to be honest you couldn't if you didn't know what to look for. We've both had years to be able to sense a lot more then most unicorns could with their magics.” Celestia explained.

“You mean like how I was dead?” I asked more the try and understand how she knew.

“Regrettably yes, after having to deal with Grimwand I had to learn to pick up that too. If you are wondering your magic gives off that kind of trace and that was how I knew you were already dead. I got it from when I moved the mane away from your horn, but that feeling is fading away from you. Which is a good thing.” She explained which I didn't know how to take. I finally got an answer about how she knew and a bit more on the sensing magic. But the dead thing fading? That was new to me and didn't know how to process that.

“I see, then the only other thing I could suggest regarding Twilight is it's something mentally induced. Like a traumatic experience causing some pony to repress it or block it from their mind completely.” I suggested.

“That is also a possibility and probably a more logical one to go with. Her friends for the most part had been supporting her about all this. Well all but Applejack who...” she started and I knew where she was going with that.

“Can't hold a poker face to save her soul?” I said with a small smirk.

“Pretty much.” Celestia said with a smile herself.

“This is the other part of why we've come to see you. We want your help with Twilight.” Luna tacked on.

“No.” I answered simply.

“What?” They both asked a little surprised at my sudden answer.

“No.” I repeated again. A slow blink came from both of them followed by a look of surprise. “I won't help Twilight remember me.”

“Why?” Celestia asked.

“Do you want a good reason or my reason?” I asked.

“Both” Luna requested.

“As for the good reason then it's because something like that shouldn't be forced and should come back naturally not to cause any more damage. As for my reason.. Twilight wanted to forget me. I gave her the opinion to get out of knowing me and she took me it completely. As it stands now, she doesn't have a clue who I am. That's what she wants and I have to respect her wish.” I explained looking at both of them.

“Doesn't it hurt that she completely forgot you?” Luna asked.

“Of course it does, but that doesn't matter. This was what Twilight wanted and I'm going to respect her wish.” I answered. Inside I was starting to get angry. They wanted to do something against another pony’s will. Even worse, it was Twilight Sparkle's choice. I wouldn't doubt that they would do it anyway, with my help or not.

“I thought as much.” Celestia said and I looked at her. “I knew you wouldn't do anything of the sort. But I wanted to at least try and get your help.”

“Celestia are you going to try and force Twilight to remember?” I asked and hoped she wasn't. The nod she gave me got me really angry. “I can't believe you Celestia.” I said now getting up looking at her an anger behind my eyes. This caused both of them to look at me in surprise. “You of all ponies. I thought you would be better then this Celestia. You're trying to take a choice away from another pony. From your own student Celestia. Does she mean anything to you?” I asked with more anger then I should have in my voice.

“Of course she does Storm.” She tried to say.

“Then why? Why force her to remember when it's going to cause her nothing but pain? And don't lie to me saying that it's for her own good. If it was just as simple as amnesia brought on by a spell from another pony or backlash. Then I can agree with this. But she willingly forgot about me. No pony else. Just me Celestia and you want to dig that all out. Why?” I said my voice raising as I went on.

“Because... I don't want to see either of you hurt.” She said looking at me. Luna remained quiet on the other hoof watching all this. I can see that she didn't like it as much as I did but also agreed with her sister.

“You... you didn't want to see us... what?!” I said now shaking in a complete rage. Just the thought of her taking a choice away from Twilight when it didn't pertain to her domain. Part of me wanted to strike Celestia for this but I kept that in check. I saw Celestia's ears flatten back at my last outburst. “Get out.” I said flat and angrily. As a glared at her. This cause her to look even more surprised. But nodded as she left. I sat down again in the chair as I tried to calm down once she had departed. I couldn't tell if she was just outside the door or left completely. Luna on the other hoof remained where she was eying me as she took another sip of her coffee.

“I'm sorry Storm.” Luna said causing me to look right at her.

“For what?” I said trying my best not to do it with clinched teeth which had changed to their razor sharp fangs.

“For all this, As much as I hate to say it but I agree with my sister, just not her method.” She said not looking at me.

“What do you mean?” I said eying her with a narrowed gaze.

“I mean Twilight should remember you on her own. Not by any pony forcing it.” She explained and I sighed quietly.

“I can completely agree with that method then. If she wants to remember me on her own then so be it.” I said before taking a rather sizable gulp of my coffee. “I just wish Celestia would have went with that and not make it sound like she was going to force the choice down Twilight's throat.”

“Is that why you’re angry?” Luna asked.

“Yes, just thinking that Celestia of all ponies would even consider doing that to Twilight just infuriates me. Like I said if this was amnesia brought on by a magical misfire or an accident then yes I can see trying to fix it that way. But this was by her choice and she didn't forget anypony else right?” I asked. Luna shook her head enough to tell me it was just me she forgot. “Then it was her choice. I may have over reacted a bit blowing up at Celestia like that but...” I let out a frustrated sigh. “Twilight had already proven to me she wanted out of knowing me.”

“How was that?” Luna asked.

“Follow me.” I replied getting out of the chair and heading into the living room. Luna followed as I went over to the duffel bag. It took a bit of fishing but I found the star amethyst that I had specially cut for Twilight. “This is how.” I said holding it out to the princess of the night. She floated it up in her magic and looked it over.

“How does this tell you she wanted out?” She asked.

“Because I gave her that as a gift. I held on to that gem for a while before giving it to her. Originally it was going to be part of a bigger gift. It was going to be placed on the cover of a blank book. Something she could decide to put in at any point. But after Sha destroyed my old house I figured I should just give it to her directly and I did. It was returned to me while I was in the hospital from my bit of insanity. While Miss Octavia was playing for me. It was delivered to me like all of the mail I got from you and Celestia. One poof of flames and it dropped right there in my lap. That's how I knew she wanted out. This was the only real big gift I gave her and she returned it.” I said wiping the tear from my eye that had started to form as I explained.

“I see.” Luna simply said floating the gem back over to me. I took it and placed it back in the bag closing it back up again. “Is there any way for her to remember still?” She asked.

“Besides face to face not much really, there's Fur Elise which was the first song the two of us danced to at the lookout. The photo Pinkie took of the two of us kissing. But I moved that one somewhere else so it would be out of mind. I did make the pillow with her cutie mark but I doubt that one would work.” I explained as I put it back in the bag. While placing it in the bag I saw the photo I was talking about earlier. The one of me and Twilight kissing on the way back to Ponyville.

“I can't imagine how hard this is for you.” She said putting a hoof on my back.

“It's more ironic really.”

“How so?” She asked.

“Because when I was in the other universe I saw a version of Twilight there. I had made a comment about seeing some pony you know, that I cared for but she doesn't have a clue who you are or what you mean to them. It's ironic because now it's the same here.” I said. The small motions of Luna rubbing back helped.

“Admittedly it's hard to see you like this Firestorm. I've seen stuff like this break many a pony. I can't figure out how you do it Storm, how you can deal with all this and keep going?” She asked.

“It's not a matter of how Luna. It's more I have too because it's whats called of me every time.” I said as I could feel that cold dagger plunge deeper into my chest. With that Luna came over and gave me a hug. Nothing said between us for several moments before I returned it. “Thank you Luna.” I said quietly.

“You’re family Storm.” She said as we sat there for a while. When we finally let go of each other she looked around a bit. “If you don't mind I need to go. I think Celestia has been waiting long enough.” She said walking towards the door with me behind her.

“Luna if you could, please tell Celestia I'm sorry.” I said stopping at the kitchen entry. She turned to look at me for a moment before nodding. With that she left closing the door behind her. I let out a sigh before turning to the three cups off still steaming coffee on the table. “Why does life have to suck so much sometimes?” I said to myself before sitting back down to finish my cup. The sound of the wind rustling the leaves that remained on the tree being the only ambient sound I could hear. I must have been there for a while because before I realized it the other two cups of coffee were not steaming and there was a knock on the door. I got back up from my empty cup and opened the door to. Wham! A mass of pink pony collide with me knocking all the wind out of me and causing me to impact the wall in a direct line from the door.

“Hiya Storm I missed you so much. I didn't know you left until Rarity told me when we tried to get Twilight all unsad-y but it didn't work because the doors wouldn't open. She must have put a really strong spell on it even Applejack couldn't get it open with all the bucking she does. I wouldn't be surprised she's as strong as a semi going a billion miles per hour with no sign of stopping. Because if that was the case that door would have been obliterated but that would be impossible because I don't even know what a semi is with it's big wheel like things and really big box end. Then we found you left and I thought to myself that maybe what you told us happened got Twilight all upset and you upset. Even though you tried to play it off like nothing was wrong. But I knew because my leg was all shivering which told me a friend was going through something super duper big and we all know I can't let a friend go through all that by themselves. But I didn't know where you went until Applejack got back from Ponyville saying that you rented this cabin in the middle of no where and that you just wanted to be out of the way. But you were never really in the way because you're my friend and a friend is never in the way when it comes to things like that. So when we got Twilight to finally come out she went all forgety on us saying she didn't remember you and no matter what we tried she wouldn't remember you which must make you all upset because you and Twilight were together. Now she doesn't remember it so we need to get you to talk to her yourself and then everything will be fix and-” Pinkie rambled before I put a hoof in her mouth.

“No.” I said following along the whole time, this time. Don't ask how I couldn't figure it out myself. Anyway my answer got her to stop squeaking into my hoof. I pulled it out and wiped off the Pinkie slobber.

“What do you mean no? Don't you want Twilight to remember how special you are to her?” Pinkie asked and I shook my head.

“What the hay is going on in here?” Dash said flying in to see me pinned to the ground. Well three of my hooves where. My prosthetic which was the one I used to stop Pinkie wasn't pinned.

“Whats going on here Dash is Pinkie is trying to get me to go see Twilight.” I said.

“Well of course. She's your special somepony now so you need to go over to her and get her to remember you.” Dash said with a huff.

“No.” I answered again.

“Why the hell not?” Dash said as she landed next to me.

“Because she wanted to forget me and she did. I'm respecting her wishes.” I answered not for the first time, they were acting just like the princesses. “Pinkie please let me up.” I requested.

“Nope. I can't do that until you promise to talk to Twilight.” She said looking at me with a pleading look.

“I can't promise that Pinkie.” I said not looking at her.

“But why?” She said pleading more.

I sighed before saying. “Because Pinkie, Twilight wanted to forget me and she did. So you should respect her wishes as much as I have.”

“But... doesn't it hurt?” Fluttershy said now coming over to me from outside.

“Of course it does. Why wouldn't it? The pony I care about doesn't even remember me anymore. What's not to be hurt from on that?” I asked this time.

“Then you need to talk to her.” Dash said now trying to get in my face.

“And do what Dash? Cause her more pain by making her remember everything that had happened? Remember how I was used by two other ponies? How much I've got beaten and bloodied? Oh let's not forget how much pain she had to see in my life alone from me remembering the pain I had to deal with. Dash I am not going to cause her anymore pain. I rather have her forget I existed then remember everything I had caused since I got here.” I said now glaring at Dash, tears falling from my eyes again. I just couldn't take it anymore, I just turned my head away and let it out again. Why did these ponies want me to try and cause more pain to some pony I cared for. When it was far better that I remained buried in the dark reaches of her mind. It was why I wanted to be all the way out here.

“Dude I just...” Dash started before sighing. “This is just messed up.” She said with a huff.

“I know Dash.” I said opening my eyes again. I turned so I could look at her since my eye hasn't been fixed yet. “Dash if it makes you feel any better. I do appreciate what you're trying to do. But this is her choice and how much I rather you not do it. If you want to help her remember me. Then I'm not going to stop you. I just won’t help you either.” I said finally getting un-pinned by Pinkie. She looked a little upset at this but nodded.

“Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes. Like I said, I‘d rather be forgotten then cause more pain.” I said slowly getting back to my hooves and went into the living room. I plopped on to the sofa as the girls followed me. Rarity and Applejack hadn’t come by, I could only guess they’re with Twilight. “Look I'm glad that you all are worried but there's nothing to be worried about.” I said with a soft smile. Pinkie turned to the other two.

“Let me talk to him.” She said and the two of them turned to each other then back to Pinkie.

“Are you sure?” Dash asked.

“Yup.” Pinkie said with a bounce.

“If you're sure.” Fluttershy said before turning.

“Go check on Twilight. Everything will be okie-dokie-lokie in no time.” She said before bouncing over to me with a beaming smile. I watched the other two leave with me waving to them.

“So Pinkie what's on your mind?” I asked not like I already knew that.

“Well we need to get you all unsad-y and I know the best way to do that.” She said with a predatory grin. My eyes had widened at this as I couldn't help but gulp. She started to step closer as I started to scoot away. “Oh come on you know you want to play with me Storm.” She said as her eyes went high lilted. This did not bode well for me... not at all.

Several hours later

“AH HA HA HA HA HA! PINKIE I CAN'T BREATHE!” I got out between Pinkie's barrage of tickles. After being chased all over the cabin and some of the woods until she finally got me, pinned outside the door. I was trying to duck inside to find her. Which being the paradox party pony wasn't as safe as I thought. She even went as under hoofed and remove my prosthetic limb in the run around. So there was no way of getting her off without my magic which I wasn't ready to use again.

“Not until you give up.” She said as she continued the tickle torture. I tried everything but with her sitting on my belly she made it extremely hard to get up.

“Give… up… on what?” I asked between more laughter.

“Give up and talk to Twilight.” She said as she continued.

“No.” I said finally using magic and blinking a few feet away. Which was a bad idea on my part. When I reappeared my legs felt like noodles to me and I tipped over as a throb started to set in. I started to breathe rather hard as Pinkie came over to me.

“Oh, no I think I over did it.” She said helping me back to my hooves, now worried.

“It's fine. Just not ready to use magic again.” I said finally able to stay on my hooves this time.

“Wait you haven't used magic all this time?” She asked and I nodded.

“After getting my bags in when I first got here. I haven't used magic, every time I use them I just feel all woozy and a small throb from a headache. Which is magic exertion right?” I said. I figured she has been around either Twilight or Rarity when they have over taxed their magic before.

“Yuppers.” She said before helping me to the sofa again. “You stay here and rest up.” She said and I wrapped myself up in the quilted blanket.

“Thanks Pinkie. Can you hand me the red book from the duffel bag?” I requested. She nodded and reached in for it. She pulled it out alongside the gem. After handing me the book she looked over the gem.

“Oh pretty.” She said looking through it.

“Yeah it is isn't it?” I sort of asked. Just watching her look it over.

“Was this-”

“Yes, the gift I gave her. That she returned.” I answered. For some reason Pinkie was abnormally quiet and it unnerved me to see her like that. She nodded to nopony in particular before turning to smile at me.

“Will you be alright by yourself?” She asked and I nodded.

“Yeah I'll just stay here. If you would turn off the coffee pot before you leave?” I requested feeling to worn out to really get up.

“Can do.” She said before zipping off. With that I heard the door close and I tried to curl up with the book but just couldn't get comfy. So I slid the blanket off me and went for the duffel bag again. I dug through it and found my big red comforter. Instead of unfolding it I just put the folded blanket at one end of the sofa and used it as a big pillow. With that I got back on the sofa and covered up laying with the book setting before me on the comforter. With that I had started to read an old book I enjoyed reading as a kid. I don't quite remember when but I had went to sleep. The dream which I was kind of surprise to have was rather... different. My mind just wanted to replay every moment I had with Twilight. Both good and bad as I walked down this star filled world. Little screens appeared around me, still frames of moments that had happened. In a way this was just another nightmare. Not one of things chasing me but just of the pain I felt looking at everything. The worse part was that it was just scenes not from my perspective but from an outsiders in. The one I stopped in front of was of me holding Twilight as she cuddled into my chest under the covers. I gently brushed a hoof on it before every image shattered into dust. Which left me alone in the void that was left. I think the dream would have lasted longer if the sounds of something knocking didn’t draw me out of it. I wake up to find some pony knocking at the door. I got up and shook my head trying to get the last bit of cobwebs out of my head. Finally putting two and two together I hop off the sofa. A few clips of my hooves later I found myself at the door. I let out a thunderous yawn out before I open the door to see Rarity and the C.M.C. there. The young fillies were bouncing around with Rarity looking a little annoyed which quickly shifted to a smile as she looked at me.

“Good afternoon Storm. How are you holding up?” She asked. Wait Afternoon? Wasn't morning like a few minutes ago? How long was I asleep?

“I'm doing alright I suppose. What brings you to my neck of the woods?” I asked before wiping the sleep from my eyes.

“Oh well, I'm in a bit of a bind you see. The girls here were suppose to have a sleep over at the boutique but I just got a rather important order from Fancy Pants himself and I can't get it complete in time if I have to keep an eye on the girls here.” She started and I followed along for the most part. “Which is why I was wondering if you could let the girls stay with you until I can get the order finished.” She said. I blinked for a moment.

“Why me?” I asked confused. Putting the whole I'm a stallion keeping an eye on three fillies aside. I was missing an eye, in the middle of the woods, far away from Ponyville so if something bad happened. It would be hard to get word for help.

“Well I asked Fluttershy but she was going to help with a cow giving birth. Applejack has apple bucking to do with Big Mac. Pinkie's in the middle of planning a super big party as she puts it. Dash is, well Dash, and Twilight... well with everything, no offense, it's best not to dump this on her either.” She answered.

“None taken, I understand. I take it I'm just last resort then?” I said.

“I'm afraid so, can you do this for me? Please?” She said starting to give me pleading eyes. Damn it, she could really pull of the so cute it hurts look.

“Yeah Mister. Please?” The three fillies followed. Double damn it, not them too. With a sigh I nodded which was followed by. “Yeah!” from the three of them as they zipped right by.

“Your doing me a great favor. I promise I will make it up to you. You won't regret it I swear.” She said before taking off. I sighed quietly resigned to my fate. Universe you're a jerk. When I finally returned to the living room I found the C.M.C. routing around in the duffel bag.

“Girls. Please stop.” I asked simply trying not to yell at them.

“Sorry Mister.” Apple Bloom said.

“It's fine. I just don't like ponies getting into my stuff without permission.” I said coming over pulling the bag closer with my hoof.

“What'cha got in there anyway?” Scootaloo asked.

“Stuff from home.” I said with a small smile on my face which faded as I thought more about it. “My old home.” I solemnly added later.

“Old home? Where are you from mister?” Sweetie asked this time.

“You all can call me Firestorm or Storm if you want. As for where I'm from. I'm from somewhere far far away from Equestria.” I answered as I gently brush a hoof on the bag.

“Like the Griffon Kingdom?” Sweetie asked bouncing.

“Further” I answered with a small smirk.

“Oh! How far are we talking?” Scootaloo asked this time.

“Let's say somewhere it takes a lot to get there. Somewhere that even Celestia would have a hard time getting to without knowing how.” I answered.

“Can ya tell us about it?” Apple Bloom asked this time.

“Well no. But I can tell you something else. I can tell you about an adventure. A stallion who destiny picked out to call to hooves and in the end became a hero, a legend of you will. And it all started with him turning a year older.” I said with a grin as crossed my face.

***---***

“With that they set sail with no idea what they were going to find or what trails will be called of them. But they did know one thing. It was going to be an adventure.” I said finishing the story that took me quite a few hours to tell. It was pretty dark out when I finally told them a story well most of a story that is from one of my favorite games. Granted I had to change a few things so it would fit better in a ponified universe but for the most part it worked. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were staring at me the whole time wide eyed as I gave each character in the story their own voice. Granted some of the female voices I did needed work but I think did well enough.

“Wow.” Scootaloo said sounding completely dumbfounded. It was nice honestly. I didn't quite see myself as a storyteller like that. Yeah I know stories and legends. Well a myth or two, but just to think that a story about a hero having to find his home in the middle of an ocean to get these three fillies to sit down and listen. Was well an amazing feeling. Well was a great boost to my downtrodden mood for most of the day. Especially after hearing about Twilight, then what happened with Celestia. I just wasn't in the best of moods by the time I was asked to babysit.

“Storm... Why did the hero have to do all that?” Sweetie asked.

“Because destiny asked it of him.” I said with a smile.

“Yeah Sweetie. He got to go on an awesome adventure and kick major monster flank.” Scootaloo added picking up a pencil and was swinging it around like a makeshift sword. Rather cute to see in a way. “Still Rainbow Dash could kick even more monster flank.” She said with a beaming grin. I how ever rolled my eyes at this. Looks like somepony is a fan of miss ego. Now that I thought about it she probably could. Well since Equestria had beasts and monsters running around almost everywhere, technically there was one right here in this cabin, me.

“Maybe we should try for our adventures cutie marks.” Apple Bloom suggested.

“Well you would need an adventure to get those.” I added.

“He is kind of right there Apple Bloom.” Sweetie tacked on.

“But how will we know if we are on an adventure when even the hero from the story didn't?” Apple Bloom asked back. Honestly that was a good question.

“Well because he wasn't caring about the adventure itself Apple Bloom. His mind was on the task at hoof. Protecting those that needed it.” I answered.

“So we could be on an adventure right now and not even know it?” Scootaloo asked.

“Possible I suppose. But how about this. Since it's getting pretty late. Will have a quick dinner and I'll send you three off to bed. You can use the one upstairs if you don't mind sharing it with each other.” I offered.

“We've done it before and it's still early” Scootaloo defended.

“Hear me out, How about we do that and tomorrow I'll try to help you three get your cutie marks.” I suggested. This of course got them to go bright eye on me.

“Really? You'll do that?” Sweetie asked.

“Of course.” I answered with a grin as I got off the sofa and went to make something rather simple for dinner. It didn't take long to get the tomato soup cooking with the grilled cheese sandwiches. Which lucky for me I had remembered to get bread and cheese during my one shopping trip. The girls wanted to help and they did. Which I sort of regretted, how hard is it to butter bread? They got the slick yellow stuff everywhere and I mean everywhere, even the ceiling somehow. Six or seven globs of it decided to drop right on my head during the process of stirring the soup and grilling. Lucky for me one landed on the eye patch and not my eye.

“Um Storm, what's with the eye patch? Are you a pirate or something?” Scootaloo asked.

I couldn't help it I dropped right into my best pirate voice. “Why yes matey I'm the dread pirate Storm. The scurrilous pirate from this side of the seven seas.” I said with a smile before I turned away dropping it. I didn't want to be the reason these young fillies had nightmares for days to come. With that I continued to stir and cook the grilled cheese sandwiches. Once I had a good stack of the sandwiches done I pulled out mugs for the soup. I had always thought drinking the soup from a mug was a little fun, something out of the norm. The girls watched me fill each mug before turning off the stove and setting them down. Which was harder to do without using magic mind you. We sat down and ate. The girls talked between themselves about C.M.C. business as they put it. Which was fine, I didn't have much to say anyway. I just watched them go on and on about finding their cutie marks. Which got me to look at my fireball hitting a storm cloud again. Part of me wondered if I even deserved getting a cutie mark to begin with being both dead and not from Equestria.

Between the four of us not much really happened. Well besides me slipping a few times on the butter. The girls promptly laughed at my misfortune which in a cartoonish kind of way was funny, I suppose. I got the girls to go brush their teeth which was kind of funny to watch. Just watching them brush them with rather larger brushes; It was too adorable, I laughed internally so as not embarrass them. Once they where done I helped them up to the bed room with them riding on my back. Damn them and their pleading eyes, they just had to talk me into it. With much luck on my part I get them up the stairs and into the bed. Which was a nice rustic looking bed with a nice green blanket that normally was on it. Now when I slept up here I folded it and used my big red comforter with the quilted blanket from Fluttershy over it. So once I got them under the blanket I got a question I wasn't quite ready for.

“Storm, what are those?” Apple Bloom asked pointing to the photos of my family and friends. I smiled quietly and reached over picking up the one of my family.

“There very special people to me Apple Bloom.” I answered.

“What are people?” Sweetie asked. I smiled and turned the photo to them.

“These are Sweetie Belle. There like diamond dogs but mostly hairless and talk just like every pony.” I said smiling quietly.

“They look weird.” Scootaloo tacked on.

“I think they would say the same if they saw every pony.” I said pulling the photo back over to me looking at it again. I gently ran my hoof across the photo remembering that I won't be able to see them like I use to again, I was dead to them. That thought alone made me feel rather empty inside as I could feel a wetness run down my cheek.

“Storm what's wrong?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I... I just miss them is all.” I said which wasn't a lie exactly. I placed the photo back on the little side table and turned back to the girls. “But that's not important. Getting you little fillies in bed is. We have a lot of cutie mark questing to do tomorrow.” I said smiling. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked at each other before looking back to me. I can tell they’re still a little worried and lucky for me they don't know anything about what had happened. Scootaloo on the other hoof curled up and went to sleep without a thought. “Good night Cutie Mark Crusaders.” I said getting up and leaving the room turning the lights off.

“Storm?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yes Apple Bloom?” I said looking at her.

“Why did the Pig King do all those mean things?” She asked most likely about the story I told them.

“Because Apple Bloom, Sometimes ponies or creatures see the other means to obtain their goals. They go with what they think is the easiest regardless who gets hurt. Which is why there will always be a hero to stop them.” I answered not looking at her. “Good night girls.” I said closing the door and returned downstairs. I went right back to the sofa and began to lay on it. The girls were in bed and I was relaxing. Honestly it hasn't been so bad now that I thought more on it. I think this of all things has been rather normal. No pony to attack me, no pony to really mess with me, granted the girls asked rather bad timed questions but they’re kids. Not even Shadow in the back of my mind asking me or making me hate myself. It wasn't long after Shadow's removal from my body that I figured out that voice in my head was him. Was I really gone with him? Part of me wanted to say yes, I wanted to agree with it but that ever so skeptic part of my mind knew it wasn't that easy. When he came back he was going to be pissed.

“Are you sure this is going to work?” A very familiar Rainbow Dash voice said. I couldn't tell where I heard it from. It almost felt like it was in my head. Well damn it so much for nothing weird.

“Oh for sure Darling. Even Pinkie agrees this will work.” I heard from what sounded like Rarity.

“Well this seems rather under hoof even for us. I mean there's no guarantee this is going to work like we planned.” The cyan mare said. I got back up trying to find out where that sound was coming from. But no matter where I went It just kept sounding like it I was in the very room with it. On top of that, plan?

“Neither one of them suspects a thing so what can go wrong?” Rarity questioned with an almost knowing tone to her voice.

With a sigh I heard. “Still I can't believe you got the three of them to agree with this and when are you going to have her pick them up?” Dash asked now sounding a little annoyed. What the hell was going one? Was I going crazy again? Oh please tell me I didn't start hearing voices in my ear that no pony can. Or was this some unicorn pulling a joke on me? There was no doubt that it could be possible that some pony thought it would be funny to make me think I heard two of my friends. But this seemed a little too... surreal maybe?

“Tomorrow should be fine, she won't need to open up being Sunday so it's perfect. Just remember to get her to come over otherwise I think she may think something's up. Now if you excuse me I have to finish setting up. One mustn't be unprepared.” Rarity said and I could hear the sound of hooves.

“You got it Rare. I'll see you tomorrow.” I heard her wings beat fast and the sound of rushing wind. Lucky for me all the sound stopped a few moments later with Rarity singing something about the art of the dress. Nice song but I just wasn't in the mood. Honestly I wasn't in the mood for much now. Either I was hallucinating sounds which after having snapped it became a very good possibility that I could lose touch with reality. But what if it was real? How? As far as I knew no spells were cast on me. Now granted there was no real way for me to tell or not. Twilight was going to show me how to sense things, gems were going to be one thing I wanted to learn. I could gather gems for Spike and some for Twilight either for enchantments or for a gift. I had always wanted to see the unicorn with a nice deep blue sapphire necklace and once I know how to find them I was going to make it a mission for myself to make it for her. I thought it would have been something super special from me. Well that was before I got the complete dump from Twilight. After returning to the sofa I pulled the duffel bag up and dug through it. That's when I found the little bound book I got from my very first piece of equestrian mail. I opened it up to find it still blank. And even hidden in the cover there was a little drawing pencil. I smiled a bit at my new little sketch book. So to pass the time I had started to hum a song that blended into another song as I drew into the night. Most of my time I drew my friends. Well until I got to a certain lavender unicorn mare. I flipped to the last page and for the rest of the night I drew mainly Twilight as I remembered every special moment we had. I didn't cry, well not outwardly. Inside how ever I was balling like a little baby. I finally just drew Twilight's cutie mark slowly taking the time to fill it in with grays and blacks. I was a little pathetic even for me but I guess time hasn't healed this wound yet. Finally finishing it, because I took extra long to draw and shade it in, I went to clean up all the butter and prepare breakfast for the four of us. Apple Bloom was the first to come down a little bit after I had started on the hay bacon.

“Hiya Storm, what's for breakfast?” She said jumping into one of the chairs.

“Hey Apple Bloom, Right now I was thinking some hay bacon and eggs. How did you sleep?” I replied back.

“Oh pretty good and that sounds yummy.” She answered. I couldn't help but smile. This felt right to me, with all the weirdness aside this felt normal enough to count for me. The hay bacon sizzled in the pan which was kind of nice to know that what cooking skills I had couldn't mess up hay bacon, though dealing with a pan with just your hooves is weird. Normally I would use my metallic fingers or my magic but right now I'm avoiding the magic because of the pain. “How about you? How did you sleep?” She asked.

“I didn't” I answered sliding the hay bacon onto the plate with the towel.

“You've been up all night?” She asked with a little disbelief to her voice.

“Well... yeah, I don't need to sleep as much as a normal pony does Apple Bloom.” I answered putting some from ones in the pan.

“How come?”

“Well because the magic in my body prevents me from sleeping, think of it like a battery. A normal battery for a pony goes for about a day the needs to recharge. I on the other hoof takes a few days for me needing to recharge with sleep.” I explained, hoping the analogy works.

“Ah.” She said as I continued to cook.

“Are the other two still asleep?”

“Yeah, I'm use to waking up early to do my chores before school.” She said. “Why are you and Twilight upset with each other?” Damn it, there she goes asking another hard question for me.

“We’re not upset with each other Apple Bloom. It's just difficult and I rather not talk about it if you don't mind.” I said sliding another set of hay bacon on the plate.

“Oh... okay.” She said sounding a little dejected. I turned to see her looking a little sad about it.

“Apple Bloom everything's fine, there's nothing to worry about.” I said with a light smile. She looked up at me and smiled too. After a bit of silence between the two of us I had a question pop into my head and my curiosity got the better of me. “Apple Bloom um... stupid question: How much do you girls know about me? You, Sweetie, and Scootaloo that is.” I asked.

“Well... we know you're not quite a pony. You're a dragon pony thing and you can do things normal ponies can't. That you're not quite from here but somewhere far far away from Equestria.” She answered. Okay so she knows the bare bone basics. I can work with that. With that I slide the last of the hay bacon I was going to cook for all of us onto the plate and placed the pan in the sink with some water on it. I got the other pan and pulled out what I needed for scrambling eggs. I was never good with sunny side up or down.

“Well Apple Bloom do you want to know what I am?” I asked and she nodded. “Well get me the milk and I'll tell you.” I said with a smile. She of course hopped right to getting it for me. Once I got the milk in with the bowl for the eggs. Which was hard to crack with just a hoof. “For the most part you are correct. I currently am a dragon pony, a drony. But I'm closer to Celestia and Luna since I became the alicorn version which is called a dralicorn. Following along so far?” I asked making sure I don't go over her head.

“I think so, that makes you a prince right?” She asked.

“Technically yes, but please don't call me that.” I said, she nodded with a smile. “As you said I do have a few abilities that normal ponies, or even the princesses don't have.” I said with a smile as the eggs started to form a less liquid state. “I can breathe fire and breathe underwater, lightning still hurts but I can use it like an energy boost before I have to shoot it out.” I explain keeping it rather simple.

“Cool!” She said looking at me.

“I can also change to another form.” I said with a smile as the eggs are about half ready.

“Oh! Can I see it?” she asked.

“After breakfast Apple Bloom. I don't want any of you to get distracted before eating.” I said smiling.

“Alright.” She said as the eggs where done. I quickly plop them on to a plate too before making the next batch. “Storm what happened to your leg.” She asked not for the first time. I stopped for a moment to look at her.

“I'll tell you but you have to keep it a secret.” I said not waiting that part to get out as much.

“I promise not to tell no pony.” She said with an enthusiastic nod.

“Not even Sweetie or Scootaloo.” I asked more for my own amusement. Hey I can play around too. I figured she would tell them anyway but I wanted to see if her resolve was as sturdy as her sister’s.

“Of course, I know you trust me with this.” she said only taking a few moments to be hesitant. I smiled.

“Apple Bloom, it's fine to tell them but you have to make sure they keep it secret too.” I said as the eggs started to stiffen again in the pan.

“Of course, it will be a Cutie Mark Crusader treasured secret.” She said putting a hoof to her chest. I couldn't help but smile with a light chuckle.

“Alright, I trust you, I just wanted to be sure.” With that I got more of the eggs done and I slide the rest of the mix into the pan. As much as I hate tasting eggs I had no problem cooking them. “Remember when I told you the first time a bad pony took it?” I started.

“Yeah.”

“Well I was partly truthful. See when your sister and the girls went to the crystal empire. They went there to save me.” I started slowly moving the spatula back in forth in the pan. As the memories flooded back of that day.

“Well at the time I was being controlled, like a puppet. I had no control of my actions or my own will. I was stuck watching everything. During that time the bad pony, a darker version of me, cast a very nasty spell that cost me my leg. I won't explain what the spell does” I explained not looking at her. I felt that pain again, I remembered wanting to scream as I felt that leg expand and explode with a meaty pop. I cringe visibly just remembering it all. “So I will warn you; If you see a dark me. I mean like an almost perfect dark gray coat and jet black maned me. I want you to promise me you will run away from him.” I said turning to her. She nodded of course which got me to sigh with relief. “Don't trust anything he says. He is only out to hurt any pony that I care about.” I said as I went back to finishing the eggs. Oddly enough there was a silence that filled the room between Apple Bloom and I. It felt foreboding to me in a way, like maybe I went to far and told her. Applejack probably will buck me for it, right up there with Big Mac. I got the eggs done and placed it on the plate with the others. Before bringing it over to the table with the hay bacon.

“Storm. Why don't you use magic?” She asked and I blinked for a moment.

“Well... because it hurts to do so right now.” I explained setting the table and pouring three glasses of milk for the young fillies. I got myself a cup of coffee.

“Hurts?” She asked.

“When a unicorn uses too much magic their nose starts to bleed. I spent too much and it just causes it to happen every time I've used it since.”I explained. Which was true, I got light headed and blood came from my nose. The last two Cutie Mark Crusaders came down and I began to fill their plates with the prepared food. I only had toast and hay bacon myself. The girls eyed me but I didn't say anything as I finished before them. I started cleaning up when the girls brought their empty plates over. I thanked them and when I got the plates drying, we went into the living room.

“Alright, can we see it now?” Apple Bloom asked.

“See what?” Scootaloo asked.

“See Storm change.” She replied with a bounce. The other two turned to me with wide eyes and I smiled back waving back with my clawed hoof. Perfect timing there Apple Bloom. All three of their jaws dropped and I smiled showing off my razor sharp teeth. Sweetie squeaked and hid behind the other two.

“So awesome” Scootaloo said matching Dash perfectly. I smiled as I watched my fire like mane dance in an invisible wind of it's own.

“Don't worry Sweetie Belle, it's just me and I won't hurt you.” I said lowering down to the floor more. She peaked out after she had grabbed Scootaloo's wing to hide herself. I smiled looking at the three of them. Apple Bloom came over and placed a hoof on my left one.

“It's warm.” She said.

“Well of course, dragons are normally warm.” I said with a smile. She looked up to my mane that had flopped down a bit.

“Is it safe?” She asked stepping back.

“Of course, it's still a mane after all.” I said as I watch her reach up and just gently brush it. The little flames danced around her hoof, then others came over and tried it themselves. “See. It's safe.”

“This is so awesome.” Scootaloo said hopping on to my back.

“I'm glad you like it Scootaloo.” I said as my reptilian tail swishes back and forth.

“You do look scary” Sweetie Belle said looking up at me and I smiled.

“Don't worry Sweetie, I won't hurt you.” I said gently patting her with my prosthetic hoof. She still didn't look quite sure. “I can turn back if this bothers you.” I offered.

“It's... okay. I just... I don't know. you look scary. But I know you're a good stallion.” She said looking at me.

“Scootaloo can you please get off me?” I requested.

“Aw, but I was enjoying the fire mane thing you have.” She said as she continued to play with it.

“Please.” I requested again and she huffed but did so. Once she was off I returned to normal. I turned around as my wings gave a quick flap almost out of habit. I shot out a small plume of fire into the fireplace.

“It's true you can breathe fire.” Apple Bloom said coming up to the fireplace.

“Eeyup.” I said matching almost perfectly the red stallion. With that I had to ask. “So what do you three want to do?” I asked.

“Ice skating.” They all said together. The three of them all ran back to the room yelling “Cutie Mark Crusader ice skaters.” Lucky for me they said it as they left so I didn't get a full force blast of that. That and they didn't know how to use the Royal Canterlot Voice, thank heavens. Soon they all came down with a set of pony skates. I never thought that ponies would have horse shoe skates. I smiled as the three of them ran out the back door to the ice covered lake. I stayed by the door as I watch them put on their skates by the lake. I don't know why but something was nagging me at the back of my mind. Something rather important but I couldn't remember what. I guess it will come to me. I watched the girls have fun skating around with not a care in the world. I smiled as I drank my coffee that I brought over. That's when I noticed something different about the ice. Part of it was a shade off, then it clicked. I had fell into the water and the worse part was Scootaloo was heading right for it. I dropped my coffee and tried to stop her. Everything went in slow motion as I watch the ice give way under her and she went in. The girls turned to look at me then back to their friend. I wrapped the other two in my magic pulling them towards the side of the frozen lake.

“Girls get some towels.” I said running past them. A stream of fire came out of my mouth to melt the ice as I dived in. I saw the orange filly try her damnedest to get back to the surface but she fate wasn't on her side then. Transforming I used my large membranous wings to push myself faster in the water toward her. A few flaps later I had a hold of her as I started to work my way back. She was fighting for breath and with a blast of bubbles. I could tell she couldn't hold her breath any longer. Damn it... this is going to hurt. With that I focused my magic and blinked the both of us at the lake edge. Scootaloo started to cough and shake in my hold. I rushed her to the fireplace and sat her down. Then the girls came running over with as many towels they could get a hold off. “Help her get the skates off.” I ordered as I started to work the towels on her coat to dry her off. With a flick of magic I was able to close the door and stop the frigged wind coming in. Helping as well I grabbed a towel and work the front of her. They got the skates off her and sat next to her to help keep her warm. I started to breathe harder as the use of magic began to take it's toll on me. I wrapped the last towel around my muzzle as a red mark and the familiar copper taste appeared. Finally we got Scootaloo dry and warming up.

“Thanks.” She said shivering as he friends held her tight.

“Sorry girls, I should have remembered about the lake.” I said mentally kicking myself for this. This was my fault and it could have cost Scootaloo her life. Damn I was an idiot.

“It's alright, you saved her.” Apple Bloom tried to reassure. Which would have if I wasn't trying to keep myself standing. With a few wobbly steps back my legs finally went out on me and I collided with the ground with a wet thud. “Storm are you alright?”

“Yeah just... magic fatigue.” I said between breaths.

“Fa... what?” Sweetie asked keeping close to Scootaloo.

“Fatigue, a form of tiredness” I answered as the room started to spin on me. I closed my eyes to wait for the spin cycle to stop.

“Well you be alright?” She asked.

“Yeah just give me a few moment. Could one of you go get me a towel so I can dry off too?” I asked and I could hear the sounds of some pony running off.

“T-t-t-thank you.” Scootaloo said between shivers.

“Anytime, are you okay?” I asked looking up at her still spinning. She nodded before giving me a hug. “You may want to wait on hugging me. I'm still pretty wet.” I said and she backed off. Why don't you get on the sofa and wrap up in the quilt? It should help warm you up. Sweetie could you help her with that?” I watched the two of them do just that as Apple Bloom came by with a large white towel that I took and draped it over my head. Once I wasn't feeling so wobbly I sat back up. That's when I noticed the eye patch had came off. I shifted the towel as best I could over that eye. “Girls, I don't want to scare you but...” I started as all three of them looked over to me. Scootaloo was warped up more than a mummy in the quilt with Apple Bloom making sure it's nice and secure.

“What's wrong Storm?” Sweetie asked.

“Well. You may see something... scary.” I said as I began to dry my face.

“Scary?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah, look I really don't want to do this to you but it's my eye. The one I cover with the eye patch.” I explain keeping that eye closed.

“Y-y-y-yeah?” Scootaloo said still shivering.

“It's well, missing.” I said timidly.

“Missing? How do you lose an eye?” Apple Bloom asked.

“In a fight.” I answered.

“What?” The three of them asked.

“It's a long story. But I want to warn you that it's gone. So please don't freak out about it.” I said moving the towel down to work on my coat and forelegs.

“Prove it.” Scootaloo out right said like she didn't believe me.

“Scoots he did say it may be scary.” Sweetie said to her.

“I doubt it happened. It's some prank.” Scootaloo said not shivering anymore.

“No lie Scootaloo. I'll show you all if you want but I want you all to agree on this.” I said looking at them with my good eye as I work on my rump. I watched them look at each other with Apple Bloom giving a shrug. Sweetie Belle looked hesitant at first before nodding. Scootaloo then looked at me.

“We took a vote and we want to see it.” She said with a smirk. I guess she really did think I was bluffing. I smiled quietly before picking up the eye patch and was trying to dry it off too. With that I opened my right eye socket to show the empty eye. As predicted Sweetie ducked behind Scootaloo as the other two looked wide eyed at me. “Cool!” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah. It's not scary just... different.” Apple Bloom said and I blinked.

“Really? Not even one tiny bit?” I said working to get the patch back on. I felt better knowing I had it on.

“Yeah, how did you get it? I bet it was from kicking some monster flank.” Scootaloo said bouncing now.

“Nah, I bet he went running with scissors and got himself in the eye.” Apple Bloom said which cause me look at her in disbelief. Did she really say that? I'm not that stupid.

“Doesn't it hurt?” Sweetie asked behind the quilt.

“Not really, I can't feel anything in there.”I answered which was true. Though I did hope that feeling returned when they fixed my eye later. “I won't have the eye gone long. Doctors are going to come and regrow me a new one.” I said reassuringly.

“Oh can we watch?” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom said.

“I don't know I would have to ask your guardians before I could even think of letting you. But why don't you ask them when you get home?”I offered with a smile after I had made sure the eye patch was on correctly. “Why don't you three go upstairs and play a bit.” I suggested more so I could relax after over taxing my magic like that. They got the hint for the most part and ran upstairs. The girls were nice enough to lay the blanket on me before doing so. Sweet girls, a little action oriented but sweet none the less. I laid there for a few hours to rest. Which all came to an end when I heard knocking at the front door. With a sigh I got up draped the quilt on the sofa and trotted to the door. Who I saw at the door wasn't who I expected. Right there in the doorway was a very familiar and unforgettable lavender unicorn. Twilight Sparkle was at my door staring at me as directly as I was her. Ah... damn it.

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Well... that all happened. So I'm curious while the next chapter is being worked on. Why don't you all try guessing what will happen next?