Fire Storm tensed, wondering how in the world she was noticed. She was silent when she entered the warehouse, no one had looked up, and yet she felt something that no doubt was a weapon of some kind. Storm quickly started weighing her options on what to do, staying still as she considered, trying to remember what she was taught about attacks from behind.

"Ah, the look of a mare who questions and tries to plan what to do." The voice said. "Let me help you."

The item was taken from the back of her head, and a second later a powerful blow was delivered to it.

Storm blacked out, falling from her perch, air brushing her feathers as she gained speed before landing on the pile of empty cardboard boxes with a loud yet muted ‘thump’ as the cardboard crumpled below her, catching her fall.

The Zebra in an old dark tan jacket smiled down at where she landed as he holstered the pistol he had. Such a silly pony, thinking he wouldn't notice her flying around, watching and trying to see. The poor moronic fool.

Storm was blacked out, unable to wake for a while before she felt the sharp pain of the bump on the back of her head throb, jolting her back to consciousness. She started to move to rub it, when she realized she was tied. Another second of squirming and a groan later, she learned she was tied firmly to a chair and started testing her bonds. Nightfall had made sure she knew how to escape some kinds of bindings, just in case.

Storm soon frowned. Her hooves were tied together, her wings were tied to the chair, rope was binding her chest tight, and her back legs were tied to two of the legs of the chair.

"Well, well, well. Our guest is awake." The accented voice said from behind her.

Storm breathed more heavily as she tried to come to, still struggling against her bonds slowly, carefully, to test how she was tied. She frowned deeply as she realized the more she pulled the tighter they got and stopped, not wanting to make it work.

"Now now, that won't work." A Zebra said walking around into view smirking. "I can assure you I am most excellent and keeping prisoners in their place."

"Who the hay are you?" Storm asked defiantly.

He smiled and bowed. “I am Captain Xenti. Former officer of the Grand Zebra Army." He said the last part with pride as if no longer being part of it was something to be proud of, and wore a tan jacket that was different shades of tan in a random pattern

"Never heard of it." She answered truthfully.

He rolled his eyes. "Or course not. You ponies love to wallow in your blissful ignorance and ignore everything outside of your boarders." He said with disgust. "All of you are too busy kissing the white whore's ass and worshiping the ground she walks on."

Storm raised a brow and said nothing, considering her cutie mark indicated her love of travel and knowing of things even outside Equestria, he seemed to prefer his own ignorance like some of the EDF she had been with before.

"But that will soon change, once the White Whore and her worthless sister and the pink slut have been deposed." He smiled at her, going back to being pleasant and reached under the table and pulled out a large container marked Kerosene. "Pity you won't be around to see the dawn of a new age. But we cannot leave any loose ends."

The zebra opened the can and began to pour the foul smelling liquid onto the desk, the floor, the walls, and then with a wide smile poured some over Storm’s head, the liquid dribbling down her front and wings.

Storm coughed and sputtered, growling and trying to do what she could to avoid it, and yet not knowing anything she could do to fight back. If she even knew a bit of magic, she could have been out of her bonds for sure.

"Do not worry little pony." He said smiling sadistically as he tossed the empty can aside, patting the pony on the head as he said. "I hear it only agony for the first few minutes before it burns away your nerve endings. By then your brain will have boiled in your skull."

"The hay are you going to burn me for, I've done nothing!" She growled at him.

"Because you are a pony deserving to burn in the fires of Tartarus for your arrogance. You also forced us to move this operation and torch the building." He said simply, as if it were obvious, before soaking a rag in the kerosene and shoving it in her mouth to gag her. He left the room, pouring a trail to the door with a new container of the stuff.

Storm sputtered, doing her best to push the bitter, ugly concoction out of her mouth, its scent foreign to her and taste making her want to gag.

The zebra reached the door, and suddenly there was a crash from somewhere else in the warehouse.

"DROP YOUR WEAPONS!" someone yelled a moment before there was a clattering sound.

The zebra looked down the hall and sputtered a curse in his native tongue as more gun shots echoed. He drew a pistol from his jacket and readied it for use.

Storm barely managed to get the rag almost out of her mouth, spitting repeatedly as she heard the crash and the shout. She was confused at the sounds she heard, but it didn’t matter. Her captor seemed distracted by it and that’s all she needed.

She watched her captor, not wanting to give away that she could shout just in case he could harm her further for shouting. She would yell out once he left, unless something else happened. The Zebra walked past her to the window.

"Motherless whores…" he said, then opened the window and aimed his pistol at Storm. “At least I can remove you."

No sooner than he spoke than the window exploded inward. A pair of white hooves collided with the zebra’s side. His hoof clenched the trigger as he fell, the bullet flying squarely in Storm’s shoulder instead of the head where it was aimed. Storm yelled out in surprise and pain then grit her teeth.

Stonewall, in dark green combat armor and helmet, landed in the room with a thud as she collided with the zebra’s side and sent him sprawling. She raised her rifle and stood on two legs, beginning to aim at the zebra offender.

The Zebra rolled to the side before a trio of shots were fired, getting a couple of shots off at Stonewall himself. Stonewall dove to the side to throw off his aim, taking shelter behind the desk, yanking Storm with her.

Stonewall fired several shots before cursing and ducking behind the desk, pulling something from one of her pockets and laid it on the bullet wound.

Storm yelped in pain as she bled from the shoulder, panting heavily as she tried to hold back a yell as her shoulder stung. A brief glance showed Stonewall pressing something to her wound, probably to stop the bleeding, but it stung more than anything she ever knew.

There was another burst of gunfire, the echoes outside dying down in frequency in the distance. Stonewall shooting the zebra again as he escaped out of the room.

“Fucking hell…” Stonewall cursed before she drew a knife from her shoulder sheath, starting to cut the ropes. “Hold still.”

“Not… like I… can move.” Storm said, finally spitting the rag out and panting with difficulty.

“Are you ok? Any other injuries beside the gunshot?” She asked as she sliced through the ropes and started move them out of the way.

"J-just the shoulder… damn that hurts!"

"It's about to hurt more." She said and put her hoof on it and pressed. "We have to get out of here. Can you use your wings?"

Storm yelled out from the pain before gritting her teeth and replied, “Can unicorns use magic? Get me the hay out of here. I'll make it.”

Stonewall nodded and shifted her disguise to be a pegasus and gently lifted off the ground, heading for the broken window. She moved to life Storm up to help with their shoulder and stayed at their side.

The pair flew out the window, Storm flying, though with difficulty. She followed Stone as best she could, ignoring the dripping wound.

They flew to a small Royal Guard command post, where they landed and Twilight sat her on the ground and started to tend to her with a med kit.

"This is going to hurt, but I need to get the bullet out." She said.

Storm was panting, barely taking two more steps once they landed. She tried to sit down, but her balance failed her, making her fall over on her side, barely conscious.

Twilight cursed and her horn glowed as she pulled the bullet out. She quickly put a bandage on the wound as it started bleeding, trying to heal it.

Storm yelped involuntarily as the bullet was yanked out before her eyes fluttered and she struggled to stay awake. Rest was oh so tempting right then… at least then she wouldn’t feel the pain. ‘Maybe just a minute's rest would be ok,’ she told herself.

"Stay awake!" Twilight ordered as she worked to close the wound and stop the bleeding. "Come on. I thought you were tougher than that, or are you just some big mouthed foal trying to act big?"

She heard the voice, the command, and hung on to it, staying awake and slowly recovering. She felt the stinging of the wound and clung to that feeling, starting to come back awake. She groggily looked up at Stonewall, holding a look of confusion as she tried to clear her clouded vision. Twilight soon finished and nodded.

"Alright. You should be good." She said looking down at her before giving an order in a firm voice, "Stay awake Lapdog."

"Tired…" she said quietly, looking up at Twilight with that same degree of confusion. She stayed awake, gradually coming closer to consciousness as she started to wonder what it was that Twilight went through that she could tolerate this so readily.

Twilight looked to the side and barked something about prisoners before looking back at her.

"Come on. Don't tell me you’re going to disobey me, else I'll have to ban you from flying for a week."

Storm groaned, moving to try and stand up, body starting to shiver and shake as she did.

"H-how did you know I was in trouble?"

"Because what should have taken at most 2 hours you weren't back after 4 so I sent one of the MID to see what was up and they found the warehouse."

"Oh..." she replied, not understanding what the MID was.

"They’re one of the soldiers that came with me. I sent them to find you when you didn't come back." She finished explaining as she was done with Storm's shoulder. "You will be sore for a few days, and I'd recommend resting that shoulder."

"Thanks…” Storm nodded, then mumbled, starting to shake as she realized what just happened, “He… He really was gonna kill me…"

"Yes. Unfortunately, it seems he got away." Twilight said, sitting beside Storm and pulling her to lay on her lap. Twilight then began to stoke Storm's mane to calm her down.

Storm didn’t resist, still shaking as she laid down on their lap. She hadn’t encountered anyone who wanted to kill, and to have it be in such a horrible way… it was all she could do not to cry, to think that her life and her time with Nightfall had almost ended in a moment’s notice. Twilight started to hum as she stroked Storm's mane.

"It's ok. Shhhh… you're safe now." She whispered

"Why?" She asked, "Why would somepony do this?"

"Because some people are just that way." She said stroking her mane. "Some people allow their hate to guide them. Some think what they are doing is justice. Some… for some it's just fun for them."

She silently sobbed, starting to get her breath back as she came to a realization. Twilight was far more sane than she gave her credit for.

Twilight just stroked her mane and told her it would be ok. That she was safe.

After a while, Twilight carefully moved Storm onto her back and began to make her way towards the hotel. She cast a spell to hide Storm so she could have privacy. Storm didn't need to be here right now and needed somewhere to feel safe.

Storm could feel Twilight’s true alicorn body under the illusion. Her wings. Her muscles her bones. The scars. How the cybernetics moved.

She felt like an athletic pony, but under her hide, her muscles were hard and firm as they pulled and stretched while she walked. She had clearly spent years working on her body, training it and conditioning it for what she needed, yet there was still that gentleness to it. Her fur was soft and comfortable. It was well cared for, as was her mane and tail. Her hard muscles were wrapped in soft delicate fur.

Storm thought about their behavior, thinking about this ally who was so strong, yet despite the strange hostile action, she was behaving so softly. Even now, she was humming a tune for her benefit, was walking carefully to keep her on her back, and using magic to hide her tears. Storm blinked as she realized she was crying, almost sobbing and didn’t even realize it.

This pony she had given such a hard time before had come to rescue her when she hadn’t come back. Twilight had come to look for her when they didn’t come back. Twilight saved her when she needed it most, when she wouldn’t have been able to go back home to her mate if they hadn’t come. There was no hesitation that she saw to do what they needed to do.

She felt their body as they rode, covered in so many scars. Most of them were noticeable, impossible to hide, yet she didn't try to hide them. Despite their trying to see themselves as her owner, she could tolerate that. Storm could accept that she was beneath them now. They really were from a world she did not understand. Her only regret in that moment was that it took her nearly dying to open her mind and stop being such a mule about it.

Soon they arrived back at the hotel, and Twilight dropped her disguise as she closed the door and carefully placed Storm in the bed.

"You want anything to eat or drink?" She asked

"Yeah, water..." she replied, not feeling hungry right then.

Twilight nodded and went to the small kitchen to get a cup of water and soon returned with it. Storm drank readily, looking calmer, more somber and downhearted.

"Hey don't be like that." Twilight said. "You did good spotting that warehouse."

"Fat lot of good it did me…"

"Hey. Don't be like that. Not many people would have seen it. That place didn't look any different from the others." Twilight said. "Not to mention it's hard to do much against someone who got the drop on you. No saving rolls with that."

Storm sighed and then nodded, "I didn’t realize just how… how real what we were doing was. I even felt like it was time to leave when I went in there, but still I did nothing…"

Twilight nodded back, "It's what I've been trying to tell you Storm. We are dealing with people who won't think twice about killing you. I don't know who that Zebra was, but honestly from the looks of it he is a real piece of work. Flare is insane but he prefers quick and clean and detests pointless suffering."

"… just what good am I in this? What can anyone in Equestria do?" She asked, "We aren’t prepared for this…"

"And that is why I am training you." Twilight said. "You have good potential Storm, and you are a good student. You are taking to the training very well, and I need people I can trust not to be tempted and have at least some idea how to fight. You hit all the marks of someone I can trust not to betray me to Flare. I can't even trust the guards I'm working with that far."

"Really?" Storm asked, looking at her in a way she never would have before today. She seemed to seek validation, something she would have scorned Dawn for, as green always seemed to need it.

"Yes. It is clear you wouldn't ever betray Equestria for any reason, least of all to someone like Flare, no matter what he said and offered." She said. "You also have good instincts shown by you finding the warehouse and knowing you should have left. You just need to know when to listen to them."

"Thanks… I-" she hesitated, thinking about those near her, those she knew. Her mind turned to Dawn. "What's gree- Dawn going to do… will she help us?"

"She already agreed to." Twilight said. "She's been in this from when we first found out, and I know she has no intention of backing out till this is over. In fact, I was told she will most likely be on her way here in a couple of days."

"What will her part be in this?" She asked, having meant that as her question earlier.

"Someone I'm also teaching, as well as someone who has a lot of magic and I can trust as well."

"Because she's an alicorn?" Storm asked, still holding a hint of scorn.

"Yes and no. From what I've gathered, she is quite powerful to begin with. Add in she would never stand by and let someone like Flare run around, and I know I can count on her to help me when the chips are down."

"Her? Powerful? She needs Stalwart to fight out of a cardboard box."

Twilight chuckled before answering, "She's a lot more powerful than you think."

Storm shook her head once then paused. She underestimated this Twilight once before. She didn’t want to make the same mistake twice today. Storm stayed quiet for a while longer, feeling tired, even as her shoulder hurt.

"What will happen with the ponies who did this to me?"

"Well the ones who are alive had been turned over to the Royal Guard. I'm sure they will be tried and sentenced as we have more than enough evidence to convict." She said. "As for the Zebra… he got away."

"How will we catch him? How did he hurt me?"

"I believe he is the zebra soldier I mentioned before. He was wearing an old army jacket of theirs and had one of their service pistols." She said. "As for how, the same way we catch anyone. Investigate and track them down. Try to apprehend if possible but from what I can tell he will be killed."

"But, how did he hurt me, what did he do?" She repeated, not understanding

"He shot you," Twilight said factually, "with something called a gun. It's a simple machine that fires small bits of metal at high velocity."

Storm nodded, still not quite getting it, but felt her mind start to go to sleep, a yawn escaping her muzzle.

"Would you like to sleep in the harness tonight?" Twilight asked her. "You seem to rest rather well with it on."

"Yeah… that'd be nice." She said quietly.

Twilight smiled and got the harness and other items. With practiced ease, Storm was bound in it, blind folded, gagged, with her legs and wings bound as well. Once done Twilight patted her head and sent a message down for room service as she laid beside Storm, stroking her mane.

Storm settled into the harness, feeling comfort in it, knowing that she would be looked after and well from their adventures on the train ride here.

Twilight stroked her mane and back, only leaving to get her food when it arrived. When she left, she came right back and sat beside Storm, placing the pegasus’ head on her lap as she held the food in her magic to eat.

Storm rested gently on Twilight, taking comfort in their closeness, just as she had with Nightfall. She still loved him, but Twilight made for a good replacement in the meantime when she needed it and they were away.

Storm was put into her harness to keep her secured, an outfit that removed freedom yet told her that she would be looked after by Twilight, and the knowledge of that brought her peace. She felt one of the earmuffs moved slightly as she was pulled close.

"Good night my little Lapdog." Twilight whispered before replacing it, and Storm felt Twilight's wings go around her.

Storm whinnied again quietly before nestling in, falling asleep happily. Twilight was soon behind her, falling asleep easily.

Storm slept fitfully, squirming every now and then from her wound paining her, even waking with a yelp as it reopened, panting from the nightmare. Storm was still held in Twilight arms and wings, and Twilight had removed her gag after Storm had fallen asleep so she could talk. Storm yelled out briefly from the pain before wincing.

"Stone!" She called, barely avoiding calling her Twilight.

The earmuffs were instantly off her head. "What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

Storm couldn't speak as her heart pounded fast, face contorted in pain. Her bandage showed signs of fresh bleeding.

"Hold on." Twilight said and the sound of a kit opening filled the room. First, a painkiller was injected into her shoulder to dull it.

Storm winced as the needle entered, then visibly relaxed as hot pain turned into cold pressure that she could deal with. Twilight worked quickly and efficiently to fix the wound, her medical skills showing as she once again worked to stitch it together.

Storm felt her breathing slow and periodic pressure at times, knowing she was in good hooves as she fought to remain conscious, her body wanting to sleep again.

"Done." Twilight said, finishing as she started to unbind Storm's legs.

Storm let her limbs drop limply once released, asking, "How bad was it? Felt like I was being cut in two at the leg when I woke."

"Well, you started bleeding again. Nothing too serious, but I'll have to wash the harness." She said as she removed the blindfold.

Storm shook, remembering her nightmare filled with undead ponies with iron spears that tried to stab and attack her. She never had such fears before now, and her fighting in the dream felt futile as they kept coming, kept stabbing her, making her feel like she was about to die each time.

"Storm, what's wrong?" Twilight asked, concerned.

Storm shook her head, "Just a nightmare."

Twilight pulled the mare into her lap and began stroking their mane. "Tell me about it?"

She hesitated, then told her, slowly, in a low monotone voice, as if trying to distance herself from the events. Twilight listened, stroking her mane and back until she finished with a sigh.

"Silly, huh?" Storm said, looking back at Twilight.

"Nightmares are never silly." She said stroking her mane. "Neither is fear"

"Fear?" She asked, trying to mask her struggle with it.

"Storm, a true warrior is not someone without fear, they are just fools." She said stroking their mane. "A warrior is someone who faces their fears and acts despite them, they do not hide from them."

Storm sighed, as if she already knew this, "I'm fine 'light. Really."

"You sure?" She asked. "I can feel you shaking."

"I'm not shaking." She denied, keeping her hooves on the bed, unaware of her shaking.

Twilight sighed, as if disappointed, then resumed stroking her mane and held her. She then moved again, wrapping her wings around Storm and shutting out the rest of the world. It was something Celestia used to do when she was scared by a nightmare as a filly.

Storm leaned against her, moving her hoof and looked at it, only then noticing how much she was shaking and whispered, "Damn… You were right… I… I didn't… how didn’t I feel it?"

Twilight simply began to hum, putting her legs around Storm.

"Sorry… I didn't mean to lie." She answered in a rare apology.

Twilight only hummed as she rested her chin on Storm's shoulder since she couldn't reach her head and just held her as she hummed a gentle tune.

Storm felt her shaking intensify briefly, then start to slow, feeling once again like a foal against a parent. Twilight didn't speak, she just held Storm and hummed that tune as her wings shut out the world.

Storm relaxed, gradually feeling better, calmer, and started to fall asleep once again. Twilight just held her and hummed for a while longer, letting her pet sleep peacefully.

Storm slept until mid-morning the next day, dreaming of family back home. She found she was alone in bed, and music could faintly be heard through the door to the rest of the hotel room.

Storm stirred slowly, mindful of her wound, getting up and starting to head toward the source of the music.

When she opened the door she could fully hear the song, and she saw Twilight sitting at the table, back to the bedroom, the music coming from something she held and was looking at.

"Morning… What’s that?"

Twilight jumped in surprise and quickly turned off the music as she closed whatever was up on the item. "Oh! Um, morning. Sorry if I woke you."

"It’s fine, I’m already feeling better. What was that?” Storm asked.

"What was what?" Twilight asked.

"Your music. It wasn’t a turntable."

"You mean this?” Twilight held the device up, “Or the music itself?"

"Yeah, that thing.

"It's called a Datapad." She said. "It's able to store information like text, maps, pictured and music."

She stepped forward to inspect it, really curious. "It’s so small."

There a bunch of icons on it and behind it was a picture of unicorn Twilight, her scars far more noticeable and… upon closer inspection, she noticed Twilight’s right CM was just a single square mass of scar tissue. Twilight wore a dark green military jacket and cap with mirrored sunglasses on. She stood on her hind legs saluting the camera. Beside her was her mom and dad, brother and his wife. All of Twilight's friends, the Royals , behind Twilight stood Chrysalis in the same uniform and behind her stood a couple dozen different ponies in similar uniforms all saluting as well. Behind them was a large gate with a building beyond it. Above the gate was the words “Camp Mendez.”

Storm looked at the background picture most, looking between all of them and quietly said, "Your world must have been pretty different… do you miss them?" She asked gently

"Every single day." She said, turning it back to look at the picture. "Was one of the proudest moments in my life. Right up there with becoming Celestia's student."

"Will you visit them while you're here?"

"I'm not sure… maybe… if I do, I'll be in disguise so I can work within the Princesses’ request."

"What request?"

"To keep the whole other dimensions exist thing a secret." Twilight reminded her.

Storm snorted, "A bit late for that now, huh?"

"Not really. You already knew about them. I got stuck reading in my counterpart and then those guards we are working with are the only ones aware of it."

"You mean to tell me nopony in Manehattan has caught on to what's going on with these murders?"

"As far as I've been able to tell, no. All our files are treating this as some psychopath, which is not a lie, just not the full truth."

Storm shook her head, "I don't know what good is going to come from keeping it a secret. Don't ponies have a right to know?"

"The Princess are worried about mass panic if the population learns of other realities, some far more dangerous then you could imagine."

"But that doesn't mean that the danger's not out there… Why would they rather stick their heads in the sand?"

"Because ignorance is bliss.” Twilight shrugged, “I've lied before about threats to our nation. Imagine what would happen if people knew there were other worlds, some of which would be extremely hostile, that existed and could end up in this world, charging forward anytime, anywhere, to invade? Or some horrible unstable monster?" She asked. "People would panic. They'd be terrified to ever leave their homes"

Storm thought, realizing what she was saying and the truth of it.

"Sometimes, people don't need to know they are a hair’s breadth away from total annihilation."

Storm frowned, torn on the issue. She wanted ponies to know, but she trusted Twilight and her experience now far more than she would have a week ago.

"I know it sucks, but sometimes secrets must be kept as it's what's best for everyone."

"If you say so…" she said reluctantly. “You saved my life already, I won't complain.”

Twilight smiled and patted her head,

"So, what're we doing today?" Storm chuckled at the patting head.

"You will be recovering."

"Oh… right… I barely felt that for a while." She said, looking down and remembering her wound.

"Which is good, and I'd like it to stay that way."

Storm turned to leave, unsure what she would do while resting, feeling a craving for motion like she usually did to calm and relax.

"And I'll be staying here as well, I already sent word to the Captain I'll be taking care of you as my patient." Twilight informed her.

"Oh… I'll try not to slow you down." she said, turning back around to lay down near the desk to rest there. She wasn’t about to inconvenience the mare who saved her life, so she would stay nearby Twilight if she was to look after her.

"Good filly." Twilight smiled at her and patted her head.

Storm smirked and replied, "Somepony has to keep you out of trouble."

"That's usually Queeny.” Twilight chuckled.

Storm chuckled and pulled out one of her old daring doo books she had finished once before and began to reread it, so she could compare the differences between the two world’s version of things.

Dawn visited the foals and nymphs over the two days from her hatching, and now that her chitin was strong enough to withstand longer moving, she returned home, packed her things and after reassuring Stalwart, she left by train to Manehattan, disguising herself with changeling skill to look like her regular self.

Dawn soon enough stepped out of the train and looked for any greeting, intent on heading to the HQ if there wasn't. She found Twilight there waiting for her on the platform, disguised as Stonewall. Storm was at the HQ, coordinating the information, intent on having a brief summary for Twilight's perusal upon her return.

Dawn smiled at her magic in quiet, glad she could hide her changeling features, even having been amused that the flames’ color matched her magic color when she changed her form. She hadn’t dared to do too much experimentation with her form yet, out of concern for her foals.

"Morning Stone, ready for another day of work?" She asked with a childish smile.

"Yes Ma'am." Stone nodded, smiling back. "Did you have a good train ride?"

"I’m eager to see what’s been done in my absence, not to mention give you some updates of my own." Dawn smiled, adding, "and yes, it was entertaining. Much harder to be bored now."

"Glad to hear ma'am.” Stone chuckled, “Follow me and I'll bring you up to date on what's been going on."

Stone turned to lead the way, and Dawn followed as best she could, finding she couldn’t run effectively without hurting, slowing to a trot.

"You okay ma'am?" Stonewall asked concerned

"Very pregnant and hiding it well." Dawn said quietly. "I'll show you when we arrive."

Stonewall blinked and then slowly to a walk.

Dawn panted quietly, "Thanks."

Stone nodded and Dawn felt the unseen wing pat her head. "A lots been happening here both with the case and more private matters."

"I look forward to hearing it. Been watching through a couple eyes, but I still prefer to be told."

"Of course you have, Legate.’ Storm chuckled quietly, smirking.

Dawn smiled broadly, "So weird to be called that, but I can’t stop smiling. I take it you approve?"

"If Queeny does, then so do I."

'And does queen approve?' Dawn teased Chryssy before replying, “I am glad. It wouldn't do to disappoint my mentor.”

'You know the answer to that Daughter.' The queen sent back. She had stayed behind to coordinate a few things with the settlement first. Stone merely chuckled as they neared the station.

'Of course.' She replied, going into the station and asked, "When should I show off the changes?"

"This evening.” Stone said, “We will be having dinner in the hotel room and I have an idea I want to discuss with you.”

"Understood." Dawn replied, looking around for familiar faces.

The room had several familiar guards around, and Stonewall led her towards the back room they had been using.

"Morning everypony, good to be back." She called to those near.

They replied and referee to her as Princess.

"Hi Green." Storm said simply, turning to give her report summary to Stonewall and not even looking at the princess.

"Hi Lapdog." Dawn smiled, playing along now that they both had names for each other.

Storm frowned, not enjoying being called that by Dawn, and Dawn could taste her disdain and frustration.

Stonewall chuckled, then looked at Storm. "You have a report?"

Storm nodded, "just a summary of what you missed."

"Storm,” Dawn paused, looking Storm over and noticing the stitches in the shoulder, “what happened to you?”

"Had a run in with a piece of work who seems to be working with Flare." Stone said. "She's on light duty right now here in the command center."

Dawn nodded, commanding. "Come with me Storm."

"Why?" She asked defensively.

"Don’t argue or I’ll order again using your pet name." Dawn answered sternly, not wanting to argue and already making up her mind to heal her, taking on their fatigue in doing so.

Storm grumbled, then looked to Twilight as she watched Dawn head to the upper floor toward a more private room, wondering if she had to. Stone nodded, and Storm let out a quiet sigh before turning to follow the mare.

"Storm,." Dawn said simply, trying to be patient even as she tasted the resentment in the air, "lay down. This will sting and weaken you very briefly, but you'll be healed soon."

Storm opened her mouth, tempted to reply 'Don’t do me any favors' but realized Twilight was behind her and to cover herself, instead answered, "We'll see."

Stone watched her closely, suspecting they meant something else.

Dawn proceeded to start her healing magic, feeling as energy left her to accelerate the healing process in Storm. It was a simpler magic, and more efficient, but still time consuming. After ten minutes, she shifted on her hooves in front of Storm. Storm had been furrowing her brows, skin and muscles itching as they grew in place during the spell. Before she knew it, the spell was done, the wound healed, and Dawn looking tired, a bead of sweat falling from her muzzle to the floor.

"Finished." She said, slowly laying herself on her side.

Stone smiled and went to inspect the shoulder. Storm frowned, looking down and expecting a scar, or a spot with no fur, and yet it looked as if she had never been injured. She felt the place where the wound had been and then looked at Dawn with surprise.

Dawn smiled, exhaustion clear on her face as she said, "I can tell I've gotten better… I did what medical ponies now only do with a staff of four, two for healing and two substitutes in case the original two tire, and what I used to do with the aid of Starlight Dusk… Did it scar at all?"

"No…" Storm replied, surprised

Stone smirked. "What do you say Storm?"

"Thank you…" she said, confusion hanging in the air as she looked at her.

"I've been doing healing magic like this ever since the mirror… well…" Dawn spoke, starting to frown as the memory came back, then shook her head, "I hope this helps you get up on your hooves."

"Yeah, I can go back on flying around town now." She answered.

"Feel free to do a few laps around the area." Stone nodded, giving Storm permission.

Storm nodded, "I… I think I will. I'll keep close just in case anything happens."

"It won't… I made sure of that. It wasn't rushed." Dawn said smiling even as she laid down.

Storm left, still surprised at the healing she had received, as she expected it to be patchy or incomplete, and flew once she was outside without any delay.

Stone nodded to Storm as she left and then sat beside Dawn, stroking her mane. "You OK my pet?" She asked as they were alone.

"I'm worn out… the pregnancy is a lot harder on me, being only a few weeks until I'm due, and that was quite hard on me doing the healing alone, but I had to try and find out if I could." She smiled, "I'm sorry if I worried you."

"You're tough." Twilight said approvingly. "Anyways, I was wondering how you'd feel about training Storm in the ways of being a good obedient pet?"

"Oh really?" she smiled, "and in what ways does she need to learn obedience?"

"Right now, she is rather obedient, but I want to ensure that she knows her place. There are a few things I'm sure she would refuse and I can't help but think you'd be perfect as a trainer."

"We'll see. I am gentle because I do not want others to go through the hardships I have, but I will try." Dawn said, nodding. She slowly started to get up, looking a bit better, but still clearly needing rest.

"We can wait till after you give birth if you'd like, would give you time to prepare as I'm sure you'd like a uniform to show your status." She said smiling.

"No, I'll take on training her as soon as you wish.” Dawn chuckled. “I will rather enjoy sending her to my every whim like the changelings behave, even when I want them to delay because they are not 'mere drones' to me. It will take time, but I can do this for you."

"Got anything in mind as a sort of uniform to wear while training?" She asked. "If it goes well, I might make you my official pet trainer."

Dawn smiled in turn, "No, I don't have an outfit in mind, but I would want to keep it work appropriate, in case we need to go out and about. I'm open to suggestions though… out of curiosity, what symbol would you use for my status? Last I knew, Legate was a roman title from back home. A culture that ended its reign nearly two millenia ago, and I never saw any marker to show my rank."

"You had the Zebra Capital city in your world?" Twilight asked surprised, "As well as the the high generals title?"

"There was an old copper and bronze age nation called Rome, whose capital was also called Rome on large peninsula now known as Italy, whose borders spread throughout most of the known world of its inhabitants at the time. It collapsed in on itself, but it was human. Legate was one of the ranks I can remember in it, along with a Caesar, the leader of the Rome." Dawn answered.

Twilight blinked and tilted her head. "The Zebra capital is named Roam, led by the Ceasar with the high General being the Legate."

"Interesting parallel." Dawn answered, before saying, "I think if you don’t mind, I’ll go sit down. I'm still a bit worn out from her healing. I basically took on at least half of the energy cost of her wound’s healing myself in the process."

"Took on?" Twilight asked for clarity. "And yes of course."

"Thanks." Dawn answered, following Twilight to the chairs. "The easiest, least dangerous magic to use for healing, its cost is partially made up of magic, and partially of stamina. Even so, I will recover within a day or two where that would have taken her weeks to recover from. The more advanced healing is more magical and mental focus, but runs the risk of making a pony pass out all the same, which is why backup ponies are used, to take their place while they recharge."

"Ah, yeah. I tried my healing spells, but for some reason all I could do was stop the bleeding, I wasn't able to close the wound." Twilight said as they walked the short distance to the chair.

Dawn chuckled, spotting the closest chair and sitting down on it gingerly, "Wow, that really is not easy when you're pregnant. damn." She chuckled and then continued, "I know I had to try a few things and experiment when trying to heal Cherry Dancer, but I've learned to be quite effective with it, which is why I taught lectures on healing magic."

"Normally healing is very simple and the wound closes up, and then you’re done. Apparently that doesn't work." Stone commented.

"Apparently not. I have to focus on regrowing the tissue there, as if the body is in the womb, or at least, that's what I picture it as. I don't have enough of the foundations to understand what I'm doing."

"Perhaps I'll assign books to read." Stone said understanding.

"We can do that, though I typically learn better from a lecturer and demonstrations of practical theory."

"True. Sadly I'm not much help as my healing spells don't work."

"Is it possibly just a location issue? Would it be more effective back in your home?" Dawn offered.

"Maybe."

Dawn sighed and then got down off the chair, "I may go get breakfast somewhere and take it back here to eat, unless you'd rather it be fetched."

"I'm fine, and I can send someone to get it so you can rest." Twilight said.

"My concern is the safety of me and my foals if we go out more than needed. If we fell under attack, I know I would have had the strength for a shield, but not after even accelerating her fur regrowth." Dawn said.

"I'll send someone out." Stone said, then turned to go find someone.

Dawn dug out the bits needed for three meals worth, plus a little extra in case, weighing what she was in the mood for when the idea of a broccoli cheddar and spinach calzone crossed her mind. She knew that would do until she could have some fish as a lunch option.

Twilight return with one of the earth pony guards. "Alright, so Grounded here has agreed to go get you food Princess."

"Thank you Grounded, sorry I’m pulling you away for something so simple." She apologized, "Would you please get me two broccoli cheddar and spinach calzones from the bakery I passed about 5 blocks to the east? I left in enough bits for you to get something too if you want."

He saluted and took the bits before heading for the door.

Dawn sighed, "It genuinely feels wrong to have a guard or one of your men sent on a simple errand when there’s so much more they could be doing…"

"Dawn, every bit helps, you're the leader of this so to speak, and they are sworn to protect you. You having issues because of hunger is them not doing their job. The captain of the ship has to be strong, else everyone bellow will suffer."

Dawn nodded, then added, "I suppose you're right, I just respect my guard and those below me to know that they have so much they are capable of doing, and I don't want them to forget that."

"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death." Twilight agreed, quoting her motto.

"Then I am already halfway there…" she replied, turning to see Storm coming up the stairs with a smile.

"Good as new." Storm commented

Stone smiled and nodded to Storm then said to Dawn. "Was a quote of a very smart person."

"I'll have to remember it." Dawn smiled.

"So what’s next?" Storm asked.

'I should have sent Storm out to get my food, now that I think about it. Oh well.' Dawn commented to her mom in hindsight

"Well, I figure you give me that briefing you had prepared." Stonewall said smiling and looked at Dawn. "Storm here has become a very good assistant over the last few days, organizing information that comes in and weeding out the wheat from the chaff to write a useful report that actually helps us move forward."

'Perhaps, but then again I don't think she would have gotten what you wanted on purpose… at least not till after you train her.' The queen said with amusement. 'I like the ideas you have on that and will enjoy watching, and don't hold back. Knowing Twilight, she will give you full authority to do what you want with Lapdog.'

Dawn nodded, looking at Storm in a more assessing view, making Storm feel nervous.

"What? What's that look for?"

"Just debating what I'd do with you if you keep talking down to me." Dawn said.

"Why? You're not the boss of me." Storm said defiantly.

Stone lightly nudged Dawn with her tail, signaling she was getting close to giving her plans away.

'I believe Twilight wants that to be a surprise for Storm.' Chrysalis warned.

'Sorry, I'll apologize to Twilight tonight. Barely a few days hatched and I’m already nearly revealing secrets. I’m a horrible changeling.’ Dawn replied as a joke before answering Storm, “Because I’m a Princess, like it or not, and I am responsible for everypony here. So yes, I am the boss of you when needed.”

"You're not my princess, that’s for sure. You deal with your own problems and leave me to mine." Storm said resentfully, going back downstairs, not saying what she was thinking next 'just keep your damn muzzle in your own damn business'.

Dawn could taste her emotions, letting out a quiet sigh, "Sorry. I’ll work on keeping that under wraps."

"Yes, you do that, especially if you're going to be my trainer." Twilight said.

'Yes, Twilight enjoys being surprising.' The queen said and sent a memory of one time she was looking over a few things when Twilight snuck up behind her and mounted her with a strap on and wasted no time in having her way with the Queen.

"I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. I’ve already gotten plenty of ideas. After all, I have quite a few lessons to instill." She paused before saying, "should we go downstairs and go to the men?"

"Hmm… probably. It would be good for them to see you have returned." She said heading for the door.

'As for your outfit… I have a few ideas in mind if you're interested.' Chrysalis offered.

'I'm open to suggestions, though I would prefer if they had mainly safe for work versions for when in public.' Dawn thought back before answering as she followed, "Very well. I'll go to it and follow your lead until they need me to speak, boost their morale and so on."

The first image she got was of a black outfit that hugged her chest, but left her flank exposed and drew attention to it as well. It had her legs covered as if she were wearing boots, and four straps were attached to Twilight's collar which was around her neck, with many pockets available to hold various items.

Stone nodded as they began to walk down stairs.

Dawn blushed but smiled approvingly, even as she surveyed the other ponies in the room and what they were up to.

The queen was pleased. 'I take it you approve?'

There was only a couple of guards present, looking over reports or writing them up while a couple talked in a corner eating lunch

'You already know my answer mom.' she teased, clearly hinting at a yes. Dawn went over to the ones doing reports and checked in. "Morning, What news do we have today?"

"A few possible leads ma'am." The soldier straightened up considerably as she approached, others doing similarly as he spoke up. "Stonewall wants us to look into them after familiarizing ourselves with the information."

'I'll have a drone there draw up the design and give it to Twilight. You will look so commanding and attractive in it.' The queen chuckled.

'I trust your judgement my queen.' Dawn replied, intending to tease while she dealt with her soldiers, speaking gently, "At ease. I'm sure you're doing well with it and giving it your all. What leads do you find promising and why? Or will they be in your reports?"

"Just someone reporting a group moving crates into an old house in the middle of the night."

'And best part is, it leaves your backside exposed incase Twilight wishes to enjoy her trainer.' The queen said, pleased and even more amused at Dawn’s initial embarrassment and attempt at hiding her blush.

"That definitely sounds suspicious. good catch." she said smiling as she tried to hide her feelings. 'Perhaps something could be altered slightly so certain areas can be covered tactfully, or perhaps a skirt of some kind can go with it for when I want to be more modest while in public.'

'You are a pony though?' The queen replied, confused.

The guard nodded, smiling at the complement.

'I was a human before being a pony… I dunno how to explain it, suddenly feeling modest and feeling like wearing something like that would only highlight what isn’t covered.' Dawn replied. Dawn patted the guard on the shoulder, saying "Keep up the good work." before turning to the other soldiers to make idle conversation while she waited for her food to be delivered.

'You are naked now though. I do not understand why the outfit allowing access to under your tail is an issue? If Twilight wished it she could walk over and go under your tail this moment in front of everyone.'

'You're right…’ Dawn admitted, ‘it is silly. Perhaps it's simply a remnant of my old culture, but when you have clothes, what you leave uncovered makes just as much of a statement as what is. If I have clothes covering other parts of myself, but not that, what would be overlooked while nude would stand out while dressed.'

'Most ponies only dress up their front half. Besides, the point is to draw the eye to that lovely flank of yours.'

'Lovely flank huh? Careful, or I'll think you're Stalwart.' Dawn looked hungrily out the window, hoping the guard with her food was safe.

'He has excellent taste, though it is not as good as Twilights.' The queen said as if this were the most obvious fact in the world.

Dawn spotted him approaching with the two bags of food. She smiled, opening the door for him and closing it behind. "Welcome back. Everything go smoothly?"

'Oh really? And how do mine and lapdog's compare?' Dawn asked, as if knowing she couldn’t compete with the queen's mate.

'Mmm… Lapdog has the flank of an athlete… firm and strong and nice to feel and touch, while yours is shapely and very nice to look at.'

"It went fine ma'am. I got the food you wanted and have your leftover bits." He said as he held them out.

"Thank you." She said, accepting them both. "What is your role in the investigation?"

"Um,” He hesitated, surprised at the question, “I work the upper east side tips.”

"I see, as the listener or one who acts on them?"

"Acts." He answered, "Only Ms Storm listens and a few of those strange ponies that came with agent Stonewall get to listen either."

"Stonewall has trained them differently than what we do here.” Dawn nodded, “They might be different, but they look to you to know how things are done here. Keep up the good work, and listen to Stone. I aim to keep everyone on our team alive through this." She said, trying to encourage him, thinking back to Chrysalis, 'Think Storm will need an outfit?'

"You mean they are trained differently in Canterlot?" He blinked.

'Mmmm… most definitely. While I have some ideas, I'll leave what she wears to your devious mind, as I'm sure you have many things you'd like to make.'

"They get trained in a different place with a very different skillset. The only thing that is the same is the physical training and dedication to Equestria. It’s an experiment that we’re hoping can do well and be a new division of the guard.” Dawn chuckled at his answer and smiled comfortingly, responding to the queen, 'I will consider it'

"Ah." He said

Dawn patted his shoulder, "I’m relying on you Grounded. Keep up the good work." She said in dismissal to his duties, intent on eating.

He saluted and wandered off.

Author's Notes:

Well Fire Storm has realized what they are facing and become closer to Twilight as well as gotten ehr ego/pride more under control.

I have a PATREON with fair rewards. Every bit is greatly appreciated and helps me out.