“What was it that Princess Celestia needed to talk to you about?” Twilight had asked me after I had returned a few hours later. Truth was I wasn't in the best of moods, after recapping the nightmare I had had for the two weeks, and all the fear I had felt retold. It had left me in a very dark place in my mind. Even one that Shadow who was still in my head remained silent. By the time I got back Twilight had begun to panic a bit. Well... I say a bit, but Twilight had done much of what I did. She had talked herself in circles in worry about what was going on. Didn't help how depressed I looked when I reentered the room.

“Just a depressing retelling, nothing to be worried about.” I said with a warm smile. I wanted to make sure that Twilight knew that everything in the end as fine. Which that was the case, we just had a very long talk that in the end needed to be done. Probably not the best timing for it, but was probably better that happened sooner then let the feelings dwell too long.

“Are you sure?” Twilight said and I could see she was worry. Well one thing I noticed the ponies ears kind of give away feelings more then their faces do. Granted with limited range, but it was still there as Twilight was trying to put on a non-worried look on her face but her ears kind of told me otherwise.

“Yeah, I'm sure. Let's not worry about what happened between the Princesses and myself. We have a date to go on. Speaking of date, where is Pinkie and Nightling? I thought they were with you and Rarity?” I asked looking around for them.

“They went ahead and I told them I would catch up. I wanted to make sure everything was alright.” She said as she got to my side and rested her head next to mine. “Storm, are you alright?” I blinked a moment and turned to her as best as I could.

“I'm fine Twilight, I just still have to process everything that has happened.” I said with a soft smile.

“What did happen?” She asked and I lowered my gaze.

“A nightmare that I don't want to ever relive.” I said quietly.

“Was as bad as some of the others?” She asked and I couldn't help but think back to when I watched the fake her die before me. The memory caused me to shake a bit and I couldn’t help but use my wing to bring her closer to me.

“Worse, so much worse.” Was all I could say and Twilight must have sensed how the memory had affected me. Maybe not the memory itself, but just between the shaking in both voice and body. She moved her hoof over me to hug me as best as she could while being under my wing.

“You don't have to tell me if it bothers you so much.” She said in a gentle voice.

“Thank you.” I said and really I didn't know what else to say. I wasn't sure if I could really tell Twilight what I had saw in the dreamscape. I had the hardest time even telling Celestia and Luna, and even they blanched a bit at it. Even when I told them about the nightmare ghost I faced and what happened to him, they were worried if I was going to hold up well after it.

“Storm, I just want you to know that no matter what. I will always be here for you.” She said and I nodded quietly as I didn't trust my voice to crack. Of course this slightly awkward but touching moment was ruined when a guard decided to blunder in while Twilight and I were standing there. The two of us turned to see who entered, I first thought it was either Dash or Pinkie.

“My apologize prince, I was sent to inform you that Captain Nightling and Miss Pinkie will meet you at the Ferris wheel.” He said giving a salute.

“Ah, thank you. You may return to your duties if you wish.” I said trying to sort of sound like Celestia or Luna when they dismiss a guard. He took his leave shortly after that and Twilight just looked at me.

“Well... that killed the mood.” She said.

“No kidding, and the whole 'you may return to your duties' was outright weird to really say.” I said as I couldn't help but giggle a bit.

“What was with that anyway?” She said cracking a smile.

“Sorry I was trying to get use to dismissing guards. Kind of botched that one up good.” I said as my giggled just devolved into laughing.

“No, no.” She said before letting out a snort. “Okay, it was.” That's when we both just lost it and laughed a good hearty laugh. It was maybe a good few minutes before we finally could catch our breaths to finally decide to leave. It was nice being able to walk with Twilight again. To be honest it's just nice being around Twilight again. After all I had dealt with it was just being able to be around familiar ponies again was something I wouldn't pass for the world. The more I think about it the more that I never want to lose any of them. Twilight and I continued through the streets of Canterlot. Unlike the normal fair that everypony would see. The streets was strung up with various fliers, flags, lights, and magic. It reminded me of so many things it was hard to even place one solid one. I mean it was so colorful that I doubt you couldn't find one missing color in it. Between the shifting balls of magic just floating around like paper lanterns floating on the wind which was just a light breeze at the moment. “I've always loved this time of year, ever since I was a little filly.” Twilight said looking at everything.

“It's... well to say the old cliché, it's magical. There is nothing like this on earth outside of stories and movies. Just... I'm a little lost for words.” I said just seeing everything for myself.

“Movies?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, think of them like plays that play the same way. Unlike the stage they can do so much more with each different productions. There's space adventures, slice of life, and so many more that I could show you. You know if I had my tablet I could show you a few I have on there.” I said with a smile.

“The one that has books on it?” Twilight asked looking at me.

“It has more than books, it's a sort of catch all. Remember that CD player I have?” She nodded towards me. “Well it too can play music but in a different way. Besides those books, movies, and music. It's a calculator, an earth calendar, it's an entertainment device, a camera, it can do a lot of things. Even when I'm not using those features I use it to read and get lost in a good narrative. Sometimes I will play music while a read to help set the mood of what's going on in the book.” I said with a smile.

“I do that too, I know Spike likes it when I listen to a record while I'm studying or just reading.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Too bad I don't have my tablet here in Canterlot.” I said with a smile.

“Actually... you do.” She said and I turned to eye her. “I brought it with me to ask you about it, among a few other things... sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” I asked looking at her.

“For going through your things, you've kept a lot of them in that duffle bag of yours.” She said looking a little ashamed.

“Okay? And the problem is?” I asked a little confused.

“It was something of yours, and I went snooping. Doesn't that bother you?” She asked looking at me.

“Twilight, maybe a little to be honest. You know you can ask me anytime about anything. Like what my opinion is on say the interpretation of spells for everyday ponies, or what do I keep in my duffle bag. I'm not ashamed of what I own. I mean I already told you about Cubby bear. What more do I have to be ashamed from a bug of things from earth.” I said with a light smile.

“Still...” She said and if she was human, she would probably do what I do when I'm nervous and rub her right arm.

“Still?” I asked a little confused.

“Still... I just wanted to know about you. Storm you've always had this air of hiding some things about you.” She asked and I thought about it. Maybe I was hiding some of the more personal stuff I deal with.

“Then I take it you were hoping to find a journal or something from before I came to Equestria?” I asked looking at her.

“I... yes, I wanted to know how you were like before you came here. It's was wrong of me, especially after I made a big deal about you possibly reading mine. I hope you can forgive me.” She said not looking at me.

“Already done, and truth be told. You had already found it.” I said with a smile, she turned to me looking a little surprised.

“No, I didn't find any journal and how could you forgive me so easily?” She asked as eyes snapped directly to me.

“Well because it wasn't anything big to me. Twilight most of that stuff was things I grabbed and went. It's not like I grabbed something private, just stuff around my old room. The only thing I wish I could grab was my laptop so you can see the human version of the one you have at home.” I said with a smile.

“The laptop is the travel version of the computer?” She asked.

“Roughly yes, it can do more then the computer you have downstairs but in human standards there are much more powerful computers out there.” I said with a smile.

“I wish I could see them.” She said.

“Well... I can give you an idea of what they look like when I look at my tablet.” I answered.

“Speaking of that, you said that I already had your journal?” She asked with a questioning glance.

“Yeah, my journal is all on my tablet.”

“How?” She asked.

“Much like how you kept diary entries on your computer, I did the same with my tablet. Just I made sure my was secure so nopony can read them without knowing how to access them.” I answered.

“How do you access them?” She asked and I knew she was prying for an answer to read it.

“Besides having to find where I hid the folder they are contained on which you would have to know where it is exactly. You have to enter the password and decode each page.” I answered with a smile. Twilight however looked a little confused.

“Isn't that a little... over protective?” She asked.

“Not really, my friends would mess with my laptop all the time until I put a boot up password on it which would lock them out after the third try Which then if they wanted to try again, they would have to shutdown and restart. So I got a little paranoid to the point I started to make sure my things were locked. Phone, tablet, laptop, and a few other devices I own. If I didn't then I would have to either have to fix what they messed with or them using what they read as a butt of some joke.” I said as we continued.

“Did they do that a lot?”

“Every chance they got, privacy is something I hold close to the chest.” I said with a frown as I remembered the many of times I got teased for something I wrote in my own personal journal.

“And I just stomped right through that.” She said frowning.

“Twilight it's fine, I trust you. I don't think you've done anything to really make me lose trust in you.” I said looking at her.

“Not even when I asked for the whole poison joke bit?” She asked.

“Not really, most times it surprises me but doesn't mean I don't trust you. If anypony has lost it at times it was Rarity, Dash, and Pinkie. All three of them had played us at one point or another and it's the one thing I'm trying not to stand anymore. I had dealt with it for far too long. Doesn't mean I don't completely mistrust them, just I don't fully trust them.” I said being clear about my point.

“I don't understand you at times.” She said frowning.

“What's not to get?” I asked looking at her as we turned to head to the main part of the carnival.

“Well, you have a rapid mood changes by the littlest things. I've seen just by one word you go from happy to down right depressive. You've turned from calm and peaceful to furious, all at the drop of a hat. Then the whole crazy out look that you're some kind of grand idiot, when you've been rather smart with ponies. Even more so that you’re so observant that you could guess how some of us are feeling. You can even tell when somepony is listening in, including the princesses themselves. Now you're telling me that you're also paranoid to the point over over protection one files, but you don't want protection yourself. I don't understand you at all.” She said with a frown looking at me.

“I'm sorry Twilight, I didn't mean to be like that. On earth we have a saying that we are only human which is more a catch all comment, because humans don't always make sense to anyone. In a way you could see us as harmonious chaos-” I said before Twilight cuts in.

“That doesn't make any sense.” She said.

“Well that's kind of the point. Humans have this way of contradicting their own points but it's functions in a way that some ponies could see it as nothing but chaos, but to human's it's just how things are. In a way I could say Equestria is the same thing.”

“Please explain.” She said looking up at me.

“Well, look at the Everfree forest. Inside ponies would find it dangerous, wild, and chaotic. Which is nature for the area, but itself is a self contained system that works. It has it's own harmony to it.” I said. Twilight just was long in thought for a moment as the closer we go to the main area, the louder the music got. From what I could hear it sounded not what I would expect from a carnival, but it felt right at home. A little ragtime meets modern.

“I sort of see what you mean, but how does that work?” She asked.

“It's balance, pure and simple. On earth we have a symbol called yin and yang. Which if you break it down there is no good without evil, and there is no evil without good.” I said looking at her.

“How does that apply here in Equestria?” She asked.

“Well...” I had to think for a moment until I remember what I was told about... “The Canterlot Wedding.”

“What about it?”

“Well let's take your actions. From every ponies standpoint that everything was fine beyond the whole shield covering Canterlot. It was your own paranoia that caused you to do something different-” I began.

“But Chrysalis had-” Twilight said interrupting me.

“Twilight, I know. I'm not saying it was the wrong choice, it was an example of what I mean.” I said cutting her off this time. Twilight looked a little angry with me and I understood.

“Still, I think I get it. You can't have one without the other.” She said.

“Yeah, granted I should have picked another example.” I said with an awkward laugh.

“Definitely.” She shot back and the two of us got to the Ferris wheel smiling. The carnival reminded a mixture of the few I had gone to on earth and an old festival that I which I could have gone to on earth. Around us was a few rides but a lot of them were different as they used a lot of magic to run them. The largest of them was the Ferris wheel that Twilight and I stood by. The large mostly white wheel had different symbols around it that stayed in place as it turned like it countered the wheels massive turn with smaller ones, so each symbol would remain upright. The only thing that really caught my eye was the depiction of both regents of the celestial bodies counterclockwise rotating in the center. My gaze dropped to look around as I saw a few carnival games, goldfish catching, balloons for prizes, there was a makeshift shooting gallery that was using slingshots instead of the old cork pistols that I've seen. Some of them were themed differently as I saw a few of them around cloud shooting. I saw the basketball hoops game, and more that I was familiar with. Around them was a bunch of stands that had food and wares of different sorts.

“I wonder where Pinkie and Nightling are?” I asked looking around.

“Maybe you should try behind you.” Nightling said causing both Twilight and I to turn around to look at them.

“How long were you back there?” I asked blinking.

“Not long, just watched you gawk around for a few minutes.” She said with a smile.

“I was not gawking.” I said with a huff.

“You kind of were.” Twilight said.

“No I was observing, this is my first Canterlot carnival, that and I was drawing parallels to two things I know of.” I said with a smile.

“Oh? What is it?” Pinkie said bouncing right in my face with a creepy ass smile on her face.

“Pinkie can I have a little space?” I asked and she took only one step back before bouncing again. If it wasn't Pinkie, I would swear she was screwing with me now. “ A little more then that please.” I said and she took another step. Okay maybe she is screwing with me.

“Close enough I suppose.” I said taking a breath. “What this reminds me of some of the old local carnivals that I've been to myself. Granted this one here has more magic based rides. While the one's on earth are technology based.” I said looking around at all the booths around.

“What's the other thing?” Twilight asked.

“It would be the Gion festival. It's well... a festival in Kyoto.” I said with a smile.

“Kyoto?” Twilight asked.

“It's a city in Japan.” I said with a smile.

“Japan?”

“It's country on earth, one of many.” I answered.

“How many countries are on earth?” Nightling asked.

“Good question, I think it's over two hundred roughly.” This caused both Nightling and Twilight to look at me in surprise. Pinkie just bouncing with a smile, per her normal manners.

“Seriously?” Nightling said and I could help myself.

“No abstractly, of course seriously.” I said with a smile.

“Oh, tell me!” Pinkie said bouncing around.

“How about after we have fun at the carnival. I mean you don't want to deal with me teaching you three instead of playing some games?” I offered really not wanting to go into a geology lesson right now.

“Yes please, after everything that has happened this bat pony needs some fun.” She said before wrapping her wing over Pinkie. Surprising enough this got Pinkie to stop bouncing. “So how about we go around and play a few games? I'm sure I can show the prince here a thing or two at the shooting gallery.”

“Oh really? Sounds like a challenge.” I said grinning.

“Maybe it is?” Nightling said grinning just as much back.

“Okay, you're on.” I said as the four of us found a shooting gallery booth. It was as I expected a simple shooting gallery that most would see on earth when the fair would come into town. A table on the outside holding the shooting device which this one was a simple rubber band like crossbow with little darts. On the back of the stand had a few targets of different sizes at different distances from the crossbows. Above all of it was a few stuffed animals of different sizes as well as little toys that a young child or foal would enjoy. The two stallions running the booth were twins for the most part. They were both a faded yellow with a dingy red and white mane and tail that oddly reminded me much of a cartoon's depiction of bacon. One of their manes was much longer than the other, and the one with the shorter mane had a dingy red mustache. They both had an candy apple green eyes and both of their cutie-marks were apples. The one with the shorter mane had an apple with a sixth of an apple slice missing while the other one had the missing slice has his. Both of them were wearing a vest with white and blue stripes with a few golden buttons. They also both had white undershirts and dark gray bow ties. Finally they both had boater hats on their heads with a blue strips on it. Much like from the old nineteen sixty-two movie The Music Man with Robert Preston. As we got closer I noticed Twilight's smile fading away and shifting into a frown. Her ears flattened back and a scowl on her face. “What's wrong?”

“Them.” She said using her muzzle to point to the stallions as we got up to game.

“What's wrong with them?” I asked.

“Ah, Miss Sparkle so nice to see you again.” The one with the longer mane said.

“Hello Flim and Flam.” Twilight said, even Pinkie was frowning. My mind was trying to figure out where I heard their names from. “They tried to trick Applejack out of her farm.”

“Wait, these are those ponies?” I asked remembering when Twilight was telling me about some of her adventures from before I showed up.

“Yeah, they were meany pants.” Pinkie said and even Nightling looked annoyed at the stallions. If my memory served me correctly these two had been running a scam on apple cider trying to make more of it then Applejack and her family. In the end it ran down to a compilation that they decided to go full steam and not to check the apples. In the end their own egos caused them to lose a bet they won. It was still a bullshit bet, and I'm happy they lost it in the end when they tried to sell that last fresh barrel they made with bits of branches and dirt in it. I needed to make a mental note to see if these two had either incident.

“Well I hope you two aren't doing anything like that here.” I said trying to at least give them the benefit of the doubt.

“Oh, why would we in such a pristine place?” The one with the shorter mane said.

“Just bare in mind Princess Luna is the one overseeing the Carnival this time.” Nightling warned and I could see the stallions start to sweat a little.

“So that aside how much for a few rounds?” I asked waiting to get to the fun.

“Oh four bits per two shots” The long maned one said. I floated out eight bits for both Nightling and I.

“First game is on me.” I said with a smile.

“Okay princey let's see your A game.” Nightling said with a cocky smile. Did she really have to fucking call me 'princey'? It was bad enough that Daring Do was doing it now her. Nightling and I got up to the crossbows and I saw that these were modified so ponies could shoot them with their hooves instead of the mouth fired one's I saw in the armory sometime ago. I used my prosthetic hoof to grip the trigger just hard enough to be ready to fire it as I used the iron sight on the bow. Coming up to it I saw which prize I wanted to win. It reminded me of Twilight's Smarty Pants doll back home and I thought it would be nice to win it for Twilight. So I moved it around to get a feel for the bow. Something didn't feel right to me as my right ear flops for a moment. I could have sworn that I heard something moving from under the table. It may have been the booth next to us who knows. I took aim for my first shot at a gray little target in the back. If my memory is right, these darts will ark so I need to compensate for the drop through the distances. So I took aim at the first dark gray ring from the gray dot as I heard what sounded like a small rock hitting glass before bouncing off. “Ah, come on I had a beat on that bulls-eye.” Nightling said as I glanced over and saw her reload her dart crossbow.

“My my brother, seems like the Captain is off her game.” The long maned one said.

“Indeed brother, I wonder if she is just trying to inflate the prince's image for his marefriend.” The other one said and took a huff at that, but remained silent.

“Ah can it, I am going to hit my target.” She said taking aim. With a flick of the trigger, I watched her dart fly through the air at a red target in the middle. Once again I heard that sound of a rock on glass. This time however I saw the game, they had a very non-reflecting peace of glass in front of the big prized target. So these two were up to their old games again. Okay, two can play this game. I took a closer glance at my target. I let my heat get to my eyes as they started to be slightly tinted red. I let my eyes focus on the spot. Much like a magic picture from earth, I let my eyes focus that they caught the almost impossible to notice lines holding up the glass. I turned my dart upwards and to the left and was lined up my new target. I pulled the trigger and the dart flew through the air. It nailed the string and nicked it. With such a thin line it was a matter of seconds for it to snap and cause the other string to take on the full weight of the pane of glass. With so much dangling weight it had no hope to staying. With a snap it fell to the table and shattered.

“What was that sound?” Nightling said as her left ear flopped. I didn't answer right away and returned back my original target, with a flick of the trigger my dart sank right into the cork board target. Both stallions were now sweating bullets.

“Ah... ah... good shot prince, please... p-p-pick your prize.” The long maned one said as my horn lit up and I took the medium sized Smarty Pants doll down.

“Thank you, though if you don't mind being good sports about it. I think my friends here deserve a prize since you rigged your game.” I said starting off with a friendly smile and a nice tone, then dropped it into a serious one.

“What?!” Nightling said before she turned her eyes back to the stallions with a devilish glare.

“I... I... d-d-don't know what you mean prince.” The short maned one said.

“Oh really? So you wouldn't mind placing your hoof right before the target I just nailed with the flat part of your hoof?” I said with a cocked eyebrow.

“Oh, of course see nothi- ow!” The long maned one in just doing that before pulling it back with blood slowly dripping from the spot. It didn't get into the softer part of the hoof as he laid his leg on the table. From the blood dripping on it they could finally see the non-reflective glass embedded into his leg.

“Really thought I couldn't see it?” I asked eyeing the both of them.

“How did you see that?” Twilight asked.

“To be honest, I wouldn't have noticed it if it wasn't for Nightling. From my anger to her I watch the dart ping of the glass. From there I used my eyes to focus at my own target as I figured the bigger prizes would have the same treatment. I saw the lines holding up the glass so if you remembered I shot way to high to hit the target. But not the two lines holding the glass.” I had started explaining as I used my magic to pull over the string over itself.

“This is magically treated thread, this was banned from carnival games!” Twilight said with Nightling growling more.

“We weren't aware of this.” They both said in unison.

“Well, I hope you enjoyed your little scam. Because now this booth is officially shut down.” Nightling ordered after she flew up and pulled out a big round elephant plushie that she gave to Pinkie. “Here this is for you.” Pinkie of course bounced so high and began to bear hug it. At that moment I felt sorry for it, as I know how one of her hugs feel. Twilight and I gave them a little respect and turned away when they kissed. Made me wonder if the others did that when Twilight and I do. So after we dealt with Flim and Flam which with Twilight's help... well more her telling me which was which. We had the guards shut down the stands and forced them to return the bits to their rightful owners, as well as make them give a prize to help make up for it. Hey I thought it was right since they cheated ponies out of a fair game. The four of us went off to try a few other games, which kind of devolved into Nightling and I having a bit of a pissing match. It was all good fun, but still I can be competitive when the fancy strikes me. I may have won the test of strength since I am part earth pony, but she had me hooves down in shooting hoops. Pinkie had both of us beat with the hoop toss, and I didn't know she was so accurate with her tail like that. Well, I didn't even know you could do that with just the tip of the tail. Twilight had me beat at the unicorn shooting gallery.

From what I could gather of this, this was much like the Gion festival from Kyoto, Japan. Many of the shops from around Equestria would set up a booth so they could sell some wares and make business at the same time. Rarity even had one that sold some of her spring attire. I couldn't fault her as most of the ponies in Canterlot like to dress up for everyday things. To be honest, I had grown fond of the same thing more for my orange hoodie. It was something I could tuck my wings into when I just wanted for a little bit to pretend I was just a normal unicorn. It seems that even the Cakes got to make a trip up here. It wasn't until later when I asked Twilight about it. When she told me that she requested Celestia to send them an invite for a booth. Of course I was suppose to keep it a secret from everypony so nopony would bug her for it next year. I couldn't fault her reasoning after the Gala tickets her first year in Ponyville. The only thing I may have to say was odd only for me was some of the food. Namely the one that I got a little hung up on was the Hay Corn-dog. Which was much like the normal corn-dog on earth but in the center was hay. I mean it looked, smelled, and even to me tasted like a normal corn-dog. It kind of freaked me out inside. I had the same thing kind of happen with the hay bacon. What's next? Am I going to find a hay steak somewhere?

The one of the best parts for me at least was who I found working the hay corn-dog stand. It seemed like when he got kicked out of the bar he had done damage for it. So now Blueblood to pay for the damage was forced to work at the stand. Of course I couldn't help but have a hard time not laughing at this. The only thing I got out of it however was my hay corn-dog and him calling me a 'freak' once again. Luckily out of earshot of the rest of the group. I don't think Twilight would stand him calling her coltfriend a freak in front of her. It's about the same thing as somepony calling Twilight something in front of me. So after getting our second meal of the night, since we kind of burned a lot of it off with the games. We decided to split up a little, Nightling and Pinkie went towards one of the dance tents. While Twilight and I went back to somewhere we haven't been in a long time, the look out. It was just as beautiful as it was that night full of flowers and the night time sky. The moon was perfectly placed so it was just visible from here. We returned to the little bench there as Twilight leaned into me. I couldn't help but place my wing around her.

“Firestorm?” Twilight asked using my full pony name.

“Yes Twilight?” I asked turning to her, she gently smiled looking out at the moon.

“Do you ever wonder what could have happened if things just went a bit differently?” She asked.

“All the time.” I said as my smile dropped a little.

“I can't help but wonder what would have happened if I just had you stay with me in Ponyville.” She said.

“Besides the fact of we would be having a completely different conversation than this or the fact is you would be scraping me off the walls of your parents place when your father finds out.” I said trying to lighten the mood. Twilight pulled away for a moment looking up at me. I saw the worry on her face before she leaned back into my side.

“Storm, I'm being serious here.” She said.

“I know Twilight. There was no way you could predict what was going to happen. You couldn't have seen me having to go to Saddle Arabia while estrus was going on or that a tunnel was going to collapse with me in it.” I said trying to help.

“Still... Storm do you think I'm a bad mare?” She asked, and I was a little surprised.

“What would make you think you're a bad mare?”

“Just... I can't help but wonder if I don't push you in harms way at times. I know you're going to say I'm just being a silly pony and I shouldn’t think like that. Just...” She began to say and I could feel her with my wing and her pressing into me that she was shaking. “I'm scared of losing you Storm. Becoming Princess Celestia's student or becoming friends with the girls, they can't top you Storm. You have been the best thing in my life and it scares me that I may lose you.” She said and this time I brought my hoof over and brought her close.

“Twilight, I'm sorry I made you feel like this.” I said holding her. “I'm scared of the same thing. I've seen all this danger on my first year here, I've had to take on one thing after the other. The dragon treaty and you comatose was my nightmares brought to life for me Twilight. I was scared of losing you and I may have lost it myself.” I said trying to keep my voice from breaking. “I don't know what the future will bring, and part of me wishes to know so I can prepare for it. Even if that was possible, it would lessen these moments Twilight.” I said looking forward into the night.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“It was said a pony is a sum of his memories. If I knew what was going to happen then those memories wouldn't be good ones. It's like picking up a new book knowing the set up, but none of the real story. Just because I went to the ends to see how it already played out.” I said quietly.

“I think I get it.” She said leaning against me. “It still scares me that you put yourself through all this.”

“I know Twilight, I know.” I said softly.

“Do you think we will ever have a peaceful life?” She asked.

“Peaceful... maybe.” I said as I just let my train of thought just float there for a little bit. “Sometimes peaceful is a little boring, I'm not saying I want danger. Just a little excitement here and there. Otherwise it's like the same record being played over and over, until it's all worn out.” I said just really thinking out loud.

“Yeah, Ponyville is pretty lively for a peaceful little town.” Twilight said leaning against us. It was moments like this that I cherish. Just these moments with Twilight and I. We sat there for a while, honestly I didn't know how long it really was. That was until Dash decided to pop up from the sky.

“So that's where you two were!” Dash said causing us both to jump. We spun around to see her standing there with Applejack.

“Dash! I told ya to be tactful about it.” Applejack chided her.

“Tactful about what? We were told to go find the lovebirds and let them know that Princess Luna was looking for them.” Dash commented throwing her hooves up in the air.

“Yes, but couldn't you see they were having a moment?” Applejack shot back.

“So were we, when the guard blundered in!” Dash shot back, course that got Applejack to blush while Twilight and I just watched completely confused. I couldn't help but wonder if they got preemptively stopped from having a intimate moment. My mind being the bastard that it was couldn't help, but picture those two in 'bed'. I quickly tried to get the thought out of my head before it decided to hop aboard the la la express.

“I told ya to lock the blasted door!” Applejack shouted back.

“I thought I did! Maybe he unlocked it!” Dash defended as she sat down and crossed her forelegs over her chest.

“Not to derail your riveting argument, but Luna wanted to see us?” I asked more to derail the fight then anything.

“Riveting?” Dash asked.

“It's an adjective that means very exciting or interesting” Twilight explained.

“Why didn't you say that? Wait... how did you know Luna was looking for you?” Dash commented looking confused.

“You just said it, no less than a few minutes ago.” I said facehoofing. Oh for the love of god, please save my sanity.

“Oh, right.” Dash said leaving it a bit awkward.

“And she's at?” I asked.

“Oh, uh... the central tent. She's enjoying the circus acts with Pinkie and Nightling.” Dash said.

“Thank, hopefully you two can get back to your quality time together.” I said as Twilight and I walked past waving good-bye.

“We'll see ya later.” Applejack said, and there was a few moments silent as Twilight and I returned to the crowded streets. I could have sworn I heard before the sound of the crowd over took us from her was. “Wait, what did he just say?”

***---***

“Okay, didn't see that one coming...” I said as soon as we entered the tent. Sunshine yellow and cherry tent housed one hell of a ring. In the middle of it there were two earth ponies lifting up two elephants on their backs, one on top of the other. They didn't even look like some muscle man kind of pony. They looked like any other earth pony I saw so far. It didn't take us long to get to the tent after we figured it out it was in one of the largest parks in Canterlot. It was a few more minutes to find the special spot for royalty. Which was pretty much like a box surrounding specialty seats. The only reason it took us so long was I got distracted by the acts.

We finally got to the box, kind of hard to miss with the six night guards stationed around it. So we entered and Pinkie as I expected was bouncing in her seat like a kid after an all you can eat sugar rave party. Nightling was doing her best to remained seated next to her. Something in her body language stood out to me and I couldn't place why. Maybe it was the fact she was biting her bottom lip or just that odd look in her eyes. Luna however was much like Pinkie in the fact that instead of the more stoic that I've seen her, she was grinning and having a ball.

“Ah, Firestorm and Twilight Sparkle. Just the ponies I was wanting to see.” Luna said as we came close. Twilight sat to my left so my wing would wrap around her.

“Yeah, so you wanted to see us?” I asked, more to get to the point before I get distracted by the acts.

“Yes, I did.” She said before her horn lit up as a folder appeared out of nowhere. I blinked quietly before gently taking it to see the contents. What I didn't expect was the file on Nightling. Twilight had leaned over to observe the same thing I did.

“Why is this Nightling's guard file?” Twilight asked.

“I thought your first captain should be somepony you can trust.” Luna explained before pulling up a soda to take a long pull from.

“But isn't she your guard captain?” I couldn't understand the reason why, well sort of at least. I get the point that if I am going to have a guard, I would feel safer with somepony I am familiar with and will trust. I get that, and Nightling has showing that in spades. At most I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around this.

“This is true, but she requested the transfer. Both to be closer to her father as well as Pinkie.” Luna explained. Okay, so that made more sense... wait.

“Father?” I asked.

“Pony Hill Asylum.” Nightling chimed in.

“What?” Both Twilight and I asked as we leaned to get a better look at her.

“My father is hospitalized in the Pony Hill Asylum. I don't visit him enough and with both Pinkie and him in the same place. I thought it would be the perfect time for a transfer.” She said looking calmer than she had been when I saw her last.

“Wait.” I said before something finally clicked. “Oh geez sorry about my question during hearth's warming.” I felt like a complete ass, as I remembered my question about how she was during the holiday season. Being stuck in Canterlot and not being able to visit her father during that. I could see why she was rather moody about it.

“It's fine.” She said and I think she was on the same line of thought as I had. Twilight on the other hoof looked a little confused, I leaned over to her.

“I will explain later.” I whispered to her.

“Oh, alright.” She said and I could see it didn't sit right.

“Then... um... honestly I don't know what to say.” I commented.

“Yes would work.” Pinkie said bouncing.

“Gee thanks Pinkie.” I sarcastically said.

“Let me ask, how will that work? She's your captain of the guard? Is she going to be both, or is she just going to be mine? Sorry to ask the stupid questions, but I really need to know.” I asked.

“I've already started finding a replacement, so she will be your captain only. She will still have pull in the night guard as she will be the one to pick her replacement. She is also going to help you fill out the ranks for your guards.” Luna explained. “Speaking of which, have you decided on a name for your guards?”

“Wait, I get to decide that?” I asked.

“Of course, Cadence named her guards after the Crystal Empire.” Twilight said.

“Well... then how about the Wyvern Guard?” I asked, as it was the first thing that popped into my head.

“Wyvern Guard?” Luna, Twilight, and Nightling all asked at the same time.

“Yeah? Is that a problem?” I asked confused.

“If I may inquire, why?” Luna asked.

“Because it sounds a lot better than calling them Dragon Guard. That and a Wyvern is a type of dragon so it still fits.” I said with a smile.

“It does sound a lot better.” Twilight agreed.

“Alright, I will put in the paper later tonight. So you have your first guard.” Luna said with a smile. I took a long drawn out breath as this was really happening so suddenly.

“Oh, oh! I know we should throw a party as 'hooray for getting your first guard party' and at the same time I can throw a 'hooray for getting the transfer party!'” Pinkie chimed in bouncing in her seat to the point that I swear I could hear the bench she was bouncing on making the diving board sound after somepony has jumped off it. Add that Pinkie was bouncing higher than Luna sitting give or take a foot or two, it was possible.

“Pinkie, if you do that. Please a small party.” I requested.

“Yeah.” Nightling agreed a moment later.

“Aw, come on. Don't you two want everypony to know that you two are going to be working together?” She asked giving those damn puppy dog eyes. Seriously, can every female pony do that damn look? I swear if I get that look from Celestia or Luna I would be officially screwed on a biblical proportion.

“Pinkie, please you know I prefer a private party.” Nightling said.

“And I prefer smaller parties.” I added at the end.

“But. But.” Pinkie said turning on the look even more.

“Small party will be fine.” I said taking the lead.

“Yay!” Pinkie said bouncing up into the air.

“We're doomed.” Both Nightling and I said in unison. At this point Luna and Twilight just couldn't help but laugh at the two of us. To be honest it wasn't really that bad in the long run. So it was another one of Pinkie's parties. Granted the last one more ended with me being in the hospital after Shadow's attack. So maybe one where I'm not hospitalized after something happening. I Glanced over to watch Nightling for a little more as I was left in thought.

“My first guard... so it finally happened huh?” I had thought to myself.

“What's the big deal?” Shadow asked.

“Oh, long time no hear.”

“What can I say, I wanted to relax after the hell of a beat down we gave Grimwand. So I figured you wanted the peace of mind.”

“Yeah, peace of mind...” I thought in depressed.

“Are you seriously still hung up on the whole guard thing? Seriously get the fuck over it!” Shadow commented.

“Why don't you go fuck yourself too?” I shot back.

“You have your first fucking guard, let alone one that you can trust. Fuck, you were in that cave in together. Instead of some guard you have no fucking clue who or how they are. You have somepony that you can rely on. Hell, she has no problem getting in your face when it's needed. If it's about the whole make sure ponies are safe over your dumb ass. Then let Nightling do it for you, she's your captain of your guards. So she will be on you while your other guards will be able to cover other ponies. Problems fucking solved you idiot.” Shadow said getting louder.

“Well excuse me you fucking prick! You know as much as I that I have problems being protected. I mean what am I supposed to do with guards? Do I tell them 'hey go protect over there, or hey why don't you just do rounds?' It's not like I'm use to the fucking idea like some ponies. It's new to me and I still have to come to terms with it. Let alone I don't need one of them breaking into the room when I want to enjoy some time with Twilight. Hell speaking of that, how is Twilight going to deal with a guard looming about now? Fuck! Where the hell are they even going to stay? I mean I can't really have the Captain of my guard sleep at a fucking inn. If that was an idea, beside tactically if something were to happen to me and not saying it will. She would be too far away to do anything and having her close would mean she would be under hoof. I really don't get any of this!” I more yelled back in my own head. Don't ask how it's done just know that I did it.

“You seriously don't know that?” Shadow said and it sounded like he face hoofed in my head.

“If I may interject.” The voice of Luna said over the link.

“Fuck, I was broadcasting that wasn't I?” I asked facehoofing myself.

“Loudly.” Luna commented.

“Quite loudly.” Celestia tacked on.

“Very loudly.” Cadence ending the set of three. Ah, fuck me with a rusty spoon. I seriously forgot about that damn link with a voice in my head. Grade A idiot isle tent.

“Sorry...” I apologized. I've got to remember that my thoughts aren't just in my head anymore. I don't think I will ever fully come to grips with the whole broadcast-able thoughts.

“It's alright Storm, Cadence had the same issue when she came into her abilities.” Luna said.

“I did not!” Cadence commented over the link.

“Do we have to remind her about the whole dating Shining Armor thoughts she had Luna?” Celestia comment. I couldn't help but crack a smile hearing this.

“Oh, now I've got to hear this story.” I shot through the link.

“Oh no you don't. Aunt Celestia please for all thing harmonious please don't tell him!” Cadence pleaded.

“It's nothing to be ashamed off, every mare has those thought about their coltfriend.” Luna shot in.

“Not you too!” Cadence whined.

“Okay, I think the point has been made. Again I'm sorry for broadcasting my fight with Shadow.” I said trying to derail this before any of the juicy bits came out about Cadence's thoughts on Shining while she was dating him.

“Yes please! Focus on his issues with guards over my- Eep!” Cadence said before squeaking at the end.

“your eep?” I asked.

“Sorry Shining did something, pay no mind to that.” Cadence said.

“Okay, moving on before other things happen and we all get slapped with a restraining order and have to appear in court for eavesdropping.” I said now really wanting to derail this before it gets out of hoof.

“Yes... I agree.” Celestia said.

“Likewise, as I was wanting to say before that... conversation. I can understand having guards is a rather big deal for somepony who never had deal with them before. Since Nightling was the one to offer to be your first guard. We figured she would make the transition easier on you. As for places to stay, Twilight had already offered to let a pony stay there. Before you ask, she didn't know the context of why. Rest a sure that she will know soon. This is only temporary as the barracks are built in Ponyville. Mare Mayor has already set aside land for this project. As you can see we have taken every matter into hoof and dealt with it. So you have no worry about this. Since Nightling will be your captain, in moments of emergency she will be the one to protect you while the other guards will protect other ponies. But this comes with one condition on your part, you must allow her to do her job. Regardless of how you wish to act, in a tactical sense you would be a high value target to any equestrian enemies. Just as Twilight and the rest of the element bearers are as well.” Luna had explained.

“I get that, I'm royalty. But here's the kicker to this, when my friends are in danger. I don't think, I just act to protect them.” I said.

“We are aware of this Firestorm, and we just want to make sure everything is covered. We don't want another tunnel collapse or far worse to happen.” Luna said and I took a deep breath, course that breath was also laced with the smell of popcorn that Pinkie was waving in my face.

“How about some popcorn Storm? I bet you're really, really hungry after being in the coma!” Pinkie said.

“No thank you Pinkie, Twilight and I got something to eat earlier to tie us over until later.” I offered with a smile. Pinkie just nodded and bounced over to Nightling who was still quietly edgy about something. I don't see why she would, I mean this was a circus act after all. You had ponies on top of ponies, on top of elephants, and with them all on top of a large inflated beach ball. I've seen elephants on earth do about the same thing on TV all the time so I wasn't really freaked out at a hold in physics like this. That and I was familiar with magic, and I only say familiar as I was still learning all I could about it. Between all of this life in Equestria, I just couldn't help but wonder- what I was going to do with it? I mean, if and that is a big if I defeated the Dark One and didn't die. What was I going to do with my long life? “Storm, are you alright?” Twilight asked as she looked worried.

“Huh? Yeah, why do you ask?”

“Well, you looked a little... lost. I just wanted to see if everything is alright.” She said.

“Just lost in thought is all, nothing to worry about.” I answered as I went back to watching the act before us. It seems like they got another group of ponies on a second elephant before they started to hop back and forth. All while the elephants were passing a ball between them in the air. Okay, that was impressive.

“You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” She said.

“I know Twilight, my mind likes to wander around at times.” I said.

“We can tell.” Luna chimed in.

“Not helping Luna!” I shot back, she just smiled at this. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Twilight. “But I was just wondering what I was going to do with my life is all. I mean I have a whole world of opinions ahead of me with no direction to go. Okay, maybe a sort of direction, but after that I've got nothing to really do. I mean yeah, there is field among field of topics I could start studying in besides magic. I just.” I said followed with a sigh.

“Hey, it's alright.” Twilight said moving a hoof to my left foreleg. “I can understand that, there are times I don't know what to really focus on next. For you, you've barely scratched the surface of life here in Equestria and with everything that's happened. I can understand that you feel lost. The guards, royalty, and just everyday life is still new to you.” She said before leaning in to me gently. “Maybe you should focus on the now, and not worry about the future so much. I learned that the hard way.” She said with a light smile before she placed a kiss on my cheek.

“Easier said than done.” I said with a smile before a thought crossed my mind. “Wait... how did you learn that the hard way?”

“Time travel spell.” She answered like it was nothing.

“Oh alright.” I said turning back to the show before us. For whatever reason my mind decided to kick that back at me a few seconds later. “Wait... time travel spell?!” I almost shouted turning back to her. There is a second one? Wait... of course there is a second one he had to try one before the finished one that Celestia had told me about. Yet seriously no pony has that under wraps?

“Yeah, it's one of Starswirl the bearded lesser known spells.” She said looking at me confused. “It's not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal? Twilight are you seriously saying that somepony has figured out a time travel spell that anypony could cast?” I asked in surprise.

“Not everypony, it does take a lot of energy to do so.” She said still giving me a confused look.

“Okay so any powerful unicorns can cast it and nothing is broken yet?” I couldn't wrap my mind around this, does anypony understand that this spell alone could cause a time paradox?

“Nothing... broken? Storm what are you talking about?” Twilight asked looking at me.

“I'm curious as well on this.” Luna commented as she decided to butt into this conversation. Of course I was probably saying it loud enough that the ponies outside the royal booth here could hear it too.

“A spell like that and no pony has caused a time paradox yet? Seriously?” I was trying to express how bad this could be.

“Why would anypony cause a time paradox?” Twilight asked.

“Because of the butterfly effect. One small change in the past could leave echos in the future.” I said.

“There is no worry of that, Starswirl made sure his spell was paradox proof.” Luna answered.

“Impossible. He's a simple one example why. Say Pony A sends Pony B back in time to tell Pony A how time travel and fails because Pony A can't cast it. Pony A understands and Pony B goes back to when she cast it. But in that time Pony A doesn't tell the Pony B in the new timeline to go back and tell her what she already knows. So Pony B doesn't do it. Who told Pony A?” I asked.

“Pony B” Luna commented.

“Wrong, because after the event that happened Pony B never cast the spell and told Pony A. Hence the paradox.” I explained.

“That... that's rather...” Twilight tried to say before failing to find the right word.

“That's what worries me that if that spell is available to anypony-” I started to say.

“It's in the Starswirl the bearded second in the royal archives, I'm sure it's safe there.” Luna said.

“Okay so any royal pony or guard could get it.” I pointed out the flaw there.

“Good... point.” Luna commented before she decided to contact Celestia who was at the castle about moving that spell somewhere 'safe' for the time being. Lucky for my sanity and the time flows integrity she did and let us know when it was done.

***---***

It was sometime after the circus act which was rather fun to see as I had never been to one growing up. The only thing I noticed was how Nightling was still on edge through the whole thing until the seven of us left. I only say seven as it was Nightling, Pinkie, Luna, Twilight, two guards, and myself. We split up after that as Nightling calmed down and suggested that Pinkie and herself had some fun playing games. Luna had to go back and make sure things were running fine. Twilight and I decided to go enjoy the sights a bit more until we found ourselves in one of the clear areas of the park. It was close to where other ponies were sitting to watch the fireworks. Which from what Twilight had explained was a mixture of unicorns using spells and traditional fireworks for the display. It wasn't long for the show to begin, unlike some of the fireworks I've seen on earth. The ponies here could make each firework house a complex design as they exploded. I saw moons, suns, a few stars, and even ponies of each race. I spotted a few cutie-marks that I knew about like an hourglass of Starswirl, Cadences heart shaped one, and that was starters. The funny thing is that if I saw this display on earth I would have been a wondrous sight. Here before I really got to know everypony, I would have said it was magical. Even though that would have been cliché, it wouldn't have been any less true. Sitting there with Twilight under my wing as we both watched the sky light up. Every so often I would glance over to Twilight and watch her stare into the display. The features of her face as they light up with each new firework going off, captivated me each time I watched. Besides that, my gaze shot up to the stars above as something floated back to my mind.

“Did you know they used to say that every star was a story just waiting to be told?” The echo of my own memory had said. I watched the sky over the fireworks for a bit and it had to be my mind playing tricks on me, but it looked like a star had went out. It couldn't be that, since Luna makes the night sky, for one of the stars to go out would mean she was taking away from what she did. It wouldn't make sense for that to be the case. So it had to be my mind with how screwy it has been lately. Which was something it has been doing. Doesn't help that it's been put through the ringer from hell. Between dealing with all the stuff before coming to Equestria, losing my memories, slowly regain them while dealing with event after event, all leading up to the nightmare dreamscape. I think it's fair to say that my mind is pretty screwed at this point. Even so, I don't know if I could really say that I wouldn't do it all again. Maybe do one or two things different, but I can't really go back in time and do anything about it. Regardless if they have a time travel spell or not.

“Prince Firestorm. Prince Firestorm!” I heard the sound of a stallion call as he flew down towards us. Wasn't really hard to see him as he had an aqua blue coat with an orange mane and tail done up in a short crop. He wore on his head an old news boy hat. Quite fitting as what I was soon to find out. Twilight turned to see the new arrival and she gave as much of a questioning look as I did. His hooves gave a light thump as he landed before us. With that he gave a quick bow, it was a good two seconds before he trotted over. “Sorry to bother you your highness. My name is Silvertongue and I work for the Canterlot Inquirer. I was hoping you would have the time for a quick interview.” I turned to look at Twilight with a cocked eyebrow. She returned my look before giving me a shrug.

“Sure, I suppose.” I said with a light smile.

“Something wicked this way comes.” Shadow decided to chime in himself.

“Oh shush it you.” I thought back.

“Thank you your highness.” Silvertongue said as he took off his hat for a moment to pull out a pad and pencil. With a quick flick he tossed his hat back onto his head. “My first question is where were you when you became an alicorn?” He said with a pencil in his mouth which was surprisingly easy to hear him through.

“Crashing into Sweet Apple Acres just outside Ponyville.” I answered.

“Crashing?” He asked a little surprised.

“Yeah... just kind of happened.” I said scratching the back of his head.

“I suppose it does. If I may ask, how has your time been as an alicorn? It must be pretty luxurious of a lifestyle.” He said smiling.

“To be honest, it's all new to me. I just had a simple life and now I was thrusted into such a life. So dealing with this new world to me has been rather hectic.” I answered.

“Hectic?” He asked.

“Well between trying to get use to everything and the duties I've had to perform. It's been quite a lot to deal with.” I answered. Twilight gave me a curious eye on that one. Okay, so in the grand scheme of things my only real big duty was the dragon treaty which besides the whole coup that ended up happening that ended with Twilight in the hospital. But I also count the whole Grimwand stuff under my duties which besides being unofficial. That's also counting the 'dark one' business as well.

“I bet that you've had to handle a lot of the large political issues.”

“You could say that.”

“If I may inquire about an incident between your highness and prince Blueblood.” He asked a left eye twitched a little.

“Sure...” I said a little hesitant.

“A few sources say that you accosted the prince at your at time residence in Ponyville. Is this true?” He asked.

“No, I may have yelled at him right after he had the gall to insult a few of my personal friends. All at a party that they had decided to throw for me after returning to Ponyville from Canterlot. All so he could take me back to Canterlot.” I said, okay more exclaim at Silvertongue.

“And what about the changeling attack during a party that the princesses and yourself were attending?” He asked.

“What about it?” I asked.

“We have reports that shortly after the queen of the changelings was captured that you were reported missing. Than shortly reported terrorizing Ponyville burning down a house in the process.” He asked and now I think I understand his game. So not only was he bringing up the more darker highlights of my time in Ponyville. He was casting me in the role of the villain.

“I think that is enough.” Twilight said interrupting before I could say anything.

“I'm sorry Miss Sparkle but this was between the prince and myself.” He said in a tone that more sounded like he just told my marefriend to piss off.

“No Silvertongue she is right. This will be enough. I will not sit here and be accused of stuff that really isn't any ponies business than my own and those I wish to be involved.” I said as Twilight and I got up to leave.

“Please your highness just one more question and I will leave you to your night.” He pleased. I was going to kick myself for this ain't I?

“Which is?” I asked.

“About the dark figure that was assumed to be you attacking guards in the Canterlot gardens, can you give my readers any information about-” was all I allowed him to get out.

“That incident is currently still being investigated and can not be discussed. If you wish to know more about it then please go through the proper channels to find out. Now good day sir.” I said turning to leave as a light throb of pain began to appear in my hind legs.

“Please your-”

“I said good day sir.” I said as I began to hobbles a little before Twilight placed herself under my good wing to help me leave.

“If I offended you your highness, I didn't mean to-” He tried to say and I really wasn't going to have any of this. I wasn't in the mood to be nice anymore, I wasn't in the best of moods because of what he decided to drag out like he did. Rather bluntly if I may say so myself. On top of that this pain that began to grow more was making it that I really didn't want to be around him if he was going to bug me about this.

“Silvertongue if you continue to plead for me to continue this interview, I'm sure the guard that is in earshot right now would 'love' that have a few words with you.” I said rather bluntly myself.

“Just one more-”

“You have the count of three to leave.” I said turning my head to stare him straight in the eyes as I knew they turned draconic as I was seeing red literally. That was enough for him as he yelped and flew off rather fast. Not Rainbow Dash fast, but fast enough.

“Somepony can't take a hint.” Twilight said as the guard I had commented about before made his way.

“Your highness is there a problem?” He asked.

“Yes, a matter of fact there is. My hind legs are starting to hurt again and I would like a little help getting back to the castle. If you don't mind escorting us there, that would be very appreciated.” I requested.

“Of course your highness.” He said before leading the way. It took a few minutes for us to get back to the castle and from there it was a few more minutes before Twilight and I got back to our room. It seems that Twilight was prepared for this and pulled out two long wraps ready for me. The only issue was the bracing that was used on my hind legs. Yeah... trying to get off something literally gripping one's legs while they start to hurt at a touching sensation. Not the best to be honest. So... it ended up with us having to get two more adjustable medical braces. I finally got to see what my hind legs looked like under the wrapping. To be honest, it wasn't that bad. The fur there was much thinner as Twilight had explained that they shaved my legs to get better access to them. More for opening them up and having Heartshy observe them fix the crushed bones. Twilight only knew of this from reading the detailed reports directly. They used a special shave to help the fur on my legs grow in faster. I had questioned why they didn't use this when my ribs were broken and I got the lamest excuse possible.

“They were out.” Twilight said while I face hoofed.

“Ow.” I said after I had nailed myself in the face with my prosthetic leg. Not to self, avoid doing that if possible.

“Storm, don't injure yourself any further. I don't want to have the medical team in here looking at your head again. It's bad enough you get injured on a ridiculous bases.” She said as she was wrapping up both of my legs at the same time.

“In my defense on this one, I wasn't expecting the tunnel to collapse on us from charges on the wall. Did anypony ever find out about that?” I asked through clenched teeth from the pain.

“The charges were planned to be blown two days later. From what the investigators have found out that the order was sent early. What I can guess was Vermom had disguised herself as the forepony and sent the order knowing you were in there. I can't say for sure, but what you explained that happened in the dreamscape. This is the only thing that makes logical sense, and there you go all wrapped up.” She said as she was sliding the medical braces on.

“Thanks Twilight, sorry about having to have you help.” I said.

“Storm you know there is no shame in asking for help. Everypony need a little help from time to time.” Twilight retorted with light smile.

“I know Twilight, but I have a hard time asking for help.”

“If I may inquire why?” She asked.

“Just I always have a problem asking. If it was something I could do myself I more than likely did it myself. From audio work and to art, I was just doing it by myself.” I answered.

“But everypony needs help from time to time.”

“I know, and I do ask, but if it's a big thing to me. I just have a hard time asking. Not a really rational, just how I've been for years.” I said looking at Twilight. She lightly smiled looking at me.

“Storm, you are an enigma wrapped in a puzzle.” She said as she came up and laid on the bed with me.

“I'm not that cryptic.” I said with a light smile.

“Oh yeah, you are one of the few ponies I can never really tell how they are going to react. From the smallest thing could set you off in a bit of depression.” Twilight said.

“It's because I have experienced a lot of depressing things in my life. I've lost friends, family, and those I hold close. None of it will ever end happy and I take that in and learn from it.”

“But I had experienced stuff like that, and none of what you've done has set me off.” She said looking over at me.

“It's because I come from a vastly different place then Equestria Twilight. I'm from a world that has seen too many wars that it's benchmarks in history. It was so bad to the point I stopped reading a paper or looking at the news, just so I avoided thinking about it.” I spoke as I turned to look at her and for a brief moment my mind flashed back to that moment Twilight was head as my ear's had flattened back as I turned to look at the ceiling again.

“Storm?” I heard Twilight say but I needed a moment.

“Sorry just a bad memory.” I said, and I felt her hoof grab my real one.

“Please tell me Storm, is it from the nightmare?” She asked and I only nodded.

“Twilight, right now I don't feel right talking about this. When there is so much I still have to deal with.” I couldn't fight my mind anymore, there was so much I had to talk to Twilight about and it needs to be done before it is too late. I had seen so many of my friends have fights because they waited too long.

“What's wrong?” Twilight said as I leaned up to sit back on my haunches. Twilight joined me a few moments later looking at me worried with her ears flattened back.

“To me, this last week-” I started.

“But it was two weeks, three if you count the beginning of estrus.” Twilight interjected.

“I know, just to me it's been like just a week. I've had so many things happen, made to light, and forced to focus on. It's not right to leave you out of it and I want to be able to talk about anything openly. If that means I have to tell you all the stuff that I wish I didn't happen or come to light, then so be it.” I started and with everything leading to this. I couldn't even bring myself to look at her, not even have her in my preferential view. So I just kept my eyes closed trying to keep myself together.

“If this is about the reporter then, you know no pony blames you for what happened. You shouldn't beat yourself up for those things in the past.” Twilight said.

“No... it's something else, but that's what sparked this more so of me wanting to wait until we were at home to tell you. With my sister coming in less than two days, I figured you needed to be aware of this more so than anypony. Celestia and Luna have been made aware. Mostly Luna, but I could assume that she has explained it to Celestia.” I started.

“What's wrong?” Twilight asked.

“What do you think of omnivores?” I asked to begin with.

“I don't see any problem with any race that has to eat... meat... oh... oh! Is this about some dronies having the ability to eat meat? I already knew that.” She said and now I had to look at her.

“What, when?” I asked.

“It was a few days into estrus. I had to take my mind off of... things. So I thought I would more look into dragons and offsprings. I found two other books that had details about dronies and a few of them label them under omnivores. While most of them are also known as gemivores which much like Spike you would be able to eat gems as well. I also took some time to look into your mother Sha, one of the only few elemental dragons that was tied to all the elements. There was nothing concrete, but I was able to find some legends about her. I left them back at the library so you could look over them yourself.” Twilight explained.

“I... wow, I... um... honestly at a lost for words. Twilight you didn't need to do that.” I said.

“Storm, you should know about your parents. Everypony should know who their parents were, or are. If I knew who your father was I would do what I could to find anything about him.” She said as she moved to hug me.

“Her.” I said which got Twilight to look up at me.

“Her? Your father was another mother?”

“Yeah, and...” I paused as I didn't know how to phrase this. My mind decided to remind me of a quote that I liked.

“And?” Twilight said looking worried as she could tell this was a big thing for me. I let out a sigh before I could say anything. Of course it was the damn quote on my mind.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said 'In order to learn the important lessons in life, one must, each day, surmount a fear.'” I quoted, Twilight looked at me questionably. “I know who both of my parents are, I still don't know much beyond a cursory bit.” I explained.

“Who is your other mother?” She asked and something in her body language said she was a little unease by my tone.

“Clover... the clever” I answered with some hesitation.

“That's impossible! There is no way you could be her foal!” She exclaimed rather loudly.

“Twilight, please calm down. It's already taking a lot for me to tell you this and I really need you to be calm for what else I have to say.” I said softly as I was having a hard time with my voice. She bit her bottom lip but nodded silently as I began to explain more what went into my body from what I could figure. She almost jumped when I talked about what I guessed to be how it worked. Much like birth I figured sources from both parents would be needed like a mixing of DNA to make the offspring. In this case would be myself. I knew she wasn't happy about hearing about Clover's grave being disturbed and I was with her on that. I told her I had requested to visit my pony mother's grave so I could visit it myself. I know it was silly in a way as I had no real attachment to her as a parent. It was just something that felt right to me.

It was finally time for me to get the biggest thing that was bothering me the most from the nightmare. The two deaths that I had to deal with in there. The monster that was my friend and... watching Twilight get shot. I know Twilight knew of most of the nightmare that I went through as I told her a very summed up version of it. It was the arena in the old castle was the only thing that I really glossed over. I started at the beginning from where I thought the nightmare had started which was the Canterlot hospital. She sat there listening as I kept staring out the windows in our room as I just couldn't stop myself until I got up to the arena itself. I paused there, more for being about to draw strength to be able to proceed. I think a few minutes passed while I was doing that while I felt Twilight's hoof gently rub my back between my wings to help me feel more relaxed. It helped a little to be honest. Her hoof stopped as soon as I told her what I had witnessed, it shook as it was still pressed against me. As I continued I couldn’t stop anymore, I told her what had happened when ghost was dead and the graves I dug. It was then I go to the fight with Grimwand.

She continued to listen as her hoof dropped to her side. I told her about finding the Artifact of Laughter. I told her that Grimwand can't bother us again. I didn't say how as I put already too much on her as it is. After I was done explaining all this to her, she remained silent for a while.

“Storm... I don't know... how or why... this had to be laid at your hooves.” Twilight said as she laid into me to comfort me. It did help a little, just enough to make me feel like I wasn't a complete bastard for dumping this on her like I did. “If I could Storm, I would have been there to help you.” Twilight gently laid me back onto the bed fully as she did her best to make me feel better.

“I know Twilight, part of it I wish I had you there. In the same sense I was glad you weren't there. Mainly because you didn't have to see what I had to. I've gotten a bit used to it and it's less jarring for me to deal with, since I'm unfortunately use to it.” I said looking over to her.

“That's the worse part of all this. That you had to get use to it, but with Grimwand gone. That means you won't have to deal with that anymore... right?” She said and I could hear the hopefulness in her voice.

“Nightmare wise, it should just be my normal nightmares from this point on. Any other outside forces pending.” I answered.

“I can't tell if that's a good thing.” She said worriedly. I could have voiced my thought about the only other real worry was now Vermom without Grimwand guiding her actions. Just, one thing at a time now. It sounded like she needed some reassurance at this point.

“It's a good thing, it just means that any other nightmares are just from my head. So I'm safe from any of that.” I said giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Twilight smiled before she moved to lay on top of me to look at me directly in the eyes. I couldn't help but blush for a little bit as she laid there. Our little moment was cut a short as a guard decided to come in unannounced.

“I'm sorry your highness, but I was ordered to make sure you got... this... oh...” The guard said looking at the two of us. Twilight had a matching blush on her face as I had on mine. “My apologizes, I will just leave this letter on the table.” He continued rather fast spoken.

“Guard.” I said quietly, as I watched the guard gulp.

“Yes, your highness?” He said nervously.

“No pony is to enter here for the rest of the night beyond Firestorm and myself.” Twilight ordered for me.

“Uh...” The guard looked a little puzzled.

“You heard her.” I said bluntly.

“O... of course, as you wish.” He said slamming the door. With a few moments a purple aura covered the door and a loud click was heard. The same was done to the balcony doors. Twilight smiled quietly as she closed all the curtains as to make it a point that it was just the two of us.

All I knew was, I wasn't the only one not sleeping tonight.

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Okay so I will admit I have been sitting on this chapter for a little bit. Much like I had with chapters twenty nine and thirty. Mostly I was hoping thirty two would be done before the date I set to post it. It didn't happen as my editor was a little busy as of late. These things happen. From this point on however may be longer thing before for chapters to come out. As my editor has caught up on my surplus of chapters.

With that out of the way. This chapter I thought I would try to do a bit more comedy thing I have been in a while. So... what did everyone think?