The trip to Canterlot was as nerve racking as any other flying trip. Especially when I got a very hard lesson in flying in a form of a bird nailing me in the face when I wasn't looking. When the feathered animal got me good, it sent me off the chariot into the air. Here is when I got my second hard lesson about flying. There is a massive difference between flying as a mare and as a stallion, mass was not on my side since I was a small mare when I learned. I had an easier time flying, a stallion is more bulky than I was use to and it took me a few minutes to correct myself. Well a few minutes and two pegasi to help correct myself back to the chariot.

“Are you insane?” Nightling asked looking very angry with me.

“No just royally stupid at times, well most times I suppose.” I answered. Nightling just stared at me before sighing and shaking her head.

“Whatever.” She commented as she went back to her stoic stance as the flight continued. I watched her for a few moments with a frown before I just watched the approaching capital of Equestria get closer.

“What is your problem with me anyway?” I asked, to be honest I could think of a few. The shocking during my bit of insanity or.

“The attitude you gave me when I punched you, and the dead horse comment.” She answered with a snort.

“Well excuse me Nightling, I was pretty unstable at the time.” I shot back now a little aggravated myself.

“That's no excuse Prince Firestorm and you know it.” She said calling me by title.

“Well, Head Night Guard Captain Nightling Moonblade, I believe I have every right to be unstable after what I had to go through.” I growled back.

“Oh really? What ever could a 'prince' have gone through to warrant going off the deep end?” She asked with an attitude.

“Oh you really want to know?” I asked. “Well let's see, how about finding out that my marefriend was upset and ran out to the point I thought she completely forgot me.” I started with.

“Oh mare trouble typical.” She said with a roll of her eyes.

“Well excuse me that I take my relationship seriously but that's besides the point, if that's not a good reason. Then how about finding out that I was dead on Earth, a place that I had lived most of my life on, and don't even bother trying to hide the fact that you already knew. Your one of Luna's captains you would be informed so you could provide the right level of 'protection.' Then let's add that I find out that my death was a setup for some bastard of a pony could form a new body just to rip and destroy my soul Nightling. My bucking soul! Let's top all that with finding out the reactions of my friends who were destroyed to the point of fighting with themselves and a family that just laughed as soon as they were safely at home. But that’s not even the last part, I was controlled by the last remnant of Nightmare fucking moon. Does that warrant going off the deep end? Does it?!” I said roaring at her. She looked at me wide eyed for a few moments before she looked away.

“Yes... yes it does Firestorm... sorry I blew up at you.” She apologized to me. I took a few moments and sighed myself.

“No, I should be the one sorry. I didn't mean to unleash all that on you.” I said feeling like a heel now.

“Storm, if it means anything. I am sorry that you had to go through all that.” She said as she put an armored hoof on my shoulder.

“And I'm sorry about my comments that day. It was out of line regardless on how overly stressed and unstable I was.” I apologized back. Silence filled the gap between us until we landed. The group of us were greeted by both Princesses. All the guards bowed to them as well as I.

“Rise my little ponies.” Celestia said as she motioned with her head for us to follow. The inside of the castle looked just as polished and clean as it always did. I could swear I could see myself in some spots on the wall. I was a little curious to the fact that we weren't going to what I would consider my room here, but I knew better than to ask. A few more hallways and we found ourselves in front of a large set of double doors. In the center of the doors was my cutie mark. I gave Celestia a questioning glance as she and Luna both opened the door together. Inside the room looked like if I just got the captain's suite at a six star hotel in Vegas. This thing could be a house all by itself. I slowly walked in and found a large sized fireplace. Bookshelves on almost every wall filled with books already there. On top of a gorgeous view of the Canterlot gardens and the city itself. I could see right down some of the city's shopping district. The bed was a large size cloud bed and it even looked like a cloud this time. Well besides the four posters to it, wait would that mean this was a four poster cloud bed? I didn't even think they made those. I looked at the wall paper that was done in an almost burning gold color. Celestia came up and help me pick up my chin from the floor, shutting my gaping mouth. “I take it's to your liking.” Celestia said as she dismissed the guards. All but Nightling who was next to Luna at the time.

“Uh. Yes it is but... not to sound rude. It just makes me question why? Not saying I don't like this, I love it. Just my natural curiosity is getting the best of me here.” I answered back. Celestia nodded at this as the doors shut quietly behind just the four of us as she motioned us to the large table in the center of the room. Nightling sat next to Luna on my left as Celestia was across from me.

“As you probably guessed there was more than one reason why you were given this room. I know your standpoint on a grander room as you put it. But this was more out of necessity than anything else. We found this in the other room just three days ago.” Celestia said as she moved her wing to show what looked like an evidence bag. Inside it look well it looks like a little bug. I floated it over to me so I could take a better look at it. I wasn't a master of technically, hell I was far from it. When it comes to computers I was a software guy, not hardware. But this little bit of tech I could recognize from anywhere.

“What was a transmitting microphone doing in my room?” I asked.

“I see you're aware of what it is then. What can you tell me about this device?” Celestia asked, then it hit me. This wasn't Equestrian made, no this was from earth that I came from.

“If you don't mind me explaining this simplistic way.” I asked. She nodded and I took a deep breath before I began.

“It's a listening device, it's mainly used to spy on somepony.” I began before I switched over to telepathy with the both of my aunts. “It's used to pretty much how we all can use telepathy, the only difference is how we can move around to and talk, they can't. What ever room they have the bug in is the only room they can listen.” Both Celestia and Luna looked surprised, while Nightling just looked confused. I looked the device over for some kind of power supply. It seemed like somepony substituted the battery for a lightning crystal, a very small one at that. Probably to avoid overpowering the device and destroying it. I reached in and pulled out the device and placed my prosthetic claw on the crystal. With my magic I reached down my limb and pulled the little bit of electricity out before I placed the device on the table. Then I pointed my prosthetic hoof out towards the window and let out the bolt. Once that was done I made sure that the bug didn't have a second energy source, lucky for me whoever designed it didn't think about a back up power.

“What did you do Storm?” Celestia questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I cut the power but draining the lightning gem they had attached to it. This way they think that the battery just died in it. But with the power on it was still transmitting so I took the better opinion that gave us more ability to speak freely. Which was why I also switched my explanation from verbal to telepathy.” I explained which Nightling nodded.

“Makes sense, but what do you know of this device besides its function.” Luna asked.

“To be honest not much. I know they mixed the magic here in Equestria was the technology from earth. So far I can only think of two other ponies that would have that kind of knowledge.” I said as I slide the device back into the evidence bag.

“If I may ask who would that be?” Celestia inquired.

“Sadly to say the three of us know who every well.” I said as I began to rub my temples lightly. Celestia nodded with a sad look on her face while Luna looked rather pissed off.

“He had the audacity to plant bugs in our castle?” Luna yelled.

“It would seem so Luna.” Celestia answered.

“I wouldn't think that my room would be the only one. If he is anything like I think he is from both my personal interactions with him through my dream scape and from his diary. I would figure that he would want as much knowledge about what we know. I can only guess this room would be safe from said bugs.” I said as I placed my hooves on the table.

“Yes after we found the first we made sure that room was cut off. This room was done from scratch with one of us watching to make sure as well as have been rather thorough with searching to be sure.” Celestia explained before she continued with. “But to think he would go through the whole castle.” She sighed for a moment.

“This does not sit well with me Tia. If somepony is going to these lengths to gather intel. There is no saying he may go further.” Luna commented.

“And with a necromantic changeling pony to help it would make it harder.” I tacked on.

“What?” Luna said looking surprised.

“Yeah, Vermom or Silver Star as if you prefer to call her by. Was put back together with parts from changeling and pony.” I said looking rather annoyed by that detail alone.

“That may be the case but we have been using spells to help detect changelings more often after the wedding and birthday fiasco. Also what of Chrysalis does she have some part to play in all this?” Luna asked as she through on it more.

“I doubt it since Grimwand killed the changeling that was impersonating the guard when he started.” I answered. “If anything I think she would be more on our side on this. The changeling is pretty much her family in a way and to have one killed then used for this dark work. I believe she would want just as much revenge as I would.” I explained.

“Revenge is not the best solution Storm.” Celestia commented as she looked disapproved at me.

“I know that very well Celestia, but you can't deny all the stuff he has done to me either. The stuff he's done to all of us in a way. So no matter how it comes there will always be a sense of revenge to what actions we take. The day I returned from Earth and had snapped. Vermom was already here and impersonated you Celestia.” I answered.

“Why wasn't I told of this?” Luna asked in surprise.

“Because I didn't think it was important.” Celestia explained. “As well as her disguise was easily seen through.” Celestia explained.

“But none the less she had the gall to hide herself as one of us.” Luna said as she got even more pissed. Really couldn't blame her as my mane and tail were already fire at this point.

“Please calm down you two, being rather heated right now won't solve anything.” Celestia continued.

“If I may inquire. What is to stop her from doing it again?” Nightling asked this time.

“She may be able to turn into any pony but that means she doesn't have their power, just their appearance.” Celestia commented.

“Canterlot has two of the most powerful ponies in Equestria. If she did try she would be overpowered in mere moments. So in a tactical way she would be a foolish to try that again. On top of the fact she was unable to sense the real Celestia in the room.” I said.

“That seems to be the case. But we also can't assume anything with either one of them. From what I have read they had done some rather under hoofed things while they stayed in the castle.” Celestia commented. “To have one so smart fall so far.” I could just hear the sadness in her voice.

“Celestia I agree he's brilliant far surpass me in just about every way. But not everything he's done is bad, I'm not defending him just the work he did for good. Being able to quell souls is something worth doing and you read that yourself. So while I will say necromancy is vile not all of it is dark.” I commented.

“That may be true, I suppose I am the one to blame for not keeping better tabs on him and help guide him down a brighter path.” Celestia said.

“Celestia trust me you don't want to go down that path, it leads to many dark things.” I slightly cryptically said.

“So very true Storm.” She said looking at me.

“I have to ask, what do we do now?” I asked because I was confused on what to do.

“As of right now the whole castle is being swept for more of these bugs and I had already canceled court for the both of us so we could have it done.” Celestia explained.

“So... pretty much nothing really to do but relax?” I asked.

“Seems like that.” Luna added.

“Well... we could always do something together.” I suggested.

“Like what?” Celestia asked.

“Honestly... I don't know. Very rarely it seems I get to just enjoy days with other ponies. If it's not something major happening I don't get to relax. That or I'm in the hospital in a coma of some sort. So if we can avoid either one of those that would be great.” I said with a slight awkward chuckle.

“I would very much agree with that. Why don't we visit your school Tia?” Luna suggested.

“You know that sounds like a splendid idea. I don't get enough time with them and I think it would do Storm here some good to see the little ones.” Celestia said with a warm smile to her face.

“Well it's settled then, but there is one problem.” I said.

“What would that be?” Celestia questioned.

“What school are we talking about?” I asked feeling awkward as hell. I didn't quite get my answer until we all arrived at 'Celestia's school for gifted unicorns.' Which was much like the castle build from what looks like white marble. What looks like a four tier building looked stunning with the light blues and gold accents. Over the main entry was a stain glass window of Celestia around young fillies and colts with a book in her magic before them. If it was any other pony but Celestia I may call it an ego trip for them. But honestly I didn't really see Celestia to be egotistical like that. The whole place reminded me of college, I never went to one myself but I had visited one. We walked down the halls of this school as students gave the four of us a wide berth. There was the occasional filly or colt that came up to say hi to Celestia or Luna, sometimes both. It was nice that I wasn't the center of attention here, which was something that really began to bother me. When ponies would go up and bow to me, but here it was different. No pony bowed to us but the teacher, and all the fillies and colts all just smiled when they said hi. Celestia was having a field day with just watching all the young ones going back and forth to and from class. I noticed a lot of the classes were split up into subjects like the Light Spell Class that Nightlight was the teacher of. I looked in through the window at him giving a lecture. From the magic display it was something with a neon light spell. We continued so I could see the different ranges of spell until we found the Pyrotechnic Spell Class. This one got me good, inside the instructor was a fire red mare with a burning gold mane and tail done in a fire like style. For a cutie mark she had a burning phoenix. Celestia opened the door and entered with Luna, Nightling, and myself after her. The mare turned looking rather angry but dropped the look when she noticed it was the rulers of Equestria, a night guard captain, and me. She bowed quietly.

“Oh my Princesses do I have the honor of having you visit my class?” She said with a smile as she looked up at Celestia.

“Oh well my little ponies the prince here was interested in this class. If it isn't imposing could we sit in for a little bit?” The regent of the sun asked.

“Of course not Princess, as you say anypony interested in learning is welcome here.” She answered with another bow. The four of us entered and took up the back row, finding ourselves in a nice set of comfortable seats. Hell even Celestia and Luna could sit comfortably without being squished in. “Now class as I was saying, Pyrotechnic magic can be very volatile if misused. If you drop the spell before completing it you run the risk of it blowing up in your face. Trust me when I say it's not a pretty sight.” the mare chuckled nervously. I looked at each and every pony in the class just to see how they were wrapped in attention to the teacher. “Can somepony tell me what fire means to them?” The teacher asked again. A young filly with a dark black coat that worked well with her yellow mane and tail raised her hoof up . “Yes Firefly?” We watched the little filly stood up.

“It means to me to be a guiding light to lean somepony out of the darkness.” She said with a bounce.

“Very good anypony else?” Another pony, a colt this time, with a light blue with an almost white mane and tail that had just the hint of blue in it.

“Yes Skybright?”

“It means to me a light to wow and amaze everypony.” He said this time with a nod.

“Also a good answer, anypony else?” She asked and this time I rose a wing.

“Um... yes prince?” She asked looking a little nervous.

“Firestorm Miss, may I come down?” I asked, Celestia and Luna both gave me a curious glance.

“Well of course.” She said with a bow as everypony had their eyes on me. I quickly came down to the front of the class in this auditorium like room. I looked at everypony there, my aunts, the teacher, Nightling, and finally the young ones with their minds open for learning. It was then I noticed one pony... no correction one drony. Right there third row from the back was a white colt Dracorn with an orange mane and tail. His horn was red as well as the scratch like fur discoloration on each side of his face, I couldn't help but smile at this.

“What fire itself means different things to me.” I said as I closed all the shades and turned down the light. The room was covered in pitch black darkness before I pointed my muzzle straight up letting out a stream of ruby red flames that I gathered and fueled with my magic. It swirled around me so it would light all around me. “What I find most in fire is peace, or a balance. Many of you will find that fire means something else like Firefly said she found it to light the way.” I said as I created a burning arrow that lead to the exit of the room. “or like Skybright said to wow and amaze everypony.” I said as formed a burning phoenix that I had set on my back. “But it can mean many things. It could be your tools to protect the ponies you care about.” I answer as the fire took the shape of armor and a sword. “or hide yourself from your foes in dire emergencies.” I said as I covered myself making a bobble of flames. “or it could be your way to wow a crowd and reveal something no pony has seen before.” I said as turned into my draconic form within the flames before turning it into a snake like dragon that floated above me as my mane and tail was fire itself before I snuffed out all the fire dropping the room into the black void again as well as I turned back into my normal form. “But that is what you have to find. Your spark that will light that flame within you.” I said as I held out my hoof and a fireball just floated from my prosthetic hoof to illuminate my face. Before I turned the lights back on and opened the shades. With that the fireball disappeared as I watched everypony just looked amazed at me. Well except Celestia who was smirking, Luna who was just shaking her head with a smile, and Nightling who was confused a little. Every pony but those three and myself clapped and stomped their hooves in their seat. The little dracorn just looked at me amazed.

“Ah, Thank you Prince Firestorm for your inspirational words.” The mare said before the bell went off showing the end of class. “Now everypony I want you to write a report on what fire means to you and it must be three pages at least.” She said as ponies started to rush out. Celestia, Luna, and Nightling all came down after most of the students left.

“That was a wonderful show there Storm, I didn't know you such a masterful control over fire like that.” Celestia said.

“Well I pick it up quick from messing around and all the fighting I've had to do.” I answered back.

“Prince.” I heard a young colt say behind me, I turned to see the little dracorn behind me looking at me curiously and amazed at the same time.

“Burning Scale what are you doing? You should run off to your next class.” The teacher who I have yet to get the name of said.

“I will Mrs. Firewing. If it's alright may I ask a question to the prince please?” He requested.

“Yes you may little one.” I answered for Firewing who decided to shut up right then.

“Are you... well you know?” He questioned.

“If you mean am I a dralicorn then yes my little drony.” I said coming over gently to him.

“But... I thought I was.” he said.

“The only one? No sir there are more dronies than you think Burning Scales.” I said.

“Can I see you change again?” He asked and I couldn't help but do so. Firewing watched in amazement as I turned into my draconic form again. I just watched the little dronies eyes just lit up and it just made me so warm inside. “Wow I hope I get to be as awesome as you some day.” He said bouncing up and down. I couldn't help but catch him in the air and place him on my back.

“If you excuse me I would like to make sure this one isn't late to his next class.” I said, Celestia and Luna gave me a nod as the teacher was just speechless. I watched Luna shut the gaping maw of Firewing as we left. “Now if I may ask, have you gone through your Storm yet?” I asked, this caused him to looked worried at me.

“No, I don't even know what that is.” He said as he rode on my back.

“I know how that feels, something scary like that floating over your head. But you don't have to worry Burning Scales as long as you have good friends. They will help you along the way.” I said as we continued down the hall.

“Did your friends help you with your storm prince?”

“They helped me more than they ever could know.” I answered as I thought back to that day. When they all appeared into my mind. I was scared for them but when Pinkie told me what she did. I felt this anger in me but it wasn't that that did the trick. It was wanting to protect my friends and family that gave me the will to overpower Sha like that.

“Is there anything you can tell me about it?” He asked, with a smile I brought him down before I laid down before him.

“I can't say how you're going to go into your storm, I figure it's different for every drony. But there is one thing I can tell you. As long as you keep a level mind here and a strong will here to protect those you care about. You will come out of this the victor.” I said as I gave his forehead a tap when I said level mind and then where his heart was. “Don't forget to have great friends too.” I said with a wink. He just looked up at me in amazement. “Thank you Prince.” He said with a little bow.

“Burning Scales you don't need to bow to me, and please just call me Firestorm or Storm. But we mustn't dawdle. I can't have one of my favorite dracorns late for class.” I said standing back up.

“Right this way Pri... I mean Firestorm.” he said as he ran off with me following. Well he ran I flew down the halls above him. I followed above him as he went down two halls and made a sharp left. With that we both stopped in front of his magical mathematics class. “Well here's my class, I hope the day goes well for you Firestorm.” He said with a bow before going into the room.

“Burning Scales why are you late?” The gruff stallion said.

“That would because of me sir.” I said stepping in, the stallion made one look at me as he huffed at me.

“And why is that?” He humphed at me.

“Well Sir” I said getting a little annoyed as I stepped into the class. “He wanted to ask me a question which made him late and I thought it was worth my time.” Both of my wings unfurled as I was defending my newest friend. He took one look at my wings then my face before he got down and bowed.

“My apology Prince, I didn't mean to offend. Students bow towards the prince.” He ordered as I looked at him.

“No you don't need to bow to me little ones.” I said as they stopped in mid bow. The Stallion got back onto his hooves as he looked worried at me as I stepped closer. “You will listen carefully, you will show everypony respect they deserve especially those that go to this school. They earned their right to be here and you will treat them as such.” I said clearly before I got in close and whispered in his ear so only he can hear as he glared at me. “If I hear you took your anger at me out on your students I will be back and less forgiving than I am now. Do I make myself crystal clear?” I asked staring at him with my eyes turning reptilian for a moment. He nodded quietly before I stepped away. “Now everypony I hope you have a good day.” I said waving them goodbye with my wing. With that I shut the door to find Celestia and Luna outside. “AH! um... how long were you standing there?” I asked.

“The whole time.” Celestia said and I gulped. “If I may ask why were you so angry at that stallion?” She asked as she motioned for us to leave.

“It's just something from earth, there was teachers there that always took their anger out on their students which made them feel bad. Especially when they had a bad day. So I wanted to make sure it was clear to him doing that would be a very bad idea.” I answered as we found ourselves back outside.

“To be perfectly honest I would agree with your course of action, no matter how heated he was, it would be roughly the same course I would take.” Luna said.

“The agree with Luna, it shows that you're able to show restraint and not as ponies say 'jump the gun’' on another pony.” Celestia added.

“Well to be honest I figured it was the best course of actions just to warn him. Being so close to the castle he would less likely to pull something. But all in all it was a rather nice visit.” I said turning back to look at Celestia's school again.

“I also have to say your fire display was rather grand.” Luna commented.

“Couldn't help it, the artist in me needed to get out so I figured since I'm a bit of a pyromaniac myself in the middle of a class that teaches fire. I just had to show them what they could do with fire. With the right level of control to it. Though to find a drony here was a rather nice surprise.” I said.

“I think Burning Scales will be rather grand dracorn now that's he's met with another one that's overcame so much.” Celestia said as she stood next to me and draped her wing over me.

“Me too, but I do want somepony to keep an eye on him. He's still hasn't gone through his storm yet and I want to be able to at least help another if I can with theirs.” I said looking back my warm smile dropped for a worried one.

“Don't worry I'm sure things will be fine for the young one. But I think it's time for some lunch and I'm rather starving.” Celestia said with a smile as the four of us took to the air to fly back towards Canterlot Castle.

***---***

“Checkmate.” Celestia said after beating me for roughly twentieth time. I've got give her credit, she's good, so far I have yet to win at all. After the first six I started to get a little stubborn and wanted to win at least one so every time after that I began to analyze all her tactics. Just like Emanuel Lasker said 'Truth derives its strength not so much from itself as from the brilliant contrast it makes with what is only apparently true. This applies especially to Chess, where it is often found that the profoundest moves do not much startle the imagination.' So I began to study her moves and I find that if this was a war or such I would be on the downside of it. Celestia was brilliant and got me falling for some rather simplistic traps. Even the one I like the use called the poison pawn. It baffled me how much she was paid notice to the game even when a guard came in with a stack of papers. I began to try something else after we reset the board. Every few moves I would move one piece, then another. Almost systematically getting the pieces into play.

Luna was making bets with her guard on how many more turns until I lost as the two continued to snack on some chips. I found out Celestia was a lover of cake. Seriously this mare loved cake so much that I bet she would black out the sun if somepony had the gall to take even a slice of her cake. I had strawberries and some chocolate to dip them in. You would not believe how much I love Equestrian strawberries, everypony knows the way strawberries taste. Now take that but make it so much better. That was what the natural grown strawberries tasted like here and with the chocolate, oh god it was to die for. I was so happy they brought me a large bowl of them. The game continued to go on as Celestia, between bites of her marble cake and shifting through the massive stack of papers, continued to trounce every move I made. Until I got three of my pawns into place. Her queen took out most of my power pieces early in and was narrowing its way to my king. Which was one of my seven remaining pieces on the board. I was able to get a good chunk of hers but her more powerful pieces were still in play, particularly her blasted rooks. Which had my king pinned pretty good. She just needed to get her queen over in place in two moves. I watched her eyebrow rise at something before she took her next move. Damn, just one move to save myself. I moved my first pawn over and got my queen back which put her king in check. She eyed me for a moment before she moved her king diagonally to the left. I tried to keep a straight face which this time I was doing far better than I did at poker. My next pawn came in and I got one of my bishops back, which put her king back in check. This time I was coming back with the offensive. Our two onlookers watched as I moved my queen to put the king back in check after her last move from my newly acquired piece. Celestia put her cake down and papers to return her full focus on the game again as she gave me that face that could only be described as 'it's on'. She moved her king again and this time I moved my third pawn to get a rook back. Celestia countered with putting her queen up to check me. While it took my rook, I in turn took her queen out. She didn't have any pawns left so I knew I got it for good. Her knights on the other hoof were still in play, as were her bishops since she took mine with hers.

I was down two pieces but I still had some game in it. I moved my queen in to take down her knight, followed by her other knight taking my queen. I then regained my queen with my second to last pawn. She then finished off my last pawn with a rook leaving my king a little safer.

“Check.” I said moving my knight to caddy corner her king. She eyed me for a moment before she watched the board. With only a King, Queen, and Knight in play I was really the underdog here. She moved her rook to check me.

“Check.” She said, her plan from my guess was to shift me into a corner forcing a check mate. I moved my king down and to the right closer to her closest rook. Which was lucky for me because it placed me behind her last knight. She moved one rook but couldn't get me in check. Which gave me time to put her once again in...

“Check.” I said with a smug smile. Celestia still looked rather calm as we played which honestly unnerved me quite a bit. She wasn't one to show emotions while she played. One thing was I couldn't tell what her tell was. She would sometimes give me a light smile as we played but this time it was stone cold. She moved her King again which this time I used my knight to check her again. She moved it away as my queen moved into a following check. Her next moved put her king behind a rook which protected it for now. I could only get my knight ready for it's next check this turn. She used this time to get her rook to but me in.

“Check.” Damn she was good, right now the two of us were in a war all our own and I was the underdog going against in a deity standpoint pony goddess and it was close. Well granted she had gotten me so many times but to win one. Damn it was something ponies would talk of, okay maybe not but hell I would talk about it a little. Anyway It was my turn and I had to plan out my move carefully to not trap me in a cycle which would leave me corner trapped. I could take the knight but that would put me... wait. That's it, with my thought in play I took her knight which made her move her rock the other way. Which gave me more time to play with since she had other pieces to duck behind. Her rook was my next guarding piece. This gave me free time to move my knight in place with another.

“Check.” I said as I was on the way of corning her with a knight queen combo. Which mind you is extremely hard to do. This went back and forth to the point that we were head to head on who was going to win this. With a bit of luck... okay let me change that now. With a metric fuck ton of luck and Luna trying to get a bite of Celestia's cake. “Checkmate!” I proclaimed when I got my queen in place. Celestia whirled to see the board to see that I had her King pinned in the corner with her Knight that she moved to block my last check with it. I was probably a good move away from being corner screwed by the regent of the sun herself if Luna tried to get a bite of cake which she was able to, much to Celestia annoyance. I flopped back into the beanbag seat that I had one of the guards bring me. Oh my god this thing was heaven for a pony body. So mushy but so firm at the same time, done up like a little fireball perfectly.

“I suppose you did at least win one, with a little help.” Celestia said after she gave Luna the stink eye.

“Well it's not my fault you don't share your cake.” Luna said sticking her tongue out at her sister. Nightling watched this a little un-amused while I was having a field day enjoying the show.

“You know I like my cake Miss midnight cookie snacker.” Celestia shot back as she took a rather large bite of cake, with me enjoying my strawberries.

“Well we all have to have our snack of choice, right Storm?” Luna asked while I was in mid bite of a juicy strawberry. Once I got my bite down I shook my hooves at them.

“Oh leave me out of this one.” I said, seriously why do mares or well females in general want to drag me into a fight I have no part of, well maybe the viewing part but still.

“Chicken to get in on this?” Nightling teased.

“No, I just know better than to get the middle of a fight between mares. Wise pony once said, shut mouth solves many problems.” I quoted trying my damnedest to stay the fuck out of this. That's when they played dirty and swiped my strawberries with my dipping chocolate. “Not fair.” I whined.

“Well you shouldn't have tried to op out like that.” Luna said as she held my strawberries hostage with Celestia keeping the dip from me.

“Fine, as far as snacks go sharing is nice but sometimes ponies want to just enjoy their little slice of paradise. Like for me it's those delirious strawberries, for Celestia it's her cake, and for you it's cookies. There's no shame in that is there?” I said hoping that would get me my berries back.

“See that wasn't that bad now was it?” Luna said as she floated back my strawberries as I took one and stuffed it in my mouth. They won't take my berries again, as Celestia put my chocolate dip back and they both lightly laughed. We continued to sit there and enjoy our snacks, to find out that Nightling's choice snack was lollipops. There's a joke somewhere in there and I'll let you figure it out. Anyway the four of us continued to just relax as Celestia continued looking through the papers. Luna and Nightling began to play checkers while I watched.

“Storm.” Celestia said, my head popped up.

“Huh um... yes?” I asked like an idiot.

“Take a look at this.” She said as she floated over a smaller stack of papers to me. From what I gathered on the top page it was magic readings from an area in Saddle Arabia. Curious to say the least, with it being in the middle of... wait are those pyramids? I flipped through and noticed a side by side with something else.

“Um... okay so the totally not a smart pony is about to ask the obvious dumb question. What does this mean?” I asked holding the magic readings papers.

“The area scan is from the Saddleline Pyramids. The other one is a side by side analyzed magic signature with the Infinity Torch.” Celestia explained.

“Wait... does that mean?” I began to ask.

“That most likely another artifact of harmony is there, yes.” She said.

“Well what are we waiting for let's go get it.” I said standing up on the beanbag.

“Not so fast Firestorm, we need to go through the proper channels first. As well as Luna and I can't go with you. We need to stay here to keep Equestria going.” Celestia explained.

“So I'm going alone?” I asked.

“Well no, I know a pony that is very versed in the area and will be a great help recovering the artifact. But it make take a few days to get a hold of her and I need to notify the royalty there of your coming.” Celestia said as she began to get up.

“So... I wait then?” I asked kind of confused.

“Yes, why don't you use this time to relax before your trip.”

“I suppose if I have to wait and all I may as well be fully relaxed before dropped into another adventure which most likely end up with me battered ,bruised, and bloody.” I commented.

“Geez are you always so chipper?” Nightling said with a roll of the eyes.

“Well excuse me for being realistic with it after what I had to deal with.” I commented back.

“That's besides the point. Life isn't always as dark as you portray it.”

“That is true, it's not always dark. But you have to realize that so far most things have transpired quite darkly.” I said.

“So? Don't you have a marefriend?” Nightling asked.

“Yeah, what does Twilight have to do with this?” I asked a little confused.

“I'd figured you would be a rather happy mood since you're dating the Element of Magic.” She said with a shrug.

“It doesn't matter if she's an Element of Harmony or not. I love Twilight for who she is not what she is. You make it sound like that ponies only date other ponies to get things. If that was the cause what about you and Pinkie who is the Element of Laughter?” I countered.

“Hey now, it's not what I'm saying at all. I like Pinkie because of how she is and how she can always make me smile. She knows the right thing to say when I'm feeling down. Don't ask me how she knows, she just does.” Nightling said with a light smile as she looked out the window.

“That's Pinkie being Pinkie.” I said.

“I keep hearing that a lot, why does everypony say that?” The captain said.

“You're not the only one, I've heard that all over the place. I think it's more how they explain how Pinkie does what she does. It's best to just roll with it then figure it out. Trust me it will save you on headaches in the future.” I commented with a shrug.

“I suppose.” Nightling said before she looked out the window quietly. There was a look on her face one that anypony could read.

“You miss her don't you?” I asked, both Luna and Nightling turned to look at me confused. “Pinkie, you miss her right now.” Nightling lightly smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I don't know what it is about her, she's so energetic, so bouncy, so...” She began to list.

“Pinkie?” I inquired.

“Yeah, it's just so hard to explain it. She knows just the right thing to say to get me to just laugh, be happy, or just cheer up.” Nightling continued.

“Nightling I understand how that feels. To have somepony who is just your everything that you want to protect and hold while you make sure they get everything they want.” I retorted as it was my turn to look out the window. “You feel like when you two are apart that you spend your time thinking about them and the next time you get to hold them close to you, even if it's just a moment.”

“Exactly, how did know?” She asked as she turned to look at me.

“Because I've been there Nightling. I've been in that same spot before in life.” I said as my warm tone began to freeze in mere seconds.

“Storm do you want to talk about it?” Luna asked.

“No, I’d rather not right now. Somethings are better left unsaid, but not everything.” I said before I left my room quietly. I went around the halls mainly to roam for no other reason than to clear my head. I watched the guards watch me slowly as I went from turn to turn. Why did I always do that to me? That one thought that brought me back into the darkness that I would always dwell in. It's a little funny now that I thought about it more.

“I know you're there Shadow.” I said out loud as I got to one of the lone towers.

“About time you remember I was in here.” He answered.

“Can't really help it, too much going on.” I began to chuckle lightly.

“Oh please you're living the life right now. You got a massive upgrade in rooms and Twilight. You haven't forgotten squat.”

“Oh and you didn't feel Twilight's experiment?”

“Not one bit, that was all you.” He said, honestly I was a little disappointed. “But I have to ask, are you really planning to get that artifact?”

“I kind of have to at this point.” I looked at my reflection in the glass just to see Shadow Storm standing behind me in it.

“You don't have to, you can just let this world and every pony in it rot.” He said with a shrug.

“And let all those lives die?” I questioned as my eyes began to glow.

“What are they to you? Please even with Twilight you kept a distance emotionally from all of them. You don't let anyone in unless as you put it feel to weak. Please Ryhn you know as well as I do that you don't let everyone in all but Jessica. She was the only one and you damn well know it.” He said.

“What makes you think I won't talk more with Twilight?” I asked starting to get angry.

“Please you don't trust anyone here. It took them forcing you into trusting Dash on learning to fly which you still suck at. It's only because of this quote unquote destiny that you're really sticking around this world and not already portal jumped back to Earth.” Shadow said. Was that really the case? Did I only stick around because of that? “On top of all that haven't every one of those mares used you for something? Rarity alone for the whole royalty life.” He was right about Rarity using me, but she apologized for it right? So it was okay between us now.

“But everything between the two of us are better now.” I tried to defend.

“Better? Oh please Ryhn you know very well that mare is going to use you for every bit your worth and with you being a dralicorn, that's a lot. I mean she went as far as to use her own sister in one of her plans.” Shadow shot back as my ears flattened back.

“I already got on her about that.”

“And how much you want to bet that she has another plan cooked up for you right now when you return?” He asked.

“But how can a pony be the Element of Generosity if she would be that...” I just couldn't finish that sentence.

“Greedy, oh come on now. You should know better that ponies are just like people, they will just fake it to get what they want. Twilight's doing the same.” He hissed at me.

“No she's not.” I countered.

“Oh she is and you're too stupid to figure it out. Hell that lightning crystal was the first clue, that she wants to off you just so she can study you. 'Knocking' the cord loose was just a cover up for not even hooking it up to fry you.” He said.

“You know you don't have to listen to him.” A voice said in my head. I looked around to find Luna in the shadows.

“What?” I asked confused.

“Shadow is only trying to break you down, you don't have to listen to him.” She said again getting close.

“I... I...” was all I could get out before I lowered my head more in defeat.

“Idiot.” Shadow hissed.

“And you can shut it Shadow Storm.” Luna commented.

“Wait you can hear him?” I asked.

“Yes, I've been able to hear him this whole time. That thing is only trying to make you see the dark side of everything. His words are nothing but poison to any pony’s mind.” Luna said getting close to me. She came up next to me and placed her wing around me as we looked out the window into her night sky.

“Luna...” I said quietly before she eyed me for a moment.

“Storm, I think I would be the only one to truly understand how it feels to have a voice in your head always making you see the worse in everypony.” She commented.

“oh...” I said as I knew what she meant, she dealt with a voice much like Shadow. “It's never easy having to hear a voice like that always belittling every good moment and drag every dark thought to light. Where doubt that only edges your thoughts get made into full thoughts themselves. I had that similar voice in my head, where I thought ponies only appreciated my sister's day and shunned my nights.” She continued to say and I listened to every word.

“We get it, you were Nightmare Moon. It's not like we haven't heard the story already Miss Princess of the Night.” Shadow said annoyed.

“Silence Shadow.” Luna ordered.

“Or what? You can't hurt me without hurting him.” He countered.

“There is many ways I can hurt you.” She said with a devilish smirk as her horn began to glow. I didn't have much time to react as she pressed her horn into mine. Within a mere second I could feel a multitude of feelings press through my head. From the cold loneliness of space to a vengeful anger, the darkest of thoughts to the happiness of life, and beyond. It all pressed through my mind so fast it was hard to grab onto any of them. All but one, fear. I could sense so much fear that it in turn started to scare me. But it wasn't from Luna that this feeling emerged. No, it was from within. It was Shadow Storm's fear that I was feeling, to have my own dark side just be overcome with fear was to much to handle. When Luna's horn retracted and the magic dissipated, I was left there looking at her with me shaken to my core. What did she do to scare him and why does it scare me? She looked at me for a moment with a triumphant grin before she noticed how terror filled I was. She moved in closer while I slowly moved away. I didn't even notice the sound of the door opening up or the presence in the room. I could hear the hollow echoes of hoof steps as somepony came close.

“Luna what happened here?” The regal voice of Princess Celestia said as my brain was still panicked that I couldn't even process what had fully happened.

“I was trying to help Storm deal with the Shadow in his head.” Luna said as she turned to face her sister. My shaken gaze slowly moved from Luna up to the now worried looking Celestia. She wasn't even looking at me at the time.

“What did you do?” The regent of the sun asked in a calm tone.

“Shadow Storm was poisoning Firestorm's mind and I was trying to help suppress him. But I think I put too much power into the spell and I think some of it affected Storm as well.” Luna said as she turned to look at me, Celestia's gaze soon followed as I watched Luna take another step towards me followed by one back. My ears were flattened against my head and I couldn't stop shaking. Celestia took a step and there was a spike of intense fear through me. If Luna could cause this in me then what could Celestia do? I tried to blink out but in my panicked state I couldn't get my magic to work right. I got the glow for sure but I just couldn't build the spell in my mind. Even with her size Celestia can move quite fast. She came over and was hugging me.

“Shh... it's alright Storm.” She tried to reassure. Her wings slowly enclosed around me as everything was covered in a gray light.

“Storm I'm sorry... I didn't mean for that to happen.” Luna tried to apologize. I couldn't find my voice as I just continued to break down. For once in a very long time I felt like a kid again and not in the good way. I was just this weak little thing in a world to large and too scary to handle. Celestia sat there holding me close as I began to cry. It felt like every dark moment I had to deal with was dragged into my mind at the same time having to face the loss of Jessica, the death of close friends, the feeling of abandonment that my family made me feel after my own funeral, and so much more was forced into my conscious thoughts, they replayed over and over again on an endless loop. Without a doubt this is something I would never wish on anypony... ever. Celestia was able to get me back to my room with a little help of her magic to get my hooves stable under me. Both Luna and Nightling left so it was only Celestia and myself in the room. She didn't waste time and got me into the bed. We laid there on top of it as I was right next to Celestia's side as her wing was draped over me. She didn't say anything, honestly if she did I don't think I really paid any attention to it.

It was a minutes before my body decided that I needed to sleep with the worse fucking dream. I watched every... single... pony I knew get killed in front of me and I couldn't stop it. I was pinned to the wall with spikes through both of my wings and each one of my hooves. I was even cut from my magic with my horn being cut off, but I wasn’t in this dream alone. Shadow was along for the ride as he too was forced to watch ponies die. It didn't stop at ponies... not... at... all. I watched everyone I knew and cared about dragged before me in a bloody mess just to be slaughtered by some intangible thing. All I could really see was this big massive entity of darkness just come in and kill them all. Even... even Twilight and Jessica. Once it was done it turned towards Shadow and myself, with a stroke of luck I was able to wake up before any blows was struck. With a quickened heart rate and still on edge after everything, my eyes shot open to still being under Celestia's wing.

“Storm please calm down, I'm not here to harm you.” She said as her wing brought me a little closer to her after my initial jump from waking up.

“What... what happened?” I asked as my heart finally calmed down a bit to really process it all.

“If you mean last night, Luna used a very complex spell last night that is suppose to help those that deal with multiple personality disorder. It's suppose to help suppress the other entities that try to dominate for control until the right one is found. She put too much power into the spell and it seemed to have an adverse reaction on you. If I may inquire what did it feel like?” Celestia asked as she watched me worried. I just sat there taking that in a few moments as I tried to search for my voice.

“It... it felt like fear, but not just that. It started with Shadow being afraid then it sort of jumped onto me as well. Just the thought of him being scared just brought his wave of fear to my core. Then... then the memories came.” I said still shaking a bit.

“Memories?” She asked.

“Just... just every bad moment I had deal with all pressing to be in my fore thoughts. The lost of friends, the lost of Jessica, the nightmares, and so much more. Every bad memory I had I relived in a way that made seconds feel like a decade and not in the same way. It was like events just blurred together in a symphony of misery.” I explained as best as I could. There was so much more to it but I couldn't find the words to explain it.

“I see... I suppose when she tried to suppress Shadow who is tied to every dark moment and thought. It must have used the link you have with each other mentally and caused a relapse where all the memories he coven to fuel him was forced back onto you.” She said in a way like she was trying to figure it out herself. She pondered this for a bit more before her gaze returned to me. “Was there anything else?”

“Well... dreaming wasn't any better, it was much worse from subject matter alone.” I said shuddering from the thought of it.

“That bad?” She inquired.

“Much, much worse.” I answered.

“I may have to inquire from Luna about the context as it seems you rather not discuss it right now.” She stated with all I could do was give a simple nod. “Storm if you would like I can cancel day court and stay here to keep you in a more calm state.”

“I... I don't want to be a bother like that.” I said.

“Firestorm it's not a bother, your deeply bothered by this and it's only right to make sure you're fully well.” She countered.

“I know... I... I just feel bad if I cause you to get behind with your daily business, especially for somepony like me.” I said as I tucked my forelegs under me as we sat there on the bed. “If anything I just need something to take my mind off of want I just went through.”

“Well then maybe you should join me for it. I could always use another ponies perspective and having one that's not from here may shed some light on the proceedings.” Celestia said and I thought about it more.

“If I may inquire what happens in day court?”

“Well mostly it's two ponies that have a legal dispute about a matter either it be about work environments, or some ponies ask for more lands to expand their business. Theirs the fight once and awhile between a married couple.” Celestia listed as we laid there.

“It sounds pretty much like normal court to me. I suppose I can help give an earthen opinion on it but like most opinions it's on my own personal preference then based solely on the facts themselves.” I expressed.

“Every opinion is welcomed Storm.” Celestia said as she gave me a warm smile. The two of us left my new room to go get some breakfast with Luna. The three of us sat at the table in silence as this air of awkwardness surrounded between Luna and I. It's to be understandable why there was, after her overpowered spell on me. Even the wonderful taste of strawberry pancakes didn't help deter the thick fog between us. Luna gaze would turn to me, only to turn away when I tried to look directly at hers. Celestia looked worried as she watched this. Once breakfast was done we sat there quietly as we enjoyed our drink of choice. I got a nice cup of black coffee to help wake up, which honestly didn't need since I was already wide awake from the nightmares I had last night. I watched the dark brew in my mug just sit there as I magically stirred it a bit. The only thing came to mind was that blacken mass that did those horrible things to everypony I cared about. It so unbearable that I had to put creamer in my coffee just so I could stop seeing that void in it. I caught Celestia and Luna's respectful gazes to me.

“Storm...” Luna began to say with worry ever present in her voice.

“You're forgiven.” I preemptively spoke.

“But... how did you?” She began to say.

“Because every time I tried to look into your eyes you shift them away. I've seen it happen many times when somepony feels guilty and is trying to draw up the courage to say sorry. Which I figured I would help relieve that stress from you. I understand you wanted to help and the outcome was less than fruitful in the way you expected.” I said as I continued to stare into my coffee.

“Are you... alright?” She asked.

“No...” I simply answered.

“Oh...” She replied.

“Is there anyway I can make this up to you?” She asked and I just shook my head.

“As much as I would like to just name some silly request and everything be fine afterwards. I can't, I've tried to avoid having this favor system happen again. Where everypony dances around feeling bad for all that I've had to go through because of some comment at the wrong time or a miss cast spell. I understand accidents happen, I think I would be the first one to point that out.” I began to explain. “In the same sense I can't undo what I had seen, and what I had to experience again.”

“That's to be expected, I wish I didn't cause that pain for those nightmares last night.” Luna said and I involuntarily shivered at the thought of said nightmares.“The worst feeling is that it was I that caused them this time. To be the guardian of dreams and cause such horrific visions...” She said now shivering a little.

“Luna it wasn't your-” was all I could get out.

“It was Firestorm, if I didn't try to help then you would have been spared having to see everypony die like that.” Luna yelled at me, which caused me to shake. Celestia's eyes widened as her gaze shot to me. It was part of the reason why I didn't want to tell her, just that look of pity that she now gave me. Luna noticed her sisters look before she realized I didn't tell her sister what I had to experience.

“If you would excuse me.” I said as I left the table, the room was deathly silent as I left to go back to my room. I had ordered the guards not to let anypony other than the princesses in. The first thing I did was head directly to the shower to clean up. I started with a cold shower as I sat there letting it run over me. I slowly turned the water warmer as I began to take my left hoof and work the fur shampoo into my coat. Even the scent of strawberries one of my more favorite scents didn't help my increasingly darkened mood. Once the water temperature rose to the highest point I began rinsing my coat off before I moved onto my mane and tail.

“Firestorm?” I heard from the bathroom door.

“Yes Princess Luna.” I stated as I continued to work the soap into my mane. I gave up using my hoof to do it and went straight for my magic since I was a little handicapped on the right side.

“I want to apologize for my comment, I should have known better than to blurt something like that out.” She said, I remained silent for the longest time that only the running water of the shower as the only audible thing in the room. “Firestorm?” She asked again after a few minutes of silence.

“Yeah...” I halfheartedly said.

“Are you...” Luna tried to ask again.

“No, I'm not alright Luna. I don't think right now is even the right time to even ask that.” I said as I finished the rinsing of my fur. “I accept your apologize for what happened but it doesn't mean I'm alright with it.” I said as I brought a towel over to me. “Luna you know very well what I saw, you probably can guess how I felt seeing all that.” I said as my voice was cold and stern. Once I was dry I left the shower and looked at the princess directly. She looked at me and I could see the sorrow, the self hatred directed at herself. I know that look all too well.

“Storm I just wish there was something I could do to make up for it.” She said. I went over to get my regalia that Rarity had made me. Very rarely did I ever wear this outside of the library just to appease Twilight. She had told me I always looked so dashing in it. Honestly I didn't mind it much since it was Twilight that said it. But I would never really wear it outside. It would make me come off like a jerk being all flashy in public and because I'm not really worth being a prince. Still I was going to day court and I figured Celestia was going to wear hers. Honestly waking up from my nightmare and this mornings breakfast was the only time I think I saw Celestia and Luna without theirs. Speaking of the princess of the moon, right now she was giving me a worried look as I was slipping on my shoes. I went over to the mirror and looked at myself with my mane and tail still flattened down from my shower. With a flick of fire both my mane and tail returned into its natural style, or what I would call natural that is. Luna continued to watch me get ready for court. Just the silence between us so deafening it could drive a pony insane. Finally I couldn't take anymore and turned to her.

“Luna... look I don't know what to you could do to make up for this. Make up having to relive every painful moment, having to deal with all those nightmares, all that pain, and...” I started to say as my voice caught in my throat for a moment. My forelegs were shaking at just the thought before I was able to calm myself again. “I just need some time, alright?” I asked as I looked her directly in the face.

“I... I understand.” Luna said still as dejected and it made me feel like a heel. I went up to her and before she could inquire I gave her a hug as best as I could.

“Luna I forgave you already, so don't worry about that. I just need some time to let my mind settle.” I said as she froze there for a bit. She nodded silently as her wings came around to return the embrace. The two of us parted way with me joining Celestia and court. She had a cushion set next to the throne for me to sit next to her. I was pretty nervous by the time I got up there, I felt like a judge on his first day. Granted I wasn't going to preside over anything just pretty much watch but still. Celestia smiled at me before she motioned with her wing to let the first appointment enter.

***---***

Three hours, for three hours these two ponies argued in front of all the guards, Celestia and myself, all because of advertisements on their ice cream stands. Part of me wondered how much would decking some sense into these two be worth. The worse part of all this was I could sum up this whole fight in two words, pissing match. These two stallions had a bit of a rivalry going on between their ice cream shops. It started out with how many flavors they offered, then how many scoops in what kind of cone, followed by how many ponies they can serve, and now finally it was advertisements. It got to the point that both store owners had to have their signs taken down after a scare after the last storm Canterlot had. So they went for either bad mouthing the other in indirect ways, or, as the saying goes on earth, sex sells. It seems that Heavy Cream, a chocolate colored stallion with a lighter brown mane and tail with a streak of white in them decided to have a pony version of a pinup for an advertisement. In retaliation Frozen Treat a ice blue stallion with a blueberry blue mane and tail decided to hire show mares to be a live advertisement. Having them dress in some rather suggestive outfits. This was dragged into here when Heavy Cream began yelling at the mares before Frozen Treat came out and from there as you probably can guess became a boxing match in the middle of Canterlot. Just having to hear this was driving me nuts as the fight got so childish that it was now.

“No your stupid.” Heavy Cream said in his baritone voice.

“No your stupid.” Frozen Treat shot back with an accent that reminded me of Boston. Celestia for the most part let this go on but even I can tell she was about done with this. I on the other hoof was done two hours and fifty-five minutes ago.

“My little ponies if you two would be so kind and...” Celestia began in her motherly tone but it seemed it was a little too soft to be heard over the yelling in the middle of the throne room. I looked up at her.

“May I?” I questioned and she nodded. Now to say I was loud would be a vast understatement. Thank to Luna's little royal Canterlot voice training and my naturally loud draconic roar. Let's just say I got the two stallions to stop yelling at each other and focus directly at the throne. For added effect the two mares that Frozen Treat came in with were also paying attention.

“Thanks.” Celestia said as she shook her head. Oh... um... whoops. I gave an apologetic smile and she just smiled back.

“As I was saying my little ponies. If you two would be so kind and refrain from having your depute in the middle of the street, it would be much appreciated.” She began with a light smile.

“Of course your Majesty.” Both stallions said.

“As for this depute you two are currently having. I have to say it's a little odd that two ice cream shops would take up the same street. Prince Firestorm, what is your opinion on this matter?” Celestia said before knocking me off guard by asking me directly. I had to act quickly and with a telepathic questioned I asked.

“Do you want me to answer in my normal way or be a little more reserved with my words?”

“Reserved if you don't mind.” Celestia replied over the link, I gave a nod and glanced at both of the stallions and mares in the room.

“To be rather honest I find the situation between you two a little foalish. Two full grown stallions fighting over who have the better place. Couldn't you two compromise about it and keep it rather peaceful? If you want my honest opinion on this I would suggest that they either have to work together co-owning a place or that both shops are forced to move to different locations making it equally as far to one as to the other.” I answered, Celestia smiled at me and turned to look at the two stallions.

“What do you two say about this matter?” She questioned, both stallions looked rather confused. Probably at the point that I was asked on this matter and she didn't just outright answer. Which is a little understandable since I'm still pretty new here and having a just 'found' prince at day court seems a little odd even to me.

“Well I’d rather not work with him.” Frozen said with an annoyed huff.

“I’d rather not move after being there for five years.” Heavy stated with his own huff.

“I see my little ponies are at an impasse.” Celestia said with a smile. I continued to watch as both stallions still looking a little smug were also worried.

“What are you planning to do?” I asked over the link.

“Well to be rather honest I'm having a little fun with them before I simply make them stay with Canterlot's advertisement regulations, since my guess was they completely forgot about them.” Celestia answered over the link.

“So let me guess the mares in the suggestive outfits are against those regulations?” I asked.

“Well having mares out advertising is not, but the outfits are and are quite tacky if you ask me.” She asked and I couldn't help but crack a smile at that. I watched Celestia remind both stallions about said regulations and that guards will be coming by to make sure they were up to code. As soon as the four of them left I couldn't hold it anymore and lost it with my laugh. Celestia smiled before the next appointment came in, the two stallions came in where opposites of each other. The one on the left was a dark gray stallion with a dirty blue mane and tail. He wore what looked like an Old English dress coat with his mane styled like the old white wigs they wore back then. Next to him was well to put it blunt a farming pony, the rustic orange stallion with his brown mane and tail. If it wasn't for the color of his mane and tail I would swear he would be a spot on male version of Applejack. Just looking at this stallion made me begin to wonder what the girls were up too. Applejack probably would be on her farm getting the apple trees ready for the new season, Pinkie probably would be baking sweets and treats. Dash is most likely flying around doing tricks and Rarity is most likely working on a new outfit. Fluttershy is probably taking care of her animals and Twilight is most likely running an experiment or going over a few books. The thought of Twilight got me to start missing her more. I wonder if she was missing me at this moment. “Most likely Storm.” Celestia said over the link, my gaze turned to her as she gave me a warm smile. I nodded quietly as the two stallions continued their way up to the center of the room. “I would guess that she's trying to keep her mind off you by reading or working on an experiment.”

“Well among other things.” I said back over the link with a light smile.

“Still a little surprised she opted for you to leave during it.” Celestia commented.

“Honestly it was more my idea on this, I figured the two of us weren't ready for that leap in the relationship yet. Since the whole looming destiny, nightmares, and so forth to deal with. Doesn't seem the right time to start a family like that.” I explained.

“Very admirable of you, though she's probably chomping at the bit right now.” She said.

“At what?” I asked a little confused, that was followed by an explanation that got me to turn bright red just within a few words she said over the link. “I um... wow.” Was all I could answer back with when she finished. One then I didn't quite expect from Celestia was she had one 'hell' of a wild side to her. Both stallions gave us a curious look as Celestia continued to smirk while I blushed redder than the purest red.

“Now my little ponies what is the problem?” Celestia said turning to the two that stood before the steps that lead up to the throne, which meant they stood before us. Well if you really want to be technical they stood before Celestia with me on the sidelines. It didn't take them long to spout their case which this one was one of those company. But his help which the other stallion in the farming outfit was representing was complaining that the owner wanted to expand into the living area of his workers. Hard Work who was representing the other works had photos of the area which really looked like rickety old shacks that could fall apart with a sneeze. I had a feeling Celestia had the same thought as I did just from her expression of disapproval. Gold Raven who owned the business went with said he would pay for better places after the expansion since he would have the income from the increase in product to sell. Honestly it didn't look like he was hurting for bits at all. The well off stallion brought a series of papers with him which looked like his books for his business. As much as I can do math this seemed a little beyond my own abilities since I never had to balance the books for a business before. It had seemed like he already bought the land for the newer homes to be built at. “Hmm.” Celestia said as she looked over the work before I noticed her gaze shift to me.

“Let me guess you want my opinion on this one too?” I inquired over the link and with that smirk on her face told me I guessed the right answer. “Well I would say have him build the houses first up to equestrian standard before being allowed to expand. Since his workers look like they're working out of scrap shacks.” I suggested.

“You and I are on the same page with this.” Celestia said as she explained what I suggested to them. Gold Raven didn't look too happy about that but took Celestia's ruling as Hard Work left with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. Once they left it was time for lunch, which I still ended up skipping from time to time out of habit. The two of us joined Luna once again in the castle's dining room as she was looking over reports as each of them were in folders with her cutie mark on them.

“Hello.” Luna said before she took another fairly large bite of her sub sandwich. Celestia and I got to our seats.

“What would the princess and prince like for lunch?” The cook who wore the traditional and stereotypical chefs outfit that you would see in cartoons.

“Why don't you surprise me today?” Celestia said with a smile. The chef turned to me as I thought about it a bit more.

“I'll just take a salad again.” I said, he nodded quietly then left. I watched Luna continued to look over file after file. I couldn't tell from where I sat of what they were of but I remained silent. Celestia on the other hand or hoof I suppose was just as silent as she drank her tea. After the moments silence between the three of us, Luna finished her sandwich as she continued to go over the paper as my curiosity was eating at me more and more. “Luna?”

“Yes Storm?” Luna said as she pulled the folder from in front of her away.

“What's all that about?” I asked as I gestured to all the files before her.

“Oh just some magical research.” She answered.

“About what?” Celestia asked.

“Just an idea I had for a spell so I had a few of the royal mages work on it.” Luna explained as she pulled all the files up and placed it back into the folder that I figured it came from.

“Interesting.” I said which I know it may come across that I wasn't interested but I was. I was still on the low side of spells, compared to both alicorns in the room even smaller. The spells that I have learned, with some help from Twilight, I got basic levitation down and I'm able to manipulate elements with ease. But I chuck those up to being basic or I'm attuned to them being a dralicorn and all. One of the papers slipped out as Luna snapped the folder close. I quickly wrapped it in my magic to bring it over to take a glimpse of it. Before it was ripped out of my magic, which feels like when you get thumped in the back of the head but more in your mind. She placed it in the folder before the whole thing just puffed away. Let's just say I took the smarter route and kept my mouth shut about that. I didn't want to really piss off equestrian royalty at this moment, or anymore for that matter. The chef returned with my salad that I have grown quite attached to, especially this one since it was a fruit salad, strawberries yay! Celestia had what looked like a soup of some sort with a few floating pieces of vegetables. Luna stayed silent, well, all of us stayed silent until after Celestia and I finished our lunch. The dishes were taken away and the three of us sat there for a few minutes.

“Storm.” Celestia said finally breaking the silence that clouded the room.

“Yes?” I asked rather neutrally.

“Can I ask you something?” She asked and I was a little confused as in why she just didn't just ask to begin with, with a nod she continued. “How are you holding up with everything?”

“Depends on what you mean, If you mean about the whole being a dragon pony then I'm rather use to it by now. Granted the customs still throw me for a loop but that's just me not knowing.” I started.

“Not quite what I meant. I've just have been noticing lately that you've been in more of a depressive mood, the incident last night aside.” She commented and I started to think about it more. Have I been that depressive? Wait... how would she know that?

“Has Twilight been sending letters about me?” I inquired.

“Only in worry Firestorm, I much agree with her worry.” Luna added this time.

“I suppose it's warranted but at least a heads up would have been nice. You know a Hey I'm telling the princesses you've been moody lately.” I said a little more sarcastic than I probably should have but now I was a little annoyed, touched with my whole unable to deal with it at the moment with her because of estrus then chuck on the mind screw with poison joke. Just been one big ball of wibbly wobbly messed up stuff.

“She didn't mean it in a mean way.” Celestia said probably to detour where she may have thought I was blaming her. Honestly shouldn't be surprised by this I mean Luna was already telling Twilight about the nightmares so why not the other way around.

“I know she means well but I guess I never did like people or in this case ponies going behind my back. But it make sense having a dralicorn who is a prince having emotional problems is probably something that should be dealt with.” I said now rubbing my temples a bit. “I understand. I'm doing as well as the situation allows.” I commented before I looked up at the stain glass windows around, I saw the window depicting the girls freeing Luna and defeating Discord. As well as Cadence and Shining Armor's defeat of Chrysalis at their wedding. Then finally of the symbol I've seen for the elements themselves.

“What do you mean as the situation allows?” Luna asked, this snapped me back to the conversation.

“Well just as I stated, I'm handling it as much as I can depending on the situation. For the whole dralicorn thing, I'm alright with it, in fact I think it's kind of cool. I do wish I was human still, of course. I definitely miss Earth. Would I give up Equestria just to go back to how things were on earth? Hell no! I love it here. Well, I would love it more if I wasn't stuck with this looming destiny, psychotic necromancer that wants to rip my soul just to replace it with his own, a just as crazy necrotic changeling pony, and the ever increasing amount of bad luck. But other then that I love it here.” I stated, in a mini monologue. Celestia and Luna both looked slightly confused which ended with them rolling their eyes before they looked at each other.

“I suppose as you said you're handling it as the situation allows it.” Celestia said, I couldn't help but nod a bit at that. My gaze after that wandered back up to the stain glass window with the elements symbol on it. I thought about how they were all created because of the artifacts. To find all of it connected just seemed odd. I mean we had six of Equestria, well hell it was even before Equestria's finding. But the six oldest and greatest heroes and heroines saved everyone. In doing so sacrificed themselves created the Elements of Harmony, the same ones that the girls are bearers of. Then there's me the one that is now connected for some reason to the artifacts that helped create the elements. This was the odd part of all this that I was connected to just about everypony in this. The girls, the princesses, the six that saved this world before it became Equestria. My gaze returned to both princesses as they looked back at me Celestia having a curious expression with her right eyebrow cocked up and Luna just looking at me. “Ah... yes?”

“Something on your mind?” Celestia asked.

“Just thinking really.”

“If I may inquire?”

“Just, how I'm connected to everypony.” I started to explain.

“Well I suppose that is understandable with the Artifacts.” Luna piped in.

“Yeah, it's honestly a little weird to me that I get placed in such a spot like that. I mean on earth I didn't really feel as connected to people as I do ponies here. Which is the odd part about all this, on earth I felt out of place to a lot of people. Not my friends who I really do consider my friends and family mind you, just in a general sense. Here in Equestria I feel... well to be rather blunt at home. But to be so connected to them both in a friends way and in the case of Twilight marefriend, then connected to them again through these artifacts that made the elements they’re the bearers of. They in a way feel like more then friends to me. They feel like family to me, let's not forget you two. Just to have a family here it feels...” I couldn't help but smile. “It feels right. For once in my life, it all feels right.” I couldn't help it, I was grinning ear to ear, figuratively of course, but still I had a large smile. For what every happiness I held at that moment got shot right in the hoof when the large doors to the dining hall swung open to show the large and mighty pain in my flank Blueblood looking as smug as ever. You know I would think a nuclear bomb could go off and it wouldn't wipe the smug from his face even if it tried to. He trotted up to Celestia.

“Hello Aunties.” He said then noticed me as his smug just magically turned into disdain. “And brother.” he stuck on with some very potent venom in his voice. Glad I could get under his skin like that.

“Good evening Blueblood, how are you today?” Celestia asked.

“I'm doing well, thank you for asking.” He comment as his gaze turned to me. One thing you pick up quite fast, especially fast for ponies, is that feeling when someone completely hates your existence. Of course he would have to placed on a very long list, how it got that long don't ask me. Still can't figure it out myself but I guess it's just a natural thing for me. Anyway he sits down and orders his lunch which was something in a different language. “So what has my fine aunties been doing this fine day?” He asked.

“Luna’s been working with the royal mages as Storm and I have been taking care of day court.” Celestia explains.

“Goes to show that even the common folk can act sophisticated.” Blueblood scoffed.

“Blueblood that is no way to speak about anypony.” Celestia said.

“I'm only speaking the truth auntie.” He whined. “It’s not like I've done anything wrong by speaking my mind.” He continued and I could just visualize him digging his own grave.

“Blueblood what do you have against Prince Firestorm?” Luna asked getting more visibly angry then her sister was.

“I'm merely saying that somepony that just shows up doesn't have a right to be a distinguishing royal.”

“That doesn't give you a right to insult him Blueblood.” Luna continued to state almost to the point of yelling.

“As much as I would like to disagree with him, he does make a point.” as I commented.

“I wouldn't expect a pony like you to wait... what? You... you agree with me?” He said completely taken off guard by that.

“Like I said I would like to but I can't fault that logic. As I have stated myself the whole prince thing doesn't sit right with me. I just showed up and was given the position. That being said, I understand why I have it since I'm technically an alicorn. Well if you really want to be technical dralicorn.” I explained.

“A dralicorn?” Blueblood ask in confusion.

“Do you want to fuel this one or should I?” I asked looking at the celestial sisters.

“Don't mind if I do.” Luna started before turning to the royal snob himself. “Prince Firestorm is what is called a drony or dragon pony. Which is a rare offspring of a magical dragon and a pony as it is. But he from the pegasi equivalent called a Dragasi which you can tell from his wings.” Luna explained which in turned I unfolded my wing so he could see it.

“The scales on the top of it is a dead give away.” I added.

“Correct, as for a pony like that to become an dragon alicorn, a dralicorn is even rarer. So I honestly think Prince Firestorm has earned his right to be accounted as a royal.” Luna said with that last one ending with an annoyed snort that sound every equine. Which shouldn't surprise me she is a pony but it just came off a little odd to me, but I kept my muzzle shut.

“I see, so he's only a prince from the rarity of his race?” Blueblood commented as it looked like he was trying to process it all. “I suppose that make sense but I still don't see why he has to be part of this-” He tried to say before Celestia cut him off.

“Blueblood, I personally set up the adoption into the royal family myself. He is as much as your brother as Princess Cadence is your sister.” She stated before taking another sip of her tea.

“But Auntie!” he whined again.

“No buts Blueblood he is as much a part of this family as you are.” She stated giving a very dangerous stare that stook me and it wasn't directed at me. Celestia was one mare not to cross... Ever! I couldn't help but gulp myself at the stare she gave him. Blueblood just looked at Celestia before he shrunk back into his spot next to the table.

“Alright Auntie.” He said before turning away. “If you would excuse me I have a matter to take care of.” He continued before passing me with a whisper under his breath as he looked directly at me. “Freak.” In that venomous tone. With that I watched as the smug prick left through the main door. I just simply shook my head before I rested my head on the table. Lovely just one more thing to deal with later.

“I still don't understand why you put up with that stallion.” Luna said as she magically brought her drink to her for a sip.

“To quote Storm here, you just put up with Family.” Celestia commented which caused both Luna and I just to give her a deadpanned stare. “It's true isn't it.”

“That is true I suppose, as they say you can't pick your family... well in this case sort of.” I said scratching the back of my head.

“Sort of?” Both Celestia and Luna asked.

“In this case you picked me to be in the family so sort of.” I commented as I had coffee brought to me that I didn't remembering ordering. I took a long drink from it before I set it back down just staring into the dark liquid. Just the thought of this all happening brought that feeling of familiarity of things from earth back again. Blueblood now must hate me more then before just because I'm not quite a pony. Being on the wiser side I kept a mental block on any telepathy as I just tried to get ready for what I could assume was going to happen again. “If you excuse me I think I'm going to go rest for a bit.” I said before I finished my drink. The sisters didn't say anything as I left just that same air of silence that could choke the life from somepony. I went to my new room and made sure I locked the door before I began to strip the attire I had on. I placed my shoes and regalia on the table next to the bed before I hopped in. I didn't get under the covers just laid on top of it and stared at the afternoon sky over Canterlot. Even from here I could hear the birds from the gardens as well as some of the ponies walking down the streets of the city. It sounded peaceful, I just watched for what felt like hours but really might have been a few minutes as the day just passed by. My depressive note that stuck in my mind after Blueblood’s comment was replaced with some boredom that I filled with reading through some of the books I had there in my new room. Most of them were just magical theories on where magic comes from. There was one that it was the planet's natural magic that each pony absorbed, another one said it was a blessing from Celestia and Luna. The first one would make sense to a point but replenished magic but if I had to toss my own theory into the ring. I would say that the body made it's own magic from the food we ate as well as some natural environmental magic that we absorbed. It a sort of photosynthesis like plants do to gain food and nutrients, course that was just a theory.

What really started to catch my eye was a book about curses and curse like spells and enchantments. This one because I found a few things that poison joke does to me right here in this book. There was also a reversing spell to it too. To be honest that my level of stupid got to me and I almost wanted to see if the castle had some poison joke hidden to see if these spell would reverse the effects, or at least make it that I can make Twilight happy without being royally screwed over. No pun intended there. I also saw a few other ones that I had made note of, like the body swap spell that would do the same thing I had gone through when I jumped universe into that other Equestria into Max's body. I gave a shudder at that thought again. No thank you, that was one experience that I rather not relive. Especially if the universe jumping was involved, sorry but I wasn't going to be lost in some other Equestria. Hell who would say I would end up in a good one? For all that I knew my luck would screw me over and stick me in a god forsaken wasteland of Equestria that had guns with far nastier things than I had faced here. Just that thought made me want to stay as far away from that spell as possible and hope that Twilight would never find it...Ever! I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to change places with one of the celestial sisters. That thought I instantly wiped from my mind. Dear god I already hate being called prince, what the fuck would I do if I was called princess? Shit I was nearly at one point, then all that responsibilities. No, but fuck no.

I slammed that book shut shivering just at all that. I placed the book on the table and got up from the bed. Maybe a flight would help clear my head, that and I could use the practice anyway. I went over to the balcony and spread out my wings before I gave myself on good flap to get in the air. Once I was hovering for a few moments I decided to glide a little towards Canterlot just to watch everypony for a little bit. Honestly this flying was getting easier after I got use to the extra weight that I had to carry as a stallion. I figured that was the case since when I learned I was a mare and all, completely different body types you know? I decided to plop myself on one of the still floating clouds as I watched ponies do their shopping. The feeling of the breeze through my coat and wings was rather nice, also not being completely afraid of being up here was refreshing in a way. Being up here still unnerved me but I wasn't as afraid, not counting the way to Canterlot when I wasn't use to flying as a stallion yet. I simply stayed there and listened to everypony go about their day, even the lapse of some of the pegasi as they flew by. Short lived sadly as time went by there was a yell that caught my attention which made me look down at the Canterlot street below me.

“Stop! Thief!” I heard a stallion yell, my gaze fell upon a young buck running with a large thing of french or prench bread in his ragged saddlebags. He turned onto the street I was sitting over on the cloud before he ducked into an alley as two of the guards ran by, once it was clear he doubled back down the street and into another alley. Something about this intrigued me. I jumped from my cloud and glided over onto one of the nearby buildings so I could keep an eye on him. Something was rather off about him, well wearing shades besides. He looked around for a bit and almost caught me as he glanced up, luckily I was about to move before being seen. He dashed off down the alley and down two side streets with me hot on his tail from above. It was then I noticed him ducking into a very rickety shack, then looked like it was being held together with just a prayer. I landed quietly before the gray cloth entry.

“Alright Dust, I was able to get us something to eat.” a young but not too young colt said.

“Really? You mean we get to eat tonight?” Said a much younger voice.

“Yes Dust we get to eat tonight, what are big brothers for?” Said the elder brother.

“Excuse me, mind coming out here for a moment?” I said very clearly to be heard.

“Buck me running.” The eldest brother said before popping his burnt brown head out with the shades on mind you to look at me. I noticed his unkempt mud brown mane was all over the place. But what really got me to notice was the little claws on his forelegs. Wow they are all coming out of the woodwork aren't they? He looked at me and I watched his eyes widen before he bowed to me.

“Prince! I, I'm sorry I didn't mean to-” He began to say.

“It's alright. Please both of you come out here, I would like a word with you two.” I said keeping a rather calm tone. I watched the young buck come out as well as an even younger colt come out. This one I could tell right away as he too had a discoloration to his yellow coat. The two streaks of orange as well as the orange scales on his horn told me right away that these two were dronies. I watched the little one bow to me too as I couldn't help but smile lightly, it was just so adorable.

“How... how can we help you?” The eldest one spoke again.

“I'm aware of what transpired earlier and I would like to know which shop you obtained the loaf of bread from so I can pay for it for you.” I began. I watched the eldest look completely dumbfounded at what I just said.

“You're not going to arrest me?” He asked.

“No! Don't take my brother!” The younger one said stepping in front of his brother.

“I'm not having any of you arrested, and you can come out now Nightling.” I said as I hear the tell tale sounds of wings as they followed me from the castle.

“How did?” She asked after she landed next to me.

“Your dark coat against the light sky was one give away and two to many ponies listen in to my conversations so it was a best bet that this one was too.” I commented before I turn to the two before me. “As for you two, I want them brought to the castle and taken to my room. Also please inform the chef to prepare a hearty meal for these two and keep an eye on them. No offense young one but I don't like my stuff taken.” I said as I gave the two a stern look on that last one. They gulped and nodded. “Good, oh and Nightling?” I said.

“Yes Storm?” She asked eying me.

“Thank you.” I said before I got the name of the store. By the time I paid for the loaf of 'high grade' prench bread, which I will state this now. That pony was completely full of himself thinking I was going to pay fifty bits for a loaf of bread. As the saying goes mama didn't raise no fool, maybe an idiot but not a fool. So after I gave him a good stare down he finally relented and brought it down to the marked price as the other breads. Really hate people that try and take advantage of somepony, well unless it was something simple like a bit or something but seriously fifty bits for a loaf of bread? Anyway by the time I got to the castle I found 'prince' Blueblood who at this point I should refer to him as Bluebitch, who was, what else, bitching at one of the guards.

“You seriously can't say that they have any right to be here!” He yelled.

“I'm sorry prince but prince Firestorm ordered it.” Quickwing said with a very annoyed look on his face.

“And you're going to listen to that thing more then me, a true noble?” Blueblood continued to whine. That's when I stepped up behind him.

“You know, insulting somepony behind their back like that isn't very noble of you.” I commented looking directly at him.

“And what do you know about- Oh... it's you.” He said growling that last bit.

“Yes it's me Blueblood.” I commented with my eyebrows punctuating the 'me' part.

“That's Prince Blueblood to you, freak.” He continued to growl as he bore his teeth at me.

“Well Blueblood remember one simple thing.” I said and got close to his to look directly into his eyes. “If you want to threaten somepony...” I began before my eyes turned red and my teeth turned to fangs. “you better be ready to bare your fangs at them.” I growled back with my sharp teeth out for all to see. He noticed them and gulped before he ran off. I sighed and turned back to normal before I went to the guard. “Sorry about that.” I apologized.

“It's alright Storm, Blueblood can be a hoofful, but in the grand scheme, he's rather harmless.” He said as he looked down the hall where Blueblood fled.

“Even the smallest annoyance can become the biggest problems Quickwing, more than anypony can know.” I commented as I too looked in that direction.

“I suppose so, but anyway your guests are waiting in your room for you with Nightling.”

“Thank you, I hope they weren't a hoofful for anypony... well mostly anypony.” I commented with a small smirk.

“Nah, they’ve both been rather well mannered for ponies their age.” He commented.

“Alright thank you again.” I said before heading towards my room. It wasn't long before I entered the room to find both ponies muzzle deep into their food with Nightling standing there as she kept her eyes on them. The three of them stared directly at me. “Nightling if you want you can leave.” I offered she nodded and without a word left as she gave the two young ones a good stare before the door shut. I watched both of them gulp at her look. “What was that about?” I asked more out of my curiosity to no pony but I guess they thought I ask them.

“She told us not to touch anything or she would make us regret it.” The eldest brother said, I nodded as I came over and sat across from them at the table. They both looked at me while they finished up their plates. It seems the chef went a little overboard when I meant hardy. These two had six plates each of different foods. I mean I use to eat a lot of plates before I became a drony but damn that was a lot of food. I let them finish eating before I got down to brass tacks.

“I hope you both got your fill.” I started as both of them nodded. “Good. Now to get down to business.” I started as I gave them a very flat stare. “I'm already aware of what you both are.” I started and that got them both to look surprised.

“But how?” The eldest said in shock.

“Besides the fact that you're both dronies. Since you're specifically and earth drony as well as your little brother a dracorn. I only know this because I am a drony as well. Currently I'm a Dralicorn hence why I have both wings and a horn.” I commented as I held my wing up. “My wings are a dead give away since the tops are scaled cover. But that is besides the point. I'm going to guess you both haven't gone through your storms yet?” I inquired.

“I have.” The eldest said.

“Alright then if I may inquire what kind of drony are you in the sense of element?” I asked.

“We're both fire dronies Prince.” He said.

“Firestorm or Storm no need to address me by my title.” I said as I looked them both over.

“Alright Firestorm, My name is Seared Wind and this is my Brother is Ember Seed.” Said the Eldest. Seared Wind was a burnt brown with a mud brown mane and tail that was long and disheveled from probably not bathing in months. Part of me wondered if that color in his coat was more dirt than his real coat color. His cutie mark was fire with what looked like wind marks coming from it. His brother Ember Seed’s cutie mark looked like a simple seed engulfed in flames.

“With introductions out of the way. I will be rather blunt if you two don't mind.” I started as both of them looked at me for a moment before Seared nodded. “You're stealing days are officially done and trust me when I say this.” I said giving them another pointed stare.

“Yes Firestorm Sir.” Seared gulped.

“Now with that said, I'm not going to have both of you jailed for the theft of the bread since now it was paid for.” I watched the relief just wash away. “But I'm not going to let you be off the hook either.” Just like that right back to being tensed up. “You will be working it off once I have a chance to talk to a friend of mine in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” Ember Seed asked.

“Yes Ponyville, you two will be relocated there and will have a place to live other than that shack you had before as well as schooling setup. I'm going to assume that Ember Seed hasn't been to school in the longest time?” I asked.

“Yes Firestorm Sir.” Seared said again.

“Then I'm sure I can set up schooling for him as for you. Are you familiar with apple bucking?”

“I've heard of it but I haven't done it before, why?”

“Once estrus is over in Ponyville I will be talking to my friend who owns a farm. I'm sure she could use the extra hooves with maintaining her farm. But like I said I will talk to her first, I can't make any promises along the lines of work for her. If she can't, then you will have my word that I will set you up with a way for you to work and earn bits. This does come with one big condition to it.” I said looking at both of them. “You steal even once, and you won't like the outcome.” I stated in a very commanding voice. To be honest I'm a rather nice guy about things but I wanted to scare them straight. If the case did come up that it was proven they stole. I wouldn't split them up but I would make sure they had a guardian that had to keep an eagle eye watch on them almost all the time. My left ear gave a twitch as I heard somepony listening in again. “And if somepony wants to enter they can.” I commented loudly. I heard the door swing open as both of my guests stood up just to bow. That told me one thing, it was either Celestia or Luna. “I can assume you have a comment about my actions so far?” I inquired.

“I'm take it you heard me on the other side of the door.” The regent of the moon said.

“To be fair Luna I felt you, now I'm going to guess that Blueblood complained that I brought two dronies here and you're here to figure out why.” I guessed.

“Partly, Blueblood complained to my sister. I was curious on the whole discussion you're having with them.” She said sitting to my left.

“Well that's quite simple. See Seared Wind and Ember Seed were the ones shoplifting bread earlier today.” I started and I watched the worried looks on both of there faces. “My guess is that they are homeless, and only took it to survive.” I started and I watched them both gulp as we both turned to look at them.

“Yes.” Seared answered.

“So I'm giving them a chance to turn over a new leaf as they say. Once Estrus is over in Ponyville I was planning to have a word with Applejack about Seared Wind working on her farm to help pay for necessities. While Ember Seed could go to school there.” I continued to explain.

“Its very commendable that you're wanting to help. If I may I can already get the paper going for young Ember Seed here to go to school. As for Seared Wind that is not up to me, but if I may inquire where would they be staying?” She asked.

“To be honest I was thinking of renting a room for them at the traveler's inn until I can find them a more permanent place to stay.” I answered.

“Well, allow me to take care of that as well. I know the very place to put them, and if I heard correctly on the condition they have to hold by was that they couldn't steal again.”

“That would be correct Luna.” I answered.

“Well then, I do hope you to appreciate what Firestorm is doing for you.” She said giving them both a flat stare.

“Uh... yes Princess Luna, we greatly appreciate what Prince Firestorm is doing for us. It's been a long time since somepony did something nice for us.” Seared said as he brought his brother close for a hug.

“I don't like seeing ponies suffering like that.” I commented but there was so much more to it. I never really liked to see anypony suffer like that unless they truly asked for it. Just at that moment three ponies popped into my head.

“Well then I suppose it would be best to set them up with a room in the meantime.” Luna said before she picked up the both of them into the air. “If you two don't mind.” She added on at the last moment. I didn't hear their answers as Luna whisked them off to set them up a room. I just watched with a little amusement as both of them looked completely flustered. I thought back to my first arrival and how much I thought I screwed up with Celestia after Twilight hit the wall from my magic revealing itself. Of course that thought brought me back to my marefriend, I slowly trotted over to the window and looked off to the direction of Ponyville.

“Twilight.” I gently said as I just wondered what she was up to at the moment. I couldn't help but imagine her muzzle deep into a book. Probably with a stack of them to either sides of her. She probably forgot to eat again since Spike was in the cabins with a lot of the stallions. Between Spike and I we had to remember her to eat, especially when she was giving that assignment. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought, as it took me to literally floating her away from said book to get her to eat something.

“Something amusing young Storm?” The regal voice of Celestia said behind me which caused me to jump and almost went over the baloney. Celestia couldn't help but lightly laugh at that. “It seems some ponies head was in the clouds.”

“Yeah, sorry just thinking about Twilight.” I said as my gaze returned out the balcony.

“I'm sure she's fine.” Celestia said as her wing gently rested against my back.

“I wouldn't be surprised honestly, I'm just was wondering what she was up tol. I guess I'm just missing her I suppose.” I commented.

“Understandable, you two do make a cute couple.” She commented, I couldn't help but blush a little. Celestia lightly chuckled as she sat there with me.

“Celestia.” I started as I was trying to find the words for me as she looked down at me. “I'm curious about something.”

“Oh?” She inquired as the sun dipped lower in the afternoon sky.

“Well I know both you and Luna deal with the sun and moon. But I was curious on how you do it?” I asked. Okay so sue me, when Rarity told me that the two of them controlled the raising and setting of the sun and moon. I flipped, okay so at the time I didn't. Since Rarity was giving me a bath at the time. You know the more I focused on that thought it sounded extremely creepy in a way.

“I was wondering when you were going to ask about that.” She commented completely knocking me out of my derailed thoughts. “Truth be told that I am slightly curious.”

“Curious about what?” I couldn't help but ask.

“Well the spell used to move the sun and moon was a very taxing spell. Normal unicorns couldn't do it alone, it took six very powerful unicorns to cast it. Plus after so long they would be completely drained of their magic.” She began to explain.

“Wait... What?” stupidly came out of my mouth.

“You're familiar with the history of Equestria's founding correct?” She asked.

“Yes, about Clover the Clever, Princess Platinum, and so forth.” I said.

“Well back in the day unicorns like Clover and Starswirl the Bearded were two of the unicorns that helped bring the day and night. Before them it was other unicorns that did so, the problem is normal unicorns can't really keep doing the spells for months since the magic is too taxing for them. After so long they used up all their magic.” She began to explain.

“Wait so ponies died doing the spell?” I asked.

“Technically no, but to put in a simpler term they were locked out of their magic or more correctly they never regained their magic again naturally.” She continued to explain as she looked off into the sky. “As for Luna and I were able to handle the spell, at first it was rather taxing. But after a while it became rather easy almost like it was empowering at times, to find out later that the magic itself did give an alicorn more magic in a way.” She continued until she eyed me, I was taking all this new information. I had the feeling that she was rather dumbing it down for me to understand since I have the basics of magic down but nothing beyond that. “But as I was saying I'm rather curious if a dralicorn could do the spell much like Luna and myself.” She asked.

“What about Cadence?” I questioned.

“She had tried but she couldn't really get the spell to connect.” She answered.

“Curious, was it because the shape was too complex or was it something else?” I muttered to myself.

“Shape?” Celestia asked.

“Oh, heh. Yeah like you know spells are all shapes everypony makes in their mind, the more complex the spell the more complex the shape.” I said.

“Oh, so you see spells in shapes. Quite interesting.” She commented.

“Um... what?”

“Every unicorn and alicorn see's magic differently. I know of a unicorn that sees magic as threads and another that saw it as musical scores. It seems shapes is the way your magic takes form, it's quite interesting honestly. But I digress, as I was saying before. Cadence wasn't able to cast the spell since her special talent was love. I'm curious if you could since your talent is elements themselves. Do you want to try?” She asked.

“Really?” I asked.

“Of course.” She said before she started to explain the spell to me. To simplify it a normal levitation to me was closer to a straight line with me, this spell was like making an MC Escher Stairs paintings worth of lines. Maybe a round spider web ball or something of that sort. That was from her explaining it to me, which seemed simple enough. Now casting on the other hoof was a whole different ballgame. Feeling out the sun was simple enough, reaching for it was a little taxing but I did it. An odd feeling rushed through me as I felt the ball of burning gas. It was like when I had lightning shot through my body but this burned in a good way. Unlike the lightning that was so active that almost bounced through me. This feeling just flowed through me like warm water, it felt delightful.

“Now carefully move it slowly.” Celestia instructed as her magic. I could feel Celestia's magic around mine as I slowly began to press on the sun. That's when it hit me like a tank that was thrown around by a super human and being the lone human that just so happened to be in the way. It looked like I moved it an inch before the painful pounding from the spell was too much to handle as my magic just dropped, my body dropping with it. I laid down quietly on the balcony breathing hard, and sweating. Celestia lowered the sun down with ease. Which was understandable, she had it mastered over the years of doing it. Once the day had turned to night Celestia helped me back to my hooves. I had felt like someone sent me through the ringer as my whole body just hurt. Note to self don't overtax my magic like that again... ever. It was right about then Luna decided to enter the room. She gave me curious glance before turning to Celestia.

“I take it he tried the spell?” She asked as shut the door behind her.

“Yes, admittedly I'm rather impressed he was about to cast it.” Celestia commented as I was helped back over to the table and got a glass of water.

“And it packs one hell of a punch.” I said before I downed the drink. “But before that, it was... interesting.” I watched Celestia cock an eyebrow towards me at my comment.

“Care to explain?” Luna asked probably beating Celestia to the punch.

“Well... once I had the sun in my magic, this odd feeling rushed through me. The more I think about the feeling it was like liquid fire but in the good way. It's like the familiar heat I reach before I transform into my other state. This felt... better. I know the word is rather lacking in the descriptive part, but I'm really unable to describe it accurately.” I said as I began to look at my left hoof as I changed it into draconic state. I wiggled each claw on my hoof as I thought about it more. I didn't even notice Celestia had moved to my left until she placed her wing around me. I looked up at her as she gave me a comforting smile.

“Firestorm it's quite understandable, I had much the same feeling when I first did it myself.” She commented.

“I had a similar one when I moved the moon for the first time.” Luna tacked on a moment later.

“I just can't imagine how powerful you two must have been then, hell even now it's unfathomable.” I thought out loud, if I could compare them as I can Twilight…. Like if you stacked our knowledge together, I was barely a drop of water to Twilight's ocean. With these two I was a pebble to the entirety of space.

“We don't want to think of ourselves like that Storm, we are just who we are.” Celestia said.

“I can relate, well in a way I suppose.” I said with a light smile as both rulers of Equestria looked at me confused at that. “Well from how I'm taking it that you don't see yourselves as powerful, just normal ponies doing their job.” I elaborated.

“In a sense yes.” Celestia commented.

“Still ponies put us up on pedestals then treat us any other way but royalty.” Luna commented.

“Okay that one I can definitely relate.” I said with a light laugh, followed by both Celestia and Luna doing so.

“It can be rather bothersome at times can it?” Celestia commented.

“Yeah, kind of the reason I rather just be a normal pony hell I would take being a normal drony. But as they say, everypony has their lot in life to play.” I quoted, not sure who I was quoting but I remember it.

“Quite true, quite true.” She added, this was followed by the most awkward silence I think I've been part of yet. I could tell Luna had a free floating question as well as I and it was going to be a good subject with Celestia's wing currently around me. I kind of wondered if she could kill me or at least hurt me with said wing. Honestly I knew if she really wanted to do something bad to me, she would space me in a nanosecond.

“Celestia...” I began slowly as she looked down at me slightly curious. I however held a dejected look as I tried to will the words out.

“Yes?”

“I want to know more about... Grimwand.” As soon as the bastards name was out of my mouth I could feel Celestia stiffen in the bad way.

“I suppose it is time for me to talk about him. Since he's back again...” This time she had a tone that I couldn't quite place. It was like a mixture of anger, self-sadness, and loathing... I think. “What is it that you want to know?” She asked.

“To be honest, as much as you can tell me. Since I've only gotten a glimpse of his personality and mannerisms from the times I had to interact with him. Both in the dreams and reading his journal, I've gotten the feeling there is a lot more I'm missing. I mean I get the fact he's evil and there is no doubting it at this point.” I started with Celestia nodding as I continued. “But I get this feeling that he started with good intentions, but as the saying goes the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” I said.

“Truth is that before he really got into studying necromancy he was one of my personal students. Much like Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer before her. The point was he showed so much promise in being a great unicorn.” She started as she began to stare off into space. Well I suspect it wasn't quite space but more the past then anything else. “He was quite... is quite the smart pony. Truth be told he's one of the few that could beat me at chess regularly. It was when I had him study more of the zebra's homeland is when everything turned sideways as everypony says. When he explained it to me I was a little interested, especially helping those yet to cross over. But when he was talking about reviving the dead as he wanted to, I couldn't have that. If only I knew how far he would go for his morbid curiosity.” Celestia said and I could feel the sadness in her voice.

“The musician Dale Turner once mused 'Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.'” I said, both princesses stared at me. “What?” Both of them gave a smile shaking their heads.

“It's just a little funny how you always have the right thing to say.” Celestia commented.

“Don't ask me, I never could figure out how I do it. It's right up there with me giving advice. Just somethings you just don't question anymore.” I explained.

“What do you mean you giving advice.” Luna inquired.

“Well it's just that. There's points where I just give great advice to anypony or anyone. But as soon as I need some bit of wisdom for myself. It's gone in an instant, it's like magic.” I said with that last night waving my hooves like I'm trying to wow a crowd of nine year olds.

“Well sometimes it's a matter of perspective.” Celestia commented.

“I suppose that's true, this whole matter is just a matter of perspective. To Grimwand he probably saw it as a new avenue of magic to explore. I won't lie by saying it was all evil or vile. The concept of talking to spirits and helping them pass on, that alone seems noble. But when you cross over into killing and defacing ponies bodies. That's... that's just sickening to me. When I was reading his journal there was a point that I had to stop and throw up because of how vile he had gotten in it.” I shivered at just the thought of that entry.

“To be rather brutal and to borrow a few of your well placed 'words' shall we say.” Luna started slowly and carefully. “When we see him again, I seriously want to fuck the bastard up.” She blurted out in a very angry, please note not royal Canterlot voice angry yell. Both Celestia and I stared at Luna, I don't think out of all the times I've been around Luna that I've heard her curse like that. Honestly it was a little funny but mostly jarring.

“Well... um...” Celestia said and it seemed to me that Luna's choice of words almost literally knocked Celestia for a loop.

“To be honest... I rather agree. After everything he's done, I don't want to play judge, jury, and executioner on this. But really there is nothing else I want to do after everything he's done to everypony and myself.” I said pretty much stating my opinion for his outcome.

“I can't deny the things he's done goes against everything, both equestrian law and against nature itself. But I don't want to see my little ponies turned to such violent actions against each other as well.” She said as I could tell she was conflicted about this.

“Celestia if I may ask... how... how connected with him were you?” I asked and this got Luna to look at her sister.

“He... he was one of my personal students, much like Twilight is now.” She finally said after a few minutes or what felt like minutes of silence from her. I knew she repeated what I had asked before and I figured she more deflected the whole truth behind their relationship. If Celestia was hiding something then it must have been more than she wants out.

“So the mission to the zebra homelands?” I asked more to change the subject before I began to ask something I shouldn't.

“For him to study their more potion based spells and tonics. I never thought he would go into necromancy.” She commented then a question popped into my head.

“For... for how long have you known about that magic?” I asked a little nervous about the possible answer she could have given me.

“Not to much before I set him to their homeland.” She commented.

“Then I'm guessing that you found out what he was dabbling in while he was there and called him back?” I asked.

“No, the ruler of that land had informed me that he was talking to one of the more vile zebra stallions that has been banished from his kingdom and lived on the outskirts of his land. Once I found out more about said zebra, I had him called back hoping he hadn't really interested him in this vile arts.” Celestia said and I could just feel the anger coming off her. “It wasn't long when I found out what he had done to the Canterlot graveyards that I finally took action. I suppose my actions came too late since he moved his work to Ponyville.”

“Hindsight is always twenty twenty Celestia. When everything seems perfect that's when the darkest days seem to strike.” I said and my gaze left the two of them as my focus was on the past once again. “Winston Churchill once said the farther backwards you can look, the farther forward you will see. Looking back on all this from just his journal alone, I can see sort of how this all came about. From my guess you figured out that he didn't drop it and made him pay a price for it.” I asked.

“Yes, it's one of the rare times I had used the death penalty, I even went to the point of doing it myself. So no pony had to have the blood on their hooves. If only I knew his works wouldn't end that day.” She commented and I could see the over guilt filled sadness in her face.

“Celestia there is no telling what a pony is able to do until it is too late.” I said as I looked at her. “I mean look at me, I've snapped and hurt those I care for. I had been beaten, bloodied, bruised, and so much more to protect those I care the most about as well as a kingdom that now houses me. Just looking at me the first time we met. Did you think I was capable of doing any of that?” I asked.

“To be rather honest with you, I was afraid of what you may be just from the magic I could sense on you. Which was why I wanted Twilight to keep an eye on you.” She commented.

“I'm not surprised. Well maybe a little but you had good reasons to have me kept under watch. From me just showing up like I did and the Nightmare Moon incident. But I do wonder what made you finally decide I wasn't a danger to Equestria?” I asked.

“The conversation with Sha when I had entered your mind with you.” She answered.

“Wait... what was that talk about? I couldn't make out what was said being stuck in that stone dome.” This was in all honesty the first time in a long time I had thought about that moment, and to finally get an answer of what happened was rather nice.

“She spoke about our mother.” Celestia began with and I just listened. “Truth be told I was a little skeptical because beings before had tried to say that their mission came straight from our mother. But it was something Sha said that made me believe it was.”

“If I may ask, what was that?” My curiosity was getting the better of me.

“She... she said our little nicknames she gave each of us when we were both foals.” She said and I could see the smallest of smiles. “She then explained that you had a much larger part to play, but didn't explain beyond.” She began before I had to ask.

“Destiny was in play?”

“Yes, it was something very vague and ominous. So I thought it was best to deem you not a threat after I had a talk with Luna. The only other thing was Sha said that I had to be punished with interfering with destiny. The more I think about it, I think this was Sha or our mother's way of alluding you to who really brought you to Equestria.” She went on to explain.

“I believe your right, Grimwand seems to have masterminded a lot of what had happened. I mean Vermom put me into shock using my non-returned memories to make me lower my guard. Once that failed it seems they went for the direct approach to get me to submit with Vermom, and indirectly through my dreams with Grimwand himself. ” I said as I thought about it more. “The more the I think about it the more something doesn't add up.”

“What would that be?” Celestia inquired.

“Well, think about it for a moment. From his journal which I would say is quite old right?” I started.

“That would be correct.” Luna answered.

“But the events in that book happened what, over two hundred years ago? But for me it all happened months ago. So it begs the question: How did something that happened two hundred years ago happen to him when it only happened to me months ago. I can give a few days, maybe a few years between the two universe being as it is, universe. But there is so much that doesn't add up to me. Then I used the very same spell and traveled to the same time. The very same time he did, wouldn't I have seen him there in some way. I mean I was a satyr which was pointed out very easily. So it would assume that the same would be for both him and Vermom, but yet nothing. If we factor in him being alive the whole time then I can sort of agree to that idea it was recent but why not sooner? I mean why strike when the irons cold like that? Well for him at least, here the odds and honestly I don't like how I am about to put it because it seems a little mean to me but, the odds are stacked in my favor.” I started to ramble out loud.

“I would agree for this to be something rather odd for him. He does make a lot of plans but most of them have a window of opportunity. But in this case he had made it difficult for himself with both Luna and I. Plus the elements of harmony bearers as well. To be rather honest this has been perplexing me as well.” Celestia said.

“I thought Starswirl was the only one to have perfected a time spell.” Luna commented.

“Wait... time spell as in-?” I asked.

“Time travel of course.” She said without a pause.

“What?” was out of my mouth sounding like a duck. My brain, oh boy my brain just flatlined hearing all that.

“There's a time travel spell and no pony told me?” I asked as I was confused, annoyed, and to be quote blunt happy about it.

“Well... to be rather honest, we don't know it either. Starswirl was the only unicorn to perfect it after months of work between the two of us. Once it was perfected he made sure that only he was about to use it.” She went on to explain.

“Wow a little selfish?” I commented.

“Not quite, he only used it to help prepare Equestria for their darker days. Much like that day...” Celestia turned her head away and looked out the window.

“Nightmare Moon right?” I asked.

“Yes.” Luna commented who was the only one to look directly at me. “It seemed Starswirl figured out what day I was going to return and set up the legend of the mare in the moon.”

“So... he pretty much created the prophecy?” I asked.

“In a way yes, most of his time, beyond the raising and lowering of the sun and moon before we took over, was used to help prepare Equestria for a lot of it's darker days. Much like Sombra, Starswirl was prepared and told us the best way to deal with it. He never did tell us everything, only the important information that wouldn't alter time in anyway.” Celestia continued this time.

“It makes sense since time isn't always just a straight line as most ponies would see it. It's subject to waiver or even split depending on the events to transpire. Like if the girls couldn't find the elements in time than right now Equestria would be under an eternal darkness. It's not to say that a Equestria isn't at this moment but that's getting into the more split timeline theory.” I said.

“Very astute of you, I take it you had begun reading a few books on timeline theories?” Celestia said as she looked back at me.

“To be rather honest... no. My information is more based from shows and movies back on earth. Which much touched in the subject of time travel, I had always believed in it in a way. Maybe not having a special blue box or a car that would allow to traverse the timeline but in the same I couldn't always deny it either. There was no telling if time travel had been invented or would be. It's the tricky nature of the subject that got me interested. The ups and downs of it was also in a lot of stories from earth. Oh that reminds me.” I said as I went over and dug through my saddlebags that I brought with me. Two thick bound books floated out one to each of the princesses. “I did say I would bring earth books with me. The detective mystery for Luna and something more adventurous based in historic facts for Celestia.” I said smiling and I watched both of their eyes light up before I had each book ripped out of my magic. Celestia dug right into her book well the one I was letting them borrow.

The rest of the day and into the night was them muzzle deep into the books. Which I didn't mind much because I was as well, but unlike them whose books was stories. I began to do more research about the artifacts from the book I found in Grimwand's lab in Ponyville. The only downside was this book had only a base description of each artifact. Like how the flames of loyalty or the Infinity Torch was to help guide ponies towards their goals in any way it seemed fit and it was selective of who it allowed to use it. This made more sense after the whole Sombra bit. It must have had selected him to help conquer the Crystal Empire. Then it decided to help me during my fight with Shadow Storm and is tied directly to me. There was a similar description to each of the artifacts. But unlike the Infinity Torch there wasn't anything worth stating in it beyond it was one of the Artifacts of Harmony. Most of the pages were blank. But I did find out what the last artifacts were called.

“The Infinity Torch, The Band of Generosity, The Honest Mask, The Cape of Kindness, Laughter's Pendent, and finally The Blade of Magic are the names of Artifacts that make up the Artifacts of Harmony. Not much is known about why there were created, or how they became said artifacts but what is known is that they are the most powerful set of artifacts. With the Elements coming a close second but much like the Elements this is no real way to know what their role is in the land of Equestria. It is said that one will come to know it's truths and save the land from the being of dark and it's pawns of shade.” it read. I thought about it more and more as I began to try to piece things together. It wasn't a big leap to piece me as the one to know it's truths. Hell that one already happened if you think about it. The being of dark is pretty much the Dark One, but what was this pawns of shade part. I turned the page to find something odd, well I say odd. But this was familiar as in I've seen this artifact before. The image of a brown leather book was placed at the top of the page. “Nightmare Journal, thought to be a weapon in the old ponies tale of Nightmare Moon. This book is said to house a sliver of Nightmare Moon's essence in it. Who ever wrote in one of these books would have what they wrote about twisted and corrupted as their dreams almost every night.” That's when I stopped for a moment.

“That book... no it couldn't be... could it?” I thought out loud in a whisper. “The journals also has the side effect, to cause emotional instability in the current owner. They even associated with emotional sensitivity that has caused some rather rash choices in life.” I sat the book down on the table and went over to my saddlebags. I pulled out my drawing book, the leather bound book that I received in the mail. The book and the image were the same, the very fucking same. So all this time I was drawing in an artifact? Wait... is this the, fuck it is isn't it?

“Storm?” Luna said which got me to look at her. “What's wrong?” I think they caught my expression of both shock and horror. My gaze went from the book on the table to the journal in my magic.

“Please talk to us Storm, what's wrong?” Celestia said as she noticed my gaze would not stop going back and forth. With a flick of magic she brought the book to her and I watched her eyes scan the page. It only took a second before they shot as wide as mine did. “Luna grab that journal, now!” She said and without a second thought the journal was ripped from my magic. I didn't even feel the thud in my magic as it was taken over. Celestia came over and held me close as I thought about every nightmare I had faced.

“I thought I got rid of all of these.” Luna said as I watched that journal disappear in a puff of smoke. There was silence before she turned to see me shaking. It... it wasn't Grimwand then... I... I caused all those nightmares. I did it to myself, but... how was I... I... no I couldn't- I mean how was I supposed to know? Luna came over and pulled my face to look at her. “Firestorm tell me where you got that journal.” She ordered.

“The... the mail. It was sent to me in Ponyville, Miss Hooves was the one that delivered it to me.” I answered as I couldn't help but remember what Dash and Rarity had to see... all because of me. I did this to myself and I made them have to see it.

“I am going to send one of my guards to find out where the package came from.” Luna said before I watched Nightling enter the room a few minutes later. They talked for a few moments, with that Nightling saluted before she departed most likely to Ponyville. “Storm everything will be alright, you don't have to worry.” She said as she came over to look at me.

“Luna, how could one of those journals survive?” Celestia asked.

“To be honest, I don't know. When I returned I thought I had been thorough finding them all. It seemed I wasn't thorough enough.” She commented before she looked back at me. When in a moment I was being hugged by both of my aunts and rulers of Equestria. “I think we found the cause of your nightmares Storm. So you should be able to get some well needed peaceful sleep.”

“But... I... I caused it.” Was all out of my muzzle.

“No, you didn't know what it was. You thought it was just a normal book, and nothing else. Take solace in the fact that it can't hurt you or anypony else again.” She said before she gave me a nuzzle. Well in truth they both nuzzled me and not for the first time I felt loved here. Not the same kind of love as Twilight but a family kind of love. Just like the first time that both Celestia and Luna has showered me with affection like this, I enjoyed it. I couldn't help but bring my forelegs around them as best as I could and hug them. It took a few moments to finally calm down. They did inquire about what got me so freaked out beyond the whole 'oh shit that journal was causing the nightmares.' So I explained the whole Dash and Rarity thought I had. “Storm it wasn't you fault that you were tricked into using that artifact.” Luna reassured.

“I know but still it's hard not to feel at fault for them having to see all that. Luna you were there, you saw my wings were cut and ripped off. You saw the blood coming from the spot as well as my muzzle. You can't sit there and say it wasn't my fault at all, it was my drawings Luna. My drawing that got twisted and corrupted into those hellish visions.” I said looking at her.

“I will admit it was your drawings but that's what it was, drawings Storm, if you knew what that journal was. Would have used it?” She asked.

“No.”

“Then enough said, you wouldn't have used it if you knew.” She said and I had to concede the point.

“It's just...” I let out a small sigh before I continued. “I'm just being stupid again.” I said as I just gave up in defeat.

“Storm you're not-” Celestia tried to say.

“Stupid, I know. I say it more for a coping mechanism, just little things that help me get by.” I stated as I sat there enjoying getting hugged by Celestia. The three of us sat there with the books that each of us was reading before my freak out was on the table. The artifact book back on the Artifact of Harmony page. “Celestia... how's the prep for trip to Saddle Arabia going?” I asked. One, I was curious and the second because I wanted to derail any thought of calling me out on my coping mechanism.

“The Princess there has been informed and will be awaiting your arrival. As for the pony I want to go with you will be here in the morning before your carriage to Saddle Arabia is prepared. I have most of the things you going to need prepacked for you as well as some Arabian Riyals for spending if needed.” She answered.

“Arabian Riyals?” I asked.

“Yes, Riyals are what the bits in Saddle Arabia are called. Normally there they are called just Riyals while here they're called Arabian Riyals. It's how we call our currency Bit while they call it Equestrian Bits. It helps ponies know where the coins are from. We keep quite a bit of each nation's coins here just in case of things like this. We have Griffon Rubles as well. The only real kingdom that doesn't have their own coin or currency is the Dragon's Kingdom to the far southeast.” She went on to explain.

“It makes sense that each country has it's own currency. I mean on earth it was much the same.” I said.

“It's fascinating how many similarities there are between here and your earth.” Luna commented.

“I know, it is. But in the same sense it's a little annoying to. I mean don't get me wrong I love what everypony has here. I mean you have computers for god sake.”

“Then what is the problem?” Celestia asked.

“Well I get the point that a lot of the tech here is magic based through earth pony science and unicorn magic. It makes sense but it makes me wonder how some things are advanced beyond earth and other places not so much. Like let's take computers for starters, here they are pretty basic compared what what I use to use back on earth. While you guys have magical helicopters that can be controlled with just a simple jack of the control stick and it barely makes a sound. On earth a helicopter makes a hell of a lot of sound. It's just odd I suppose coming from a place that everything has been technology wise evened out while here it's more lopsided if you know what I mean?” I explained.

“I get why that can be jarring I suppose.” Luna commented.

“It's just one those things I've noticed from reading the Equestrian Science books and journals Twilight keeps in the library.” After a few moments I couldn't help but wonder out loud. “I... wonder how's she's doing?”

“I'm sure she's fine Storm.” Celestia commented.

“I know, I'm just being silly about this but I guess I can't help but worry. I mean with us being a week apart just...” I let out a sigh as I ran my prosthetic claws through my mane. “I'm just hot wired to worry I suppose.” That was followed by a light chuckle and that was proceeded by a yawn which I shouldn't be tired I mean I did get some sleep last night. Nightmare induced but still sleep nonetheless.

“I suppose you should get some sleep you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.” Celestia commented as she floated me over to the bed.

“Yeah I suppose you're right, I mean I'm going to be meeting this mysterious pony that you want to go with and help me find the artifact.” I commented as I slid myself into bed.

“Goodnight Firestorm and I hope your dreams are pleasant ones tonight.” Luna said as both of them gently kissed me on my forehead just below the horn.

“Thanks and Luna.” I began as I waited for her to look at me.

“Yes Storm?”

“Could you do me a small favor?” I asked.

***---***

The light of candles illuminated the high shelves of the old rustic library that I found myself in, each shelf was uniformed and orderly with a various amount of books on each one. The sight of so many books was a welcoming sight to me but I didn't have the time for that. I was here on a mission, and it was important... well at least it was to me anyway. I continued to travel down isle after isle until I found the one I was looking for. In the middle of said isle was a mountain of well stacked books. The multitude of colored covered novels lead to the various sounds of scribbling. The closer I got the more books I saw stacked on the other side. Honestly I didn't quite care about the books, the only thing I cared about was was in the fortress of books. As I suspected to find the only pony that would dream about studying.

“Hello Twilight.” I said looking down at my marefriend. I watched her ears that were flatten back shoot straight up as she looked up at me. It took a few moments to click.

“You're really here aren't you?” She asked with the most straight face as possible.

“Yeah, I had asked Luna to- Omf!” I said before Twilight tackled me onto the floor.

“I missed you so much.” She said before she just nuzzled into my chest.

“I missed you too Twilight.” I said once I got air back into my lungs... or dream lungs... or whatever you call it.

“Thank you for the gift, a little stuffed you to help deal with the loneliness.” She said as she continued to maul my chest with nuzzling. You would think I would be afraid of her grinding the fur there down to skin but hey this was a dream and frankly I didn't give a damn.

“I'm glad you like it Twilight.” I said as we just stayed there and enjoyed each others company. The rest of the dream was Twilight and I talking about what had happened. It seemed that Twilight had dealt with a few failed experiments because how the season was affecting her a little harder then normal. Me being the wise stallion on hit one shut up about my thoughts on that. She also had time to read through my books again as well as tried a few ways to power my old C.D. player. Nothing had seemed to work yet. But for the most part she's been keeping herself busy to help deal with the loneliness of no pony being around. Well besides some of the girls, Pinkie had come by with a few treats as well as Rarity to help just talk.

When it came to me explaining what happened, to be rather honest I was a little nervous. She followed my logic on the whole self blame on the nightmares but she did point out that not a lot of the more gory nightmares happened well before that book showed up. It did explain the rapid expanse on them since it's arrival. As well as my issue before Hearth’s Warming when I had to open my big muzzle. Lucky for me she kept the box that the artifact journal came in and is going to give it to Nightling in the morning. But it was finally time to explain a few things.

“Twilight.” I started as the two of us sat up in the isle of books.

“Yes Storm?” she said looking up at me from side my wings that was wrapped around her.

“I'm... I'm going to Saddle Arabia in the morning.” I said.

“Is this about an artifact?” She asked and I did a double take.

“Wait you know?”

“Princess Celestia sent me a letter while you slept after Princess Luna's mishap with the personality separation spell. To be honest, I am a little mad at her but I am also thankful she wanted to help. I just wonder what happened to cause it to misfire like that?” She went on as she began to think.

“Well I think is because Shadow Storm is just the other side of me and not a fragment of a miscellaneous personality given more structure. My guess was the spell wasn't designed to handle a connection like that and tried to do what it was suppose to do through said connection with a very harsh backlash.” I thought out loud.

“That would make sense, and I suppose you can't leave out the fact that you’re connected to both The Artifacts and Elements of Harmony. There is so much still unknown about both sets of artifacts so it's not far off that the harmonious magic in both of them altered the magics function causing the backlash like it did.” She countered.

“That would make sense. Is it just me or can magic theory get really confusing?” I asked.

“Well to somepony that isn't use to it I can see them getting confused, it was to me as well growing up, before I really started to study it.” She explained.

“I'm kind of surprised I can follow along so well with magic when I only started to really learn and use it... what a few months ago?” I said as I thought about it more. How the fuck was I so good with it now?

“There is a theory that when somepony goes through something traumatic that a part of their brains unlock to show a hidden talent of sorts. There was a pegasus that was able to fully understand metamagic theory and fundamental principals with a master’s degree from Canterlot college after a near life threatening experience with a dragon. So after having passed away on earth...” She said and I knew she was trying to sugar coat it for me, but I couldn't help but wince at that. “And showing up in Equestria like you did, to be able to tap into more of your brain. Not counting the new magic you weren't use to having could have made it easy for you to process magic at a faster level.”

“Then what about all the new skills I have now?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well like I've stated before, I never could cook worth anything but now I can cook just fine. I mean I made pancakes almost perfect large ones. I even made daisy ones that were almost perfect circles. On earth my pancakes would be big splatted and darken pieces of what you could only guess was a pancake. Then what about the musical skills that I have now, I only knew a hoofful of little tunes for the piano but now I can play it like a grandmaster like Bach or Beethoven. Not just that with my magic alone I can play flutes, cellos, violins, and so much more. The only thing that seemed to have heightened the least was my drawings which was just silly little doodles.” I explained as I thought about it more.

“Well it could happen just the same, you've been in a lot of traumatic experiences since you got here so it's possible they helped unlock the hidden potential you had in you.” I couldn't give roll of my eyes.

“You're making me feel like a labyrinth of locked doors.” I said as I couldn't help but take my prosthetic hoof from around Twi and brought it up to her ear as I began to scratch it just like I had done to me back in that pseudo heaven. I just watched Twilight melt in my hooves as her leg gave that involuntary kick under my wing. Something I guess I will never understand how ponies feel the things they do in dreams. I mean I get Vivid dreams being able to tell what happened and recall them but this seems a bit more then normal. Well normal for me at least.

“That... that feels so...” Was all she got out before a little moan escaped her lips. I gave her a little break from it as she gave me a blush. “That was amazing, where did you learn to do that?” She asked.

“I will...” There was a few moments of pause so I could keep myself from lying to Twilight. “Jessica taught me this trick.” I answered and I watched Twilight's ears flatten back.

“Oh... sorry.” She said and I could see the look like she crossed a line.

“No Twilight, you don't need to apologize for wondering. I know it comes across a very touchy subject with me and for all standings it is. But Twilight if you want to ask about her it's fine.” I said as I held her closer.

“I don't want to impose on your personal memories like that, I already did that enough.” She said.

“Twilight it's fine.”

“How can you say that? Storm I know I've told you to open up to everypony about how you feel but I also know that somethings are meant to be left enough. I mean I doubt you would like to hear about my past loves, or well technically my past attempts to love.” I said as she looked at me worried but stern.

“Twilight, if you want to talk about them then I'm fine with listening to it. If you want to rant and rave about something, I will listen to it. If you just want somepony to listen to you talk about science, magic, or whatever. I will listen. Twilight you are important to me and I want to make sure you're happy.” I said as gave her a gentle hug.

“Storm, I want to make you happy as well. You're the only pony that at least gets what I'm talking about and for somepony that's new to this world, it's rather amazing. I've never had a pony into me that can talk to me on my level or willing to understand it. Don't get me wrong the girls try, well... some of them at least.” She said as she turned around and got up to look at me directly in the eyes. “Storm I know you want to make me happy and you've done that in spades, even at the cost of your safety. I mean you didn't need to say yes to my experiment with your draconic form, but you did anyway. Just... please let me make you happy when you get back alright?” She asked and I blinked a little confused.

“But Twilight you already do, every moment I get to spend with you makes me happy.” That got me a deadpanned stare from her.

“Okay Casanova, that was the cheesiest thing I've ever heard and I know you're happy when you're around me. But I want to do something that make you feel really happy, like when you brought me a new book from earth or when you gave me that star amethyst. I want to do something special for you and just for you.” She said as she rested her head on my chest again. “Why does it seem that no matter what I do you want me the happiest?”

“Because Twilight you are the most important mare in my life and I want that mare happy. I want everypony I care for happy but you are my top priority when it comes to that.” I said.

“And you shown that, I mean you got dunked into a poison joke bath, granted you were not happy about it. But you still let it stand just so I could have my perfect date. Of course the ending of that was less than perfect.” She commented.

“More the opposite if you ask me.” I said.

“More so. But still all I've done for you was get you a table, a shelf, and a few books. Even when I try to do something romantic for my stallion somepony blunders in.” She said the last part with annoyed huff. I couldn't help but give a light chuckle that caused her to look up at me with my gaze looking up at the star filled ceiling.

“Sometimes it's just how the cards are dealt Twilight. You sometimes just have to wait for that perfect hand and ante up.” I said one of the few card metaphors I liked.

“I hope that hand is dealt soon.”

“Me too Twilight, me too.” There was what felt like a half out of silence between the two of us. “Hey Twilight?”

“You know you can call me Twi right?” She said with small annoyed huff.

“I know but I still like calling you by your name Twilight. I mean I get why Twi seems so appealing but it's just doesn't feel right to me. I mean I know everypony calls me... well not everypony because a lot of them can't get over the whole prince thing but still you girls, the princesses, and a hoofful of ponies call me Storm which makes sense. I mean with a name like Firestorm I can see the short version be just appealing much like Dash for Rainbow Dash... and I'm getting off topic anyway. I had a thought.” I started.

“Oh?” She asked.

“How about when I get back from Saddle Arabia and estrus is over why don't we go on a date. Nothing fancy just a more... down to earth I suppose kind of date. The more I think about it would it be more down to Equestria? Anyway, how about something simple like maybe going to a carnival or something like that?” I asked.

“I think that would be wonderful. I know Canterlot's Celestial Carnival will be happening in a few weeks so why don't we have our date then?” She asked.

“Sounds like a date to me.” I said with a little cocky smile.

“Why don't we ask Pinkie and Nightling come too?” She asked.

“Another double date?” I questioned.

“Yeah! I mean it would be nice to just go somewhere simple and I did Pinkie promise that I would take Pinkie to one of Canterlot's Carnivals.” She answered and I could see that guilty smile on her muzzle.

“I don't mind it, and having a guard there wouldn't be a bad idea just in case of emergencies.” I said thinking about the incident with Purple Rain which caused me to shudder just at the thought of what that stallion wanted to do to me.

“Something wrong?” She asked.

“Not really just remembering about the incident, just gives me shivers thinking about what he wanted to do.” I said as I gave a second shiver.

“I still think he should have gotten a worse punishment.” She huffed a moment and I couldn't help but smile a bit.

“It's alright, I trust Celestia and Luna's call on this. Especially after day court today, having to put up with so many whining ponies.” I said with a smile.

“Oh? So you sat in day court with Princess Celestia?”

“Yeah, after the whole spell misfire I needed something to help take my mind off it. But I did find something out.” I said.

“What's that?” She asked as she looked up at me.

“The ponies that deal with ice cream are the most whiniest ponies I've seen... ever.” I stated and then launched into the story. She chuckled lightly at my use of the Royal Canterlot Roar as I have began to call it. I explained what happened and the case after it. Then I described what happened with Blueblood...

“I don't see what that stallion's problem is with you.” She commented.

“To be honest, besides being a few cards short of a full deck. I think he finds me a threat to his way of life. Like a big brother having to deal with having a little brother for the first time and not being the center of attention. Well that's what I'm taking away from it that is.” I surmised.

“I suppose that makes sense, especially if you add all the rumors about him. Not to really say that their true but after what Rarity has told me about her interactions after the Grand Galloping Gala and his actions during Hearth’s Warming. I'm more likely to believe them.” She said still kind of annoyed at the jerk.

“I did have a bit of a funny nickname I probably won't really use for him.” I commented.

“Oh?” Twilight inquired amusingly.

“Yeah, I thought about calling him Bluebitch at some point but thought against it. I don't think Celestia would really like me both cursing at him and insulting him in the same sentence like that.” I said with a light smile.

“I suppose it would be a fitting name.” She said with a light laugh.

“Yeah, especially after the whining after Seared Wind and Ember Seed came to the castle.” I commented.

“Seared Wind and Ember Seed?” She asked.

“Oh right, they are two dronies I came across during my little flight earlier in the day.” I commented.

“Wait there's more of them in Canterlot?” Twilight asked as she looked surprised.

“Yeah I've come across three of them. The one in Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, and the two from the marketplace.” I commented.

“Wow... I didn't... just wow.” Was all that she could say, I couldn't help but close her opened maw with a quick motion of my hoof.

“I know, I was a little surprised myself.” I said then I went on and talked about each one. She smiled when I took Burning Scale to his next class and defended him to his teacher. As well as agreed to my idea for Seared Wind and Ember Seed. She said she would talk to Applejack in the morning for me. So she had sometime to think about it more then me kind of dropping it on her. Twilight and I just mainly talked about things nothing really important, just things magical theories and the like. As the dream was ready to call itself to a close I gave Twilight one last kiss before she woke up and left me in a empty black void to explore before I woke up. All and all this wasn't that bad of a visit to Twilight's dream, and I was glad Luna let me do it. I mean I knew she most likely agreed to it to make up for the whole spell incident. But to be able to see and talk to my marefriend, it was worth going through a thousand of those. But it left one question for me.

What did tomorrow bring?

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Well here's another long chapter. It does leave a few questions. Who is this pony Celestia has in mind? How is the ponies in Saddle Arabia? Is there ramifications down the line for Luna's actions? Why is Blueblood still a complete dick? This answers and more... some where down the line.

If it's not too much trouble any feed back would be appreciated, thank you.