Chapter 41 – Brother

“One more time,” I said walking behind Twilight as she focused her magic on the training dummy. It has been a week since the Grand Galloping Gala and the full arrest of Polished Silver. The mercenaries were left under the radar to keep the rest of the group in the dark. The didn't help my sense of paranoia so I began to go over some combat spells with Twilight. Funny thing about this, it seems Twilight wasn't really versed in combat magic beyond some basic self-defense. So I showed her some of my spells that I had gathered, especially the fire spells.

She was working to destroy the dummy with some of the new spells. The ground shaping one crushed the first one, but fire seems to be her sticking point. She can create the magical fire, just not the force behind it. I continued to walk behind her watching her gather to fire together.

“Treat the fire like water,” I said as I stood behind her watching her get a second over glow to her horn.

“Fire is fire Storm.” Twilight said rather annoyed.

“But fire is water. It can be shaped, it can be formed, it can be a flicker of light, or it could wildfire. You put magical fire in a bottle it becomes the bottle, you put it teacup, it becomes the teacup. Just like water, it can flow or it can crash.” I explained before coming over to her and kneeling down next to her. “Just focus on the magic, just like the stone before. Think of it like a block of stone hard that doesn't give. Let your emotions float into it, think about protecting the ones you care about, about what you would do to protect them and those that would harm them. Treat that dummy as you would treat those that hurt the ones you care about.”

That did it, with the little push she sent that fire right at the dummy. Man, that was the best explosion I've seen in a long time. As Dash would say 'so awesome.'

“And you do this regularly?” Twilight said after she dropped to her haunches.

“Magic wise yes, once you get used to it. You would understand it.” I said coming over and picking her up.

“The same goes for all magic,” Celestia said coming up behind us. “Each different magic has its own strengths and weaknesses.”

“Starswirl's law of equivalent magic,” Twilight said looking at Celestia. “But I don't get why your both insistent I learn offensive magic?”

“Self defense Twilight, as much as I don't like it. I rather have you know how to defend yourself with whatever means necessary.” I answered looking at her before I rested my head against hers with our horns touching. “Your too important to me, and I want to make sure you're safe.”

“Storm, you're important to me too and I don't want to see you hurt,” Twilight said quietly as we looked each other in the eyes.

“Twilight, as long as I have you. Nothing can hurt me.”

“Touching, but that is the biggest pile of manure that I've ever heard,” Blueblood said rolling his eyes as he stepped through the doors of the training field.

“Blueblood, what are you doing here?” I asked looking at him.

“Besides making this training ground brighter with my presence.” Oh god, gag me with a rusty spork. “I'm here to say that a diplomat request just came in, for you.” This surprised all of us but Blueblood.

“By who?”

“From the Dragon Kingdom.” He asked.

“So my brother-”

“No, it seems some of his cabinet wants to put you through a test.”

“What kind of test?”

“A combat test.”

“A combat test?!” Twilight said in surprise.

“That's what the request was.”

“Okay, so a diplomat requested to fight me? Do I have that correct?” Blueblood nodded and floated over the request form. As for the reason, it seems that they wanted to test my draconic instinct. I took the paper with me back to the room with both Twilight and Luna following me. At this point the guards where use to me walking around like a satyr. It's not that much different to how a minotaur walks, so it's not a far leap in logic. From what I get from the request is that my Brother was involved in this. It made me wonder how long it would be to meet one of my brothers.

From what Gaia had told me Granite was the ruler of the Dragon Kingdom, in the opposite direction from Saddle Arabia. The kingdom itself was a sort of melting pot of a country, where a lot of different races would travel to and live. Granite from what I was told was a pretty stand up kind of drony. One of those he would protect his kingdom with everything he could. Unfortunately, I wasn't told much on his personality or anything like that, but at least this was the first step.

“Your not seriously thinking about going through with this, are you Storm?” Twilight asked.

“I am,” I said as we entered our room.

“Are you crazy? You would be facing a dragon!”

“Twilight, he's also part dragon.” Luna reminded.

“I know that, but after...” Twilight gave a shudder after cutting herself off. “After the dragon treaty fiasco, I just don't think it's smart for him to face another dragon.”

“In all fairness, that fiasco was brought on by infighting within the den itself. It had nothing to do with me directly.” I said dropping the paper onto the table, before going over to the bookcase.

“And in all fairness, you went into a dragon's rage during it too. What happens if you do that again against the representative from the Dragon Kingdom?” Twilight asked.

“A dragon's what?” Spike asked from the table. It seems the little guy was watching stuff on my tablet again.

“A dragon's rage, it happens in moments where his anger is at an uncontrollable level. It's like fully following your instincts regardless of what happens. Afterward you're left weaken for a few days.” I explained before Luna cut in.

“And Firestorm had experienced it during the dragon treaty after Twilight was hurt.”

“Was that why you were in the hospital in a coma?” Spike asked.

“Yes...” Twilight said as her ears flattened back.

“It was my fault that it happened,” I said not looking at anyone in the room.

“Storm there was no way you could have known that was going to happen.” Luna tried to defend.

“I don't care about the symptomatic of it. Somepony I care for was hurt because I wasn't strong enough or fast enough or whatever.” I said gripping my claws.

“Storm you don't have-” Twilight said slowly moving closer.

“But I do,” I said as I began to shake. “I always have to...”

“Storm...” Twilight said coming up next to me and leaned her head against my side. She looked worried and it wasn't helping that I was having a hard time. Once I sat down Twilight joined me placing her head against my shoulder. Luna came up next to Twilight rested her wing against both of us. Admittedly if somepony came into the room it would look a bit awkward but it's the sentiment that counts.

“Sometimes it's those feelings that drive us Twilight. Those moments of weakness to drive us to be better.” Luna explained.

“Everypony has something they strive for, that guides them,” I added one.

“Like a cutie-mark?” Twilight asked.

“Kind of like a cutie-mark, but one that isn't seen. A virtue or at least an ideals that they hold on to.” I said taking a few deep breaths.

“Whats... yours?” She asked a little hesitantly.

“I protect,” I said slowly standing up.

“You protect?” Twilight asked watching me.

“I protect those I care for,” I said grabbing a book from the shelf.

“A noble cause for sure,” Luna said.

“There is no nobility in it Luna. Because if I fail to protect... than I hunt.” I said before taking my book elsewhere.

***---***

The two mares watched as the Firestorm left the room with the book in claw. Silence filled the room as he left as the two mares just looked at the door for a few moments. It was cut when Luna began to sigh.

“Princess Luna?” Twilight asked.

“I'm fine Twilight, I worry for Firestorm.” She said closing her eyes.

“I do too, but I don't know what to do.”

“Sometimes there isn't anything too do. Storm has many demons in his closet and he has to fight them every day.”

“Demons?”

“You told me Storm has told you about things from his past. Thanks that would... break another pony.” Twilight only nodded at this. “Those very same things haunt him. Somethings he and I share is that we would do anything to protect those we care about. We both failed at doing that very same thing. It leaves a scar on the soul Twilight Sparkle. One that regardless the powerful magic in play, can't ever be removed.”

“But what can we do?”

“We were there for him. My sister was always there for me when you all helped me to return from Nightmare Moon. She helped show me that ponies aren't what I thought they were, that I let my own envy get the better of me. She's only there because she saw what became of me, and she understands it. Storm while looking like a pony naturally, he's anything. He will always be alone in a sense of the word.” Luna said giving a faraway look.

“But there has to be something we can do to help. Please tell me there is!” She pleaded as she looked desperate.

“There is Twilight, we have to be there to help him. We can't fight his battles for him, but we can show that we are with him every step of the way.” Luna said placing a wing around Twilight.

“I wish there was more we could do,” Twilight said.

“Me too Twilight... me too.” Luna looked back at the door silently.

“Princess Luna?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“Do you think he meant by hunt?”

“I believe that is something you probably don't want to know Twilight because I don't think I want to know either.” She said with a shudder. “Why don't we go do something to help cheer all of us up?”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Twilight said with a smile.

***---***

Silence filled the room where Firestorm was standing. He was in the middle of the arena he not too long ago faced both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in. He only wore a pair of his modified pants as he stood in the middle of a ring of large stand candles. The only thing to be heard was his breathing and the light flickers of the candles. He stood there with his eyes closed as his horn which was normally a bright orange, was now black and a lit with magic.

It was a moment as the flamed moved from an invisible gust of wind. Storm's eyes opened as he stepped to the side and pushed the side of the blacken mass that flew from the darkness outside the ring of light. The mass flew back into the well of darkness. Only to come back out from a different direction. Storm jumped up to dodge the mass only to have another one nail him to the ground. He snorted a puff of smoke getting back up onto his hooves. He reached his hand out as an over the glow of orange flame like magic covered the wisp-like black aura as the light began to gather from the flames into Storms' hand. In seconds he was holding a long sword made of fire and light. In time to black the strike coming from his left.

“Come on Shadow, you need to be faster than that.” Storm said as the retreating mass.

“Don't think you have won yet,” Shadow said from his head. Shortly a few spears like masses flew at Storm and he used his sword to knock them out of the air. This was only a diversion as a large mass pushed Storm against the wall of the arena. The figure before him was too big that the glow from Storm's blade didn't show everything. Only that its body was made out of the darkness that flowed off it as if it was tattered cloth before it became nothing but smoke and dissipated. The one thing for sure Storm could see in the well of the dark was two small red glowing eyes that were staring down at him.

“I'm only just starting.” He said as he spread his wings. With one powerful flap, he flew right up to the creatures face and planted both clawed hooves on his face with an improved buck. The mass reached up as it was falling back, grabbing Storm by the legs. “Shit!” Storm said as he was forced to the ground with a heavy thud. As soon as the mass fully hit the ground it disappeared leaving the room silent again. “Come on, let's go another room Shadow.”

“I think you've had enough for a little while,” Shadow said.

“The hell I have, I have to make sure I'm ready.”

“You've been at this for three hours.”

“So?”

“Your tapping your reserves on magic. You already had a bloody nose twice and I'm not going to drag you flank back to the medical wing. Go take a soak or something and recharge.” Shadow demanded.

“And what if I don't?”

“I will get Celestia and Luna involved.”

“You wouldn't dare!”

“Do you want to try me?”

“Fuck you.” Storm said spitting to the ground.

“Oh, Celes-”

“Fine, you win. I will go soak and relax for a few moments. And only that, then it's back to practicing.” Storm said picking up his gear and teleporting out of the door. Outside of the door stood two of the Night Guards pegasi.

“I still can't believe that he has mares falling for him. I don't get what makes him so special.” The guard to his left started with a huff. He had a dusk blue coat with pale yellow eyes and a silver tail.

“Have you heard some of the guards in the barrack. To hear how some of them pine to be in his guard.” Said the other one with a dark pink coat. She also had paler blue eyes and just an off red tail.

“I'm sure Nightling is living it up as his guard. Especially being a captain and everything.”

“Yeah, I know. I mean I hear some of the special unit guards are asking for transfers so they can see some action.”

“I hear he's a bit of a hardass when it comes to ponies knowing better.” Storm commented behind him.

“Oh, where did you hear that?” The left one said looking over.

“I thought you said that?” The right one said before Storm cleared my throat.

“I believe I said that,” I growled annoyingly.

“Yo-you-your highness, how... how long were you standing there?” The right asked as they both shook in there armored hooves.

“Long enough.” He said staring them down. They both stared up to him as he looked rather intimidating to the two of them. His mane was rather unkempt and covering part of his face so only one of his red reptilian eyes was staring at them. Both guards gulped as they backed up slowly. “Now, I'm going to need one of you to escort me to one of the bathing chambers.”

“Of course your highness.” The right guard said before trotting off with Storm shortly following. The way to the bathing chamber was surprisingly a long way from the hidden arena. Firestorm continued to watch the guard almost mechanically walk like he was worried about making a miss step. Just by his body language, that was pretty easy to tell. His wings continued to quiver lightly and his tail hung low. Something in Storm was enjoying the little power trip, and after the short trip to the large oak doors with a golden vine and leaf pattern that went around the edge of it. The guard was dismissed.

“Oh, one small thing.” Storm started with a small pause. “Don't talk behind a ponies back when you're one room way. You never know when they are listening.”

“Yes... sir.” the guard said as his ears flatten back waiting for punishment.

“You're dismissed.” Storm said before entering the room. Inside was a rather extravagant bathing room, this was closer to a public bathing house like those found in Japan. Unlike those, however, this one took up most of the center of the large room and was deep enough that after second step most tall humans would have the water up to their necks. In the middle of the room housed a statue of four mares. One of them was an earth pony with a vase that had water flow out of it as if she was pouring it in a more standing pose close to a human. The pegasus was more pressing a cloud that had it raining into the water to make a sort of shower in the middle of it all. The unicorn had water coming out of its horn in an arc. The only one was the alicorn which more reminded Storm of Faust. On the wall was a tiled in dark blues be for lighting up into the red, orange and yellow ranges till it got to the top with white marble tiles with a stylized sun with an overlapping moon. The floor tiles were a mixture of white marble and black marble tiles. Mainly with white but in the corner was a forty-five degree turned smaller black tiles.

Firestorm looked around for a few moments to find that no pony else was in the room with him. With a few deft movements, he was undressed and slowly sinking into the warm body of water. His body was riddled with bruises from the hours of training. While some remained hidden in the lower after of his body due to the fur. It stunk all the same as he let the water wash over him.

***---***

“This is nice,” I said while I was lost in the nice hot water. It took a bit of time for all the bruises to stop hurting as they had. Honestly, this was the first time being in one of the large bathhouses like rooms in both of my lives, and to say it was relaxing was a vast understatement. To feel to water surround my body like it did, coursing through my fur covered lower half, it swirling around my slowly moving tail, and to feel it gently on my wings. It was almost indescribably outside of otherworldly. Even when I played with the water a bit by having little figures just ponies, dragons, and other things just surface before diving back. I felt like a kid again and it just want the doctor ordered, just to get my mind off of things.

“I see somepony is having fun.” I heard behind me as I jumped at the sudden voice. I whirled around as best as I could to see Celestia standing there without her regalia on. Matter of fact she didn't have any of her normal dressing on. She did wear a smile on her face and had a large towel wrapped up in her magic floating next to her.

“Geez, Celestia you're going to give somepony a heart attack if you continue to sneak up on them like that,” I said before I realized how much of me was above the water. Let's just it was enough to cause me to blush and dive back under the water to just my shoulders and head was above the water line.

“I see somepony is in a better mood.” She said coming to the left of the pool before stepping into it and slowly sinking down so she was close to how I was currently. “I'm surprised to see you using the royal bathing pool.”

“Why?” I asked letting my curiosity get the better of me.

“Well, the only ponies that dare come in here is Luna, Cadence, and myself. Everypony else just seem to think this is still a worshiping chamber.” She said relaxing more into the water. I watched her wings fan out a little before they swayed lightly into the water. It seemed very relaxing, I was more playing my wings out behind me lightly dipped into the water.

“Not even Blueblood?”

“No, he's banned.” I couldn't help it, I snorted a little at that.

“Do I even want to know?”

“Let's just say that I found one too many mares in his company while in here.” She said with a smirk.

“I may not like the guy, but I have to say he does have a set of big ones for a move like that. Especially in your house.” I said with a light chuckle at the end.

“Speaking of which, I was pretty surprised that you two worked well together during the gala,” Celestia said as she floated up a bubble of water before she let it splash down and cover her.

“Well we had common ground, just don't let him know that,” I said pointing my thumb out of the door in a gesture.

“Oh?” She asked sounding a little intrigued.

“Well yeah, we both wanted to protect Equestria for different reasons. He probably saw as a 'don't mess with where you lay your head' kind of way. In my case, I just don't like ponies that think they can be underhoof like that. At least not without a good reason other than greed.” I answered.

“Is that why you've been spending time in the hidden arena?” She asked eyeing me.

“How did you know I was in there?” I asked being generally curious about it.

“Storm, it's not hard to miss the bruises you have over your body. Plus I've been feeling the vibrations throughout the castle. It's not hard to put the facts together.” She answered.

“Okay, valid point,” I said as I was using my left claw to rub the back of my neck. I had taken off my prosthetic and was using my water shaping and frost breath to make a temporary arm and hand. Which I was using to numb some of the bruised areas on my back. “I just want to be prepared for another attack or for this 'requested combat',” I explained using air quotes towards the end.

“Storm you can't prepare for everything.” She said.

“I know, but I always like to have a backup plan when I can.”

“The best-laid plans of mares and stallions,” Celestia said sounding like she was quoting something. I couldn't help but smirk at that.

“Dwight D. Eisenhower said 'In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.'” I shot back.

“This Eisenhower is a very knowledgeable pony.”

“Man, Celestia. A very knowledgeable man. For a five star general, I would say so.” I corrected and explained.

“Five-star general?” She asked questioningly.

“The country I was from had its military split up into different units. Much like how Equestria has the Day, Night, Crystal, and Wyvern guards. The ones back where I use to live was the Army, Navy, Air Force, and I'm drawing a blank on the last one. A Five-star general was the highest rank if my memory serves me right. But it's been almost a year so I could have a few things off.” I said as I floated some of the water around me in loose bubbles that rotated around each other. Recently I find myself doing something of that sort to help relax my mind a little bit. You could call this the magical way to twiddle your thumbs.

“Interesting, I can see the parallels to both militaries.” Celestia eyeing my little magic trick float around.

“You're not the only one. I've been seeing these things since I got here.” I commented as I began to add a few more layers of rotating orbs of water.

“Really?” She asked a little surprised. “Could you give me a few examples of this?”

“Let's take the easier one first. Daring Do, on earth we have a fictional character that has a length of the same motifs in both character and themes. On earth the character is called Indiana Jones, for the most part, they are both college professor of archaeology, before being thrown into the world of ancient treasure seeker. Mostly to save the world and so forth. The only difference here is that Daring Do is a real pony while 'Indy' as the character was most commonly known as is a fictional character.”

“That's rather interesting, to say the least,” Celestia commented.

“And that's just the tip. Unicorns, Pegasi, Dragons, Minotaurs, Griffons, and many other races that are commonplace here are all mythological beings from the pages in a book on earth. Even magic, what most ponies here take as commonplace isn't real on earth. Instead of the arcane people on earth heavily rely on science to do everything. From moving great distances to flying. Not just that we've passed a few things here on Equestria.”

“Like what if I may ask?” Celestia commented as I could fully see she was enthralled into my talk about comparing the two different worlds.

“Let's take computers here. Now the only thing that I could compare the two worlds is the operating system or o.s., for short. Is for Pos, earth had Dos. Which that broke down to 'disk operating system.' Which is heavily outdated to those during the twentieth century. Humans got it down to three main operating systems; Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. They all have there positives and negatives as an o.s. Which would put a lot of what can be done here to shame.” I continued as I just couldn't really stop myself.

“What kind of stuff can the computers do on earth?” She asked.

“Well... just about anything. Mostly it depends on what is needed, they can design stuff in a three-dimensional space without even taking up more than it needs. You can run simulations base on numbers alone to find out possible outcomes. You can create art, music, and many other forms of entertainment.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Well... on paper,” I said as my tone went from happy to a bit more melancholy.

“I take it there is a downside.” She asked.

“Well, everything comes with a downside. The very same tools can lead to further destruction, and death. It comes down to the simple fact of what are they used for. Myself I'm more of an artistic sense because I enjoy art in many forms. From the visible to the audible. I also use it to gather information for research and so forth. I just worry that if I supply the knowledge I have at my claws and hooves that I may lead Equestria down a dark path.” I said leaning back looking up at the ceiling. To be honest I was looking at the possible outcomes for a very real choice I have to make.

“The truth can be said about every discovery ever made. It's weighing the options and making the best choice based on the information you have at the time.” She said giving me some wise advice.

“But those choices can come back and bite you.” I retorted out of habit.

“Yes, they can.” She said matching my now melancholy tone. Silence filled the space between us as the only sounds that could be heard is the water running from the multiple sources in the statue, and the drips of water hitting the floor from condensation. It was maybe ten minutes, but it felt like hours as we sat there me looking up at the ceiling mostly with the occasional glance at Celestia. “Storm... do you trust me?” The weight of that question would bowl over anypony. Especially when it's one of the co-rulers of Equestria. The fact was that more than anything, I didn't see Celestia as 'Princess Celestia'. I saw her as a pony like anypony else, especially one that had faults just like anypony else.

“I trust you as one of the co-rulers,” I said quietly.

“And as a pony?” She asked and I could tell she was worried about my answer on this.

“No,” I said after a few moments of silence. “I don't trust you yet. I'm still pretty sore about what we talked about that night.”

“You have every right to be, but I did it to protect our little ponies.” She said using the purl surprisingly.

“Do you really want to get into this now Celestia?” I asked sitting up and placing myself on the higher step. Enough to keep my lower half in the water, but kept my bruises visible as well as my two scars. The one over my heart as well as the cross one on my chest. Luck enough the scars on my face when I lost my eye was only faint and if you really looked for them you could find them.

“I... I made I mistake, I regret that I didn't show you the same level of... respect that you had shown me up to that point.” I could tell she was trying to pick her words wisely, and frankly, I couldn't blame her.

“Respect is one thing Celestia, but it wasn't that you didn't show me that. Frankly, it was the blatant lie of something important. Something that was about the safety of everypony. You lied about it to my face. That's what the problem is Celestia, and that's why I don't trust you beyond being the ruler. I will trust your knowledge when it comes to things, but your wisdom is what is in question.” I said, well, to be honest, I growled it at her. I was starting to get worked up over this shit again.

“Your right, I thought that I was wiser than anypony else. My hubris got the better of me, all because I thought I knew better equipped to make that choice.” She said not looking me in the eye.

“But, you weren't.” I tacked on guessing where she was going to go next.

“Your right, Starswirl gave use warning for things in the future, but we had to figure out his clues.”

“Much like 'The stars will aid in her escape'?” I asked.

“Yes, I knew Nightmare Moon was going to reappear and it gave me another chance to free my sister from the shackles of that shadow.” She said looking down in the water like a scrying pool showing her the past.

“Then you found Twilight, you thought of his words and placed all of your chips on that?” I asked a little surprised.

“No, if needed I would have picked up the elements and banished my sister for another thousand years.” She said looking off to the side.

“Kind of hard when you aren't tied to them anymore,” I commented.

“I would have figured out a way to do so regardless.” She said as I knew that tone all too well. It was the tone of somepony doing what was needed of them.

“Regardless, the words came to pass and Luna is free from that beast.”

“One that wasn't completely defeated,” Celestia commented with a slight dejected sigh.

“Sometimes our weakest moments come back to haunt us in different ways.”

“Regardless of how true that is. Is there anything I could do to... help restore your trust in me?” She asked and I could see this was an earnest request.

“Stop hiding the truth from me, especially when it pertains to me,” I said clenching my left claw.

“It's only fair.” She said silently. “You will have it, since our talk that night. I've been having the royal archmage compile all of the gathered information.”

“How much headway has been made?” I asked looking at her.

“Not a whole lot. The ever-changing text makes it hard to translate the book for those that can't tack down.”

“That's not even the half of it,” I commented.

“What do you mean?” She asked and then I started to explain that the book is in two halves. Which from my research that both sides need to be translated. The normal book is more context and story than a spell book. Which most of the translated text for those linked to the book see. My book the death book as it pertained to story and lore based around death. The only reason I was able to figure that out was using my tablet to take a picture. Then followed by translating it by hoof, it wasn't a fun day for me to be honest. Then it got to the picture in it, which was also split in two. While I was explaining this Celestia was piecing things together.

“That makes sense, to prevent those that aren't connected to one of the books. They hide there work through a shifting text of stories of the spell.” She said as she rubbed her chin with her hoof. I don't get why you were able to take a picture of it when our attempts failed.” She commented.

“Because of the newer technology. Unlike the photo's done with flash photography, digital camera's don't need to be as bright. Plus, you can time the picture a bit more accurately. Honestly, I took maybe four or five shots per page to get a clear image.”

“That does sound useful,” Celestia said as she turned her head a little to think.

“But, it's a very thin line to balance on.”

“Be that as it may, from what I've heard from both you and my sister. The technology that you could share with Equestria could greatly benefit it.” Celestia said as she uses her magic to splash water on herself.

“That may be true, but without a middle...” That's when an idea decided to sideswipe me that got me to smile. “A middle ground.”

“Hmm?” Celestia looked a little curious.

“Why not set up a middle ground, or in this case a product testing,” I said as the idea made more sense to me.

“Product testing?”

“Well, it's more a thought of setting up a special lab or research facility that all the technology is reverse engineered to make them safer for Equestria. Plus it would allow me to monitor it making sure that nothing lethal would be made of it. At least from the start.”

“That does sound like the best compromise. Would Ponyville be the location for this facility?” Celestia asked.

“Not really in it, but I was more thinking... under it.”

“Under it?”

“Well, I figure it would be wiser keeping it hidden so no pony tries undermine the whole reason for it.”

“Makes sense, how do you plan to do this?” Celestia asked with a slight smirk. All I could do was open my mouth to say something with a claw pointed up before I realize... I didn't have an answer for that.

“I don't... know.” I commented.

“Maybe give it a little thought.” She said with a smirk.

“You've already had an answer to that idea for it?” I said with a smirk.

“Possible...” She said now out right smirking.

“Sneaky mare.” After I said with both of us enjoying a good laugh.

***---***

“God I can't believe I let you two talk me into this,” I said fighting to get my wings through the tux.

“Oh quit whining, it's only a suit,” Twilight said as she used her magic to help shove my wings through the wing flaps made in the tux.

“It's not whining, just complaining,” I said as I began to fix the tux so it sits right.

“Whine, verb, complain in a feeble or petulant way.” Twilight began to re-sight from memory.

“Here we go,” I said under my breath before Twilight continued.

“Complain, verb, express dissatisfaction or annoyance about a state of affairs or an event. Both with the synonym grouse.”

“Okay so they have similar linking words, but there is a difference in how they are defined.” I shot back as worked on trying to my bow tie. Even with magic, I still can't figure out how to tie one of this damn things. Come to think about it, I've never had to wear one before... I don't know how to feel about that. Twilight took the lead and used her magic to tie up my bow tie.

“What would you do without me?” She asked with a smile.

“Probably be stuck in the loony bin, freaking out that I'm a pony,” I said with a cheeky smirk.

“You would have probably come to terms with that in a month tops.” She countered my smart ass salvo.

“Possible, but convincing a doctor that I wasn't seven flavors of tutti fruit crazy is another matter.” I smiled.

“I don't think it would be that hard. As your a pretty high functioning stallion.” She said using her magic to help preen my wings. It seems Luna taught her how to magically preen wings. Which is a good thing, even with the blush now on my face from the feeling of having my wings magically played with. “There, now you're ready for our date.”

“I still can't wrap my head around all this,” I said doing one last check of my outfit. Surprisingly it was nice and comfortable without any undue pressure in places. It made me wonder if whoever made it had ever worked with a bipedal being before.

“Whats to wrap your head around. Princess Luna wanted to woo us on a date.” Twilight said as she put on clip-on earrings in her ears that were a shade darker than natural coat color. She was also wearing a thin black dress that just hugged in the right places. I couldn't help but stare a little bit as her tail swished under the dress. She smirked in the mirror as she was looking at me through it. “See something you like?”

“Yes, oh god yes,” I said bluntly.

“Settle down Storm, don't want to have too much fun before the main event.” She said as she knew she was teasing me with the sway in her hips when she got up.

“Ah, but Twilight.” I play whined.

“No buts Storm.” She said with a smirk as she worked the brush through her mane to get the final few loose strains in place. I couldn't help but chuckle at this. I had too much of a perfect come back, but I knew better than to use it. Of course, I probably wouldn't enough to use it as there was a knock at the door.

“Enter” both Twilight and I said in unison. This was followed by one of the guards opening the door.

“Your Highness and Miss Sparkle” he began with a bow. “I was told to inform you that Princess Luna is ready for you at the main entry.”

“Thank you,” I said as I got up grabbing a few things from the dresser. “Your dismissed” The guard shortly left after that as Twilight had finished getting ready. She smiled up at me as I returned the smile. This gave my marefriend a shiver as she looked forward. It was one of those things that I keep forgetting. Ponies are unnerved by my sharp teeth when I have them out, which included Twilight. The corridors of the castle were rather empty compared to the normal daily workings of the castle. I wonder if we caught them in the middle of a shift change between the day to night guards. Between the few day guards that we could see. It just seemed a little odd that there wasn't more patrolling the halls. Especially in the bedroom wings, like this one. Maybe it's just me being paranoid after a long period of nothing big happening or that I'm still a little on edge after the nightmare and Vermom being out there. Still... something doesn't feel quite right. “Hey, Shadow... is it just me or is something off?” I thought towards him.

“Nothing is off, just relax and have fun. We both know you need it.” He said.

“Maybe your right,” I said quietly.

“Who's right?” Twilight asked turning to look at me as we continue down the halls.

“Oh... I was talking to Shadow.” I said awkwardly scratching the back of my head.

“About what?”

“Just... about an odd feeling. I'm guessing that I'm just being overly paranoid.” I said feeling a bit odd having to explain it.

“Sometimes a healthy bit of paranoia is what's needed.” She said a little on the cryptic side.

“Be it as it may, I just... I'm tired of being on edge.” I said followed by a sorrowed sigh.

“You're not the only one Storm.” She said and it gave a pause to both of us. Enough so that we both stopped and watched her for a few moments. “I'm tired of having to worry that somepony is going to do something to hurt you or cause something strenuous to happen. Grimwand, Vermom, Silvertongue, and even this 'dark one'.”

“Your not alone Twilight,” I said moving closer as I kneel down to hold her as best as I could. “I just want us to be safe and happy Twilight. I know it's asking much, especially how the cards were dealt.” I said as I felt Twilight nuzzle into me a bit. “But we all have our parts to play. Me as a prince of three land and a dralicorn; and you as the element of magic.”

“I... I know Storm, but isn't there something I can to do to help?”

“As of right now, I don't know,” I said as I watched Twilight's ears flatten back and I moved to hold her gently. “Twilight I don't have the answer to any of this. So right now, why don't we just not worry about it.” The look the crossed Twilight's face told me that she was struggling with an internal conflict. It was a fair few minutes before she nodded quietly to herself.

“Your right...” She said before I gently put Twilight down. After that, we walked the rest of the way to the front of the castle to find a royal carriage ready for us with Princess Luna waiting inside. The large carriage was dressed up with silvers and dark blues. Most of it was a midnight blue with lunar silver accents. Much like the cloth drapes that just flow from the top like a river of silver in an endless mass of blue. Like a dream floating on the ether of the mind and beyond.

The doors themselves were covered in the same cloth cover surrounded in a silver trim. The window itself was a full circle with a crescent moon cut into the left of it like a waning moon. It made me wonder if the other side mirrored this to be a waxing moon or not. The glass of the moon was a frosted white glass, while the rest of it was a dark blue tinted frosted glass in the same spiral pattern to match the white glass. The door slowly opened up to show the inside had a slightly dark blue carpet, with a wispy silver blue seat cushion covering to the seats. Twilight was the first one with me following after. Stepping in I saw the dress Luna decided to wear for the evening. The dress was a coal black with an almost chalk white highlights. The main part of it was stripped towards a silver gem on her chest with the sides of her dress more cross over her barrel. The back portions of the dress were absent of the trips. Draped down her back, flanks, and the tail was a five section with the left, right, and center filled with an off shadow of the coal dress to have a hint of violet and light specs to it, to make it look like a star-filled sky. The only difference one was the center that ended with a large full moon at the end of it. The other two had a lighter shade from the coal black and had a slight sheen to it as she moved to it. Her mane was done up so that her normal star filled main was curled up and restrained lightly by a set of earrings that had a small band behind her head to make it look likes a stream of pearls. Almost like a light of stars in the night sky. She had silver eyeshadow on with a small violet tint to the edges of it. To be honest, her outfit blew both Twilight and I's outfits out of the water.

“Good evening Twilight Sparkle and Prince Firestorm,” Luna said using a very regal tone to her voice. I couldn't help myself.

“And a good evening to you Princess Luna,” I answered back. It was a little odd exchanging greeting with royal titles. After a few moments of slightly awkward silence, the group of us began to lightly chuckle, with me being the first one to snort. “Sorry, that was just too out of place.”

“Indeed,” Luna answered between her chuckles. “I thought I would try the royal dating welcome, but I think it fell out of date.”

“Um... maybe if this was a more open-aired greeting, it would work. Just between the three of us, I would prefer the casual greeting.”

“I agree with Storm, Luna.” Twilight chimed in.

“I'll make a note of that for next time. I hope you both enjoy this evening.” Luna said with a smile and a light blush.

“What do you have planned for us?” Twilight asked wiping a tear from her eye with her hoof.

“I thought we would catch a special performance as the Windyrook Theater.”

“The Windyrook?” Twilight said sounding a little surprised. “The same one named after the legendary classical stage actor Nightgale Windyrook?”

“The very same, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said and I could hear the pride in her voice. As soon as that Twilight just looked like a kid giddy that she's going to Disney land for the first time in the next hour. I think she would be jumping around with her normal 'yes, yes, yes' style if it wasn't for the fact we where in a moving chariot.

“Can I ask a small side question?” I interjected for a moment as a curious thought popped into my head.

“Of course Firestorm,” Luna said.

“I noticed a lot of ponies don't normally have last names or at least a secondary name. I'm curious why is that?”

“It was an older tradition that any pony with a regal title or at least a title given to them would use it as part of their sir name. The royal guard gets them as part of their specialty much like how Nightling has hers of Moonblade.” Twilight started to explain.

“Yes, between knightings, and houses getting titles. A lot of ponies back in the day use to take pride in their sir names. It's something not a lot of ponies realize today. Much like the house of blood, which is one of the more dominate regal houses.” Luna explained.

“Let me guess, the same house that Blueblood is part of?” I had to ask as it was too easy not to be right.

“Correct, the title was originally given to Emeraldblood, Blueblood's long ago decedent. For her discovery in the alchemical uses of blood.”

“The very same discovery that allowed the now perfected processes for blood transfusion.” Twilight explained.

“Interesting,” I said with a smile. “I find it interesting a little funny that the two works are so vastly different yet the same.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Well, both earth and Equestria has blood transfusions. Just done at different time periods.”

“Care to elaborate?” Twilight asked.

“I'll start with the time periods or how time is measured. Take hours, days, minutes, and seconds. Both worlds have the same naming conventions to time. The months are close as well. Its when it comes to how we tell years is the different point. See on earth we set are years by B.C. And A.D.” I started.

“What does those stand for?” Luna asked this time.

“B.C. Stands for Before Christ. I figure from Christianity which is a different subject altogether. A.D. Stands for Anno Domini, a medieval Latin for 'in the year of the lord'. Another reference to Christianity.” I continued to explain how earth does it's time periods. Going as far as to explain some of my favorite time periods, especially the medieval times. While I did that, the chariot continued done the Canterlot roads till we stopped in front of a large building, that was done up more like an Arabian palace. Well... if it was maybe a sixteenth or maybe an eighth in size, give or take. The door was opened up from the outside by a pair of unicorn guards, leading to a large red carpet with golden floral patterns bordering it that was all the way to the door. The building itself gave the looks like it was made of sandstone, at least in color. With the sheen that was coming off it, I could only guess that if sandstone was used for this. It's just a covering layer.

The inside was rather nice. Unlike a lot of the other restaurants in Canterlot which have chairs and booths. This one had lower tables and pillows for seats, which normally wouldn't be too much of a problem. However the only one that sits close to my height between the three of us is Luna. Even then, I still sit a head or two higher than her. Looking around the Arabian themed restaurants to see that other than the servers, guards, and the three of us. There was no pony about at any of the other tables.

“Where is everypony?” Twilight asked beating me to the punch.

“The Pon Arabia isn't officially opened yet.” Said a sandstone coat colored unicorn mare coming out from the kitchen with a dark brunette mane and tail. She was dressed much like some of the servers I saw during my time in Saddle Arabia. Wrapped in her violet aura was three plates with plate covers on them. I couldn't tell her eye color at the time as she had her eyes closed with a warm smile on her face. She placed our food on the table as she bowed to the three of us.

“I had been invited previously while here was still under construction for a private pre-opening dinner,” Luna explained. That made sense to me at least, I mean if you wanted to show that you where the top notch in a place like Canterlot, you may as well invite one of the highest authorities in the place to dine at your place. On the flip side of this dangerous gambit is that if the one you invited had a bad experience, could color your place as a disaster.

“It's a pleasure to have both Princess Luna, Prince Firestorm, and Miss Twilight Sparkle at our restaurant.” The mare said again with a humble bow. She placed the three plates in front of us and slowly lifted the cover. The steam that was caught under it wafted up and blinded me for a moment. As soon as the steam blew away, my mouth hung open. Before I was a thick slab of meat. I will admit my mouth began to water a little seeing that slab of meat before me. Looking up I saw Luna giving me an amused look like she knew what I was going to get served.

“Indeed I did,” Luna answered over our link.

“You seriously set up...” I had a hard time getting the words out of my mouth.

“Yes, I made sure your plate would contain meat.” She said with a smile. I turned to look at Twilight as she looking rather fine with this.

“I knew,” Twilight answered giving me a smirk.

“Okay, serious time. You're both alright with me... eating...” They nodded quietly with a smile. All while the mare that I have let to get her name of stood there watching.

“Firestorm, as much as-” was all Luna got out before a gasp coming from the door leading into the kitchen. We all turned to see an aquamarine scaled dragoness with a tan underbelly looking surprised at us. Her fins were a dark orange, just a few shades off of brown. Her horns were pointed back with a sight cane cover to her horns. Wrapped around her was a chef's apron, she came rushing over and bowed before me which caused me to blink in surprise. I slightly used to having ponies bow to me, but having a dragoness was completely new to me. Both Twilight and Luna looked just surprised at this.

“Son of Shafifner,” She said in an almost inaudible whisper. She then rushed over and took a knee before me looking at me like I was a ruler of some sort. Well... a more over the top on than most ponies did here in Canterlot. “It is an honor to have one of the great son's of Shafifner here, dining on my food.” Just watching this dragoness knee before me was really uncomfortable.

“Please, rise,” I asked politely.

“Of course Son of Shafifner.” She said slowly getting back to her feet.

“Scarlet, what are you doing?” Said our server.

“I'm showing my respect to one of the son's of Shafifner.” the now named Scarlet said as she still bowed towards us. “You should show your respect Meadow.”

“I am, this is Princess Luna, Prince Firestorm and Miss Twilight Sparkle,” Meadow exclaimed.

“It's an honor to have you dine here,” Scarlet said as she eyes the dishes quietly.

“Thank you, Scarlet,” Twilight said, and it sounded like she was trying to break up the awkwardness that was just dropped on us. I slowly moved my silverware to cut up my steak as I watched Scarlet just stare. The knife slowly sunk into the meat as a light dribble of juices slowly oozed out. The smell was almost overpowering alone as I hadn't had meat in almost a year. The fork speared the succulent piece of steak and brought it ever close to my mouth. As soon as the steak hit my tongue I was just in flavor heaven. Seriously, this was the best steak I've ever had. Nothing on earth or anywhere else could compare... well that I've had so far. I mean I have to keep a taste bud open to new ideas after all. I couldn't help but smile as I slowly chewed. It made me wonder what kind of seasonings were used on this. Even more, so that it got to the point the meat almost shreds itself with barely a bit. I glanced over to watch Scarlet eye me with a sense of worry. The only problem I had with this steak was that as soon as I swallowed it the taste was gone.

“My compliments to the chef. That is the finest steak I've had... ever.” I said ready to tear into the rest of it like a hungry dragon, which... I was.

“You-your welcome Son of Shafifner!” She said smiling a big toothy grin. We all watched as she began to dance around in what I could only call a 'happy dance.' “I got praise from a son of Shafifner.”

“Now that you've said it a few times. Who is Shafifner?” Twilight asked as she was watching this very odd display.

“You haven't heard of Shafifner?” Scarlet said stopping in mid-dance to look at my marefriend in a look that screamed 'are you kidding me'.

“Shafifner is my mother Sha.” I answered as I had figured that out after naming me 'Son of' as she was the only other being that was used to make me. Well... besides Clover the Cleaver. The process of elimination is a lovely thing.

“He is correct Twilight Sparkle.” Luna chimed in as she took a bite of her soup. which looked mighty tasty itself.

“But how did you know who he was? By all accounts, he shouldn't be able to be recognized as he looks like a different species then he normally does.” Twilight countered.

“Ouch,” I said framing pain. “But she does make a good point. How did you know?” We all turned to Scarlet who bowed quietly.

“Much like Dragon Lord Torch, the offspring of Shafifner has this air to their presence that every dragon will know of them by sight.” The dragoness explained.

“Tell that to Garble,” I growled still a little sore about that set of events.

“I heard about the fiasco Razor's Den.” Said Meadow.

“I rather not go over those events... if you don't mind,” I said more to ebb the conversation away from one of my least proud moments. Besides the fact as I'm not very proud of that moment. Both in the sense of how jerked to the left that that treaty went and how much I let my anger get a hold of me. Both Luna and Twilight looked at me after I had said that. Even worse was the fact that both of their ears were flattened back.

“Of... of course Son of Shafifner,” Scarlet said reading the room.

“Please Storm or Firestorm will do.” I offered.

“Of course Son of... I mean Firestorm.” Scarlet said. I would have said something before our short meal was interrupted with Nightling coming in with another guard both decked out in the Night Guard armor. Course I wasn't surprised they showed up, but it was the look on their faces that told me something was wrong. That was quickly followed by the feeling of something trying to work it's way up my throat, that was a letter with two words on it.

It Starts.

[End of Chapter]

Author's Notes:

-Insert Dramatic Music Here-