This night was going pretty well if you ask me. The melody of Moonlight Sonata filled the room elegantly as I watched all the ponies dance. I sat at one of the tables with two guards next to me to keep me protected. The changelings were dealt with right? So why did they insist on protecting me. Now that I look at them these aren’t the normal guards that I've seen around the halls earlier today.

“They’re my personal guards.” Luna said next to me as I looked them over.

“Personal guards?” I questioned. I looked up at her.

“Why yes, meet Midnight and Dark Cloud. They are my best guards.” She said the two guards looked at me and nodded in their dark purple armor. It was then I noticed their wings, they were bat like. I blinked for a moment.

“Why do they have bat wings?” I whispered into Luna's ear.

“Because they are bat ponies. They are better suited for night patrols but that doesn't deter their effectiveness during the day.” She said back with a smile.

“Makes sense since you’re the princess of the night and all.” I chuckled with a smile.

“Have you thought about your own personal guards?” Luna inquired.

“My own personal guards?” I asked a bit confused.

“Yes, since you’re royalty, you need your own personal guards. Even Blueblood has some of his own.” She added.

“I'll think about it. If I have to have guards then I want ones I trust. No offense or anything.”

“None taken. I trust these two with my life.” She said with a smile. The two looked over again as I saw smirks on the two's faces.

“So how are you liking the party?” I asked

“It's lovely and the choice in music is delightful.” She said.

“Yeah Moonlight Sonata always sounded so beautiful to me.” I said as I closed my eyes letting the music take me. I could hear every stroke of the keys like a star singing into the clear night sky.

“Hello Princess Luna and ugh, Prince Firestorm” Said the snobbish uptight voice of Blue Blood as he discouragingly said my name. I find it a bit fitting as the song ended as Beethoven fifth symphony started to play.

“Hello Prince Blueblood.” Luna and I said. Her more calmly but me with a bit of venom in my voice. I was still quite angry with him. I can hold a grudge if I wanted to.

“It is a fine party we are having here.” He said.

“Why yes it is. Are you having fun?” Luna generally asked.

“Oh why yes Auntie Luna. I've been meeting with a lot of Canterlot's elite and having a smashing time.” He gloated.

“You know Brother.” He said adding his own venom to the word brother. “You should mingle with the crowd and show them your not the ruffian that the papers say you are.” He said looking at me with a snobbish glare.

“Prince Blueblood please don't insult the guard of honor.” Luna warned. “He is still recuperating from his ordeals.”

“Oh my yes. I heard about that, those nasty changelings.” He said.

“I think I'm going to go talk to a few ponies. If you would excuse me.” I said with a small bow.

“Oh of course Firestorm. Just please be careful.”

“I will Luna.” I said as my tux rubbed against my bandages a little. I got up and started to trot away from Luna who was wearing one of Rarity's originals. The elegant blue matched well with her coat and the pearl neckline matched well with it. It probably helped that all through out the dress had little white stars like she was wearing the night sky itself. I was wearing a simple black tux with a white undershirt and black bow tie. I never had to wear one of these before. I sighed quietly with a shake of my head, some royal I was. I went over and got myself a cup of punch. Not as tasty as Pinkie's fruit punch was but it did its job.

“How is your evening darling?” Rarity said. I turned around to see the white unicorn with her head done up in a two tier bun. She wore a black dress with little diamonds around the edges of it. She had on two diamond earrings and black horse shoes as she looked at me.

“It's getting better.” I said with a smile.

“Better?” she said a little confused before I glanced back at Luna and Blueblood talking at a table.

“Ah.” She said with a knowing tone.

“How are you holding up partner?” The cow-boyish tone said and it could be no other then Applejack. I turned to look at her. She wore a little frilly dark green dress that complemented her emerald green eyes. She still had her stetson on with bolo tie that had a red apple on it just like the tree apple cutie mark on her flank. She gently crossed her right legs over her left with her cowboy boots on. Would that be cow pony boots?

“I'm surviving. Still a bit sore around the chest but I'll make do.” I said followed by another sip.

“I hope my suit isn't giving you any discomfort.” Rarity worriedly said.

“Rarity rest it's not causing any discomfort.” I lied with a smile. They needed this just as much as I do and if I told Rarity about her tux was rubbing against the bandaged areas under it putting a little unneeded pressure on it. She would drag me out of here to fix it.

“This party is boring.” Dash said from above. I looked up to see her not in a dress but a tux with rainbow accents to it. She even wore a rainbow bow tie. For some reason I was not surprised at she opted out of the dress. She landed next to Applejack so I could see the tux more. It was just as black as mine but her undershirt was a light blue. Just a shade lighter than her normal coat color and around the cuffs of her suit had a rainbow gemstone.

“Dash remember this isn't a party for you. It's for Firestorm here.” Rarity chided.

“I know but why did it have to be so boring.” She whined.

“Dash you can blame me for it. I wanted something formal.” I said and the three of them looked at me.

“Want to run that one by us again sugarcube?” Applejack said.

“I was the one that asked for a formal party.”

“But why?” Dash asked.

“Because I can.” I said simply. So it was half telling the truth here. There was more to why I wanted something formal but really did they need to know that?

“I personally think its a wonderful idea. You two really need to enjoy the finer things in life.” Rarity said going off at them. I couldn't help but smile. Rarity really did like the high class life didn't she? Her dream was to be a princess so the high class life would be part of it too right?

“Rare I know your liking all this fro fro. But I'm not.” Applejack said

“Me either.” Dash added.

“Then can you two please put up with it for me then?” I asked as the two of them looked at each other.

“Of course sugar cube. We aren't going to mess up your day like that.” Applejack said as she readjusted her stetson.

“Yeah it would be really really bad if someone would break up your birthday party like that. Then I would have to make them all be 'sorry' and you would be 'it's okay' then we will have to have a make up for the party party because that would be awesome. But what kind of cake would you have for a party like that? Vanilla? No I think strawberry.” Pinkie said as she bounced in behind me on all four hooves.

“A strawberry cake does sound good.” I said with a smile.

“Oh then I need to get you one.” Pinkie said as she tried to take off but Rarity was able to grab her telekinetically by the tail. “But I need to get him a strawberry cake for his party.”

“Pinkie there is always next time.” Rarity said.

“Okie dokie loki” Pinkie stopped and turned around. Pinkie was in a bright frilly to no end party dress. It reminded me of a princess dress but with blues, pinks, and yellows. It had little balloons around the middle part and she had a little cap on her head that had little candy pattern on it.

“So how is everyone liking the party?” I asked.

“It's marvelous darling.” Rarity said that could easily mistaken for a purr.

“It's alright. Not really my thing but alright.” Applejack added.

“It's boring” Dash groaned.

“Even with the Wonderbolts here?” I asked.

“Wait where?” Dash shot up to look around.

“Over there by Celestia.” I pointed out and before anypony could say anything she shot off. It took a little convincing at short notice to invite the Wonderbolts for Dash. Who said I was the only one to get a present on my birthday?

“Sometimes I think she is too obsessed with the Wonderbolts.” Applejack chuckled.

“I didn't know they were going to be here.” Rarity said.

“You mean like how Hoity Toity and Fancy Pants are here?” I said with a smirk.

“Really? Where?” Rarity said slowly looking around for them.

“I think there somewhere around here.”

“If you would excuse me.” She said before she trotted off to find them. I turned to where Pinkie was to find her completely gone. I couldn't help but smile and shook my head.

“Did you invite them for those two?” Applejack asked and I shrugged.

“Possibly.” I said with a grin. Applejack shook her head.

“Have you seen Twilight and Fluttershy?” I asked.

“Fluttershy is out in the garden and...” She started.

“And Twilight is right behind you.” I said then turned around to see the lovely lavender mare in a darker purple silk dress with black beads around the edges. Accompanied with a see through where I could see the fronts of her back legs with around the back of it dark purple silk and light purple accents around the edges as it rippled down her back. On her head was a small black metal chain that connected to a small black orb that could easily be a black pearl about the same size as a dime. Under it hung a small white ivory looking star that looked like her cutie mark. She smiled at me with her blue eyes and I couldn't help but blush a bit. Wait something was still wrong here but I couldn't put my hoof on it. I shouldn't worry about these things. I had nothing to worry about right? The music stopped as they started to play Fur Elise.

“Would you like to dance Miss Twilight Sparkle?” I asked with a bow.

“I would love to.” She said as she went out to the dance floor. The music continued as we dance slowly into the night. We looked at each other as we dance. With each step something was eating at me about Twilight. Something just didn't seem right about her. I looked into her blue eyes again. Wait... blue eyes. She didn't have blue eyes she had a lovely set of purple eyes. The music changed again but I didn't pay attention to it other then it's tempo. It was a slow song... perfect.

“Did you know.” I started to get this Twilight's attention.

“Hmm?” She asked.

“If your going to impersonate Twilight you should really make sure you're doing it right.” I said before I heard the intake of breath come from her.

“But I am Twilight, Prince Firestorm.” She said. Strike one, Twilight knew I really don't like being called prince.

“Alright then. Where did we meet?” I asked as we continued to dance closely. I eyed Celestia who happened have looked over at me. I had the feeling she got the message I wanted to convey. As her happy demeanor switched to a worried one instead.

“It was here in Canterlot of course.” The fake Twilight said. Strike two, it was in the hospital in Ponyville.

“Alright then what I am I really?” I asked. I already knew that this Twilight was fake. But I was going to play fair and give her three chances.

“An Alicorn of course.” She said, strike three. Before she could react I grabbed her by the face with my prosthetic hoof and slammed her face into the ground. There was a loud gasp from everyone from what they could tell the Prince slamming the element of magic into the ground cracking the floor.

“What did you do that for?” Applejack said as she ran at me. But a magical barrier stopped her. “Hey let me at him.” She said before she turned and bucked at the shield.

“No one hurts my friend.” Dash said. She was to fast for the shield to stop her before she knocked right into me. Note to self Rainbow Dash anger equals pain for me. She was on top of me. “Why did you hurt Twilight like that?” She said pinning me.

“That is not Twilight!” I yelled back at her. She was taken back for a moment before her scowl returned. “Of course it is.” She venomously said. I leaned in close.

“Then what are the color of Twilight's eyes?” I asked in a whisper. She was a bit confused for a moment.

“Purple.” She whispered right in my face. We just happened to be snout to snout.

“What color is that Twilight's eyes?” I asked. She turned then it dawned on her. She turned back to me.

“Blue.” She said as she got off me. I rolled over a bit of blood drip from my mouth I must have opened up a wound again. The rest of the girls showed up including Fluttershy. Celestia started to walk towards us with her horn a lit with magic.

“What have you done with Twilight Sparkle?” She said to the fake one.

“I am Twilight Sparkle Princess.” She said with a bow. “I am your faithful student.” Celestia looked down at this fake Twilight.

“Give it up. We know you're not Twilight.” I said as I got closer, Dash next to me. The fake one's eyes turned at me and she growled with them turning green for a moment.

“So you have returned Chrysalis” Celestia said. The fake Twilight growled and with a sickening green magic transformed into the queen of the changelings. Her beetle-like back was not the dark blue gradient like the others. It went from a forest green to a sick tinted neon green. Her underbelly had some of it too but they were together like three bands.

“Why am I always found out by one of your ponies?” Chrysalis said

“Where is Twilight Sparkle?” I asked angrily.

“You mean the purple pest?” She asked with a smirk at me, of course this made me angrier.

“Answer the question. Where is Twilight Sparkle?” I asked again she turned to me.

“What have you done with Twilight Sparkle?” Celestia asked this time. She even had a glare that I couldn't match.

“Your 'faithful student'? Oh I dealt with her personally.” She said with a smirk.

“I can help.” The graveled voice said.

“No this one is mine.” I shot back in my head.

“Oh please you are too injured to even touch her.” It retorted. It had to be right with all the shit I took today I wouldn't stand a chance if this was going to end in a fight. “She is the queen of her kind. You got beat up by her underlings. How do you think think you would hold a flame to that?” It continued.

“What have you done with Twilight Sparkle foul wench.” Luna boomed in her overpowered voice.

“Oh I made sure she wouldn't interfere with my plans this time.” Chrysalis said.

“What plans?” Dash asked to my right as she pawed at the ground ready to charge.

“This!” She said as the guards around the room came around all of us but the two of Luna's I met earlier in the night. Those two were next to Luna with a two bladed claw like weapons on their front hooves. The normal guards looked at us as with in the same sickened green glow revealed themselves to be all changelings.

“Now you're out numbered too. You won't last long without me.” The voice said and of course it had to be right. There was no way for me to take a fight like this.

“Will my friends and family be safe?” I thought back.

“Of course they are my friends and family too.” It shot back with an almost glee tint to its voice.

“She will pay.” I said as a growl took my voice.

***---***

Celestia and Luna both looked at Firestorm.

“That growl.” They thought from hearing that. It was just like the one in his mind. His hair started to lengthen as it started to take the mannerisms of fire. His hooves started to grow claws as Chrysalis watched.

“Oh look who's making himself look all fierce. Please I know an illusion spell when I see one.” She said in a mock tone. It wasn't an illusion, Firestorm grinned, his teeth where now razor sharp and within one motion grabbed the changeling in front of him and slammed him into the ground with his left hoof. He placed a hoof on it's chest as it looked up angrily at him. But Firestorm's eyes didn't show emotions like anger or anything. Within a moment the pressure was added and the changeling's chest was crushed in.

“Listen carefully Chrysalis. You will tell me where Twilight Sparkle is or the next one I will this to you next.” He said not even looking at her. Chrysalis wasn't totally sure about this stallion. No pony in Canterlot has ever killed a changeling like that.

“It must be a trick it has to be a trick. Celestia wouldn't let a pony do such acts.” Chrysalis thought. She turned to Celestia who was looking on with worry at Firestorm.

“You really think a trick like this is going to make me talk. I'm the queen of the changelings, no mere trick will get me.” She said as she pointed on. “Attack my changelings, go and feed.” But a mixture of orange and blue magic started to envelop each changeling drawing them together. Both Luna's and Firestorm's horns were a lit with magic.

“Celestia get every pony to safety. Luna and I will handle this.” He said as he turned to Celestia. His eyes were not the ocean blue but bright red.

“We’re not leaving you with this thing.” Applejack said with a growl.

“Yeah. We want to know where Twi is too.” Dash added.

“Oh don't worry you two. She will tell us where Twilight is and what she had done with her. But I need you all to help make sure every pony is safe. I'll make sure I get a few good shots in for all of you. He said as he removed his tux expertly with his magic. To show the bandages around his body. He floated it over to Rarity who took it as well as the others and folded them neatly. Pinkie looked at him as her whole body shook. Her Pinkie sense was telling her that one doozy of an event was about to happen and not in the good way. The rest of them left with only Luna and Firestorm to deal with Chrysalis.

“Now what shall we do with this insect?” Firestorm said with murderous glee to his voice.

“Remember we must get the info about Twilight's whereabouts.” Luna warned.

“Oh I will get the information.” he said before a growl finished. “One way or another.” With a flick of his magic he brought over the drapes that were at each window, striped them down to just the pole. He then proceeded to stab them through a hole in each hoof. She was now restrained and unable to move.

“Do you think these will hold me? Think again.” She said as he horn started to glow. A loud snap was heard followed by a pained wail when Chrysalis' horn was snapped right off. The jagged remains still atop her head.

“Oh sorry. Did you need that for magic?” Firestorm said. Luna paled for a moment shuddering at the thought of that happening to her own horn. He just effectively removed Chrysalis' magic from her. Horns did not heal as quick as most wounds. Firestorm gently tossed it up into the air and catching it like a baseball. “So will you tell us where Twilight Sparkle is and what you had done to her?”

“You think that will get me to talk. Please I have felt more worse.” She snuffed. This made him grin even more.

“Then lets see about this?” He said as he gripped one of Chrysalis' wings. “Are you sure you don’t want tell us where she is?” He asked.

“Do your worst.” She said taunting him. He grinned and ripped the wing right out. Much to her credit she didn't scream this time but the pain was unbearable.

“How about now?”

“Firestorm I think she has suffered enough.” Luna said not able to take much more of this. This was far beyond anything she has seen of this magnitude.

“No. Not until I know where she is.” He shot back as his wings changed into a dragon's wings. His tail was now reptilian and came to a sharp diamond shaped point. “Now insect where is she?” He boomed at her.

“You will never know.” She shot back.

“Wrong answer.” He said before ripping the other wing. “Where is she?” He asked again.

“Dead!” She yelled. This stopped Firestorm for a moment. Then he shot at her the most wicked of glares. His normal eyes turned a dark red, pupils disappearing.

“You best be lying.” He growled.

“Oh and you think I would be beyond killing her?” She said before a loud snap could be heard. Firestorm stomped on her back right leg breaking it.

“Next time I’ll make it worse.” He growled. “She better be alive and you better tell me where.” He said as his normal orange fur turned to a deadly red. Two large horns grew out the back of his head. As his horn started to curve a bit. “Where is Twilight Sparkle?” He said not playing anymore. His claws reached up to Chrysalis each one of the black tips right at her neck.

“If you kill me you will never find her.” She said in a defiant tone. She was bluffing about that but he didn't know. A rock formed in the pit of her stomach when she saw him grin at this.

“Oh I won't kill you. I'll make you wish you were dead but I won't kill you.” He said as his horn lit up and sparks came from his right metallic clawed hoof. “I found out something interesting about you changelings earlier.” He spoke giving an exterminating glance at the sparking hoof.

“What is that?” Luna asked not really liking what his is doing.

“Glad you asked Luna. See changelings don't like electricity well. It fries them a lot faster then it would a normal pony.” He said as the sparks turned into streams of energy dancing from one claw to another. “Now I wonder how much would the queen take compared to her underlings?” He said as he slowly moved his hoof closer to Chrysalis' body. But a blue aura surrounded his hoof stopping him.

“This is going too far, Firestorm.” She said before she came closer to him.

“Luna don't play stupid with me. You know I am not him.” he said not taking eyes of of Chrysalis. With a twist of his foreleg he removed himself from Luna's magic with a pop.

“Then you are the beast we spoke to before?” She asked.

“And the last one crosses the finish line.” He said as he stepped closer to Chrysalis who was completely confused now. If this was not the stallion she had attacked. Then who was this and why is he torturing her?

“Then why are you wondering where she is?” Luna asked.

“Because like it or not. I care for him and he for her. It hurts me and him that she may be hurt because of this thing.” The beast said as he placed the metallic hoof against Chrysalis chest and a spark of magic sent lightning directly into her. She screamed an almost deathly scream that would destroy any ear drums close to it. The beast pulled back his hoof, sparks still present on it. Her body smoked as she hung there. “Now where is she?” He asked again but not answer. She was out cold. He growled and dragged over one of the other changelings. “I'm going to get straight to the point with you. You tell me where Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn is and I will stop hurting your queen. But if you don't tell me then I will pierce her body with her horn still attached. Do I make myself clear?” The beast roared at the changeling. It nodded fear for itself and his queen.

“She is in the crystal mines, locked up.” The changeling said in its insect like voice.

“What did you do to her?” The beast asked snarling.

“We put one of the ponies magic dampeners on her horn so she can't use magic to escape.” He said fear ever present in his voice.

“That's all I need to know.” he said with a grin as magic enveloped his horn again. A spark of electricity went through the changeling to knock him out. He dropped him to the ground. He then spread his wings and took to the air.

“Where do you think your going?” Luna asked now taking a commanding tone.

“To Twilight Sparkle.” He said and left before Luna could stop him. He smashed right through one of the clear windows as he shot towards the mountain cliff.

“This is not good.” Luna said to herself. A few moments later Celestia returned to see the mess.

“What has happened here?” Celestia asked as Shining Armor and his guards took over holding the changelings in one of his shields including the beaten Chrysalis. It wasn't long for Luna to explain the events that had transpired. Celestia started to pale from the beast’s actions. “Then we need to follow him.” The royal sisters took flight and followed the beast.

***---***

“Hello Twilight Sparkle.” The beast said as he entered the stone worked cavern where the cell that held the restrained Twilight was. He slowly walked up to her his mane proving light.

“Who's there.” Twilight asked jumping to her hooves. Last pony she talked to turned out to be a changeling. So she was skeptical. “Firestorm?” She worriedly asked.

“Sort of.” He said as he walked closer. He sat just outside the main light in the room. His glowing red eyes returned enough to see them again. But they were still reptilian and red in color.

“What happened to your eyes?” She asked getting as close as she can.

“Don't worry about my eyes Twilight. I am going to warn you before I come in, I look different.” He said.

“Different?” She said now worry in her voice.

“Yes just don't freak out.” He said before he stepped in left clawed hoof first. To test her reaction. She watched not saying a word as she watched carefully. He slowly made his way into the light. Much to Twilight's credit she didn't show the surprise on her face. A lot of it subdued because of the advanced warning and it being Firestorm. She knew he wouldn't hurt anypony unless it was in self defense or to protect any pony. He stood there for a moment watching for a reaction.

“Are you alright?” She asked carefully.

“Me, I'm fine. Firestorm on the other hoof.” He said trailing off. That was the trigger to Twilight. This wasn't Firestorm and he was here to do Celestia knows what. He came up to her , with a sound of wrenched metal the lock fell to the ground as a mangled mess. The caged door swung open slowly with a screech.

“Who are you then?” She asked.

“Personally or what you know me as?” He asked with a smirk.

“Both.” She asked.

“Well you know me by many things. His storm or the beast.” He said as he curled up in a ball slowly wrapping its tail around it. “Personally you can call me Sha.”

“Sha?” Twilight asked.

“Well I use to have a longer name but I forgot it many years ago.” Sha said a note of sadness.

“What do you mean use to have?”

“I forgot it over the thousand of years I've done this.”

“Thousands of years?”

“Yes thousands of years. Is that hard to believe? Your ruler is over a thousand years alone.”

“Point made. But why are you controlling him?”

“Because I am his test.”

“Test?”

“Yes, I am his storm. Oh and he says he is alright.”

“So he is still in there?” Twilight asked before Sha's horn glowed.

“Yes and now he can't hear what we are saying. So if you have questions for me then I would ask it now. Celestia and Luna are also on their way.” Sha said as he stood up again.

“What?” Twilight said a little surprised. “Okay, Why does he have to go through this storm?”

“Because he needs to have the will to control this power.” It said simply.

“What would happen if he doesn't pass this test?”

“Then he loses his mind to the power and becomes a beast in himself that needs to be put down.” Sha said in a tone that told that this has happened many of times.

“Then how can we help him pass this test?”

“You can't.”

“Why?” Twilight said not angered.

“Because of the deal he and I made.”

“Deal?”

“Yes, To trigger his storm he agreed only if I made sure you, his friends, and family would remain safe. Normally those would be the first ones I would go for. But this is now not the case.” Sha said not looking at Twilight but the cave entrance.

“Why?”

“Are you two really that dense?” Sha show back with a sigh.

“I am not dense.”

“Well Miss Twilight Sparkle you are pretty dense if you ask me. I'm fully aware of everything he's gone though and I do mean everything.” He said eying her.

“What?” She asked as Sha face hoofed.

“Firestorm is in love with you Twilight. Geez really does it have to be spelled out for you?” Sha said with a shake of his head. Twilight on the other hand turned bright red at this.

“That's impos-” She got out.

“Impossible? Really Twilight are you going to say you don't have feelings for him when you two already kissed? It doesn't take a professor to tell you two like each other.”

“What about Jessica?” She asked still red as a tomato.

“Twilight I'm going to be square with you on this. Yes he still loves her and misses her deeply. But he knows that she wants him to be happy. There little talk gave that away.”

“Little talk?” Twilight asked now confused and worried.

“He died for about ten minutes remember? During that time she talked to him. How do you think he remembers her real name and not her nick name? Geez Twilight for a smart pony you ask the dumbest questions.”

“Hey! How was I suppose to know any of this? He never really talks as openly as he should.” Twilight said now a little angry.

“Can you blame the guy? He went from a world that made it feel like every time he opened his mouth about his feelings and problems. Most of them would just laugh at him and ridicule him about it. Now he is in a better place but still has crippling problems, like being controlled now twice. I wouldn't even open up at that and trust me I have the years to back it up.” Sha shot back. “I bet if you asked Celestia or Luna about some of their hardships they would have novels of stories to tell you.” Twilight listened to this and took his words into consideration. When she asked about Aria, she figured that he was just going to keep it vague to help him stay together. She wasn't ready for him to open up like that.

“But what if he was only willing to open up for just me like that?” Twilight thought.

“But that's not the point at hoof right now. You need to find a way to make him fight me in his mind.” Sha said snapping her out of her thoughts.

“How? he can't hear me right now.” She angry said glaring at him.

“He can now.” he said the glow from his horn faded.

“Firestorm you have to fight this.” She pleaded right into Sha's eyes. He couldn't help but smirk. He did always love when they tried the direct approach.

“Nope nothing.” He mocked. Of course he wouldn't tell her if he was trying.

“Firestorm please do it for your friends.”

“Still nothing.” He mocked again with Twilight fighting to use magic. But she forgot that she had the dampener on still. With a sigh he walked closer and picked a claw on the device and stabbed it breaking it. He removed it for her.

“Twilight are you alright?” The regal voice of Luna boomed.

“I'm alright.” Twilight replied.

“That is my cue to leave. Good luck Miss Sparkle.” He said before his horn lit up in magic.

“Wait! Where are you going?”

“Somewhere a beast like me should go.” He said before a flash of orange blinded the room. He was gone.

***---***

“I can't believe he would do such a thing.” Twilight said as she paced back in forth in her room at Canterlot Castle.

“Twi I know it's hard to believe.” Applejack said.

“No it's not. Sha said that he is going through his storm. So it has to be why he did those acts. He wasn't in control.” Twilight shot back.

“I believe Twilight is right.” Celestia added as she and Luna both entered the room. “But I honestly wouldn't blame him either for his acts.”

“Sister.” Luna simply said with a note of worry.

“Yes Luna, I think we need to tell them what we know.” She said as they walked towards the group of them. Twilight looked at her mentor with worry ever present in her eyes. “My little ponies, he is indeed going through his storm. Sha explained that she takes control of the Drony when it's their time. Taunting them or coercing them into it. This is why no two Dronies go through their storm at the same time.”

“There is more to it then that Princess Celestia.” Said a voice behind them in the doorway. The group of them turned to see black as night coated earth Drony. His white claws and equally white eyes a straight contrast. The normally whites of his eyes had a very slight blue tint, his mane was an ivory white. He slowly made his way into the room closing the door behind him.

“Who are you and what do you mean more to it?” Rainbow said in his face. He looked at her for a moment.

“My name is ClawShot.” He said looking at them

“The leader from Hoofguard?” Celestia asked.

“The very same. I can only assume that F.M. Has explained what happened when I transported him there?” He asked.

“Yes Firestorm has. Now what do you mean there is more to it?” Twilight asked.

“Firestorm?” ClawShot asked a little confused.

“He goes by that name now.” Luna answered. “Now please explain what you meant.”

“Which why would you like me to explain the very technical way or would you like me to simplify it for everypony here?” He asked, not to make other ponies sound dumb but as a general question.

“Keep it simple.” Applejack said.

“Sha is too a Drony, as Faust is to Celestia and Luna.” He said both Celestia and Luna looked surprised.

“How do you know of that name?” Luna asked.

“Because I have spoken with her myself.” He said simply.

“Princess who is this Faust?” Twilight asked never hearing that name before. Celestia moved her gaze from ClawShot to Twilight.

“Faust is our mother.” She said simply. “But we don't speak of her often.”

“How come?”

“I'm sorry Twilight but this is something I can not share.” Celestia said a pang of guilt in her chest. She would share most things with her student but this was something... different.

“The point is Celestia. He needs to fight it or Equestria has a rather big problem.” ClawShot said as he got close enough to them.

“How big are we talking?” Applejack asked.

“Nightmare Moon levels of big.” He said. Each ponies eyes widen to the point that Fluttershy fainted. Even Pinkie stopped and looked surprised.

“Explain?” Celestia asked.

“It's what could happen if he fails. With Nightmare Moon it was more controlled.” He started with as Luna physically shuttered at that. “But if he fails it will be Nightmare Moon with no restraint and out for blood.”

“Then what do we do?” Rarity said.

“You need to give Firestorm a will to fight Sha. A reason to over power her. Sha is in his mind not the other way around. He may not know it but there he is all powerful.”

“But Sha can't hurt any of us.” Twilight said as every pony looked at her.

“She made a deal with him didn't she?” Clawshot face hoofed.

“Yes, to protect us.”

“Damn it Firestorm.” He said with a sigh. “Well that makes it a whole lot harder. I have to leave it to you ponies to find a way to get him to fight Sha. I can't interfere or he loses by default. It's a rule.” He said snubbing a few questions ahead of time.

“How do you know all this?” Twilight inquired.

“Because I have gone through it and I have learned from watching others.” He said looking at them. His gaze stopped on Luna for a moment. “Now excuse me I have others to help.”

“Hey aren't you at least going to tell us how to help him?” Applejack said running up and stopping in front of him.

“I did my part. The who is up to all of you. Luna may I have a word with you in private?” He said as he walked past Applejack. Luna looked at her sister then the rest of them before she followed him. The door closed as every pony there looked at each other. Silence took the room as each of them has a sense of worry that filled them to their core. Not only did they have to help their friend but they now knew what would happen if they failed.

“Princess what should we do?” Twilight asked Celestia who looked at her.

“I think we need to-” She got out before a guard rushed in.

“Princess I have news.” The white guard said as all of them stood.

“What is it?”

“There has been a report of the creature you spoke of near Ponyville. Shortly after one of the houses was destroyed.” The guard said.

“Was any pony harmed?” Twilight asked.

“No pony was harmed.”

“Then what house was it?” Rarity asked.

“It was the prince's house.” The guard said. “The creature was seen flying away from it shortly after it exploded.” The looks on every ponies face told of worry.

“Where was it flying towards?” Twilight asked.

“The Everfree forest.”

“ Somewhere a beast like me should go” Twilight udder on her her breath.

“What was that dear?” Rarity asked.

“It was something Sha said before disappearing. ‘Somewhere a beast like me should go.’ I think she was speaking about the Everfree forest.”

“Wait couldn't it be the castle like when Firestorm felt like a monster himself?” Applejack asked.

“No harm in trying their first.” Twilight said.

“I will be coming as well Twilight.” Celestia said.

“They’re what?!” Was heard from Luna in the hallway in the royal Canterlot voice. Silence followed afterwards for a few moments before Luna returned.

“What's wrong Luna?”

“It's a personal matter.” She said not really looking at her sister. “What did I miss?”

“We think Firestorm went to the Castle in the Everfree. So we need to fly out there and help him.” Dash said.

“Then lets go save him.” Luna said as she turned and left the room again. It didn't take them long to get back to Ponyville. Both Celestia and Luna went to help calm the residents from the isolated attack. Lyra, Derpy and her Two daughters tried to help as well. Cadence went to help keep the children calm. Which left Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Shining Armor to go into the Everfree. Shining had his armor on since before they arrived.

“Let's get going every pony.” Twilight said before the group of them headed towards the forest.

“Twily do you think this is wise?” Shining asked as he trotted next to his sister.

“We don't have much choice Shining. With each passing minute we get closer to our timer running out. Its even worse since we don't know what that time limit is.”

“What about Sha? He can't harm us because of the deal with Firestorm.”

“I know.”

“Then what are you planning?”

“I have two main plans. The first one is to trick Sha into attacking one of us. That way it may give Firestorm the motivation he needs to break Sha's hold on him.”

“That sounds extremely dangerous.” Shining said in a whisper. The didn't help of course because shortly after hearing that Fluttershy tried to take off but Dash caught her by the tail.

“Fluttershy you need to calm down.”

“B-b-b-but it's dangerous. What... what if some pony gets hurt?” She asked worried.

“I know you're scared sugar cube. But we have to go through here to help Firestorm.” Applejack said as they continued through Everfree forest. Each pony was on edge from the eerie unnatural silence of the forest around them, it was as if something was making sure that the forest itself remained silent. A looming mist crawled into each ponies mind as a light fog started to surround them. Dark, dank, and cold fog started to eat up their view of the forest to the point that they could barely see each other in it. Thinking fast Twilight and Shining Armor lit up their horns.

“Stay close every pony. We don't want to get lost in this fog.” Shining said.

“What is with this fog anyway? I can't grab it like normal fog.” Rainbow said as she tried to gather the fog around her hoofs but it just acted like fog to every other pony.

“I don't know Rainbow maybe this is Sha's doing.” Twilight surmised.

“Well it needs to stop.”

“Why are you getting scared?” Applejack said with a smirk.

“I'm not afraid.” Rainbow protested.

“I bet you'll jump at anything?”

“I bet I won't.” Rainbow defended until a branch brushed against her side causing her to shoot straight up with a surprised meep.

“Told ya.” Applejack said after Dash landed.

“Not funny AJ” Dash said with a huff.

“Focus every pony.” Twilight said aggravated.

“You never said what your other plan was.” Shining said.

“The other was go into his mind and coax him some how.”

“Do you think you'll get close enough for something like that?”

“All I can do is try.” Twilight said. The fog slowly spread out as they neared the bridge but to their dismay they found the bridge on fire.

“How are we going to get across this?” Applejack asked.

“By the a bridge silly?” Pinkie said bouncing.

“Bridge? What bridge it's on fire?” Twilight asked.

“Um Twi. I could just fly you all across” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“Well. Um couldn't you make a bridge with your shield? I mean if you want.” Fluttershy timidly asked. Twilight stopped and blinked for a moment, followed by her face hoofing. Shining rolled his eyes and created a bridge across the span. They entered the ancient castle of the pony sisters.

“This is where you all freed Princess Luna?” Shining asked as he looked around at the ruins that seemed to remained untouched by time. Even with the moss and greenery that covered some of the decayed walls. It seems that it just stopped progressing after some time. It was either a magic the old castle still held or the mystery of the Everfree forest itself.

“Yeah. It was awesome.” Rainbow said as they look around the old ruins. For the most part it was just the same as before.

“Are we sure he is going to be here?” Shining asked.

“It's the only place that makes sense. He came here when that article came out about him being a monster and Prince Blueblood little add on to it didn't help either.” Twilight answered.

“I know Prince Blueblood can be a pain but is that why he has a problem with him?”

“No it was the Prince being himself trying to cozy up to him at his house warming party.”

“That and insulting us in front of him.” Rarity added.

“Jeez no wonder he hates the guy. I was afraid he was going to attack him at his party.” Shining said.

“I wouldn't blame him. Blueblood did ask for it.” Rainbow added.

“Yeah but I reckon he did it because of both of the Princesses.” Applejack surmised. A flickering could be seen coming from a tower window. “He's up there.” She pointed as every pony turned to see. They rushed their way to the north tower. The same one where Vermom stabbed him with the scythe. They entered the door to find Firestorm just sitting there.

“So you figured out my clue.” Sha said as he sat up. “So I guess you're going to try and coax him into overpowering me? Oh and you've even got Shining Armor to join you as well.” He said looking at them. Shining started to take stance as his horn started to glow in magic alongside Twilight.

“Give us back our friend.” Twilight said as she focused on the Memory spell.

“Once he takes it from me.” Sha simply said.

“Firestorm you have to fight him. You are stronger then him.” Twilight yelled hoping to get through to him.

“Really Twilight you think yelling will persuade him into acting?” Sha said rolling his eyes as Twilight leaned over to her brother.

“Do you think you could hold him down with your shield?” She whispered.

“If I could keep the changelings out. I think I can keep him down.” He said as he fired a purple beam of struck out Sha who raise an eyebrow at the magic before his horn lit up creating a bubble of magic around him. Much to his surprise the magic Shining fired at him surrounded his bubbled and hardened.

“Clever” Sha said as he dropped his bubble. He turned to buck the shield but nothing worked.

“Sorry Sha but my shield is harder than it looks.” Shining said as he walked closer to him.

“Okay so now that you have me caged. What's next?”

“That's easy.” Twilight said as pressed her horn to every pony there. As streams of white magic attached to each of them before she turned towards the trapped Sha. Who just watched in silence completely familiar with the memory spell. “We are going to talk to him directly.” She said as she stepped closer.

“What makes you think I will let you?” Sha said eying her.

“Because your deal with him won't let you hurt us.” She said as passed right through Shining shield.

“Doesn't mean I won't stop you.” Sha said right before Twilight pressed her horn right into his head. To Every pony there the world went white.

***---***

I watched as Twilight and everyone appeared within my mind. The window behind the beast that I now knew as Sha showed Twilight having her horn pressed right into my forehead.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re alright.” Twilight said as she looked up to me with each of my legs embedded into the ground like I was wearing cement shoes.

“Yeah I'm so alright that I'm trapped in the floor.” I said a little annoyed. I was trapped within my own mind having to watch my body destroy the house my friends and family got me. I couldn't help but feel like that article was right about me. I sat here listening to Sha's taunts saying how worthless I was that I couldn't fight the control.

“Sorry.” Twilight winced at my words. “But you have to fight for control.” She stated. Thank you captain obvious, its not like I haven’t been trying to do that.

“I've been trying Twilight.” I said as I fight to get my hooves free but nothing has been working.

“See I told you it was useless.” Sha said behind Twilight as he raised his front right leg as every pony but me raised into the air. Then flicked it to the right tossing them into a cage that just appeared. My eye twitched as I saw this. I continue to fight to get my legs free.

“Are you alright?” I asked worried.

“I'm alright.”Twilight said.

“A little rattled but I'm good sugar cube.” Applejack added.

“It takes me more to keep me down.” Rainbow boasted.

“Is my mane alright?” Rarity asked. Yeah she was alright if she was worried more for her mane then herself.

“It's alright rare.” Applejack said as she rolled her eyes.

“I'm alright.” Fluttershy squeaked.

“I've been hit harder.” Shining said.

“I'm good.” Pinkie said as she appeared next to me. Normally I would be surprised but this time I'm glad the pink party pony is free. I sighed a little in relief that they’re unharmed. Then I turned and glared at Sha.

“Release my friends.” I growled.

“No can do. You want them safe. What's safer than being caged and put away.” Sha said with a smirk.

“Firestorm we will be alright but you need to know.” She started to say before a purple bubbled covered them muting them. I glared at Sha even more as I fought to release my legs.

“Can't have you spoiling it for him.” Sha said as he got closer to the bubbles. Pinkie leaned in to my ear.

“If you lose you will because as wild as something in the Everfree and attack every pony.” She said before she disappeared in a puff of smoke. Then reappeared next to Twilight with a Pinkie Pie smile. So I will become a monster just like the Timberwolves. Just like when Shadow took over me. If that happened then I could hurt every pony.

“Listen carefully Sha,” I said as I felt my anger rise more and more. “You control me and destroy my house. You cause everyone in Ponyville to panic. You then cage up my friends and silence them.”

“Your point?” Sha said a little bored.

“My point is that you decided to trap then in my mind.” I said as I began to grin. I completely forgot that I am the one that has control here. I started to rise from the ground then walked over to the bubble and popped it. “In my mind I have control.” I said as the white world around us started to take the shape of a green grassy field. I focused as the cage disappeared releasing them.

“Oh thank Celestia it was cramped in there.” Rarity said as she gently touched her head.

“The good thing about my mind is. I'm not from Equestria and I know a lot more than what was here. I know of war and weapons. Among all this I have the one hell of a imagination.” I said as I summoned seven M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. “I also have the knowledge of weapons beyond your understanding.” I said as I pointed at Sha “Fire!” I yelled as all the tanks fired as each round homed on Sha. The explosion engulfed him. I slowly walked closer to where he was. But there was nothing there.

“Behind you!” Applejack yelled I turned to get bucked in the face. It sent me flying through the air. I spread out my wings as the wind resistance slowed me down. Hold on if this is my mind then I can fly without needing to know how to fly. I flapped my wings and flew at Sha who picked up one of the tanks by the barrels. He swung it like a baseball bat sending me flying again.

I started to fly around him in circles. Every time I got close to him he swatted me way with the tank. I stopped for a few moments. He threw the tank me. Swiping it from the air and held it with both hooves as it turned from a tank to a giant sword. I flew at him as he picked up another tank. We swung at each other my sword clashed with his tank. We stared at each other before I kicked the tank up into the air and swung at him where he grabbed it in his mouth. I looked surprised.

“Oh please. Do you really think you could defeat me that simply?” Sha said through the sword in his mouth. I grinned at this.

“Not alone. Because I have my friends here. With them around I know I don't have to face things alone. Right Rainbow Dash?” I said as I glanced to my left.

“Of course.” She said before she tackled him from the side into the ground. “We don't leave our friends hanging.”

“We sure as Celestia don't let them face things alone.” Applejack said lassoed him with a rope tied to her tail. She started to swing him around in a circle.

“Batters up.” I said as I changed the giant sword into a giant baseball bat.

“Yehaw!” Applejack yelled as she released him at me. For some reason the baseball batter up theme popped into my head right before I swung knocking Sha away. Right into Pinkie Pie's party cannon.

“Party Time!” Pinkie said as she launched Sha back at me as her cannon sounded like a party popper. Sha smiled as he broke right through my bat and continued to fly right at Twilight. Being stopped short by Shining's shield. Twilight smiled as her horn lit up and a beam of magic fired and connected squarely at Sha's chest. It sent him flying and he landed right at Fluttershy's hooves.

“Please give up. If you don't mind.” She timidly spoke before Sha growled causing her to fly back and hide. This sent of spike of irritation through me.

“How dare you growl at Fluttershy you brute.”Rarity said with a glare before her horn glowed and a barrage of gems flew out of the ground under Sha. I flew up and grabbed Sha by the neck.

“Listen carefully Sha. I will give you this chance to surrender.” I said calmly but anger still filled my eye. Sha simply spat at me with a bloody grin. I wiped off the spit mixed with blood with my free hoof then tossed him up and grabbed him by the face. “I will consent and kept your word. Making sure they didn't get hurt. But you failed to realize something. You didn't realize who I cared about. I care about Fluttershy who showed me kindness and visited me in the hospital when I was out with no sign of waking up.” I said as I flew right into a mountain as I help Sha in front of me breaking through it using him as a shield. “I care about Applejack who made sure I didn't lie to myself when I felt useless.” I said as smashed him into one of the tanks. “I care about Rainbow Dash who knew I was messed up inside and was loyal to help me through it.” I continued as I started to run his face into the ground. “I care about Rarity who was generous to a pony she never even met before by treating me like a was a friend.” I said as I smashed his face into every rock and dragged him through the ground getting faster and faster. “I cared about Pinkie Pie who tried her darnedest to make me happy and laugh when the world crushed around me.” I said as I dragged him up a mountain. “I care about Celestia, Luna, and Cadence who are the only family I have anymore.” I said as I flew high off the ground with him looking beat up and bloody. “I care about Shining because he treats me like a friend and I care about Twilight Sparkle because she was my first friend when I had nothing. When I was confused and lost ready to break down from being in a new form and in a new place. She treated me like me and not some freak.” I said as I threw Sha down towards the ground. “And because regardless of what she feels for me. I. Love. Her!” I yelled as I flew right after Sha as I let a stream of fire shot out of my mouth and engulf me as my right foreleg was pointed at Sha. My hoof connected with his face as the fire raged around me. It raged like the sun going super nova, I could only guess it was equivalent to a nuclear bomb going off. Once the dust settled I saw Sha as he laid there in silence as he looked at me.

“Aren't you going to finish it.” Sha said with his muzzle in the ground.

“Sha I did.” I said before I walked away and out of the crater. As I exited it a started to hear clapping. I turned around to see not Sha but the dragon. The one that remained in my head from the beginning. He looked down at me.

“Well done little one, well done.” He said I looked up at him in confusion. “You passed my test.” He said. This dragon was Sha, the whole fucking time this damn dragon was screwing with me. “Calm down, like I said destiny was in play here. I just so happened to be part of it and now my part is done.” He said before he reach over with a claw and pressed into my chest. I suddenly felt a heat radiate through me. Not like a painful heat but more a nice warm bath heat. I could help but blush at how good it felt. “This is my final gift to you Firestorm.” He spoke a small frown on his face.

“But why?” I asked part of me wanted to know why he did all this.

“Firestorm I'm not going to lie. I don't know why. But destiny is one that never tells its story until it's already over.” He said before he started to fade.

“Then what now?” I asked.

“Live on and be happy my little drony.” Sha said before he was gone. I sat down hard on my hunches as every pony came up to me.

“You alright?” Fluttershy asked and I simply nodded not taking my eyes away from the spot Sha was.

“I... don't know.” I said completely confused and conflicted. I just passed a test so I wouldn't go out of control and hurt every pony. But in the same sense I felt like I lost a safety net or something equally important. “Twilight can you please drop the spell?” I asked as a few moments later the castle returned to view as well as a purple tint from Shining's shield. He dropped it a few moments later as I looked at my clawed hoof. I was still transformed into my more dragon like state. I felt the magic through my body it felt different some how. It was still as warm as ever but it felt livelier. Almost like someone dumped gas on it and lit match. I slowly tried to dissipate the magic like I would when I stopped using a spell. It took a little time to do so but the red scales I had slowly returned to the orange fur I was use to having before this. I watched my claws retreat into my hoof and disappear all together. My tongue in my mouth told me a lot of my sharp teeth returned to their more flat versions. Though my teeth in the back were still sharp. I started to head out of the castle back towards Ponyville. I needed to apologize for my actions and take what punishment I deserve.

***---***

We returned to Ponyville with not much said between me and everyone else. I wanted to remain silent the whole time because I was trying to figure out why I felt like I lost something in me. Was it because I was able to turn into that monster or was it because I may not see that dragon Sha again? Why does it bother me if I can see Sha or not again? Since the beginning Sha has been nothing but a nightmare for me.

“I reckon he’s still upset about his birthday being messed up like it was.” Applejack whispered to some pony behind me. I really wish Applejack could whisper.

“Applejack Darling it must be because of his storm.”

“Hey Twily do you think he will be alright?” Shining whispered.

“I don't know Shining, I really don't know.” Twilight whispered louder than her brother. We continued through Ponyville as my irritation started to spike more and more as they all talked about me like I wasn't around them. I let out a sigh as we continued.

“Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked next to me. I glanced over to her as she eeped. “I still don't know Fluttershy” I said simply. “And it doesn't help the ponies behind me talking about me.” I said loud enough for everyone to hear.

“You heard all that didn't you?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, yes I did.” I said as we continued with me not looking back at her. We continued to find all three princesses standing next to a tan mare with a gray mane.

“Hello.” I timidly said as we approached. Much to my surprise Cadence and Luna both hugged me as Celestia looked at me.

“Are you alright?” She said worry ever present in her voice.

“Honestly, I don't know.” I sadly said. “I just think I need to let things set in again.”

“It's understandable. After something like that I can only assume that you feel a little lost with everything.” She said as I just simply nodded. The booming of thunder loomed above us. “I had forgot that Ponyville was scheduled for a storm today.”

“Why don't we all go inside?” Twilight said as every pony followed her towards the library. I slowly walked as every pony passed me. I stopped quietly after they did, they mustn't have noticed I was behind as I walked towards my destroyed house. There were still small flickers of flames on some of the more solid pieces. After I sat outside it, the rain came down. I watched each little flame get snuffed out by the torrent of rain. My mane started to fall flat in front of my face, covering most of it. I peered out between the strands of hair. It was funny really, I went from having nothing causing so much problems. To having friends and family with a house they got me. Just to lose the gift because of my own stupidity. Not just that, I lost everything I had in it. My artwork, my gift to Twilight, the sword I was given, and everything else. I couldn't help but chuckle a little at that. It was really kind of funny that my bad luck held out so much. The universe really wanted to screw with me like that. It wanted me to feel such pain? For what? Because it didn't like me, because it thought it would be funny, or because it could for no other reason. The tears slowly ran from my eyes, but you couldn't really tell. The rain really did a good job at hiding the streaks of tears on my face with my cold wet fur.

“Firestorm?” I heard behind me.

“Hey.” I replied weakly still a small chuckle.

“It will be alright.”

“If you say so Twilight.” I muttered as I could continue to hear the rain and see it around me. But I couldn't feel it anymore. I looked up to see Twilight's shield blocking the rain. I turned to look at her and I spotted everyone else behind her in a different bubble of magic. “Let's go inside and dry off.” She said as she turned around. I simply followed not saying anything. We entered the library and as soon as I stepped in I got nailed in the face with a towel. I let it set there for a few moments before I draped it over my head as I sat there letting the water drip from my coat. It took a few moments for me to get the feeling I was being stared at by every pair of eyes in the room. I glanced out of the towel and through my mane at everyone looking at me. “What?” I simply asked not really curious about it.

“Firestorm.” Celestia started before I cut her off.

“If you're about to ask if I am okay then let me save you the trouble. I don't know and I don't know when I will be.” I said and of course that shut her up.

“Please talk to us.” Twilight asked. I turned to her, I guess my eyes were red again because she gulped as I looked at her.

“What's to talk about?” I said then sat on my hunches. Was it really going to help this sudden lost feeling I have or that I was homeless in Ponyville? Granted I still had a room at Canterlot castle, But I never really liked it there.

“Darn it Firestorm. We know something is wrong.” Applejack said getting into my face. I gave her a deadpan look.

“Okay if something is wrong then tell me what you think is wrong with me.” I offered. She looked at me for a moment then turned to everypony else. She returned her gaze to me before she opened her mouth. “It's about everything that has happened, the changelings, losing your house-” My deadpan expression didn't change. She gulped for a moment before I stood up again.

“Yes Applejack, that would be something that would bother me right now but it's not what is bothering me at the moment.” I said before I went into Twilight's bathroom and closed the door behind me. Silence filled the room as I left. I started to dry my mane first as it started to fuzz out like it was when I first woke up in Equestria. It was a little funny as I left it like that as I went to work on my coat. I heard some muttering come from the next room as I worked through my legs. My tail was the last thing I was working on as some pony knocked on the door.

“Firestorm can I come in?” Twilight asked.

“It's your house.” I simply said as she opened the door slowly. I glanced at her through the mirror. She looked back through the door before she fully entered and closed it behind her. She came over to me as I finished drying my tail. It fuzzed up like my mane did.

“Firestorm I'm sorry that.” She said before I stopped her.

“Twilight I know you're sorry but what’s done is done.” I said simply as I let my hair become fire. A quick head bang and my mane returned to normal in it's fire style. I did the same with my tail shortly afterwards.

“Please talk to us.” She said almost pleading.

“Twilight I. I just don't wa-” I got out before Rainbow Dash bashed through the door and got in my face.

“I've had enough. You're going to tell us what your problem is or else.” She growled at me. I couldn't help but get angry at her.

“Or else what?” I said through clenched teeth.

“Or we make you.” She said as she butted heads with me.

“Rainbow, this isn't helping.” Twilight said trying to defuse us.

“You want to know what's wrong? Do you really want to know what the fuck is wrong with me?” I almost yelled in her face as I felt heat within me.

“Yes I want to know.” She said continued to be in my face.

“Sugar cube you need to calm down.” Applejack came in. Pinkie looked worried more than normal.

“Fine here is my problem Rainbow Dash. Since I have been here, it's been one thing after another. Each time I end up getting hurt, controlled, or so confused and conflicted it doesn't help my already dwindling sanity. Let's not forget about my time before I came to Equestria, I’ve been through so much that I more times go to bed bloody, bruised, and cut up from just trying to be the best that I could be. For what? For 'friends' who treated me like crap, for family that wanted to just ignore the shit I dealt with on a daily basis? And now since I've got here, I’ve hurt my friends, got hurt multiple times, get controlled twice, lost a house that my friends and family gave me because as I was being controlled. They decided to destroy it to get me angry. That worked but on top of that I have some evil pony after me that can change shapes into ponified people from my past just to mess with my mind. On top of all that, I pass this great test that I had to make a deal with the devil to do. I feel like I am not myself anymore, like part of me is lost. Do you even have a clue how that feels Rainbow Dash? Can you even fathom how that feels? I'm not whole anymore that I’m just a fragment ready to be blown away at a moments notice? Stupid me just can't let it go, look on the bright side of things. At least my friends and family are safe. I probably have a whole town, hell, more like a whole freaking country scared of me because the news wanted to depict me as a monster. A beast that could strike at anytime. That is what is wrong with me Rainbow Dash. Do I need to explain any more? I bet that I have made you all scared of me at some point.” I vented at her. Her angry demeanor quickly became shock as well was everypony else, even the princesses. “Now if you would excuse me I would like to be by myself to clear my head.” I growled at them, my anger still spiked to no end. She nodded with a pang of guilt across their faces as both Twilight and Dash left the bathroom. I closed the door silently. Sometimes ponies can drive me nuts.

***---***

It took me about an hour to finally decide to leave the bathroom after staring at myself in the mirror. I came out to every pony staring at me again, me not saying a word.

“Firestorm” Celestia started I was tempted to cut her off again but decided against it this time. I already blew up at Rainbow Dash. “I'm sorry for so much to have happened to you.” She said as she came over to me.

“I should be the one sorry Celestia. I shouldn't have blown up like that. Dash you didn't deserve my anger like that.” I said and turned to her.

“Dude it's alright. I'm just glad you got that out of your system.” She said with a smile.

“I guess.” I said weakly.

“Don't start retreating like that.” Rainbow Dash ordered as I winced.

Twilight came up to me and gave me a hug. I blushed a little. “I'm sorry that I have been nothing but trouble for all of you.” I said, apologizing to every pony there.

“You have nothing to be sorry for sugar cube. I think all of us would do about the same if we were in your horseshoes.” Applejack offered as she stepped closer.

“We will be here for you, if you want.” Fluttershy said as she came closer as well.

“To make you all happy again.” Pinkie said as she bounced up to me.

“We will make sure no pony hurts you again.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Or hates you for things you couldn't control.” Luna added with the small lump filled my throat at the word control.

“We will show you what you were deprived of.” Cadence said.

“And guard you from the pains.” Shining added with a smirk.

“We’ll make sure that you don't feel lost ever again.” Rainbow added.

“And you will always have your friends and family here to help you when you break down.” Celestia said with a smile.

“And if that happens we will be there to put you back together stronger and more awesome then before.” Dash added with a victorious jester.

“You won't be alone anymore.” Twilight added before I felt her soft velvet lips gently pressed into mine as the blood rushed to my cheeks. I looked at Twilight who closed her eyes as a blush crossed her face. My face must have turned even more red as we held the kiss there for a few more minutes. As I felt the warmth from Twilight leave me. I blinked at her. She opened her eyes slowly as those perfect pools of amethyst stared right into mine. I could have sworn I saw a twinkle in her eye.

“Way to go Twi.” Dash said followed but a woot.

“Good going girl.” Applejack added.

“Twilight and Firestorm sitting in a tree.” Pinkie started to sing before a hoof covered her mouth.

“Quite marvelous.” Rarity added as I turned to everyone who was smiling. Well all but me and Twilight who was bright red. I didn't even know the color spectrum allowed a red like that.

“I think we should leave these ponies alone for the night.” Celestia added with a wink. My blush must have turned into a glowing beckon because Dash, Pinkie, and Applejack couldn't help but stifle a laugh when my wings extended with a pomf. Of course both Dash and Pinkie failed at it royally. “Gotcha” She added as she started to lightly laugh.

“Celestia.” I said with a shake of my head. “On a serious note. Where am I going to stay? I don't have a house anymore.” I said trying to will the blush away. With Twilight still hugging me it was a losing battle. Having a wonderfully cute mare pressed against you make it extremely hard not to blush.

“You'll be staying with me.” Twilight added and I blush again. “Ah, not like that!” She rapidly corrected my train of thought.

“Oh come on Twi you know you want some of him.” Dash said with a smirk and now it was Twilight's turn to blush even redder than I was.

“Dash!” She said before a beam of magic fired at her. With a yelp Dash flew right out the door and the rest followed all but Celestia and Luna who stayed behind.

“Firestorm, I know your time here hasn't been easy but rest assured. We will do whatever we can to make you feel safe.” Celestia warmly said.

“If any pony has a problem with you. Then you can direct them to either of us.” Luna added.

“And me.” Twilight added. I couldn't help but smile at this. I felt so... well, loved.

“Thank you, all of you.” I said simply before a brought Twilight closer and gave her another kiss. Celestia and Luna left shortly leaving Twilight, Spike, and I alone in the library.

“Well you two get a room or something?” Spike groaned out.

“Well technically this is a room Spike.” I shot back with a smirk. Twilight let out the most adorable giggle at my joke. I turned my head and yawned quietly. I guess these last few days took a lot out of me.

“I guess some pony needs some sleep.” Twilight said as she wrapped me up in magic and lifted me without any trouble. This time I didn't mind her doing it. It felt right for once. She floated me up behind her and I couldn't help but blush and turn away from her rump. Hopefully I wouldn't have that memory used against me. Twilight gently placed me on the floor after we got up the stairs. It was then I noticed the coat was still there.

“I hope this is alright.” Twilight asked sheepishly.

“It's fine Twilight.” I said with a gentle smile before she sat me down onto the bed. She then floated a blanket over to me. I missed the one Fluttershy had made me. Maybe I should ask her about making another one. Twilight laid it over me gently, then headed up the short stairs to her bed. The lights turned off plunging the room into darkness as the sound of the rain could still be heard. The little thuds sounded like a symphony of music to my ears, like a lullaby of the night. “Firestorm.” Twilight said knocking me out of my musical attuning.

“Yes Twilight?” I asked a sleepily.

“Sorry about your birthday.” She apologized.

“Twilight it's not your fault. At least this year it ended on a happier note.” I said as I closed my eyes letting the music of nature take me into the realm of dreams. I wonder though, what will tomorrow bring?

-End Of Chapter-