Since I’ve been in here not much happened. Well technically something did happen. Nightmare Night happened the day after I woke up. Celestia and Luna asked if there was anything they could do since I couldn’t leave the hospital. It turns out that part of the scythe had broken within me and it was close to my spine. So I had to go through another surgery. I looked at the two royal sisters of Equestria as I thought over their question. I asked them about how this becoming a prince thing would work with me not being from Equestria, but I had already put my hoof down about it. I was not ready to be royality yet. I don’t think I could ever be royality at all since I was the idiot I was. Well I guess I could be royality as long as they don’t stick me with something important. I would just screw it up. But I’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Hell I didn’t see myself as the monster that the paper had. Not since Jessica had talked with me when I was dead. Celestia looked worried at me from my silence.

“Firestorm are you alright?” she asked in a worried tone. I simply sighed.

“In all honesty, I’m not alright. I just don’t know how to process it all. It’s been one thing after another. I just want a normal day for once. Sleep in my own bed that I haven’t slept in yet. Maybe just walk around Ponyville and listen to the music of nature.” I started to ramble. Celestia had a look of confusement from my comment ‘music of nature’ but I didn’t pay it much heed. “I just want to be a normal pony but I know that is too much to ask for. Since I’m a Dralicorn and all.” I continued as I ran my left hoof through my mane. I would have used my right one but I didn’t have it anymore. Twilight’s blast destroyed the limb. Well mostly, what they returned to me was pretty much a ball of scrap metal.

“I understand how you must feel” Luna said to me as I let out another sigh. “But understand that you were given a gift. For what purpose we don’t know.” She continued as she walked over to me.

“Even the most welcomed of gifts can become a nightmare of a curse.” I said out of impulse.

“That’s quite a wise and true statement. I must ask, where did you hear that from?” Celestia asked.

“It wasn’t that I heard it from somewhere. It was more something I learned over time.” I said my gaze now on the window.

“If you don’t mind my prying but from where?” Celestia said as she got to the other side of the bed to look at me. I didn’t turn but I could see her in the window’s reflection against the night sky.

“I was given a second chance Celestia. A gift of love from someone so close to me. But in doing so cursed me to remember that day and to live it over and over in my dreams. I remember that day so perfectly.” I said no real sadness to my voice more an acceptance of it.

“The day Aria-.” Luna started.

“Jessica” I corrected.

“Jessica?” Celestia and Luna both questioned.

“Her real name is Jessica. Aria was a nickname she went by because of her love of music. It fit her since she always enjoyed pieces with an aria in them.” I said my gaze still on the window. “And yes Luna, the day Jessica died. It’s forever etched into my memory. As I could guess both of you have memories etched into yours. Like how you decided to take Twilight under your wing Celestia and your first Nightmare night since you had returned Luna.” I said only taking a shot in the dark with my guesses.

“I see. Do you have more etched memories?” Celestia questioned.

“Too many to count.” I replied.

“Are they good ones?” Luna questioned.

“A lot of them aren’t but there are a few good ones.” I said as I brought over a glass of water to take a sip from.

“Can I ask you something?” Celestia questioned.

“You already did but go ahead.” I said as she paused for a moment.

“I see you have been a bit more jokeful lately. That’s good to see. But what caused you to really go into the Everfree like that?” Celestia asked.

“The main reason I went to the forest.” I started then took another sip. “Mainly from that news article. It depicted me as a monster and with everything that had happened it was like adding fuel to the fire. That and what I over heard from some of the ponies didn’t help either.” I got out.

“Well that article has been dealt with so there is no worries about it. As for the overheard parts. What did you hear?” She questioned.

“Well mainly how I should go back to the Everfree since I was a monster and all. That and to reassure each other that I was the one that destroyed the visiting room.” I answered.

“That’s quite horrible to hear about. Is there anything we can do to fix this?” Luna asked. I sighed quietly.

“Honestly I don’t know. I really don’t know. Part of me just wants to break down for once. I don’t mean just a cry but to break down and tell everything. That is something I can’t do.” I stated as my eyes start to go unfocused.

“What do you mean that is something you can’t do?” Celestia said as I turned to her.

“Because I don’t like sharing the problems with me. It makes me feel… well for the lack of better words. Weak and useless.”

“Firestorm, you are not weak and useless. No pony should think that of themselves. I know you're still not use to everything here and with all the events that transpired, its hard not to think of yourself that way.” Celestia said.

“Yeah.” I half heartedly said. “I guess that’s true. Let me ask you this: Why can’t I have a normal day? Not one that has some transforming pony using my past against me, not one with a darker side of me takes over causing so much havoc, not one where I end up being stuck in the hospital to find out that I had died and came back into a coma for a week. Hell I never really got to enjoy Nightmare Night. All because I was stuck here. “ I started to vent. Not really fully vent but just enough to relieve what was on my mind at the time.

"The pain from your time here is out of my hooves. I am sorry Firestorm" Celestia said, “If it wasn’t I would certainly do something.”

“And I wouldn’t let you.” I said out of habit. This must have caught both princesses by surprise.

“What do you mean you wouldn’t?” Luna inquired.

“Because how I am. I wouldn’t be the pony… no, I wouldn’t be who I am now if I didn’t go through all that pain, all that sorrow, and all that darkness. If I didn’t do that then someone else would have and I couldn’t bare the thought of letting someone else deal with all this. It’s better that I do, even if it breaks me.” I said as I look at them. I meant every word of it and I hope both of them understood.

“That is noble of you to think that way. But you should also be happy for once.” Celestia said.

“But I am in some weird way. I have gained almost every memory back of what I did before I came here. For the most part I remember who I am and what I had to go through. I remember my family, my friends, and everyone I met along the way.” I spoke as my gaze returned to the window. “I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t miss them. Because I do but I’ve come to terms with a few things.” I spoke a small shake to my voice as I closed my eyes just waiting.

“What are they?” Luna asked as I knew one of them would.

“That I’m not going to see them again. That as far as they know I’m lost or dead to them.” I said quietly as a tear rolls down my cheek. “There’s no way for me to go back and them to understand. I’m a pony, a talking pony. Hell I’m not really that am I. I’m a talking fire breathing, dragon hybrid of a pony. If I did return who says I would return to normal. I don’t by it, I’d most likely stay like this. Then the government would most likely take me and dissect me to study what I am.”

“That’s horrible.” Celestia said with surprise and worry in her voice.

“That’s how the government sees new things. They have to study it, understand it, know every inch of it. It’s part of the reason of so much conflict back home.” I said shining some light for the first time of home to either of them. Well more a darker light to them.

“So is this the reason why you come to terms about going home?” Celestia asked as I simply nodded. “I see. Then I guess you will be living in Equestria from now on.” She said more as a statement then a question. I figured that after a few days that I wasn’t going home. This place was better than home. Okay granted, if some evil things didn’t keep happening to me like they did it would be perfect. I picked up my sketch pad again and started to doodle again. So far it’s the only thing I have to do. Twilight hasn’t been around since she saw me wake up. Come to think of it none of the girls has shown up since I woke up. Well besides Pinkie bringing me a cupcake before she has to rush off to work. I couldn’t help but sigh quietly to myself.

“Something wrong?” Luna asked as I continued to draw.

“Nothing really. I just wish the girls would come around a bit more. I know it’s a little selfish of me but… I just miss them is all. Pinkie is the only one that comes by with a cupcake before she runs off to work.” I said as my drawing starts to take the form of the six of them. “Frankly you two have been the only ones to see me the most since I got the blade in my back.”

“That’s quite odd. I figured they would be here more.” Celestia said with a bit of a puzzled look to her.

“I chuck it up to them being busy really. Twilight and Spike have the library to run. Applejack has her farm to deal with. Rainbow Dash has her weather work to do. Fluttershy most likely has to deal with her animals. Rarity has her dress making business to run and Pinkie has to help the Cakes with the bakery.”I said as I start to work on Twilight’s face more.

“Well if you want I can send them over to see you.” Celestia offered.

“No it’s fine. I don’t want to be a bother more than I already am.”I said not really thinking about my response.

“You know you're not a bother to them. They’re your friends.” She replied, I stopped for a moment realizing what I said. A small sigh escaped my mouth.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that. I just feel like since I have arrived I have bothered them enough with the help I’ve had to have.” I said before I continued as I drew Twilight’s cutie mark.

“I do see where he is coming from Tia.” Luna said to her sister. Tia? Oh Celestia. I guess that’s a nickname for her.

“So do I.” Celestia replied as I continued moving over to Pinkie’s mane. I continue to shift my gaze back to them and my drawing as I worked. Nothing was said but the looks on the two sister’s faces told me the two of them were in a middle of a silent conversation. I guess it must be a sister thing. I never really had something like that with my own sister. Well mainly for the fact that we fought all the time and she didn’t like me all too much.

“Firestorm” Luna started as I turned my gaze to her. “If it makes you feel better we will stay with you until morning.” I stopped drawing and set the pad down.

“Look, the two of you don’t need to take the time and visit me just to make me feel better. I know the both of you are quite busy running Equestria and probably behind on your own work.” I started before getting cut off.

“Well currently I am busy running it but Luna here is not since her return she has been taking the time to relax. Her main duty is to raise and lower the moon. So she can stay.” Celestia said as I looked at the two of them for a moment.

“Then I guess my hoof is tied on this. As long as I’m not keeping either of you from your duties. I don’t want to be labeled as a deturnent by the media.” I said in a joking tone.

“Oh of course not. You are not detur…” Luna said before she caught my smirk and Celestia chuckle. “Oh it was a joke.” She said with a light blush to her face of embarrassment.

“Thank you.” I said for the offer. Celestia bid both Luna and I adieu and disappeared in a flash of magic. Luna went over to one of the seats and sat down. I continued to draw quietly ever so often glancing over to see her looking at me with a focused gaze that unnerved me for some reason. I about an hour later I couldn’t help it but stop and look at her. “Something on your mind?”

“Well. Kind of.” She vaguely said. I sat the pad down and raised my hoof for her to continue. “It’s about that helmet you found.”

“You mean your helmet when you were Nightmare Moon?” I ventured a guess. She nodded for a moment then blinked.

“How did?”

“Rainbow Dash told me the story. As for it?” I said as I pulled the helmet over to me from the side table. It was still its dark midnight blue color almost the same as Luna’s coat color.

“Why do you have it?” She questioned. I looked at the helmet for a moment.

“Well because of what it does to me. I find it intriguing.” I said as I rub my hoof over it.

“What do you mean what it does to you?” She said with a puzzled look on her face. It quickly turns to one of surprise as I place the helmet on my head as the dark midnight blue quickly turns into a deep crimson red. Flames protrude from it like my mane does. It almost feels like I’m not wearing the helmet at all. It was then I noticed what I was told back in the castle of the pony sisters. I was indeed larger almost like a middle child to Celestia and Luna. A glance in the mirror told me that my eye’s took a more reptile style. Good thing this fire wasn’t real because the bed and most likely the hospital would be on fire with me sitting here.

“This is what I mean.” I said then a sudden dink could be heard. I turned to notice a black metal like object behind me that hit against the headboard. I floated it in front of me. It was sharp. I turned my head looking questioningly at it.

“Where did that come from?” Luna asked as she took over the magic on the object I just pulled from behind me.

“Behind me.” I said confused. Where did that come from? I mean the only thing back there was my back and the head board. Plus the pillows. Wait why does that remind mind me of… no it couldn’t be. Could it? “Nurse!” I yelled well more roared as a beastly undertone accompanied my voice. Luna looked surprised from what I could guess my sudden yelling and the roar that came with it. It wasn’t long until nurse Redheart came rushing in.

“What happened? Wait where is Firestorm he was supposed to be in here?” She said now panicking. I wrapped the mare in my magic and brought her over to me.

“One, Nurse it’s me and Two, get a unicorn with an X-ray spell now!” I said with a raised voice instead of the yell I really wanted to do. But thought best not to in case I roared in her ear. This caused her to snap back into attention and nodded running off. I removed the helmet and placed it in front of me. I returned to my normal size, well from what I could tell. I was at least smaller than Luna again.

“Firestorm.” She started then stopped trying to figure out the best choice of words. “I think my sister will need to know of this.” Damn it. One fucking day, how hard is it to ask for one fucking day not to have some supernatural shit come in and turn a perfectly good normal day into chaos. Somewhere I think Discord must be having a field day with me.

“I think so to.” I said with a pang of sorrow to my voice. Knowing my luck I’m going to be stuck in the castle again in a room unable to leave for a month with my track record so far.

“He’s in here.” Nurse Redheart said before she came in accompanied by a brown unicorn stallion with black wire framed glasses and a lab coat. Redheart looked at me with a bit of surprise, most likely to find me back to normal again.

“What happened?” The Doctor that I now know as Seethrough, Fitting name considering he is the expert of the X-ray spell here at the hospital. He cast the spell which was a then blue light that went over my body a few times. He then turned to a blank wall after it stopped and projected what I could guess was X-ray. He looked surprised as well as Redheart. “It’s gone.” He said in a bit of surprise then turned to the metal in Luna’s magic. “Princess Luna may I look at that for a moment?” he said with a bow to her. She nodded and floated it over to him.

“What is it Doctor?” Redheart asked.

“This is the broken piece from the scythe that was embedded in his back. It’s now out. But how?” He questioned completely perplexed. Hell so was I. It seems that my body just gave the piece of metal which was about an inch from my spine the eviction notice and kicked it right out. After a bit of explanation from both Luna and I. It came to the conclusion that both my untapped magic and the little boost I got from the Nightmare Moon Helmet which I have dubbed the Moon Helm. Which I think fits better than the longer one but hey that’s me. Well from the two sources working together it removed the foreign material from my body. I questioned why it didn’t do it when I first got struck with the weapon in the first place and the doctor dead panned “Magic.” I face hoofed enough where it hurt. Turns out Luna did the same. Honestly I think saying it was magic was the doctor’s cop out way of saying he didn’t have a flipping clue. I sighed and looked at Seethrough and Redheart.

“Since I pretty much removed the need of my next operation. Can I go home now?” I asked for pleaded in my head that the answer was yes. They looked at each over then back at me. Then turned around and huddled like a football team discussing their next play. I couldn’t overhear what the two said. An hour of this went by. I only know this because they happened to be by the side of the room with the clock.

“You may go home.” Which made me smile as Nurse Redheart said. “But” Ah shit, there was a condition to it and I knew it. “That you take it easy, nothing physically strenuous .” This I could do.

“Completely understood, don’t worry, I don’t plan to do anything strenuous but walk home and maybe cook. A bit of cleaning possibly and art. Can’t forget the art.” I said with a smile. They of course looked at each other then back at me.

“That is acceptable, also if you have to go to a Pinkie Pie party. Just avoid the dancing.” The doctor said. What? A Pinkie Pie party? What bring something like that up? There is really no reason for her to throw a party. Well from what I guess. I mean it could be some other ponies birthday. Then I blinked for a moment. Birthday…

“Um. Before we go any further in this conversation could I see a calendar please?” I asked. The doctor produced a small personal calendar from his coat pocket and floated it over to me. Now to say I was surprised how Equestria does it’s dating system was an understatement. It seems that each month here which are labeled the same as back home, are exactly four weeks starting with Sunday being the first day in every month. This meant that each month had twenty-eight days to them. This even had the holidays which to find out that at the end of October was Nightmare Night. One flip of the page told me that November which followed both here and back on earth. My birthday was coming up in a few days. I don’t know if I should tell anyone about it. With a bit of my own magic I floated the calendar back to Seethrough. “Thank you” I said as I slowly made my way off the bed. The Doctor and Nurse got me to agree to being pushed all the way home in a wheel chair. Luna the good hearted soul she was offered to push me and of course I said she didn’t have to. But she played the she wanted to card and I had to give up. Frankly at this point I should just give up on this special treatment gig. It felt like a losing battle every time. We made our way through Ponyville, the street lights the only light to illuminate the path. I was silent as we went down the path. The sound of squeaking wheels and Luna’s hoof steps the only audible things heard.

“Firestorm if you don’t mind me asking. Why did you ask that doctor to see a calendar?” Luna asked breaking the silence.

“I wanted to check about something.” I vaguely said with hope to avoid the next question that I knew I couldn’t avoid.

“And what would that be?” Luna questioned. I knew it, bang. Oh look I just shot myself in the hoof again figuratively.

“Just to see about a day coming up.” I vaguely respond.

“What day is that?”

“Wednesday.”

“The fourth?”

“Yes.”

“What’s so special about that day?”

“Nothing.” I lied

“Then why check the calendar about it?”

“Curiosity.”

“There’s more to this and just curiosity isn’t there?”

“Nope.” I lied again as we got to my door. She floated the key out and unlocked my door. Yeah it was best to avoid the birthday subject. So far my track record with my birthday well besides a few memorable moments were well… bad. She pushed me inside. Well technically she pulled with her magic as she walked in ahead of me. She then wrapped me in magic and lifted me. Damn it why couldn’t one flipping pony ask me if I wanted to be lifted. She continued on her way up to my bedroom. Oh dear god please tell me I’m just over thinking this. A girl… no. A flipping goddess is taking me to my bedroom. Okay stop calm down. She is a friend trying to make sure I get rest. Right, it had to be that, it couldn’t be something oh dear god that look. Was that a come hither look? What, no it couldn’t be it must be an “is he alright” look. It just had to be… right? We got up the stairs and she placed me on my bed. My nice comfy bed it felt like I was floating on a cloud. I guess this is why they call it a cloud bed. She then floated the quilted blanket over me. She stopped at the foot of my bed to look at me. “Something wrong Luna?” I questioned that look I could decipher it at all.

“It is nothing.” She said looking at me. I rolled my eyes.

“Please tell me Luna.” I said as I sat up. She looked away.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Luna.” I said with a sigh. “You said that Celestia helped you when you had to deal with your problems. Just know that you can come to me as well.” I said as I watched her. Her ear perked up at that. Then she turned to me and came to the side of the bed.

“Thank you Firestorm.” She said then placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I blushed as she smiled at that. “I just worry for you is all. Since you are a brother to us.” She said. Her word choice felt unnerving.

“A brother?” I asked with a bit confusion.

“Yes. I completely forgot that you don’t know the bylaws here. When a pony becomes an alicorn or your case a dralicorn they become adopted into the royal family. Normally this is accompanied by a royal ceremony but since you don’t want to do that at this time we just filled the paper work. So technically you are a prince here in Equestria but we kept quiet about it.” She explained. Part of me was happy. I had a family here but then another part of me was a bit scared. I was royalty now. What did that mean? I shouldn’t think these thoughts right now. I gulped for a moment before I asked.

“Then do I call you and Celestia my sisters now?” I questioned.

“Well more aunts really. You are more a sister to Cadence then Tia or I.”

“So I can call Cadence my sister then?” I said to clarify. Luna nodded.

“Um not to sound rude or an idiot. But when were you going to tell me this?” Luna thought for a moment then looked at me.

“Well when you were ready to be royalty but I guess I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. Sorry.”

“Aunt Luna.” I couldn’t help but say with a small chuckle. Luna did as well. “It’s alright. I’m glad you told me now. I just wish there was some way of repaying everyone’s kindness to me. The house, the hospital bills.”I started to list off as I sat up.

“Oh the Hospital bills are normally covered by the state. It’s part of the taxes so it’s sort of like free health care. Since your royalty you will be given special treatment to make sure you're at full health. It’s a perk of being royalty.” She said which now made sense especially since I didn’t have a bit to my name but the special treatment that unnerved me a bit.

“I see. But what about the house and all the kind acts everyone has done for me. I just wish I could do something to repay them. It’s just I feel guilty about it. Like I was told I could have any size piece of cake. That I get to cut myself and I take three fourths of it leaving nine other ponies to get super thin slices.” I said as I rub the back of my neck.

“The house is from me personally. The girls help pick out and furnish it for you. It is my way of saying sorry for putting you in danger like I did when Vermom stabbed you.” Luna explained as her tone shifted to a depressive one.

“Luna it’s not your fault I froze. I should have been more alert but I let my guard down.” I said then I got up and gave Luna a hug. She smiled quietly and returned the jester.

“Doesn’t change what happened right? What’s done is done and now you have a house.” She said pretty much using my own words against me, sly move there princess of the night. “Now get some rest and don’t worry you will get some sleep.” She said as she floated me back into my bed and covered me up. With one last flick of her horn I started to feel cozy, almost drained. I yawned as I tried to tell Luna goodnight but she placed a hoof over my mouth and shushed me. “Good night Prince.” She said before everything faded to black with my eyelids firmly close, good night indeed.

***---***

The early morning rolled around like nothing happened. Of course my track record of waking up by something happening still held true because I shot out of bed at.

“You told him what?!” Came from the very surprised and slightly angered tone of Celestia, I turned to the clock on the wall. Lovely five in the morning to find two goddesses are fighting in my house. Universe, do you just not want me to have a full night sleep? I yawned quietly as I hopped out of bed. It took me longer to get down the stairs with three hooves compared to the four that I was use to. Good thing I had railing to keep steady on. I got down the stairs to see both Celestia who was looking quite angry at her sister and Luna who had a defiant look to her face.

“I told him the truth Tia.” Luna said. I sat on the bottom step so I didn’t interrupt the fight. Frankly this was about me but I figured if gods wanted to fight it was best to stay out of the line of fire.

“But we decided to tell him when he was ready.” Celestia said with a hoof on her forehead.

“Well it’s too late to change the fact he knows and you of all ponies should know it’s not good to keep things like this secret.” Luna said getting right in Celestia’s face before she shook her head slowly. It was then she noticed me on the steps and froze. Celestia noticed the change in her sister’s body language and followed her gaze to me. They both looked a bit ashamed.

“Could some pony please explain why five o’clock in the morning I have the rulers of Equestria fighting in my living room?” I asked followed by a yawn. Celestia sighed quietly and turned to me.

“Sorry for waking you Firestorm.” She started with an apology. I kept my mouth shut letting her continue. “But it comes to my attention that Luna here let it slip that you were already considered royalty when we knew you were not ready to accept it.”

“It wasn’t that I was ready or not. I saw it that I didn’t deserve it Celestia.” I said before I stretched. “Well that was then. But since I had the realization. I need to just accept things finally.” I said as I floated over a water bottle from the fridge. I took a swig of it. “Hell if every pony can accept the paradox perplexing pink party pony that is Pinkie Pie. I think I can deal with being royalty. Now with that said. I’m not ready for the responsibility of it yet. Especially since I don’t have the foggiest of clues what that involves.” I watched to two alicorns in my living room as they took in what I said. Easily I could tell that what I said had both confused and surprised them. “What?” I said in a nonchalant manner.

“You… surprised us is all.” Celestia said.

“Oh? How so?”

“Well it’s just you were pretty adamant about it and now you’re just well lack for a better word. Cool with it.” Luna added.

“So?” I said lightly smiling. “Yes I was adamant about it. In some parts I still am but right now I just want to just say buck it and go with the flow. I’ve had too much crazy go on I just need something, well, different. If it means me being royalty then screw it right?” I said as I finished the bottle and floated it to my sink.

“I see so you are ready to go through the coronation to make it ‘official’ and out in public?” Celestia asked.

“No. I’m not. Frankly because what was it a week ago everypony here thought I was a monster? I don’t think it’s wise to have the supposed ‘monster’ become a ruler do you?” I questioned as I rubbed around the metal on my right foreleg. This thing likes to hurt at times. It could be the weather I guess.

“I suppose you're right. But we do have to do it eventually.” Celestia said.

“Yeah. I just hope another ‘Blueblood’ doesn’t try and pull a stunt again.” I said with a sigh.

“What did happen?” Luna asked.

“Good question, I only heard that you threaten him for no reason. All he was trying to do was be welcoming.” Celestia added as both princesses looked at me.

“Why am I not surprised he tried to twist the events in his favor. Look he showed up out of the blue the same day I got to here for the first time. During the party Pinkie was throwing for me to take me back to Canterlot to be with some ‘civilized’ ponies. In the process of this he decided it was best to insult Rarity and the rest of my friends. I couldn’t have that. So I snapped at him and told him that if he wanted to insult some pony he can insult me but if I found out in any way that he insulted one of my friends I was going to make sure he regret it.” I said calmly to them even though I was still royally pissed off at the jerk. Seriously did he really tattle on me to Celestia and Luna. Oy, what a dumbass.

“I see. I take it your mane did that fire trick it likes to do?” Celestia questioned and I nodded.“Alright that explains why some of the guards were scared of you.” I shrugged.

“What ever got the point across. Before you worry, no I wasn’t going to hurt him I just wanted to scare him to get the point across. Frankly I don’t like my friends to be insulted like that unless it’s another friend and they're just doing it in a joking fashion. I can deal with that because it’s no real harm there. What Blueblood did was not. If he must insult some pony it better be me.” I said still calm. “Now quick question. Does Cadence know about the by laws regarding me?” I asked to switch the subject.

“I don’t think so. Why?” Luna answered and I just grinned. Oh this was going to be good.

“Oh because I want to be the one to tell her. I mean I don’t get enough chances to surprise any pony with the ‘hey I’m related to you now’ line.” I said with a goofy grin on my face.

“Ah well I do believe she and Shining Armor will be in town tomorrow. I don’t know why but I guess we’ll hear about it right Tia?” Luna said as Celestia nodded.

“I believe I should let you get back to sleep. Sorry for waking you like we did.” Celestia said apologetically.

“It’s quite alright but um… if it’s not too much to ask could one of you cast that sleeping spell on me and make sure it’s strong because I still haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep since I arrived.” I asked as I got up and held onto the railing.

“I don’t see why not.” They said as they followed me back to my bedroom. I got back into bed and under the cover. Celestia’s horn lit up and within moments I felt extremely tired.

With a yawn I said to them. “Good night Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna”

They smiled back and together said. “Good night Prince Firestorm.” As the world faded into the realm of dreams all I could do was smile. I had a family again.

***---***

For once I got to sleep. Nice and peaceful sleep without… why is everypony here and staring at me.

“Um… hi?” I said as they stayed quiet before all of them yelled.

“Surprise!” Which caused me to jump out of my fur.

“Could some pony please explain what is going on?” I asked now completely confused.

“Oh well see since you got out and never got to have a welcome-back-to-your-body party since you went off to that spooky castle. So we decided to have that party today with your good-you-feel-better-from-having-a-big-scary-blade-in-your-back party.” Pinkie said before a well placed Applejack hoof cut her off. Of course she continued to talk through the hoof but no one could hear a word she was saying.

“Sugar cube we thought we would make today special for you since you haven’t gotten to enjoy a full day being on you hooves yet.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Yeah, so we are going to make this day so awesome for you that it will be beyond 20 percent cooler more like 50 percent cooler.” Dash added as she hovered over the bed.

“The best way to start off this day was to make you breakfast in bed.” Rarity added as she floated over a small tray table with eggs, toast with a bit of butter on it, and some of what I could guess hash browns.

“You all shouldn’t have.” I said with a blush

“Oh right. Almost forgot.” Twilight said as she floated over a box to me. The sunshine yellow box with a orange ribbon floated and landed next to me. “Celestia wanted us to give you this.” She said as she undid the wrapping for me making sure to keep the wrapping intact. It was a new prosthetic hoof. I couldn’t help but smile as I wrapped it in my magic an attached it. Of course like the other one it hurt a little but I was fine with it. I flexed it a bit to make sure it worked right. It seemed to be the same model as before, the modified griffon one. I started to move the fingers a bit. It was nice to have fingers again. I started to dig in a bit.

“I hope they taste good.” The timid Fluttershy said behind Pinkie.

“It’s delicious Fluttershy. Thank you.” I said then continued to eat carefully. I looked around as everyone was there. Twilight, Spike, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Cadence, and Shining Armor with his horn glowing. I continued to eat as I watched it. What spell was he doing? He grinned at me and floated over another box. This one was a dark stained wooden box with a very… well it looked like a dragon was carved into the top of the case. I watched this quietly as I worked on the hash browns.

“I would have given this to you yesterday but you were in the hospital when I came by.” Shining Armor said as I finished eating. They were nice enough not to give me much. Which I don’t know if that was a good thing like they had food planned for later or not. I pulled the box over to me and flip the clasp on the case. It opened up to show the velvet lined case contained a shelf and a gorgeous light blue short sword with a radiant gold hilt with both the sun and moon pressed into it. My mouth gaped this thing was perfect. I gently picked it up with my left hoof. The blade was balanced weight wise from the blade to the handle. It was still light weight and even the blade was sharp that I could cut a hair in two lengthwise. “I see some pony knows a thing about swords.” Shinning said with a smirk.

“Well, of course, weapons always fascinated me when I was younger. I always kept it when I got older.” I gently place the sword back in the case. “So what’s the plan?” I said turning to Twilight which was floating up a sheet behind her.

“Caught me again.” She said with a slight nervous laugh.

“Twily, I could have easily seen that coming.” Shining said picking on his sister which she shot him a glare then it softened as she turned towards me.

“Well Dash wanted to give us an aerial show in the training field.” Twilight said as Dash started to grin more. I smiled as I floated up the empty tray and plate as I got out of bed.

“Oh I’m going to show you some of my best moves. The stuff I’ll show the Wonderbolts and get in for sure.” Dash said as my brain flat lined for a moment.

“Wonderbolts?” I asked feeling pretty stupid because the group of them well mainly Shining and Dash both gave me a ‘are you serious” look. I lowered my head a bit in shame “sorry.” I squeaked out. I guess I wasn’t a smart pony.

“You’re kidding me right? You don’t know who the Wonderbolts are?” Dash starts and I hold up my hooves in defense.

“Well in my defense I am still pretty new here.” I said, then got out of bed and stretch for a bit. “It’s not like I spent most of my time here either knocked out or in the hospital. Oh wait, that’s was exactly happened.” I said jokingly as Dash smiled and started to laugh.

“Okay, you got me on that one. The Wonderbolts are Equestria’s elite flying time. They're so awesome that if you look up awesome in a dictionary you would find their photos there and some day I’m going to be one. Then rise to captain.” She said beaming with pride to the point I’m surprised we all could fit in the same house with her ego.

“Well then I’m going to have to see them perform at some point.” I said smiling as the group of us exit to find Pinkie at the other side of the door. I really wish some pony would explain how the hell she keeps doing that?

“So shall we get going?” She said bouncing on her hooves like a super bouncy ball.

“Well Pinkie we were on the way to the field to watch Dash perform her tricks.” I said offering.

“Yay Dashie is going to do tricks!” said the pink ball of energy as she dashed off. I turned to Rainbow Dash.

“Dashie?”

“Nickname.” She deadpanned, right nickname.

“Well let’s get going every pony.” I said the noticed I’m getting better at the pony lexicon. It didn’t take us long to get to the field. There was a white and read checkerboard print blanket set out with a picnic basket set out for us. We all sat down as I looked at everyone for a moment. I smiled with a sigh. It’s been too long, just way too long to just sit down with friends in the middle of the day. Twilight started to pass around the sodas. It seems this place had drinks close to home, for instance Pony-Cola and Dr.Colt. Which I could only guess was close to general cola and knock off Dr. Pepper from home. I got one of the Dr. Colts from Twilight. Rainbow decided to have a race with Pinkie at who could finish theirs faster. It was hard to tell but I could have sworn Pinkie was just a hair faster. After that Dash shoot up into the air and flew about. I watched in amazement at how nimble and fast she was. Was flying her special talent? I mean it had to be she was just doing this all too well for it not to be. It was then she flew up way too high to the point she was a pin prick in the sky. A quick turn in confusion for a moment as everyone smiled up. I could only guess they knew what was going to happen next. Myself I couldn’t but with a prismatic explosion and an expanding burning rainbow halo later I saw a streak of rainbow fly down at us like a missile dropping. My eyes went wide as it started to curve and do sky writing… with rainbows. Oh dear god that was so flipping colorful. Hell even Fluttershy was cheering. I think it’s the loudest I’ve ever heard her. I continued to watch as the writing started to spell something out. “R. A. I. N.” I started to say with a whisper then realize she was going to spell Rainbow. That ego amazes me at times. After she finished spelling out ‘Rainbow Dash Is Awesome’ she flew down and with a sudden start picked me up taking me up into the air.

“I told you I’m going to show you the awesomeness of flying.” Dash said as my pulse started to quicken. Oh dear god this was high up. Everything started to shrink as we flew higher. Up to the fluffy whites of the clouds then she suddenly let go as my pupils shrank to almost nothing. Did she just let me go from all the way… why am I not falling? What the… was I sitting on a cloud?! How is that even possible? Right another world physicist doesn’t work the same here, especially in the world with magical talking ponies. So logic can go right out the window. I started to take a few deep breaths as I started to calm down a bit from being high in the… don’t think about it. “What are you freaking out about?” Dash said to my left I turned and rounded on her.

“Dash, I’ve freaking scared of heights and what did you do? You flew me up miles up into the sky. That is high up!” I said as I freaked out.

“Dude calm down, I got this.” She said with a grin. Why does this not bode well for me? With a gulp I looked at her.

“What do you plan to do?”

“Teach you how to fly.”

“Fly? You mean?” I said as I gave my wings a flap as Rainbow Dash nodded. Ah shit, I had to be right. I hung my head in defeat. She had me against the metaphysical wall here. Well more the up the cloud without a parachute. A small shudder ran through my body at that. “So the best way was to stick me in a cloud and… what are you planning to do?” I questioned as she dove under the cloud.

“This.” She said and the cloud disappeared underneath me as I plumped to the ground.

“Damn it Dashie!” I said screaming as I fell towards the ground. Waving every limb I had even my wings. It was a few moments before I realized that I wasn’t falling as fast. Of course that realization came short because with a wham. I impacted the ground, stars started to go around my head as the world spun.

“Firestorm, are you alright?” I hear Applejack said.

“Of course Applejack I would love another piece of cloud pie on my butter plate.” I said before fainted.

“Darn it Dash-” Was all I could hear before I came too back on the blanket.

“He just got out of the hospital and what did you decide to do? Take him into the air where he is afraid of heights and drop him. Are you crazy?” Twilight scolded.

“Twilight, It’s alright.” I said as I didn’t raise my head. The pounding in my head told me that would be a bad idea.

“Firestorm you're awake!” Pinkie said as she opened my mouth and shoved a cupcake into it. Well a mini one at least. I started to slowly chew it. “Thank you Pinkie” I said as I looked up at her. She smiled down at me.

“Can we try that again. You know later and closer to the ground.” I said gently smiling.

“Yeah I believe that would be wiser. Right Dash?” Twilight said with what I could guess was a glare at Dash.

“Oh come on he does need to learn sooner or later. But sure I’ll teach him closer to the ground.” Dash said.

“You know Twily you seem pretty protective of him? Whats up?” Shinning asked.

“Shining I believe I know.” Cadence said with a grin because I could see her from my prone spot. Oh I so had to do this now with the goofy grin on my face.

“I believe sis is right.” I said with a smile. Oh please take the bait, please take it.

“Oh? Wait…” Cadence started then a few seconds passed.

“Sis?!” The group of them exclaimed including Shinning and Cadence. I started to outright laugh.

“What do you mean sis?” Twilight asked still surprised. I was still laughing at the look on their faces. It took me a bit to finally breath. The group of them looked at me confused the whole time. I sat up and looked at them.

“Alright, you all know that I’m an alicorn. Well technically a dralicorn.” I started and they nodded. “and Cadence here was adopted by Celestia.” Of course she looked surprised.

“How did?”

“Well Aunt Celestia pretty much told me.” I said dropping another hint.

“Wait does that mean?” Cadence said getting it and I nodded. “I have a brother!” She said and gave me a hug. I couldn’t help but laugh and hug back. “Yes you do sis.” I said with a laugh as Shining came up. I held a hoof and he bumped it. I had a family again and it was perfect. Just out right perfect.

“Wait does that mean your royalty?” Rarity said with a smile and stars in her eyes. That unnerving look sent chills down my spine.

“Yes, but not officially, so please keep it hush hush.” I said to her. She was beaming.

“Oh I must make you a royal outfit. Maybe some in a navy blue to compliment your orange coat color.” Rarity said. Its official she went off the deep end. Some pony better reel her in from la la land before she starts to make me something over the top like a king. A shudder ran down my spine at this.

“Um Rarity.” I started she turned and looked at me.

“Yes Prince Firestorm.” I shuddered at prince.

“One: Please don’t call me prince. I’m not ready for that yet and two: you can make one but please something subtle? I’m not ready for the royal look yet.” Then I turned to Cadence. “No offense.”

“None taken. I had some of the problems. It happens to every pony.” She said with a shrug.

“But now that we are on the subject of outfits. Would you like a bit of challenge?” I said tapping my hoofs together a little nervously. I really hoped she could remake it. It was one of my favorite outfits back home and it would be nice to have it here to. Modified of course since I’m a pony and everything. She started to beam and grinned. Well a devilish grin that I couldn’t help but smile.

“Well of course Darling. I’m up for any fashion challenge.” She said I could help but chuckle a bit.

“Well I was wondering if you could remake an outfit that I loved to wear back on earth.” I said smiling. “Modified of course since I’m a pony and everything.” I said with a small flap of my wings as I looked at her.

“Well of course darling it would be my honor to make some earth fashion.” She said beaming. “You know this could be big. Ponies from all round would come to have some real exotic earth fashion. Modified of course with a bit of flare to go with it.” She said as she went off into her own world again. But I didn’t mind this time. Everyone watched us as I took a sip of my drink. Still cold and everything.

“So what’s next?” I said as I finished my drink and sat the bottle down.

“Well um… I thought we could. If you want. Show you around Ponyville? You never really got to see the sights around here.” Fluttershy offered.

“That does sound like a marvelous idea.” Rarity added.

“Oh we can show Shining and Cadence around too.” Twilight said as she jumped up.

“That sounds lovely.” Cadence said.

“Sounds like a plan. I always wondered about where Twily lived.” Shining added. So we left after packing up everything. Rarity started to question me about all of the earth fashion I knew about and it was a decent amount mainly from watching those kind of shows on TV back home. That and some that I knew myself. We went around to see Sugar Cube Corner which looked like a giant gingerbread house topped with a cupcake for a roof. Well more like multiple cupcakes. Apparently Pinkie both worked and lived here with Mr. and Mrs. Cake. We would have came in but it wasn’t time. I didn’t know why but honestly I guess they had plans. Oh well. Next was the carousel boutique which was Rarity’s home. It looked like a light lavender tent. For some reason I would have to say this place fit Rarity perfectly. It was quite different like of a diamond in the rough. Not saying Ponyville is rough. All of it was perfect in its own way. It was a small town. Well not to small really. Just small enough to have it’s charm. Which I prefer to live. Canterlot seems nice from what I saw of it. It spoke of uptight ponies and well that’s not me. I’m friendly, right? I mean really what if I wasn’t. No Storm you need to stop thinking like that. I took a deep breath to calm myself down as I closed my eyes. It was then I noticed the silence. Well it wasn’t really silent. There was the music that came from nature itself. From the world around ever pony.

“Firestorm are you alright?” I heard Fluttershy ask. I smiled quietly and opened my eyes.

“I’m fine Fluttershy. Thank you for worrying about me. I just needed a moment to take a deep breath and to enjoy the music.” I said, she looked a bit confused.

“Music?” She asked, I noticed the looks on everypony’s face.

“What music are you talking about Firestorm? I don’t hear any music.” Twilight asks.

“Yeah I just hear the everyday sounds of ponies going by.” Rainbow added, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Because you hear what you perceive as everyday sounds. Each day, each moment, each sound tells a story. A song if you well. Listen carefully.” I said as sat there quietly. Nothing was said as each of them looked around to listen.

“I still don’t hear any music.” Rainbow said with a huff. I sighed.

“Think of it this way. Each hoof step is a drum being hit, each flap of a wing.” I said as I flapped mine a bit. “A bow being pulled on a string, each tweet of a bird is a flute playing it’s note. Then you have the sounds of carts being pulled. Put that together it’s like piece to a song.” I said with a smile. Most of them looked a little confused. Fluttershy smiled quietly. I do hope she understood well honestly I do hope they would all understand.

“What?” Dash said confused.

“I think I understand.” Twilight said.

“That is a fabulous thing darling.” Rarity said looking at her hoof. Probably not really into my voice of the sounds of nature.

“Oh, oh, oh I hear it.” Pinkie said bouncing as Cadence and Shining Armor look at each other. We continued on our way we were shown the park, city hall, and there outdoor theater. Seems Ponyville likes to put on a play from time to time. Like the one going on. It was pretty much a ponified version of Romeo and Juliet. We sat there and watched the little foals put on the play. For the most part they did a pretty good job. It was great that they had Romeo an earth pony and Juliet was a unicorn. Once it was over all of us clapped. Well stomped really since ponies stomp the ground for applause. Well all but Rainbow who fell asleep around the second act. To her credit she did last longer than I expected. Anyway the looks on the kids faces when they noticed a princess was watching there play was just so adorable. If I could I would have exploded twice from cuteness overload. Something like that should be outlawed. It wasn’t long that a group of aws were heard in disappointment as three familiar foals came out from behind the stage.

“Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo.” Pinkie said with a bounce in her step as the tree foals came over.

“That was a great performance you three.” I said with a smile. They beamed a that.

“Really?” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle said smiling. Scootaloo looked like she didn’t really want to do that play. She then suddenly beamed at the sight of Rainbow Dash. Well this is going to stroke her ego. Well it seems the three of them tried to get their cutie marks in acting.

“You’ll get them soon.” I offered in hope. Of course the little wild cards decided to ask the one question I couldn’t answer.

“How did you get your cutie mark mister?” Sweetie Belle asked. I looked away quietly.

“I don’t know.” I simply said.

“How do you know not know how you got your cutie mark?” Scootaloo said skeptically.

“Because I have memory problems.” I said not looking at them.

“Sounds like a cop out to me.” Scootaloo shot back. I stayed quiet as I looked up at the sky. Everyone looked at me as I sighed quietly.

“Scootaloo not everyone knows how things happen. I don’t know how or why I have this cutie mark. Why I have this fireball and storm cloud. But that’s the thing about destiny. Not everyone knows theirs.” I said a tone more wisdom of personal truth. Everyone was quiet as I sighed quietly. “Excuse me.” I said as I left the group of them I headed into town quietly. Why did the world give me this cutie mark? What did it mean? Sometimes the universe has it’s way to make things difficult like that. With a sigh I walked back town and back to the training field. By the sound of it no pony followed me. So I decided to lay in the grass resting my head against it. Wings spread out and everything. I just laid there as I stared into nothing. This was nice now that I had time to myself without some craziness happening and not in the hospital for the umpteenth time. I wonder if Celestia or Luna take the time to just lay in the grass and relax. I wonder if Cadence gets to? I mean with running the crystal empire and everything. I closed my eyes as I heard the clopping of hooves approach. “Yes?” I said the the pony that came up.

“How did you know I was here?” Cadence said as I pulled my wings back and sat up quietly.

“I could hear your hoof steps.” I said as I turned to her. I’m kind of surprised that it was just her and not every pony else. “Where’s every pony?” I questioned giving voice to my inquiry.

“They are all at Sugar Cube Corner. I told them I wanted to talk to you privately and I would bring you by later.” Cadence said as she stepped closer. “Mind if I sit with you?”

“Go right ahead sis.” I said in a playful tone. She smiled and sat next to me. “How are you taking all this?” She asked out of the blue.

“Taking what?” I asked needing to be clarified more.

“Well everything?” She said as she looked at me. I glanced over to her then up into the sky.

“Well… surprising well for the most part. I mean I still have family, and friends back home that I miss a lot. Then everything that has happened weighed heavily on me. But I’m starting to feel… normal I guess. Well normal for once. Until I get a reminder that I am not normal. Far from it.” I vented. “Well for the most part after the whole trapped in my mind thing I got this feeling that going home is impossible for me. Before you asked because I know how the people back home would act to a talking pony. Let’s just say not well.” I said never taking my gaze from the clouds. A tuft of prismatic mane and tail could be seen by one of the clouds. I guess Rainbow Dash wanted to get a straight answer from me. “For once since I got home and was able to sleep in my bed. Thing’s feel better. Like a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Like that maybe if I just relax and accept things. Then I would have less bad luck.”

“What do you mean accept things and bad luck?”

“I’ve had a lot of bad things happen because of what I believe in. Stabbed a few times to protect a friend, getting beat up physically and verbally, and so much more. A lot of it was just me being at the wrong place at the right time.” I said a light smile on my face. “Though some times they did make things interesting.” Cadence looked at me a little puzzled.

“So you like it when bad things happen?” She questioned and I shook my head.

“I mean that sometimes it was the only thing worth noting on an otherwise boring day. Do you know where I stand on all the bad I’ve had to deal with?” I asked and she shook her head. This time I looked right at the clouds and sighed quietly. “When it comes to the bad. I’d rather have to deal with nightmares, pain, and anything I can so nopony else does. I rather be the shield and sword for my friends and family. I will take any pain I can and protect any pony I care about.” I said with a smile as I looked back to her. She looked like she wasn’t sure. “I know it’s weird but who said I was normal.” I got out with a light chuckle. “Thank you Sis.”

“Your welcome Firestorm. But for what?” Cadenced asked confused a bit.

“For letting me vent a bit. I don’t do it as often as I should” I said with a stretch as I got back onto my hooves.

“Well you know you can talk to any of us when you need to?” She said.

“I know but for once I want to get closer to my family here since I couldn’t really at well I guess its my old home.” I said as I gave my wings a bit of a flap. “Especially you Cadence. My sister back at my old home never really liked me. Well more hated me. Don’t get me wrong I still love her and miss her but we were never close. I may be overcompensating.”

“Firestorm I know you love your family and I’m sorry to hear about how your family wasn’t close with you. But you're not over compensating for anything you just want to feel something you’ve wished you could have back there.” I nodded in silence. Cadence got up and gave me a hug as I smiled returning it. A few moments passed as we sat there. Now that I thought about it Cadence was Twilight’s foal sitter right? Then maybe she would know my question about a gift to her.

“Hey Cadence, could I ask your opinion on something?”

“Sure, What is it brother?” She said with a small smirk. I beamed as she called me brother for the first time.

“I was thinking of making Twilight something and since you were her foal sitter. I figured you would know her the best. Shining Armor not withstanding of course.” Cadence nodded as to let me continue. “Well I was thinking of making a blank book for her to fill with whatever she wished with a star amethyst in the cover.”

“Star amethyst?”

“Oh it’s an amethyst with impurities that makes it look like there’s little stars in it. And I was thinking of putting it on the cover in the shape of her cutie mark.”

“I think she will love it. I see why she likes you.” She said and I blushed red.

“You really think she likes me. Like, likes me, likes me?” I said as I felt like a kid again asking it like that. Cadence smiled.

“Wow for someone that seems pretty smart. You do ask some the most redundant questions at times.” She said with a playful tone.

“Yeah… I’ve always had that problem. I can give great advice; one time notwithstanding. If you must know ask Twilight about it. But I can give great relationship advice. Though when it comes to myself I'm dumber than a box of rocks.” I said with a chuckle.

“Well understandable. When you give advice you're on the outside looking in. But when you're inside looking out it’s a completely different story.” Cadence said and nodded.

“Perspectives are annoying at times.”

“Indeed, but I must ask. Why do you like Twilight?”

“Well besides that she is cute and beautiful. She is brilliant and she puts my little pocket change of knowledge to shame with her dragon’s treasure worth. She is always thirsting for more knowledge even in the realm of a story. She also helped me and treated me like I was just a normal pony. Nothing special just me. She was my first true friend here. I like to be around her. Even if she is just reading a book. She is sweet and kind. She feels like someone I can open up to especially after Jessica.” I said a small sigh escaped my mouth.

“Jessica?”

“An ex-girlfriend. Well I guess ex-marefriend here. She died keeping me alive. It does still hurt but I got to talk to her again after a very long time.” I said with a small smile at as I thought back to that talk.

“How did you-” Cadence got out before I cut her off.

“When I had the scythe in my back I died for a small period of time. During that time I got to talk to her again. It was nice, I still miss her though.”

“It’s understandable.” She said as I nodded.

“But she did help me feel better. Since her death I kept my feelings to myself for the most part. I give little tidbits here and there but nothing worth the big picture. I guess that’s why relationships never worked with me because I keep too much in. But Twilight, she lets me open the floodgates to really and finally talk about everything. Well the important stuff at least.”

“You like her that much don’t you?” Cadence asked and I nodded.

“More then I thought possible.”

“Then why don’t you ask her out?” I turned red at her question.

“But it’s so soon. We just met like what a month ago? Most of that was with me out cold.” I said then lowered my head. “No, I’m just making excuses. I should but I think I may want to plan it first.” I thought out loud as I scratched my chin.

“I’m sure you’ll have a perfect date.” Cadence reassuring said. I smiled we started to make our way to Sugar Cube Corner. It looked quite festive with balloons, cakes, treats, drinks, and the other ponies just mingling around. It was an outright party. Well technically it was, a party for me that I was better and stuff as the banner said. I got a drink quietly as Cadence when over to Shining. I could blame her wanting to be around her husband. I smiled quietly and found a booth that wasn’t occupied. This was nice a party with friends around treats and everything. I took a sip of my drink which was fruit punch. I sat there quietly watching every pony. Some talked, some laughed, a few were dancing, some was stuffing themselves with treats. Scootaloo was jumping around Dash as Rarity and Fluttershy talked with a few ponies I didn’t know the name of yet. I saw Twilight talk with Shining and Cadence. I guess they don’t get to talk often enough. Them being in the crystal kingdom and all. Now that I thought about it, something felt off. The Crystal Kingdom held the Infinity Torch in the remnants of a dark mountain. This place had the Elements of Harmony to protect it. Why not see if the Infinity Torch could be used the same. Should I really be going down this train of thought? I only know it because of the link I had with Shadow and that only gave me some of it. Well that and Sombra used it to take over the Crystal Kingdom since he exhausted his power and drew from it instead. Without the time to let his magic recover he provided his own downfall. Nothing to resist Celestia and Luna when they cut his connection with it. All because he wanted power and to take over Equestria. Sounds like some James Bond villain or maybe Indiana Jones like. My internal thoughts were broken with the sudden appearing pink party pony.

“Yeah Pinkie. What’s up?” I asked. Trying to pull of the not surprised look and failing horribly.

“Oh nothing. Just wondering why you here all aloney woney” She said with a frown.

“Well it’s simple Pinkie. When it comes to a party I’m like the one pony that stands in the back. Watching every pony.” I said then took a sip. This stuff was so good It could be mistaken for taste bud crack with the flavor alone.

“Why?” She simply said as she sat on the other side of the booth.

“Well honestly besides you six, Cadence, and Shining here. I don’t know any other ponies. Now don’t think that’s a bad thing. I just like to let them wander over to me to talk no forcing a conversation. Just let there curiosity get the better of them and want to talk. Sneaky I know but there’s no harm really in it right?” I offered with a smile. Pinkie put a hoof to her chin and thought about it.

“I don’t see any. But you should still meet some of the ponies. Well I guess worse comes to worse we can always do it in a few days.” Pinkie added.

“A few days?” I asked. What was going to happen in a few days? Well besides my birthday but really I hadn’t told any pony about it.

“Oh silly willy. Your birthday party.” She said like it was no big deal. My jaw dropped, how in the blue fuzzy hell did she find out my birthday. I didn’t tell any pony, not a single one of them!

“Okay, you have to tell me how you found that out. Because I know for sure I didn’t tell any pony when it was.” I said my curiosity now at its peak.

“Oh silly, I know every ponies birthday.”

“But how?” I asked not confused even more.

“Because I do.” She said as I face hoof.

“Pinkie can we please keep it on the down low?” I asked this time she looked surprised.

“But why? Don’t you like my parties? I mean it’s going to be a super duper big part since a big special pony like you needs one.” That is when I cut her off.

“Because that is part of the reason Pinkie. I don’t want to feel like this big special pony Pinkie. I already feel like an outcast to a lot of the ponies here since the whole ‘monster’ thing. That and I haven’t had the best track record with birthday parties.” I said taking another sip.

“Was it because all those meanies back home either kept forgetting it, having to work it, or because you felt alone the most those days because of the snide comments they kept making at you about it.” She said like that was public knowledge.

“Pinkie!” I shouted in surprised and the party got dead quiet as every pony looked at me. Pinkie on the other hand hair deflated and she looked down.

“Sorry.” She squeaked. God damn it, I was an idiot. I over reacted when she gets it right.

“No Pinkie I should be the one sorry.” I started as I put a hoof on her shoulder. The rest of the girls came over to me to see what happened. Thank you Universe you had to tell the paradox perplexing pink party pony about that, you jerk. “I didn’t mean to yell like that. It’s just I didn’t want that to be public knowledge. I over reacted because you didn’t know and I am sorry.” I said. I turned to see the group of them confused. Well all but Dash and Applejack who looked royally pissed off at me. Yeah I fucked up… big time. I looked at them. “Alright yell at me.” This got Applejack to jump.

“Why did you yell at Pinkie like that?” Dash said before a tail pull later pulled her back.

“Didn’t you just hear him Dash. He already apologized for it and explained.” Applejack said then turned to me. “Now I understand why you wanted it all hush, hush like that but why didn’t you want us to know about your birthday? And why did you think we were going to yell at you? Dash notwithstanding.” She said.

“Pinkie go ahead and tell him a little more discreet this time please.” I said before Pinkie to her credit did so. The girls looks a little surprised. Applejack whistled.

“That bad?” She asked, I nodded. It was bad enough to go through your birthday and everyone forgot it. Then having to remind them and they make chastising comments about oh don’t you feel special like. It hurt even from my ‘friends’ well most of them at least. I sighed quietly. “Lookie here partner, we aren’t going to let you just feel all bad on your birthday. You should be happy that you’ll be…” she paused then looked at me for a moment. “Come to think of it. I don’t outright know how old you are.” Not surprised really, I didn’t tell them. I turned to Pinkie who for once shrugged.

“Currently twenty four but in a few days twenty five” I said as I finished my glass.

“Old feller then.” Applejack said. Great now the old jokes again. I sighed and rested my head on the table. Universe do you just like poking fun at everything about me? Hell I’m surprised I was not as fat as I was back on earth. Then I would be getting the fat jokes too. Well at least those I don’t mind so much. Age ones, still bug me. “Sorry.” Applejack said.

“It’s fine. You know what they say. With age comes wisdom. And with wisdom comes many stories of stupid things one had done during his time.” I said to lighten the mood. They seem a bit happier. “Look I’m sorry that I’m a bit of an idiot here.” I started before a well placed hoof shut me up.

“Firestorm you are not an idiot. You are just new to everything here. Add to that the royalty and magic powers. We can’t blame you for feeling a bit dumb with common knowledge.” Rarity said as I gave her a raised eyebrow. She finally removed her hoof.

“Please don’t do that again. Now like I was saying that I’m a bit of an idiot here. But that was from me being new. Since then you all helped me feel better about everything. You faced my darker side and saved me. You all traveled the insides of my mind just to pull me out of a coma. I don’t think anyone back home would have done all that for me.” I said smiling.

“Speaking of traveling your mind. There was something I always wanted to ask you.” Twilight started. For some reason I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like this question. “How should I put this.” She said tapping her chin. “Oh. One room in your mind was full of pillars that had a lot of ponies on them but above all of them. Had both princesses, the six of us and Aria. I could only speculate what it means. I just wanted to ask you about it.” She said not really forming a question but I got the point of it anyway.

“What do you think it means and I’ll tell you if your correct or not.” I said.

“The simplest interpretation of it was that you find yourself inferior to us.” She stated as I had floated over a cup and refilled it. I do love magic it makes getting drink so much easier when I’m out. I got it back to me and took a sip.

“Well, you’re right.” I said nonchalantly as I took another sip. The group of them looked dumbfounded. “What?”

“Why?!” Twilight’s turn to yell as the party get’s quiet again. I sighed.

“Well keep in mind at the time I thought a dead ex-girlfriend. Well more ex-marefriend right?” I questioned to make sure I was right. Twilight nodded. “Okay, had came back from the grave and stabbed me after I was still pretty angry about what I saw from Celestia’s memories. Couple that with my darker side having a field day within my mind, I was pretty unstable then. Right now, in some context, I still am.” I took a sip and raised a hoof to stop comments before they start. “Let me explain. When it comes to myself I found myself bottom of a barrel for a reason. Because if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to protect my friends. If I don’t see any self worth in me then I feel like I’m expendable. A shield ready to defend until it can’t anymore. You all helped me feel less worthless in my own standards. Still won’t change the fact I will lay down my life to save all of you. I’m pretty sure Shining here would do the same if it had to come to that. Right?” I said and turned to him.

“It’s my duty.” He said with a sense of pride and I couldn’t fault him for that. He reminded me of the hero from some of the old games I used to play. I couldn’t help but smile a bit. Another sip later, I had an idea. Something I never really got to do much back at my old home. Since I have a home here now why not just go with it and ask.

“Mind if I make a request for later tonight?” I said looking at them. They all turned to me. Almost pricelessly they looked confused.

“Go right ahead darling.” Rarity said.

“Well I was wondering if we could have a sleepover at my place? Now before anypony here gets all jumpy at the whole bunch a fillies and two stallions thing. I meaning this as a bunch of friends and I’m not twisting any ponies hooves on this.” I said as I picked up my mug. They looked at each other again. I couldn’t help but smile again. “There’s a few things I can think of we can do. I can tell Rarity about earth fashion so she can make a new line as Twilight takes notes about it.” I saw the two of them perk up. “Pinkie, Applejack, and I can make the snacks. Maybe some Apple Chips? You know for a bit of product testing.” Those two were sold. “Rainbow can show me how to manipulate clouds like she does. I should learn from the best right?” And now for the kicker. “And Fluttershy…” I paused for a moment then snapped with my left hoof. I stopped and looked down at it. How the blue fuzzy hell did I snap my hoof like I did fingers? I’ll just ask Twilight later. “I can tell her about the animals from earth.” That got Fluttershy. “Shining can teach me about sword fighting as a pony and Cadence can have more time with Twilight.” That sold them. Ladies and gentlemen I just won the full house.

“Sounds like a mighty good plan there. I’m in.” Applejack said.

“I’m in.” Dash said.

“Sleep over Party!” Pinkie yelled. So I figured she was in.

“Sounds like a plan.” Twilight smiled. Rarity would have said something but those stars in her eyes told me yes.

“Sounds…nice.” Fluttershy added timidly.

“What do you say dear?” Cadenced ask Shining.

“One question. Where would we sleep?” He asked.

“Good question. Well the girls can sleep in my room. You and I can crash in the living room. Sounds fair to you?” I asked then drained my drink.

“Works for me. If it’s alright with you Cadence.”

“Shining it’s fine.”

“Don’t forget about me.” Lyra the mint green unicorn trotted up. Well shit. I did forget her didn’t I. What I am a idiot.

“Sorry Lyra.” I said with a small chuckles. “But you're right. It wouldn’t be fair to not invite you too.” I said with a smile. The group of them agree.

“Sweet. Wait until I tell Bon Bon that I’m going to sleep over at an ex-human’s house.” She said before galloping off. Okay… that was weird. Hopefully she doesn’t tackle me again.

***---***

For the most part the party went off with no problem. Every pony enjoyed themselves. I got my fill on cake and fruit punch. Pinkie even got me to try her new blueberry blast cannon cupcakes. Which I agreed to find out she fired the damn thing out of her party cannon. How in bloody hell did she pull that thing out of no where anyway? Well after the party died down about six hours later. I told everyone that I’ll head home and get everything ready. Which I did. I went and found they stocked the house with extra pillows and blankets. Dear god these ponies thought of everything when they stocked this house. Scratch that not everything. When it came to the basement they left me with a simple table and wall candles. I moved the saddlebags with Twilight’s gift down under the table next to the stool. Everything was almost perfect. I needed to make sure no pony goes down here. It’s going to be my art studio after all. I went back upstairs to wait for my guests. Then it dawns on me that I forgot to set a time for tonight. I decided to read a little. The magic book did help a bit. It had a simple light drawing spell. That thing was awesome. I used it on my hoof’s metallic finger and drew in the air. Then the fog spell made a fake moldable fog. Or was that a power I had before? Hmm, definitely going to ask Dash about it. After six spells in that I only had the basics off. A knock on the door caused me to jump a bit. I slide the book back on the shelf and opened the door to being tackled by Lyra again.

“Again Lyra?” I whined a bit. I think I am entitled to wine. I was tackled by a mint green unicorn pony with a pointy horn. Wait… who the hell am I thinking that too? Screw it, just one thing to ask Twilight to later list or would this be a more ask Pinkie list? Never mind. It wasn’t long before I notice Twilight who faced hoofed at Lyra’s actions.

“Again Lyra?” Twilight mirrored my same comment as before. Lyra just smiled up at her.

“Yeah Twilight. Ready for the sleepover?” Lyra tried to change the subject. I simply slide out from under her and back to my hooves. It was short lived though, Pinkie decided to tackle me as well out of freaking no where. Seriously someone needs to get me a Pinkie Radar spell. I would have that cast like twenty-four seven. I couldn’t get worse right? I mentally slapped myself for thinking that. I knew the universe was going to bite me for that thought. Who knew it was in the form of a gray pegasus mare with an eye problem. The mare who was named Derpy Hooves smiled at me. I was completely confused at why she was here and why she tackled me as well.

“Um. Hello Derpy” I said after she introduced herself after impact. “Not to be rude but what are you doing here?”

“Oh Pinkie invited me.” Derpy said with a smile as she blinked. Her eyes corrected themselves. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Pinkie can I have a word with you. In private.” I said after Derpy flew off me. Pinkie nodded as we headed to the kitchen. We entered and I shut the door. If I was going to yell, I was polite enough to do it behind close doors. But I wasn’t going to yell. I was going to give Pinkie the chance to explain. “Alright Pinkie please explain why you invited somepony to somepony else’s house?” I asked in a calm collective tone.

“Well I thought you needed more friends so I invited Vinyl Scratch but she couldn’t make it because she had a gig tonight. Then I tried Octavia but she had practice tomorrow and wanted sleep. So I went to some of the other ponies I thought you would like to be friends with. Berry punch was up to her neck in bottles of wine again. Mr. and Mrs Cakes have their foals to look after. Then Derpy just flew right by and I invited her right on the spot. She was free to do so and boom here she is.” Pinkie explained in one freaking breath. How the hell did she do that?

“Well Pinkie I’m glad you thought me making friends but I wanted this to be just the friends I knew already. I will let it slide but please, please promise me that you’ll ask me first before you do something like this again.” I said looking at her she smiled and bounced.

“Oh of course. I’ll even Pinkie Promise.”

“What is a Pinkie Promise? Sorry to cut you off but I heard that before. But I never really knew what it meant.” I said scratching the back of my head.

“Oh it’s a special super duper extra secret promise that you can’t break or you may lose your friends… Forever.” She said stretching out forever like some kind of conspiracy. I couldn’t help but smile. Then she went on to say. “I Pinkie Promise that I’ll ask you before I ask some pony to join a party you throw. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She said making the motion of crossing her heart, then a pair of wings with her forelegs, then followed by the cringing poking herself in the eye. God that must hurt.

“Um Pinkie. Are you alright?” I had to ask.

“Oh of course silly. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well you just poked yourself in the eye. Doesn’t that hurt?”

“Nah, you get use to it.” She said like it was nothing. That is just… ugh. I sighed and gave up. There is no understanding this pony. Otherwise I would have the proverbial blue screen of the brain.

“Why don’t we see who else arrived.” I offered letting Pinkie go first. She smiled and bounced out as I saw everyone there. What I didn’t expect to see was Rarity with a cart full of fabric, Fluttershy with a white rabbit on her head, Twilight with books; granted the quills and parchment I saw coming from a mile away, and Pinkie with a cannon. She started to fire that thing over and over as my living room became the party down at Sugar cube Corner. Damn it, if I didn’t think I would give up I would have asked how she does that. There was one thing I had to ask. “What can you fire in that thing?”

“Oh anything I put into it.” She said then suddenly the thought of firing prince Blueblood came to mind. I dwelled on that idea for a few moments then went on.

“Where's Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Cadence, and Shining Armor?” I asked.

“Over here sugar cube.” Applejack said from the door.

“Alright so everypony is here. Then we can start having fun. But one thing first.” I started walking over to the door to the basement. “Please don’t go down here unless I say it’s okay. Before any pony asks it’s my art studio and I don’t like to show unfinished work often.” I said with a smile as a squeaky toy sound could be coming from my grin. What the fuck was that?

“Perfectly understandable.” Rarity said with a smile as the rest of them nodded.

“That out of the way lets have some fun.” I said before a book floated over to me. I raised my eyebrow what is this? “Slumber 101: all you’ve wanted to know about slumber parties but were afraid to ask.” I read out loud.

“My personal copy.” Twilight said beaming. I wrapped the book in my own magic and started to skim it a bit. “It’s a fantastic read. Oh you should check out the table of context.” She continues as I finished and got the jest of the book.

“Well Twilight for the most part we will be following the book but I will be adding things from home.” I said with a smile. “Maybe you can write an add on to this book.” Of course she lit up and I could help but smile. “Okay, lets start with something I use to do back at home, Candy Poker.” I said as I pulled over the table as Pinkie produced a big bag of candy and cards. She spread it out evenly as I shuffled the cards.

“So what we playing Five card stud, Pony hold’em?” Applejack asked.

“I’m going to say Pony Hold’em if it’s anything like Texa holdem then I’ll be alright. It has a river and a flop right?” I asked of course she nodded. Oh thank you universe you at least keep a few of the same games I love. It was about an hour in and Applejack, Dash, Pinkie, and I were the only ponies left in. Applejack and I started to butt heads in this. Figuratively of course. I think her head was a bit harder and would dent mine in if it came to that. As it was we stared at the cards. King of hearts, Queen of hearts, Jack of hearts, and the aces of hearts and diamonds. I looked at my hand one more time. I held the other two aces so I had a four of a kind hands down. I looked at Applejack who had a smirk. My guess? She had a good hand too. One thing I learned about the element of honestly is that she can’t lie for anything. Dash held a grin as Pinkie just rocked back and forth on her rump.

“Well partner ready to make your bet?” Applejack said as I looked at my sizable stack of candy. You know what I’ve feeling cocky as I shot a grin back.

“You know what?” I said as she eyed me. “I’m all in.” With a flick of magic I pushed my sizable pile of candy into the pot.

“Oh I can’t have you show me up.” Dash said and with her wing pushed in her pile too. “I’m all in too.”

“Ooh, ooh! Me too, me too!” Pinkie said as she pushed hers in as well.

“Well it looks like this is going a final round up.” She said as she pushed her pile in. The towering pile of candy swayed there for a bit. One last hurrah before we move on to something else. Shining and Cadence watched the game. Shining more interested to see how this ends. Fluttershy was talking to her pet bunny. Twilight is nose deep in a book. Lyra was playing her Lyre which was a nice touch to the mood, she plays beautifully.

“Alright ready?” Dash said grinning. I nodded as she threw down her cards. “Two pairs” she said with a king of spades and a seven of clubs.

“Sorry there sugar cube got you beat. Full house.” Applejack said as she laid down two queens. Nicely played.

I picked up a southern drawl as I said. “Well sorry there partner I got you this time. Four of a kind on aces.” I said she looked a bit surprised.

“You making fun of me?” She said with a scowl.

“Sorry Applejack, I always wanted to use a drawl like that playing cards. My bad.” I said partly through dropping the accent.

“Aw I was just kiddin’.” She said with a grin.

“Well it looks like I…” I got out before I noticed Pinkies cards.

“I win.” She said simply. Almost too simply, the pink poker playing party pony had a royal flush of hearts. I looked at her in complete surprise.

“Nicely played there Pinkie.” Dash said as they bumped hoofs. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Didn’t see that one coming. But still well played.” I said stomping my hooves on the ground. “Now what do we have next Twilight?” I said turning towards her. Of course the lavender mare was still nose deep into the book. Wait, is that- I got up and trotted over to her. It was the dragon book from before. I always wondered where it went to. I raised up my right leg and tapped the top of the book. This was enough to get Twilight’s head out of book land and back into Equestria.

“Oh hey. Who won?” She asked.

“Pinkie did. Now what’s next?” I asked, Twilight looked over to her book and pulled it over.

“Let’s see there’s s'mores, ghost stories, pillow fight.” She started to list. I suddenly ducked as a pillow flew at me. I get up to see who did it and got nailed with another one. “I guess its pillow fight time.” Twilight said as she lit up her horn and pillows started to float up from the sofa. I wrapped a few in my own as well as Cadence and Shining. Rarity goes into another room probably to keep from messing up her mane. I couldn’t help but grin as Applejack bucked a pillow. I get nailed by this as Shining returns fire with three of his own. Dash picked up a pillow and started to turn. Pinkie grabbed a bunch and loaded them into her party cannon. I dived behind the sofa and launched a few pillows. A few arch over it. I quickly wrap them in magic and pull them close. I started to group them together as I jump up and use one of them as a platform. Firing at Dash and Applejack. Pinkie knocks me off my pillow platform before I could get one at her. I land in a chair. Twilight fires a few and Derpy smiles as she throws one at Cadence. She smiles as she blocks with one of her own before she beams a few at Applejack. Dash releases the pillow from her spin which nails me in the face causing me to flip over the seat with a large thump. I shake my head at this. She had impaled it on my horn. I pulled the offending pillow out and smiled. Oh this is going to be good. I wrapped it in my magic making sure the fluff stays in it. I jumped up and threw it at dash. Dropping the magic the pillow fluff got everywhere making a perfect smoke screen. I watch the fabric get over there.

“What’s that?” Dash said before I turn to everyone.

“Fire!” I yell as Twilight, Shining, Cadence, Lyra, and I fire every pillow we have. Once the fluff had cleared I decided to look at our victory. But it was then I noticed… we missed. The group of them grinned devilishly and fired… at me. I was dog piled by projectile pillows. The boom rang through the house. I will covered in pillows on the ground in mere seconds. I raised my metallic hoof. With a waspy breath I said “So… fluffy.” And faked fainted. As the group of them started to laugh. Okay so I had to ham it up. Rarity even popped her head out to look over the scene. Right then Dash grinned hitting Rarity on the back of the head with one. She turned and glared at Rainbow Dash.

“Oh it’s on” She said lifting a bunch of the pillows off me then fired at Rainbow who started to go on a dodge spree. She bobbed and weaved through all the ponies. To her credit Rarity did better than all of us. She got each and every one of us but Dash. That pony can sure fly like hell but alas she wasn’t clever enough. Because Twilight grinned and grabbed Dash in her telekinesis as Rarity beamed her a good one. Of course each of us got our shots in.

“Okay, okay, you got me.” Dash said before Twilight dropped her on top of me.

“Ohf!” I got out as the air left me again. Thank you universe. You just had to have Twilight drop Dash on me, you jerk! She hopped off me as I get up onto my haunches and dusted myself off.

“Okay what's-” I got out before. Whap! Another pillow, beaming me this time. “Ow.” I said then turned to Derpy. She smiled and I kind of laughed. Okay this was fun. “What’s-” I got out before my stomach decided to talk instead.

“Snack time!” Pinkie said before she flew into the kitchen. I turned to Applejack as she tipped up her stetson and followed me in. Pinkie was already hard at work baking something as she began to sing.

“All you have to do is take a cup of flour! Add it to the mix! Now just take a little something sweet, not sour! A bit of salt, just a pinch!” She sang. For some reason the lyrics to this song just popped into my head as she sang. Hell the music too. I could help as I joined her as we sang.

“Baking these treats is such a cinch! Add a teaspoon of vanilla! Add a little more, and you count to four, And you never get your fill of... Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!” We sang as she produced freshly baked cupcakes. Applejack smiled at us.

“Yall are crazy at times. Ya know that?” She said with a smile as she came over to the fridge and pulled out some apples.

“Pinkie why don’t you take those out to everypony as we get some more snacks ready?” I offered to the swinging door to my kitchen. How the hell does she keeping doing that. Wait… when the hell did my kitchen door swing like that? I turned to Applejack as she had already decorated the apples. I pulled out a knife as she slide me the apples. With quick proceeded movements I began to cut them evenly.

“Careful now. Don’t want to lose a hoof.” Applejack said watching me. I stopped with the blade on top of the next apple.

“Oh of course not. If I wanted to lose a hoof I’ll just have a darker side do it with some magical spell that is forbidden. I would never want that right? Oh wait. Too late.” I said as I continued just as carefully. It took me a few moments to realize that Applejack stopped moving. I looked at her as her ears where flat against her head. “Applejack I don’t blame any of you for my leg.” I said as she looked at me.

“Why not?” She questioned as I stopped and looked at her in surprise.

“Why would I? You all did your best. There is nothing else I could ask for.” I shot back.

“But if we were able to help you when Vermom showed her mug around. You wouldn’t have been controlled and.” She got out before I had put the knife down and hugged her.

“Applejack, what's done is done. There is no worrying about the past now. We can only be better for the future.” She looked at me for a moment.

“Darn it. I’m just being a darn fool again.” She said returning the hug.

“No Applejack. You just want to do what’s right for a friend. Before anyone else starts this. I don’t blame any of you.” I said yelling it out my door.

“That obvious?” Twilight said after she popped her head in.

“No just repetitive.” I said with light laugh as I get back to the cutting to the apples. “So Applejack should we add anything to these?” I asked. Applejack put a hoof to her chin and thought about it.

“How about some cinnamon?” She offered, I thought about it a moment then nodded as I magically pulled it out of the cupboard. I handed it to her as Twilight watched from the door. I finished cutting the Apples shortly after that. We started to lay out all the Apple slices down on a cookie sheet. About six of them was needed for this. Applejack picked up the shaker of cinnamon in her tail and dusted each one perfectly with it as I magically floated them around her. Once they were done being coated I opened the oven door.

“Stand back Applejack. Don’t want to singe any fur do we?” I said as she backed up. I placed the first one in front of me between me and the open oven.

“Don’t you need to turn on the oven first to bake those?” Twilight said a little confused. I grinned then started to blow a steady stream of fire into the oven over the apples as they started to dry out and crisp. A few seconds of later I floated the pan over to the cooling racks. Where Applejack was ready with the tongs to pull each chip out and let them cool. It didn’t take long to get all of them done. I took another deep breath. Dragons make this look easy. I turned to Twilight as she was sitting there with a floating notepad, she had been taking notes the whole time I cooked the chips. “I didn’t know you could do that with dragon’s breath.” She said.

“Well it is fire after all.” I said with a smirk.

“Good point.” Twilight said as I watched them cool giving my wings a gentle flap enough to send a cool breeze over the cooling chips. Just enough so they don’t go flying off but stay and cool.

“Hey are the chips ready?” Dash said from the other room.

“Soon Dash, hold your horses.” I yelled back I gently floated one of the chips up. Checking it for steam or anything then floated it over to Twilight. “Careful it may still be hot.” She nodded and took it over in her own magic. She then bit into it. She lit up, I guess these were better than my first batch. “How are they?” I asked.

“They’re good.” She said as I floated over another one. Then I picked up all the chips slowly to be sure and set them in bowls. I had to make sure every pony got some. Once I had evenly make sure everyone got the same. Not counting the two Twilight had before. Twilight and I floated the bowls out to everyone. Well everyone but Applejack who insisted to bring her own bowl out. Of course being the impatient pony she is, Dash flew over and grabbed her bowl. I rolled my eyes at this so we sat down and everyone started to munch on their chips.

“So how about some ghost stories now?” I offered before I took a bite. Dear god these thing were good. It had that right smokey taste and the cinnamon just compliments it perfectly.

“Sounds like a good idea to me. Who should start?” Lyra asked as she looked around. I turned to Applejack.

“How about you?” I offered.

“Na, I’m no good with those kind of stories.” She said before Dash shot up.

“Oh I got one.” Dash said as she hovered in the air.

“Well the stage is yours Dash.” I said with a grin as I turned off the light and lit a candle on the table magically. That would add to the mood. She landed quietly as she placed herself so the light was shining up from below her to make it look creepy. Well to every pony. I couldn’t help but find it funny with her prismatic mane in the light. In this context rainbows and scary don’t mix.

“This is the story about the olden pony.” She started accompanied by her version of a evil laugh. I give it a three out of five myself. The story was pretty simple about an old mare who went through life pretty much alone. One day she decided to stay in her house and never come out. Three colts decided to on a dare go in and get proof that she was still there. They went in and found the place dark, dusty, and full of cobwebs. After a little exploring they went up to the old mares room to find her ‘asleep’ in her bed. So one of the colts grabbed one of her rusted horse shoes from her body. But they didn’t realize that the old mare had died. As soon as they grabbed it the old mare’s leg came off with a meaty pop, thus scaring the hell out of the colts. The one that removed the leg still had the horseshoe in his mouth when he ran out of there. A few days later the old mare was seen by the colts walking around like nothing happened. As she asked “Who’s got my rusty horseshoe?” in her old voice. The colts scared out of their minds tried to return the shoe but the house was gone, replaced with an empty lot. Nothing happened to them at all until a camping trip in a dark foreboding forest on the edge of their town. They had set up their tents and were even ready to sleep. Then they heard something. It could have been mistaken for the boom of thunder. So they didn’t pay it any mind at first but shortly after that it came again. Louder, and louder almost like it was coming right for them. The clopping of hooves was what they heard next. Then finally “Who’s got my rusty horseshoe?” on the nights breath. The colts started to run away from the sound of the ghostly old mare. Luckily they got away. At the end Dash appeared behind Fluttershy and grabbed her foreleg saying “It was you!” in her voice for the old pony. This caused Fluttershy to shoot up and attach herself to my ceiling in fright. I stomped my hooves in applause as well as Applejack and Twilight. Dash bowed with a “Thank you, thank you.” As she landed next to Fluttershy. Twilight wrapped the scared ball of yellow and pink in her magic then gently lowered her to the floor.

“It’s alright Fluttershy. It’s only a story and nothing more.” Twilight said as Fluttershy still shaking a bit relaxed. Well sort of anyway.

“So who’s next?” Dash said with a smirk “I bet any of you can’t beat my story.” She said with a triumphant huff.

“I think I got a good one.” I said with a devilish grin myself.

“It better be scary.” Dash shot back. I rolled my eyes as my horn started to glow. A thin layer of fog pooled around me. I had made sure I kept everyone out from behind me. This time I was on stage and I didn’t want to disappoint. The fog itself started to rise behind me.

“Ever heard of the story of the Candy Maker?” I started quite softly.

“Like Bon Bon?” Lyra asked.

“Sort of.” I started as I grinned of course I didn’t know until later I had grown some sharp teeth in the back. “It was a day like any other. Celestia’s sun was shining and the breeze of the local forest rolled through town with the sweet scents of roses and lilies.” I said as I painted the picture with the light drawing spell. The fog around the image help accent the lines glow. “In a southern spot of town there was a little sweet shop ran by Sweet Tooth and her little filly Sweet Rose. They loved to work together making all sorts of sweets from taffies to suckers, and jaw breakers.” I went on floating up the candies I said into the air from Pinkies winnings. I replaced them back all but the taffy. “Everything was fine until one night. A full moon hung in the sky and it was the day of Nightmare Night.” I said grinning quietly as I gently removed my prosthetic making sure to have one finger extended. The fog hid it. “Little Sweet Rose went out dressed in her gumball costume that she and her mother made together. The reds and blues of the costumes gleamed of off Luna’s mystical moon.” I said as I drew this for them keeping it simple of course. The devil is in the right details. “No one knew tonight was going to go how it did. Because in the forest a beast saw the fillies and colts running around. It so desperately wanted a snack. It hadn’t ate in days. It snuck in, hiding in the shadows.” I said before letting the fog grow dark and envelop me. I used my light spell to create two glowing red orbs to be the beasts eyes. It was better to leave their imagination to do the work for me. “It slinked it’s way into the town square where most of the ponies were there collecting candy and having fun. He saw a few young ones just by themselves, close to an alley, just ripe for the snacking. Within a quick movement he found himself next to them. They didn’t have but a second to react to the beast before he ate them whole. It wasn’t long until the beast roared happily.” I said before I let out one of my draconic roars to add to the season. “The ponies started to run away from the beast as he made himself known. He gobbled as many of the fleeing ponies as he could.” I said as I had giant glowing teeth bite down dispersing the fog ponies I had that ran from it. Everyone was wrapped up in the story. Fluttershy was shaking bad or that could be her chattering teeth. “Little Sweet Rose tried to run away from the beast but tripped and fell over her bag of candy getting trampled by the other fleeing ponies. Cutting her sweet life short.” I said as I could tell the story was taking it’s toll. Twilight had tears welling up in her eyes along side Cadence who was against Shining. Applejack closed her eyes listening as well as Dash on the edge of the sofa. Lyra was holding her lyre close like it was a teddy bear. “The beast have gotten it’s fill left the small town gobbling up at least a third of the towns ponies. Sweet Tooth had found little Sweet Rose and held the little filly long passed Sweet Tooth cried. It took days for the town to recover from the beast’s attack and even the royal guards were dispatched to protect the town.” I said as little Shining Armor like figures walked out of the fog with little glowing spears. “But none of that mattered to Sweet Tooth. Her daughter little Sweet Rose was laid to rest next to her store. The place that she asked to be so she could continue to make sweets for all to come after her.” I said taking a more somber tone. “That didn’t help Sweet Tooth though. She had a reminder and memory of her Sweet Rose, the beast, and the town that stamped over her daughter. She was hurting and angry inside. The what ifs plead her mind over and over simply at her loss. Three days had passed, the last remnant of the sweet they made together on display. A small jar with the suckers the two of them made on Nightmare night sat on the counter with a not for sale sign.” I said showing the scene for them. Then I had a little colt come in looking all around. A little bit bag in his mouth. “Until one day a little one entered the store. His name was Duster, a very young but still a bit of a bull colt. Who wanted to take the bits he bullied out of the other little ponies at school for some candy.” I said having to catch myself before I said money instead of bits. “He came up to the counter and said he wanted what was in the jar clearly labeled not for sale. Sweet Tooth not really in the best of moods for it just told him that he couldn’t because it wasn’t for sale. Duster being the pony he was thought that if it was out then it should be for sale. He quickly grabbed the jar and said that he wanted it. Throwing a fit that he wasn’t getting it. Sweet Tooth took the jar from him and tried to put it on the counter but dropped it from Duster’s kick to her hind legs. The same one she was standing on to put the jar back. It shattered.” I said as I using a sound spell to create the sound. “But the jar wasn’t the only thing that shattered. Her mind finally snapped. The last treats she and her daughter had made destroyed by this bratty colt. She turned on him with a crazed grin on her face. She walked past him not even putting any mind to the blood from the cuts she received from the shattered glass. She locked the door and closed the store. The colt turned to her now a bit scared. ‘Why are you locking the door?’ the little colt asked. Sweet Tooth grin widened.” A crazed pony slowly came out of the fog glowing as I made her mouth the next words. “She got real close to him ‘Give you all the sweets you deserved.’ Sweet Tooth said in an unnerving tone. Then dragged the little colt into her back room where she and Sweet Rose used to make candy together. She places him on the table and with her horn she magically restrains him with rope. At this time his heart pounds and as he starts to struggle against the restraints.” Each time I add something I make the image as I describe it.

“What does she do next?” I heard from what I could guess was Lyra.

“She starts to fill him with pure unshaped candy goo. He starts to fill more and more. Try as he might, she was always one step ahead. He closed his mouth, she stuck a funnel into it. He tried to spit it out, she shoved in more. He got to the point of bursting before she finally stopped with a devilish grin. ‘I see my little sweet is full.’ She said with a light chuckle. ‘But I have to make sure he is delectable.’ She continued as she started to cover him in chocolate. She put special covering over his eyes and snout. Until he was completely covered in the dark gooey mixture. She looked over her hoof work making sure there were no imperfections as she removed the restraints. Perfect like every other piece of candy she made. Finally, she removed the holes over the eyes and snout so little Duster could breath as the chocolate harden making sure he couldn’t move. Her horn started to glow an eerie black and covered the chocolate covered Duster. In mere moments Duster had shrunk down to the size of a piece of candy. Sweet Tooth lifted the trapped pony and grinned. ‘You're lucky you know?’ she said to him. ‘You get to be my first sweet in a long time.’ She said before popping little Duster in her mouth and crunching on him.” I said then took a chip and bit into it giving that sound to them. Fluttershy fainted, Twilight looked a little pale, Dash was silent, Applejack was shaking, Rarity fainted about half way in, Lyra was still on the edge of her seat, Cadence was being held tight by Shining who looked unaffected. “You would think the story would end here wouldn’t you my little ponies. Oh no, since then she started to look for any bad filly or colt. Regardless of their age and ask them.” I said floating my prosthetic hoof behind Dash and tapped her on the shoulder “with a devilishly toothy grin ‘have you been good today?’” I said in the voice I used to Sweet Tooth in the story. Dash shot up and hit the ceiling and landed on the sofa. I dispelled the fog and lit the room with a grin as I reattached my hoof. Everyone looked at each other while I waited. I didn’t say anything as I took a bite. “Too much?” I asked.

“Just… dark.” Shining said and I shrug.

“Well it is called a ghost story. So being dark goes hoof and hoof with it.” I offered.

“Point taken.” He said followed by Applejack’s yawning.

“Tired?” I asked she nodded.

“Yeah I’m all partied out so I may just hit the hay.” She said

“Yeah I think I will as well.” Twilight added with Lyra and Fluttershy nodding behind her.

“Alright why don’t I show you where you're staying. Well besides me and Shining of course. We will be crashing down here.” I said getting back to my hooves. Shining gave me a look. “What?”

“I’m glad you're being gentlecoltly about this.” He said and I’m a little confused.

“Why wouldn’t I be? What kind of stallion do you take me for?” I said a little annoyed.

“Calm down I didn’t mean for it to offend you like that.” He said raising his front hooves up in defense.

“Sorry.” I said scratching the back of my head like an idiot.

“It’s alright.” He replied with a smile, I nodded quietly.

“Alright ladies let me show you where you will be sleeping.” I said then trotted up the stairs followed by several sets of hooves. I opened the door to my bedroom and stood by the door. I had extra blanket and pillows set by the bed. “You all can stay here.” I said using my wing to help point. They looked at me for a moment. Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy blush a bit as they entered. Dash flew right in with Applejack behind her. Pinkie bounced in like normal. Cadence stopped next to me, I turned towards her. “Something wrong Cadence?”

“Well, what are you going to be doing?” She asked me and frankly confused me. I couldn’t tell if she was insinuating something or I was just taking it the wrong way.

“Care to clarify that question?” I questioned.

“I know you won’t be sleeping. Waking you up this morning means you won’t be getting any sleep tonight.” She said then it dawned on me.

“Oh the Alicorn needing less sleep thing, right?” I said with a whisper and she nodded. “Well nothing wrong if that’s where you were headed with that question. I’ll most likely go down to my basement and do a little art. What about you? Will you be able to sleep?”

“Well for the most part.” She said followed by a yawn.

“If you can’t sleep then you could always stay with Shining downstairs. I know it’s not much but theirs that. Or if you feel bored and need someone to talk to then you could come down to the studio and talk with me.” I offered, as Cadence eyed me for a second.

“I may take you up on that offer.” She said then joined the girls in the room. Derpy come over after a bit and went right into the room. Lyra was walked over to me.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

“Did I hear you two correctly?” She questioned.

“Depends on what you heard.”

“That you won’t be sleeping.” She inquired and I simply nodded.

“Yeah alicorns don’t sleep as often as every other pony. Before you ask what I plan to do. I plan to go to the basement and draw most likely.” I said and she eyed me for a bit.

“Really? I figured you would be the kind of stallion that would like to sneak into the bed with a bunch of sleeping mares.” She said with a smirk, I on the other hand… well hoof turned bright read.

“Lyra I’m not that kind of stallion. It would be wrong of me to do so.” I said still red in the face. I left Lyra as I headed to the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face. A few splashes later I rejoined Shining who was already on the sofa spread out. The snoring I heard from him told me he was out like a light. I turned off the light and sat there in the dark for a bit.

“Cadence” Shining said in his sleep. I smiled quietly as I headed down stair to draw. Things for once was looking good, for now.

-End of Chapter-