They wasted no time, and Singescale made sure to bring along young Amber with them as they left Burning Rock and went straight back to the Slipstream. Of course, Spike had geeked out about Firestorm's transformation but was quickly made to button his lip by Singescale, who saw in her old-turned-young again pupil an uncertainty.

Remembering the instructions Blueblood had given him, Spike adjusted the controls once they'd launched and reached their cruising altitude and set course for Equestria and the group was on their way.

At Singescale's "suggestion", they gave Firestorm some space and he'd mumbled a thank-you before going into the airship cabin to be alone. But even Singescale couldn't resist peeking through the window to look upon her old friend, back in the prime of his life and now a perfect blend of pony and dragon.

"He truly is fascinating..." Amber said aloud in wonder.

"How did this happen?!" Spike was still geeking out, finding it so incredibly cool and awesome while Amber politely sat to the side, enjoying the amazing view.
"Firestorm's young again and he's now part dragon!"

"As far as I know, nothing like this has ever happened before," Singescale considered it, "Perhaps it might involve dragon magic, but I don't believe that alone could explain this miracle."

"Maybe..." Singescale and Spike looked over to Amber, who was reluctant, but they smiled and invited her to speak, "maybe it has something to do with those draconic runes on his scales?"

"Draconic runes?" Spike echoed before remembering the unusual marks on Firestorm's new scales, "That's what those are?"

"I noticed those as well," noted Singescale, "which is why I do believe dragon magic is involved here, but like I said, I believe there's something more to it."

"Wait..." Spike's eyes lit up, "when we came here, I noticed something Firestorm had on him, in that locket of his. It was a Phoenix Feather! He told me Princess Celestia gave it to him a long time ago as a good luck charm."

"...And phoenixes behold the power to be reborn from fire!" Singescale realized, "That must be it! The phoenix feather must have acted as some kind of catalyst when Firestorm was engulfed in the lava. It reacted as it was burned and somehow must have sensed Firestorm on the verge of dying, so its rejuvenated flames restored him to his prime!

"The transformation must have resulted from the phoenix fire mixing with Firestorm's dragon magic, is why he has become a blend of pony and dragon."

Spike and Amber shared an incredulous look, for as farfetched as Singescale's theory was it seemed the only explanation for this incredible phenomenon that had happened to their gallant hero.

Regaining her composure, Singescale cleared her throat, "Well, of course- This is only a theory, after all. But... perhaps we should keep it to ourselves."

"How come?" asked Spike.

"If word got out that someone could possibly gain new powers using different magicks and phoenix feathers," Singescale implied with a considerate tone, "well, some creatures could very well be taking unnecessary risks.

"I'll share this theory with Firestorm, so he has something to help him make sense of all this, and who he shares it with is entirely up to him. Though I will advise he keep the number of those he confides in to a minimum. Amber? Have you considered my offer?"

"I have, Lady Singescale," Amber smiled hopefully, "and I would gladly be your assistant. It sounds like it would be much better than serving Infurya."

"I promise it will be, child," Singescale gave her new assistant a kind smile.

Inside the Slipstream's cabin, Firestorm was at a loss.

There was a bed, a desk, a storage closet, and a bathroom stall that functioned as a toilet, sink, and shower, and there was a mirror on the closet door. He was checking himself out, looking at his scales, his new horns, his tail. His foreleg. His claws. His eyes. His face.

Sitting back onto his haunches, he raised his claws, flexing them, grasping and then spreading, feeling sensations that he'd only barely experienced before with his prosthetic foreleg with the talons designed to resemble those of a griffon.

His prosthetic was gone. His forelimb had been restored. It was flesh and blood underneath the scales now coating it. He'd been able to feel before with his prosthetic connecting to his thaumaturgical system, but it had been a pale comparison to the actual sensation of touch that he'd long forgotten in his forelimb after it had been taken from him.

Then he looked at his face again in the mirror.

It was jarring, as he saw the semblance of himself back in his prime, only it was different now because he had scales on his cheekbones, his brows, on the bridge of his nose, and then there were the sharp teeth in his mouth, the draconic eyes replacing the weary eyes of a veteran he still was on the inside.

He let out a sigh as smoke slowly blew out of his mouth. It bellowed out of his mouth and hit the mirror spreading out almost as a if it was ink through water. With a pull of magic, he pulled the smoke together forming into the same of a small little bird. He looked as if he was watching the smoke bird fly before he dropped the magic as the bird disappeared in a puff of air. Focusing again he began to breath out just smoke and formed it into the shape of a fully grown pegasus stallion that stood higher then he did. The smoke stallion looked as if he was the pegasus equivalent of a Royal Guard but with a more chiseled chin and much larger wings.

Firestorm stared at the smoke shaped-into-a-stallion and said, "What would you have done in my position?"

Though he knew it was just an image made of smoke, some part of Firestorm was disappointed when it didn't respond. Right about then the door to the room opened, which broke Firestorm's concentration on the magic as the smoke slowly dispel dropping the shape as he watched Spike slowly step into the cabin.

"Uh, hey Firestorm," Spike tread lightly, hoping he measured his words correctly and didn't say the wrong thing. "Just wanted to check on ya, and... Well, I wanna say, thanks for protecting me. And I'm sorry. It was stupid of me to accept Infurya's 'invite' like that. All the same, I'm really grateful that you looked out for me."

"Mm," Firestorm nodded but didn't say anything, his eyes wandering between Spike and the edge of the mirror.

"It's fine Spike. You didn't know, and sometimes... sometimes you have to learn things the hard way," Firestorm replied, sounding he was lost in a memory for a moment.

"Firestorm...?" Spike's concerned tone brought Firestorm out of it a bit that he glanced towards the dragonet in an insecure way. "Are you... upset that this has happened to you?"

"Honestly, Spike?" Firestorm paused to take a deep breath as he looked himself in the mirror again before he finally answered, "I don't know what to think! Or to feel, or....

"I'm staring at a face that's my own and yet it feels almost like that of a stranger."

"Is that all?" Spike had a feeling it wasn't.

"No, it's not..." Firestorm was quiet for a long moment before he sighed, and he thought, What's everyone gonna think when they see me? Will they see a freak? A friend? A stranger? Will they even believe that it's me? How can they when I hardly believe it myself!?

His expression was firm and stony, betraying almost nothing except the look of a stallion who was tense.

Spike had no idea what exactly was going on in his friend's head, so all he could offer was a gentle claw on Firestorm's shoulder and an encouraging smile as he said, "Well, no matter what, it's gonna be okay, Firestorm! Midnight, Twilight, and all your other friends will help you through this, and that definitely includes me."

Firestorm mentally sighed, appreciating Spike's words, but he didn't think the dragonet really got it. Still, he pulled a relaxed look and gave Spike a kind smile, "You're right. Let's go home."

"Great! C'mon, let's go turn up the airship's thrust," Spike suggested as he moved for the door.

"I'll be right with you," Firestorm waved him out. "Just wanna relax a bit."

Spike gave Firestorm a considerate look before nodding and closing the door behind him, leaving he stallion alone once again with his troubles.

Midnight and Twilight were in their library in the Castle, the both of them pouring over research Starlight and Sunburst had presented to them in their work to find a way to restore the destroyed cutie-marks of the victims from Catrina's latest attack back at the music event.

"This seems promising, don't you think?" Midnight asked his wife as they looked at some theories Sunburst and Starlight had worked on.

"Maybe... it's interesting that starlight noticed how Sweetie Belle's performance seemed to have a positive effect on the afflicted ponies," Twilight noted. "Their colors had been muted and paled by the loss of their marks, but Sweetie Belle was somehow able to reach something inside of them that brought back their true colors. Almost as if... "

"TWILIGHT! MIDNIGHT!!"

The two of them startled as in flew Rainbow Dash, followed by Soarin, Pinkie Pie, Blueblood and Rarity. Rainbow Dash was almost dragging a radio, much to Blueblood's displeasure, as she announced, "It's Spike! He's on the radio!

"Spike, they're here!" Rainbow spoke into the com before hooving it over to Twilight.

All eyes were on Twilight, as she cleared her throat and hopefully spoke into the radio, "Spike? Are you there?"

"Hi Twilight! Firestorm and I are almost back!" replied Spike's voice, causing a round of relieved sighs and murmurs. "We'll be landing the Slipstream at Ponyville Air Field within the hour, and we also brought some guests!"

"Ooh! New friends?!" Pinkie piped in, "I gotta start planning a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party!"

"Uh, could we... not have a party or big fuss when we get back, please?" requested Spike through the radio, causing Pinkie to gasp in abject horror. "See, besides the guests, there's a... well, it's... I guess you could sorta call it a 'surprise'-"

"A SURPRISE?!" Pinkie swiped the radio from Twilight, to her chagrin, as the pink party pony asked, "What kind of surprise, Spike?! Is it something yummy? Something fun? Something cute?! Something so amazingly amazing that nothing has ever amazed anything as amazing- EEP!"

Midnight's turquoise aura enshrouded Pinkie Pie, took the radio away from her and giving it back to Twilight, while Pinkie was brought over to Midnight, who spoke in a patient and polite tone, "Pinkie Pie? You know we love you and appreciate your optimistic views on life. So, I say this, with all possible respect..."

Midnight then hardened his tone, furrowed his brows and bore his gaze into Pinkie's eyes as he softly yet harshly instructed her, "Zip - Your Howling - Screamer...!"

He cast the zip-it spell to shut her up and set her aside before gesturing to Twilight to talk with Spike.

"Is everything alright, Spike?" asked Twilight.

"Well, uh... let's just say Firestorm's undergone... a change during our trip to Dradea," replied Spike through the radio. "I can't really explain it right now, it's better if you see for yourselves. That's why we'd rather there's no big fuss or fanfare for when we get back."

"Are you guys alright?" asked Midnight.

"We're fine, Firestorm's fine, he's just... different," assured Spike but it sounded like he was being evasive. "Listen, just come see us at the airfield and we'll discuss things more when we get to the castle. We'll see you within the hour."

The signal went dead, signifying Spike had turned the Slipstream's radio off, leaving Midnight to regard his friends, "Well then... I guess we'll all go welcome Spike and Firestorm back and their guests to Ponyville. Just remember, no making a big deal or anything... Rainbow Dash."

"What?! I get it, I'll keep my 'party screamer' shut," Rainbow did the air-quote gesture with her primary feathers though took offense to Midnight's stink eye.

"Actually, he said 'howling' screamer," Twilight corrected as she and her husband led everyone out of the castle library.

"What-ever! Just as long as I get to set up a party!" Pinkie hopped after them before gasping, "I gotta get Party Favor involved!"

After discussing it a little further, Midnight and Twilight had everyone else wait for them in the Castle Entry Hall while they went to meet Spike and Firestorm, along with their guests, at the airfield, whereupon they would teleport them all to the Entry Hall.

As always, Pinkie, with Cheese Sandwich and Party Favor's help, had quickly set something up, decorating the Entry Hall with streamers and balloons, set up some confetti and glitter rigged to fall over the party at their impunity, and had already set up a nice spread with a buffet table of party snacks, along with a punch bowl.

Besides Rainbow, Soarin, Blueblood and Rarity, they'd also called on the rest of the Council of Friendship and Starlight and Sunburst to attend. Sugar Belle, Night Glider and Double Diamond were there too, Sugar Belle because she'd helped with the catering, Night Glider and Double Diamond because they wanted to welcome their trainer back.

"Snacks, decorations, music and... games!" Pinkie checked off her list, "This party is ready to get started, all that's left is for the guests to arrive!"

"I do hope nothing amiss went wrong during their trip," Rarity fretted.
"Relax, love, Spike was with Firestorm," Blueblood assured his wife, "That pony taught me all I know about fencing and strategy."
"Ah'm still puzzlin' o'er wha' kinda 'change' Spike wuz talkin' about Firestorm," Applejack brought up.
"Well, as long as they all get home safe and sound, that's what matters," Fluttershy commented.
"Eeyup," agreed Big Mac.
"Are they gonna be much longer?" Night Glider sighed, growing impatient.
"Relax, I'm sure they'll be here any-" Double Diamond was saying when a FLASH in the middle of the Entry Hall revealed Midnight, Twilight, and Spike, Singescale, a young girl dragon a little older than Spike... and a cloaked pony?

"Oop! Cheese, Party Favor!" Pinkie whisper-shouted to them and the three party ponies sprang up in front of the arrivals as they shouted, "SURPRISE!!!"

In response, Midnight and Twilight's horns lit up, gently pushing the party ponies back as they gave them subtle shakes of their heads no.

"Uh- Amber!" Spike jumped forward and looked to the young dragon girl, who was looking at the party ponies in an alarmed way. "This is Pinkie Pie, her boyfriend Cheese Sandwich, and her brother Party Favor! They're party ponies and they'll show you a great time!

"Pinkie? Cheese? Party? This is Amber, and that's Singescale..." Spike went on, while discretely using his tail to gesture to the cloaked pony, who quietly slipped away, into the nearby Throne Room.

Only Applejack seemed to notice him sneak off and she murmured, "Now what's he sneakin' away for? Was tha' Firestorm?"

In the throne room, Firestorm lowered the hood of the cloak Singescale had loaned to him. The magic in it allowed him to wear the hood without his new dragon horns or even his unicorn horn being a problem. He gulped, wishing the group out there was smaller than he'd been expecting. But he knew he couldn't hide in the Throne Room forever.

He took a moment to gather himself, take a deep breath, finding his center. Like a soldier about to enter the battlefield.

Not exactly the same, but it's still nerve-wracking, he thought.

He sighed deeply, as for some reason his family came to mind and his sigh exhaled a surprising volume of smoke. As if reacting to Firestorm's thoughts and feelings, the smoke slithered out, branching out and rising up to form figures most familiar to Firestorm.

His family.

He noticed out the corner of his eye, and was startled to see smoke figures of his twin brother, Shadow, his sister Gaia, his brother Hermit. And worst of all...

Granite... Firestorm thought ruefully, seeing his brother's face again, strangely vivid for a figure of smoke.

Granite was the Head of House Storm until his untimely end, which forced Firestorm, as the second born, to step up and assume headship.

He could still recall the naysayers and whispers and doubtful looks he got. A unicorn becoming the head of one of the most prestigious pegasus families in all of Canterlot?

Granite and Firestorm would butt heads a lot, and Granite had been what many considered an ideal pegasus for a stallion of his pedigree and position. It hadn't mattered that Firestorm had proven himself a better soldier, warrior, and military strategist when he and Granite joined the EUP together.

He was always second best to Granite in everypony's eyes. Only Princess Celestia had ever really believed in him and encouraged him.

After Granite's death, however, Firestorm was really the only candidate to succeed him, as neither Hermit nor Gaia wanted the position and all the responsibilities that came with it while Shadow dedicated his life to hunting down the one who caused Granite's death.

So, Firestorm became Head of House Storm by default, which caused further controversy and whispers behind Firestorm's back.

He'd worked towards proving them all wrong, that he deserved his positions and his responsibilities by becoming a respected General in the EUP. He'd married his true love, Cherry Rose, and she'd given him a son. Alas, his wife and son both perished, leaving Firestorm without an heir.

Seeing them all together like this, despite knowing it wasn't real, Firestorm took the opportunity... and unloaded.

Looking to the figure of Granite, he said, "Why was it always you were the prodigal son? Yes, our family lineage descends from pegasus nobility, but in this day and age? Character and actions are what should be recognized, not pony type!

"I worked my ass so much harder than you did and you still got the praise, the adulation, the recognition in our family and from the peers in the Canterlot Elite."

He then looked to the figures of his sister and second brother, "And you two! As much as I respect the both of you for choosing your own paths in life other than enlisting into the military, you still never supported me!

"And when Granite died, neither of you cared for our family responsibilities and simply hooved it over to me since I was the only one who really wanted to step up and do our family proud."

Finally, he looked to the figure of his twin brother, Shadow, "And Shadow... you could have Granite's successor, and I bet everyone else would have supported and respected you for it.

"But no! You decided to waste your life pursuing a vendetta of 'avenging' Granite, where has that life led you? I'll tell you where - Being thrown into the streets from bars and shady businesses because you snap at every alleged rumor or supposed clue that you believe beyond any logical or plausible explanation to be evidence of Granite's murder like a starving dog!"

Returning his gaze to the smoke-figure of Granite, Firestorm adjusted his voice, doing his best to remember his brother's voice, and pretended his brother was talking to him, "'Oh boo-hoo for you! You think you had it hard? You think it was easy being the favored foal of House Storm?! It wasn't! I was always stressed out from the expectations I had to live up to, so you know what? I'm honestly glad I didn't have to anymore after that punk mugger shiv'd me in an alleyway!'"

A shuffling sound, like a hoof brushing against the floor, caught Firestorm's ears, which were also much sharper than they ever were, and he whirled around his horns blistering with burning mana that conjured one of his favorite swords, as he quite literally roared, "WHO GOES THERE?!"

Standing a little over a pony length from him... was Blueblood, looking to be on the verge of wetting his hooves, but mostly because of the sword Firestorm was brandishing, as he hesitantly and very softly bade, "Easy, Soldier. Easy..."

Oh buck me...! Firestorm thought as he froze in self-mortification and found himself at a loss for words.

Somehow, Firestorm regained his wits and vanished his sword before clearing his throat awkwardly, "Ahem! Apologies, Blueblood, uh... sometimes an old soldier doesn't know when to lower his guard."

"Well... you don't seem to be old anymore, General," Blueblood stared in undisguised amazement at his old fencing teacher. "You- You look... you're young again! You look like you're in your thirties!"

"Really? You're overlooking the draconic characteristics and focusing on my physical age?" Firestorm was honestly perplexed.

"Well, I... actually did notice the draconic traits," Blueblood admitted with a sheepish grin, "but considering you're talking to smoke-"

"Ack!" Firestorm quickly whipped his tail through the smoke figures, making them disperse.

"...so yes, I figured I might ease the tension by pointing out your youth," Blueblood deadpanned. When Firestorm sighed and looked away, Blueblood asked, "I suppose you're afraid to go out there and let everyone see you this way?"

"...I am. This?" Firestorm lifted his right claw, which had once been prosthetic, flexed the claws, clenching and spreading them, before saying, "This was an accident! I jumped out of the frying pan and fell into the fire, literally!

"But it seems the Pale One decided it wasn't my time. That, or it was just plain dumb luck that I had a phoenix feather on me when the fires swallowed me up."

"I get the phoenix feather detail," Blueblood gestured to Firestorm's horn, the claws on his forelimbs and the dragon tail, "but how did all this happen?"

"I was wielding dragon magic, that's all I got," Firestorm responded as if it were an obvious detail barely worth bringing up.

"Fair enough. Firestorm..." Blueblood took a serious tone, "what is it you're really afraid? That everypony won't accept you just because you've changed?"

Firestorm looked away again, giving Blueblood his answer.

"Firestorm, do you remember when you were teaching me fencing?" Blueblood brought up. "You said even the best sword is nothing more than a sharp piece of metal in the hooves of a greenhorn!

"...then you turned my horn green," Blueblood pointed out in exaggerated disgruntlement, which had just the reaction he'd hoped for when Firestorm snorted in reminiscing amusement.
"If you'll pardon the pun, the point is... you told me, 'it's not the sword that makes the swordspony, but the pony holding the sword'."

"I... did say that, didn't I?" Firestorm remembered and couldn't help smiling at the memory. Princess Celestia had requested him to mentor her nephew, Prince Blueblood, in the art and discipline of fencing. He'd been expecting a whiny royal brat. Instead, he got an excited colt who was eager to learn and took everything his mentor told him to heart.

"You did, and I'm sorry to say that for a long while I forgot those words and how they also apply to life in general," Blueblood went on. "I searched for friendship in the wrong places and got nothing but false friends and insincere relationships that I almost gave up on friendship entirely and nearly resigned myself to loneliness.

"So let me say something to you: It's not the pony on the outside your friends care about and value, it's the pony on the inside. Something miraculous has happened to you, Firestorm, and I can't imagine what you must be feeling or what may come of this change," Blueblood's expression turned from empathic understanding to an encouraging smile, "but I can still see the ornery, spirited, dutiful and unyielding military officer who took the time to teach a young colt not just lessons in swordplay but about life, and those ponies out there will see the same pony they consider their friend and the leader they respect.

"Your words helped me more than you realize, and now I am happily married to a pony whose love and generosity is so sincere I can't believe I ever doubted it. So take a taste of your own medicine, go out there, and say hello to your friends."

Firestorm found himself impressed. He couldn't help but smile proudly, feeling a familiar pride and caring for his old student that was similar to what he felt for his son at his graduation ceremony. Similar to his caring for Cheat Code, for Button Mash, and plenty other ponies he'd mentored.

Including another two in particular as he raised his voice, "If you two plan to add anything to this you may as well come out of the shadows. I know you're both there."

Some heavy velvet drapes ruffled as Midnight stepped out from behind one, and a dark midnight greyish-blue unicorn mare with a dust-grey mane and tail both shortly cropped, and her mark a moon wand with a wing extending from the moon, stepped out from another, Firestorm's latest protégée, Nightling.

"How'd you know we were here?" asked Nightling.
"I'm guessing that sniffer of his is a lot better than it used to be," Midnight guessed.

"That, and I've trained both of you," Firestorm raised a brow and pulled a smirk. "Granted, I didn't train Midnight as much as I would've liked, but I know when somepony's trying to use my tricks on me."

Nightling scoffed but with a smirk on her face while Midnight chuckled before getting serious.
"Be that as it may, Firestorm, Blueblood is right. You have changed, but you're still you. Nopony here is gonna judge you like the snobs in Canterlot or Manehatten or other places with high horses."

"Besides, Sir," Nightling brought up, "don't you think it'd be better if you went out there for yourself rather than hide this and risk it getting out without the proper context?"

"Alright, alright, I'm convinced," Firestorm chuckled while holding his claws up in surrender. "May as well rip off the bandage... or a body cast in this case."

"Either way, you'll feel so much better afterwards," Nightling nodded as she stepped over to Firestorm's side and surprised him by putting her foreleg around his, as though they were on date. Smiling up at her mentor (and mentally thinking how handsome he was now, scales an' all), she asked, "Shall we?"

Firestorm looked to the doors and saw Blueblood and Midnight on either side, their horns lit up, ready to open them for his big entrance, and he took a moment before smirking confidently, "Let's."

A week passed after that party, and Firestorm was relieved to see he had worried over nothing. Though his transformation and restored youth did come as a surprise, everypony was glad to see him and eager to hear of his and Spike's so-called "diplomatic visit" with the Lady of Dradea.

Twilight was dismayed to hear it had indeed been a trick in order for the ill-minded dragoness to exploit Spike, but she was just relieved Spike and firestorm had returned home safely and she was grateful to Firestorm for looking after her surrogate little brother.

Spike had pressured Firestorm into telling everypony about his dragon's duel with Infurya, along with his theory of how his transformation had occurred. Twilight expressed a vivid interest in studying Firestorm and looking into further theories, but Midnight had belayed that idea, saying if Firestorm didn't want to get poked and prodded he reserved the right to his privacy.

Still, Firestorm agreed to an examination, one from Twilight and made a plan to be medically examined, as he wanted to know as much about his new body as he possibly could.

After the party winded down, and everypony else went home, Firestorm discussed the trip to Dradea with Midnight, Twilight, Singescale and Nightling, and expressed his concerns that despite cowing Infurya they probably haven't heard the last of her. Singescale assured them all that Infurya was all but certainly unable to do anything, since Singescale had collected ample evidence of her transgressions and the threat of sending said evidence to the Dragon King's Royal Court was likely to keep her in check.

At least, for the time being.

The conclusion of the week coincided with the finishing touches of the Ceremony. Invites were sent to VIPs (Very Important Ponies) while all of Ponyville was invited to stand witness to this momentous occasion. Near the front sat the VIPs, including Princess Celestia as she held her baby son, Prince Sol, with her husband Prince Sombra and sister Princess Luna at her sides. Also in attendance were Brass Scales of House Candor, Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur, along with their baby daughter Gold Orchid, Spitfire, Fleetfoot and Rapidfire of the Wonderbolts, Shining Armor, Cadance and baby Cora, Thorax and Elytra, Techorse and Stencil Guide, and of course all of Ponyville behind them. Granny Smith, Faerie Tail, and the Cutie-Mark Crusaders were with the VIPs so they'd have the best view possible.

Standing in front of the doors to the Castle of Friendship were Prince Midnight Blaze and his wife, Princess Twilight Sparkle, both of them garbed in their royal apparel and wearing their crowns. Standing to Twilight's side were Spike, Starlight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy. To Midnight's side were the Knights of Harmony, all clad in their armor, their swords drawn but at rest, held downward.

Midnight and Twilight shared a bold look and raised their wings to beckon silence and the excited chatters among the attendees soon quieted down.

Using his lunar pony voice, Midnight spoke, sounding like he had a microphone and speakers.
"Family. Friends. Neighbors. Trusted visitors and honored guests, welcome. Today, we announce a new generation of protectors, sworn to defend Equestria and protect and serve her citizens. It is with sorrow I admit that recent happenings have spurred the formation of this new organization, and as fortune favors the prepared my wife and I have determined that we must be ready for whatever our enemies have in store for us."

Twilight stepped forward and utilized the Canterlot Royal Voice to add her own words to the speech.
"My husband and I, as well as the Council of Friendship, are in agreement that while we should always hope for the best it would be irresponsible and potentially disastrous not to prepare for the worst. Long has Equestria enjoyed peace and prosperity, and amicable relations with neighboring nations. That isn't to say that there haven't been... mistakes or problems. The coming elections for the New Equestrian Council is a promise of great change though challenges still lie ahead. So, indeed we must prepare for the future, whatever it may have in store."

"So it is with great appreciation and anticipation that we form this new Guard, a Guard that will be stationed here in Ponyville," Midnight spoke, "A Guard that will be formally affiliated with us, the Prince, the Princess and the Council of Friendship, while still aligned with Equestria as a whole. Fillies and gentlecolts, visitors from near and far, it is our honor to introduce to you, the first generation of... The Harmony Guard!"

Fireworks and confetti burst into the air as hoofsteps marching in formation rumbled through the ground and was felt by every attendee. They looked on in awe as ponies and a few creatures in armored uniform marched out from either side behind the Castle of Friendship.

The uniform was opalescent, appearing a gentle soft shade of blue yet reflected a distinctive orange under the sunlight. The Guards coming from the side Twilight was on had a secondary color of a pinkish-orange while the Guards approaching from Midnight's side had a secondary color of a dusky blue. All wore plumed helmets but they differed from most Guard Units' helmets by having a pair of decorative wings extending from the sides, which also had the benefit of protecting their ears.

Almost all the faces in the Harmony Guard were familiar because most of them were Ponyville locals, who'd signed up to be a part of this. A few among them weren't local, especially the ones that weren't ponies. One was a zebra mare with pegasus wings, there was a male griffon, a minotaur bull, and a Sirian Dog. They wore the same uniforms though theirs had been tailored to fit them more comfortably.

They marched relatively well, in rhythm for the most part, but the attendees could see a few guards weren't used to moving in sync in this manner. It was understandable - They'd only gotten a few weeks of training and still had much to learn and experience before they could be considered true Guards of Equestria.

Before long, they all came to a halt, standing in formation between the attendees and the Castle of Friendship, all present looking upon these nascent Guards with a mix of awe, trepidation, doubt, respect, concern, and other feelings and thoughts before Midnight spoke again.

"Behold, Ponyville and visitors," he said, "These individuals have chosen to accept this honor and this responsibility, to protect and serve, to defend Equestria, her citizens, their safety and their rights. But above all, to uphold the ideals of harmony, truth, justice and friendship. There is no telling what lies in their futures, but we must have faith in them, that they will strive to do right and proudly by their nations, their friends and families, their fellow citizens, and their oaths. So on behalf of all Equestria, I wish you luck, Harmony Guard and bid you to do your best."

The Harmony Guard all turned to face their prince and princess before they saluted and nodded solemnly, and for their conduct they were given an encouraging applause from the attendees until Twilight raised her wings to beckon silence once more.

"While the Harmony Guard affiliated with myself, my husband, and the Council of Friendship, it needs infrastructure," Twilight stated, "a chain of command. As such, my husband and I have agreed that three among the current Guard will be hoofpicked by us: Two will each serve as a Lieutenant in direct command over two divisions of the Harmony Guard. As you may have noticed, the Guards' uniforms share a primary color while having different secondary colors.

"The Guard on my side with the secondary color of orange-pink, like a sunrise, will be known as the Dawn Division, charged with protecting and serving myself. The Guard on my husband's side, with the secondary color of evening blue, will be known as the Dusk Division and so protect and serve him. Each of us has chosen who among the current Guard will be the Lieutenant of our respective divisions, and so let it be known, I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, choose... Lyra Heartstrings!"

In the Dawn Division, Lyra Heartstrings, the mint-green unicorn, was startled as all eyes turned to her, and she saw Twilight kindly bade her to come forward.

Lyra barely kept it together as she approached Princess Twilight, who gestured her to calm down by using Cadance's breathing technique, and it helped. Still, Lyra gave Twilight a nervous look so Twilight spoke.
"Lyra Heartstrings, we classed together in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. As such, I know for a fact that you have the skills and the smarts necessary to be a good leader. I know this is a big responsibility, but I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't believe you were up to it. There will be no hard feelings if you decline, but still i must ask: Will you, Lyra Heartstrings, accept the title and position of Lieutenant of the Dawn Division?"

Lyra looked into Twilight's eyes and saw there was no doubt. She looked over to the Dusk Division, where she could see her coltfriend, Noteworthy Blues smiling at her, and then over to the crowd and was able to find their fillyfriend, Bon Bon. Both of them smiled at her. Both of them believed in her, and she saw similar encouraging looks from her friends and neighbors all around. Facing forward back to Twilight, Lyra was first solemn before her lips pulled back in a bold smile and she gave a nod, "I accept this honor and responsibility. I promise to do you proud, my Princess!"

"Then congratulations, Lyra Heartstrings," Twilight declared as she raised a sash the orange-pink of a sunrise, set it around Lyra, and pinned onto it a badge depicting Twilight's magenta six-point star cutie-mark, "Lieutenant of the Dawn Division!"

The crowd gave a rousing cheer that almost drove Lyra to tears, with pride, with humility, with worry balanced by a newfound determination to do her best. Then Midnight raised his wings and again was obliged with silence.

"Leadership is too often sought by those who should not have it," he spoke. "For leadership is a great burden, heavy with responsibility. Those who do not appreciate and feel that burden on their shoulders do not deserve to lead. Regardless, no one can be certain how well they'll be able to carry that weight until they do. Situations and circumstances determine how much the burden will weigh. Only in the thick of it, when you are faced with adversity or dilemma do you truly determine how well you can shoulder the burden.

"After careful deliberation and discussion, I have chosen who will serve as Lieutenant of the Dusk Division. I choose... Avalanche!"

More gasps followed as the members of the Dusk Division looked towards Avalanche, the Sirian Dog with husky-like characteristics. The Dog was truly stupefied by what he had just heard, that he didn't respond until the third time Midnight called to him. Shaking it off, Avalanche steeled himself and strode towards Prince Midnight. Midnight was glad to see Avalanche looking determined, but he seemed rigid and so whispered so softly that he knew only Avalanche would hear him, "At ease."

Avalanche did so though he continued to maintain his breathing rate so as to keep his cool before Midnight spoke.
"Avalanche, former Officer of the PAW Patrol, it should go without saying that we know why you were discharged, and why you came here to Equestria..."

Avalanche gulped nervously, He knows?!

But Midnight's expression and tone softened just a little, "Be that as it may, everyone deserves to make a fresh start. Everyone deserves a second chance. Although some of your behavior during basic training was less than impressive... your determination, your hard work, and your skills and sharpness of mind have not gone unnoticed. So while I am recognizing your qualities, I want it to be a constant reminder to yourself... to act with proper conduct and show that you deserve the rank and title of Lieutenant. Am I understood...?"

"Yes, sir," Avalanche nodded solemnly. "I won't let you down."

"Then congratulations, Avalanche," declared Midnight as he raised an evening blue sash, secured it around Avalanche, and then pinned onto it a badge depicting Midnight's pale blue crescent and five-point star cutie-mark, "Lieutenant of the Dusk Division!"

The crowd gave yet another congratulatory applause though Avalanche did not feel so much joy and pride as he did trepidation and humility. The memories and reason as to why he was discharged from PAW Patrol remained as vibrant in his memory as though they'd only happened yesterday. To offset the emotional drag weighing down on him, he made a vow to himself, This time... will be different.

Once the crowd had calmed yet again, Midnight and Twilight shared a satisfied smile as their Lieutenants went to stand in front of their Divisions and Midnight announced, "Before we reveal who will be bestowed the rank and title of Captain, we must give credit where credit is due, in light of recent events. Just a week ago, a foreign leader invited a member of this Council on the pretense of diplomacy. It was a lie, a nefarious trick in an attempt to exploit said council member to the personal gain of this foreign leader.

"Thankfully, our council member was safely returned and the conflict was resolved, thanks in part to Lady Singescale, representative of the Royal Court of the Dragon King. But mostly thanks... to Retired General Firestorm."

Then Midnight gestured down the path that started from the castle doors and split the divisions and the crowd, all eyes looking down to see nopony in the back... until a plume of gentle burning fire sparked, bloomed out and then parted like a curtain as it dispersed into harmless dying embers, and revealed Firestorm.

There were some gasps and wide eyed looks at the sight of the unicorn who now sported claws, horns, scales, and a tail like that of a dragon. He was garbed in military dress uniform, colored royal purple with shiny black buttons and a sash of blazing golden red, decorated with various medals and stripes, representing a historic career of military success and respect.

Then Midnight summoned his sword, Nightfall, and bade, "Step forward, Firestorm."

Firestorm approached, walking with the gait of a calm and regal warrior, composed and dignified. A few attendees in the crowd were honestly afraid of him. They'd never seen a pony like him. A few even backed away when he got too close. Some were fascinated by his appearance, others by his reputation yet were baffled by how Firestorm now looked so much younger, so different. Firestorm paid none of them no mind... until he got to the forefront where he couldn't help but look towards the princess to whom he'd sworn an oath so long ago.

Princess Celestia had heard of Firestorm's transformation, but seeing it was something else. Gone was the grizzled yet devoted military stallion who had served her well for many years. In his place was a face familiar yet foreign. He was as handsome as he was back when he joined the EUP, albeit still older despite his clearly rejuvenated youth. This was the soldier she'd long respected back in his prime, enhanced with the features of the dragons whose magic he so valiantly wielded. A confusing emotional malaise stirred inside her... when Firestorm locked eyes with her.

That phoenix feather was good luck indeed!

Celestia gasped softly, smiling as Firestorm gave her a wink and then passed her by, walking amongst the guards that had been his trainees over the last month, until he stood before the Prince and Princess of Friendship. Midnight gave him a gesturing nod of respect and Firestorm knelt down before him and Midnight raised Nightfall.

"In recognition of your long and unwavering devotion and courage for the good of Equestria," Midnight gently tapped Firestorm's shoulders and then raised his sword while saying, "By the right of the Council, by the Magic of Friendship, rise Firestorm, Knight of Harmony!"

By Midnight's words, his sword, along with the swords of the knights present, all radiated a light strong and burning, before energies flowed from each of them and then collected in front of Firestorm. He watched in awe as the gathering energies took shape and then coalesced.... into a sword!

The blade was ruby red with a black edge, the same black as the handle and the pointed obsidian pommel. The guard was vaguely shaped like the wings of a dragon and had an insignia on the ricasso, just above the crossguard, matching his cutie-mark. Under the light of the sun, it reflected a blistering shimmer like the reflection of fire off a gleaming shield.

Firestorm looked upon this majestic blade with humbled awe, as for a moment he almost didn't feel worthy of it. It was in that moment, he heard a not-so-subtle 'ahem' and looked to see Nightling, standing next to Lyra Heartstrings. Some part of Firestorm wondered, Where did she come from all of a sudden? while another saw the tiresome smile on Nightling's face that impatiently said 'Just accept it already, you big oaf'.

Chuckling to himself, Firestorm looked back to his sword... and reached up to grasp it into his claws. The moment he did so, he felt something touch him in a way that was not physical, mental or even emotional. It was... a connection, linking him to this fine weapon. A fire lit up in his belly that he couldn't help but raise his sword up high and proud as he let out a roaring gout of fire from his mouth, causing some gasps among the crowd. But it still sparked quite an excited applause as the attendees stomped and cheered for Firestorm, honoring him, admiring him, that all his doubts and worries were well and truly dashed.

Once the noise calmed down yet again, Midnight and Twilight cleared their throats and Midnight announced, "Now, we announce the one we wish to be the Captain of the Harmony Guard."

"My husband and I have discussed it thoroughly, gotten opinions from the right ponies," Twilight nodded, "and we are in agreement on whom we wish to take up this office of great responsibility. An individual with proven valor and keenest of mind."

"A warrior proven and tested," added Midnight, "the obvious guy for the job..."

Firestorm somehow knew the answer before they said it together, "Firestorm, the Blazing Sword of Equestria!!!"

Suspecting was different from hearing, and hearing them declare his name still jolted Firestorm with surprise! He watched as Midnight and Twilight's horns lit up with their turquoise and magenta mana, pooling together into a bubble that swelled until it popped in a burst of resplendent droplets of mana that quickly dispersed into thin air while revealing a uniform. It was similar to the Harmony Guard uniform but had both the sunrise orange-pink and evening blue secondary colors, the wings on the helmet had gold trim while the plume on top was dyed a shimmering blend of silver and gold, and there was a gradient sash that transitioned from lavender to sapphire, and pinned onto it was a badge depicting a crystalline tree with Midnight's crescent moon on the top left corner and Twilight's six-point star on the top right corner, clearly representing the Castle of Friendship and themselves.

Firestorm stared at the uniform, helm, sash and badge, completely stupefied, so Twilight kindly said, "Firestorm, it would be a great honor to have you serve as the Captain of our Harmony Guard yet we also understand it is presumptuous of us to make this offer after your lifetime of service in the military. You have given your all for this nation, and... here we are, asking you to come out of retirement for a nascent unit."

Firestorm looked up from the offered uniform to Twilight, still looking at a loss for words, so Twilight continued.
"It really is presumptuous and unfair to put you on the spot like this. What's happened to you is, well, nothing short of a miracle. You've been given something not everyone gets the chance to truly have: a chance to start over.

"So, if this isn't what you want, if you want to live your life differently this time," Twilight said in truest understanding, "then do whatever it is that will make you happy."

For a long and drawn-out moment, Firestorm said nothing as he looked away, like a socially awkward teenage colt. A few murmurs rippled among the crowd as all present waited for Firestorm's response.

Finally, he turned around to face the crowd, scanning the mass of faces gathered before the Castle of Friendship... when his eyes met Celestia's. The princess to whom he had sworn an oath to protect and serve for decades. Celestia saw a weary conflict in the eyes of this stallion who had served her faithfully for so many years. She saw that Firestorm was utterly unsure of whether or not to accept this offer, and probably for more reasons than the obvious or what Twilight had suspected.

Follow your heart, my little pony, she thought to him and he heard her.

Firestorm nodded to her ever so subtly before taking a deep breath. "I... did not choose for this to happen to me. The circumstances that resulted in the pony you see before you... for all intents and purposes, what happened should have been it for me, and yet... And yet, it seems Faust isn't quite done with this old warhorse."

Everypony listened raptly as Firestorm went on. "I spent my life focusing on my career in the Equestrian military, trying to prove myself worthy of my family name. But in the end, I lived for a pointless goal rather than truly living for myself. I don't regret serving my nation and my princess, but I do have regrets. I couldn't save my son. I couldn't give my wife the happiness she deserved.

"After retiring, I thought I would just make the most of what time I had left, which was why I obliged the request to train the recruits for the Harmony Guard. Perhaps I could leave behind my mark on something that bore my name, not the name of a so-called noble lineage whose time came and went a long time ago.

"I don't know whether this," Firestorm went on as he raised his right claws and grasped them into a fist, "is the will of some higher power or just sheer dumb luck, or perhaps something else entirely.

"What I do know is this: It's an opportunity, and I am going to make the most of it. And so..." Firestorm raised his new sword as he declared, "I accept this sword. I accept this honor and responsibility. For as the new Captain of the Harmony Guard, I renew my vow to protect Equestria, to serve the cause of Harmony, to stand for the Magic of Friendship!"

Firestorm raised his sword yet again, the blade bursting with flames as he roared, "BECAUSE I AM THE BLAZING SWORD OF EQUESTRIA AND I WILL MAKE SURE EQUESTRIA'S LIGHT WILL FOREVER SHINE!!!"

In response to Firestorm's passionate words that burned as brightly as his sword, the attendees rose in thunderous applause, as did the now-official Harmony Guard, each member standing at attention as they gave their new Captain a salute of respect as much as it was congratulations. Firestorm smiled, feeling an excitement that hadn't been stoked in his belly for Faust knew how long, when he heard hoofsteps and looked to see Prince Midnight and Princess Twilight walk down the stairs to stand beside him.

"You honor us, Captain," Midnight gave his father's mentor a wink.
"We look forward to working with you, Firestorm," added Twilight with an encouraging smile.

"I do have one condition," Firestorm raised his foreclaw, "I want Nightling to serve under me as an additional lieutenant, equal with Heartstrings and Avalanche."

Midnight and Twilight shared a look and both nodded before Midnight responded, "That can be arranged. But for now... just smile and wave, Sir."

"Heheh, sir, yes sir," Firestorm retorted as he did just that.

As the applause continued, somepony watched the events from afar. He was a unicorn, clad entirely in armor that gleamed metallic gold and obsidian black. He stood still as a statue yet observed the birth of a new Guard with a menacing glare behind the visor of his helm.

Perhaps I could have divided the return of the conquering heroes from the pomp and circumstance, but I wanted to get this done. DFatman explained about Firestorm's siblings and came up with the scene of him talking to smoke figures of his siblings and airing out his issues with them in an effort to release the tension he was feeling about facing everypony in his new form

The Harmony Guard! The personal guard of Prince Midnight and Princess Twilight, split between the Dusk and Dawn Divisions, captained by a transformed Firestorm restored to his prime.

I chose Lyra to be Lieutenant of the Dawn Division because she and Twilight were classmates in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The fact she was a student indicates Lyra is a talented magic user, and figured she has the skills and smarts to become a good leader

I chose an OC, Avalanche, to be Lieutenant of the Dusk Division, and the fact he's a Dog represents how Midnight and Twilight welcome anyone with the right stuff into their Guard and that they are inclusive of other creatures besides ponies. Plus, I hinted that Avalanche has a history that got him in trouble with the last law enforcement he was a part of, and that Midnight took that into account for reasons his own

After all, it was revealed Gallus the Griffon became Captain of the Royal Guard at the end of MLP: FiM, so why not?

Firestorm is a Knight of Harmony and now Captain of the Harmony Guard, a fresh start in certain ways, to no longer be tied down to past regrets concerning his family. His protégée Nightling was included to be another lieutenant, equal with Lyra and Avalanche.