For the most part the night was uneventful with me just drawing down in the basement. Several hours had gone by and I had a few human figures with what I would like in an outfit. Well they were not heavy set people in the drawings. Honestly I always had a hard time drawing people other than skinny. I decided to try something and I started to draw everyone upstairs from memory. For the most part I think I got spot on. Well besides the color, these were pencil drawings after all. Nothing else happened until...

“Darn it.” A familiar voice whispered from the top of the stairs. With a sigh I turned and said quite clearly.

“You can come down Rarity.” Knowing full well who owned that voice. A few clops of hooves later, the white unicorn made her way down the stairs looking a little guilty.

“How did you know it was me?” She asked.

“I have pretty good hearing.” I said before I looked at her. “So what’s got you up so late Rarity?”

“Well to be honest I was hoping you had fallen asleep.” She said not really looking at me. I couldn’t help but turn a shade of red. She must have caught how far a crossed the border my mind started to head. “Oh not for anything so unladylike that mind you.” She said followed by a nervous chuckle.

“Then for what? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Well I wanted to take a few measurements.” She said still not looking at me.

“I don’t mind you taking them since we both are up, as long as you don’t mind me continuing to draw.” I replied, she looked at me for a moment then gave me a smile.

“Oh course not. This is your art studio after all.” She said as her hold lit up as parchment, quill, ink, and measuring tape floated over to her. “This won’t take long.” She said as the measuring tape went to work. I didn’t pay it much mind even when she pulled out my wings. I wrapped the pencil in my magic and drew that way. Didn’t want to mess up my drawings and Rarity’s measurements, nothing was said between us for the longest time. Probably the fact that we both work in silence, well most of the time. Some time passed before Rarity spoke up again. “They're, all finished. Mind if I ask you something?” she inquired. I would have pointed out she already did but I wasn’t really up for a joke at the moment.

“Go right ahead.”

“I don’t mean to pry but what are you drawing?” She asked as she trotted over to the table I was at. I flipped over the pad on the drawing I was working on and pulled up the drawings I had finished. I floated them over to her. Well the fashion one’s first of course.

“Well It started with me drawing some of the outfits I would have enjoyed to wear back home. Well besides this one.” I said as I made one of the drawings float higher. It was pretty simple a orange slightly baggy hoodie with baggy blue cloth pants with large pockets that ran pretty deep. It also had a set of orange topped shoes with a dark gray under soul. The colors were marked on the paper since I didn’t have them around at the time. “That one is one I partly did wear. I just didn’t have the shoes for. And since I’m here I don’t need to have shoes anymore. Though I’ve got to wonder what it would look like to have socks on.” I said in a quizative tone.

“Well just so you know socks are more a personal thing around here.” Rarity said with a blush.

“What?”

“Well not many ponies goes out in socks unless it’s part of a costume for a holiday or for costume parties. There more for private things.” She said as my face turns red.

“Always private things?” I asked.

“Well I suppose not. Some may wear them because they like the feel of them.” She said as she placed a hoof on her chin. I had started to look at my prosthetic hoof, the light gleamed off it as I turned it. “What’s wrong?” Rarity said as she noticed where I started to look.

“Just… stuff on my mind.” I said with a little hesitant to my voice.

“Darling it’s not good to keep it in.” She said followed by my sigh. I disconnected my hoof and sat it down on the table.

“I feel… different. I mean yeah I know I’m technically royalty now but really. What am I suppose to do and who is going to want to respect a pony that isn’t whole.” I said wiggling my right foreleg. Well what was left of it.

“Firestorm, all of this must be overwhelming for you but you have us to help you every step of the way.” Rarity said trying to reassure me, It helped a little. I was still pretty nervous about being royalty. “Though I have to wonder, where did you learn all your fashion designing from?” She asked.

“Well mainly from what I’ve seen the people back home wear and some of my own artistic prowess.” I said looking at the designs again. “Fashion is just another canvas that an artist works on. You have your own design in your head and you want to bring it to life. Sometimes it comes out as you want but then there’s other times it doesn’t. Either it’s good or bad that is in the eye of the beholder. For me, I see my work as not worth much.” I said before a telekinetic wrap covered my muzzle.

“I won’t be hearing any more of that Darling. Your art is worth it and I won’t let you or any pony say otherwise. Do I make myself clear.” She said with a stern look. I gulped quietly and nodded slowly. Okay, note to self, when it comes to self doubt I just need to shut up. The magic around my muzzle faded as she made notes on the parchment that floated next to her. “Now what was this outfit you wanted to challenge me with?” She said as I floated the orange and blue one.

“It would be this one. Now currently I don’t have any bits. But.” I got out before another magically wrapped muzzle hushed me.

“Oh think nothing of it. I wouldn’t dare charge a friend anything for this. You even provided so much for me already. I wouldn’t think of letting you pay for something so trivial.” She said before she let the magic fade again. I really don’t like getting hushed like that.

“Alright Rarity, you win. But mind if I inquire about something?” I asked as she eyed the drawing over.

“Go right ahead.”

“Why did you want me to be a prince?” I asked as I watch the magic around the ink, parchment, my drawing just suddenly disappear with a pop. Thinking fast I wrapped the ink in my magic to keep it from dropping. The other two wasn’t much to worry. Rarity gave me a look of shame. I cringed thinking I may over stepped my boundary here. “Forget I asked.” I said as I turned from her. She must have been staring at me because it felt like she was right into the back of my head.

“I must say I am dreadfully sorry for my actions.” She started and I tensed up. I slowly turned back to her.

“What actions?” I stupidly asked.

“For making it sound like I’m forcing you into being a prince for me.” She said as she gently ran a hoof in circles on the ground. I sat the ink down as I waited for her to continue. “Since I was a little filly I always dreamed to have a prince charming whisk me away into the life of luxury. After the fiasco that was Prince Blueblood I almost all but dropped that silly daydream. Then you came around and it rekindled that dream and focused it all on you.” I didn’t know what to say. It was shocking to say the least. The element of generosity being a little selfish and forcing her dream through me. Part of me was angry but part of me felt guilty. Having your dream right there in but just barely out of reach. I knew that feeling. “Every time I thought about it I wanted it to happen more and more. Just thinking about all the royal parties we would go to, all the fancy dresses, jewels and all the fine foods we would enjoy together. It was wonderful to think about it. I even tried to give subtle hints too.” She said getting that look in her eyes again. I turned from her as my head hung low in silence. “Can you forgive me Firestorm?” she asked and I didn’t answer. All I did do was reattached my foreleg again, I didn’t even notice the pain that would normally accompany it. I floated up the drawings I did to me as I stared at the drawing I had worked on before Rarity came down. It was one of all of us just sitting together. I wanted to burn it right there, but I choose against it. These ponies liked my work and probably would stop me from doing it. “Firestorm?” Rarity timidly asked in a tone much like Fluttershy.

“I don’t know Rarity.” I said in a cold tone. “I know how it feels, having your dream so close you can taste it.” I started not looking at her. “I also understand how it feels that you would do anything to make your dream come true and you even tried to use me to do so.”

“And I am sorry I did.” She said now worry ever pleasant in her voice.

“Before you worry, I am still your friend. I am very cross with you and I don’t know when I won’t b-.” I got out before a belch stopped me as in a puff of ruby flames a scroll appeared before me. I floated it up and broke the seal.

Dear Prince Firestorm,
I would like you and your friends to come to Canterlot. There are many important things we must discuss as it comes to your position in the kingdom. I am sorry this came so short notice and to make up for it I will be sending the royal carriages to bring you all. Please make sure your ready in the morning. Also inform Miss Rarity that we will need the package sooner then we planned.
Signed, Princess Celestia.

I looked over the note a few more times and sighed. Then floated it over to Rarity so she would get her part of the message. She looked at it in surprised for a moment then back to me.

“Early?” She said in a mixture of surprise and panic. “Oh dear. I’m sorry but I have to go. We can finish this later.” She said and bolted for the door. Frankly, I was still pretty angry at her. I glanced back down to the art I was working on. I had lost interest in working on it right now. I floated the note with me as I went upstairs to sit in the chair with a book. I may as well learn some magic. I have nothing better to do and I may forgive Rarity after I had cooled off. I wasn’t surprised to find Cadence laying with Shining Armor on the sofa. Those two did make a great looking couple. I wonder if some day I would look like a great couple with some pony? Probably not. I floated over my copy of simple magic spells and began to read the next spell. Dawn was coming and we were going to Canterlot… again.

***---***

Oh dear god and everything that is holy, somepony get me down on to the ground. After every pony woke up to me sitting in the chair reading, I floated over the note to everyone including Shining and Cadence. Right on time the carriages showed up and we were off. Of course I should have known something was up when it was pegasi pulling them. Shortly after I stepped into the carriage with Twilight and Applejack they took off. I didn’t even look at Rarity when she showed up with a package. Of course my angry demeanor dropped as soon as we took off into the sky. Why did we have to fly to Canterlot? Couldn’t we just ride the train, or maybe have Twilight teleport us? Hell couldn’t Celestia and Luna do it? Anything but fly there. I closed my eyes tight, waiting for it to stop.

“You alright there Storm?” Applejack said.

“Oh I’m just peachy here Applejack flying who knows how many feet above the ground.” I said sarcastically

“We are roughly 3,426 feet in the air. Give or take a few feet.” Twilight added in a matter of fact tone. We are how high up?! Twilight, has anyone told you that you don’t tell something like that to someone afraid of this? I gripped what I could only guess was the side of the carriage as the trip continued.

“You know you’re going to have to get over your fears some day?” Rainbow said next to me.

“And today is not that day Rainbow Dash.” I said as I add annoyed to the wide spectrum of tones my voice is taking at the moment. Fear being the biggest part of it.

“You’ll love it trust me.” Dash said and I could already hear the grin she must have had on her face. Please tell me she isn’t going to do what I thought she was going to do. My grip hardened on the side.

“Dash don’t you dare!” A very angry Twilight said as the sound of magic came from her. This was followed by… well to put it bluntly the sound of a projectile being fired.

“Geez I get it.” Dash said before her mumbling could be heard fading away. The sound of flapping wings and rushing air filled the void that silence would have taken for the rest of the trip. I really hated flying, just thinking of that possible drop just made me want to throw up everything I had last night. On the ground I shakily made my way to the castle everypony else followed, including Lyra, Derpy, Derpy’s daughters Dinky and Star. Bon Bon would have come but she was busy dealing with important things. Well that was what Lyra told us. We all made our way to the throne room being guided by Twilight of course. We entered and everyone but Cadence and I bowed. I looked at them for a few moments before the two of us stepped forward towards Celestia and Luna.

“Hello Princess Cadence and Prince Firestorm” Celestia greeted us in her royal tone.

“Hello Princess Celestia and Princess Luna” Cadence and I both said as we bowed. Me a few seconds off trying to act like I knew what I was doing. I didn’t.

“Rise, my little ponies.” Celestia said with a smile and we all did. We looked at her wondering what this was about. “I know you all must have some questions. Mostly from you Firestorm. So we will get to the point but please follow us.” She continued before the doors behind us reopened. We started our way down the halls in silence as guards took positions around us. Well with three and a fourth to be named royalty in the same place. I’m not surprised, even Shining Armor is acting guard like as we travel. “Firestorm, it’s come to my attention that your birthday will be tomorrow.” Celestia finally breaking the silence said. Okay how the fuck did she find out about that? Wait… don’t tell me. A quick glance at Twilight gave me that answer. She looked nervous and didn’t meet my eyes. She wrote to Celestia and told her. Well… shit. What did these two have planned for my birthday now? First it was Pinkie who planned to give me a party on my birthday which I never told any pony about it. But of course she knew. The paradox perplexing poker playing pink party pony just had to know about my birthday then blurted it out to every pony, especially to my now new family.

“We were also made aware of that you haven’t had the best of times when it comes to your birthday.” Luna added.

“Understatement of a lifetime.” I said under my breath.

“Did you say something?” Luna asked as I shook my head.

“It’s nothing Luna.” I said as we continued.

“Now normally a royal’s birthday is a huge event.” Luna started to explain as my ears flatten. Oh dear god no! How the bloody hell will I find a corner obscure enough to hide in a party like that. If it’s anything like I’m thinking, that is way too many ponies. The image of a football stadium came to mind when she used the worlds royal and huge in the context of party. Hell I think Pinkie Pie would love to invite that many ponies to one of her parties. “But we decided to only invite a few ponies to it so you don’t feel unconformable.” She continued to my relief, a few. That’s good. “And here is the list.” She said as she floated over a tree trunk of rolled up parchment towards me. Was that seriously the list of a ‘few’ ponies they invited. That must have half of Equestria’s ponies on it. I stopped right there is shock. Everyone followed after and looked at me as my face must have been filled with panic. I looked at Celestia and Luna before there gazes turned into bright smiles.

“Got’cha” Celestia said as she pointed a hoof at me. I was silent for a moment more for the fact I couldn’t move at all. Oh trust me I wish I could but I couldn’t move not even my eyes. Her smiled turned quickly into a worried look. “Twilight can you.” She said before.

“Way ahead of you Princess.” Twilight said before she placed a hoof against my neck, then my forehead, and finally her magic wrapped around my head before a gasp escaped Twilight’s mouth. “Princess, he is paralyzed.” Of course I just had to be paralyzed. With a flick of her magic Celestia lifted my body into the air and within seconds the group of us, minus the guards found ourselves in a medical looking area. There was a unicorn mare standing there going over papers when we appeared. She jumped up at the sight of the group of us and walked over.

“How may I help you today Princesses?” The light green mare with the forest green mane done short asked.

“The Prince here has been paralyzed and we need him fixed.” Luna said. Was I a toaster now? Seriously the way she put it made me feel like something that just broke down. If I could talk I probably would have said something mocking like; hello yes I need my Firestorm fixed how long will it take? Oh a few days? Good, good I will be by later then. But knowing me I would have been the nice guy and said nothing. I was set sideways on a bed. Granted the thing was as hard as a table. A small twinge of pain from my back left hind leg came suddenly and a dart floated into my view. God I hate this I can’t move, not even my eyes. My vision started to blur as I could feel the wetness roll from my eyes.

“It will be alright.” Fluttershy’s voice said. I guess my tears got her attention. Then a white blur covered my view followed by a slight sting from what I could guess a towel was used to wipe my tears away. Of course the pain of my eyeballs being touched caused more tears to come.

“I think I may be able to create an antidote to this once I can break down the chemicals used to create this paralyzing poison.” The voice of the nurse I could only guess as I only caught bits and pieces of the conversations between everyone. Fluttershy crept into view from one of the only few clear spots I could see. She was worried. Hell I would be too if I wasn’t scared out of my flipping mind being paralyzed. If I could I would scream my head off. At least put me to sleep so I can just sleep through this nightmare.

“Shouldn’t we get him to a more comfortable bed?” Fluttershy asked as she turned towards some pony. I could only guess they nodded because a lavender glow tinted my view as I was being taken somewhere else. An hour later I was placed on a bed on my side looking out at a wall. Seriously some pony who knows I’m stuck and can’t move faces me towards a wall. It wasn’t long before I heard.

“Um could everypony give me a few moments alone with him?” A voice that couldn’t be mistaken for anyone but Rarity said. She wanted to talk well more she wanted to talk at me since I can’t fucking reply. Was I angry? Yes. Was I still angry at Rarity? Of course. Was I pissed that she’s going to talk to me and I can’t reply? Hell yes. This will not end well. The sound of hooves departing and the door shutting came shortly after that. Then the sound of Rarity trotting up to me she sat in my view, squarely in it. “Firestorm I know you are angry with me but please understand. I was being selfish.” She started. Well no shit Rarity, you wanted me to be royalty just so I could whisk you off to a life of luxury. It felt like I was being used as a means to an end. Not as a friend. “I don’t know what I could do to make you forgive me. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” She said and my thoughts started to go south but I mentally slapped myself. Damn it this is not the time and place for that thinking. I’m stuck unable to move and giving enough material to go off that way. What was wrong with me? If I could have I would have sighed but I couldn’t. She looked at me quietly right in the eye. Possibly to gleam what I was thinking. Hell if I know, logic went out the window trying to understand Pinkie Pie. Her horn started to glow as well as a blue tint covered my view. Rarity must be trying to lift me with her magic because my view slid from the wall to more in the room. There was a fireplace in her. I really do like a nice fireplace in a house. Just sitting there watching the flame flicker in dance; Rarity walks back into view as she floated a bag with her. I sat there watching her as she brought out papers and pulls over to her an ink pot with a quill.

“Rarity mind if I talk to him now?” Twilight said as Rarity turned to look up at her just outside of my field of view. I really wish I could turn my head.

“Of course Darling, I wouldn’t dream of depriving you of that.” Rarity replied as she went back to her work.

“Alone.” Twilight added a few moments later. Rarity looked at her for a moment then nodded. She left without a moment’s notice as Twilight stepped into my view and looked right at me. There was a sadness in those purple eyes. She looked at me saying nothing. This sucks, I wanted to ask what’s wrong but I can’t move… wait a moment. I haven’t tried my magic yet. Maybe I can communicate that way. Damn it, I am going to hate this but, I may as well do it. Since I can’t talk to any pony right now. I tried to focus on my magic it felt like I was trying to shove a pencil through super thick cement. My head started to throb as I floated up the quill in the ink pot. “What are you doing?” Twilight asked as I floated the pen over next to her. She then looked at it with a questioning look. Then nodded floating over a sheet of parchment. This was hard, my head felt like someone removed my brain and started to have Pinkie Pie tap dance on my frontal lobe. I got my message done though, sloppily, but done none the less.

Memory Spell

Was all I could write before the quill dropped with a audible pop onto the sheet splattering some ink on it. She floated the quill and paper up in her magic to look it over.

“You want me to use the memory spell? But why, I thought you didn’t want me to invade your…” Twilight said as her voice died on her breath. Without a moment notice, her horn lit up in her purple magical aura as she pressed it against my forehead. Everything disappeared in a white light as both Twilight and I found ourselves in my mind. Well the library that was my mind. I rubbed my eyes with my foreleg.

“Oy, I don’t think I will ever get use to that spell.” I said then paused. I just said something. Oh dear god it worked, probably just dumb fucking luck. I looked over to Twilight who was still pretty shaken from the spell as I ran over to her and hugged her. This must have surprised her as she tensed up for a moment then looked at me with a look that started with confusion then surprise and ending with joy as she returned the hug.

“It worked!” She said excited. Then stopped and looked at me silently. I stopped as I felt suddenly cold, looking at her.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as she rested her head into my chest.

“I’m sorry.” She said in a muffle as I gently rubbed her back.

“Twilight it’s not your fault that this happened.” I got out reassuring her. She shook her head into my chest.

“I know but it is my fault that you’re here. If I didn’t tell Princess Celestia about your birthday you wouldn’t been here.” She said as her tears started to dampen my coat. I sighed quietly as I rubbed her back more.

“Twilight, you didn’t know this was going to happen so it’s fine. If you want to blame some pony then blame the one that shot me with the dart.” I said. She remained silent for a few minutes.

“Firestorm.” She said looking up at me. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course Twilight, you can ask me anything.” I said gently smiling down at her.

“Why are you mad at Rarity?” She questioned. I couldn’t help but flinch a bit at her question then look away from her.

“Because of something she did and some memories attached to her actions.” I started before I removed my forelegs from around Twilight. But I couldn’t continue as I looked at the books on the shelves.

“What did she do?” Twilight asked and I shook my head.

“Twilight that is something you have to ask Rarity.” I said.

“Please Firestorm, you won’t start to feel better if you don’t talk to us.” She said. Like me being able to move is tied to my ability to talk about my past.

“Twilight let me start with this. Whatever I say here please let it remain between the two of us, alright?” I said not facing her. There was a small pause before she came and sat in front of me.

“Of course.”

“Pinkie Pie Promise?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Twilight said as she mimicked the actions and poked her closed eye.

“Then follow me.” I said as I started to trot down the corridor, from the sound of it Twilight was following me. “Remember when I talked about closing myself in all the time?” I started.

“Yes.”

“Well I wasn’t completely closed in. I still had friends.” I said as we continued as the bookcases started to fade quietly. “For the most part they did help me not be completely closed in. But in the same way they used me. Either for money, items, personal laughs, or protection.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight said as she followed me.

“Just as I said. I got used by my so called friends. Now granted not all of them used me and I did have real friends. I kind of fooled myself into thinking that If I continued to be their friends then maybe they would change and be nicer.” I said as the floor turned into a green field of grass on a sunny day. I sat down in the grass as Twilight came up next to me.

“Did Rarity use you?” she asked venturing a guess. I remained silent for a bit.

“Twilight, I don’t feel right answering that question.” I said as I glance over to Twilight as the worry on her face ever present. There was silence between the two of us that stretched out for hours. Well it felt like hours but there was no way of telling since we were in my mind. Since this was my mind I wanted to see if I could affect things here. So I figured something simple, change the scenery. I dropped the books for a grassy field. Something I remember from this game I played once. Even the large oversized tree was here. I looked up at the sky as I could feel the warmth of its rays.

“How are you holding up being unable to move?” She asked to change the subject.

“It scares me Twilight. I can’t move or blink. It’s hard to breathe and magic is almost impossible. I was fighting to push it through. It felt like trying to push a pencil through a cement wall, the hard way.” I said not looking at her. “I was kind of surprised I could even get the message to you. I wasn’t even sure it would work to be honest. Whatever has me paralyzed is making it hard to do much else but watch and listen. Which is very annoying and scary. Just to think that I may be stuck like this for the rest of my life. It feels like an ultimate prison that I can’t escape.” I said as I started to shake just at the thought of being stuck like this forever. “It’s part of the reason I rather have some pony in my mind. At least here I can move and not feel so trapped.” I continued to shake until Twilight hugged me.

“This must be a nightmare for you.” She said as I nodded quietly.

“This feels like an isolation I never asked for.” I said.

“Have you asked for isolation before?” Twilight asked.

“Well sort of. There are times where I wanted to be alone then there’s times where I just place myself away to be alone.”

“Pinkie Pie’s party?”

“Yes. That was one of many times I placed myself out of the way.” I said as images started to appear around us of me at parties. Including my welcome home party when I went outside and my get better party before Pinkie showed up. The following images were just varied points of me staying in corner all ponified of course. The one that caught my eye was one with Jessica.

“You don’t like parties do you?” Twilight looked up at me and I shook my head.

“I do like parties. I was just never one to really talk at parties unless some pony talks to me.” I said before I brought the image with Aria in it. I gently placed a hoof on the image.

“Your hoof!” Twilight exclaimed before I noticed. Over what over laid my hoof was a faded human hand. I looked surprised and drew my hoof away. The hand came with it but faded shortly afterwards. “How is that possible?” Twilight said as she quickly grabbed my hoof again and pressed it against the image. I watched as the hand returned once again.

“I don’t think everything in my mind is completely converted for Equestria. I think some of my human memories refuse to change.” I ventured a guess. There was no telling if I was right or wrong. In my mind anything was possible. I could change where I was just by focusing a little on it. Sort of like magic.

“It’s possible or maybe that since this is your mind you have control in it.” Twilight offered which gave me an Idea. I started to focus quietly. Come one you can remember one tune it is one of your favorites. Just like that Fur Elise started to play. “Isn’t this.”

“Yup. Fur Elise” I said before I got up “Can I have this dance Twilight?” I said as I bowed to her.

“I would be honored.” She said as she returned the bow. It started slow as we slowly danced together. The music remained perfect the whole time. We smiled quietly until a metallic rattling could be heard. Both Twilight and I stopped and turned to see a large metallic tombstone gray door at the base of the large tree. I stared at the door; something didn’t feel right about it. Of course Twilight thirsting for knowledge, seeking ponies she was couldn’t help, but trot right up to the door and open it into a void of complete nightmare black. I slowly made my way to the door before two bright red eyes appeared in the black void.

“Free me.” It said in a graveled beast like voice. I froze there terrified more than I was before.

“Free you? Free you from what?” Twilight asked before a claw came out, a large red hoof with black claws reached out. Around it was a sliver gray cuff and chain, it clacked as it tried to reach completely out of the door but was stopped only enough to step once.

“Free me from my chains.” It said as it looked right at me, a that look pierced right through me before I pulled Twilight back by her tail and kicked the clawed hoof back in. Followed by the loud slamming of the door, my breathing was heavy like it was easy to breathe out but harder to breathe in.

“What was that for?” Twilight said out of anger, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak, and barely breathed. “Storm?” She said before she slowly made her way in front of me. The door itself vanished before she got there. But there I stood staring at the spot that door was. What was that ‘thing’? Why was it in my head and why did it want free? “Storm” Twilight said louder trying to snap me out of my look of fear. I couldn’t hear her. That hoof looked like the same one Clawshot had. What that the me waiting to come out? “Firestorm!” Twilight yelled right into my ears, followed by me grabbing said ears.

“Ow!” I said as all I could hear was the ringing echo of Twilight’s yell. “Are you trying to make me deaf too?”

“No. I was trying to get your attention. What was that?” She asked getting right in my face.

“I don’t know for sure.” I said shakily.

“Okay then what do you think it was?” Twilight asked.

“I think that was my Storm.” I said before I got up from the ground where I was holding my ears. “and it wants free.”

“Firestorm, Everything will be all…” She got out before she disappeared leaving me alone in my mind.

“Twilight?” I looked up to where she was and nothing was there. “Twilight!” I yelled but nothing but an echo. I was alone but for a few moments. Celestia and Luna appeared in my mind moments later before real panic began to sit in.

“Firestorm” Celestia said as she looked at me. I turned to see the two of them and without a thought I ran up to them and hugged them both. I was in a middle of mental distress, from being paralyzed to the point I had a friend enter my mind to just suddenly losing said friend. After finding something beast like in my mind, I needed something to stable me and I thought family. This surprised them for a moment before they gently held me. This was too much for me. First the shadow taking over me and now that thing wanting to. “It’s alright Firestorm we’re here.” Celestia gently said trying to calm me down. Luna came over and gently nuzzled me as Celestia held me. I was really glad that I was only a little bigger than Twilight maybe by a few inches. Compared to Luna and Celestia I was still pretty small. Like a kid brother small. She held me close as I was breaking down.

“We will protect you.” Luna said gently. I was able to breathe better shortly after. They started to explain that they have found a cure for my paralysis but it won’t be ready until tomorrow. So I was going to be stuck for the rest of the day. This of course, didn’t help my fraying sanity. I was starting to have another break down. “If you want we can stay here with you until it’s ready. We pulled Twilight out so she can tell us when it’s ready.” She continued.

“Did Twilight tell you what we saw?” I said fear ever present in my voice. Celestia and Luna nodded.

“It’s why we wanted to be the one’s in here with you. We are aware that you can fight. If Twilight’s report about the timber wolf proves. But you have been hurt enough so we will protect you as you would do for your friends and family. We will do the same.” Celestia said in a motherly tone. It helped me calm down a bit as I gently rested my head into her chest. I felt like a little kid, the fears of the world causing him to seek a parent’s protection. If you were in my place with everything. You would be happy to be held like this too.

“Thank you.” I said in a muffled voice, I couldn’t help but cry gently.

“You’re welcome my little pony.” Celestia said as the sounds of hoof steps could be heard walking away from Celestia and me.

“What is with this image of Aria and yourself?” Luna asked. I turned to see the image I had placed my hoof on earlier.

“It’s a happier memory.” I said before I turned to look up at Celestia who was giving me a warm smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and wipe the tears from my eyes. Celestia and I joined Luna as I placed my hoof on the image again the hand gently fading back in for the third time now.

“Interesting” Luna said as she watched my hoof. I looked at it again before I placed my other hoof on it. In a similar fashion another faded hand appeared over my left forehoof. I looked at them quietly before I pulled back. Something about this memory let me see hands again. No, let me see my hands again even the scar I got from touching a hot sparkler that hid in the grass.

“My hands.” I said to no one specifically.

“You mean when you were human?” Luna said and I nodded.

“Something about this memory just jumps out at me and causes this.” I said as I watched them fade quietly. “I think I’m remembering how I looked before I became this.” I started to ramble out loud more for me to piece it together. Then I heard it.

“Then what about this one?” Luna said more with sly note to her voice. I turned and suddenly redden from the memory of seeing Twilight’s rear on the first night saying at the library. Of course a few moments to realize what I was looking at for the second time my wings spread out on its own with an audible ‘pumf’. Celestia started to chuckle a bit, shortly followed by Luna as I tried to get my wings down. Why the hell did this just suddenly happen? I never did it before when that happened. No don’t think about it, one problem at a time. Need wings down now. It took me a few minutes as the blush disappeared and my wings returned to my side. Celestia decided to give me the ‘wings’ speech which pretty much said that sometimes in the heat of the moment a pegasi’s wings extend when they’re in the mood, they’re angry enough, or they use it to make themselves seem bigger to frighten creatures away. In this case it was a more in the mood kind of reactions which caused me to turn a shade of red followed by Celestia and Luna laughing. I think it is the best time to find out why they wanted me here in Canterlot. Not like I was going to go anywhere soon.

“Um Celestia about the party?” I started timidly

“Yes?” Celestia said as she turned towards me. Luna on the other hand was nowhere to be seen.

“How ‘big’ is this party you were planning?” I asked.

“Well Luna and I planned to have it in the Canterlot ballroom and invite some ponies I thought you should know. Like Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lee, Hoity Toity, BlueBlood.” She started to list before I interrupted.

“Not BlueBlood.” I said as I scowled at that name. That pompous arrogant joke of a stallion still angered me just thinking about it.

“Is this about what happened at your house welcoming party?” Celestia said and I nodded. “I do apologize for his actions. If I knew what he was going to do then I wouldn’t have encouraged him to meet you.” She revealed to me. So she wanted us to meet?

“Why did you want us to meet?”

“Because you are related to him.” She said simply as my brain just off-lined for a moment.

“I was related to him?” I said in a mixture of surprise and horror.

“I know he is not the nicest of stallions but he is still family.”

“Does he know?” I asked and she nodded. Well there goes that idea. “Okay then what can I expect in this party?” I said now wanting to know what I was about to get into on my birthday no less.

“Well I want it to be something you enjoy so what would you like at the party?” Celestia asked, which surprised me because no one has really asked me since I was about five what I wanted in a party. Everyone just assumed what I wanted and most times there were wrong. All but Jessica, she could always get it right. A gentle smile crossed my muzzle as I thought of her.

“Something nice and simple, I never was big into having over blown parties. Those can be nice like Pinkie’s party but I’m pretty simplistic with my choices. Nice music, friends, good food, nothing that over the top. But if I had to, I always like to for once have something a little formal.” I started to explain my gaze on the fake sky in my mind.

“I thought you weren’t into formalities?” Celestia asked.

“Well I never liked being called mister unless I was really angry about something and that was to get my point a cross. In the context of the party I never really did anything fancy in my life. I never went to prom, never really went to a school dance, and weddings I had attended were never really formal. So from time to time I like to indulge in a fantasy of the formal verity.” I said then turned to her. “I’m a prince now right? So I might as well have a little fun in a fantasy even if it’s temporary.” A gentle smile on my face as I said that.

“What do you mean temporary? You’re a prince from now on as long as you live here in Equestria.” She said a little worried from my choice of words. I shook my head slowly.

“I may be a prince officially but I will never feel like I deserve it. You can dress a toad in fine clothes, give it jewelry, and give it a title but it is still a toad in the end. So in the end of it all I am just someone that just dropped in and can’t return.” I said with no real sadness in my voice just an acceptance to it all.

“Are you sure because with those words you sound like a prince to me, you sound like someone who has wisdom beyond his age.”

“Things happen that makes seconds feel like years and years like seconds. So time and age become irrelevant when it comes to wisdom and the knowledge that comes from it.” I offered with a smirk.

“Very true, so what kind of music would you like?” Celestia asked and I thought about it. Something formal requires something equally as formal in music.

“Classical if you don’t mind.” I said with a smile as I thought about a tune that I liked something that always remind of me winter. Of course as I dwelled on it more it started to play the small chimes of bell feel the space.

“What is that lovely tune?” Celestia said with I found it a little odd. She was what a thousand plus years old and she never heard this before?

“Carol of Bells” I answered as she listened to it quietly, gently swaying from side to side to the melody. I couldn’t help but smile. The song played gently through the grassy field covering it in a thin layer of snow. The tree itself had snow covering the leaves. Then the little flakes started to slowly fall as I watches it.

“I see you can change this place at will.” Celestia said and I nodded.

“I figured this is my mind so I should be able change the look of it how I want.” I said as the snowflakes danced on an invisible breath of the wind. It felt nice, honestly I always liked to sit and watch. Never really was for one to go out in it but looking at it was nice. I wish the girls were here to see this.

“Sister.” Luna said coming from behind the tree holding a black tome in her magic. She trotted up to us never leaving a hoof print in the snow. She laid it down between Celestia and I as the tome cover had an image of a wand topped with a cued skull surrounded in a sick murky brown, like a dark kind of magic.

“Where did you find this Luna?” Celestia said as she looked at her sister.

“Back in the hall of books.” Luna replied not liking Celestia tone from warm to worried and cold. Neither did I honestly. This book was in my mind and Celestia acted like she knew it. We followed Luna behind the tree to a familiar door but it opened up to the same hallway that my mind normally took in appearance. Well not really as normal as I looked at it. It was darker and there were those glowing red eyes. I started to slowly back away from it, my eyes locked on its. Those eyes filled me with fear and sorrow. Those eyes full of rage, almost primal in nature, and it frightened me.

“Who are you?” Celestia said now between me and it. It looked up at her as I started to shake violently.

“Hello Aunt Celestia.” It said as it grinned at her. The things teeth visible to us, each tooth sharp and ready to tear into anything in its way.

“Answer the question.” Celestia said now taken a more monarchy stance towards it.

“I am him and I am me.” It said as a clawed hoof pointed to me.

“Thou shalt answer the question thy have been asked!” Luna said now next to her sister speaking in a voice that felt like an angry god.

“But I have Aunt Luna. He and I are one in the same.” He said still pointed at me.

“You need to prove it to us.” Celestia said staring at it. I shakily walk up enough to see the beast more.

“If you must have proof then I will need to be freed.” It said in its graveled voice. It reached further out to show the same metallic band attached with chains on its foreleg. Celestia and Luna looked at each other then back to me. I looked back at them still scared before they turned back to it.

“We cannot free you.” Celestia said as her horn started to glow to light up the area to reveal it was me. If I was more dragon like. Instead of orange fur it had red scales, its wings were completely draconic, and his mane was twice as long and was like fire moving on its own. On each hoof held claws that were black as night itself. His tail was reptile like and ended with a blade in the shape of diamond. He grinned to show his razor sharp, tombstone gray, teeth.

“So you let part of me walk while the rest of him must suffer.” The other me said as he tried to take a step but the chain attached to collar around his neck stops him. Celestia looked back to me.

“Do you know who this is Firestorm?” She said as I stared at the other me.

“This… this must be the.” I said before I chanced a step forward. “Beast I will turn into after I go through the storm.” I said with a gulp.

“Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. Someone get this drony a prize he got it right on the first guess.” The other me said sarcasm dripping his voice. “Really I can’t be this stupid can I?” he mocked.

“You will hold your tongue.” Luna shouted at him.

“Sister please calm down.” Celestia said as she eyed Luna for a moment.

“But sister he mocks our nephew” she said as she glared at the other me.

“I feel hurt Aunt Luna.” It said then turned to me. “How can you really deal with all this” he said gesturing to Celestia and Luna. I started to growl as I started to take stance. I don’t care if it’s me or not. No one insults my family. “And look who grew a backbone.”

“You will be silent.” Luna roared as it rolled its eyes. His red colored irises ever more dominated to the dark red of normal whites of his eyes.

“Luna, Firestorm please calm down” Celestia said before she walked between both Luna and I. “As for you.” She said before turned to the other me. “I can understand not wanting to be locked up but you must understand why we can’t unlock your restraints.”

“Oh I understand better than him” He said as he pointed at me.

“Care to share?” I said still angry.

“Ever thought of opening a book?” He shot back.

“Please explain this storm to us.” Celestia asked.

“Not with him around, he cannot know otherwise it will be far worse.” He said as my eye twitched.

“Firestorm if you would please?” Celestia said and turned to me. I looked up at her in surprise.

“What!” I shot back in anger. “First chance at an answer and I can’t know?” My hair must have been on fire because the glow intensified filling the room. I roared my anger out before I stomped causing the ground to crack around my hoof. I started to grind my teeth as my eye twitched.

“Please.” Celestia said as my anger was still there but I stomped away. I returned to the snow covered field as I tried to let my anger burn out. I watched the snow fall quietly. The image of Aria floated gently over to me as I started to look at it.

“Jessica.” I said quietly as I placed my hoof on it running the tip of it against her cheek in the photo. My hand faded in quietly. My mane returned to normal as I let the photo disappear. I watched quietly at the snow fall. It wasn’t long until Celestia and Luna moved away from the tree. I spotted them for a moment then turned from them. I just didn’t want to look at them. It wasn’t long until Twilight decided to pop into existence between Celestia, Luna, and I

“Princess Celestia” Twilight exclaimed as she walked up to Celestia who was on her way over to me.

“Any news Twilight?” Celestia said with a warm smile towards her.

“Yes we have the antidote ready.” She said then turned to see me. I glanced over my shoulder to see her before I returned my gaze away from the group of them to the snow fall. “What’s wrong with him?”

“I’ll tell you later.” Celestia whispered probably not thinking I heard them. I sighed dejectedly as I let the snow piled up around me. Fruitlessly since shortly afterward everything went white and before I knew it I was staring at the wall again. Unable to blink or anything, great couldn’t at least give me a heads up.

***---***

Six hours, forty six minutes, and eight seconds was what it took to get the antidote ready. Apparently Twilight helped get it ready using her magic to speed it up. All thanks to this Star Swirl the Bearded and his section in the Canterlot archives. If they had useful books like that there then maybe I should check it out. Well after I was don’t having to be Rarity’s manikin for a suit on my birthday.

“I’m glad you forgave me.” Rarity said not for the first time since I was able to move again. I was still a little miffed at her but the blunt part of my anger subsided and I told her I forgave her. Apparently Twilight asked Rarity about it and, let’s just say, she had some words for her and made her apologize. I will have to have words with Twilight as well as Celestia and Luna. It didn’t help as soon as I was out of my mind they disappeared in a puff of magic. I even tried to get the guards to tell me where they were but all I was told was that they will send for me when they wanted to talk. Which really aggravated me, it wasn’t until I cornered Shining Armor who gave me a straight answer before I knew why I couldn’t find them. They were dealing with some diplomatic problem and didn’t want me involved yet since I would be completely new to it. Didn’t change the fact that I wanted to talk to them about what happened in my mind but at least I knew why they are avoiding me. “If you don't mind my prying. What is wrong darling?” Rarity asked.

“Too many questions and not enough answers.” I simply answered as I looked out the window.

“That can always be troublesome, especially for Twilight.” She added with a knowing smile. Something told me that I wasn't going to like the question I was about to ask.

“What do you mean especially for Twilight?”

“I guess no pony told you about when Twilight forgot to send the Princess a friendship report.” she said with a smirk. Friendship report? That question was quickly answered when she launched herself into the story about Twilight and the fiasco of the “want it need it” spell. I shivered at the point Rarity described how Twilight looked and it made me remember when she was chasing me through Canterlot after I kissed her. Once the story finished, apparently so was the fitting for the suit. I took it in, and thought about it. She did have a problem when she wanted to be on the princesses good side. I hopped down from the pedestal I had to stand on. Well it was more a plate form really. It wasn't until I turned around to see Twilight who was standing at the door. My eyes widened at her; how long was she there? “Oh dear.” Rarity got out before Twilight left. Great my stupid curiosity just hurt Twilight. I went after her.

“Twilight stop.” I said but she looked at me with her horn a light and a second later was gone. That sadness in her eyes, she was upset that I knew about that story, Rarity told me it behind her back. I walked back to my room from there with my head hung low. The guards didn't say anything, neither did the girls when I passed then. Not even Pinkie who most likely would have jumped on me to force a large painful grin on my face. I entered my room and closed the door. With a click the door was locked. Useless as it was to do. Every unicorn and the princesses probably knew some sort of unlocking spell. I went to the fire place and breathed a little fire into it to get it going again. I sat there and watched the flames in silence. An hour had passed when I heard knocking coming from the door. I walked over to it and unlocked it. I opened it to a gray earth pony with a long black mane and tail. She looked like he was a royal or at least was one of the higher ups in pony society. She had a set of lovely purple eyes and around her neck she had a pink bow tie. “Hello? How can I help you?” I asked before she bowed to reveal a large interment case on her back.

“Hello Prince, my name is Octavia Melody and the princesses asked me to come see you about the music for the coming event.” She said as she continued to bow.

“Please just call me Firestorm, Miss Melody.” I said this time with a bow myself. She looked a little surprised at my action.

“If that is what you wish Firestorm.” Octavia said before I moved for her to enter. She came in and sat the case down delicately against one of the chairs by the table. “Now what pieces would you be interested in for the event?” She said.

“Well have you heard of a piece called In the Hall of the Mountain King?” I asked as I offered her a seat. She took it with a smile.

“Yes I have.” She said still giving a polite smile. I started to think as I went though my knowledge of classical pieces from home. For the most part she knew all of them. Including Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D-minor, Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers, and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. She looked at me for a moment.

“If you don't mind me asking but how do you know about all these pieces.” Octavia asked as she looked at me.

“Well when it come to music. I'm quite a fan of it. There's not a lot of genres of music I don't like. As for Classical specificity I found it soothing. Even the darker tones that some of the songs can take. It's like each piece of music has a story to tell to each pony. When it come to In the Hall of the Mountain King I found it more like Canterlot Castle with some pony or maybe a little foal going through it for the first time, the wonder and the mystery to it all. Watching every pony going about their job around the castle. Each more fascinating than the last. Maybe get spooked about something starting to rush through the white marble hall. Then it ending with seeing either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna ready to greet them with a smile.” I said I could almost hear the music in my head.

“That is a lovely sentiment to the piece.” She said as she looked like she could see it in her mind.

“Miss Octavia, if you don't mind me asking. What instrument do you play?” I asked as I saw the case again.

“Well Firestorm, I can play quite a few instruments like the piano, the violin and even the flute. But my preferred instrument would be the cello.” She said with an eye on her case. I smiled and turned to her.

“Would you mind playing a piece for me?” I asked with a smile.

“I would be honored.” she said as I gently wrapped the case in my magic and brought it over to her. She watched as I laid it carefully at her feet.

“Sorry.” I said as I noticed how nervous she was when I did that.

“Oh think nothing of it.” She said before she flipped the clasp and pulled out her cello. She stood on her back legs and raised her fore hoof up the neck of the cello. She set the bow then turned to me. “What would you like to me to play?” She asked. I thought about it for a moment.

“In the Hall of the Mountain King please.” I asked and she nodded as she played. I have to say Octavia could play that cello masterfully. As if it was an extension of herself. Each note rang through the room as if it was an auditorium. I sat there with my eyes closed as she continued. I let the music envelop me. For a moment I forgot about the storm that was coming, the fact that Celestia and Luna knew more about it, that Twilight was upset about me knowing of her break down, and that in the end I couldn't ever go home to see everyone I missed back home. I just let it sweep away until she finished. “Thank you Miss Octavia Melody.” I said with a bow.

“It was my pleasure Firestorm.” She said with a bow. I smiled warmly to her. “If you would excuse me I have to finish planning the music for the event.”

“By all means, I'm sorry for keeping you so long.” I said as Octavia put her cello and bow away with the utmost care. She then placed it on her back as she made her way to the door. Of course I saw that on her flank she had a treble clef as I blushed for a moment. I shook my head to remove the blush before she turned around to see me. I smiled gently as he bowed before she took her leave. Once she was gone I sighed quietly and looked down the hall. I guess a walk couldn't hurt. Of course as soon as I got to the front of Canterlot castle two guards tried to accompany me. I sighed quietly shortly after we took off.

“Something wrong your highness?” The unicorn guard to my left asked. His coat was a dark gray as well as a darker gray mane and tail.

“It's nothing.” I said a little dejectedly.

“Are you sure?” The white coated pegasus to my right asked me.

“Yeah just feeling a little melancholy I guess.” I answered.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” They asked and then I thought about it for a moment. You know I never had it as a pony yet.

“Well I could use something hard to drink and someone to drink with me.” I said with a smile.

“We can show you to one of the finest establishments but we can’t drink with you. We are still on duty.” The unicorn guard said.

“Never mind then.” I said as we continued to walk. The two of them looked at each other for a moment as we continued on our way. I wasn't one to drink alone. Honestly I hate having to do it unless I was really in a depressive mood. Even then I didn't like to do it alone. Of course not having any bits made it harder to have any kind of fun. Night time, this city had its own magic to it. Not a lot of ponies were out. I saw a white coated mare with electric blue striped mane. She also wore purple tinted glasses as she walked down the street. We continued down the road in silence the two guards following each turn I took. Granted I wasn't trying to lose them. But in the same sense I didn't want them around either. We found ourselves at the look out me and Twilight danced at. A sat down on a bench as the guards stood to each side of it.

“I'm not surprised to find you here.” The regal voice of Princess Luna said behind me. I sighed quietly and turned to her.

“Hello Luna.” I said as the guards bowed towards her.

“Guards please leave us.” She ordered and the guards did so. As it was now Luna and I at the look out. I stared out into the night sky.

“A bit for your thoughts?” Luna asked as I glanced at her from the corner on her head.

“For all my thoughts it will cost more than a bit.” I joked lightly as I stared at the sky again.

“Okay then a treasury for your thoughts.” She shot back and I couldn't help but chuckle.

“Luna.” I said then turned to her as she looked directly at me. “How do you deal with all this?”

“Deal with what?” She asked.

“How do you deal with the royalty, with all the chaos that I have brought on to every pony, and with everything seeming to get worse and worse without losing your sanity or what make you, you?” I asked as I looked to her.

“Sometimes I don't.” She said before her look turns to the sky itself. “There's times I need to escape it all. Just, stop being me I guess.” she continued.

“Stop being you?” I asked before I watched her transform into a pegasus mare before me. On her flank was a moon lightly covered in clouds.

“Yes stop being me and just have fun.” She said in a completely different voice it was still female but it felt more like if you mix Rarity's with Twilight's.

“Well I don't know how to not being me. I'm not good with magic still. I mean yeah I picked up a spell here and there but nothing really good I guess.” I said scratching the back of my head.

“It's quite alright Firestorm. If you want I can cast it myself.” She offered and I thought about it.

“Sure.” I said with a smile as her magic enveloped me. I felt the change as my coat changed from bright orange to a darker red. My wings disappeared as my mane turned black. My cutie mark turned into a fire wing. “Wow. That was. Is that my voice?” I said as my voice turned to a deep one. Sort of reminded me of Morgan Freemen.

“Indeed it is.” she said with a smile. I couldn't help but grin goofy at this. For once I will be a normal pony and not a prince, or a drony. But a normal pony. Granted I was still me inside but fuck it I can have some fun pretending. “So where shall we go.”

“How about somewhere to drink?” I offered. She eyed me curiously. “What?”

“I didn't take you for a drinker.” she said as she made her way towards... somewhere. I didn't know much about the local area so I figured Luna would know best. We trotted to Club Canterlot. The only reason I knew what the place was called was the big neon lights flashing. We entered it and dear god it reminded me of a night club back home. But lively for once. “Don't worry the drinks are on me.” Luna said and I was glad for once I didn't have to be the sober one. I rushed off to the bar and ordered my first drink, this world's version of an Irish car bomb which here it's called a Pegasus Sky Wreck. I dropped the shot in and downed it fast. “You surprise me Storm.” Luna said as I set the drink down.

“Why's that?” I asked enjoy the taste.

“You just downed that drink like it was water.” She said and I smirked.

“Well I'm a seasoned drinker.” I said before I ordered the hard cider which was this worlds beer. They handed me a pitcher sized mug of it and I started to drink.

“You may want to settle down. Don't want to make yourself sick.” She said with worry.

“What do you take me for?” I said before I paused then whispered in her ear. “What do you want me to call you since you're disguised and all?” She paused for a moment and then looked me right in the eye.

“Call me Moona.” She said with a smile. Inside I groaned, for a code names Luna doesn't know a damn thing about picking them.

“Alright Moona shall we drink?” I asked before she nodded and ordered the same as I had. I grinned dear god this night is going to rock.

***---***

“Last night sucked.” Luna said as she trotted down the halls next to me. Apparently Luna had a low tolerance compared to myself of alcohol. About five mugs in she was plastered to no end. Luckily we got outside before her magic failed her and the two of us returned to our normal self. I had to pretty much take her back to the castle on my back. No offense to the princess of the night but compared to me she was heavy. But thankfully I had magic and Celestia was waiting for Luna at the castle door. Since Luna raises and lowers the moon. She showed me wear Luna's room where we laid a princess to rest. Celestia said that she would like to talk to the two of us tomorrow. I was teleported to my room where I went to bed just fine. The following day Luna was the one to get me before we met with Celestia. It didn't take long for the two of us to get to the throne room. At the top of the stairs onto a small platform sat Celestia around the bottom of it was everyone, including Lyra, Derpy and her daughters.

“I hope you both had an enjoyable night.” Celestia said looking down at us.

“I had fun.” I said with a smirk, Luna on the other hand groaned. Celestia looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“I'm quite surprised I was told you had quite a lot to drink last night.” Celestia continued.

“Yes I did.” I put simply. Celestia for the most part didn't show she was angry with us. She was disapproved with our actions. Most likely mine when it came to how much I drank. I looked at the rest of them. Rarity for the most part looked neutral in all this as well as Twilight. Rainbow gave me a smirk with Applejack pushing her stetson down with a small grin. Pinkie was bouncy as always. Fluttershy stayed behind Twilight not looking at me. Lyra smiled and Derpy was looked a little worried with Dinky at her front hooves and Sparkler next to her. “So whats on your mind?” I asked looking back at Celestia.

“I'm sure you're aware that we have a lot to talk about.” She started.

“You mean like your conversation with the beast in my head?” I asked still wanting an answer with that. Twilight looked at Celestia then back at me a bit confused.

“I'm sorry Firestorm but you know you mustn't know about it and this is about the paralyzing dart.” she said as I shuttered.

“Who shot me with the dart?” I asked.

“With regret it was a changeling.” Celestia said as she switched to a very stern look as Luna looked like she is wide awake.

“How did they get in?” Luna said now looking just as stern as Celestia.

“I do not know” She said over my head.

“Not wanting to sound stupid but I have to sound pretty stupid here. What is a changeling?” I asked.

“That's right you're not aware of them. Twilight if you would please inform him?” Celestia said as Twilight brighten up.

“Changelings are creatures that can transform into any pony. They hide and feed on another ponies love.” She said in her matter of fact tone.

“Is that all?” I asked confused.

“They look like bug ponies.” Dash added.

“Okay so bug ponies that can transform into ponies to feed on love.” I said confused to all hell. I really needed a flipping book on this. Since Twilight is only giving me basic information and Dash give me something descriptive. I looked at Twilight for a moment right into her blue eyes to wait for maybe something more helpful. Wait... something wasn't right here. But I couldn't put my finger on what. I turned to Celestia. “So why did they want me paralyzed like that?”

“I don't think they wanted to paralyze you. I think they were aiming for somepony else.” Celestia said “We have our guards on high alert to look for anything out of the ordinary.” I really hope she didn't ask me to point that out because frankly this whole damn place was pretty out of the ordinary to me.

“Alright when will the festivities begin?” I asked.

“Around nine.” Luna added.

“Then in the mean time I would like to look in the archives.” I requested.

“If you don't mind my prying. But for what?” Twilight asked.

“I want to learn more on these changelings as well as learn about this Star Swirl the Bearded.” I explained and Celestia nodded.

“I will have two guards accompany you for protection.” she said before what I could guess was the same two guards from last night came up to me.

“This way prince.” They said in unison. Really freaking creepy how they did that. We walked away but I couldn't help but look back as the group of them started to talk. My eye's shifted over to Twilight whose tail was flicking a bit. I turned bright red for a moment before I looked away. Why do I keep setting myself up for that? Heaven forbid if Luna and Celestia ever go back into my mind again to find that memory. It didn't take them long to take me to the archive room. A room was filled with scrolls, books, and random bits of paper. Now to find the section about changelings.

“Do either of you two know where the changelings section would be?” I asked the two guards. One of them shook their head. The other one, the unicorn guard nodded and walked off. I looked at the other one for a moment then followed. We started to walk down aisle after aisle until we found ourselves in a clear section of the archives. Very little books but these books were not about changelings. I turned to the guard who was looking at me.

“Here we are.” He said as he stood there like a statue. I glanced at him for a moment before I picked up a some of the books in my magic and held them around my head to my left. I looked at the pegasus guard to my right who was standing at attention. I told him to shush and pointed to the other guard with my eyes. He nodded quietly before I glanced at the unicorn guard. I cleared my throat.

“By the way, your wings are showing.” I said as I looked at him. He looked surprised and turned to look at his sides as I grinned. “Got you.” He turned and growled at me as his eyes turned green. Then suddenly something impacted the back of my head which sent me forward to the unicorn guard to turn and buck me in the jaw. He caused me to fly back at the pegasus guard who flipped me over him. He then bucked me further down the aisle. I landed on my back, flipped over, and spit out the tooth the unicorn broke. I growled at them and took stance. Green magic surrounded them turning them in a mixture of insect and pony. They also had holes in their hooves. The changelings were a dark black with an insect’s exoskeletons. Each of them had what reminded me of a beatles casing which was a gradient from a dark blue to a navy blue. The darker being closer to its head. Their wings reminded me of insect wings that had holes and tears in them, their horns were curved spikes. They let out a buzz as they flapped their wings at me. I growled for a moment before letting out a roar at them. They looked startled at my dragon like roar. I charged at them at full speed and slammed myself into one of them knocking them back. The other one snapped out of it and kicked me into a shelf which started to tip back. I let out a pained grunt as I got back to my hooves. He grins as his horn started to glow and rushed at me like a mini meteor. It sent me flying through the bookcase I heard a crack come from my back when I slammed into the book case the next aisle over. I shook my head and looked at where the changeling was, it was gone until a whistle caught my eye and saw both changelings as they turned and buck the shelf causing to finally tip it completely over. I gulped as it slammed into me with a loud crash as it started to tip and crash the other bookshelves like dominoes. They grinned as they got close their large spider like fangs gleaming. I grinned back as one of them got muzzle to muzzle with me. They must have not known what I could do. Without a moments notice, I breathed fire right in its face causing it to scream in pain. It thrashed around smacking into the other changeling. He started to help put out his companion's face. I placed my back legs onto the shelf and my front ones on the other side of it. I started to push with all my might.

Crack

“Just a little more.” I said through the copper taste in my mouth. They buck to my jaw must have done more then broke one of my teeth. With a loud crack I broke both shelves I pressed on. This gave me more room to move. I started to slam my metallic hoof on the shelf below the top on I broke. About three slams it broke with a loud enough that the two changelings which the one on fire was not put out but was also burnt to all hell. They growled at me in that insect like style as they got closer. The burnt one used his magic to wrap my muzzle in it to keep it shut. The other one grabbed one of the broken boards and raised it above it's head. I gulped as he proceed to slam it down into my chest. He continued to raise it and slam it over and over. Causing me to writhe in pain as I could hear each rib break upon impact. Tears started to fill my eyes. I tried to scream with each slam of the wood. My horn came alight with magic as I reached out and touched the closest Changeling sending lightning through it's body. It started to spasm as I fought through the pain to cast the spell to intensify it. His body started to spark until it became completely black including the once gradient back armor, the green eyes and wing. It fell over dead as I turned to the remaining burnt changeling. It was until I heard.

“Hold on Storm, I'm a comin’.” The southern accented Applejack said before she came rushing it and slammed right into it breaking some of it's exoskeleton of. It was then wrapped up in a dark blue magic as Luna came flying it. I looked at the two having a hard time breathing. It was way too easy for me to let a breath out then take one in.

“Firestorm are you alright?” Luna said then turned to me. I tried to say something but all that came out was the familiar taste of copper and blood. Luna then wrapped the remaining shelves in magic breaking them so I could get out. “Applejack help Firestorm get to the medical wing. I will deal with this thing personally.” She said as venom dripped from her voice as she looked at the burnt and almost completely broken changeling. She flew off with it ahead of her. Applejack came up to me and helped me to my hooves. I must have looked like hell.

“Ya lookin’ mighty unstable on your hooves. Here let me help ya.” She said before she shifted herself under my wing. “Just lean right into me. I'll keep ya upright.”

“Thanks.” I got out before a large glob of blood splattered the ground before me. We slowly made our way towards what I could guess was the medical wing. The guards were running around along with a lot of the castle staff. Shining Armor found us and wrapped me in magic to help me. I guess since I was technically his brother in law, he wanted to make sure I was safe. “H-how are we doing?” I got out before another glob of blood hit the ground with the sound that could easily be mistaken for a water balloon popping.

“Not good, We just heard about the two that attacked you. We are scrambling around to find the remaining changelings. We haven't had this big of a problem since Cadence’s and I's wedding.” He said. now I would have asked about the wedding but the blood loss got to me. My head started to droop a bit as I fought to keep things focused. “Oh not good, so not good. We need to get him to the medical wing now!” He yelled.

“Get him onto my back then use your magic to keep him there. Well get him there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.” Applejack said as I felt myself get lifted and placed on something warm. The world kept going in and out but I could still hear.

“Go!” Shining said.

“I’m goin’. What do you think I'm doin’ trottin’?” Applejack shot back.

“Hey we did- Whoa, never mind, need help?” Rainbow Dash said, she must have found us.

“If you can keep an eye out.” Shining ordered.

“Can do.” Rainbow Dash replied. For some reason I had the feeling she saluted at that. We kept going down the halls each step I winced in pain. I must really have broken a lot, bastard changeling got me good.

“Oh. My.” A timid voice said above me. It must have been Fluttershy. That of course was until an explosion must sent me rolling because I started to hurt all over more then I was.

“Let me help.” A graveled voice said in my head. “I can help you survive.”

“No.” I barely said.

“Oh but why? They hurt you, they should feel the pain.” It replied.

“No.” I said again.

“What about your friends?” It asked and I was silent. “Do you want them to die?”

“I want them to live.” I said with barely a whisper.

“Hold on Storm we're almost there.” Applejack said as I could feel myself being dragged now.

“Then let me help.” He said. “They will live if I help.” It had a point. I could protect them from this. I felt something stab into my neck as the sounds faded into nothingness.

***---***

“Hello there Firestorm” The voice of Twilight Sparkle said within the darkness around me.

“Twilight? Where are you?” I asked as I started to run but nothing showed up.

“Oh don't worry.” She said in sing song voice. This didn't feel right something was wrong and I couldn't tell what.

“Come on partner don't you want to join us?” Applejack said.

“Yeah don't you want to be around the more awesome of ponies?” Rainbow added.

“Where are you all?” I asked as I run through the darkness.

“Yeah there's a party waiting!” Pinkie yelled.

“Please Firestorm. You need to wake up. If you don't mind.” Fluttershy timidly asked.

“What do you mean Wake up?” I asked as I run.

“Please wake up Darling.” Rarity asked.

“Please wake up Firestorm” Cadence and Shining Armor asked at the same time.

“Thou needs to wake up.” Luna asked.

“Firestorm please wake up.” Celestia asked. I continued to run in the darkness. They voices echoed in my mind.

***---***

I shot out of bed gripping the right side of my head.

“What the fuck just hit me?” I yelled.

“See I told you that would wake him.” Dash said. She hit me with what? I looked at her and she had a fucking frying pan.

“Why did you hit me with a frying pan Dash?” I shot at her angrily.

“Hey it got you up didn't it?”

“After getting hit with a fallen bookshelves. Are you freaking nuts?” I yelled.

“Hey we didn't want you to miss your party.” She said.

“Wait party? What party?” I asked.

“Your birthday party duh.” She said now with crossed forelegs.

“What about the changelings?”

“They have been dealt with Prince Firestorm.” Celestia said as she entered with the rest of them but Twilight. All of them including Celestia and Luna.

“So all of them have been found and where is Twilight?” I asked before I noticed the bandages around my chest.

“As far as we know. Yes they have been found and Twilight is interrogating them to find out why they were here.” Luna added.

“Okay how bad was I. From the bandages, I could only guess it was real bad.” I offered as I slowly made my way off the bed before Celestia cut me off with her magic as she picked me up and placed me back on the bed.

“Most of your ribs where broken to the point they punctured both of your lungs.” The nurse said coming in. “Luckily they got you here in time. Otherwise you may not have made it.”

“But I'm better now right?” I asked and she came up to me.

“For the most part. But I don't think you can handle much more.” She said as she placed a glass next to me.

“Let me ask this. Will I be able to go to the party if I agree to stay at a table and rest?”

“Are you sure that is wise?” Celestia asked.

“If you stay at a table and not overexert yourself then I don't see a problem with it.” The nurse said.

“Would slow dancing be alright?” I asked guilty. She gave me a deadpan look then sighed.

“Only if its slow dancing.” She said then looked right at Pinkie. “That does mean no wildness Pinkie.” She said as Pinkie smiled.

“Okiedokielokie. No wildness for him.” She said with a bounce. I found it nice after everything that had happened she can still be so bouncy. I couldn't help but smile. Today was one royal pain in the butt but at least I have friends and family around me. Plus I had a party a nice formal party so. I'll deal with the pain. I wonder if this is what it means to be royalty.

-End of Chapter-

Author's Notes:

Once again another chapter for everyone to enjoy. Oddly enough I would have had this up sooner if it wasn't for the Hacker problem we had earlier in the day. But now that's it out I hope everyone enjoys.

Also if it's not to much trouble I'm looking for a little feed back on what everyone thinks on the chapter and what's to come. Thank you Chapter nine should be up with in the next few days if things go right.