Lighting the Shadows
Chapter 1: Arrival?
It was a bright, sunny day in Ponyville. A few clouds dotted the sky, a nice, gentle summer breeze brushed against the quiet town. The weather ponies made it a perfect day, which was much appreciated by a certain bouncy, pink pony known by the name of Pinkie Pie. She happily walked around Ponyville, greeting everypony she saw with a friendly “Hello!” or a “How’s it going!?” She hummed gleefully, skipping along the path towards Twilight’s library to visit her magically gifted unicorn friend. Eventually, she closed her eyes, noticing a lack of ponies in sight and having memorized the path towards Twilight's library and home-in-one. After a few minutes of mindless skipping, she was interrupted from her thoughts of sugary treats. She had bumped into somepony while rounding a corner. She fell to the ground, landing on her plot with an “Oof” escaping her lips as she rubbed the area that hurt. “Owie zowie!” she said looking at the stallion she bumped into.
He was sitting on his plot rubbing his head, when Pinkie also noticed her head was hurting, as well. They must have bumped heads. Him getting the short end of the stick as she had been going at a faster speed than him. Pinkie looked him over for a minute. His coat was fiery orange, and it looked rather nicely taken care of. It was cut off just above his hips by a red hoodie, the hems a darker black than the an endless abyss. His hood was down, showing off his messy mane to the world, it contradicting his rather groomed coat. The stallions mane was black and curved just below his muzzle. It really brought out the blood red strip in his mane. His cutie mark was rather intriguing, being a royal looking dagger, shadows twisting around the blade. He stopped rubbing his head and she thought she was about to get a glimpse of his eyes when suddenly a pair of sunglasses were put on his face by a little white coated colt. The glasses were like a band across his face making him show no emotion whatsoever but he smiles and pats the colt on his head. He stands and offers a hoof to Pinkie. “S-sorry that was my bad I wasn’t looking where I was going…” he said softly seeming rather shy and embarrassed.
Pinkie smiles and takes his hoof as he pulls her back onto her hooves. “No no! It’s my bad I was skipping along and I thought ‘Well nopony is here so I can skip happily with my eyes closed and not run into anypony.’ So really it’s my fault and since i was moving faster you got the bad end of the deal. Anyway you’re new here! My names Pinkamena Diane Pie, but all my FRIENDS call me Pinkie Pie!” she said putting a big emphasis on the word “friends”. She was so happy and giddy to meet somepony new.
The stallion nods his smile slightly fading away he was nervous, not being a pony of much contact with others. “N-nice to meet you Pinkie. My name is Shadow Blade but everypony usually calls me Blade. The little one is Shadey Tune…” he said moving to the side to reveal the hiding white colt. His coat had a shining white glow seemingly more taken care of his older brother. He had on a azure blue tailcoat with only three black buttons, the collar and pocket hymes also black. The little colt’s eyes were a deep sea shade of blue just like the three blue vertical stripes in his short mane. The appearance of his mane seemed like scootaloo’s mane but there was no curl upwards in the front and he has three bangs, one long bang in between his eyes and ’two smaller bangs that curled around the outside of his eyes. “Come on Shadey introduce yourself to the nice mare.”
The colt nods and waves sheepishly “Hello...my name’s Shadey Tune but all my friends call me Shadey.” he said nervous. He had about as much interactions with other ponies as much as his brother did.
Pinkie smiles happily “Nice to meet you two!” she gasps “I should throw you a welcoming party! Oh and don’t worry that’s just what I do i’m not called the party pony for nothing!” she says happily bouncing around them.
Blade shakes his head “N-no party we don’t do parties. Besides you don’t even know us so you have no reason to throw us a party.” he said as Shadey hides behind his brother again.
Pinkie smiles “Oh but i insist and besides you called me Pinkie! That makes us friends! Oh there will be cake, and ice cream, and games, and balloons, and streamers, and and just so much fun!” she chirped out bouncing around them before she noticed the two here just gone, no where insite. “Hey! Where’d you go!?” She said looking around for them. “I guess they went to go get ready for the party!” she said skipping towards Twilights house once more.
Pinkie arrived a short time after starting towards the library. She helped herself in “Hi Twilight! Guess what? I just met two new ponies!” she said bouncing around the library.
Twilight was so use to Pinkie’s antics that she just decided to stop what she was doing putting her bookmark in between the pages she was reading and turning to her friend. “New ponies? We just got a pair last week Ponyville sure is getting popular.” she said walking to her.
Pinkie stopped bouncing and looked at Twilight confused. “Last week? No no no impossible i would have met them and i never saw them around who are they.” she asked happy to meet even new ponies.
Twilight had to think for a moment. “I don’t think he actually told me his name...he came in for a cook book said he had to learn how to cook to feed himself and his little brother. I remember that his coat was orange and he wore a red hoodie and if i recall he had-” she was continuing before another friend walked into the door by the name of Rarity. Spike was following in toe with her.
“Dark sunglasses that went across his face making him look rather dashing and oh my those red highlight brought out that black mane so well. However his outfit was rather bland..” she said before continuing. “However Twilight you must be mistaken he’s been here for two weeks now.”
Pinkie’s mind was about to explode already from not knowing of the pony she just met that apparently moved in two weeks ago. “WHAT!?” she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Twilight and Rarity physically jumped at the scream Pinkie emitted. “Pinkie calm down it’s not really your fault they don’t really leave their house and the little one was probably just got the paperwork done to get into school. Trust me Sweetie Belle has been excited ever since Cheerilee announced a new student.” Rarity told her.
“They don’t ever go out?” Pinkie asked wondering how that was even possible. “How do they party?! or have fun with friends?! Or anything!?” she questioned thinking this was the strangest thing.
Twilight blinks “Pinkie I was like that before i moved here and got to know you girls and i’ve never been happier to have friends you just got to give them a bit to adjust. I’m sure this place is a lot different from what they are used to.” Twilight inquired being most likely right.
Rarity nods “Besides Pinkie darling they seem like they are shy and don’t like meeting ponies i mean when he came into my boutique he not only got a jacket for his brother he asked if i knew of any job openings and i told him and that was the end of our conversation. He’s not very talkative very mysterious.”
Pinkie thinks “Well i’ll get to know them first hoof! No matter what i will become friends with them or my name isn’t Pinkie Pie!” she pledged holding her hoof in the air striking a dramatic pose.
Rarity and Twilight nod, “Leave it to Pinkie Pie to make it a life goal to get to know somepony. Well Pinkie just let me know if there is anything i can do to help.” Twilight tells her.
Rarity smiles “Count me in as well darling.” she tells her happily as Pinkie pulls her and Twilight into a close hug.
“Thanks! You girls are the bestest friends a pony could ask for!” she cheered happily as they hug her back with smiles on their faces.
-To Blade and Shadey-
The two entered their house and Shadey looked at his older brother. “Another nice pony….or at least she seemed nice.”
Blade smiles and pats his little brother on the head. “Don’t worry i’m sure everyone here will love you if you went out more.” he said hypocritically to his little brother.
“You’re one to talk! You don’t go outside either!” he argued with his older brother.
“Yeah well what am i gonna talk about? ‘Oh hi i’m Shadow Blade nice to meet you i used to be a guard but i screwed up so here i am.’ Besides i don’t know how to converse well with others.” he said backing away.
“Well at least you weren’t bullied by kids in your class. Just cause i’m smart doesn’t mean i’m different from any other pony…” he pouts.
Blade nods “You’re right...how about this. Try to make one friend at school tomorrow and i’ll go and try to make a friend too. Deal?” he asks holding his hoof out.
Shadey thinks for a second then bro hoofs his brother “Deal! I bet my friend is going to be WAY better than yours!” he gloats.
Blade grins “Oh yeah? Well i'll make sure my friend can do a ton of cool things!” he challenges. He thinks about how Ponyville might have been the perfect place to bring Shadey...i guess we’ll see. “Now come on let’s start on some dinner little buddy. Go pick something out of the book we got from the library.” he said walking into the kitchen.
Shadey walks to the shelf taking a minute to look at a picture.”I will get over my shyness and make some friends this time!” he confidently whispers to no one. “i promise mom...dad...watch over me” he said grabbing the book running into the kitchen. “I got the book!” he shouts to his brother.
The picture frame held a small picture of a white mare and red stallion both in celestial armor. An orange colt wrestling with the red stallion and a white baby held in the arms of the mare. The perfect little family with the most tragic of tales, but that tale was for another time.
The day had faded away into a calm night, even Vinyl was in bed at a normal hour for once in her life. Shadey was putting away the last of his toys before slipping out of his jacket and then getting into bed just as his older brother came in. “Well i see everything in here is clean, for once.” he teases his younger brother.
Shadey pouts “Hey i clean my room….sometimes…” he says a sheepish smile on his face.
Blade made a movement with his head as if he was rolling his eyes before tucking the young colt into bed. “Okay Shadey get a good nights rest because tomorrow you start school again. Mrs.Cheeraliee seemed really nice when we first met her so you be a good little colt got it?”
Shadey nods “I promise and you better go out and get a job and make a friend with somepony.” he said chuckling softly at his brother.
Blade nods and laughs with him “Yeah yeah, i hear ya.” he hits the lights but the room wasn’t pitch dark since Shadey still had on a small night light.
Shadey whimpers softly still not liking the new room, or house...he was especially scared of the dark. “B-big brother...c-can’t I stay in your room tonight…?” he asked not wanting to be alone.
His brother walks over to him and pets his head. “Shadey it’s been two weeks you can’t stay in my room anymore. Look i’ll stay here until you fall asleep ok?” he said sitting next to his bed. Shadey nods and was ok with that just happy to have some sort of protection around him. “Remember what we talked about, if you feel scared just hum a soft tune and all the fears and monsters will go away.” he told his younger brother.
He nods slowly before humming a soft and slow melody making him drift off into a deep and comfy sleep. Blade grins before rubs his little bro’s head and heading to his own room. Blade took no time hitting the lights now it total darkness as he puts his glasses on the side table before curling up under his covers before falling asleep himself. He thought one final thing before he fell asleep. “This town is nice, let’s hope we can one day call this….home…”
Lighting the Shadows
Chapter 2: Friends?
An alarm went off in Shadey’s room waking him up in a grouchy mood, pulling his blankets up over his head groaning “Nooooo….I don’t wanna gooooo.” he said to himself fighting to go back to sleep with the alarm going off. He sighs and sits up pushing the off button on his clock looking at the time. “5:30? School starts at seven….” He said laying back his head hitting the pillow as he uses his hoof to cover his eyes.
Blade walks in a tooth brush in his mouth. “Come on up and at'em, I gotta drop you off at school early for the time being. The mare that gave me my job said I gotta be there by 6:30. Chop chop get a shower.” he said clapping his hooves at the chop chop part before walking away brushing his teeth.
Shadey sighs before throwing the covers off of himself and hoppin outta bed rubbing his eyes a bit walking to the bathroom. He bumps into the doorway “ow….” he mumbled before walking in closing the door to take a shower.
Shadow Blade was cooking up some breakfast one of the few things he could do easily. He has some bread in the toaster while he was frying up some eggs. “Man…...what am i gonna do….I only work with her to my knowledge..how do I make friends with my boss?” he says to himself.
Shadey was humming a soft tune and the realizes “The jerk tricked me….now i have to be social...great my terrible social skill come into contact with others. Guess who’s gonna be the new awkward kid who is very weird….this guy.” he says to himself hitting his head on the wall. “ow…” he mumbles and continues his shower.
Blade had looked at the time and already 30 minutes had passed by. He shouts up to Shadey “Come on you need to get something to eat before school!” He quickly sets out food on the table now preparing Shadey’s lunch for the day. He contemplated what to give him till he decided to just make a daffodil daisy sandwich with some hay chips. “There...now a drink...hmm…” he thought and put in a nice little box of apple juice in.
Just as he closed the lunch box Shadey walked in messing with his blue tail coat. “Geez i love this thing but boy does it hate wet fur…” he complained as he sat down and began munching on the eggs in front of him. “Blech no salt…” he complained some more.
Blade chuckles “You know where the salt is.” he said now sitting with shadey happily eating his eggs and drinking his coffee. Shadey nods and gets up grabbing the salt from a panty and putting some on his eggs as he sets it on the table and begins to eat his food slowly enjoying a sip of chocolate milk every now and then.
Soon they had finished their breakfast as Shadey got up to grab his things and as Blade threw on his hoodie. They regrouped at the door as Blade opens the door and walks out with Shadey right behind him who closes and locks the door. They begin their walk towards the school as they run into a familiar face. A bouncy pink pony with a smile on her face. She was heading towards them so Blade was sure she’d say something, but to his surprise all she said was “Good Morning Blade and Shadey” and then bounced off around the corner. .
He blinked, surprised at this but shrugged since now he doesn’t have to deal with that chipper mood so early in the morning. He continues to walk with Shadey as they approach the school. “OK then Shadey remember to be nice and tell the teacher if other ponies bully you. Remember to make some friends” he tells him
“Yeah I know bro but you gotta be nice and make a friend too.” he told his older brother as he sees a few more kids arrive and turns to the school away from his bother taking a deep breath. “Ok Shadey...you can do this.” he mumbled trying to psych himself up as he walks into the school building hoping it was ok to just sit in class before anyone else arrived.
Blade smiled as he watched his little brother walk into school before taking his leave to work. He may have lived here for two weeks now but rarely going out and only going to this place once doesn’t help his situation. He only left early with Shadey cause he knew that he was going to get lost on his way so even when he arrived after being lost it would have been on time. He finally arrives at the front door and sighs as he is about to enter and then stops himself ‘D-do i knock first...or just enter...i mean it is a shop but….it’s her house too right?’ He didn’t know since last time he had just happen to have met the mare on the street and just happened to ask her if she knew a pony who made clothes and to his luck it was her so she invited him in. Before he had a time to decide the door had opened and a little white filly with a nice little dress on.
“Oh hello! Sorry if i surprised you i didn’t know someone was about to come on in. Big sis! You have a customer!” she shouts back into the building “Well it was nice meeting you but i gotta go to school!” she said taking off
“Hey wait, my little brother is in school...he’s the new kid would you mind...keeping an eye on him for me? He’s really shy” he asks the random little filly who nods.
“Of course! You can count on me sir! Cutie Mark Crusader to the rescue” she said taking off once again towards the school.
Blade smiles and sighs softly as he walks in and closes the door and heard hoof steps coming from the upstair and then a voice “I’ll be down in a minute.” He decides to take a look around looking at all the dresses as he tries to remember the name of this place “Carol Boutique? Curious Bow?....C-” he was about to say as somepony said
“Carousel Boutique darling. You’re here just a bit early, perfect I like a pony who doesn’t keep a lady waiting. Have you ever worked in this kinda line of work before?” she asks leading him upstairs to her work room.
“No, but since it’s just an assisting job I assume i’m not gonna be handling the dresses to much.” he says following her “I’m kinda surprised you said you needed someponys help being a unicorn i thought you would have been able to do it on your own.”
“Well normally yes i do it on my own but recently even having my magic isn’t enough. I’ve been having so much work that the paperwork, and organizing gets outta hand then I have to ask my little sister help me. Plus i need someone to carry the items across ponyville quickly without having to rely on just my close friends taking time outta there day. So really taking this job you’ll be helping my more than you think.” she says as they reach the room “So before we start just a few questions, Have you any disabilities that may affect your job?” she asks
“Well i wouldn’t say it’s a disability and it won’t affect my job skills. If at all possible can we leave it just at that. It’s not a pleasant story…” he said smiling softly at her.
She nods “OK darling i understand. Next have you any unique skills?”
“Well...kinda maybe? I’m known for my ability to move quickly while carrying heavy objects. When you go through training of carrying two to three hundred pounds and running a mile a day you get the ability to do that. You see i was training to be a guard in canterlot but you probably don’t care” he said
“Oh no please do go on darling now i’m curious.” she said looking intently
“Well my parents died in the line of work and i had to drop training just to keep me and my brother going but it was too expensive so here we are. Ponyville is a lot nicer though i’m glad i made the move. I feel bad about it sometimes...Shadey had to leave all of his friends at school. Like did i do the right thing? I wanna think so but i keep seeing this sad face from him even though he smiles. He’s a good kid but he doesn’t make friends easily.” he said looking away “And i think he blames me for the death of our parents, hell i blame myself…”
“Darling now that just isn’t true you have no reason to blame yourself for something that happened. It could've happened to anypony. You can’t blame yourself by this act of sorrow…” she said seemingly worried.
“Yeah...i guess you are right but everytime i try to think of the day of their death it’s just a haze a nothing in my mind..” he then shakes his head “I shouldn’t be bringing you down like this it’s a nice day should be filled with happiness right?” he asked
“Well yes but i’m just more curious about you right now. You’re a very interesting stallion Shadow Blade I’d like to get to know you more. You must of had many friends that tell you this before” she said giggling softly
“Actually i don’t have any friends. No pony wants to be friends with a pony who was known for the guard drop out” he said blushing slightly and chuckling nervously.
“Well...i do. I think you are very nice and had a tough life but that shouldn’t mean i should look down on you or anything. It means i should be there to listen and talk to because i’m your friend” she explain a soft smile on her face.
“Friend..hehe...thanks you are a very generous pony Rarity” he compliments smiling back. “We should talk later. Gotta get todays work done” he tells her making her pop up like a spring
“Oh right i nearly forgot. OK let’s get to work!” she exclaims.
“Yes, ma’am.” blade says as she begins to teach him the organization patterns.
-To Shadey Tune-
Shadey was sitting on the bench just outside of the school building waiting for everypony to arrive. “I went to the door and tried to open it but it was locked and i looked like an idiot…” He lays his head on his arms trying to get a bit of rest before then but he then hears a few guys talking and a girl sounding rather annoyed. He looks over to the sound and sees two guys picking on a orange pegasus wearing a rather cool looking T-shirt with a rainbow lightning bolt on it. He started to hear the words that were being said to her.
“Come on don’t be like that we’re just saying to come with us and have a good time. Skip school who needs it. Come on beautiful.”
“Ugh, no way i’d ever go anywhere with you losers. I’d rather spend time bashing my head into a wall then hang out with you two” she says walking ahead trying to get away
“Hey bitch! No pony talks to me that way!” he said grabbing her by the hair and pulling her by the hair down to the ground making her shriek in pain. Causing Shadey to get up. “It think it’s time you apologize you stupid slut” he shouts throwing her on the ground
“Bite me dick wad!” she shouts kicking him in the gut causing him to fall back onto his butt knocking the wind out causing the other guy to kick her in the side. “Agh, you asswipe…” she says holding her side.
The other boy was up at this point and knocks her back before getting on top of her throwing a punch for her face till Shadey grabs it an inch from her face. “Oi, dumbass. You don’t hit girls.” he said throwing him off the pegasus. “I mean i get that you probably get rejected by everypony, but i mean can you blame them? Who’d want some loser like you? I mean if this is the only way you can get off by beating girls into the ground i wouldn't wanna fuck ya either..”
“Who the hell are you!?” shouts one of the two boys.
“I’m the one who is going to make you hate life unless you turn around right now.” he says a scowl on his face. This was one of the things shadey did not tolerate.
“Oh, what are you gonna do? Tell our mommies?” one jokes.
“Yeah actually, i mean with the amount of footage i got it could get you thrown out of this school and i think your parents wouldn't like to see you use those words or hit a girl.” he said pointing to the bench a laptop open and recording them. “So as i said leave and never bother anyone like this again ooooor i will take this to the teacher who will report it to your parents. Call me a wimp i call myself a stratigical genius. Now leave” he tells them as they just frown as more ponies started to show up. They leave muttering words. Shadey sighs and turns to the filly and offers her his hoof to get up “You ok?” he asks
She nods and takes his hoof getting on her back hooves “Yeah thanks man but i would’ve been fine I can handle myself.” she said brushing dust off her shirt and then holding her side in pain again “Damn...that hurt.”
“I never said you couldn’t handle yourself i just don’t tolerate that kinda crap.” he said looking at her side “But you're right you were handling yourself sooo well back there” he said sarcastically.
The girl punched his arm softly “Oh shut it dude. Anyway really thanks um….i don’t know your name you new around here?” she asked
“Oh yeah” and then it snapped in his head that he was having a conversations with someone he’s never met and on top of that it was a cute girl. “um..yeah i’m uh...Shadey Tune…” he said getting significantly more introverted as he was talking “i’m the new kid…” he mumbled.
She looked puzzled as she had to try really hard to hear him at the end there. “Ah i get it...New kid must be nervous huh? Yeah i was like that when i started here. It’s new and ponies you don’t know are around you.” she smiles at him “My name is Scootaloo. Nice to meet ya buddy you can call me Scoots.” she said and extends her hoof to him for a hoof shake.
He blinks and smiles softly “Nice to meet ya Scoots…” he said softly happy to have met her. “So any tips on hot to be more confident during my introduction?” he asked nervously
“Yeah just don’t think about it. Say your name and answer any questions without thinking about it. If it helps don’t look at the pony who asks the question look past them so it looks like you are looking at them and you feel no pressure. Win Win.” she advised
He nods “Got it.” looking at the schools as the door opens and students pile in as he sighs softly.
“You tried to open the door earlier when it was locked didn’t you?” she asked putting on a sly grin
“Maybe…” she said looking down sadly his ears folding down on his head.
Scoots took a step over to him and moved his ear up and whispered “I did too on my first day.” then then took a few steps forward “Tell anyone i told you that and i’ll hurt you.” she said then going to the school.
Shadey smiles and soon follows behind and goes in himself. He stood outside the classroom waiting for the teacher to come and get him to introduce himself. He was thinking and trying to psych himself up once more thinking about Scootaloo’s advice. he then heard “Would you please come in?” he then sighs and walks in.
The little colt stands in front of the class next to the teacher a blush on his face as she smiles at him “This is our new student. So please welcome him with open arms.” Mrs Cheeralie announces as Shadey bows slowly the ponies clapping there hooves together.
“Um thanks for welcoming me. My name is Shadey Tune, i’m from Canterlot. My big brother and I moved down here two weeks ago and we just got the paperwork and books bought so i finally got here.” He said looking around the room finding Scootaloo who waves at him secretly making him smile a bit. The students clap once more.
“Alright now we’ll start off introductions and then we will ask Shadey some questions, sound good to you Shadey?” Mrs.Cheeralie asked him as he nods. Everyone then goes around the room and introduces themselves. it was questions time now “Alright then any questions?”
A few students raised their hoofs and Shadey points to a blue pony with an orange mane and scissors for a cutie mark “So what do you like to do in your free time?” he asked.
Shadey looked towards him but taking Scoots advice looks past him at the wall behind him “Well play video games and write in a journal. I browse the internet and then i have a tumblr.” he said smiling.
He then points to a brown little colt with an orange mane and a pinwheel hat “So what is your favorite game to play?”
Shadey thinks “hmm...that’s a hard question to answer. At the moment i play minecraft a lot and rock band. i play the keytar mostly since i can play piano for real.” he answered looking at the boy who seemed really happy with his answer.
He then points to a white colt with some spots on him “What’s your favorite holiday?”
Shadey smiles and looks at them feeling more confident about this. “Well...a toss up between Hearts warming and Nightmare Night buuut….i guess...Nightmare Night Princess Luna is so cool.” he said as he saw the colt light up like a light.
He looks over a Scoots who smiles at how good he’s down then points to the empty Desk next to her mouthing “Sit here.” as Shadey nods and thens sees her raise her hoof as he goes to point her but another hoof got in the way and i guess she took the ample time to ask her question. It was a light pink pony with a tiara on her head “So do you have your cutie mark?”
“U...um...no not yet but i will one day.” he said trying to keep his confidence but she then goes on.
“So that mean that you are a blank flank.” she said which got to him instantly go back into his secluded shell
“Well...i...i guess…” he said getting more and more introverted as this goes on.
“Diamond Tiara i will not have that talk in my classroom you think you would have learned by now that anypony without a cutie mark as unlimited potential and can do anything they set their minds too. You young lady will have detention after class today.” she said as Tiara slumped over her desk now. “OK enough questions Shadey anywhere you’d like to sit?” she asked.
He points to the empty desk next to Scootaloo as she nods and lets Shadey take his new seat. Scootaloo leans over “Hey ignore Diamond Tiara she’s just so snooty about everything my and my friends hate her we call her Diamond Bitch.” she said looking at him who just looked down at his desk sadly. She looked sad and then to her notebook and started to scribble something and then put a note on his desk “Cheer up Shadey, after class let’s hang out some more. Maybe i can come over.”
This made him smile a little as he put his head down and held the note tightly in his hoof. He listened to the lecture and Cheeralie just let him since she knew how he felt.
-Back to Shadow Blade-
Shadow was running back and forth frantically from organizing and signing and filing papers out. Rarity finally stopped and turned to the stallion “Well how about we call a lunch break. We can deliver this order and then go out for some lunch. What do you say?” she asked smiling.
“um sure...i mean if you want to.” he said finishing a paper up and stretching a bit a few bones cracking “Man this is more than i thought for a dress shop.” he chuckled going to the door and opening it for her.
She smiles and walks with him following behind as they make there way down the stairs. “Yes im sure it is quite unexpected but i do love making outfits. I feel so happy seeing happy customers with new clothes.” she said throwing on a light jacket. Shadow goes and picks up the box and hoists it up putting it on his shoulder and holding it with one arm. “oh wow that’s quite heavy are you sure you can make it all the way like that i have a trolley.” she offered.
“No i’m fine really this is nothing compared to the royal guard training.” He said smiling at her walking over to the door “Shall we?” he asked
“We shall” she responded opening the door and walking outside Shadow Blade right behind her. He closes and locks the door as she smiles at him “Alright follow me darling.” she said leading the way. “After we drop this off for Pinkie Pie we can go grab a small bite.” she said
“Pinkie huh. I’ve met her she’s...different.” Blade said awkwardly not really sure how to say how his encounter with Pinkie went.
“Pinkie Pie is one of my very best friends. She always knows how to make ponies smile. I’d be glad if you two could get along.” Rarity smiled knowing this was all just a part of their plan.
“Well she seems nice but a little hyperactive. She wanted to throw a welcome to Ponyville party but i don’t do well at parties plus my little brothers birthday is in a few weeks so 2 parties in a row is a little much for anypony at least for me that is.” he said walking
“Well i suppose that is normal for Pinkie to throw a party. What did you tell her?” she asked
“I told her the truth. I don’t do parties and that she didn’t need to. I mean even if i did do parties they cost a lot of money. I can’t afford a welcome party and a birthday party and i don’t wanna make her pay for it either.” he told her
“Well that is very nice and responsible but maybe at least get Pinkie’s help for Shadey’s birthday party. She knows parties and you could probably use the help. I will pitch in too i want to meet the little guy.” she said happily
“Well how about coming over to dinner then? I can pay you back for the job plus you can bring Sweetie Belle. She and Shadey can get to know each other some more.” he offered.
“hmm...well i might take you up on that but not tonight i am having dinner with my parents tonight.” she said declining the offer “How about this weekend?” she asked
“Sure. Works for me. We can all take a trip to Canterlot for a nice fancy restaurant. I gotta go back and get a few more things.” Blade said watching Rarity turn around and get closer
“Are you sure? I mean that is a lot of money i mean a fancy Canterlot restaurant is for the highest of nobles.” she said
“Yeah i know. A certain restaurant owner owes me a favor plus my family was pretty high class nobles. My father was a personal guard for Celestia and then my mother was actually the drill sarge.” he said talking as if it was nothing special. “I’ve met Celestia a few times and said my mother and father were lucky to have a child like me. She said i was so pure and full of hidden potential. I think she was just being nice.”
“You’ve met the Princess? What an honor. You must have been nervous.” she said intrigued but finally walking again.
“No not really. I mean honestly i was kinda little when i met her. I kinda didn’t know who she was she was just another pony to me. My father said that the princess even held me as a baby so i guess in a way she seemed kinda like family when i was young. I rarely met her when i got older though. I’m sure i’d be a bit nervous now but i don’t know.” he told her without thinking twice about it
“Wow...your parents must have been amazing wish i could’ve met them. I’m sorry for your loss.” she said feeling a bit bad for him
“It’s ok Rarity to feel sorry. I have the memories and i will always know i am making them proud by living a long full life and taking care of my brother.” he said with a smile on his face looking at her.
She nods with a smile and they walk the rest of the way in silence. They soon arrive at Sugarcube corner and at the counter stood Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle having a little chat. They look over at the two as they walk and the bell making a noise. “Hello dears i have a package for you Pinkie. Oh i do hope you love it it fits you to a T.” she said as Blade walks over and gently puts the box in front of Pinkie Pie and smiles.
“Here you are Pinkie” Blade said putting his hoof on his shoulder and massaging it as he rolls his arm around.
Pinkie smiles and opens the box “Thanks a bunch Rarity and to you too Blade for carrying it all the way here.” She pulls out a light pink shirt lighter than her fur coat with sky blue frills around the edge. She then pulls out a little skyblue pair of short shorts to match. “It’s perfect Rarity!” she said putting it on happily. “So how do I look?” she said putting on a silly pose.
“Oh wonderful darling it’s just like you and I must say you look rather amazing.” Rarity said proud of her handy work.
“Yeah i have to agree Pinkie the colors are very you you look so cute. I’m waiting for you to put some cupcake buttons on it.” Twilight said giggling slight and then looks over at Blade not paying attention trying to fix his arm a bit. Pinkie was looking right at him as if she was looking for some sort of approval from him
Rarity coughs and Twilight nudges him into his senses and he looks at her. “Oh um...yeah…” he said just agreeing at first but then actually looks at her. Pinkie felt just a bit sad and thought that was all she was going to get outta him until “um...you look great Pinkie. It really brings out your eyes. You look beautiful.” he said not really sure what he just said.
Pinkie blushed a bit not really knowing why his words made her feel all weird or why she was wanting his approval. “T-thank you…” she stuttered which was new to her. Rarity was quite surprised and Twilight smiled thinking this little plan went a little different but better.
Blade had realized what he had said and blushed himself not really sure what else to say. Rarity took this moment to step in “Shadow Blade didn’t you wanna ask Pinkie for a favor?” she asked
Blade blinked and looks at Rarity who mouths ‘Birthday Party.’ Blade nods and coughs trying to regain some composure. “Um right Pinkie...I know I told you no welcoming party but...would you mind helping me with Shadey’s birthday party in a few weeks.”
Pinkie on the other hoof was still feeling weird and blushing “U-um...yeah sure i’d love to help. parties are my forte after all..” she mumbled a bit usually bouncing at the sound of a party.
Rarity sighs a bit “Well then it’s settled. We can talk about this over a dinner this weekend then. come along Blade let’s get some lunch and get back to work. Good afternoon Pinkie and Twilight.” she said leaving basically dragging him behind.
Twilight looks at Pinkie “Well Pinkie i’d say you want to be a bit more than just friends with that stallion.” she said
“W-wh-what!? No i mean...i want to be friends. You know me Twilight i don’t do relationships!” she said getting rid of her blush trying to return to her old self. “Now come on let’s get to baking.” she said
“OK Pinkie whatever you say i mean if you don’t want him maybe i’ll take him on a date sometime” Twilight teased
“What no you can’t…” she said quickly
“Why not?” she asked backing Pinkie into a corner
“C-cause...because what about Flash i thought you liked him.” she said getting out of the corner
“Fine fine but there is nothing stopping Rarity i’d say those two make a pretty cute couple.” she continued trying to fluster Pinkie.
This is Pinkie wouldn’t fall for it. “Maybe…” is all she said even though she was feeling something inside ‘Why do i care so much? I don’t do these things...relationships are not me. I will not fall for him i will just be friends that is all i want’
Twilight smiles “Ok Pinkie i’ll stop i just like seeing you flustered because it’s so rare. i mean it was just a compliment not like he was asking you out.” she said going to the kitchen Pinkie behind her.
Pinkie nods slightly “Yeah...just a compliment he does seem like the gentlecolt type…” she said
-to Rarity and Blade-
“Man why did i say that i just wanted to compliment her that was so awkward.” he said hitting himself over this little thing.
Rarity was giggling “So you don’t like Pinkie that way? Is she not beautiful?” she teased happily.
“N-no! i mean i don’t...i ...ugh i don’t know…..” he said giving up and hanging his head down in slight defeat. “I don’t even know her so i don’t know why i said that.” he said.
“Oh come now i’m just teasing darling. You were being nice no harm in that. Now buck up let's get something to eat and then back to work we aren’t close to done today.” Rarity said changing the subject which Blade greatly appreciated as he nods and follows her to a food place.
-To School-
The bell rings and fillies and colts file out with lunch in hoof as they go to there normal spots for lunch except for the socially awkward Shadey Tune who was looking around for someplace to eat his lunch. He sees Scoots sit down on a bench with a few of her friends, some faces he recognised. He decided not to bother them and walk to the back of the school. To his constant misfortune Diamond Tiara happened to be there. “Hey it’s the blank flank that got me detention. I guess it’s true every blank flank is useless. “ she scoffed to the grey filly next to her. “I mean just look at him his special talent is probably bad luck on himself and others. So in the end completely useless.” she continued making Shadey feel a mix of anger and sadness but since he had the principal to never cause harm to a girl no matter what they do he lets the sadness take over a tear up a bit. “Aw look the little blank flank is crying. Come on Silver Spoon let’s go before we catch more bad luck.” she scoffed walking away with the grey pony. Shadey then leans against the wall and slides down before hugging his knees sobbing softly.
Back with the young filly Scootaloo who had just finished getting her lunch all set notices Tiara looking happy and proud and mutter something about how she loved seeing him cry. Scoots took a quick look around for her victim and notices that everyone she saw was fine but had seen a lack of Shadey. She put two and two together and put together what happened. She walks over to where Diamond Tiara came from and sees the sobbing Shadey. She slowly walked over and sat next to him “Hey buddy…” she said softly. Shadey doesn’t even seem to acknowledge her being there the way he has his head down “Come on I said ignore her she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. I don’t know what she said but she’s wrong because she is always wrong and your good buddy Scoots is always right and I say that you are a pretty cool colt that I am glad to call my friend.” she said and then looked at him.
Shadey seemed to have eased up just a bit. “Yeah….but you are just saying that to make me feel better.” he mumbled out softly.
Scoots puffs her cheek out “Hey i’m not like that so don’t say that kinda thing you got it? You know I didn’t come over here to make you feel better I came cause we’re buddies.” She said pushing him onto his side making him snap out of his little fit. “Don’t be such a jerk.” she said getting up and stomping off around the corner.
Shadey blinked and sat up looking at the ground and then at his hooves before drying his tears. he stands up and follows after her “Scoots wai-” he was about to say before being firmly pushed on his plot by a smiling Scootaloo.
“I knew that would get you going.” she said helping him up and throwing her arm around him “Now then let's get your lunch and come on to the table. Don’t eat alone.” she gleefully told him practically dragging the colt. When they get to the table she sits next to a white little filly and scoots in a bit more giving Shadey some room to sit. he does so and gets his lunch ready. “Well let’s introduce you to everyone properly. This one next to me is Sweetie Belle.” Scoots told him
“Nice to meet you Shadey. Your brother told me to look after you and make sure you don’t get into trouble but i knew he meant to be your friend.” chimed in the white mare in a off white dress..
He nods “Nice to meet you Sweetie Belle. I apologize for my brother it must have been awkward.” he jokes
Scoots moves on and points to a yellow filly with a red bow in her hair and wearing a green blouse and blue jeans. “This is Apple Bloom.”
“Howdy Shadey tis a pleasure tah meet cha. We’ve been waitin fer yeh to get here fer a while now. Glad tah finally meet ch’ya face tah face.” she said in a thick country girl accent.
“The pleasure is mine Apple Bloom. I’ve been nervous to come to school because of people like Diamond Tiara but you all seem nice.” Shadey smiled
The brown little colt couldn’t wait anymore “Hiya Shadey My name is Button Mash but just call me Button! I asked about your favorite video games. We should hang out and play minecraft sometime.” he blutted out.
Taken a back for just a moment Shadey recovers and nods “Sure Button that sounds fun.” he said glad to have meet this little group of ponies. “I just think that i should say thanks...not many ponies at my old school reach out to new students let alone me. So thanks.”
Scoots punches his arm “Oh shut up your gonna make three cute girls blush.” she laughed at her own joke as the others chimmed in as well. “well then cheers to Shadey for being the cool new student in our group!” she said holding up her juice box.
Everypony smiled and held there drinks up as well some juice boxes of apple juice and orange juice. “Cheers!” they all said taking some sips from their juice and then continuing on to eating there lunch talking and laughing happily.
-To Shadow Blade-
Blade had just finished his lunch as Rarity was finishing up her salad in peace and small talk. Balde yawns a bit “Looks like i’m getting the itis.” he said softly to himself but since Rarity was right there she hears what he said.
She looks up at him questioningly as she swallows her bite of lettuce “The….itis?” she asked confused at what he was talking about.
“Oh it’s a term this guy used for getting sleepy after eating a big meal.” he said yawning once again. “I kinda picked up on that by accident.”
“Oh i see.” she said taking another bite before saying “Well seems like you lied to a lady i thought you said you had no friends.” she teased
“Well..he wasn’t really a friend just an aquatints that i met when i would go down to a bar and get a drink. We’d just sit around and chat over a few drinks and some food.” he explains.
“Ah well dear i’d say that is a friend. Maybe not a close friend but a friend nonetheless darling.” She tells him wiping her lips a bit from the dressing.
Blade chuckles a bit “I do suppose you are right.” he said reaching in his hoodie pocket and pulling out his wallet and got out enough bits and put it on the table to cover them both.
“What in Equestria do you think you are doing?” Rarity asks as she sees him lay the bits down on the table.
“Paying for the meal and tipping the waitress?” he questioned slightly confused with Rarity.
“I can see that darling but why are you paying for both of us and that is quite the large tip.” Rarity points out getting her purse open.
Blade chuckle “Oh i see well i just thought since you’ve been patient and kind to me i would pay for the meal and the tip is cause i know how hard working in a restaurant can be since i worked in two back in canterlot to support Shadey and myself.” He said standing up “Seriously Rarity i got this one.”
Rarity looks up and smiles putting her purse away “You know Blade you have a gruff exterior but you are quite the gentlecolt.” she complimented as she stood up.
Blade smiles “Well you should have seen me in school jeez was i awkward. I couldn’t talk to people well and they all thought i was some sort of thug or something so hearing that makes me feel happy.” he explained as he stretched.
Rarity smiles happily at the stallion gently and stands next to him “Well that was a wonderful lunch but we have a lot of work to do still so shall we head back?”
Blade salutes her “Yes ma’am” he teased as he relaxed and began to walk with her back to the boutique.
The stallion smiles happily as he walks with the young and beautiful unicorn next to him. He had finally felt something then stress since the move as if he could take his mind off of everything that complicated his life, but he knew somewhere in the back of his mind his troubles would get far worse.
