It was the afternoon the following day when Twilight and I were able to really talk to the girls about a few things. First off was Applejack, I needed to talk to her about the two dronies coming to Ponyville. I had her meet the both of them before they were going to be set off ahead of time to the new house for them.

“I'll be happy to keep these two on the straight and narrow.” She said with a smile before she continued. “I warn you, it's going to be honest to Celestia hard work.”

“I understand.” Seared Wind replied, as Twilight had said over the dreamscape that they did talk about him coming to work on the farm. Since Seared was an Earth drony that meant he would feel right at home there, from what I was told. Which with that out of the way it left a few other things to deal with. Twilight said that morning that I shouldn't worry too much about the girls when it came to the whole meat issue. Seared went back to his brother who had already ate lunch earlier, just Twilight and I hadn't ate much today.

So The girls and I joined Shining, Cadence, Celestia, and Luna for lunch. It seems that Blueblood didn't and allow me to quote this, “Why would I want to eat, let alone be in the same room as that freak of nature?” To say that didn't go over well with anyone. I believe the topper to this was that Twilight literally fired off a warning shot at Blueblood. I don't know if I'm rubbing off on Twilight or not, but that was kind of funny to me. What she said just had me try to hold in laughing.

“If I ever hear you insult my coltfriend one more time Blueblood, the next one won't miss.” She said and could see that she wasn't kidding at all. Of course Celestia asked Twilight to calm down, while Luna, Cadence, and I were laughing over the link. Even Shadow got in on the laughing. Dash was already on the ground laughing. Fluttershy was quietly hiding behind her mane. Rarity was smiling, while Pinkie was oddly quiet with Nightling next to her. Applejack was smiling behind her stetson. Shining was just shaking his head with a smile across his muzzle. I think I caught some of the guards smirk a little at this as well.

So after everypony was about to regain their composer. I had giving Celestia and Luna a sign that I really needed to say something to everypony in the room. I know Twilight said everything would be fine and everyone will understand. I just can't help but feel worried for this.

“I... I want to tell everypony... something.” I started and this got everypony to look towards me. Well all but Twilight who was already busy gently leaning into me with my wing around her.

“What's up Storm?” Rainbow said wiping the last of the tears from her laughing.

“Well... I...” I started and I think they noticed how nervous I was about it.

“Sugarcube, what's wrong?” Applejack asked.

“In order to learn the important lessons in life, one must, each day, surmount a fear.” Twilight whispered into my ear. Okay, that wasn't fair. She was using a quote that I had told her last night against me, but she had a point.

“I'm...” I started then sighed. “We all know how ponies are herbivorous by nature right?” Most of everypony nodded while Dash looked a little confused.

“Herbi what?” She said confused.

“A being that feeds on plants.” Twilight answered.

“Oh, yeah... I knew that.” Dash said with a cocky smile. Most of us rolled our eyes at this.

“Anyway... I... I'm different in this case.” I started.

“Is this about the whole Gem thing?” Applejack asked.

“Gem thing?” Dash once again asked.

“She's referring to my ability to eat gems, much like Spike.” I answered before shaking my head. “That's not it in this case.” It took me a few moments to finally say it. “Compared to everypony, I'm an omnivore.” I gulped shortly after saying that. My gaze looked at each of them. The princesses looked like it didn't bother them, the same for Shining. Rarity blinked a few times a little confused, the same with Applejack next to her. Fluttershy was still behind her mane, so... pretty much herself. Pinkie still being silent from before didn't say much the same with Nightling having her wing around her, much like I was with Twilight. Dash just looked out right confused.

“Not to take away from this moment but...” She began with a long pass.

“I can eat meat as well as plants” I answered figuring that she didn't know what omnivore meant.

“Oh... what's the big deal about that?” She asked with a shrug. “I was friends with a griffon, so it's nothing new to me.”

“Likewise darling, I have had my share of formal dinners with carnivores before.” Rarity tacked on.

“It's not your fault that you're an omnivore.” Fluttershy said softly as we turned towards her. “You get to choose to really not to eat that, or at least around anypony.”

“I suppose that's true. I... I guess I was worried what everypony would have thought. Just to find out that your friend was able to eat... meat.” I said gently kind of running one of my claws in a circle on the table.

“How come?” Cadence asked.

“Just...” I started before I stopped myself with a sigh. “I have a nasty habit of worrying over stuff that I should know better. You all have been family to me since I got here, and to think that something like this could drive a wedge between us... scared me. To be honest, I have had this on my mind for a while. Well before I thought I would asked my sister about it. Back on earth we have had legends and myths about dragons, a lot of them about them being fire breathing beasts that do nothing but hoard treasure and eat those that try to take it. Since knowing that dragons are real and that I was part dragon. I had thought about it from time to time if that applied to me as well. Would I have to hoard a treasure and...” I had to stop myself there as I let my head droop a bit.

“Storm...” Twilight said and I looks over at her. She looks a little worried before she moved to give a hug a bit better. “You are who you choose to be. You don't have to follow what other dragons or ponies do. I'm sure some of this is new to you, as it's new to us.”

“Also while Dronies normally do keep hoards of treasure for themselves, many of them don't. Most importantly they protect them much like a you would your things from a theft in the night.” Came the familiar sounds of my Sister Queen Gaia. I turned to her looking surprised.

“Gaia? What are you doing here? I thought you don't arrive for another day.” I asked looking at her.

“Didn't you get my letter that my flight would be arriving a day early?” She asked looking a little curious. I thought back to the letter the guard dropped off before we give the no pony into room, I had forgot to read it that morning... whoops.

“Ah, I think I did. Just didn't get around to reading it yet.”

“It's fine, I'm glad I get to see my favorite younger brother again.” She said with a smile coming over as I slipped out of my seat to greet her.

“Ain't I your only younger brother?” I asked before I was swept up into a massive hug. That would have been nice if she wasn't squeezing my injured wing to my side.

“Of course, but that doesn't change that you're my favorite.” She said then noticed the look of pain on my face. She let me go right then. “Sorry, forgot about that for a moment.”

“It's... fine.” I said between painful breaths.

“Here why don't you let your big sister Gaia take care of you?” She said pulling me into the air.

“How about I introduce you to my friends first?”

“Oh of course.” She said setting me down as we made our way back to the table. “First is my marefriend Twilight Sparkle.” I said having my wing wrapped around her.

“I see your mate is as lovely as it's been reported.” Gaia said which caused the both of us to blush. Dash once again laughing at this. Applejack just put her hat down with a blush.

“Moving on before this gets any more awkward.” I said trying to derail the important question why we didn't deny it. “Next up is Rarity and Applejack.” They nodded in turn as I introduced them.

“It's my honor to meet you Queen Gaia.” Rarity said in a cordial fashion.

“Howdy your highness.” Applejack added.

“Please everypony Gaia will do, I'm not one for-” Gaia began before Dash interrupted with.

“for formalities. Is that like a family trait or something?” She said with a cocked eyebrow.

“Not really, but I don't let my friends call me by title, and any friend of my brother is a friend of mine.” She said with a smile.

“Rock on.” Dash said with a grin.

“Well as you can tell miss ego over there is Rainbow Dash, fastest pegasus in Equestria.” I cut in , of course I think I may have inflated Dash's ego a bit more with that.

“I'll keep that in mind.” Gaia said with a smile.

“Next to her is Fluttershy.” As soon as I said that Fluttershy decided to give a small nod and hide behind her mane. “She's a little shy.”

“Indeed...”

“The two next to her are Nightling and-” was all I got out of my mouth before Pinkie zipped right over.

“Hi yeah, my names Pinkie Pie, the premiere party pony. I normally do parties for new ponies to Ponyville, but you're new to Equestria so I want to do a welcome to Equestria party and if you come to Ponyville then we can have a welcome to Equestria and Ponyville paired party and it will be even more-” She got out before Rarity stepped in. Of course that didn't stop the long stream of mumbled words that was still trying to force themselves out of the mare's mouth.

“As you can tell she's quite energetic at times.” I said which got a smile out of almost everypony. “Over here” I continued pointing down the table from Twilight and I. “We have-”

“Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Empire.” Gaia said cutting me off. “it's been too long.”

“Indeed it has Queen Gaia.” Cadence said with a smile.

“Wait... you two know each other?” Twilight and I asked in unison.

“Indeed, we had to go to Saddle Arabia to help talk trade agreements with the Crystal Empire.” Shining answered.

“Okay, so my half sister knows my adopted sister and brother-in-law... good to know.” I said before I ran my tongue in the inside of my bottom lip.

“I'm also aware of your adopted aunts too. Isn't that right Celestia?” Gaia said before giving a small smirk to the regent of the sun. Celestia only smiled at this with a nod.

“She had requested after you were known to be one of Sha's children.” She continued.

“When did you find out?” I asked.

“It was after you passed out during the dragon treaty. Razor had informed me while Luna and myself picked you up from your dragon rage.” She informed.

“Dragon rage?” Twilight asked turning to me.

“It's a point when a dragon is put in a too strenuous spot in their life. Mostly during fights for their lives where their emotions have hit a breaking point. From my reports it was right after you were knocked unconscious. My brother went through his first rage and defeated the responsible parties. I'm rather surprised he didn't go further as most dragons do, but if he is one of my brothers and we've been known to hold on to our heads during them. Dronies as you know have the same weaknesses as a lot of dragons do. We are able to be overcome by greed and become rather wild.” Gaia explained and I didn't like what I heard. Twilight had explained about Spike's birthday to me, when he had a growth spurt and tried to take all he could. Rarity being the only pony taken.

“Does that mean if I'm overcome by greed I would turn into a... monster?” I asked.

“It really depends on the drony. Some do, while some become fully grown and very protective of their things. I remember one that took all of her friends and family, and kept them with her hoard of treasure. It took me stepping in to put things to rest as no other pony or drony could step in.”

“Why is that?” Shining asked.

“A drony can be very... protective of their things.” Gaia started as I didn't like how this was going to go. “A lot of my guards were injured trying. Let's just say that you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of a drony in a state like that.” Celestia and Luna eyed me quietly that I could see out of my peripheral vision.

“I believe we've seen it.” Luna commented.

“When was this?” Gaia asked and it was then Pinkie slipped out of Rarity's hooves.

“Chapter seventeen.” Pinkie said without missing a beat. We all stopped and looked at her. Sometimes it scares me just some of the random things that comes out of that mare's mouth.

“What?” I asked confused to no end.

“They will know.” Was Pinkie's only reply.

“Who will know?”

“They will know.” She repeated.

“Pinkie, I think that's the most random thing I've ever heard.” Dash commented and Gaia leaned over to me.

“Does she do that a lot?” She asked.

“Not as bad as that, but... yeah.” I answered. “But moving on, how did you end up arriving early?”

“Mainly the matter I was dealing with at the time took less time than I thought. So I was able to board my private ship early.” She said before sitting next to Twilight and I. “So you're the mare that has my brother's eye.” She purred and I was already feeling the doom rising. If ponies were anything like humans, than Gaia was about to tease me to get a rise out of me.

“Yes.” Twilight said eyeing her already as I brought her a little closer to me with my good wing.

“He does have a good taste in mares.” Gaia said grinning devilishly.

“I would have to agree.” Twilight said as I think she was getting an idea of what's going on here.

“So I have to ask miss Element of Magic. When did you two finally decide to go all the way.” She said and now just about everypony was staring at the two of us. While Twilight and I with two massive blushes on our faces was staring at her.

“E-e-excuse me?” Twilight stammered out.

“Called it.” Luna commented over the link as my head snapped right to her.

“About time.” Cadence tacked on. That's when I saw Shining's stare right at me. Oh, if looks could kill than I would be Kentucky fried fucked right about now. Cadence gave Shining a quick jab in the side. “None of that, you knew it was going to happen.” She said under her breath.

“I know, but that's my little sister.” He countered in a whisper.

“That's my adopted brother.” She retorted. “And haven't they proven themselves enough for you? They did wait until after estrus after all.”

“I didn't need that mental image in my head.” He groaned.

“Congrats Sugarcube.” Applejack said finally after getting over her shock.

“Yeah... so how was he?” Dash bluntly asked.

“Dash!” Twilight said turning a different shade of red to look at Dash.

“Our sex life is no ponies business. Friends or family.” I said pointedly stated looking at everypony. “That includes you Gaia.”

“Aw, can't a big sister have a little fun?” She mockingly asked.

“In this case... no.” I shot back flatly.

“Aw, you're no fun.” She gave in that fake sadness kind of way.

“So... beside me being injured, what brings you to Canterlot?” I asked.

“Well I did have to talk to both Celestia and Luna about something rather important, than I set myself sometime to really be with my little brother and his mate.” She said with a smile.

“Gaia, seriously stop with the mate bit. Twilight is my marefriend, but I doubt she likes to be referred to as my mate.” I stop.

“To be honest, it's not really a problem when it's just family and friends. Outside of it, I would.” Twilight answered.

“Oooh, does that mean I get to throw you to a finally became mates party?” Pinkie asked.

“No.” Twilight and I said in unison.

“Aww.” She said deflating a bit. I couldn't help doing a very old habit of mine with my claws. I ended up rubbing the bridge of my nose in frustration.

“Look, can we please move away from Twilight and I's love life?” I asked with a light groan to my voice.

“I believe we've hard our fun. Now Queen Gaia, what was it that you needed to discuss with us about?” Celestia asked.

“Do you mind if we find somewhere more private to talk in?” Gaia asked and I just raised my eyebrow curiously.

“Of course.” Luna commented as Luna, Celestia, and Gaia left. The rest of us just looked at each other in confusion.

“So when should we expect foals?” Cadence said.

“Cadence!” I shot back.

“Sorry, couldn't resist. At least Velvet wasn’t here.” She added and I just groan.

“Don't remind me.” I said was a hoof over my face.

“What's that suppose to mean?” Twilight said a little angry.

“Nothing.” I said looking away.

“That meant something, now what's that suppose to mean?” She said.

“I um... your mom scares the hell out of me.” I said with a slight pause before just blurting it out.

“And why is that?” She question as she hauled me into the air.

“It's because she does. Just the way she acted the last time, just really unnerved me.” I answered.

“Storm, you're a prince of Equestria. I'm sure you have more backbone in you then that.” Twilight said as she began to leave with me floating behind her involuntary.

“Backbone I have, just not the will to deal with your mother.”

“Okay so when you met her for the first time she tried to pull it off like she was hitting on you, I'll admit that. This time I'm sure she will be a lot more... toned down.” She said with a pause like she was trying to force the words out herself. I really hope she was right.

***---***

She wasn't... at all.

“So... you and my little Twily finally decided to give it the good romp in the hay?” Velvet purred. Okay, so I have dealt with my own share of nosy mother well before I came to Equestria. Velvet however took that to a whole new level.

“Mother!” Twilight said in shock. Cadence snickered with Shining trying to hold in his laughter on the sofa across from us. They beat us here by twenty minutes as we got delayed with fixing my leg wrappings again, so I wouldn't start to hurt in the middle of our visit.

“What? I can't help but hope for little grandfoals from one of my babies.” She said with a pout.

“But why does it have to be us? What about Shining and Cadance?” Twilight whined. That got the two of them to stop snickering over on the other sofa.

“Don't pin this one on us.” Shining tried to defend.

“She makes a good point. Why haven't you two given me grandfoals yet?” Velvet accusingly asked.

“We... Um.” Shining tried to say as he started to turn rather red. Cadence just simply shook her head and look directly at Velvet.

“Give it time, between royal work and running the Crystal Empire. We've had very little time to ourselves to do something other than sleep.” She explained with a smile. Okay, that was a cop out answer if I haven't heard it. Between my stay there, they spent most of their time worrying about me. Than doing any work so I knew that wasn't the case.

“I suppose that makes sense, but you two should really live a little.” Velvet said with a creepy smile to her face.

“Noted.” Shining said with a gulp.

“That out of the way, since I have both of my babies here now. Why don't we have an old family dinner together.” She said and that got both Shining and Twilight's ears to pop up.

“Are we going to have your famous lasagna?” Both Shining and Twilight said at the same time. I cocked an eyebrow, mostly out of wondering how you could have that dish without meat.

“Of course, I have it in the oven now cooking.” Velvet commented.

“Oh, yes yes yes.” Twilight said as she lightly bounced in her seat. That was caught for a moment as she stopped and turned to me. “Storm... is there lasagna on earth?” This got Velvet's to look at me curiously.

“On... earth?” She asked.

“Oh, right... I never told you.” She said giving a slight nervous chuckle. “Firestorm isn't... from Equestria... or even this planet.” She said.

“Really? So where do you come from?” Velvet asked.

“Long story short, I'm from what I have gathered another universe. One that can only be accessed through magical means. I was brought over here against my will which lead me to meet Twilight in the Ponyville hospital.” I summed up.

“Really? So, if I may ask were you a drony in your universe?” She asked as everypony else watched me. Nightlight who I think was listening in from the kitchen stepped into the room.

“No, I was something called a human. Here, I have a photo of what I use to look like before I arrived.” I said as my horn flared to life and pulled out the group photo Twilight had brought from Ponyville of me and my friends. “I'm the bottom center one in the orange shirt.” I said floating over to her. Her horn flared to life as she gently pulled it from my magic.

“Is that was humans look like?” Velvet asked.

“Yeah.” I answered quietly and it was right about then when Velvet got this look in her eyes.

“So... a star crossed lover from beyond the stars?” She said as I could see that same star eyed look that Rarity would give when her mind shipped off the land of fantasy.

“You... could say-” was all I got out of my mouth.

“I must write about it, tell me what is your world like. What were you like? Please tell me you have a dark past that-” that was all I could let her say.

“Velvet stop.” I said as my stare at her got the smile on her face to drop. Even that far away look snapped in really fast. “If you're planning to make a story about my life before Equestria, then I'm not going to let you.” Every pony in the room must have felt the mood in the room shift. From something a little lighthearted to something rather hard.

“Firestorm?” Twilight asked worriedly putting a hoof on mine.

“I... um...” This was the first time I heard Velvet stumble over her words

“Look, I... I'm just going to go. Please have fun without me.” I said getting up and leaving Twilight to have fun with her family. The door shut behind me as I left before I was shortly flanked to my left and right by two guards.

“Is there a problem your highness?” Said the one to my left, I didn't know his name and with my mood I didn't really want to know either.

“No, please lead me back to the castle. I wish to retire to my room in peace.” I requested. They nodded in silence and lead the way. Unlike getting here, we took the back alleys to avoid other ponies. We entered the castle and I was taken to my room, it was empty of other ponies. I was glad for that. “I wish not the be disturbed for a while, if that's alright.”

“As you wish your highness.” Was all that they said before posting themselves to my door. Once I shut it, I moved to shut the balcony door and lock it so I don't have some sudden fliers come in. With that I moved to the bed and laid down. I knew Twilight was going to be on my case later as we only were there for less than an hour. I just thought it was safer to leave then go off on anypony. I don't know if it was the hell I went through putting a lot of strain on my head or that I wasn't under Grimwand's spell anymore. It has got me wondering the full extent of his spells on me. From what I had figured out and was told that my magical growth was stunted. Which I don't feel any more magical than before so I doubt that fixed itself right away. Which means I'm probably going to be the least powerful of the four of us. I mean yeah I know Luna and Celestia is far above both Cadence and I magically. The feeling of being the runt of the group just didn't sit right with me. Cadence had said that I have about the same magic pool of a unicorn. How do I even gauge that? Do I just judge it by the scan Twilight did of my magic? Which I don't know how to even process that bit of information. Hell it seems like I had a mysterious extra pool of magic. Do I just try to enlarge that pool? Is there a magical pill I can take that just does 'hey increase your magical pool of magic over night or your bits back' kind of thing?

“There are magical supplements that a pony could take to help increase their pools, it's not an overnight thing.” Said the regal voice of Celestia from inside the room. I jumped as I had lost focused with my eyes closed.

“Ah!” I yelled in surprise. “How did you get in here?” All I got as a response was her pointing to her horn with a smirk on her face. “Magic... right. So what brings you to my neck of the castle?” I asked.

“I wanted to check up on you after I heard you shortly returned from your trip to the Sparkle residents alone. I thought Twilight would be with you.” She asked and I could see the hint of worry there.

“Things got a little too personal for me and I decided to return to the Castle to avoid an incident.” I answered.

“Personal?”

“Velvet from I could gather wanted details of my life before coming to Equestria for a book, which I really didn't want to supply.” I went back to laying down on the bed as I were.

“If I may ask the reason?” She asked eyeing me.

“To be honest, I don't want my past told as some story by another pony. Especially stuff I haven't shared with anypony here.” I answered.

“Ah... you’d rather do the telling because you experienced it.” She said.

“Just feels like the right thing to me.”

“Understandable, but if I may ask about your thought about magical supplements?” She asked.

“I guess I glossed over that bit when I told you about what Grimwand did to me.” I said getting up and moving off the bed to join Celestia at the table.

“I know you told me he used his magic to affect your mind.” She said.

“More then that, if you have noticed that compared to all of us. I'm the one with the weakest magic.” I started.

“I have noticed that as well as Twilight sent me the scan of your magic. I admit the third magic pool does puzzle me.” She said.

“Likewise, but the reason my pool is so much smaller is because Grimwand was magically suppressing my magical development. I just don't know what to really make of it.” I explained as I just felt mentally tired once again.

“There has been many studies about the subject. There isn't really much a pony could do to fix the missing magic you would have had, but like Luna and myself have increased our magical pool by the raising and setting of our respective celestial bodies.” She said coming over and placing one of her much larger wings around me. “The only thing I could suggest is trying to raise or set either one of them more often.” She could see the visible shudder that shot through me.

“No thanks, I don't think I could stand to another one of those headaches from the first try.” I said already getting a throb remembering it.

“Understandable, it's always an option when you need it.”

“Thank you Celestia.” There was a bit of silence between us and I question popped into my head I had to ask. “If I may ask, what are your thoughts on all this?”

“All this?”

“Well... everything pertaining to what I have done, and with Grimwand's involvement.” She sat there for a little bit, which made me worry as I knew she didn't fully trust me. So I figured she must be choosing her words wisely.

“If I were to be honest, I think you have had far more strife in your short life than anypony in a lifetime. Strife that you neither wanted or needed. You were tossed into this life with no hoof to guide you. I'm equal parts amazed and ashamed about how this all transpired. The events with Grimwand shouldn't have transpired like they did and I should have made sure he was fully dealt with.” There was a hardness to her voice that I couldn't tell if I should interject or not. She remained that way for a little bit before her features softened. “But what amazes me is you Firestorm, or would you prefer Ryhn?”

“Firestorm is fine, I think I'll keep Ryhn a secret for the time being.” I answered.

“Understandable, as I was saying that you have surprised me many times over. I've seen ponies break from the abuse you've been put through. It honestly boggles me that you have been able to survive so much.” She said as her magenta eyes slide down to look at me.

“I was always a stubborn one.” I said with a light smile.

“Be that as it may, I have been meaning to ask you something. Are you alright?” She asked looking worried.

“Alright in a general sense, or a more with me directly?” I asked.

“Are you alright with everything that has happened?” She clarified.

“To be honest... no. I'm still reeling from the nightmare and the details about my... I guess birth would be the right saying. To find out that this body was created like a sick science experiment doesn't sit well. Then finding out that my magical growth was stunted. Which I don't know if it really is a big deal in the long run. I get the whole being stunted means that for an 'all powerful alicorn' that I should be able to do many things. Which I can, I mean I can cast spells that hell I can learn after maybe a few reads of the spell. I fling them like Twilight, or you, or just about any other pony with a horn. So I don't see the big deal on that. Plus I have time on my side so I don't have to worry about development for less than a year of life. Then having my first guard and now that well... Twilight and I have... you know. I feel like I need to step up.” I started to rant.

“Step up?”

“Take responsibility and make Twilight an honest mare. I know the earth meaning for that but Equestria has had some difference from earth, so that meaning could be different here.” I explained to her as I let my hoof run in circles on the table.

“I believe it means marriage and having a family.” Celestia said and I nodded quietly.

“I hoped as much. I'm not opposed to the idea of marrying Twilight. I just know how much that would put on Twilight. Plus with her plans, I feel like it would just get in the way.”

“Storm, I do believe your a good stallion. Maybe a little... what's the word I'm looking for.”

“Stupid, short sighted, damage prone, crazy, naive, overly critical-” I began to list before cut off.

“More the third, fifth, and the last one. I was originally going to say that you over stress yourself with the smaller details.” She said putting a hoof on my shoulder. “Why don't you just take sometime to just relax. Don't worry about the guards, marriage, or your magical development. Normally I would say that last one would be important, but as I have explained that is easily fixed.”

“Easier said than done. I suppose you're right, the guard part has already started anyway.” I said with a slump of my head.

“I heard something about that from Luna, care to explain?” She asked.

“Nightling asked for a transfer into being my guard captain. Honestly I trust her a lot more then most of the guards I've seen. Both from the cave in incident as well as personal interactions with her. I know she's very skilled in combat. So a lot of my worry is put at ease.”

“How so?” Celestia asked.

“Well, I know Nightling will do her best and I can judge the skills she has from her actions. As well as I took a look at her file directly. She is a pony I can trust to protect me and those I care about. I'm not going to say all of my worry is gone. She is only one pony after all and everypony needs sleep to recover at some point. Some of us take longer to it to that point then others, but it still stands to reason. I will need more guards. The whole finding a place for them that doesn't seem intrusive to both Twilight and I, as well to those of Ponyville. Not counting the possible awkward moments that I could see happen.” Turning my head a little bit to pop it a little from a little stiffness that worked it's way in.

“I can see that be an issue. As for a place for them to stay, we will be sending ponies to build a barracks in town where the more military aspects are well hidden from the town's ponies. So it won't bother the ponies there. You will have ponies on guard at any hour of the night. If you're worried about them intruding on a private moment between you and Twilight. Trust me on this, I've already taught Twilight the way around that.” She said with a slight wink at the end and I couldn't help, but turn red at this.

“Oh god Celestia, you can be really bad at times.” I said with a light laugh as I was still pretty red in the face.

“A mare's got to have her fun somewhere.” She said.

“I can agree to that, especially a princess right miss duchess of deviousness.” I said with a smirk.

“Oh, that's a good one. I'm going to have to remember that.” She said with a laugh.

“Yeah, I have a few good ones for Twilight. Probably won't use them, but old habits die hard right?” I said as I couldn't help, but laugh as well.

“You've got to tell me at least a few.” She almost begged.

“What if Twilight gets back in the middle of them? I could be in big trouble with her.” I said as I was a little serious as I was still chuckling a bit.

“Don't worry, I'll explain it was my idea. I'm sure she won't be that upset about it.” She said with a smile using her wing to hug me.

“If you're sure.” Celestia nodded with a smile. “Alright, but if things go south it's your flank on the line.” I took a small pause for dramatic effect, probably a little uncalled for. Didn't mean I couldn't do it right? “Well let's see we have the duchess of dictionaries, the empress of the encyclopedia, the lady of the library, and a few others I could think off.” After the first one Celestia couldn't keep a straight face.

“I admit some of those are pretty good.” She said after a few moments of her laughing. We shared a few more laughs before we could compose ourselves enough to talk again. During that time a question struck me.

“Can I ask some thing that I had just remembered to ask about?” She simply nodded at this. “I told you everything that had happened during the coma. What happened on this side to me?” I had to ask. The look on Celestia's face dropped a little.

“After I had cast the sleeping spell on you. You were in surgery to fix your legs and wings. What we were told that your legs were massively damaged and a lot of magic had to be used to mend them.”

“Yeah, but I get the feeling that beyond the sensitive nerves and fixed wing more happened that wasn't expected.” I said looking at her. She simply nodded at this taking in a deep breath.

“You are correct, other issues did arise. Beyond what we have told you, you had given us quite a few scares. Especially when your pulse suddenly dropped on us. Twilight never moved from your side after that. I have never seen Twilight like that before.” She started as I could just feel the sadness in her voice.

“That must have when Grimwand tried to kill me with the bullet.” I speculated out loud.

“Bullet?” She asked.

“A smaller and much faster arrow in concept, it shot right through me in the dream.” She cringed a little at that.

“How did-”

“How did I survive? Partly from dumb luck, and from augmenting a shield spell around my soul like I said before.” I explained as I cringed a little myself. “But being just a soul for a little bit wasn't comforting.”

“Being just a soul?” She asked eyeing me.

“Yeah, I couldn't really protect my body only my soul. So I did technically die in the dream.” This got Celestia to look a little worried at me.

“What was it like?” She asked.

“At first it's painful, since mine was by bullet. That was followed by the cold washing over me as the world faded into a well of an abyssal blackness. It felt like years even though it must have been seconds to that I was lost in that void. Until this little light appeared like a star in the night or maybe I should say a lighthouse in the blanked mist. I felt myself swimming to it until I saw the dreamscape again. Just bigger as I was just a small child or foal seeing it for the first time. Beyond the whole floating feeling I just couldn't help, but be scared as I had thought my spell failed and it was my end.” Towards the end of that I couldn't help my voice from shaking a bit. Just the memory of that left me a little cold inside.

“I can't even imagine how that would feel.” She said as her wing brought me closer to her.

“I don't think anypony should really feel that. Just facing your ending twice in a row. The only saving grace was that the spell did work just not in the way I thought.” As I spoke, I couldn't help be relive those moments in my head. “Watching the magic as it flew at me, it engulfed me for only a few moments as I thought it was the end. I couldn't help but think about Twilight as it did.” Celestia had remained silent as I talked. She probably thought it was best not to interrupt me as I really talked about what happened to her. “You know they say in stories that you see your life flash before your eyes as you are seconds away from death. Either time, it didn't happen. The first was just darkness and the second all I could think about was Twilight. No memory of my lives, no second of insight of my past, and no moment to wrap it up in a nice little bow. When the magic washed around me I just was left there waiting for the end. Maybe the white void, maybe oblivion... I don't know. After it all I could just see a confused Grimwand before he tried over and over again. All until he knocked me right into one of the dream orb's he made from my nightmares. After that... it's going to sound corny, but I felt so much energy within me again. Like I was alive and could do anything. Maybe it was that sudden moment, but I just knew what I had to do.” I said with a light laugh at the end. Celestia remained silent for a while after that, as well as I. The only thing the really broke the silence was a third voice in the room.

“So Grimwand is truly no more?” the voice said as both Celestia and I turned to see Gaia at the door, with both of my guards floating in the air with their muzzles shut.

“Will you please put my little ponies down.” Celestia said.

“They told me I couldn't enter my brother's room.” She said as she sat the guards down.

“We were under orders not to let anypony in Queen Gaia.” The guard to her left said.

“It's alright, you two may stand down. Go and just watch the door. If Twilight shows up before the three of us are done talking. Please tell her to knock before she enters.” I ordered as the both nodded, saluted, and left. “As to answer your question, yes Grimwand has been dealt with and he won't but an issue anymore.” I said quietly.

“How did it happen?” Gaia asked as she trotted over to us. She sat across from Celestia and I at the table. So, I talked and explained the fight in my dreamscape. I was leading up to the final moments with him. I added in the context of Shadow and a sum up of why he's around. Shadow didn't say anything during that time as I knew he was listening in. When I finally told her what I did to him, she went silent for a few moments. Her face was a stoic mask of emotions. My gaze had dropped slowly to my prosthetic hoof as I flexed my claws on it. Watching each little finger bend and straighten.

“I'm not going to apologize for doing what I had to do to end this nightmare.” I said quietly.

“I wouldn't ask that of you.” Gaia commented quietly then paused as I looked up at her. “There is a level of understanding there that I couldn't understand myself. “If anything, I would have done the same thing in your hooves.” Celestia looked over at her as well.

“The more I think about it, the more I would have if I could.” Celestia said.

“But it is over and our demons need to rest.” I said with a light sigh.

“You are correct.” Gaia said as with a flick of magic a box appeared before us on the table. It looked like a simple long rectangular black box. “This is something we have thought you should be part of.”

“We?” I asked looking at Gaia before turning back to Celestia for a moment.

“No, our brothers and I have decided.” She explained. “After you left, our fourth brother came to me himself.”

“Really? Who is he?” I asked.

“The only thing I can tell you is that he goes by the name Hermit. He requested that he would leave the introductions to when he met you himself. We contacted our brother in the Dragon Kingdom and we have agreed to share something that was originally between the three of us. This here is from Hermit.” She said as her horn lit up and undid the box. Inside was a large knife, the scabbard of it was interesting. It was made to more look an old wizard's staff with a curved hand guard, well I suppose I should call it a more hoof or mouth guard. That being said I magically pulled it out of the box and floated before me. With a pull of the straight handle, I found out it was a Kris.

“A Kris?” I asked looking at the design on the pamer of the cobalt blue blade. It looked like some kind of old writing that I have seen somewhere before, but I couldn’t place it. The etching of the blade reminded me of moving water in a river. Just seeing as the grains bend and turn with each curve of the serpentine blade.

“Oh you're familiar with the design?” Gaia asked.

“I told you.” Celestia chimed in.

“Yes, I know quite a lot about tools like these.” I said.

“Tools?” Gaia asked.

“Tools, weapons whatever you wish to call them, but yes I am aware of it. The three parts of a Kris dagger is the blade which is called a bilah or wilah, the hulu or hilt, and finally the warangka or sheath.” I started to explain and all I can say is thank you internet searches on very boring nights. You end up learning the weirdest, but interesting things online. The two of them gave me a curious glance.

“Okay, that's news to me.” Gaia commented with a look of confusion.

“Yeah... you end up learning a lot when your bored as hell, but that's not the point of this. If I may ask, why did Hermit want me to have a Kris dagger?” I asked looking over to my sister.

“He wasn't the only one to give you something. I have a gift as well.” She said pulling out a second dagger. This one more reminded me of a dagger right out of an Arabian themed game. Instead of a blue cobalt blade like the other one, the blade of this one was a forest green. Something didn't seem right, and I was having a hard time connecting the dots. The handle of this one was golden in color but it didn't have the right feel to it. I knew gold was a metal that is easily dented, but this one felt much harder. “As you can tell these aren't made out of normal materials.”

“Yeah, its... odd.” I said looking them over I noticed something else on the Arabian dagger that besides the fang like blade that pressed into the metal was what looked like branches.

“The blades of the daggers were made with scales mixed into the metal during the forging process.” She said and it finally dinged into my head.

“You put your scales into these?” I asked.

“Yes, Hermit gave a few of his scales for his dagger. I did as well for mine for you. We have this tradition between the three of us, now four. That we would each carry a weapon made from the scales of the others. Since you're the newest member of the family you would have to be in this tradition as well.” She explained.

“Does that mean you would have to pull scales out?” I asked.

“That's not a problem.” Celestia interrupted as we both looked over to her.

“What?” I asked.

“Part way through your treatment you transformed and a lot of your scales had to be removed. Which we found out takes patches of your fur with it when you reverted back. So we have a bunch of your scales already.” She commented.

“That's oddly convenient.” I commented.

“Yeah that tends to happen a lot more often when you're a drony. Removed scales stay as scales when they are removed. Fur is much the same way, but the difference here is you can remove fur and still have scales there. Just not the other way around.” Gaia commented.

“So these are from Hermit and you. What about-” I began to ask.

“Our other brother's gift?” I nodded to this. “He plans to give it to you sometime after he has sent word to you to come visit him. I will take your scales with me unless you want them to be forged here in Canterlot.”

“I wouldn't know what you prefer as a weapon so I can agree for you to take most of my scales.” I said.

“Most?” Both Celestia and Gaia asked.

“Yes, most. I want a few left here since I now know that dragon scales can be forged with metal. I want to have something made for Twilight with my scales as a personal gift from me. I already gave her a feather from my wing, but that's something that can't really go out in public without a worry of it being blown away. But a necklace made from one of my scales is a different matter altogether.” I said.

“What did you have in mind?” Celestia asked and all I could do was smile.

***---***

Several hours have passed in which Gaia explained a little bit more behind the reason why we as Sha's kids had the tradition. Each of us are pretty well spread apart, so this was a way to keep the family together. So the items are geared to that matter. I found out that Hermit keeps the scales whole together in a necklace form, Gaia has the scales turned into short swords that she uses and had one of her scales added in so she keeps three swords near by. She even had them with her for this trip. All of them were pretty simple in design, with just closer to just the same pattern repeated all but colors. Blue, green and black blames if you added mine then she would have four swords all together. That being said I had asked about Hermit, but all I got was that he will tell me himself. Even to the point that I couldn't ask what he looks like. Great, just fucking great. I had to be 'born' into a family that likes dramatic reveals.

So after that conversation the royal blacksmith was summoned to my room so I could discuss something with him. Two of my scales was set aside for him as I drew him a rough sketch of what I wanted made. After I had put in my request, I made sure that it would be delivered directly to me. Couldn’t have Twilight find out about it ahead of time right? Speaking of the lavender mare, she finally showed up after a few more hours with Velvet in tow. I only watched in silence as they came in. Celestia and Gaia took note of the mood of the room and left under the guise of a game of chess. Twilight came and set next to me while Velvet sat across from the two of us. It seems today was going to be the soul to soul talk.

“How are you feeling Storm?” Twilight asked as she leaned into me as I placed my wing around her.

“Better, I suppose.” I answered and Twilight looked at me quietly, followed by her nodding.

“I should have guessed.” I only looked at her a little confused. “To be honest I should have gone after you when you left.”

“Twilight, it's fine. You needed time to visit your family, I get it.” I said.

“Storm, they are just as much your family.” She commented, and I knew she meant through Cadence's marriage to Shining Armor.

“She's right.” Velvet cut in. “I want to apologize for what I did.” She continued as I noticed her ears were flattened back.

“Velvet, it's alright-”

“No it wasn't.” Velvet said cutting me off. “I really wanted to know something I had no right to ask you about. I didn't realize how bad of a mistake I had made until after Twilight had explained what she knew of it. Even she kept it very vague so she wouldn't violate your trust in her.” She said and I could hear the remorse in her voice. So she was either a very good actor or she was speaking the truth. I really hoped it was the latter.

“Truth is Velvet, I don't like my history told by anypony, but myself. I trust Twilight to tell only what was needed. That being said, I shouldn't have acted like I did. That was wrong of me and I apologize for that.” The look on both of their faces said it all, 'what are you talking about?' “I shouldn't have just left like I did, I should have explained why I didn't want to tell you. In the end I just ran from it and that's what I did wrong.”

“Firestorm no pony blames you for that. Everypony has things they don't want to talk about and just want to escape from it.” Twilight said.

“That may be true Twilight, but I want to be better then the person that I was on earth. Which means I shouldn't run from things that make me uncomfortable.” I said quietly before taking a deep breath. “I am willing to tell you what I feel is the needed context, only if your not going to use it for a story. I can deal with being the subject of a romance story, just not one that has too many true facts about my past.” She looked at me quietly.

“Only if you feel comfortable with sharing.” Velvet commented, and that's what I did. I told her a very short hand version of what I have told Twilight. My telling of the history added a lot more than I probably should have said but I told Twilight at the same time some of the more details involving Grimwand and myself. I told her about why I was so short on the magical scale. Twilight was understandably surprised at this and a little worried for me, but I told her that it was fine. I didn't need to really be the strongest magically. I wasn't power hungry and I didn't want to be. After I was done, Velvet just looked at me quietly as Twilight just stayed pressed into my side with my wing covering her. With my chin gently resting on her forehead we just sat there silently. “I can understand now why you don't want this in a story told by anypony else. I'm sorry that all that has happened to you, but I'm glad you found somepony that understands you. Twilight dear you're one lucky mare to find a stallion like him.” Twilight turned to look at her mother more. “They are a rare breed Twilight.”

“I know mom, I don't know what I would do without him.” She said and I will admit it made me feel a lot better then I had been since the whole Grimwand nightmare.

“Storm, if I may ask. Is there anything I can do to make what I did up to you?” Velvet asked.

“You took the time to listen and understand, so you've done enough.” I said.

“That is the corniest thing I have ever heard, but I understand.” She said with a light smile. After a few moments I noticed her horn light up as a container was pulled out of nowhere. “You left before we could have dinner so I made sure to bring some with us. I mean I can't have my soon to be son-in-law go hungry.” She said with a light smile. That was when my belly decided to remind me I hadn't ate since lunch.

“I do believe that ends that point” Twilight said as she brought me a fork.

“I can't eat in front of you two, that would be rude.” I started to protest. Of course they had to one up me by bringing out two more containers with forks. “Okay touche and well played.”

“We thought ahead so we both didn't have our fill with dinner so we could share a meal together.” Twilight commented.

“Quite clever I have to say.” I said with a smile as I gave Twilight a kiss on the cheek. Velvet watched Twilight and I just interacted with each other. It was just nice to hold Twilight like that.

“Can I ask you two something?” Velvet asked.

“Sure.” I said with a shrug.

“So when are you two going to tie the knot?” She said out right seriously and just from the whole side swipe of topics, I just lost it. Twilight looked at her mother in shock, followed by at me for falling to the ground laughing.

“Mother!” She said when she could find her voice. “Storm this isn't the time to be laughing!”

“It's the perfect moment for it. Seriously, I needed the laugh after the nightmare I had to deal with.” I said through the tail end of my laughter.

“Be that as it may, why does it matter if I get married mother?” Twilight said as it looks like she was getting a little manic at this.

“Well Twilight dear, your brother is married and you found your own prince.” She started.

“May I interject for a moment?” I said still smiling a bit, they both looked at me a little confused. Twilight being more on the stressed side of it. “I think I get why, she wants to make sure that you have a happy and full life. Finding the one you would want to settle down with. She's only using Shining and Cadence as an example because they found it. So she just wants that for you too.”

“That was very perceptive of you. How did you know?” Velvet asked.

“Honestly, I have read my share of romance stories and it comes up a lot more than anypony thinks. I've also been around enough 'ponies' with that being the case. So you pick up a lot of things.” I answered with a smile.

“Be that as it may, he is correct. I just want the best for you Twilight. That and I want grandfoals that I could spoil.” She said with a smile and both Velvet and I gave a few chuckles.

“But mother, I still have plenty of time for things like that. We have been only dating for a few months at the most, so marriage hasn't even been a thought to either of us.” Twilight said trying to plead her case.

“Speak for yourself Twilight.” I said as I rubbed the end of my nose with my hoof.

“You've seriously thought about it?” Twilight asked as she turned to me a little surprised.

“Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't over think about everything and with our relationship being one of the thoughts that been taking high priority.” I said.

“Point made, but you haven't made any sign of proposing or anything.” She said, and I could get the feeling she was trying to understand why I would bring this up now. If the current conversation wasn't reason enough.

“Truth being told I would like to, but with everything going on. I just don't think it would be the right time. After the tunnel collapse and all the attacks. It wouldn't be right to add a wedding to the top of that. I plan to ask you at one point, but it's only when we both are ready for it. You still want to learn more about magic and I just want to get use to everything here in Equestria since I have only been here for less than a year.” I said bringing her in close with my wing. “But if you want this, then let me know. I just want to make sure your happy.”

“Firestorm, that has to be the most corniest thing I have ever heard from anypony and my mother is a romance author so I've heard some pretty bad ones.” Twilight said.

“Hey, I resent that statement.” Velvet said looking a little annoyed by that.

“Mother I've read 'The Storming Twilight.' the whole line about his scaled wings was pretty bad.” She said with a smile.

“Well excuse me Twilight, I do take pride in my work.” She said crossing her forelegs.

“As any good author should.” I commented.

“See your coltfriend gets it.” She said pointing her hooves at me.

“You're not going to take my side on this?” Twilight said a little annoyed now.

“What can I say? An artist can defend art in any form. A musician can defend painter or an author for the pride one can take.” I said standing my ground on this one.

“I take it you write then?” Velvet said.

“Short stories at most, sometimes I just write a snip it or scene that gets stuck in my head for a while. Nothing big named to be honest.” I answered.

“Wait... I never knew you wrote?” Twilight commented.

“Really? I thought I told you that?” I said turning to her.

“No, you've told me you dabble in a lot of things from drawing to fashion designs.” She said.

“Well... writing was one of the things I dabbled in.”

“What kind of writing if I may ask?” Velvet asked.

“Different subjects, I enjoy a lot of different things. I was always good with darker subjects or material. Like the nightmares I would have, some of them stuck with me so much that I had to write them down to really get through them.” I explained.

“Do... do you still have those... stories?” Twilight asked.

“Most of them to be honest. I put them on my tablet so if I needed something to look back to, I could.” I said and that got Twilight's ears to shoot up after they had remained flattened back for a while. Her horn lit up in a mere moments and a very familiar lavender covered device began to float out of her saddlebags. Honestly I haven't seen this thing in a long time. I used my claws to carefully pluck the device from Twilight's magic. With a flick of my hoof the little flap cover flipped over and I held the power button. As the screen came to life I saw my old little load screen that took me forever to figure out how to install. I watched a little tribal flame draw itself in and fill with color before my old home screen showed up. Twilight watched closely as I took the modified stylus I made for the tablet. Kind of surprised a few people when I took a rubber glove, a stick, one of my knives and made myself the stylus I prefer. All because the screen wasn't one of those dual touch layer screens so I couldn't use a hard stylus. This also meant that my hoof and claws were out when it comes to controlling it. With a few quick taps and a swipe or two, my library of books opened up. All filed by genre, author, and title. “Here you go Twilight. My complete library of books.” The look on her face was priceless, as I had over a few thousand books there from old textbooks I had in school as reference material for stories.

“Wow, how are all these books in such a small device?” She asked.

“Well humans have this habit to make sure we have so much information in a hoof’s reach. It got to the point that we could connect to something we called the internet almost anywhere if you needed to know the weather or the latest news. I mostly used it for music and stories to read.” I commented.

“Music?” Velvet and Twilight asked at the same time. With a few quick taps and swipes, I turned on my classical playlist with it starting with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with the sounds of the ocean behind it.

“Oh wow.” Twilight exclaimed as she listened to the file I had playing. “and this is only a fraction of what humans made?”

“Eeyup. Humans have this notion of building and creating things for leisure as well as work.”

“What else can it do?” She asked with that look like she wouldn't be satisfied without knowing it all. So I decided to start simple and place the tablet between me and her with the back pointed up at her. She heard the click of what sounded like a camera as one of her ears flopped down in confusion. They both shot up when I flicked it over to show her the picture I took of her. That's how things went as I showed Twilight and Velvet all that my tablet could do, even to the point I showed them some of the art I had loaded onto it. Granted not all of it as some of it was what I would consider not safe for ponies with guns and things of that nature. Of course I also made sure to steer clear of more private things as well. Of course that didn't stop Twilight from wanting to see 'everything'. Lucky for me that I side tracked her with the movies that I had on there. I started with a good musical one to draw their attention away from other things. Also since the screen was still pretty small considering that I am smaller than I was. Twilight used a spell on the tablet without a warning to project the movie onto one of the walls. So the three of us sat there and ate while the movie played.

It was after a few movies when there was a knock at the door with Luna, Celestia, Gaia, Cadence, and Shining Armor standing there looking a little worried as it was time. Time for me to see my mother's grave...

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Well... that happened. Sorry it was a while for me to post a chapter. My editor was taking some time to do these chapters. That said, the next one is going to be interesting as Firestorm is going to his Mother's grave. What will happen after that? Who knows... Enjoy.