Sometimes the universe likes to throw every pony a curve ball and I was staring straight at mine. Because before me was Twilight Sparkle, my marefriend in one of the most gorgeous dresses, I've ever seen on her, and I didn't count Chrysalis in Twilight's form, that wasn't Twilight. The dress though on that one was nice, this one seem to fit the lavender unicorn better in my opinion. The unicorn was in a five tone dress with a high neck in a dark purple with a slightly darker shade of lavender then her coat edging. Under that had a pale moonlight blue sleeves that ran down her forelegs and ended in a V shape with a violet under sleeve that stopped about an inch further. The pale moonlight blue part of the dress also went back towards her flanks which became covered by a night time purple to light purple drape that went down behind her covering her tail. The fabric itself also had little stars in it. Her mane was much the same but a few ended in little swirls and in her mane was a golden star with an amethyst gem within it right by her left ear. In her ears where little golden star earrings. Probably clip on one like the one Rarity put on me. Cadence was there helping with the jewelry. That's when I noticed said alicorn of love was in a dress as well.

My sister Cadence was in a light lavender dress that draped down her back covering her tail around the bit that spread lightly onto the floor and up was a white powder like design. Almost like snow blowing in a breeze. The dress had a low line that only was maybe a few inches above the forelegs with an orange band going around the top of it and around forelegs as well as wings. From there there was a lightly tinted see through extension that went up the neck another few inches accompanied by another orange band. The same see through fabric went down both forelegs making it short sleeved. On her hooves were horseshoes that were fairly thin with a front that made a little heart and a small tear drop to the left and right of the point at the bottom of the heart. Her mane was down up that the three colors of her mane swirled around much like one of the traditional ice cream swirls cones as it went back stopping right before it got halfway down the back of her neck. In her mane she had a burning gold tiara with a crystal heart in the center of it. The heart was twice as big as the band on the tiara which was maybe an inch to an inch and a half in thickness.

I couldn't help but look back at my dress and feel a little under wowed. Not to say Rarity's work was bad but I just felt well underneath them in sense of design. I mean I was here in a simple black long sleeve dress that only went halfway down my tail in the back and here they are in masterpieces. It was like comparing a child's drawing to the Mona Lisa. Twilight smiled gently looking at me which got me to blush a bit coming in.

“I see the girls got to you.” Twilight said with an embarrassed blush. I nodded having the same blush as my own but for a different reason.

“Yeah. I'm guessing this was their plan and not yours?” I asked more for reassuring myself.

“Of course, I told you I wanted to spend the night with you and just read. But the girls got it in their head that a date would be better after the whole destiny thing.” Twilight said before she came over to me. “I think Rarity just wanted to jump the gun. I'm not going to lie I think this is a better idea after everything.” She said before gently nuzzling me.

“I have to admit that as well. The idea of us going on a date far out ways the idea of dwelling on other things.” I said. That's when it clicked with Cadence dressed up. “Wait... who is this double date with?” I already had a good idea from the visual cues here, but being sure can't hurt... right?

“With Shining Armor and myself.” Cadence said and that's when my mood was killed, yet again. I let out an annoyed groan.

“Serious can no pony remember from less than a day ago?” I asked shooting an annoyed glare at my sister.

“Um... about what?” Twilight asked, followed by my face hoof.

“About the whole stallion issue I have. Need I remind you about the whole Big Mac incident that I want to avoid?” That got Twilight's ears go to back against her head.

“Storm does make a point. Undoubtedly would be weird if my colt friend hits on my brother.” She said with a shiver. I joined in on the shiver just thinking about that creeps me the the hell out. Right about then said pony decided to show up.

“Hello girls” Shining said coming in. I instinctively ducked behind Twilight. Oh please for the love of all things holy don't make this any weirder than it is already.

“Hello Shining.” Twilight said coming over to her brother. Which caused me to duck behind Cadence this time. I watched the two of them gently hug as I noticed him in something other than his normal guard attire that I have seen him in. Well it was that or nothing at all. This night he was wearing a tux. Well the pony equivalent to a tux. Which honestly with his normal white coat made him look like a penguin really. Well in the back tux. Pinned to the front of it was a nice blue flower and something I didn't quite expect. Well honestly I didn't expect this whole date so soon but none the less right under the pocket with the white handkerchief was a patch like shield with a bright star burst in it. I rolled my eyes lightly at this behind Cadence mainly so Shining wouldn't see me.

“Hey Twily. You girls ready to go?” He asked.

“Yup. Just waiting on you.” Twilight said with a big grin on her face. Shining didn't have one on his. He was more confused as he looked around like he was looking from somepony.

“Well we can go as soon as Storm gets here. Where is he by the way?” Shining asked. Great nopony told him about what they did to me, Geez thanks girls.

“Oh she's here.” Twilight said putting a little more emphasis on she then needed. Shining looked even more confused. What didn't help was Cadence moving away, leaving me in plain sight. I couldn't help but blush in embarrassment as his eyes darted right at me.

“Oh. Who is this mare? Wait is this going to be a triple date?” He asked and the level of cluelessness coming off his was just astounding.

“No Shining. She's my date.” Twilight said as Cadence tried to stifle her laugh.

“Wait, are you telling me that this mare is Storm?!” he said, well more exclaimed as he looked at me with a new level of disbelief. I slowly raised up my right hoof and waved with my prosthetic fingers at him.

“Uh, hi Shining.” I nervously said and counted to three in my head. It took only two before he tried to stifle a laugh of his own. I lowered my head in shame as the blush magnified several times over as he continued to laugh. Twilight watching all this, smacks her brother with a telekinetic slap to the back of his head.

“Hey Twily! What was that for?” Shining asked like it wasn't obvious why. I sighed and just remained silent. At this point I needed to remain calm. Embarrassed I can deal with but if I were to lose my temper right now. One it would mess up the date, two I would have Rarity to deal with messing up my mane for said date, and three I probably would have my flank chucked in jail. I took some deep breaths to keep calm as Twilight got in her brother's face.

“Can't you see how embarrassed you're making him feel?” She asked glaring at Shining. Who in turns looks at me and frowns lightly.

“Damn man, I didn't realize how embarrassed you were. Sorry.” He apologized.

“Shining it's fine. I shouldn't be surprised really that ponies find me being a mare funny. But I guess we're getting off topic. Where are we heading to tonight?” I asked more to derail the depressive note I hit when I said funny. Twilight eyed me for a moment in silence before pulling out a little sheet of paper from nowhere.

“The reservation is to la pomme d'or“ Twilight said. Wait, why did that sound familiar?

“Wait doesn't that translate into The Golden Apple?“ I asked. Twilight turned right at me with a look of pure disbelief.

“I didn't know you knew Prench?” She asked.

“A few words here and there. Nothing really substantial” I explained. Which was true, I could pick up a few words in another language. Sometimes a line or two but nothing really that could hold water if I ever traveled there. Wait... they had a version of french here? Why did it take me that long to realize that? Oh poison joke why do I hate thee so much? “So if I may ask. Why there?” I just had to ask really. Curiosity was another thing that like to bite me, just like my bad luck.

“Rarity recommended it to me as an ideal dating spot when we talked.” Twilight answered.

“And Shining and I have been there before. So we can vouch for it.” Cadence chimed in. I looked at her and Shining as they leaned into each other like they were remembering an almost perfect moment. I say almost because I had learned that nothing is perfect, not by a long shot. But finally we were off to the restaurant. La pomme d'or honestly didn't look too bad, for a fancy eatery. The front had a very artistic golden apple on the sign with the places name done in a very cursive looking font. The inside reminded me much of France on earth. The backdrop on the walls looked like a star filled sky against a well to be honest France landscape. The tables where all wooded with a velvet red table cloth over them. The middle of each one housed a little red candle holder with a flickering red flame in them. Not as red as my fire but close enough. There were also mediums between some of the tables to give a level of privacy to some of the patrons of the restaurant. We were directed to our seats which was a table with a curtain close to it to be more private compared to the other tables. There was only one medium blocking our view from the rest of the restaurant. My gaze went around the place for a few more minutes until the clearing of a throat caused me to turn back to the table.

“Hello, I will be your waiter for this evening. My name sir and madams is Silver.” Said the light gray coated unicorn stallion with a short parted down the middle black mane. He wore a black vest with a white undershirt. He floated each of us a menu and as I expected the names of the items were all in french or prench as Twilight had stated earlier. I was about to order one of the few things I could read on the menu but Twilight decided for me, much to my irritation that I would have the Tournesol et salade de tomates avec vinaigrette. Which all but one word I could translate into 'and tomato salad with dressing' That first word honestly I couldn't tell what it was. With that Silver took our orders and went into the back.

“So Storm I've got to ask. Why are you a mare?” Shining asked. Here we go, I knew this question was going to come up.

“Do you mean right now why or why did it happen in the first place?” I asked to clarify.

“Well both really.”

“Well the first time was because of Dash and Applejack. But mainly Dash.” I sat there and explained how she tricked Applejack into launching me into the Everfree. Which lead me landing into a batch of poison joke. I had made sure to glaze over the events that followed much like the whole Twilight and I in the tub part. The soft blush on Twilight's and the radiant blush on mine pretty much told them some things where a need to know bases. Which neither one of them needed to know. I continued to explain that the girls wanted to help Twilight have the perfect night, I had also kept out the part of getting Dash with the poison joke bath water. I wonder if she ever got the herbs to fix that. Never mind, it wasn't important. Twilight having the perfect date was the big important part here. “Pretty much that's why.” I finished.

“Wow. Honestly you have more guts than I do.” He said and even Cadence eyed him for that.

“So you're saying if your mare wanted you to do this. You would chicken out?” I said it to jab him for laughing earlier.

“No it's just. Ah you're right. I probably would.” Shining said a little embarrassed himself.

“Shining it's alright. I'm sure Cadence wouldn't want something like that.” I offered. Cadence on the other hoof had that look about her. Every pony knows that look that one where you can see the devilish gears are turning. I think I just screwed Shining Armor in the more literal sense.

“So Shining hows things been going in the Crystal Empire?” Twilight asked which launched the stallion into a full blown talk about how he's been training the Crystal Ponies to be guards and so forth. He did say that some of them had old training from Sombra but that was more to be brutal. So it took them time to break that old habit and learn the newer ones. I could understand that really, I faced against part of him so I can understand not having any of his teaching around. The two of them talked as I just sat there and listened. Well sort of really, I had started to zone in and out of the conversation.

The siblings started to catch up on other things before the food showed up. I looked over my salad. As much it was what one would expect from a salad. Lettuce, light cheese, tomatoes, little croutons, and cucumbers. The only thing that was different was the little bits of yellow with in it. Something about it seemed familiar but at the time I didn't quite want to put the brain power into to remembering where I had seen it from. So I floated the fork in and pulled out my first bite in silence. I glanced to see Twilight looking at me out of the corner of her eye with a smile on her muzzle. I guess she was having a good time, at least that's good. She went back to looking and talking to her brother. Cadence just smiling looking between them.

I however, got to wondering about everything again. I thought back to Celestia going into my mind. About Sha saying the Faust had nothing to do with this, when in fact she was at the core of it with Grimwand. I still couldn't get over that fact that he planned my death like that. How did he even do that of all things. My brain started to wrap around it more and more. Since the same time game up each time over and over. Then he would be able to figure out the best place for it all. How did he even do all that? Was it just him casting magic on my soul. How does that work anyway? Arg! Why do I have to get all the complicated crap to happen to me? I mean I get it, I'm just a bigger piece of much larger game. But seriously why the fuck is it me of all ponies. What about these Artifacts of Harmony? I mean I have acquired the mask, ring, and torch. But where the hell would I begin to find the others?

“Something wrong?” I heard Cadence ask. I looked up to see her looking worried at me as both Twilight and Shining continued to talk.

“Just thinking really.” I said over the telepathic link.

“I can figure that much. What's got you all upset?”

“Just... honestly I'm worried about all this. Not the date mind you. Just what I found out today.” I explained as I took another bite of the salad. Oddly enough the little bits of yellow in my salad had a nice heat to them. I was going to have to ask what they where if I remembered. “I just feel too small for something that big. What if I screw up? I could doom everypony. How am I supposed to go around with that weight on my shoulders?”

“Sometimes destiny is a funny thing like that.” She explained.

“What do you mean?”

“Well no pony knows when destiny calls of them. I never knew that I was going to become the alicorn of love but here I am now.” She explained.

“Wait... you weren't always an alicorn?”

“No. I started off as a pegasus much like you would have from what I've been told. Well the drony equivalent if I'm right. A dregasus right?”

“Yeah, you can tell from my wings. The scales at the top are the dead give away that my body was one before it became a dralicorn. If I was of the earth drony I would have little claws on my hooves and as for a dracorn my horn would be scaled as well as claw markings on my face two on each side.” I explained.

“I see. Have you tried flying yet?”

“No. Honestly my fear of heights keeps getting in the way. I have tried gliding from the second story. It did feel nice having the wind in my wings.” I replied back a small smile crossed my muzzle. Just remembering that feeling again. The gentle breeze going through my feathers and over my scaled tipped wings. A small blush followed thinking of Twilight holding on to me as we flew.

“Oh is some pony thinking of their special some pony?” Cadence purred a bit over the link.

“Yeah. Just remember when Twilight rode on my back as we glided to the castle. The landing not so much but just that moment between the two of us. It was like when Twilight and I first danced.” I explained.

“Oh I never heard about that. I was told you two danced but Twilight never really explained how it happened.”

“Well... it all really started because of a kiss.”I began

“When was this?” She asked and I could sense the confusion in all this.

“Shortly after I was stabbed by a sword and the girls pulled me out of my coma.” Cadence couldn't hold the surprise back from my comment. This got both Shining and Twilight to notice.

“What's wrong dear?” Shining asked.

“Ah, it's nothing important. Just something Storm told me.” She explained which got both of them to turn to me. Damn it Cadence, you really had to drop the blame on me? Granted it was my fault for opening my big stupid mental mouth but still.

“What did you say?” Twilight asked this time.

“I told her about my coma.”

“Which one?” What? Oh right. I've been out quite a few times during my stay.

“The one where you and the girls had to pull me out of it.” I said gently tapping my hooves together nervously.

“Can somepony please explain what's going on?” Shining said not a little annoyed.

“About two weeks into my arrival to Equestria. I was stabbed with a sword, at the time I didn't know how lucky I was. It nicked my heart and went right through my left lung. The doctors were able to pull out the sword and fix it. Thank Celestia for magic right?” I explained.

“How did you end up getting stabbed?”

“Well, at the time I thought it was an ex-marefriend that I knew from earth. It wasn't until later I found out it was Vermom who was posing as her just to get me to lower my guard. And lower it I did. She took the time to use the very same sword Nightmare Moon used to escape the moon. The shock of seeing the fake Jessica and being stabbed put me into a coma of sorts. My mind was pretty much trapped. Twilight and the girls went into my mind from use of the memory spell and pulled me out. After facing Shadow Storm who at the time didn't escape.” I summed up. There was so much more to the story and I knew I couldn't do it justice. Party because I didn't know about it at the time.

“Wait so Twilight's been going into your mind? How often has this happened?” Shining asked and I could note the tone of anger coming from him.

“Ah Shining it's not what you think.” Twilight tried to defend as I saw her ears flattened back.

“Oh? Then what was it?” He asked.

“My mind works differently than a pony's does. She was doing a simple memory recovering spell. Which to my mind caused her to go into a pseudo-virtual representation of it.” I explained.

“Virtual?” Both Shining and Cadence inquired this time.

“Alright let me explain it this way. Think of it as sort of an illusion spell. Normally you would interact with things like you would in the real world. Say for instance Twilight makes this tablecloth look like a golden one with use of such a spell. Now you can pick up the cloth, feel the cloth, and so forth. It looks and feels like it's golden to you. But in fact it's just a velvet red table cloth. Virtual in context of my mind is like say you're laying down in your bed. Then suddenly to you. You wake up in a deep forest. You can interact with everything around you and it feels so real. But in fact it's all in your head. Much like a dream of sorts. My mind does about the same with this memory spell. It could be from the fact that I was once human or my drony tendencies. So it acts like a dream I can control. But I can't enter it unless some pony goes with me. Twilight has entered my mind I believe four times. The first one when we found out about the spell. Then saving me from a coma, during the whole changeling paralyzing me, and finally when you all entered to help me with Sha.” I explained as I gave him a curious look.

“Oh, well I thought Twily here was mind syncing.” Shining began to explain. I noticed Twilight going red as he said that.

“Um... not to sound stupid but I need to. What's mind syncing?” I asked a small blush on my face. How much you want to be this was common knowledge and I was just an idiot for not knowing.

“Twily, do you want to fuel this one?” Shining asked offering to his sister.

“It's part of the unicorn marriage ritual. Couples do it when they officially get married. One unicorn pushes their magic into another and vise versa. It's suppose to show unity in a way. But it also combines in a way both ponies magic pulls.” Twilight started to explain.

“So... It's sort of like one pony is the fuel and the other the fire?” I tried to understand.

“Depending really on the ponies magic pools. Like take Cadence's and I's magic pools before our marriage our pools were pretty good. Well I can say at least mine. I couldn't tell Cadence's at the time being an alicorn and all. No offense dear.” He said.

“Shining, don't worry. I already know what you're getting at.” She said before turning to me. “An alicorn's magic pool is also different between alicorns. Mine is fairly small compared to Celestia and Luna's. Between us, I would have the bigger one all things considered.”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked. I wasn't angry more curious really.

“Well alicorn wise your pool is that closer to a normal unicorn. Not as big as Twilight's mind you. That's what I can sense on the surface. As a dralicorn I can't say you're not hiding an underlying magic pool.”

“Hold on, are you saying that I could have more magic than what's on the surface?” Okay this was getting confusing.

“Well I can't say for sure. Both Aunt Celestia and Luna could tell you for sure. But like we were saying before our marriage our pools were just a stand alone pool. But once we married and joined our magic pools. Well there was a spark sort of speak. Shining's pool increase which would be more adding fuel to the fire. Mine well hard to say really, it felt different but it also felt the same. It could be since I'm an alicorn the effects are different in perception compared to say two normal unicorns doing it.” She said before taking another bite.

“Then how does the combine pools work? Does that mean if he uses up all his magic he starts to use yours?” I asked before I had finished my salad.

“Well no, what happens is that he had absorbed a bit of my magic like I absorbed a bit of his.”

“What?” It's official I am royally confused.

“What's not to get?” Twilight asked.

“It's just a little confusing for me. I mean I'm really just starting to learn magic. I get the fundamentals of it. But all the special causes and effects are still a little gray for me. It's like starting a new dungeons and dragons character for the first time.” I explained.

“Dungeons and dragons?” Shining asked.

“Right... earth thing. Hmm... how to explain this.” I snapped my hoof. “I got it. Think of it like a board game of sorts. In this game you make your own characters base of a set of rolls and following a set of rules.” I started to explain.

“Wait, does this have classes and races. Like paladins and wizards?” Shining asked.

“Yeah it has.” I nodded to this. So they did have something like that.

“Then we do have something like that. It's called Oubliettes and Ogres.” Shining explained.

“Oh Celestia, not this again.” Cadence said rolling her eyes.

“What?” Both Shining and I asked at the same time.

“You boys.” Cadence said then noticed my deadpanned look. “Don't give me that look. Under that body you're still a stallion.”

“Doesn't change the fact that currently I am a mare.” I shot back.

“Oh I know.” She said with a smirk. Oh why did that smirk not bode well for me? Of course before I could say anything I felt this heat within me. I couldn't really tell what it was. But I could tell this, Cadence's horn was glowing and I felt funny. They had to be connected. I turned and looked at Twilight who looked a little confused. I felt that heat grow a little hotter and without my mind telling my body to do otherwise. I leaned over and gave Twilight a deep and I mean deep passionate kiss. This got her to turn red as a tomato as I figured I was there as soon as I felt that heat. As soon as it was over I felt that heat leave me as I breathed deeply from that. Ever heard the saying she took my breath away. Well I just had a literal case of it and I think Cadence instigated it.

“What... what was that for?” Twilight asked as she tried to catch her breath as well.

“I... I don't know. I couldn't help myself.” I said as I felt embarrassed now. I was so tempted to run out of the restaurant because of it. Course that would prove how much of a coward I could be. I couldn't look at Twilight at the moment and dropped my gaze to the table. I had to ask over the link. “Cadence please tell me you didn't do this.” I more hoped that was me.

“What make you more heated under the collar so you would passionately kiss your marefriend? Why would I do a thing like that?” Cadence amusingly said. I went quiet as my head lowered a bit more. So she just manipulated me on a magical level. At this point I felt dirty and not in the good way either. It felt worse then being used and I should know that feeling when I had been controlled more times then I should have.

“Please don't do that again.” I requested with no real conflation to it in my voice. How much you wanna bet that I couldn't stop her even if I wanted to. I mean here I was an alicorn with the magic pool the size of a normal unicorn. Hell more likely the size less than a normal unicorn. There was a silence that seemed to radiate throughout the room.

“Storm are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“I'm fine.” I said in a tone that was empty of all emotion. I could feel her hoof on my back gently rubbing it through the dress.

“Sorry. I went too fair with that and I apologize.” Cadence said over the link and I could tell she was being truthful with me.

“It's fine.” I replied over the link in the same empty tone. Again there was more silence.

“Rare, are you sure we should be doing this?” Was said by a very familiar southern draw.

“Darling, we have to make sure this night goes perfectly.” Rarity said. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a bit of the top of the fashionista's purple mane, the prismatic mane of miss ego, and the top of stetson of applejack. Wait... scratch that, I could also see the untamed mane of miss perplexing paradox herself as well. So on top of all this I have four mares waiting to spy on the date that they help set up. Sorry but I can't have that. There is helping and then there's being nosy. It didn't matter how crummy I felt at the moment. This was for Twilight and there is no way in the pony equivalent of hell I was going to let her friends be nosy about it. So my horn lit up quietly as I brought up my glass of water to myself. Well that's was it looked like to every pony else. For those not paying attention I decided to take some of the water from the pitcher and float it up to the ceiling. I spread it out enough to hide it against the star backdrop pattern on it. It slowly made it's way over to the four spying on lookers.

“Oh man look at them.” Dash started. “Oh I am so give Storm so much on this.” She ended with a sly chuckle. Go ahead Dash not the worse I've heard. Course I will be returning the favor.

“What's to give him for? He's doing this for Twi. Hell if I had somepony willing to go though that for me. Not saying that's my thing and all. Well it shows how much he cares for her. You know?” Applejack shot back.

“It's kind of romantic if you ask me. Some pony willing to do anything to make me happy and even on the first date too. Oh, it's just- I'm not going to lie. I feel a bit envious of Twilight.” Rarity said. “And to have a prince too.” That one I could tell the jealousy in her voice. Pinkie's mane started to back up as I could hear the little snickers coming from her. Not over a link mind you but just in the normal talking kind of way. It was also when I got the water right above them. Well it wasn't above Pinkie anymore since she moved but hell three out of the four wasn't bad. While still taking my drink. I decided to use the light drawing spell. I knew my focus on holding the spells were a little waning. I wasn't use to holding so many spells off at once. I drew a simple arrow pointing up behind Twilight so only the spying ponies could see.

“What's with the arrow?” Applejack asked.

“I don't know... It's behind Twilight so it can't be for her.” Rarity tacked on.

“Is it some kind of prank?” Dash asked. Oh if only they knew. So I tacked on under the arrow. Look up you three. That was enough to see all three telltale signs of them looking up as I dropped the water on them. Rarity predictably yelled in surprise. Maybe it was for her mane too. I couldn't really be sure. Dash looked annoyed as well as Applejack. Pinkie on the other hoof was just laughing.

“I told you spying was a bad idea.” Applejack stated in an annoyed tone.

“We heard you the first time.” Dash said shaking off the water. Rarity simply made a whining sound. I couldn't really understand the words but I could only guess it was about her mane. This got every pony to look at them. Which included my marefriend, my brother-in-law and my sister. They looked over to them with surprise while I tried to fight back a chuckle. I say tried because I failed at it.

“That's what they get for spying.” I said under my breath. In some part I felt bad for doing it. But honestly they asked for it in my opinion. They left well more Rarity dashed out probably to fix her mane. Which I had a figure I had a bill to look forward to on that. Another two hundred and eighty seven bit bill to look forward to. I mean seriously what the hell does that mare do to her mane and tail that costs that much?

“What are they doing here?” Twilight asked.

“Most likely to spy on the date.” I commented gently rubbing my nose to hide my smile and I was did a horrible job at it.

“Did you cause that to happen?”

“Maybe.” I said in an impish tone.

“Why?” She asked and I could tell she was a little annoyed with me.

“Because I don't like ponies spying on dates. Especially our first date. It seems too rude to me.” I commented.

“That may be true. But it still doesn't feel right dumping water on them.” She retorted. I sighed quietly, once again I had screwed up.

***---***

After dinner the four of us went to the Canterlot Opera House. In all honestly I was rather happy to go to one. Partly because of my own curiosity about what one looked like in person... would that be in pony now? We entered after I had found out we had reserved seats. Luckily they were on the second floor so I didn't have to worry about heights either. I took the time, since everypony was finding their seats, to look around. The balcony that the four of us sat on was decently sized. It gave us enough space but not too much. Twilight and I sat together, with Cadence and Shining on the other side. Being only four seats meant that it was pretty romantic. I saw each of the balconies around the opera house. Most of them looked the same but one. The highest one was about the size of six put together. On the front of the balcony was a picture of the Sun with a crescent moon overlaying it. My guess that was the princesses seats. I couldn't help but wonder if I technically would be sitting there since I was royalty too and a dralicorn. I shrugged it off, I wasn't that important after all to warrant a balcony like that. I looked down towards the stage to see the orchestra seats were just below the front of the stage with the stop for the conductor.

I didn't quite expect to see Miss Octavia Melody setting up her cello down there. It was a little hard to notice but I could roughly make out the black vest with white undershirt she wore. Of course she had her trademark pink bow tie on as well. I was tempted to wave at her but thought against it. She wouldn't recognize me right now being a mare and all. I continued to scan the room as my eyes fell on the stage. Right above it had the pony version of the two masks to show comedy and tragedy. Kind of funny to see, as for the curtains themselves: They were big red ones with a decorative golden border around them. Then I noticed the ceiling of the place. Above everypony was a sea of stars which were giving light to the room. Clever way to do it, both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Suddenly pulls of the strings of the orchestra signaled the start of the production.

“Good evening fillies and gentlecolts. I would like to welcome you to the Canterlot Opera House. We have a lovely show for all of you this evening. Tonight we bring you The Fairy Queen.” He introduced before walking off stage. When the curtains opened up I was blown away at the sets on stage. It almost looked like it was taken from real life. The performance itself was a sight to hold for a while. The Fairy Queen was about two lovers, one a normal earth pony and the other a fey as they were called. The fey were unable to exist in this world so the love the two had could never truly be. I couldn't help but draw some parallels to my relationship with Twilight. The two of us where from two totally different worlds. I was from earth and she was a native from Equestria. I thought about all of it again. I thought about the danger I had put her through. I thought about every stupid moment I did to cause her pain. I thought about me being an undeserving royal and her being the Element of Magic.

My thoughts were cut off for a moment when Twilight leaned against me and placed a hoof on my left one. The blush couldn't help but appear as I slowly draped my wing about the back of her. Normally it would go up her back but I was shorter then she was as a mare. She smiled at me for a moment before give me a gentle kiss on the cheek. She smiled at me before her gaze returned to the production. My mind how ever returned to it's previous train of thoughts. The more I thought about it the more the feelings started to produce a vice around my chest. Was I really the best for her or was I just some leech for a temporary satisfaction. The rest of The Fairy Queen went on and I was too zoned out to notices it's ending. In all honestly, Twilight had to get my attention to really get me to see it was over. The four of us left with the three of them talking about the show. I remained silent. Partly because I didn't really finish watching and mostly because my mind was elsewhere. There were so many unanswered questions, which would remain unanswered as the semi-peaceful night took a turn for the worse.

I felt magic wrapped around my muzzle as I felt some pony grab my tail pulling me into the nearby alley. I was picked up and pinned against the wall but a unicorn stallion. My eyes widened as I saw who it was. It was somepony I never thought I would see again. Before me was the purple coated with darker purple mane unicorn stallion that I hadn't seen since the bar fight. Shit... what was his name again? Purple something... damn it why was I always horrible with names.

“Why hello there you cute little mare.” He slurred as the reek of alcohol that dominated his breath. Great, I had to get dragged into the alley by one pony I never really wanted to see. “So how about a cutie like yourself and I go get a private room?” He continue to say in his slurred speech that would feel more at home if it was more his tongue in a blender. I shook my head at this as I shot him a glare. He raised an eyebrow before back handing me. I tried to push him off but unfortunately for me. His magic had me pinned to the wall. He slowly moved his hoof over to my left wing that he stretched out. SNAP! The sudden pain shot through it as my wing bent from the top part now going the other way. I could still feel all of it even his hoof on the tip of it. I began to fight back the tears as I reached out with my magic to grab the back of his head. Without a thought I brought his head crashing forward into mine causing a magical head butt. In his drunken stupor dropped his magic which caused me to drop to the ground. I slowly tested my wing as the pain shot through me.

“What the hell is your problem?” I said getting to my hooves.

“You...” He said as he got back to his hooves. He snorted as he began to paw at the ground. Before I could react beyond that he charged at me. With the force of his much larger body slammed myself into the wall. From the force of the impact I landed in a crumple on the ground as he raised his hoof up and began to slam them down on me. With a fast thought I changed my teeth as I aimed his hoof for my muzzle. A flash of the moon's light that glinted off my sharp fangs before they bit right into his right hoof. “AHH! You bitch!” He said as she tried to pull his hoof back. I wasn't going to let that happen. I sunk my fangs in deeper which caused him to pick me up by them. As soon as I was face level with him I cast the strength enchantment and with second I released his hoof. Followed by my hoof collided with his face which sent him into the wall. The sound him breaking through the wall finally brought forth my marefriend, my sister and my brother-in-law as I got up slowly to my hooves.

“What the horse apples happened here?” Shining said going right into his guard stance.

“This... pony... assaulted me... because I... didn't go with... him.” I got out in deep breaths. Without a thought Twilight dragged me over before I could warn her she pressed my broken wing against her. “AHH!” I screamed in pain. She pulled back and finally saw it as I fell to my side that didn't have a broken wing. Oh Celestia why did I have to feel pain? I could see both Shining and Cadence's eye's widened at the sight of my wing. What was slightly terrifying was to see the stallion climb out of the wall. How the hell did he even get back up? I hit him with the force of Applejack's buck? Wait... how did I even get back up after that? Damn brain focus!

“Where is that mare? I'm about to rain some pain on that... oh hell.” He short lived threat lasted before he turned to see the four ponies, which included me glaring at him. Me in a mixture of trying to stay standing and beginning to wobble. I didn't even know when I stood up. Wait... rain? Purple Rain! That's his name. Geez, Storm you really are an idiot at times aren't you? Cadence came over to my right and draped her wing over me to help me stay up. I winced as her wing brushed mine but it was a bit dulled. She pulled me back as I saw both my marefriend and her brother's horn began to glow with a light that felt hostile. Part of me was happy, but there was a bit of me that wanted to run in fear. I watched Purple Rain get lifted up and pinned to the wall with a very painful sounding thud.

“You're under arrest for assaulting not only a mare but royalty.” Shining said dropping right into an authoritative tone. I watched as just that simple line sobered up the drunken stallion as he realized how screwed he was. He started to thrash against the hold they held on them.

“I didn't do it I swear. That mare is lying.” He said which sent a spark of anger.

“Oh shut up Purple Rain!” I yelled before my wing sent another hot streak of pain through me. This got both Twilight and Shining to stop then turn to look at me.

“Storm.” Twilight said in a very calm unnerving way. “How do you know his name?” She asked as I could see the daggers in her eye's being aimed towards me.

“I would like to know this as well.” Shining tacked on.

“The bar fight before Hearth's Warming.” I said flatly giving him flat look. I gave it a three count before he remembered and with a swift almost too fast to catch motion. “You!” He said in anger. The look on Purple Rain's face would have been funny if I wasn't in pain at the moment.

“What? How did you?” He asked as I hobbled over to him as I stayed a few feet away just in case he tried something as I glared up at him.

“You may not realize who I am but let me ask you something you had asked me that faithful night.” I said as I watched him with that look of confusion and fear. “What happens to a pony when it's struck with lightning?” I said copying his voice to a tee. It only took me saying that as it dawned on him and realized even more how totally screwed he put himself in. I went over to Twilight and stood to her left. She eyed me as I leaned against her. “Can we go home now?” I asked as I started to lose a lot of feeling.

“Shining can you handle this?” She asked.

“For this stallion I believe I will be fine.” Shining said not taking an eye off Rain.

“Alright. Cadence mind helping me get Storm back to the castle? I want to have the doctors take a look at his wing before it becomes a problem.” She said.

“Of course Twilight. Do you want me to float him there?” Cadence asked.

“If you would be so kindly. As long as it's alright with you.” She inquired turning to me. Now of all time she finally remembers to ask me for permission?

“That would be nice. Because I don't think I could make it on-” was all I got out before I fell into black from the pain and the adrenaline running out.

When I came to I found myself back home. Not the one in Canterlot or on earth but...

“Ponyville.” I said in a hoarse whisper. Which was followed by a stream of coughing. I slid carefully out of bed to see myself bandaged up. My left wing was put into what I could only guess a cast as well as I had a few bandages around my head and torso. Luckily Twilight had a mirror by her bed so I could look at the damages. I slowly made my way down the loft into the main library. Being about midday when I woke up. I figured she would be at least some where downstairs. No telling how long I was out. My guess was at least a few days. Did Purple Rain really do that much damage to me? I came down to see every book on the floor. Much to my surprise, I would never thought Twilight would just dump every book on the floor like this.

Speaking of the lavender unicorn. She was sitting there in the middle of the floor. The only clear part of it with a very long looking scroll with a quill floating in her magic. Reaching out with my magic I slowly moved the books out of my way. I took great care not to damage the books any further then they were as I made my hobbling way to the mare. Walking was not as easy as it was before. Geez what did that stallion do to me? I made it to her and slowly tapped her on the shoulder or whatever the pony equivalent of a shoulder was.

“One minute Spike.” She said and I blinked for a moment.

“Um... Twilight I'm over here.” Said little purple dragon. This caused Twilight to look up over by the kitchen where Spike was sorting through books. This caused her to turn her head towards me as I gave her a small timid smile. One slow blink later it clicked as her eyes widened and proceeded to pounce on me. Which did a lot more than the desired effect mind you. The pain in my chest already magnified as she quickly got off me.

“Oh my- Storm I'm so sorry. I forgot about your ribs.” She said helping me up. Wait... ribs?

“Ribs?” I asked.

“Right you wouldn't know after blacking out a week ago.” Just her uttering those words got me to do a double take.

“Wait a week!” I shouted in surprise which caused my throat some discomfort.

“Yeah. See when that pony.” She said with particular venom in her voice. “assaulted you he broke a few of your ribs which punctured some of your internal organs. So you were put into a magical coma during the operation. One to help you ease through it and so you wouldn't feel them reset you wing back into place.” She explained.

“But why a week? Wouldn't a few days work just as fine?” I said sitting down as standing was starting to hurt.

“Well normally yes but your bones were weaker because of the poison joke.” She explained as the look of shame drew across her features.

“Twi, it's alright. Neither one of us knew the full effect the stuff had on me. We only had a few symptoms to work with.” I explained gently as I placed my left hoof against her cheek. She looked down at me before she nodded. With that I started to make inquires about what had happened after blacking out.

“Purple Rain was sentenced to three months in the dungeons for his transgressions against royalty. Cadence and Shining returned to the Crystal Empire but asked me to send word once you were up again. Princess Celestia and Luna had requested the same.” She said as she floated over three sheets of parchment before her quill started to scribble on it some message. I watched quietly before I let out a sigh which caused Twilight to look at me curiously as I began to slightly stroke my prosthetic.

“Sorry about messing up our first date.” I apologized.

“Storm, you didn't do anything wrong.” She said as she slowly leaned in closer. “What happened wasn't your fault and you shouldn't blame yourself. If anything it was sweet how you put aside your apprehension for being a mare just for me.” She said before she leaned down to kiss me. I couldn't help but blush a bit.

“Twilight you know I would do anything for you.” I answered back then realized I was still a mare.

“I know. But I also know that you would prefer to be home instead in the hospital. Which is why I had you put under my special care.” She said with a knowing smirk as I couldn't help my mind going down south as the blush on my face radiated. “Oh, is some pony thinking dirty?” She cooed and I couldn't help but squeak. “Relax I'm only teasing. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you.” She said before giving me another kiss. I couldn't help but return it as I blushed.

“So... um... what else did I miss?” I asked more to take my mind of the direction he decided on it's own to travel.

“Not much really. You've been asleep for a week so I've been mainly taking care of you. That and a few visits from the girls. Applejack's been helping me make sure you've been fed. Rarity helped mainly keeping your clean.” Damn it as soon as she said that the blush just exploded more cross my face. Seriously Rarity of all mares? “Ah! No, don't worry we didn't do anything to you. We just made sure you were clean was all.” She covered up a little too quickly in my opinion. I could help having my hind legs snap together as I sat down right onto my tail. Twilight quickly hugged me and made sure not to apply pressure on the bandage. “Sorry. I should learn to keep my muzzle shut at times.”

“No, it's not that. I just um... have a hard time keeping my mind from wondering right now.” I excused.

“Sorry.” She said and a shook my head. “It's fine Twilight. I figured somepony would have to do it if I was out so long... um... not to make this even more awkward as it is already but um... who took care of me like that during my stay in the hospitals when I was out?” I don't know why that question popped into my head like that but as soon as it did. It had to be voiced.

“The orderlies did. It's their job after all.” She explained. A mixture of horrible and sort of pleasant ideas decided to wonder before I had to shake my head to get the ideas out. Before they could make things even worse.

“Ah. um... I see. So um... what's with this bandage then?” I asked pointing to the one on my head.

“You cracked your head on the pavement when you passed out. It's mainly there for an ice pack.” She explained as her magic undid it and a small blue ice pack dropped to the ground with a wet slap sound. She then floated it up and into the kitchen.

“Alright. Two more questions. How long do I have to keep the cast on my wing and the bandages around my ribs on? Also why does the library look like Rainbow set a tornado off in here?” Sometimes I hated my curiosity at times.

“The will come off tomorrow as for the bandages. Well that would be up to the doctors. The library is only like this because of re-shelving day.” She explained.

“Re-shelving day?”

“Yeah. Every month we go about removing all the books and re-shelve them so they're all in their proper spot. Some months we do it when we have a heavy influx of in going and out going books. So today is that day.” She explained as a very long rolled up scroll started to float over to her. “Would you like to help?” She asked.

“Sure I suppose. But do you mind if I just sit here and float the books? I rather not move around too much if you don't mind.” I said with a small smile.

“Of course. I don't want to over exert yourself after just waking up.” She said as I floated over a blank sheet of parchment. She eyed me for a moment. I couldn't help but smile as I answered. “A want to read later list for those long nights we can't sleep together.” I explained. She nodded at this.

“Understandable, though I wish you could sleep like a normal pony.” She explained. Wham! Right there was when that icy dagger decided to plunge itself into my chest, metaphorically of course. But it was all that needed to be said for me to remember I wasn't a normal pony. That I couldn't be a normal pony. I quickly slapped a plain expression on my face. Twilight's eyebrow raised but she didn't say anything. Part of me hoped she didn't catch my expression before that. The rest of the day went by pretty fast, we sorted through the books breaking them down into the categories that Twilight normally had them in. Which to find out each shelf was a category for the books. Like the basic fiction and nonfiction were the ones closer to stairs. Then science and magical science were just two bookshelves further from the stairs. I had asked her about natural science which I found out was under magical science. Since everything in Equestria had some sense of magic to them. It was an explanation that I could accept. My list had migrated to a second sheet. Every time I looked up from scribbling a new book on my list I could see Twilight's tail out of the corner of my eye shift. Then I had always glanced at Twilight's face and I could see the signs of annoyance.

“Is something wrong Twilight?” I asked as the books remaining were down to three stacks between fifteen or sixteen box with only one shelf left to do.

“It's nothing.” She said and I could tell that lie from a mile away. One thing about Twilight that not a lot of ponies know. When she lies her nostrils flare and there is a small twitch of her right eye. Rarity also has a similar tell but not as pronounced. I sighed quietly as we continued. I figured if she wanted to lie about something trifle as this then there must have been a reason for it. After a little while longer we got the last book in. Of course this was the public part of the library, this didn't count the private shelves upstairs still needed to be done. Well as far as I figured. Twilight checked the last box on the current checklist. She then smiled with a nod before it disappeared and with another swish of magic a second list appeared just as large as the last one. This one with the label “The second check checklist of checking” written on the top of it. I started to scan the list and noticed it was the same as the first one.

Twilight started to move from shelf to shelf as she began to check the shelves to make sure the books were there. As she did that I remained where I was looking over my almost complete two pages of my “to read” list. I knew it needed to be more orderly than the scribbled mess that it was. I mean some of it was sideways just to fit as much as I could on the page. I slowly picked up my lists in my magic as I tried to make my way back upstairs. I say tried because as soon as I made my first step a sharp pain in my chest caused me to lose my footing. With a thump I fell to my side as I continued to breath hard. Twilight whirled around to see me on the ground and with her magic she left me up.

“Storm are you alright?” She asked I took a few moments to wait for the pain to subside before I spoke.

“Not completely. Just a pain that caught me by surprise.” I explained. Twilight's horn began to glow more as I could feel the magic all around me tingle a bit. The pain in my chest started to die away a bit more as the tingling continued. This must of lasted maybe a few minutes before Twilight put me down. She was breathing hard as she came over to me. “One of your stitches inside popped. I got the bleeding to stop.” Was all she got out before her rump plopped onto the ground.

“Are you alright?” I had to ask as I slowly and carefully made my way next to her. I slipped my wing around her. She nodded to my inquiry before looking at me.

“That spell just took a little bit more than I expected.” She said before finally getting back up with a shake. She then began to lift me up into the air. She then floated my up back to her room with her behind me. She laid me down on the bed as she sat next to me.

“Storm...” She paused for a moment. “Please stay in bed. I don't want you to get hurt anymore.” She stated, all I could do was look at her for a moment as my ears drooped from her words. I nodded silently as I rested my head on my hooves. She watched me for a moment and I could just feel sadness radiate off her as we just remained there. Then I turned slowly to rest my head on the pillow as my gaze looked into the orange sky of the majestic sunset. Normally it would make me feel warm inside seeing such a beautiful sight. But it didn't do anything for me. It almost felt like a tacked on sadness of the day as to say that this was the end in a way. I listened as Twilight left to go down the small set of stairs into her loft. Which was followed by the conveyancing of books being laid out on the ground. She began to sort her bookshelves up here too. I turned to watch the lavender unicorn work. Every so often as she would glance up at me as I was staring down at her. She would only keep her eye on me for a moment before returning to her list.

Most of the time I just watched her work. until my eyes wandered a bit to the large black duffel bag I brought from earth. I brought it over to me so I could look through everything I brought from home... well my old home. I pulled out the photos first, the ones of my family and friends. I couldn't help but just feel even worse that I had to leave like I did. I quickly set them aside as I pulled out an old shirt of mine. It was just as bright orange as my coat was. I couldn't help but find it a little amusing. The shirt color I wore the most was now something I couldn't really get rid of anymore. Destiny has it's way of playing jokes on your like you where the jester of the world. I quickly slid the shirt on. I had to make sure it didn't hurt. It seems that the shirt still remained it's normal size compared to my pony form. This thing was like a tent to me, Easily three times as big as I was now, so if I was a stallion maybe only two times as big. I slipped into it with my head with a little annoyance popped through it. My forelegs took a little more fighting to get into the sleeves of the blasted thing.

But once I had my old shirt on. I... well for lack of a better way to say it felt like a little kid playing dress up in my parents clothes. It's was kind of funny to me. I continued to shift through the duffel bag as I came across something I didn't think I grabbed. Technically two things really but one of them was broke. I guess I wasn't thinking when I started shoving stuff into the bag to begin with. I pulled out both large thick cylinder objects. Each one with an assortment of buttons around the little digital display. I pulled on the little switch latch as they popped open to reveal one of them empty and the other filled with a flat disc. The smile across my muzzle widened as I saw “A.O.T.F.” written on the little white label on the disc. I dug through the bag again and noticed I brought one of my C.D. books with me. I set them on the bed as I continued to look for something specific now as I could continue to hear the sounds of books being slid into shelves and parchment being scribbled on. Within a few moments of digging I found what I was searched for. With a small tug of my telekinetic magic. The long gray cording with two little ear buds came flying out of the bag. Just a little faster than I expected as they nailed me right in the face.

Something I didn't realize about earbud headphones when as a pony. They don't fit as they use to as a human. The buds were smaller than I expected. So it took a little fighting to get them to stay. With them in I laid back in the bed and shifted so I was comfortable to listen in. The click of the power button and the whirl of the disc spinning told me that I was about to enjoy something I haven't heard in a very long time. The small beat of the bass played slowly into my ear as the second bass came in a few seconds later. The sound of lightly played drums added in finally about thirty five seconds into the song the guitar played a little before cutting out just to join back in a few seconds later. Just getting to listen to the very first full instrumental I ever made was almost a slice of heaven to the day. I couldn't help but smile as I floated over my Cubby bear and cuddled with it a little as the instruments cut off for the piano’s entrance before their return. I slid the book of music and broken player back into the bag as I left it open, just in case I wanted to get some more to listen to. I turned to look out the window as the song played. The sounds of ponies... er people going “ah” slowly came in like they were played from a church organ. As the song reached its ending the instruments slowly cut off before the chiming of bells told me of the song's outro. I was slowly poked on my back which gave some mild discomfort. I rolled over to see Twilight looking curious at me. I slid one of the buds out that I fought to get in as the second track began to play.

“Something wrong Twilight?” I asked.

“What is that?” She asked as she pointed to the player next to me on the bed.

“Oh it's a C.D. Player.” I explained.

“C.D. Player?” She asked.

“Yeah it like...” I tried to find a comparison. That's when my eyes found the phonograph in the room. “It's like your record player there.” I explained. She turned to eye it before turning back to me.

“So this is a mini phonograph then?” She said lifting up the player.

“Ah yes. Sort of.” I said taking it out of her magic and pulled back out the broken one. “Please mess with this one.” I requested. “I'm rather enjoying the one I'm listening to.”

“Oh let me listen!” She exclaimed before hopping into the bed next to me. I smiled and slid up so I was sitting next to her. I gently got the other ear piece that I pulled out and placed it in her ear as I backed up to the beginning of the second song. The beginning piano started off the song as windy chorus added to it with the small booms and bangs came in. Finally the tribal sounding drums came in with the light scales of piano tipped it off. She smiled and listened to the music. The sway of her tail in time to the music made me feel at least she was enjoying it. The song ended ting of what I could remember was a triangle. She smiled and pulled out the bud. “That was... wow. What was that?” She asked. I smiled and skipped ahead to another song as I motion for her to put the bud back in. She eyed me for a moment before doing it. I played a song I haven't heard since my little performance back in the music room. Her eye's widened as the song started when the bells started to play in it. I couldn't help but smile. That and I leaned in against her. She blushed with a smile. We let the rather long song play. The song gave the perfect tone of winter as the final chimes faded off into the distance. I stopped the music again as she once again removed the bud. “Was that what I-” She got out before I nodded.

“Yes Twilight that was Sanctuary of Snow.” I answered already getting the idea of what she was about to ask.

“But... how?” She asked.

“Well this whole C.D. has my complete album on it.” I started.

“Wait you made the one before?” I nodded to her question. “Yes, I made all the music on this disc.”

“Disc I thought you called it a C.D?”

“It's both. C.D. means compact disc. I just refer it as both depending on my mood. Most times it's disc.” I elaborated as I pulled out the book of discs. I unzipped it and showed her the others I brought with me. There was rather a lot I grabbed. That's what I get when it comes to grab and go with me. I picked up one of the rather detestable disc that I don't listen to. Well, use to not listen to. I may listen to it again since I was here now. Besides the music of nature I didn't have much entertaining stuff to listen to. I brought it over to Twilight who started to look at it in her magic.

“Oh wow, there's little markings within the disc that I can't quite make out.” She began as her magic around said disc got bright.

“That's because they're not made to be read like that Twilight. It's made for lasers to read.”

“Lasers to read?”

“Yes. Think of it like...” I started to trail off trying to think of how to explain it. Then snapped my hoof. “It's like how we read Twilight. We use our eyes to see the words on the page. Well the laser in the disc player does about the same thing. The only difference is that the laser reads it in a language that ponies can't read normally. Then takes that information it and relays it in an audio format for ponies to listen to. As in like you heard from the earbuds.” I gave a more simplistic explanation of how disc players work. She nodded.

“Would you have a problem if I examine your disc player?” She asked.

“I prefer you to examine the broken one.” I said and slid her the broken one closer. “The laser's slider broke so that's the only non-functioning part of the device. So if you're wondering if there's anything faulty. It's that, but everything else works. She nodded and sit the broken player on the nightstand next to her.

“I will later when I have free time. Right now I wanted to spend some time with you since you're up.” She explained as she gently rested a hoof around my shoulder. I looked up at her with a smile. “But I have to ask. Why are you wearing that... whatever that is?” She questioned. I looked down and back up at her.

“My old shirt?”

“Shirt? That looks like more a tent on you.” She teased.

“Well sorry Miss Sparkle. I use to be a lot bigger than I am remember?” I shot back as I slipped the other bud out of my ear and set my bear down in front of me. Then with some magic was able to slide the shirt off me to show Twilight. Who only whistled at the mass that was my orange shirt.

“I retract my previous statement that's more like a blanket then a tent.” She amusingly said.

“I bet it's smaller on me as a stallion.” I paused for a moment as a thought decided to rear it's head to me. “Speaking of that. Not to sound like it's a bad thing but why am I still a mare?”

“Oh well... The doctors had to rush to get you fixed up and didn't dare to use the heavy magic that a healing spell like that would require with you under the effects of poison joke. No telling the full effects of it. So they thought it wise to leave you as a mare and told me not to try reverting you back until the doctor said it was alright to do so. From what I heard you still have about a week or so of that. Is that alright?” She questioned towards the end.

“It's fine Twilight. I did say you would have your time with me as a mare so well here's the chance.” I explained as I slid back into the shirt. I felt a little goofy having it on but hell after all that I had dealt with I was entitled to it by now.

“I know... honestly I don't know what I was thinking.” She said her happy mood shifted into a depressive one instead. “My silly little request got you to be a target of that stallion. It's my fault you got hurt.” She blamed herself out loud.

“Twilight Sparkle!” I exclaimed loudly. This got the mare to jump and look at me. I was giving her a very stern look, the best I could muster. Which probably didn't have to full desired effect since I was in a very large draped shirt with a teddy bear next to me. I could imagine that I was more like a little filly trying to be a grown up. “Don't you dare blame yourself for what happened. Neither one of us could predict that Purple Rain was going to try and have his...” I shuddered at the thought and didn't voice it. Twilight nodded getting the jist of it.

“Still... I feel bad for what happened. So please tell me what I can do to make it up to you.” She requested before turning to a stern look herself. “and don't ask me to be myself or try to get out of it. I seriously want to do something you want me to do to make up for it. So please tell me, I'll do anything.” She said and I caught a keyword in there. I couldn't help it but I gave a devilish grin to her comment. Well if I had to pick something that I was going to go for broke with this.

“Anything?” I purred and she turned bright red with surprised eyes. She must of realized what she said.

“Ah...” She got out before gulping. “I did say that didn't I.” She said now with a small shake to her voice. “What do I have to do?” She asked. I couldn't help it, I smiled and got up carefully in front of her. I stared right into her bright amethyst eyes for a moment before giving her a kiss.

“Don't worry. I'm not going to ask for that.” I said with my eyebrows puncturing the word that as I purred lightly. Honestly the purred speech was a little weird coming from me. But none the less I wanted to do it anyway. I floated up the other large shirt I had in the duffel bag. This one being a nice dark blue. She noticed it with a raised eyebrow. With three of my prosthetic fingers I explained. “One I want to indulge in a little outfit wearing on you tonight while we sleep, which will require you to put that sleep spell on me. Two.” I began with a kiss. “I want you to forgive yourself and not to blame yourself for what happened. “Finally three, I want to cuddle with you in a very cute way.” I explained. She eyed me for a bit at my requests before that shifted to a smirk.

“Are you sure you don't want something more intimate?” She asked with the blush on her cheeks.

“Twilight, I rather have my first time as a stallion.” Was out of my mouth before I realized it and then shot both of my hooves to cover it. Oh dear Celestia I was an idiot. Twilight smirk deepened at this.

“Dually noted.” She explained. “What is this outfit you want me to wear tonight?” She asked.

“I just want you to wear this shirt here.” I said brought over the large blue one. On the front of it had the chemical model of caffeine on it. Hey who said I couldn't own nerdy shirts? Twilight eyed it for a moment.

“That's it?” She asked.

“Well... I was hoping you would put the socks on too.” I said blushing.

“I guess somepony really likes me in socks.” She cooed. I couldn't help but blush.

“I can't help it. It's something I just can't explain. Just seeing you in the damn things just... I don't know how to explain it.” I said with a little frustration and huff.

“Relax Storm, I get it, don't worry as for the socks thing. I'm fine with it. I mean hell I'm fine if you just wanted me to go around the library in the pair of panties Rarity made.” She explained which caused me to turn read.

“You don't have to go that far.” I said trying to keep my heart from bursting out of my chest and the almost nuclear blush on my face. Twilight smiled and kissed me right on the lips.

“Maybe I should make you do that since you're going to be a mare for the time being. Maybe show off your flanks there a bit.” She teased as I swear you could light the room with my blush alone.

“Twilight, please... that's just... it couldn't... I wouldn't... it would...” was all I could get out in the stumbling mess of a sentience.

“Not even for me?” She said giving me the cute puppy dog eyes that she knew got me right way. I looked away with a small huff and crossed forelegs.

“Alright, only for you Twi. But only with you around. Nopony else, especially not Rainbow Dash. I don't think I would ever live that down if she found out. Hell she won't even let that whole flying thing go.” I said still blushing red hot. At this point I think Celestia's sun was the only thing beating me out right in brightness right now.

“I understand.” She said before pulling me down to lay next to her. She smiled as she slipped on the shirt. I couldn't help but laugh a bit when her horn got caught in the neck line. With a little help she finally slipped into it. “Geez this thing is big. I doubt even Big Mac could fill this thing.” She observed.

“Well... I was a rather large guy.” I excused as I watched her float over the long purple and black striped socks to her. She smiled as each one slowly slid them on. With them on she laid back down in the bed as I slid over as carefully as I did and rested my head on her chest. One thing about being small was I could get away with this. Okay granted I may not normally but screw it right now. I've have too much shit to happen to care anymore. I'm just rolling with something I wanted for once. Twilight smiled as she held me close as the blanket gently covered us. It may have been a little early but I think we both needed some us time after all.

“Well... you're also a pretty big guy when you're not under poison joke.” She said with a smile. I lightly laughed.

“Yeah, honestly it's not all bad being a mare. Events aside and no offense.” I excused.

“Well until the estrus cycles start.” Twilight added on.

“Oh... right. Um... when are those again?” I asked. That was one thing I did forget to ask.

“Close to the beginning of spring, about a week after winter wrap-up, and a second towards the end of summer.”

“Winter wrap- up?”

“Oh right. Another thing you don't know about.” She said with a smile. “Winter wrap-up is when we clear away the snow and ice. Bring back the summer birds, and wake up the hibernating animals for spring.” I looked at her confused as all hell.

“You do all that?” I asked.

“Yup all without magic.” She said and I shot up.

“Seriously? How does that even work?” I asked looking right at her.

“Well Ponyville was founded by earth ponies who don't have magic like unicorns do or in your case dralicorn's do. So they have to do everything the hard way and in respect of those days. No pony is allowed to use magic, it's a tradition around here. Trust me you don't want to try and find out what happens when you do try to use it.” She said with a shiver.

“So wait... during winter wrap-up. How do you help?” I asked.

“I organize everypony.” I face hoofed at that. I should have guessed my marefriend would do that. She is one for plans after all.

“Rarity?”

“Helps makes the nests for the birds.” Okay didn't see that one.

“I'm going to guess Fluttershy helps wake the animals and Dash helps clear the clouds?” Taking a shot in the dark.

“Pretty much. Pinkie ice skates to break up the ice so it melts faster and Applejack helps plow the fields for the new plants.” She explained. I laid back down and thought about it.

“What would I do?” I asked more to the air really.

“Well... that's a good question. So far that I've seen you've done almost everything by magic. Wait... how do you do that fire breath of yours?” She asked.

“Breath out when ever I want it. Sort of like poking a hornets nest really to get it out. So would that go under magic or something natural for me?” I asked.

“I would personally lean it towards natural since your part dragon but I can see where it could be confusing.”

“Maybe we should ask the Mayor Mare about it? She may figure out where it lies. Because if it's natural, then maybe I can help Pinkie by melting the ice after she skates it.” I offered.

“It would be reasonable enough to work.” She said smiling. I smiled up at her as we just cuddled there. It was nice to really just lay there and talk. No going out on some wild adventure to help save some pony. No messed up peace treaty to screw up getting somepony hurt. Sure as hell no necromantic pony wanting my head at the moment. Just me and Twilight in bed... alone... with no pony to. Wham! The door downstairs sounded as some pony just rushed in. There was no pony calling but with the sound of flapping wings a cyan bolt of prismatic colors shot in the room. Thinking fast I ducked under the blankets to hide.

“Dash! Why are you bursting in like that?” Twilight exclaimed.

“I heard he was up and I wanted to see if he was alright.” Dash said. “Wait... why are you in that thing?” She asked a moment later.

“It's called a shirt and Storm wanted me to try it on. It's rather nice honestly.” My marefriend explained. “Speaking of which. How did you find out? No pony's been here since he woke up.” Oh universe why do I have the feeling the answer to that question was.

“Pinkie Pie!” Dash said in unison of my thoughts. I really hate you sometimes universe, you jerk!

“But...” Twilight started then sighed. “Should have figured.”

“Yup. So where is he... or is he still a she?” Dash asked a moment before I could hear the flapping of her wings got closer.

“Yes Storm is still a mare for another week until her insides are completely healed.” Twilight answered as big red comforter was moved down to see little old me hiding under it in a bright orange shirt. Damn it all Twilight. Did you really think I wanted to be found like this. My first instinctive thought was to stick my Cubby bear in the shirt with me to hide it as I gave that oh so please tell me you didn't see that smile with an accompanied squeak. Two seconds was all it took before Dash crashed on to the floor rolling around laughing at the sight of me. I simply grabbed the comforter and covered myself with my shame.

“Not funny Dash.” I said under the blanket.

“Oh it's not funny.” There was another two second pause as she tried to and ultimately failed to stifle a laugh. “It's out right hilarious.” She said with copious amounts of laughter. I had a feeling I had a few hours of dealing with this so I laid down under the blanket to hide. What I didn't expect was to be snout to snout with the paradox perplexing pink party pony. Which caused me to scream with surprise and fall off the bed.

“Ow...” I groaned as both me and the blanket was on the floor wrapped around me like a cocoon with my head the only thing sticking out.

“Pinkie! Why did you do that?” Twilight berated the pink mare as the room was spinning a bit.

“Because I thought it would be funny to get him all surprised and it was.” She said like it made sense. Which for the lack of a better didn't.

“Pinkie he's still injured both his wing and ribs are still healing.” Twilight said floating me up off the floor.

“Whoopie, I forgot.” She smiled awkwardly as she scratched the back of her head much like I do. “Here let me make it up to you and throw you a big party.” She offered.

“Pinkie.” Was the only thing out of my mouth before I fell back off the bed from the room spinning. What I could guess was several hours. I came to in a dark room with Twilight next to me still in the shirt. I could hear the rhythmic sounds of her snoozing. I looked around to see a bookcase in front of the stairs leading downstairs. The balcony and window latch locked. Then I looked down at my marefriend as she looked worried in her sleep. I gently leaned up to her cheek and gently kissed it. “Twilight everything will be alright.” I whispered as her frown slowly became a smile. I yawned a bit before resting my head on her chest and fell asleep. This time of my own doing.

***---***

Normally my dreams were either peaceful, creepy, or down right dark. Not this one, this one wanted to be weird. I appeared within a pure white room with three solid doors before me. I turned around to see three more transparent doors behind me. On each of them was a word. The transparent one's had magic, laughter, and kindness written on them. As figured honesty, loyalty, and generosity was on the solid doors. What was this? Had I taken the blue pill to see how far this rabbit hole goes? If so somepony better get me the damn red pill so I can get out of here. I looked around into the empty space that seemed to go on into infinite. My guess was I had to pick a door, any door, knowing how much I was going to kick myself later for this. I went for loyalty first much to my own annoyance that was attached to the mare that housed it.

I was more drawn to that one in a way. Once the door opened everything just disappeared in a blink of an eye. Just as fast as everything went the world around me changed. I was flying... no I don't mean like I was gliding down a street. No I mean my wings pumping, flapping, pushing myself through the air flying. I was miles above the ground to the point that I thought I was looking at a satellite map of Ponyville during the day. The odd thing was that I wasn't scared or losing my mind about it. I was just well flying there enjoying it. You would think that I would be going nuts trying to get myself to the ground. But I wasn't, hell I wasn't even worried that I wasn't controlling this either. My body almost like it was going from memory was flying me around. We dived down towards the town. I could feel the wind blowing through my coat and wings. I could feel each feather just tingle and I swooped up getting myself extra lift as I soared further up. I took me a few minute to find myself on top of a little white cloud. My gaze was on the forest that almost surrounded Ponyville as I got this feeling.

A feeling that was hard to describe. I felt empowered, I felt alive, I feel for lack of a better term... cooler. A devious grin crossed my muzzle as I jumped off the cloud and dive bombed. My wings were tucked up next to me as well as my forelegs. My hind legs were stretched out as I pressed myself together to make myself less wind resistant. The air around me started to press me closer together almost as it was trying to funnel me into one single point. The pressure continued getting greater and greater as the whole world was trying to compress me into a singularity like a white dwarf star. The pressure was so massive that I thought I could see the air itself turn into an orange and yellow blur. It only took a single second then... boom! I started to speed even faster than I ever could. It was like the natural limitations of my body just made everything moot. I saw everything warp around me. Colors, shapes, sounds. All of it was just one massive blur that mesmerized me as I flew between the buildings around Ponyville. It all was cut short as I smashed right into the library's door with a loud wham! I was launched out of the door back into the massive white room. Which all came out short as I collided with the celestial beings of the sky. They didn't seem affected at all by the impact while I on the other hoof was in the spin cycle again.

“Did anypony get the license of that donkey cart?” I said before falling back onto my back.

“I believe some pony still needs to work on their landing.” Celestia amusingly said as I got back up on my hunches. They both came over and sat next to me. “How have you been Storm?”

“Surviving I suppose. Just came too maybe a few hours ago and heard some of the details.” I explained.

“I still think you were too lenient on him.” Luna huffed.

“Luna, I know what he did was wrong but still.” Celestia tried to explain.

“If I may interject before this goes out of hoof. I agree with Celestia's ruling to a point. The time in the dungeon may give that stallion the time to really reflect on what he did. But I agree with Luna that he should have gotten punished more. It was I he attacked during a very special time. But I have to keep my own feelings aside in this.” I explained. They eyed me and I rolled my eyes. “Yes I know I surprised you two with my answer.”

“Yes... you would be correct. I'm a little more surprised you weren't completely on Luna's side about his punishment.” Celestia answered.

“Celestia I put him through a wall. You think that comes lightly? Trust me when I say this. It hurts!” I more exclaimed.

“Oh trust me. I know.” She said eying Luna with that one.

“I said I was sorry.” Luna shot back.

“We know, we know. But back to the matter at hoof.” Celestia said turning back to me as she and Luna both laid down. “How have you been doing since you woke?” she asked repetitively again. I looked at her for a moment as I watched her. I turned to see Luna giving me a similar look.

“Are you asking about what had happened during the date... or before it?” I asked as I laid down with my head on my hooves.

“Both.” Celestia answered.

“Honestly... I don't know really. I'm confused, upset, depressive, and lost in all of it. As for what happened during the date was just unavoidable I suppose.” I halfheartedly answered.

“Care to explain?” Luna inquired.

“I'm confused on why it had to be me. I'm upset that I had to die and didn't get asked at least about it. The depressive part of it is that I have a feeling that regardless of my actions it's not going to end well either for everything or just me. Then in all of it I feel lost. Like all this being dropped on me at once beside the fact that I'm currently under the effects of poison joke which has already been established effects my mind. So I'm taking all this harder.” I explained not looking at either of them. I had the telltale signs of fear and shame over my face. I was scared about all of it. To find out that everything in the universe rested on my shoulders. That if I failed then everything would be no more. Even worse... with me just being alive. I put everypony, everyone I knew in danger. Silence filled the area for the time being before I felt Celestia gently nuzzle me on the side of my face.

“I'm sorry Ryhn.” She said using my human name for the first time. I didn't really question how she found out. “For all this to happen. I don't think any other pony would hold up as well as you have.” She tried to cheer me up. It had failed as it just made everything sink in more.

“But I'm not holding up. I never was holding up.” I stated as I just began to slowly cry. “I can't keep holding on to this delusion that everything will be fine. I can't keep putting on a mask to hide what I really think about anymore. It's...” I couldn't say more as I just let it all out. With everything going on I was surprised I was able to hold it as long as I could. I could feel the wing of one of the royal alicorns draped across my back.

“Shh, it's alright. We know this weighs heavily on your mind. But please, don't let it consume your every thought.” Luna said. Part of me wanted to make a snide comment along the lines of easier said but done. But thought against it as I really didn't want to cause anymore problems. So I just stayed quiet as I felt my aunts just lean in closer to comfort me. It was nice but in the same way felt wrong. I didn't think I deserved something like this. Hell I didn't deserve any of this. The family, the friends, the magic, the wings, or any of it. All because some great destiny thought to have the multiverse greatest screw up try and save the world. Yeah great one there, you jerk! The tears stopped shortly after that. When everything just felt cold to me. I just sank there with that numbing cold in my chest. To have all this... then it clicked. There was no guarantee I was going to live through this. In the end of all this I was going to hurt Twilight more than she ever would know. Not physically but emotionally. The realization left a very hollow sensation in my chest.

I got up slowly and walked away from both of my aunts. There stares could be felt on the back of my head. I wouldn't be surprised they noticed my change in demeanor right away. I began to open my mouth but before I could get even a word out. I was cut off by.

“No.” Celestia said flatly.

“Do you even know what I was about to ask?” I shot back without even looking at her.

“To do something foolish.”

“How do you know it's foolish or not without letting me ask it?” I questioned.

“Storm, when your alive as long as me. You learn to read pony's body language far better than you do a book.” She answered and I had to concede the point.

“Celestia.” I started simply as the sadness in my tone could be heard. “There's no guarantee I'm going to live through this.”

“Giving up hope already?” Luna asked.

“What hope was there to begin with?” I shot back. “Luna I may act at times that I have hope, that everything can be fine. Especially when I'm either angry and being too bullheaded to really notice. That or too stupid. But this... this from the very get go. I knew I wasn't going to make it. In more than likely in the universe's sick twisted kind of way. I was going to win this but at a great cost. You know it, I know it. Hell all of Equestria probably knows it. I'll most likely end up just like your mother. Just like her friends. The artifacts of harmony are powerful for a reason. So powerful that Sombra took over an empire by himself with just the torch. You can't sit there and believe in some small fragment way that I am going to be alive at the end. Even worse, worse than all this. Twilight... her of all ponies is going to hurt the most at this.” I had began to finally let it out. I knew all this more as fact then anything.

“What about Twilight?” Luna inquired again.

“She is going to cry, and hurt. All because of me. I know how much it hurts to lose somepony so close to you. I'm aware that you two know that feeling too. It changes a pony, either for the better. But more then likely for the worse. I'm a testament to that.” I continued the hollowness in my chest spreading throughout me.

“Storm, as much as I don't like admitting it. I do see where you’re coming from. With such a destiny.” Celestia began, I couldn't help but huff a little at the destiny. She caught it most likely. Didn't care since I was hating that word at the moment. “on your hooves to not see the darker part of it. But you can't give up hope. I'm sure that everything will work out fine. You and Twilight will have a happy life ahead of you.” I spun around about to say something with some anger in my voice. But I got a stare that dropped me dead cold and it wasn't from the pony I thought it would be. I don't even think the celestial sisters even noticed her here.

“I would have to agree with my daughters on this.” Faust said directly to me giving me a stare that felt like I just got my hooves nailed in place. Both Celestia and Luna went wide eye almost to wide for a pony's face as they got up to see their mother.

“Mother?” Celestia breathed out. I had a feeling she was in shock from all this.

“Momma!” Luna bounced as she came over. Faust smiled and opened one of her wings as Luna came right next to her gently nuzzling into her side.

“Hello dears. It's been a very long time.” Faust said and I could hear the sadness in that statement as well as the slight happiness. Celestia remained silent as she stood there staring at her mother. As much as I wasn't a master of reading faces. Celestia didn't do a good job hiding her slight annoyance at her mother. I guess even in this world some kids just didn't like their parents. I just stepped back quietly and let them have their moment. I turned and stared at the empty void before me. Well it was empty to start with but I guess the artistic side of my mind got fed up with the white and turned it into a beach with an endless ocean before it. I could even smell the ocean air around me. I listened to them talk a bit. Correction Faust mainly listened to everything that happened in her daughters’ lives. It was the same thing I had seen in the history books well for the most part at least. That all came to a stop and part of me wondered if they got on the subject of the only dralicorn in the room, namely me. One thing you learn pretty fast when you grow up in a world that likes to make fun of you is when people or in this case ponies are talking about you in a way. I couldn't hear anything over the link but of course they could block that from me.

“Ryhn Firestorm” Faust said calmly as she came up to my right. My aunts joined her to my left as they sat next to me. I won't lie and say I wasn't intimidated by them just by size alone. Without the moon helm I was no bigger than a normal pony. Which compared to the three of them was like a little child in a room of adults. Very much true since they had years beyond mine. I mean to the left of me was already a thousand years plus. So in age alone I was just a child to them. I turned to look at the eldest alicorn in the room. “Are you alright?”

“No.” was all I could answer on this matter. In all honestly I never really had been alright.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“What's to talk about?”

“This destiny-” Was all she got out before I cut her off.

“Stop using that word.” I requested. She eyed me before nodding.

“This can't be easy and I wish there was another way but...” She stopped and I couldn't leave that thought in the open like that.

“But it's what's called of me I know. I know that far better than most ponies.”

“If what I've heard from Jessica is true. Then yes you would. I just wish it didn't have to come to this.” Faust continued.

“Why would you think Jessica would lie to you about that?” I said as I turned my head forward.

“Not every human is trustworthy.”

“Then how am I trusted?” I had to ask.

“Because Storm, after she told me I took the time to see it for myself. I have known of your trials and tribulations. You don't lie to those you care about and I mean those you really do care for. Your family may not have treated as they should but they did love you.” She started and knew where this was going. My family loved me no matter what and if they don't show it kind of crap I had heard from too many people to really care anymore.

“Faust please stop. I know you want to help me feel better but... it's not working. Anything involving my family from earth is a rather sore subject with me.” I cut her off.

“I understand. But there not your only family anymore. My daughters and I all care for you. Cadence and Shining as well. So you're not alone Ryhn.” She said and I knew that honestly in her words.

“Jessica told you to tell me that didn't see?” I asked.

“Yes, she knew that you wouldn't let your mind truly rest on this.” Faust answered and I couldn't help it. I started to lightly chuckle.

“Even after all this time.” I tiredly said. “Faust if I may make a request.”

“Go ahead.”

“Tell her that I still love her deeply but she doesn't need to worry about me anymore. I want her to go and enjoy her afterlife. Even if I'm not in the picture.” I requested. Faust looked at me for a moment.

“I'll tell her but she's not the kind of woman to just stop worrying about you.” She explained.

“I know. But I know she's found another to spend her time with and I don't want to be a burden on that. After all this time she should be at rest, when I cannot.” I said. There was silence between all of us as I felt the beginning signs of waking up as the realm of dreams around me began to fade. “Until next time everypony.” I said before the dream faded all together and I had woke up in Twilight's hooves. It was still dark out as I could see the full moon at the highest point in the sky. My guess was it was midnight. I slowly slid out of the bed and onto my hooves. I took the time to slide my old teddy bear in my place. She smiled in her sleep as she cuddled it rolling over. I smiled watching her a moment before I slid out of my old shirt and left it folded on my duffel bag. I went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. As far as I knew I hadn't had a proper bath in a week. Give or take since Rarity and Twilight were the ones taking care of me during my mini coma. My prosthetic hoof clanked against the tile floor in the bathroom. Once the door was shut I turned on the light and saw myself in the mirror after my eye's adjusted to the light. I was still the little dralicorn mare that I been for the last week. I was missing my old body well the stallion one at least. I would be a little funny being my old fat human self at least once again. But that was a lost cause I suppose. I saw the cast around my wing the large white hard material completely keeping my wing closed and against my body. It didn't hurt laying on it so I could guess my wing was healed. Wait... if I remember correctly I was suppose to get this off today.

Honestly it would be nice to be able to flap my wing again. Maybe even try flying for once. I looked down at my chest and saw that my wrappings were loose. Being the grade A idiot I was. I slowly undid them to see how bad the damage. Surprising enough. The only thing there was a large cross shaped scar where the surgery had took place. My fur there was shaved off which makes sense having to have clean flesh to cut. Wouldn't want a stray hair to be in the wound. But I noticed another scar. A large round one right over my heart. Only a moment passed when I remember where I got that. It was from the horn impaling me back at the castle in the Everfree. My left hoof started to trace it a bit. I winced a bit from the light pressure I put on it. I guess that scar was sensitive still. But all this got me to wonder about all the damage that had happened to my body and how many scars did I really have? If I had to guess? I had a lot of them. I could even feel the ones by my eye. The four long slashes that went right over my eye. It must have been when I lost it. I sighed quietly and went to look for a way to cover my cast. Lucky for me Twilight kept trash bags under the bathroom sink. I guess to change out the waste paper basket in here. I quickly wrapped the wing in the bag and with a quick burst of fire. Melted the bag shut just at the connection put under my wing. Lucky for me the cast didn't completely cover my wing. Once secured I started to fill the tub with warm water as I gathered some shampoos. One for mane and tail. The other for my coat. All I could find was lavender scented ones so I guess I had to make do.

Once the tub was filled I slowly sunk into it after I had turned off the water. The water started to just strip away my thoughts if it was just simple layers of dirt. Once I had nothing left on my mind I just floated there in a void of sorts. Cut off from everypony and the looming destiny. I slowly sank into the water to the point I was under it. This was what I needed after all this time. Finally I let my mind just turn off. No booze, no nightmarish dream, no crazy pegasus trying to teach me to fly, no second voice screwing with me, and most of all... no care about anything. I was at peace.

For now.

-End of Chapter-