Life. Life sometimes was annoying to the point it was painful. This was not one of those moments. This one was life and the universe screwing with me, again. When I spotted the lavender unicorn my ears went up for a moment before flattening back. She looked at me curious for a moment.

“Hello Miss Sparkle.” I said in a tired voice.

“Um... hello mister...” she said searching for a name.

“Storm.” I answered and motioned for her to come in. “Please come in.” I said stepping out of the way.

“Oh thank you.” She said coming in.

“Coffee?” I offered.

“Yes please.” She said with a smile. I nodded and reached up for two mugs. With that I poured the two cups and made sure hers was just the way she liked it. I slide it over to her. “Here you go Miss Sparkle.” I said before taking a seat at the table to drink mine. She took a seat and began to drink hers for a moment. Almost eying me as I took of sip of mine. I really hope I didn't screw up already. I wanted to stay far away from this mare so I didn't drag out the painful memories.

“Mr. Storm, how long have you been here?” She asked.

“Not long, just moved in a few days ago.” I answered. It was only four days ago give or take.

“How come Rarity wanted you to watch the fillies and have you met her before?” She asked.

“Well Rarity got a sudden big order in and couldn't watch them. So she asked me if I could and I've met her. To answer your other question Miss Sparkle. She's been my friend for just about as long as I've been here.” I said which was true. I think she was my friend since that party back at the library. I couldn't say for sure but that was my best guess. Her expression never changed from an inquisitive one. I think she's been trying to add things up in her mind.

“I've got to ask have we met before?” She asked and I pause for a moment looking at her.

“In passing.” I answered as a dagger of ice stabs into my heart. It was in passing now. I was from her past that she forgot.

“I see. Another question if you don't mind. I see you have a horn so why didn't you use magic to bring the mugs down?” She asked.

“I over taxed my magic.” I answered which was true.

“I see.” she said followed by a sip of coffee.

“So what brings you to my neck of the woods?” I asked. I still don’t think she remembers me yet. If I can avoid everything at could reminder her of me then I should be safe.

“Rarity asked me to come out and pick up the girls.” She answered. Why do I have a feeling both Twilight and I got played here. When I get back into town me and a certain alabaster white unicorn are going to have a few choice words. I really don't like getting used this way Rarity.

“I see, well the girls are upstairs. Would you like me to get them for you?” I offered. This would give me time to hide all the stuff that could reminder her of me.

“No... I... I want to talk to you Storm.” She said with a sad sigh following. I couldn't help but gulp at this. “I've been... despicable to you.”

“But Miss Sparkle you've haven't done anything wrong.”

“Yes I have Firestorm.” She said and my eyes widened. I never gave her my full name.

“How long?” I asked.

“The whole time. I... I never really forgot about you.” She answered and my head spun at this. So from the get go she remembered, faked forgetting, and avoided me.

“Why?” I asked as I knew sadness took my voice.

“Because I didn't know how to handle everything. Storm I... when you told me that you died in back on earth before coming here. I admit I took it rather harshly and ran off.” She said not looking at me now. Part of me wanted to tell her something snide but... I couldn't, not to Twilight like that. Just the look on her face told me she already regretted her actions. So I may as well hear her out. “I know there is no amount of apologies that I could say that would make it up to you for abandoning you like that. But I am sorry.” Twilight said her head lowered.

“You're forgiven Twilight.” I said which got her head to shoot up at me. The look on her face was priceless. That kind of face saying you just hear the one thing you never thought you would hear period or it was so unfathomable that it just caused you to shut down for a moment. I know that feeling, I get it all the time from Pinkie Pie.

“No Storm it can't be that easy. Please there has to be something I can do to make it up to you.” She said getting up putting her front hooves on the table with a slam.

“Twilight stop, I don't feel comfortable with this.” I said not looking at her this time rubbing the prosthetic.

“But Storm. I... I want to make this up to you. I've been a horrible marefriend.” She adamantly said. Which I admit make me feel a whole lot better. But that only left one question about all this.

“Twilight... before we go any further into this. I... I have to ask. Why did you return the gem?” I asked.

“Gem? Wait you have it? I thought I had lost it.” She said looking at me surprised.

“Yeah, it was sent to me while I was in the hospital. I thought it was you sending it to me saying it was over.” Something about this doesn’t sit right.

“But... how did I get it then? It showed up just like the letters I got from both you and Celestia.” I said.

“Wait what? There's no way Celestia could do something like that and the only one I've seen is...” She stopped with a wide eye expression.

“Who?” I asked party because I hate hearing unfinished thoughts and then she may have figured out where everything went wrong.

“Spike.” She said and I didn't quite catch that.

“Come again?”

“Spike. He's the only one I've seen when I... ran out on you like that.” She said now a little angry. I on the other hoof was getting a bit of migraine from this. I started to rub my temples while sighing.

“So let me guess this straight. Spike got a hold of the gem, sent it to me for what?” I asked not sure how this suppose to work.

“I don't know, but I will find out.” She said going over to the stairs and yelled up. “Girls get ready to go.” She said looking rather angry and I couldn't blame her, part of me was angry too. She came back to the table and sat down rather hard in the chair. She let out a huff. “I can't believe him.”

“Twilight please calm down.” I said. Surprising enough that I'm not the one going over the deep end in all this. I mean yeah I was angry but in the end of all this. I'm rather glad too. I was still with Twilight... well sort of I guess. I was still a little upset too about her running out but... I honestly didn't tell her.

“Calm down? How are you not angry about this?” She asked getting a little hysterical.

“I am.” I answered calmly.

“You're sitting there like nothing happened. How can you do that? There's time when you show no emotions at all and then other times you just... UGH!” she frustratedly said.

“Because sometimes things balance out.” I simply put.

“How so?”

“Well, in one way you are correct I am rather angry about this. But I'm also glad too.” I said.

“Glad? How can you be glad about what Spike did?”

“Because I now know that it wasn't you taking me up on the getting out free card of our friendship and relationship.” I said not looking at her.

“Ah... sorry.” She said.

“Twilight just... just don't. I know you're sorry. But I don't blame you.” I said and she looked at me again with that disbelieving gaze.

“Firestorm... how? How can you just sit there and say that you don't blame me for running out like that? For abandoning you when you found out something so...” She said trying to find the right word.

“Devastating, disheartening, brutal?” I offered.

“Sad.” She said.

“Because... at this point. What can I really say Twilight?” I questioned.

“I... I don't know. I've never had to talk to somepony that is...” She said before stopping like she couldn't get the last word out.

“Dead? Well honestly it's still rather hard to really see myself completely dead like that. I mean I still feel things. Like the wind in my coat and wings when I rode in the chariot. I still feel the temperature and pain. But in the same way I feel... colder inside. To know that every... one.” I started to explain having to catch myself before I said every pony. “That I cared for back there knows me dead and worst of all that my... family.” I started to say before my sight began to blur as I could feel the tears coming on. “They laughed. After my funeral they laughed. They even had cried at my funeral but as soon as they were away from all of them. They laughed about it. About... me. I...” I couldn't help it anymore. The flood gates broke and I just sat there crying. I didn't even notice when I was floated up out of the seat to the sofa with Twilight. She gently wrapped her hooves around me and held me close.

“Twilight? Is Mr. Firestorm okay?” The familiar voice of Sweetie Bell said.

“No girls. He's been holding on to pain for far too long.” She said bringing me closer to her chest. I couldn't help it and wrapped my forelegs around her as we just stayed there. I was pathetic breaking down like this. I should have been better than this. How can I really keep doing this? How is it that I haven't just broke down completely by now. The odd thing about all this was it was rather nice to cry. Maybe it was the relief that Twilight did want to be my marefriend or that she still wanted to know me. That made this feel better then before. The feeling of someone gently brushing my mane with a hoof got me to look up to see Twilight gently doing it. I felt a little ashamed of crying like that. I looked away before getting up slowly.

“Sorry.” I said quietly.

“For what?” Twilight asked.

“For breaking down like that.” I said rubbing the prosthetic again.

“Storm please don't retreat like that.” Twilight said getting closer to me. “You're still hurting inside. Please... just don't lock it away like that.” She said getting closer pushing me back onto the sofa. “I know I help cause this pain.” she got out leaning really close almost snout to snout. Which I couldn't help but start to blush a bit. I wasn't strange to having the female take the lead, honestly I was rather use to it but... I wasn't used to going from upset to ashamed followed by flustered like this. It was like mood whiplash.

“Twilight. Um... not to draw away from the seriousness of this conversation but I rather have this without three sets of prying eyes in the room.” I said still blushing. Twilight looked over to the girls which I couldn't quite see because they were on the right of me. That side was all dark to me.

“I suppose you're right, but please promise me you'll tell me everything when we sort out what happened with Spike?” She asked after she had pulled back to look at the girls more.

“And Rarity.” I tacked on. Which got Twilight to look back at me.

“Rarity? What does she have to do with this?”

“Well... think about it. Who asked you to come get the girls?”

“Rarity.”

“Who asked me to watch the girls?”

“Rarity?” She answered then paused. “She tricked us into seeing each other.” She said putting two and two together.

“Yeah, let's just say I would like to have a word with that mare.” I said with a bit of a growl to my voice. She had played me again. Even worse she used three young fillies as well. Which got me extra angry at the mare. You would think after the whole prince thing she would have learned not to play games like this with me. Let alone get Twilight involved.

“Twilight, Firestorm, I think sis had good intentions trying to get you two back together.” Sweetie said which of course was a good point. Rarity probably thought that maybe it was best that me and Twilight talked to sort everything out. Plus since Twilight completely forgot or at least thought she forgot would help her fill in the missing gap in her memory. If what I heard was correct, Pinkie and Dash were both involved in this. Which means I needed to have words with those two at well. I really hope what I heard was just in my head and didn't happen but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. But I digress at this point. Twilight finally got off from on top of me and allowed me to get up. I turned to see the C.M.C. all three with their little saddle bags on. I hopped off the sofa with Twilight joining me.

“Scootaloo are you going to be okay to make the trip?” I asked she nodded quietly. “Alright, let me know if you need to stop.” I said before heading towards the door.

“Why did you just ask Scootaloo that?” Twilight asked.

“She fell into the lake behind the house and it's rather cold. I got her inside quickly to warm up. So I want to make sure and see if she needs to warm up. Then I can change and use my more dragon body to keep her warm if needed.” I whispered to Twilight. Her eyes widened then nodded as if she agreed with my idea. The trek through White Tail Woods didn't take long with most of us silent. The young fillies all talked about the story I told them the night before and Twilight was shooting me questioning looks. I simply told her I would tell her later if she wanted. She smiled quietly which I couldn't tell that it was me talking to her or the prospect of a story that got the attention of three young fillies. We finally got to Ponyville and dropped off both Apple Bloom at Sweet Apple Acres where we saw Big Mac. Who only gave us a nod when we said hi, quiet stallion. Now that I thought about it I don't think I've heard him beyond maybe two words. Well besides that we dropped off Scootaloo well more she took off from Sweet Apple Acres on her scooter. Apparently she thought ahead and left it there. I wonder what she would have done if we did Sweetie Bell first. But I digress, the first stop out of the two we needed to talk to was Rarity. One because to drop of Sweetie and two because I wanted to have a word with her first. I asked Twilight and Sweetie to stay back so I could talk to her first. I entered with the bell chiming above the door. Well she did have to know when some pony came in for a dress. I watched the white mare come down the stairs with a warm smile on her face. A measuring tape draped around the back of her neck.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” Rarity said then she noticed me. Which was something that kind of surprised me. You would think you would look at who came in if they may purchase an outfit. “Oh hello Storm. How are you doing this evening?” She said with a smile.

“To be honest, not too well.” I answered calmly.

“Oh. I'm so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help?” She said as I noticed her worried look as she looked passed me. I knew it was going to hurt but I didn't care much at this point. With a flick of magic the door behind me shut.

“Well that's the thing Rarity. I think you've helped enough.” I said still rather calm but I knew my eye was glowing. The red tint to my vision told me that. I had noticed it after a while when I was in my normal pony form.

“What do you mean darling?” She said looking nervous.

“I mean you played me Rarity.” I continued a small annoyed growl to my voice. “And I don't like getting played like that.” Each word attenuated with another step towards her.

“I don't know what your-” She started.

“Don't lie Rarity.” I said before dropping into an almost match for Rainbow Dash's voice. “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?” Rarity's eyes widen. So that answered that question. I did hear them that night.

“How did- Were you listening in?” She said a little angry with me.

“Oh, I didn't mean to but I could hear you all the way in White Tail Woods. But that doesn't matter right now Rarity. You, Dash, and Pinkie all played me. I don't like getting used like that Rarity and you should know better after the whole Prince thing.” I said with my eyebrows twitched at the word prince.

“I was just trying to help.” She tried to defend.

“I understand that. But that was under hoofed. First Celestia trying to get me force Twilight to remember. Then Pinkie trying to do the same thing by making me laugh into submission. Now you with your sister of all ponies. I can't believe any of you. But you know what. I'm done.” I said before turning and leaving the Carousel Boutique.

“Storm I-” She got out before freezing at my piercing glare at her. I turned back and held the door for Sweetie. With a warm smile I turned to the little filly.

“I'll see you later Sweetie Belle.” She smiled up at me and nodded before hopping inside. I closed the door before my scowl returned. I took a deep breath before Twilight and I went to the library. She watched me for a bit not saying a word but I doubt she needed to. Either she listened in or could guess what I had said. We entered the main floor of the library with Spike hard at work putting books back.

“Welcome to the books and branches. Oh hey Twilight and...” his voice died in his throat as I wasn't smiling at him. I wasn't being friendly at all. I was angry, even pissed.

“Spike.” Twilight said calmly. “We need to talk.” I could tell the little dragon knew he was in trouble. With an audible gulp he nodded and placed the remaining books on one of the tables. I closed the door behind me with a flick of magic. The small throb started to set in and I had to snuffle up the blood that I knew was working its way down my nostril. “Spike why did you send back the gift from Firestorm?” Twilight said being calm but I could hear the hint of disapproval and anger to her voice. Barely there but there none the less.

“Well... I.” He started as I sat down by the door. I didn't want to get any closer otherwise I think I would have lost it and garrote the purple lizard. With a sigh he finally explained. “Well when you came back after he woke up you were crying. You wouldn't tell me what happened between sobs and I could only make out his name. So I thought he had hurt you in some way. So I thought it was best to return what he gave you so you wouldn't think about him anymore.” He explained rubbing his hands together.

“Spike I... Ugh. I was upset yes. But I wasn't at him. I was upset what I found out about him.” Twilight explained.

“What?” He said looking completely confused. “What did you find out that got you all upset then?” He asked.

“That I'm dead Spike.” I answered. My tone calm and even. I wasn't as angry anymore. Maybe mad but not as I was after talking to Rarity. What he did was wrong but his heart was in the right place. Twilight was his friend maybe a sister or mother to him, he wanted to help her.

“But your standing and breathing. How can you be dead?” he asked a little disbelief in his voice.

“I died before coming to Equestria. I was killed saving some... person before I arrived. That's what she found out about me. It got her upset and well...” I said not looking at either of them rubbing my prosthetic again.

“But why did you come in crying then?” Spike said turning to Twilight.

“I was upset for what he found out. I stupidly ran off upset like that. Which hurt him more then I knew at the time. I just didn't know how to process it at the time.” She explained.

“Then... I.” He started and I nodded.

“Added fuel to a fire.” I explained. “I understand why you did it but it doesn't change how wrong it was to do Spike.”

“I... sorry.” He apologized. Twilight picked up the baby dragon and brought him close to hug him. I glanced over before turning away from them. A few moments passed before I could hear his little foot steps come up to me. With a little poke he got me to look at him and the sorrow in his face told me he was sorry for it. “Can you forgive me Storm?” He asked. I continued to rub the prosthetic more.

“I don't know Spike. You... you hurt both of us. I... I thought Twilight didn't care for me anymore. That she didn't want anything to do with me when I saw that gem appear.” I said. I turned to look at him and I saw his green scales on his head droop a bit. “Look I know you're sorry and you mean it but... This is something I can't forgive right away. I felt something I didn't want to feel again because of your actions.” I said this got Twilight to come closer.

“What was it?” She asked putting a hoof on my shoulder.

“Alone.” I answered in a whisper.

“Was that why you left and got all your stuff?” She asked and I nodded.

“Partly, at the time I figured you didn't want anything to do with me. So I took everything I owned with me so I wouldn't be a bother to you anymore.” I answered.

“Sorry.” Spike said. I gently rubbed a hoof on his head.

“I know Spike I know.” I said with a small smile. “Look Twilight and I are going to go upstairs to talk. If you don't mind... can you make sure no pony disturbs us?” I requested.

“Anything to make it up to you two.” He said giving a little salute.

“Thanks and if you see Pinkie or Dash. Tell them I want a word with them.” I said my soft smile turned into a erked glare. He nodded as both Twilight and I went up the stairs to her room. It was nice seeing the place again.

“What did you want to talk about?” She asked looking at me biting her bottom lip a bit.

“I thought being alone was best so you could ask me everything you wanted to know.” I explained. She blinked for a few moments then nodded.

“Alright. How... how did it happen?” She asked.

“How did what?” I more asked to clarify.

“How did you die?” She asked.

“I got shot by a revolver. Think crossbow but with a lot more power behind it.” I simply explained. “I was buying something at a store and this... Well I'm just going to substitute pony for person. No offense but I rather not have to stop to catch myself so I can be correct.” She nodded at this. “Well this fairly large pony came in and held up the store for it's currency. Well in the process this mare started to cry rather loudly and the stallion didn't like it. He threatened her by pointing the revolver at her. I got in between the two of them and he threatened me instead, more to make her be quiet. Well I took the time to distract him before I retaliated to stop him. In the middle of the fight he was able to grab the weapon and fire it at me. It shot me right through the heart killing me.” I explained gently rubbing the spot out of instinct.

“But... how.” She started.

“How did I find out? Well a spell I found in Grimwand's journal. He traveled to earth.” I explained.

“Was that why you entered the mirror? Why didn't you have some pony go with you?” She asked. This one I knew she wasn't going to like but she did ask.

“To be honest, I wanted to have you go with me but after you got me. Not proud to say but angry like you did I thought against it.” I said not looking at her.

“What? But I... was that what was bothering you?” She asked and I nodded. “I wasn't really upset about it. Well I was upset about something I found in the journal. Someone rather important to me.” I explained.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Jessica. He talked to her spirit.” I said and she looked surprised.

“What? How?” She asked.

“Necromantic magic, he was studying it. In the process he had learned to communicate with the spirits with ponies that still have their souls here. He found a transportation spell which let him go to earth. That was the same spell I used. I went to earth to find out what happened. I didn't expect to go there a few days before I appeared in Equestria. I saw how it happened and everything that followed.” I said starting to shake a bit.

“Like your family?” She asked and I nodded. “How... how did your friends there take it?”

“Badly. They literally got into a fight over it. I feel horrible for causing them such pain, the worse part was all I could do was sit there and watch. I was detached from all of this, like an observer to a play, watching how everything progressed. When Viper left and went to a bar I went home to see how my family took it. Well they took it well I suppose.” That last part make me feel even colder inside.

“They don't know what they are missing.” Twilight said coming over rubbing my back.

“I guess.” I said before taking another breath. “After I found them laughing I broke into my old room and gathered some stuff to take back. Most importantly a picture of them so I can never forget them again.” I said.

“I understand. What happened next?” She asked.

“Well I returned to the pond I came from, recast the spell and entered. From that I don't remember anything before waking up in the hospital. Those days are a complete blank to me. It felt like a dream really.” I said looking up at the ceiling. Well more through it I suppose.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“I felt like I was floating in this darkness really. Something familiar and fearsome. It scared me, like the darkness was made of nightmares itself. You know?” I said turning to her. That's when I noticed her biting her lip. “What?” I asked.

“Well... remember when we told you that you... um... snapped?” She asked.

“Yeah that I attacked both Vermom and Shadow Storm myself. That I also hurt Luna and Nightling by hitting them with lightning.” I said as a dagger of ice plunged itself into my chest metaphorically.

“Well... I don't know if you were told but you... called the magic of the Elements of Harmony to you.” She said and my eyes went wide.

“How?!” I asked surprised.

“I don't know. Maybe they sensed that they were needed and acted accordingly or maybe something else.” She said rubbing her chin with a hoof.

“Like I was tied to them?” I offered.

“Unlikely but possible I suppose. But there is no telling how.” She speculated.

“I wonder...” I started.

“Wonder what?” She asked.

“Well, while I was foal sitting the girls. I heard both Rarity's and Rainbow's voices in my head. I think in some way it is caused by my use of the elements. I'm only really taking a shot in the dark with this.” I said.

“Well they are one of the most powerful artifacts in Equestria.” She said.

“True and we can't dismiss that maybe it's a side effect of the Infinity Torch either. Since I was connected to it during my fight with Shadow under the Crystal Empire.” I said.

“That's also a factor. How long did it last?” She said.

“Not too long maybe a few minutes at the most. I caught an end to their conversation about their plan about us.” I explained.

“I still can't believe they did that.” She said with a small huff.

“You're not the only one.” I said with an annoyed huff myself. But after a few moments I smiled. “But they did do it for a very good reason.”

“Storm... I... I'm still sorry for what I did. Are you sure I'm forgiven?” She asked as she tapped her front hooves together. I smiled and brought her close, to just hold her there.

“Twilight Sparkle I forgive you.” I said as she looked up at me for a moment.

“Thank you Firestorm.” She said before nuzzling into my chest a bit.

“Twilight... I just want you to know that, no matter what I will always forgive you.” I said before I give her a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

“Even after abandoning you like I did?” She said looking up.

“Of course Twilight. I know it was overwhelming for you. Knowing that the pony you were dating was dead would cause a lot of ponies to want to escape.” I said.

“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to make it up to you?” She said and I could almost tell a pleading note to her look.

“There is one thing.” I said with a soft smile.

“What is it. I'll do anything.” She said almost bouncing out of my hooves pinning me to the ground.

“Then always be you. That is all I can ask of you.” I said with a smile. She of course looked puzzled for a moment then rolled her eyes.

“I believe that is the corniest thing I've ever heard, sweet but corny.” She said leaning down giving me a gentle kiss on the lips. I blushed but smiled back.

“Sometimes the corniest of things is the right thing to say.” I said with a smile that of course got her to smile until I noticed a familiar metallic taste to my mouth.

“You over taxed your magic again.” She said bringing over a tissue box and pressed a tissue to my muzzle.

“Ah... sorry. I guess after a few days it still hasn't recovered.” I said bringing over a hoof to hold the tissue.

“Wait? A few days? Normally magic should recover over night.” She said and I looked puzzled.

“Really? Well every time I've used magic after getting the bags to the cabin I've gotten a slight throbbing headache and a little week in the hooves.” I explained.

“Is that why you've avoided using magic?” She asked and I nodded. “I see. Hmm... does it come out still naturally?” She asked.

“Well yeah. After a bit it hits me like brick wall. Which funny thing about that. I can accurately depict that.” I said with a light chuckle. Twilight on the other hoof rolled her eyes.

“Well it can be one of two things. Well without testing it is more a guess really. Either it's all mental and you subconsciously blocked yourself from your magic.” She started to explain.

“I didn't even know unicorns and alicorns could do that.” I said.

“Well it is fairly common thing. Which you wouldn't know about.” She said face hooving. “Sometimes I do forget your from another place and wouldn't know about some of the more common things here. Yeah early on a unicorn is told that a point of supreme duress that they could undoubtedly block their own magic. Either seeing as they don't deserve it or by some other physiological means. The other thing is by a chemical that could effectually block magic.” She went on to explain.

“So sort of a like a magic poison if you will.” I tried to relate.

“Exactly. I'm going to guess it wasn't the ladder since you've only ate basic things correct?” She asked.

“A sandwich here and there. That and some tomato soup. Oh and coffee, can't forget the coffee.” I said with a nod.

“Then it's all up here.” She said poking me in the forehead.

“Hey no poking the broken drony.” I said with a playful huff.

“Oh dear I didn't even think that there could be another reason. Maybe it's a flu like septum specific to your subset of pony.” She said before hopping off me.

“Twilight.” I said grabbing her tail in my magic before she could run off. Granted not the wisest thing I've done but got her to stop. She turned around to look at me. “Why don't we try and relax a bit. I want to see if it's a mental thing first. Since we out ruled the whole ingested part of it. Let's give it a few days.” I offered as the small throb started to appear again.

“But what if it's something serious?” She said coming up and getting into my face again. I couldn't help but give her a kiss. She squeaked of course and popped a few feet in front of me with use of her blink spell.

“Twilight, I think maybe it's because of the whole alone feeling. When I thought you didn't want to know me or even remembered me. It may have caused me to think I should be udder alone subconsciously. I mean I can't fly so what was left.” I said gently rubbing the back of my neck.

“It does make sense, but... you're not alone. I hope you realize that.” She said looking at me. I couldn't help but smile down at her.

“Twilight I'll never be alone as long as I have you.” I said giving her a gentle kiss. She predictably blushed. I smiled and held her close.

“Okay Casanova. But what do we do about your um... living arrangement?” She asked.

“Well... that is completely up to you Twilight. If you want me to I can continue to rent the cabin.” I said.

“Rent? I thought you bought it?” She asked.

“Well I would have but the paperwork for it said that it could only be rented sense it was for the heat season.” I explained.

“Wait you know about that too?” She asked.

“Well... sort of really.” I answered.

“Sort of? What do you mean sort of?” She questioned looking at me. Which at this time I was blushing.

“Well I got it explained to me but I only say sort of because well... it was in the other universe. So I couldn't tell if it was the same here or not.” I said starting to feel rather uncomfortable with this topic.

“Oh... well um...” She said now turning red as well.

“If you don't mind can we please change the subject. No offense but...” I said a bit nervous.

“I agree. But back to the whole living thing. When is your next rent due?” She asked.

“Next week.” I answered. “So we have a little over a week. But from there if you want me to come back to the library. I will without hesitation but... I understand if you don't.”

“Storm I want you to come back.” She said turning from me. “I've been lonely in bed. You never realize how much holding some pony or being held by some pony you care about means to you. When their gone.” She said looking at me. I smiled and held Twilight again.

“I understand. Every day I missed this.” I said gently nuzzling her.

“You still amaze me.” She said with a smile.

“How so?” I asked.

“Well, your the nicest pony I've ever met and you can stay that way. Even after everything you've gone through. I've seen ponies turn nastier with much less. Plus you can understand everything I've said so far when well... it goes over the girls’ heads.” She said with a small blush. “I just... I don't know how you can even call yourself an idiot or stupid when you can understand magical engineering like with the magical battery. I mean yes you tend to jump into action to protect everypony but that doesn't change how smart you really are.” She said looking at me. “If I may ask. How do you do it?”

“Do it? Stay rather nice when it comes to you? Well... that's the thing. There's no how about it. I just do what I do. Which I guess is a questionable answer in itself really. When I just act really. Not saying I don't get angry or stubborn, or downright unmovable about something. That are just break down to the point that I deal with an overwhelming well of sadness. But that's it. I just do, there's no other answer than that.” I said as I return peering out into space again.

“An interesting subject no?” She said with a playful smirk.

“Intriguing if you will.” I shot back with my own smirk. “Twilight, if I may suggest something.” I more requested. Her cocked eyebrow told me I got her attention with that. “Since I will be coming back to the library. I thought that since I have the cabin for another week. That we use it for just some... us time.” I offered. She turned bright red at this. “AH! Not in the private kind of thing I mean just us being together. Somewhere away from everypony. No attacks, not interruptions, and no pony tricking us.” That last part had a bit more sourness to it then it should have. “I thought that maybe we can just enjoy our time together in the woods. I mean I did bring a good stack of books back with me from earth.” I said that last bit a little playful as I made it sound like it was an afterthought.

“What really? Books from your old world! What are we waiting for.” She said charging up her horn.

“Ah Twilight wait!” I said causing her to stop and look at me. “Don't you want some of your overnight stuff? You know tooth brush and stuff like that.” I said more trying to keep her from jumping the gun again.

“Oh right. Where was my head.” She said tossing a saddlebag at me. Which I held open as items started to fly into it, wrapped in Twilight's purple aura. “Toothbrush, Toothpaste, shampoo, brush, back up brush” She said starting to list off things as they flew into the bag. Somehow I figured she was going by a mental check list. I almost jumped back when I saw her telescope fly at me. Lucky for me I ducked in time as it swung around. Well that was until I got nailed in the face with the pillow I made for Twilight. With an audible whack it got me good. She whipped that pillow like a monster whipping a semi. It hurt... it was hard enough to send my back. With a thud Twilight finally popped her head out from the closet to see me in a bit of a daze on the floor. “Oh Celestia what did I do this time?” She said appearing before me. She helped me up as the room kept spinning. “You alright Storm?”

“Did anypony get the license plate of that U.F.P?” I said in my daze.

“U.F.P?” She asked.

“Unidentified flying pillow.” I informed her closing my eyes trying to shake the daze out. “Okay note to self learn to dodge... badly.” I said more making sure to remember. Maybe if I learn to do that then maybe I wouldn't get as hurt as I would normally.

“Storm.” Twilight said and I opened my eyes to her.

“Twilight I'm fine. Nothing I haven't already dealt with.” I said with a soft smile. She on the other hoof looked worried. She then suddenly pounced on me pinning me to the ground giving me a kiss. Lucky for me she shifted the pillow under my head so when it hit the ground it was rather soft. Twilight then gave me a kiss right on the lips and I couldn't help but blush again. Then within moments we found ourselves in the cabins living room. Thank you magical whiplash because what the hell is going on? She pulled back and looking down at me.

“You're cute when you're rather confused.” She said with a small giggle. I couldn't help but laugh a bit myself before I gave her a kiss back.

“But not as cute as you Twilight.” I said as she blushed a bit.

“Oh you.” She said playfully batting me on the nose. I smiled before I shifted my forelegs around her before rolling us both over so I was pinning her this time. Of course I was careful not to hurt the mare. She looked a little surprised as I had her pinned this time. “Oh want to play that game do we?” She said as her horn flared. Then I found myself a few feet off the ground. No fair she knew I couldn't use my magic without hurting. You know what screw it. With a flick of magic I pulled out one of the books from the duffel bag behind her. She was still smirking at me until it dropped when she noticed my smirk. Then the book flew in front of her. That's when her magic dropped from me and wrapped up the book. I landed rather hard on the floor right on some sensitive equipment. Why did they have to be external? With that I started to hold my delicate area.

“Ow.” I groaned softly. Of course Twilight as soon as she saw a new book was nose deep into it. I smiled in silence as she hopped onto the sofa and wrapped herself up in a blanket. I shook my head slowly before heading off to cook something. That and to get an ice pack for my ache stallion hood. I knew Twilight didn't mean to drop me that hard. If she did I bet it would have hurt almost six times as worse. A small phantom pain shot through me just thinking about a murderous Twilight Sparkle. I don't even think my nightmares would even beat that. I shook the thought from my head as I started to work on making food. Knowing the bookish mare she will most likely be nose deep in that book for a while, heaven help me if she found the other books I brought. So I dug into the fridge and pulled out something rather simple. I was never really good with the elaborate meals. Like breakfast was easy: hay bacon, eggs, and toast. Well as long as you didn't want something other than scrambled eggs. Lunch more often than not I found skipping more because I'm either busy at the time or not even think about it. Dinner, again I prefer something simple, like tomato soup and grilled cheese. I didn't have to make as much as before since it was just the two of us.

“Hiya Storm.” The very familiar voice of Pinkie said behind me as I got the pot and pan out. I stopped before turning around to see Pinkie sitting at the table.

“Hi Pinkie.” I said calmly though I was still pretty angry at this mare. “What are you doing here?” I asked as I put the two on the stove taking rather deep breaths. One not to disturb Twilight in the other room and not to blow up at the pink mare.

“Well I heard you and Twilight talked and I wanted to say congrats and throw you a party but nopony knew where you went but I knew because of my Pinkie Sense so I know you would come back to the cabin in this neck of the woods. Which is kind of funny being at a neck of a river so it makes it an accurate pun. Which are sometimes the best ones to make and I also heard how angry you were angry Rarity when it wasn't her fault it was mine and I wanted to apologize to you about it but I didn't know how. So... I thought I would come here and explain that it was my idea to get you two to talk to each other so you wouldn't be all mean-y to Rarity or Rainbow but I don't think you've talked to Dashie yet so this was to be a preemptive strike to that. Preemptive is a funny word maybe I should do a preemptive party but how could you do a party before a party? Wouldn't every party I do be a preemptive party since it's before the next party so I guess I have already been doing a preemptive party a bunch of times. Hmm what do you know Joe. I mean Storm which speaking of Joe have you ever met him in Canterlot he owns a donuts stand. You know Donut Joe.” She started to ramble. I sighed quietly.

“Why Pinkie? You knew what I felt about it.” I asked as I began to open the cans of Tomato soup.

“Well... you were all sad about it all and I wanted to make you happy. I like having all my friends happy. Especially when they’re all sad and you were extra sad about everything. So I thought getting to see Twilight would make you feel all happy inside.” She answered. Which in a roundabout way I couldn't fault her logic.

“But Pinkie I... I don't like ponies going behind my back like that.” I started before taking a deep breath and putting the can with can opener down to look at the mare. “It felt like you didn't take my feelings into account on this Pinkie. Like you didn't care what I wanted in this. I know you had the best intentions and I appreciate what you did but...” I sighed again. “Right now I'm still a little cross at the three of you on this. It felt like you all played the two of us and I don't like that feeling Pinkie. It's happened too many times and not in the best way.” I said turning from her and continued to get the soup ready. This was followed by a large super gasp from Pinkie.

“I didn't even think about what had happened to you. I'm sorry please let me make this up to you. I'll throw you the most super duper party of the millennium.” She offered before leaping at my hind legs and bear gripped them. Which I didn't even think was possible for a pony. Well maybe Big Mac since he can pin me with one hoof. Of course I looked down to see her giving me the biggest set of puppy dog eyes. Ah triple damn it, why do these mares always have to use that damn look. I turned to look away just to find Pinkie hanging upside down on the ceiling from a rope giving me that look again. Ah hell.

“Fine Pinkie, but please nothing over the top.” I said with a sigh. I was pretty much powerless against these mares. Hell I was pretty much powerless compared to almost any pony. Really puts things in perspective doesn't it. I was just kind of useless well not really useless just more an annoyance to all of them. In just about everything I've caused trouble for all of them. In one way or another. Rarity I pretty much waved her dream in her face with me being just me and I yelled at her when she tried to use me. Every time Dash tried to help me learn to fly I pretty much failed. Either being sent into the Everfree or the ground. Come to think of it the most I did to Applejack was keep her away from her farm. Which I don't think she had much farm work since it is the winter and all. Pinkie... now that was a hard one. I turned to look at the now missing pink paradox party pony. Where the bloody hell did she go? I looked around to find it just me in the kitchen. Okay somepony needs to explain to me how the hell she keeps appearing and disappearing like that. At this point, I guess the universe just wants to keep me confused. Anyway the most I did to Pinkie was yell at her when she figured out my birthday. Which was pretty jerk thing to do on my part. Then there's Fluttershy which now that I think about it I never really talked to her much beyond the party, the visit in the hospital, and a few tidbits. So I guess I haven't done anything to her yet. Twilight though is the only one I've been the biggest annoyance to. From sleeping in her library, then there was Nightmare moon. Which I guess that I did to all of them too right there with going into my mind, having to save me multiple times. I let out a sigh as I began to stir the soup more. I watched the wooden spoon just swirl around the red liquid as I thought about everything. In the end it only came to one question most of all. How could they even stand being around me? I mean hell I was a threat to Equestria on more then one occasion. Hell I yelled at Celestia of all ponies. One of the princesses of the land itself. I'm a little surprised I didn't get spaced right then and there. She had every right to do it.

“Storm are you alright?” I heard from behind me. I turned to see Twilight looking at me with a worried expression on her face.

“Yeah, I'm just thinking is all.” I said turning back to the soup again.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked and I could hear her come closer.

“Sort of... I just don't know really.” I start.

“Well I'm here to listen.” She offered and I smiled quietly.

“I just don't know about anything anymore...” I began with.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“I just... how can any of you stand me?” I asked.

“What? What do you mean stand you?”

“I mean with everything. How can you stand there and still love me or hell any pony like me when I've done nothing but bring one nightmare after another? First there was just me showing up which destroyed a good chunk of Applejack's farm land. Then we have my magic come out and send you into a wall.” I said more venting but I saw her wince when I brought up the wall. “Then we have the Nightmare Moon, Shadow Storm, Sha, and me going crazy. I've caused all of you to go into my head to see things that probably should have been left unseen. But then we have the whole Changeling incident. Me yelling at Rarity... twice. Then at Celestia the princess.” I got out as it started to become more a rant.

“You yelled at Celestia? Why?” Twilight said out of surprise.

“Well... at the time we thought that you completely forgot about me. So Celestia and the girls thought it would be best for you to remember me by having me talk to you. I on the other hoof didn't agree with this plan. Beside the fact of forcing you to remember didn't sit right with me. I... I thought it would be better to be left forgotten. Which is how we got to this point with Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash playing us to force it. I just got so angry at Celestia because she was going to force you into remembering after everything I did. I just didn't feel right about it at all. I thought it was best that I stayed away from you. So you could live peacefully.” I said not looking at her the whole time.

“Storm... I... I should be the one to have known better about this. I should have taken your feelings about all that before I tried to. But no I just ended up causing more pain then I realized.” She said and I turned to her.

“Twilight, you only did what you thought was right. Look my feelings about the matter didn't matter. All that did was what you wished and I still stand by my reason for my choice on it. At the time I thought you wished to forget me and I wanted to respect that wish until you remembered on your own. But I guess that point is moot now.” I said turning back. “But as I was saying. I yelled at her and I was kind of surprised she didn't space me right then and there. She did have every right to. Hell she had that right many times. Especially when I was being controlled. I just feel like I've been nothing but a royal pain. No pun intended. To all of you wonderful ponies. I just... I wish... I wasn't such a problem to every pony.” I said before I fell silent. I just couldn't say more.

“Storm... You're not a problem to anypony, especially not to me. You're hurt by all this the most, you went through so much to have happiness ripped from you time and time again. Admittedly I'm guilty of the same thing. Which I honestly don't understand how you can forgive me for it all. How you can just readily say that it's alright when I hurt you. The one pony I didn't think I could care as much as I do.” She said and I could feel the emotion she put behind each word.

“Twilight... look. When it comes to having happiness ripped away as you put it. It may sound odd but it's something you get use to after it happens so many times. That it is almost numbing really and most of all your not guilty of it. Not in any way. Look I know you think that you running away was bad. But in all honestly, it wasn't as bad as other things. Things that cripple a pony or person. That is something I hope you never feel Twilight Sparkle. The real pain of losing someone close. If anything that is something you can never recover from.” I said a small shake to my voice as I continued to speak. “Sometimes the smaller things don't hurt as much as the bigger things. You running away. Yes, it did hurt. When I thought you forgot me, that did as well. But I knew you were still you, that you were still around. May sound stalkerish but if anything just knowing you're alright was enough. If worse came to worse I probably could have seen you in town to make sure for myself.” I continue my gaze on the soup I continued to stir. “As for being able to forgive you. For not requesting something when you want me to. Just to make up for something that in the end didn't really matter. That... didn't and still doesn't sit well for me. I mean yes I do have points where I like to be selfish but more for little things, like a hug or maybe a little kiss. I just couldn't suggest anything big like you would expect. Either it be... you know I can't really think of anything big at the moment. Twilight I can forgive you because... well every pony deserves a second change and in some cases more then that. Yes there are times I can be rather cross. Like with the memory spell, but that was because I was worried for your safety. Or like how I'm cross with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Spike. I know they had the best intentions for what they did and I won't be angry forever. So I guess what I'm saying is no matter what any pony does. There won't be a point or line that any of you will cross that will make me hate or dislike any of you. In all honestly there is only a hoof full of things that any pony could do to cause that.” I said turning off the pan and turning to her.

“If you don't mind me asking. What are they?” She asked. I couldn't tell if she was just delaying her real comment about what I said.

“Very simple really. Nopony hurts my friends. If anypony, especially you Twilight, get hurt. There is not a place either of heaven, hell, or any place between that will hide them from me. Hell as no fury like one angry drony.” I said a small smile this time.

“A little overly protective aren't we?” She said now smirking.

“Only when I need to be.” I said smiling back.

“Like with that Timber Wolf?” She asked.

“Well of course. Lucky for that wolf that I didn't know what I could do now?” I said now with a cocky smirk myself.

“How can you do that? You went from depressed to cocky faster then I think Dash could fly?” She asked.

“Because that's how I am.” I answered.

“That doesn't explain anything.” She retorted.

“That's the point. In all honestly I can't explain it at all. I mean you could chuck it up to being broken in some sense. I would say it was the part of my brain but after my bit of snapping fixed that so it could be that my brain is messed up in another sense like some area that hasn't been found yet. Which at this point wouldn't put it past my luck.” I explained with a bit of sarcasm. Twilight looked at me with a worried look on her face with more probably grim look about it all and all I was doing giving a little smile. “But it doesn't really matter. You want to know why?” I asked.

“Why?” She asked.

“Because of all of you. Here in Equestria I have family and friends that care about me. And most importantly is I have one beautiful marefriend that cares for me most of all.” I said coming over to her and gently hug her. She blushed lightly and nuzzled into me.

“Cheesy.” She muttered under her voice.

“I know.” I said with a little chuckle. For the most part the rest of the night went by fairly normal for once. I had finished cooking the grilled cheese and we both enjoyed it. For the most part it was nice and once we finished eating. I had did the dishes myself with her going back into the living room to read some more. When I finished them and joined her. At this point she was on the floor curled up with her forelegs under her with the book in front of her. I could help but slowly sneak up and laid next to her. With a flap of my wing I draped it across her back. She startled for a moment before looking over at me, blushed and smiled back. Giving me a small nuzzle before returning to read the book. I looked over to see which book she was reading. This one was one of my more favorite stories. It was about a detective with his colleague that was a doctor. I was a fan of mystery and these series of stories always enthralled me. “Enjoying the story?” I asked.

“I'm finding it fascinating that this pulls a parallel to a book that I have back in the library. I may have to do a cross check with it to really see the differences between the two.” She said as she continued to read.

“Well besides every pony here is human and not well a pony. They are drawn by horse drawn carriages.” I explained.

“Really? Do ponies there get treated like animals?”

“Well back there they are. In all fairness there not on the same level as the ponies here. Well if I had to make a comparison then it would be humans are to ponies as... Now that I think about it I can't really make one. From what I can tell the animals here like the birds, bunnies, and some of the other ones I seen. Honestly a lot of the animals there aren't that smart.” I explained. She eyed me for a moment.

“Really? So there not as intelligently aware as every pony here?” She asked.

“For the most part you're right. But that can't be said for all of the animals there. As for speaking wise it's only humans that can really speak. Parrots can only mimic and not very well.” explained from what I remembered. Which was true for the most part.

“What other differences are there between this world and that one?” She asked.

“Well... technological wise they are far past what I've seen so far. Now granted the only computer I've seen was the one in your lab. The equivalent to what I've seen is an operating system called Dos. Which is seen as basic back there. No offense.” I answered.

“None taken, I'm not really surprised another world would be far surpassed us technological wise. What about magically?”

“Well... besides optical illusion like tricks there is no magic there. What I mean as optical illusions are like card tricks. Sort of like did I guess the card you had kind. Some other magicians sometimes go through great lengths to trick people. I guess that's part of the appeal of it really. So in a way that would be a sort of magic per say. Not really like what we have here.” I answered.

“No magic? But how do humans survive without it? I mean every pony here has magic in one way or another. We need it to survive.” She explained.

“You mean like how bodies need warmth?”

“Exactly. So how can humans live without magic?” She asked looking at me.

“Well... they don't well not as ponies here do. They bodies still need warmth like ponies do. But they don't surviving on magic. Some say that they do it by a belief in a higher power.”

“Higher power?”

“Well... Ah! Think of it as the princesses. Here in Equestria there are physical goddesses. But on earth a lot of the religions more see them abstractly. So it's like you believe in Celestia and Luna but they're not really there.” I explained and the look of surprised on her face told me she couldn't quite believe it.

“Then how can humans believe in something that's not even real like that?” She asked forgetting about the book entirely.

“Well that's the thing not all of them do. Some just think that the deities don't exist. Which in a way I would agree with them. Well... that was until I got to Equestria. Since there is the princesses they give me something to believe in but out of an old habit. I don't do what I've seen other ponies do?” I explained.

“What do you mean?” I guess I was being very verge about it.

“Okay let me put it this way. Normally you say something in surprise like oh my Celestia or something of the sort. Now I don't really say Celestia like that. But I insert the word the humans around where I lived said. Which is called god. Which like an all seeing being.” I continued to explained.

“Then why don't you believe in it when you say it all the time?” She said giving me a raised eyebrow.

“Well in honestly. I don't know I guess it's more ingrained over time. Which probably explains why I haven't picked up the oh my Celestia thing like I had with the pony lexicon.” I explained.

“Which I'm surprised you had adapted so fast to it. I figured it would take you longer to do so.” She explained.

“Well there is a few things I could easily pick up. Especially after hearing every pony use it. So like a repetitive learning. After hearing and using it so long it becomes second nature of sort. Which probably explains when I have to catch myself when I talk about the other world with Any... one and so forth.” I said having to catch myself again. For the most part Twilight looked fascinated and that was when I noticed the notepad floating out. Next to it was a quill and ink pot. The quill dipped into the pot before scribbling notes.

“There was something I wanted to ask you about.” She said.

“What's that?” I questioned. I didn't mind answering her questions about earth, as long as I don't go into the darker stuff. I don't think Twilight would enjoy getting traumatized by it all.

“Well it was something that Max had told Luna during his um... stay in the asylum.” With that I had to sigh. As much as I didn't like to find out that they put my body in the asylum like they did. But in the same way I understood the reason. They wanted to make sure my body was safe for my return.

“Well... Max talked about humans and I wanted to see if your world matched up with his.” Ah so this is where she was going with this. Since Max was from another universe there was no guarantee that our two earths matched up like who Max was still human and I was a drony.

“Well I can answer as best as I can.” I said.

“Um... I was told that humans are bent on destruction of their own race and they’re very inventiveness on finding ways.” She simply put as I watched her ears go back. Like she didn't like the line of questioning she was about to dive in.

“In a way he is right. But not every... one is like that. There are very detestable things that humans can and some will do. Either it being a psychological reason or a thrive to do so. Honestly those human I had always detested and some of their actions just...” I started to shuttered just thinking it.

“That bad?” She asked.

“Twilight, sometimes humans can do things that I would consider unfathomable here in Equestria.” I said again shuddering at the images that appeared in my head. Which was a problem at time when I had thought in pictures. Not always the best outcomes, especially in my mind. I began to shake my head a little violently just trying to drive those thoughts from my mind.

“I see...” She said as she bit her bottom lip. Like she was tempted to ask for more information about it. I watched her carefully out of my only eye. I had made sure I laid to her right so I can look at her with my left. I really wish the doctors would show up soon. I really liked having my full depth perception. She looked at me carefully as I folded up my forelegs and rested my head upon them. “Does it bother you when you talk about that part of your world?”

“To a point, some of it I don't mind talking about but I’m just worried that I may say something that traumatizes you.” I said as I looked into the fire flickering into the fireplace.

“and you came from a place like this?” She asked.

“Yeah... which is why I don't want to go back anymore. I had already gotten my answer.” A dagger of ice stabbed me in the chest figuratively.

“Storm, I'm sorry.” This got me to look over to her.

“For what?” I asked.

“For what you had to find out.” She answered.

“It's alright.” To be honest I had stopped caring but just thinking about it made it feel colder inside.

“It's not.” She shot back. I just looked at her as she looked a little annoyed before it melted away. “Why do you hold it in like that?”

“Because what else can I do?” I asked.

“You can talk to us about it.” I let out a sigh to this. I know I should talk about it. But I had explained it to every pony that I was dead on earth before coming here. Both princesses and the girls knew this.

“Twilight can we please change the subject.” I said turning from her. This was a subject I just want to avoid.

“Alright I understand.” She said scribbling something down. “By any chance have you found a goal?” She asked and turned to her again.

“Goal?” I more questioned.

“Yeah like something you want to do in life.” She asked and I thought about it. Did I have a goal really? For the time I just was silent thinking about it.

“Never really thought about it. For the most part I've been doing the same thing. Just drift from moment to moment, not counting small little things I want to do, there’s nothing big. If that was what your implying. Before I came here there was point I wanted to join the military to protect every... one I cared about. My shattered elbow caused me to drop that goal. But that stopped as soon as I got here, I haven't seen anything close to it, well technological wise really. I guess if I had to say I had some kind of goal. It would be to make you happy.” I said gently scratching the back of my head.

“Make me happy? No offense, but how is that a realistic goal?” She asked.

“ I never said it was. I know it seems weird. But... as you've seen I'm not normal.” I said followed by a light chuckle. “Twilight when it comes to everything that has happened. I will still stand by one thing. I will deal with it ten fold if it makes to make you safe and happy. Before you call me out on the whole make every pony I care about safe, that is true too. I will make sure you're all safe.” I explained looking forward. A determined look upon my face as I stared into the flames again. In a way I can see that pony from my dreams, Shadow Storm, and Vermom all glaring back at me. I knew they weren't really there but just thinking of them burning in a fire was kind of comforting. After everything they had done to every pony I cared about. They deserve to burn in some right. I didn't notice until it was to late that Twilight got out from under my wing and climbed onto my back to give me a hug.

“You can be really confusing at times. You can get really depressed and it hurts to see you. Then there are points where you should be depressed but you just shrug it off like it's nothing. I can't tell if your just burying it deep inside or that it just doesn't bother you at all. That and you can say the cheesiest romantic things and I can't tell if your joking or if you're being honest. Doesn't change how sweet it is and how sweet you can be. Then there's the whole intelligence issue. I won't lie and say you haven't done something rather... rash. But you've proven that your rather smart. You pick up on things fast. Magic alone you've picked up rather fast compared to a lot of other ponies and to find out what you excel at magic wise with only having a pictorial clue from your cutie mark.” She started to explain from what she had observed so far.

“Guess I'm a fast learner.” I said with a small chuckle.

“Almost extraordinarily fast, I mean it took you a few days just to learn basic telekinesis. Which takes most foals a lot longer to learn. Then as soon as you get it down you end up picking up spells almost as fast as I could.” She continued.

“Well since I was a bit of a jack of all trades. I can learn the spells but I can't quite master them. Well not unless it lies in the elemental range. Telekinesis just seems easy for the most part. Now that I think about it really there isn't a lot of spells I know. I got the speed and strength ones I've used from Max's universe.” I explained.

“Wait you got it from the other universe?” She asked.

“Yeah. At the time I learned I could still use my magic even though I didn't have a horn. The Celestia there told me that she could sense my alicorn magic. Which I guess makes some sense I suppose.” I said now thinking about it for the first time really. At the time I was more wanting to have something familiar to hold on to.

“Really? How so?” She asked as I can hear the sound of a quill writing on parchment.

“Well, after the whole switch I was stuck in his body. Now for the main part the soul was switched but if you take that out of context like that. How did both our personalities get switched? The only real reason I could suggest was that the magic itself somehow holds a consciousness or at least a copy of it for the most part. Having the magic go with it would stand to reason that the magic overwritten the normal personality. Which would probably lean into the reason that the simple touching reversed everything. If that's the cause then you would have to factor in the every soul contains magic in some way. The only reason I can suggest this is mainly from his journal.” I said the last part I had added quite a bit of venom to my voice when I said his.

“His?” Twilight asked which got me to sigh.

“Grimwand.” I answered and Twilight looked down to me with me looking up at her. “Yeah I know I shouldn't worry about a pony that is already dead but... something just doesn't feel right to me. Like there's more to this. It could be my natural curiosity getting the better of me or a sense of paranoia with everything that had happened with Vermom being Silver Star.” I began to explain.

“Silver Star?” She asked.

“Ah, yeah. Um... well she was one of the ponies the Grimwand brought back using parts from other ponies and a changeling.” I explain and I could see the lavender unicorn on top of me pale. “I know it's disturbing to me too. Especially if you read it from his own words. There's a lot more in his journal that just makes me sick to even think about it. The... the only thing the bugs me the most was he talked to Jessica. Then she passed shortly afterwards which I can't completely say that it happened. Mainly because I have talked to her when I... died.” That last part just made me feel extra cold inside.

“I'm sure she only came back to talk to you.” Twilight speculated. Which I couldn't tell if she believed it or not, she was one for tangible things.

“Yeah.” I said a little half heartened.

“Storm?” She said a little worried and I looked up at her. “Will you promise me something?” She asked.

“Anything for you Twilight.” I answered.

“Promise me that you won't leave like you did.” She requested and my eyes soften toward her. I couldn't help but float her up a bit so I could roll over then back down on to hug her myself. She blushed for a moment before warping her hooves around me. I blushed too but smiled.

“I promise. If I found another portal to another world. I'll make sure you come with me.” I said a little chuckle.

“Alright.” She said leaning down and gently kissing me. Which was followed by her nuzzling into my chest. I gently rubbed her back looking at her with a blush.

“Twilight... I love you.” I said gently kissing her again this time a bit deeper. Which then evolved into us making out. Which gave me the perfect time to pull one of my feathers out. I pulled out one of my rather larger one. The small pang from the feather being pulled hurt. But I was able to only twitch a little from it. Then I floated it up next to Twilight's head and slide it right behind her right ear. She pulled back in surprised then reached up running her hoof across it. Which got her to turn bright red.

“Storm are you... do you know what this means?” She asked.

“To my knowledge, a pegasus only gives a feather to their special somepony that they want to spend the rest of their life with.” I said with a blush.

“Ah... yes. But how did?” She started to question.

“A lot of sleepless nights.” I said with a nervous blush. “I took those nights to read a few of the books. Well one I came across was one about relationship mannerisms. I didn't get to finish it but I found the pegasus one interesting.” Twilight smiled quietly before looking right into my eye.

“You are correct it means that you want to spend the rest of your life with that pony. Between pegasi it's normally considered a marriage proposal. That was back in the old days. Nowadays it's more a show of affection.” She said gently resting her head on my chest making sure that she didn’t mess up the feather. That of course was when we got interrupted...

“Twi I heard you were here and... wow.” The very familiar voice of Rainbow Dash said as she busted into the cabin to see Twilight laying on top of me. We both turned bright red and Dash started to smirk. “So is this what you two do when you're alone.”

“It's not what you think Dash!” Twilight said disappearing above me and ending up next to me.

“Relax Twi. I get it, you two wanted to have a little hanky panky fun.” She said smirking. I was still bright red by the time I got back onto my hunches. That's also when I noticed the news paper in her hooves.

“Dash we were just making up.” She said.

“So it worked.” She said this got me to remember something. I shot her a glare myself this time and she noticed it.

“Which reminds me.” I said now getting up and stepping closer. This got Dash to yelp and try to get away dropping the paper in the process. I flicked the door shut before she could fly out. She turned around to look at me and I saw the nervous look on her face. “Dash, I know about the plan.” I said with a growl. This got her to sigh and land.

“I know. It was under hoof of us.” She said looking at me.

“Then why did you all do it? Pinkie should have told you how I felt about it.” I replied.

“She did, but we all thought that this wasn't right. We knew you were hurting by all this and I can't just let friends hurt like that. So I suggested we get you to back together. Especially since Twi didn't remember you.” She said puffing up a bit.

“I see a few flaws for that plan. There was no guarantee that I would have agreed to watch the three of them. What about that?” I asked.

“Well... pony feathers. I didn't think of that. But we figured since you're a nice stallion and everything you would agree. And you did so all water under the bridge right?” She said with a small chuckle and slight nervous smile.

“On a few conditions.” I started and I saw her deflate at that. “One you don't ever play me or Twilight like that again. Because I don't like that feeling. If it was for a simple lighthearted joke I would be fine, but what you three did... it reminded me of some very mean... people. Like Pallet, Base, Bright Eyes, and Volley.” I explained. This got Dash's eyes to widen for a moment.

“Dang man. I didn't think of that. Look... I'm...” She started.

“Sorry I know.” I said cutting her off. “Promise me you won't do something like this again.”

“Of course man.” She said puffing up again.

“Thanks and please drop off a message for me to Rarity.” I said this time more gently running my hoof in a circle on the floor.

“Sure, what is it?”

“Tell her that I'm sorry for getting as angry as I did. She didn't deserve that much anger and I crossed the line.” I said my gaze looking down at the floor.

“Chill dude, I'm sure she will understand. I'll explain what you told me. I think she will forgive you like you did us. Um... you did forgive us right?” She asked.

“Of course. Pinkie already came by and explained it was her idea and all. Dash if you don't mind and please keep your mind out of the gutter. We just wanted to spend some alone time away from every pony.” I said a small blush on my face.

“Oh getting fresh with Twilight hot stuff?” She said now smirking.

“Dash!” I yelled. “It's not like that.”

“Relax I'm just playing with you. I know you're not that kind of stallion and well knowing Twi you have a long wait before something like that.” She continued to smirk before a high velocity pillow came whipping in nailing Dash in the face. “Geez make one joke and some pony gets all artillery on you.” She muttered before taking off out the door. I sighed quietly before floating the pillow back over to Twilight as she wrapped it in her magic. The two of us reentered the living room when I noticed the newspaper on the floor. What I saw made ice water run in my veins. Right there was an image of me next to something. In a way knew was it was, the dark scales, a crazed look in it's eyes, and the storm black mane with thunderbolts sparking out of it. I floated up the paper to me as I read the title of the paper.

“A normal prince or a nightmare about to storm?” It read. My eyes only switched from the images of me and the title before the paper was ripped from my magic.

“Storm.” Twilight said as I could feel my heart sink more and more.

“Was... was that what I?” I started to ask each word getting increasingly difficult to get out of my mouth. She nodded and I just drooped to the floor. I covered my face with my hooves and just laid there.

“We all know that isn't the real you.” She said trying to make me feel better. She give got onto my back to hug me. I floated the paper back to me as I noticed something off. It took me a few moments for it to finally click. My cutie mark was different.

“Twilight, do you see what I see in this image?” I asked as I floated it up to her.

“The um... crazed you?” She answered which stung.

“Not quite. Look at my flank in the image.” I said. She took it over in her magic and brought it up to her. She sat up on my back. Which I had to say felt rather odd. Like she was riding me like a horse... no pun intended.

“That's... how is that even possible? I've never seen a cutie mark change like that.” She said.

“Yeah. But I’ve heard of it, sort of.” I explained.

“Where?”

“Grimwand's journal. When he transferred souls into bodies their cutie mark changed. But this doesn't seem to be like that.” I explained. “I was still in there the whole time so that already shoots down that explanation. Could it be like Shadow Storm when I'm crazed like that I get a completely different cutie mark?” I questioned.

“I don't think so. I mean why would it change to a crescent moon in a storm cloud? It doesn't seem right and it would be closer to... Oh my Celestia! That would explain it.” She said now getting something that I was still completely clueless on.

“Care to share it with the rest of the class?” I asked.

“After you used the Elements of Harmony your body shot through Princess Celestia's magical screen. A dark smoke came from your body taking the form of nightmare moon before it dissipated like real smoke. Well not before letting out a ghostly wail.” She said and I could feel the shudder she had run down her spine, the same went down my own.

“So I was being controlled?” I asked not liking the thought of that either.

“Not controlled per say, more influenced.”

“Wait, so you're saying that she influenced me into attacked the two ponies that out right hate me and shock two other ponies?” I asked now a little confused and scared. I didn't like the thought that something played me like that. It felt unnatural and even so many levels of wrong, like it was beyond my normal scales of wrong.

“It would seem so, if you factor in that your brain at the time was having judgment lapses then it would be more popping ideas into your head and you going with it.”

“So pretty much me being controlled like putting in data cards into a computer.”

“Exactly.” She proclaimed and then laid back down on my back giving me a hug.

“I... I don't know how to feel about that.” I said giving a light shiver.

“It must be overwhelming for you.” She said and I slowly nodded.

“I just... I don't know anymore, screw it going to bed.” I said with a sigh getting up. My legs giving a protest to standing up. I guess all that magic I used finally caught up with me. A little surprised it didn't happen sooner. I snuffed out the fire with a blow from my frigid breath. Twilight floated up the bags, books, and blankets up with us as I ascended the stairs. Twilight still on my back. I guess she liked getting a free right to bed. When I entered the bedroom Twilight looked at the two photos I had setting next to the bed. She floated herself off me and went over to them. With a small thud all the items she had wrapped in her magic landed at the foot of the bed. I dug into the bag and pulled out my big red comforter and began to spread it a crossed the bed.

“Is this them?” She asked and I looked up. Wrapped in her purple magic was the photo of my family and me.

“Yeah. I'm the large one in the orange shirt.” I explained as I pulled out my large slightly fluffy pillow. Normally I folded it in half to get the right bit of firm with my fluffiness. I laid it at the head of the bed as I placed Twilight's starburst pillow next to it. In the process of this she looked at the photo then back to me, followed by her turning back to the photo again. This kept happening through me setting the rest of the bed together.

“You were... um...” she started to say.

“Fat. I know.” I said nonchalantly. “If you want to make fat jokes go right ahead. Never really bothered me.” I said as I stopped noticing Max's journal. I had completely forgot about it since I got everything I owned from the library. The only other thing that I had hidden was the power box for the portal device. Which I promptly tossed the power box into the lake. The portal was useless at this point being mostly destroyed when Vermom used it to beat me. It was easier to make one from scratch and honestly I didn't really want to. I didn't want to end up playing sliders trying to get back home and end up in a lot more hot water then I already had. I placed the journal back into the duffel bag and zipped it up.

“Well you do have a lot of girth to you in here.” She said gently scratching the back of her head.

“Girth, weight, blubber, fat. Doesn't matter what you called it. I was out right fat and I was fine with it. I mean it doesn't apply now since I've been eating healthier than I did there.” I pointed out. Which was true. I was thinnish. Well I did have some muscles to me since I've been doing a lot of running and fighting. So having some strength goes hoof and hoof.

“Okay how can you be fine with that? Didn't you get picked on for it?” She asked.

“Yeah, of course the... people there are always quick to point out other’s shortcomings. I'm guessing the same goes for here with ponies?” I asked as I hopped onto the bed and laid a crossed it.

“Well yeah bullying still happens.” She said as I watched her ears go down.

“Let me guess you got a good ear full of it growing up?” I asked.

“Not so much. I guess some of them were afraid of making fun of me since I was Princess Celestia's student.” She said putting the photo back down.

“Makes sense I suppose. Wouldn't want to piss of the ruler of Equestria right?” I said watching her.

“Yeah.” She simply put. A small bit of silence followed.

“What's wrong Twilight?” I asked.

“It's nothing important.” She said not looking at me.

“It's important to me. Whats wrong?”

“Well... you may find it silly but... I remember this one time I got picked on because I still kept a stuffed toy with me as I read under a tree.” She said turning to me. “Silly right?” I shook my head at this.

“I don't find it silly at all. Sometimes every pony needs something simple to get by or to feel comfortable about where there are. That or they just want it because it's nice to have with them.” I explained watching her.

“Really? You don't find it a little foalish?” I shook my head at this.

“Not at all. Only because there's times I like to do the same.” I said with a small embarrassed blush on my face.

“Really? A grown stallion like you?” She asked which got me to blush just a bit more as I nodded.

“Yeah...” I crawled to the end of the bed and reached into my duffel bag after I unzipped it.

“You brought it with you?” She asked.

“Well... yeah. I just wanted a few things that reminded me of where I came from and those I left behind.” I said as I pulled out a blue teddy bear. “I wanted to feel a little more at home in Equestria, you know?” She smiled and got onto the bed as I brought the bear over to her. She gently took it in her magic and looked over the bit tattered stuffed animal. There was quite a few bits of stuffing that could be seen in the worn blue fabric that had little red C's over it. The symbol for one of my favorite teams. Normally I wasn't one for sports, but didn't mean I didn't have my favorites.

“What's it's name?” She asked and I turned a little more red in embarrassment.

“I called him Cubby Bear. I've had him since I was little.” I explained. She smiled and gave the bear a little squeeze.

“He's cute.” She said. “But why is he so... um holey?”

“Well the problem was I could never find the right fabric to repair him. The fabric he's made of stopped being made or at least able to be bought outside clothing manufactures. So that's why he is a little raggedy. But he's always had been there for me, the best and worst of times.” This was followed by a little chuckle. “This may sound a little foalish but when I had repeating nightmares I had always kept him close. Hoping he would help scare them off.” Twilight smiled looking down at little stuff toy.

“It's not foolish at all, kind of sweet. Mind if I cuddle with him tonight?” She asked and I smiled.

“Only if you're careful.” I said with a playful jest. She smiled back.

“Well of course.” She said before lifting herself and me up and slide the two of us under the covers. She slowly shifted over to me where I gently wrapped my forelegs around her as she did my little Cubby bear. “Good night Storm.” She said before her horn flashed with light and all the lights went out in the room.

“Good night Twilight. I hope you dreams or pleasant.” I said as she drifted off to sleep. I watched her a little bit as she hugged the teddy bear gently. Wrapped up in the large red comforter I bought her a little closer as I followed her into the realm of sleep. All things considered today wasn't that bad.

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Well it seems things turned out for the better. Firestorm and Twilight Sparkle are back together alone in a cabin in the woods. That leaves the question, what's going to happen next? Why don't you dear readers tell me what you think about the chapter and what you think will happen next. Also I leave this question, what book do you think was referenced in this chapter?

Also for those that didn't catch it. The symbol on "Cubby Bear" is that of the Chicago Cubs