Dreams Do Come True:Side Story:Always Been At Your Sideby SparknanatorChaptersChapter 1: Relationship's & surprises Chapter 2: Mistakes Side Chapter:Shadowfoot The Scout Master!Chapter 3:Shadow CheatsChapter 4:Shadow Cheats Part 2Chapter 5:Love conquers All Part 1Chapter 6:Love conquers All Part 2Chapter 7:Love conquers All Part 3Chapter 8:Love conquers All Part 4Chapter 1: Relationship's & surprises Chapter 1: Relationship's & surprises Dreams Do Come True:Side Story:Always Been At Your Side By Sparknanator & Southpawfight614 _______________________________________________________________________________ The early morning silence was broken by the sound of a heavy wood door slamming, as an angry wine-red unicorn left his humble treehouse home, soon tailed by an equally angry lavender mare. These two were once happy newlyweds, and proud guardians of a royal prince. But after they got married, they soon ran into financial and emotional troubles, which got the best of the two normally serene and smiling lovers. Supporting a rapidly-growing Alicorn prince, and an equally ravenous Adolescent Dragon, put their bitpurses “tight” at best. “Twilight, we have got to find a way to feed ourselves and those two food vacuums.” A snarling Shadowfoot growled at his wife, who he couldn’t look straight in the face when he was angry, because it always broke his temper. This was no “haha, it’s ok.” Matter. Their finances were truly strained at this point, and since Shadow wasn’t required to send those letters to the princess anymore, he had no income. The only other income came from the occasional transfer from Twilight’s brother or parents. “If a certain somepony would get off his rump and find some real income, we would be fine!” Twilight screeched, angry, but exasperated at the same time. Though she truly loved her upstanding, understanding, caring, smart, and sometimes goofball husband, his merits did not put food on their table. Money wasn’t always the root of their arguments, but it was the most common. “The library is paid off, as well as the loans for the wedding! Why is it so hard for you to put a few extra bits in our wallets, Shadow?” “Open your eyes, Twilight. There is no real income. Those who already have jobs struggle to keep them, those who don’t struggle to find them.” Shadow growled, a bit on the mean side. “You’re the prodigy of the Great and Powerful Celestia, and also her son’s babysitter. You figure she would toss a few bits our way…” Shadow grumbled. “BEING A PRODIGY IS NO EASY TASK, ESPECIALLY FOR WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME! MY TEACHER PAID FOR OUR WEDDING AND HOME, DID YOU FORGET?” Twilight yelled, now on the verge of breaking into tears, or asking for a divorce. That stopped Shadow in his tracks. This time, he rounded on Twilight, assuming a full-height stance. Very slowly, enunciating each word, he spoke. “No, I did not forget your great and powerful teacher set us up with the home and wedding of our dreams, and I would ask you kindly to not throw it in my face. Did you forget I was dropped here purely for Star’s benefit?” Twilight knew she had overstepped her bounds, venting her frustrations on the one Stallion who looked at her twice. “No, Shadow, I didn’t mean it like that…please…I’m sorry…” She said, trying to bore holes into the cobbled path below her hooves, for she now felt lower than the dirt the path was laid in. For all he was, Shadow did not take disrespect lightly, especially when he still felt like a stranger to this land. “I know you’re a stranger here, Shadow, but it’s time you stepped up and became the stallion I know you can be.” She approached her angered husband, whose special talent was supposed to be negotiations. Gingerly, she approached her husband, nuzzling him, which slowly turned into a delicious kiss, much akin to when they had first kissed. In that same moment, all of Shadow’s frustration seeped away. “Twilight. You haven’t kissed me like that since…” “Since the first night we made love, Shadow…I’m doing my best to keep us afloat, but I need your help. For Spike, Star, and…” Then Twilight stopped herself, afraid of how he may react to what she’d almost said. Her friends already knew, but she refused to tell Shadow, especially since they were arguing. “and who, Twilight?” asked Shadow, immediately knowing by her abrupt stop and voice tone she was leaving someone or something out. “Never you mind, love.” Twilight implored him, hoping he would let it rest for now. “Just promise me, you’ll find employment soon. We can’t live off of my savings forever. I know, Twilight. It’s difficult. It’s a shame my backstory didn’t follow me into this universe.” Shadow chuckled to himself. “Backstory…? I don’t follow…” Twilight asked quizzically, now forgetting the argument and wondering why he would say such a thing. “ You do remember I used to be a human, right?” “Yes, of course. How could I forget. It’s your deep dark secret…aside from those magazines I found on your side of the bed.” She told him, coyly. “Hey! Those aren’t mine! Or, aren’t anymore…eheheh…” “Am I not sexy enough for you mister ex-human” Twilight said, rubbing up against the most sensitive part of his flank with hers. “what? no! whoa! Hey! We’re in public, Twilight!” “Well, Rarity showed me this place in the park….” She hinted once more. “Mare, you better not…” Shadow warned his wife, sternly, but faltering. “Better not what?” She said, but did anyway, grazing on his ear with her teeth. “You did it anyway…” Her action sending shivers down Shadow’s spine and other places unspeakable. “Back to the nature at hand.” Shadow coughed, assuming his best professional tone, partly for the sake of his next statement, and partially partly to stop himself from rutting Twilight in the middle of the street at 7am. “I will most certainly keep pursuing employment, but until I find stable income, keep an eye on those two. They’re thick as thieves and eat ten times as much as their weight.” Shadow huffed. “And in my backstory, I am a particularly well-to-do unicorn.” “But in this moment, you are not and never will be unless you get a move on.” Twilight said, kissing him one last time before they parted ways. “And by the way, that WAS an invitation, Shadow.” Twilight said, trotting off, purposefully bouncing her flank as she walked. That would get him for sure. Momentarily hypnotized by his wife’s rear, Shadow shook his head. Daylight was burning away, and he needed work soon. As Shadow proceeded along the main drag of a sleepy ponyville, he stopped at the bulletin board, looking for any new jobs that may have been posted within the early morning. Much to his disappointment, there was nothing readily open for the next few hours. What was he to do with the time at hand, he wondered. he then heard a fight going on somewhere down the road. Pointing his ears toward the ruckus, he distinctly heard Applebloom, and then Scootaloo, followed by the little brat named Diamond Tiara. “What are those fillies up to now?” Shadow wondered to himself. Fights between these few were notoriously common, mostly because Tiara was spoiled rotten, and found nothing better to do than harass the three blank-flanks known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Rounding the corner, he saw Tiara push Applebloom down into a mud puddle, while her equally-rotten friend Silver Spoon giggled maliciously. On the verge of tears, Applebloom picked herself up and ran off, Scoots tailing her, while shouting insults back at the pair of rotten fillies. What they were not paying attention to, was the massive unicorn right in their path. with a heavy thud, Scootaloo and Applebloom ran into each one of Shadow’s forelegs. “Girls, are you alright?” Shadow asked the pair, knowing the answer already. “We’re OK, Mr. Shadow..” Applebloom sniffled, being helped up by Shadow and Scootaloo. He admired Applebloom’s strength, much like her sister and brother, but she was still young yet. “No, you’re not.” Shadow said, stern but gentle. “I saw the whole thing. And those two need to be taught a lesson.” Shadow grunted, walking up towards the pair of still giggling fillies. “You two, over here, now please.” Shadow said to the two, making sure they heard and saw him. “Who are you?” Diamond Tiara demanded of Shadow. We all know Shadow doesn’t take kindly to disrespect. “Girls, I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. All I want to know, is why you are always so mean to those two poor fillies over there. If you can’t tell me, maybe your fathers will. They are both respected members of our fair ponyville, as am I, so naturally, I know things.” “You don’t scare me, you striped freak!” Diamond Tiara shrieked. “I’m not here to scare you. I just want to know why you’re always so mean.” “Well, they’re the only two blank-flanks left in our school, not including that dodo bird named Sweetie Belle.” Silver Spoon snickered. “And they’re poor, unlike us.” Tiara chimed in. “And how is it fair to treat them so differently? What if you were in the same situation as those three? I doubt they would treat you any differently. They might even be your friends.” “I don’t want them as friends. I have my daddy’s money and that’s all I need.” Diamond Tiara said defiantly. “In that case, you two really are rotten little fillies, and you’re both coming with me.” Shadow then levitated the pair in his crimson magical aura. Though this was probably illegal, it was still quite early in the morning and nopony would be around, hopefully. “Hey! put me down, Where are you taking me?! I demand to know!” Diamond Tiara shouted “I’m taking you to apologize to Misses Applebloom and Scootaloo, and then to your respective fathers to have them deal with you personally. I’m going to set you down, but if you run off, you’ll be right back in my grip, learning the finer points of a mid air backflip, capiece?” “Yes, Mr. Shadow.” The usually defiant pair of fillies said solemnly. After apologies were given and thus, accepted, the fillies were now in front of both their fathers, suffering a severe tongue lashing, Shadow right on their little wiggly tails. After punishments were given, the three stallions adjourned to Filthy Rich’s study for an early drink, and thus, the topic of employment came up. “Shadow, my good stallion, I’m grateful you brought Tiara’s action into light for me. Teasing is one thing, but violence, entirely different.” Filthy said as he sipped on his bourbon. “I don’t agree with either practice, Sir.” Shadow said, lowering his glass onto a cork coaster in front of him. “Kids will be kids, yes, but behavior like that must be stopped early, or it will carry on through all of their educational years and into their adult lives.” “How can you be so certain, my good man?” Filthy retorted. “I was in the same schools, same classes, with the same ponies, for many years. I was one of the victims of that sort of thing through all those years. And sure as Celestia’s sun, those that didn’t mature became rotten ponies whose only aim was to make others miserable. School friendships are superficial at times, and their friends they once had, left them.” “That’s..quite deep, Mr. Shadow. I wouldn’t expect a gentlepony such as yourself to know of such things.” “I wasn’t always the pony you see before you.” Shadow said solemnly, reflecting on what he remembered of his past life, which was slowly fading, as life in equestria took over. “I could use a gentlepony like yourself for my company. How would you like a job, Shadow?” “Wait, a job?” Shadow asked, dumbfounded. “I heard it through the grapevine you may be looking at financial trouble, my good Stallion.” “Rarity...” Shadow grumbled. “She must have overheard the argument this morning” Shadow thought to himself. “And I could use a pony of your integrity and common sense to put my employees on the right track. So what do you say?” “What kind of position are we talking, sir?” Shadow asked. He would take the job anyway, but he wanted to know what he was getting into. “I was thinking, upper management?” Filthy told the Stallion before him. “Management, honestly?” Shadow said, now totally blown away. “Well, yes. I need a driving force, and you’re it. not many ponies would be brazen enough to drag a young filly to her home against her will, without fear of repercussions.” “Trust me, I was fearing, alright.” Shadow chuckled. “Thank you sir, I’ll happily take the job. When will you need me?” “10am Sharp.Today. And wear a tie at least. Casual Friday isn’t until tomorrow. Matter of fact, get yourself a nice collar-tie combo, on me.” A bag of bits plopped itself on the table next to Shadow. More than enough for even the most dressiest of fashions. “Holy Celestia sir, are you sure I need all of that?” Shadow asked, dropping the bits into a saddlebag. “Sign on bonus, plus first week’s pay, plus a few extra for teaching my daughter a lesson. I take it we have a deal?” “We most certainly do.” Shadow said as the last of their drinks were drained from the blue crystal glasses they were drinking from. *** Shadow, now officially employed, jogged as fast as he could to his home. Judging by the bag of bits he carried, He and Twilight would be much less concerned with finances for a good long time. “Twilight!” Shadow yelled joyfully as he burst through the front door of the library. Instead of being greeted by a certain lavender mare, he heard a loud thud, followed by a flurry of papers and the smell of burnt fur. Shadow blinked, and then looked toward the now-demolished bookcase, where a dizzy and disoriented Shooting Star was laying, groaning softly. “Dafu...?” Shadow said, just now noticing the gangly young Alicorn was, for all intents and purposes, knocked out. “My goddess, boy. What have you gotten yourself into now?” Shadow trotted over, lifting Star onto a nearby chair. “Was trying..teleport...” Star groaned, nodding back off. It was then that Shadow noticed Star’s muzzle looking a little crooked. Though it wasn’t bleeding, yet, it was bound to be painful. Shadow sighed heavily, then proceeded to look for his wife, whom had heard the ruckus and now came from the basement. Twilight’s mouth dropped to the floor, and couldn’t seem to lift itself back up. Sensing her thoughts, Shadow spoke up. “Star’s fine, I think. He’ll be sore, and possibly concussed, but fine after a little while. He tried to teleport like Aunt Twilight.” Shadow laughed. “But, your bookshelf, not so much. I’ve got amazing news, by the way.” Finally snapping out of her stunned silence, Twilight finally spoke, still in disbelief. “News, honey? what news?” “I’ve found a job with a particularly pretty pay rate.” The bit bag plunked onto the table, seemingly unaffected by the purchase of a hundred-bit collar and tie. “Shadow, that’s...probably more than I’ve earned in my entire life. How?” “Well, Mr. Filthy Rich seems to see me as some sort of visionary, and a new figurehead for his employees. I’m his new VP of Employee Relations. I make sure everypony is happy with their jobs, and keep morale up, which leads to higher productivity. Basically, I’m a well-paid sugar pill.” “If that’s your monthly income, we could easily afford a bigger home.” Twilight said, Amazed. “Well, after subtracting my sign on bonus and the few extra bits I was given for talking some sense into Diamond Tiara, this is my weekly pay.” Shadow said, seperating his weekly from the rest. A healthy pile of about 200 gleaming bits was looking back at Twilight, some even freshly minted, with no dirt, dust, grime, or hoofprints, “But, Twilight, we are not buying a bigger home. If we continue living as we do, and managing our bit flow, we’ll be set for months, if not years, depending on if I can keep this job.” “Shadow, I should mention I have some news, also.” Twilight said, a different, gentler tone in her voice. “Really, what’s that, love?” Shadow asked. “Shadow, I’m pregnant.” Twilight said. Then, silence. “Preg-what?” Shadow asked, unsure of what he heard. “Pregnant, you big red dummy. With not one, but two foals.” Twilight continued. “Twilight, that’s...amazing!” Shadow was overjoyed. He was going to be a father! officially! His equestrian life had now come full circle. “We’ll definitely need a bigger home, Shadow. At least within the next year. We can’t avoid it when we have two foals on the way. And those two adolescent clowns need separate rooms. They’re not kids anymore.” “And why exactly is Star not allowed to go back to Canterlot?” Shadow wondered aloud. “Celestia and Luna can defend themselves from attack. Star can’t yet. Not well, at least. And with Celestia all but destroyed by Queen Cheeselegs, we’re pretty much his only defense against attack. “And spike?” Shadow plodded on. “Spike’s too nice to act like a real dragon. He’s not mean, scary, or vicious. and he’s still 12.” Twilight said matter of factly.” “and pretty much your son, hence my stepson..” Shadow groaned. “yeah, seems about right.” “I HEARD THAT!” Spike shrieked from above. “I can too be mean and vicious and stuff!” “you startled the witch!” Shadow yelled, getting clueless expressions from his wife. “What...?” Twilight asked. “Human joke. Nevermind.” “Well anyway, we should start looking for a bigger home. I won’t sell the library, though.” “We won’t need it.” “This has been my home for close to four years. it means a lot to me. “Then you can pay someone to watch it.” “Fine.” Thats right everypony the Sparknanator & Southpawfighter614 writing team is back I hope you liked the chapter now warning I can not be sure when updates will come for this but I hope you all like it Chapter 2: Mistakes Chapter 2: Mistakes With the financial roller coaster all but stopped for Twilight and Shadow, a new problem was about to rear it’s pretty mane, in the shape of a periwinkle blue unicorn from Shadow’s day’s in Canterlot. Shadow and Twilight were enjoying their new financial freedom in the ponyville market, shopping for odds and ends. some parchment and quill here, some candles there, but what Shadow wasn’t expecting to see was his old friend, Evening Breeze, at the same market. Regrettably, Breeze noticed him first. “Shadow! Shadowfoot!” A familiar, feminine voice called the unicorn’s name. Looking around, and not quite believing what he was hearing, he quickly spotted the source of the voice. Squinting in the noonday sun, he saw a familiar bluish colored unicorn, tall and graceful, sharing the same trademark stripes that he had, except a different color than his. “Evening Breeze, is that you?” Shadow approached apprehensively. She could easily dismember him if she wanted. “Of course it is, you silly pony! How many ponies do you know look like us, especially in Canterlot?” “Not many, that’s for certain.” Shadow laughed. Twilight heard the ruckus, and turned to see the most shocking sight of the day. Her husband and father of their children talking up some strange mare. Trying to contain her anger, she walked up behind Shadow, startling him. “Shadow, my love, friend of yours?” She said, barely containing herself. “Uh, yeah Twilight. This is Evening Breeze. She taught me the finer points of babysitting an overly energetic Alicorn Prince.” “Oh yeah, that Little Demon called Shooting Star, right? He was an unholy terror, but you seemed to always be able to make him calm. I only taught you to exercise patience.” “I’ll have you know that Star is one of the most well-behaved little colts in ponyville, Miss Breeze.” Twilight said sternly. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were familiar with the young prince.” Breeze replies, just as sternly. Shadow’s Cutie Mark was starting to itch. If he didn’t stop this now, there was gonna be a brawl. and two full grown unicorns would definitely destroy most of ponyville if left unchecked. “Ladies, please. Can’t we be civil adults? Twilight, she didn’t mean anything by it. He really was a little terror. He’d come a long way since before you took over guardianship by my side. And Breeze, you know better than to say such things, especially around strangers. Now, if you like, Breeze, you may come see the ex-unholy terror, for he’s living with me and Twilight here in Ponyville. Perhaps we can have some tea and share memories instead of verbal punches?” “Seems fair. If Miss Twilight will have me?” Breeze ventured. She had never been one to hold her tongue, but knew when she overstepped her bounds. “Who am I to deny my husband some other company besides myself and our young charges?” Twilight said flatly. She didn’t like the idea, but swallowed her pride for Shadow’s benefit. “So, off we go then.” Shadow trotted off, followed closely by Twilight and Evening Breeze. *** Meanwhile, back at the Library, Spike and Star, upon a fit of boredom, decided to raid Twilight and Shadow’s room for snacks, but instead found some questionable reading material under Shadow’s side of he and Twilight’s bed. Leafing through the pages, they found a particularly beautiful unicorn, in all her glory, as the centerfold of one of the back issues. Deciding it would be easier to throw away the dirty magazines than try hiding them again, they made a dash for the paper burner in the living room, when they ran smack into Shadow’s rump. Shaking the dizziness from their heads, they tried gathering up the incriminating evidence, but Shadow had beat them to it. “Boys, what are you doing with these?” Shadow asked sternly. “Well, spike...” “but star..” “he wanted snacks!” “he was bored!” “Enough you two. both of you go to your room. Now. We’ll deal with this later.” Twilight spoke up. After the pair dejectedly trotted back upstairs, Twilight rounded on Shadow. “I thought I told you to get rid of those.” “I was, but then you wanted to go shopping.” “You couldn’t have tossed them on the way downstairs?” “I...” “Enough, Shadow. We’ve got company. I’ll deal with these once and for all. You go make tea.” “Twi...” “Now.” “Yes, love.” Making his way towards the small kitchen, he grabbed the tea kettle and plopped it on the stove, none too silently. While honestly trying to burn holes in the kettle on the stove, Shadow heard hoofsteps enter the kitchen. “Shadow, is this a bad time?” Evening Breeze asked her friend. “No, Breeze. It’s just Twilight. She’s been really weird lately, having mood swings and whatnot. I think it’s the pregnancy getting to her.” Shadow said half heartedly. “Are you sure? I can come back later, maybe when she’s out.” “No, you’re fine. Please, have a seat.” Shadow told her. “Ok. Well anyway, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in years.” “Well, things could be better. Being Newlyweds has it’s own problems. On top of those two kids getting into trouble every day, it’s getting to be a bit much.” “Why don’t you send Star back to Canterlot?” Evening Breeze pressed. “Because he’s too young to defend himself. You saw the changeling attack, did you not?” “I did. It was horrible.” “We can’t risk losing the heir to the throne, therefore he’s under express protection of myself and Twilight. Probably the two most capable unicorns outside of canterlot. “You know, when you left, I was lonely for a long time. Never had a friend quite like you. Then when I found out you went and got married, I had to come see you. I missed you.” By this time, Shadow noticed Evening Breeze was awfully close to him. “I just need one thing from you, Shadow.” By now, she was staring into the unicorn’s uniquely colored eyes. Leaning in slowly, she kissed him so softly and gently, he swore it was a ghost’s kiss. Just then, Twilight walked in, and saw the spectacle for herself With a slamming door, Shadow was broken from his unwilling liplock with Breeze. “Shadow, you need to leave. Now.” Twilight said forcefully, which made Shadow shudder ever so slightly. “And, you, Miss Breeze, can follow him. If I ever see you at my library again, I’ll not regret what may happen.” “Wait! Twilight!” Shadow started, but was angrily cut off. “Leave now, or I may never let you back into my life.” Twilight told her husband, her heartbreak audible in her ears. “Fine.” with that, Shadow left, Evening Breeze following him. Sobs were heard upstairs, and Spike and Star knew better than to interfere. Their punishment would wait, but they weren’t exactly eager to leave their little slice of peace. *** “Shadow, I’m sorry.” Evening Breeze said as they left the now-foreboding library. “For what? Ruining my already shaky relationship with Twilight, who may never forgive me?” She could hear the hurt in the normally steady voice of her crush and best friend. “I didn’t want that to happen.” She began. “But it did, and now I’ll be very lucky if I’m even allowed to enter the library, much less sleep on a couch. “I lost control, Shadow. My instinct took over.” She said, tears forming in her eyes. “And because of that, we’re both screwed. You never thought. Not now, not ever. I used to admire that. But it’s time to grow up, Breeze.” “Shadow..” “Please, just go. It was nice seeing you, and if you leave now, I may be able to patch things up with Twilight, while maintaining some sort of dignity. I’ll come find you another time, after I’ve patched things up. Goodbye, Breeze.” “Goodbye, Shadow” and with that, they parted. What had been done, seen and said, could not be undone, and it would take months to fix things. *** Staring blankly into the tea kettle on the stove, Twilight did not hear the knock at the door, or Rarity calling for her. Still stunned by what she’d seen, She didn’t register Rarity’s presence until she felt a gentle, pearl white hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight dear, are you alright?” Rarity asked one of her best friends. While they didn’t share the same values, Twilight and Rarity often spoke at length about their days, be they normal or not, and Rarity knew something deeply bothered Twilight. “No Rarity, I’m not alright. I’m pregnant, as you know, and me and Shadow have been fighting a lot after our anniversary. If we can’t manage to pull it together, how will we be able to look after the boys and our own foals? And after what I just saw, I’m not sure if I love him anymore.” “Just saw, Twilight? What could possibly be so bad that it makes you question your own husband, or your feelings for him?” “Well, Shadow and I were cleaning the other day, and I found some questionable reading material under his side of our bed.” “Questionable material? What could possibly be in your library that isn’t wholesome, decent reading material?” “These, Rarity.” Twilight levitated the magazines from the garbage can just beyond the open kitchen window, hovering them in Rarity’s line of sight. “Oh my goodness, those really are disgusting publications. I don’t know how they ever get published.” Rarity said, a visible pink blush spreading across her muzzle. “But he is a stallion, Twilight. Surely you can’t be surprised he has something like that?” “That’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that he may not be attracted to me anymore. I know this often happens in older, more seasoned couples, but very rarely does it happen to year-anniversary newlyweds. And the boys found them also” “Twilight, I’m certain they’re just something old he forgot he had or forgot to get rid of. And those two were bound to find out somehow. Just hope it doesn’t get back to their friends.” “And if it does? “Cross that bridge when it comes to it. For now, cross this bridge.” “I could understand that, but there’s also this.” Twilight flipped to a centerfold picture of a particularly striped mare. “That’s the mare I just saw Shadow leave with. Oh dear...” “Exactly. And then I found those two kissing in our kitchen. I was so frustrated, I told them both to leave immediately. And what’s worse, I never gave Shadow a moment to explain. It may have been an accident, or she may have fallen and Shadow tried to catch her...I really don’t know.” With this, Twilight began to sob again. “Shh, come here, dear...” Rarity enclosed the lavender mare in a tight hug, feeling her shaking under herself. “I’m sure Shadow still loves you Twilight...but everypony makes mistakes. Granted, some are more severe than others, but just give yourself time to cool down and relax..I’ll fix us some tea, and then go deal with Shadow and that little...” “Rarity, no. Please don’t hurt them.” Twilight cut her off. “Oh fine.” Rarity pouted. “At least let me find out what exactly happened. Would that help you?” “It would, Rarity. I can’t bear to look at either of them right now. But I want, I need to know what exactly happened. Could you do that for me?” Twilight asked her, eyes still glistening from tears being shed. “Nothing in the world would please me more, Twilight.” Rarity hugged her friend again, then brought the tea kettle to bear, filling two mugs with the dark, fragrant brew. *** “SHADOW!” The voice came so loud, sudden, and demanding, that it startled the stallion something fierce. He knew that voice only belonged to one pony, Miss Rarity. And she was not happy. “Shadow. I believe we need to talk, sir.” Rarity, striding purposefully up to the wine-red unicorn. “Not right now, Rarity.” Shadow said, not even looking in her direction. “On the contrary, we do.” With that, Rarity grabbed his back left leg in her telekinesis, lifting it and tripping him up. That got his attention. “Rarity, what in the hell?” Shadow turned on her, furious. He was far from ready to deal with Miss Pushpin at this moment. “I should ask you the same thing, kissing naughty-magazine mares in yours and your newlywed wife’s home.” “First of all, those magazines were on their way to the trash and...what?” “You heard me. Your little blue tart that Twilight saw you snogging was the centerfold in one of your dirty magazines.” “No she wasn’t.” “How would you know? did you actually look in those things?” “Well, I might have glanced, but..” “But nothing, you pig! You know what even having those magazines did to Twilight’s view of herself? Which wasn’t very good, till you came along. And then she finds you kissing a pornstar?” “THE KISS WASN’T MY FAULT, RARITY!” Shadow bellowed at the mare, stopping her in her vocal tracks. Shadow had gotten enough hurt from Twilight without getting a severe tongue lashing from a unicorn who knew as much about love and romance as those mares’ magazines told her. He doubted she’d ever been seriously in love before, with something besides a rock. “For one, Evening Breeze kissed me, not the other way around, Rarity. For two, If I wasn’t attracted to my wife, would she be carrying our twins? “Twins...? I thought she only had one foal?” Rarity continued. “You mean you knew?” “Well, not exactly...” “And you didn’t tell me?” “I didn’t feel it was my place. but that’s besides the point! The point is, Shadow, whatever happened can’t be changed, but you need to make it better, fast. Before you lose her.” “I know, Rarity. Please, just give me and Twilight some time to cool off. I’ll patch things up, but I don’t need your help. Bye, Rarity.” With that, the conversation abruptly ended with Rarity speechless for once. *** “Well, I talked to Shadow.” Rarity walked into the library slowly. “And, apparently, she was the one who kissed him. He wanted no part of it.” “How can you be so sure?” Twilight asked her, still unsure of herself and Shadow. “I don’t think Shadow would lie about something like that, especially when you both mean so much to each other. And you’re carrying his children. If he wasn’t attracted to you would he have...you know..” Rarity said coyly. “Rarity!” Twilight blushed profusely. “I call them as I see them Twilight, nothing more.” Rarity smirked. “Well I guess you’re right about that, but I’m still not ready to see him again.” “I know dear, but when you need him most, he’ll most certainly be there for you, the boys, and your foals. He’s a good stallion. So when he comes back, hold him, kiss him, and love him, and he’ll respond in kind.” “I hope you’re right. Should I go look for him?” “No. Give him time. He’s just as hurt as you are. Trust me on this.” “If you say so Rarity.” “Say, Twilight, are you still worried about Shadow being attracted to you?” “A little bit, but you made me feel a little better. Why?” “Well, It’s open spa day. How about we go? “Rarity, I don’t know...” “You look like you’ve been through a tornado. You need to relax. Besides, Aloe and Lotus will make you positively irresistible. We’ll have to beat the other Stallions off with sticks on the way home. “What if he comes back while we’re gone?” “Something tells me he’s at the pub right now. He’ll be gone for a little while.” “I guess it has been a while since we had a girl’s day. let’s go!” “Brilliant. Let’s have some fun.” **** Meanwhile, back at the bar.... Shadow walked slowly into the smoky atmosphere of the local watering hole. While the local band was out for the afternoon, a few unemployed or first shift ponies were milling about, making idle conversation about one thing or another, of no particular interest to Shadow. He had an ice cold glass of cider on his mind. What had started as the week after their first anniversary turned into hell in Equestria. Now he had and extremely pissed off and heartbroken wife, a pornstar mare turned crush, and Rarity, who was probably pissed off at him for no reason. Grand. “Hey, Ice Chip, let me have a cider double, no ice.” The lanky bartender levitated a tankard from his shelves, filled it with his best import, and slid it down the bar, without acknowledging the pony who had asked for it. He knew Shadow quite well. He heard few bits clink onto the table, and without batting an eyelash, popped them into the tip jar. Shadow knew his money was no good here, but he still paid. “Bad day, Shadow?” Chip asked his friend. While they had only known each other for a few months, they quickly struck up a deep friendship, and neither of them really knew why. “Bad couple days. The boys found those magazines, I got kissed and subsequently booted out of my home, tongue lashed by none other than Rarity, and Twilight and I seem to have been fighting all week.” “Really is a crap week. Need an ear?” “It couldn’t hurt. Twilight seems to have it in her head that I’m not attracted to her anymore.” “Is that true?” “Far from it, why just this morning, we...” “That’s enough. No details, my friend, You know the rules.” “Sorry. Anyway, she’s got it in her head, and with her being pregnant with not one, but two foals, and then the boys who still need our support, things are Irritating at best. “And the kiss?” “You remember Evening Breeze?” “That cute little thing you used to run with in Canterlot? Yeah. Celestia above, she was cute.” “Still is, but..” “You mean you saw her recently? how is she? she still got that cute little flank? “She’s fine. Focus, Chip.” “Sorry. Anyway, She kissed me in our kitchen. In full view of Twilight.” “Was it good?” “Chip!” “Fine, fine.” “And Twilight flipped out, kicked me out of the house, and might not let me back in. “I’ve got a cot out back.” “Thanks, Ice, But I want to try and make things right. What should I do? “You tried going out recently?” “Like a date night? no. I don’t have the time.” “You’ll make the time if you love Twilight.” “I suppose you’re right. Thanks, Ice.” Plunking a few extra bits on the table, Shadow downed his drink and left. *** While still feeling brave, Shadow quietly entered the library. “Good Evening, love” Twilight said, spooking Shadow, who nearly jumped out of his skin. “Hi there, Twi. I can explain for earlier...” “You don’t need to. Rarity explained for you. But I was wrong also. I jumped to conclusions too fast and didn’t give you a chance to explain. I’m sorry.” “It’s ok, Twilight. Really. Are we ok?” “Not quite...” Twilight smirked coyly. “Twi, you look different. Did you change something?” Shadow asked her, now noticing the scent of estrus and desire, along with something else that relaxed them. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it was working. “I changed everything. and got a few tips from Rarity. Would you like to review them with me?” Twilight pushed Shadow onto their couch. “You need to prove you’re still attracted to me, one way or another.” “No need to ask me twice.” Author's Note I hope you all enjoy the chapter Side Chapter:Shadowfoot The Scout Master!Dreams Do Come True: Always Been At Your Side By Sparknanator & Southpawfighter614 _________________________________________________________________________________________ “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS PONY SCOUTS YAY!!” Three very excited fillies and an equally as excited colt screamed as they barged into their troop leader’s bedroom, rousing him from a very lovely dream involving coffee and donuts. Shadowfoot awoke with a jolt, nearly smashing his head off of the low ceiling of the bedroom he shared with his wife, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight, whom was already awake, laughed at her husband’s misfortune. He had established the “pony scouts” as a form of education to the younger ponies in town, to teach them how to deal with emergency situations and help them develop character and work ethic. What he wasn’t counting on was very little interest in the program, except for the four who had just woken him. “Kids, please…” Shadow begged them. It was too early for anything besides coffee, much less yelling at the top of your lungs. “But Shadow; early to bed, early to rise, remember? “ The colt pestered him, remembering their very first lesson as pony scouts. “A good young pony goes to bed early, and wakes up early, to face the day ahead.” Shooting Star quoted studiously. “Not married, middle aged, new parent ponies.” Shadow grumbled. As much as he loved his family, he loved his sleep even more. “I disagree, Love.” Twilight giggled. “It wouldn’t kill you to get up with Dusk and Dream once in a while.” Shadow grumbled under his pillow, and although it wasn’t audible, it was probably bad. +++ “Yeah Shadow! We don’t have time to sleep. We have cutie marks to earn!” Star’s girlfriend, Sweetie Belle, chimed in. The two other fillies nodded vigorously in agreement. “ Urghh…fine…Twi, please tell me there’s coffee ready?” Shadow hoped. While he had been living in Ponyville for almost three years, he still retained some of his “human” habits. Specifically, drinking boatloads of coffee for no reason. “Always, dear. I figured I should know you well enough by now to know your habits.” “And that’s why I love you.” Shadow sat up slowly, kissing his wife gently. Applebloom and Scootaloo faked gagging noises, while Star and Sweetie smiled. “Alright kids, you succeeded in ruining my amazing dream. Go gather your uniforms and bags. Ready in 30 or you stay behind, understood? “Yes, Troop Master Shadow!” The children saluted, and then burst into giggles. It was the inside joke among the pony scouts and their leader, that they were a paramilitary clan of child assassins. “Briefing in 35, kids. Give me some time to wake up and eat.” Shadow laughed, sending the kids on their way. +++ In the spacious kitchen of their new home, Shadow sipped at a cup of coffee, munching on some apple chunks he had found from their last fruit trip. His twins, still in diapers, were taking turns throwing food at each other, while Twilight busied herself cleaning, mane all askew. Shadow enjoyed these quiet moments most of all. He heard the telltale click of claw on tile, he heard Spike coming into the kitchen, still half asleep. While twice Star’s size, spike still had the same child-like behavior. “Morning, Spike.” Twilight and Shadow said in unison. They were answered with an elongated yawn and wave, Spike’s typical greeting. In no way was it dismissive or abusive. He was just a slow type for waking up.Plopping down next the Shadow, Spike made haste in demolishing two bagels and a handful of cereal, before heading towards the door to go meet with Pip and Feathers, for a day of hunting fossils in the creek. “Hey Spike?” Shadow tried grabbing the young dragon’s attention before he took off. “Yeah Shadow? Spike turned, facing the crimson pony. “You want to join me and the kids over the weekend? We’re going on a camping trip just outside of town for the pony scouts.” “But its pony scouts, Shadow.” Spike replied, hesitant. He wasn’t invited to the first meeting, so he’d assumed shadow didn’t want him there. “As the one and only executive, aka Troop Leader, of the pony scouts, I make the rules, and the exceptions. You want to come or not?” Shadow asked him once again. “I had plans with Featherweight and Pipsqueak this morning. They’d be mad if I ditched them.” “Drag them along. It couldn’t hurt. And if they won’t come, you can always come back to town. It’s close enough to ponyville. I wouldn’t take a bunch of kids into the Everfree or the mountains.” “Do I need to wear the silly uniform?” “I’m sure Rarity can throw something together for you. It’s not mandatory, but if you like it, you can keep it, in case you want to join us again.” “Rarity….” Spike drifted off into a stupor, and Shadow knew he had him. “Let me tell the others. When are you leaving?” “About 35 minutes.” “See you then.” With that, Spike darted off giddily. +++ “Spike, huh?” Twilight asked her sometimes strange husband. “I didn’t know if he would like it, so I didn’t ask him to join us. He’s a Dragon. Can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to.” “It appears you were wrong.” “So I was. I better get myself ready.” With that, he kissed his wife slowly, leaving her to get his own bags and uniform ready. +++ As promised, the pony scouts plus one were ready, and assembled in the living room of the ranch-style home. As Shadow ran a discerning eye and hoof through the contents of the assembled bags, he nodded with approval. He had taught them well. Even a simple camping trip could turn disastrous in a moment, and as such, it never hurt to be ready for almost anything. After leaving directions to their campsite in the capable hooves of Twilight, the group set off, eager to see what the day held. After a brief 30 minute hike into the deepest parts of Equestria National Park, the group set up a camp, which didn’t turn out half bad. Four tents were set up in a semicircle, with a fire pit equidistant from all of them, to keep warm, but not light tents on fire. A hastily erected table was off to the side, with various snacks, meals, and drinks set out, or in a cooler. While the kids chatted excitedly amongst themselves, Shadow went about his personal checklist, debating on what to teach them first. Fire would have to wait until almost nightfall, so he decided to teach them how to fish instead. From there, he could teach them how to make a fire and cook on it safely. But it was time for a swim in between fishing and cooking. “Kids, over here please!” Shadow shouted, beckoning their attention. After he had successfully corralled them, he led them down to the creek, and ask them to find some good, strong, fallen branches. After they reported back with their findings, he showed them how to know, hook, and bait their lines. “Shadow, do I really have to touch the worms?” Sweetie Belle whined, the resemblance uncanny to her sister. “On your own, yes, but I can make an exception. I’m not gonna force you to.” With a deft movement, Shadow speared the wriggling critter, leaving it alive. Sweetie promptly gagged at the sight, and Shadow laughed. Maybe it wasn’t her strength, but he gave her credit for trying. He informed her of false bait that could also be used, and this lightened her attitude towards fishing considerably. “How do I knot such tiny wire, Shadow?” Spike asked him. “It’s simple. You don’t have to work in such a small area. Make it as big as you want, just be sure to tighten it up after.” “Yeah, Spike, like threading a needle.” Sweetie Belle piped up. With that, realization dawned on him, and within seconds he was done. “Impressive, Spike. You’ll make a fine fisherman one day.” Shadow encouraged him. As much as Spike could probably spear fish with his claws when they grew bigger, it was all for the sake of learning.Hearing a frustrated huff behind him, Shadow looked to see certain young colt who somehow managed to knot the wire around his hoof. “Star, what on Equestria did you do?” Shadow asked, amused. “I wasn’t paying attention and now I can’t get it off!” Star grunted. “Just cut it with your magic, or the little knife I gave each of you. Don’t worry about wasting line. I have plenty.” “SHADOW! LOOK AT MY STICK!” Shouted an excited Applebloom. Sure enough, the end was dipping up and down, indicating a fish had taken hold. “Good job, Bloom!” Shouted Scootaloo. “Pull on it, quickly! You’ll set the hook.” Doing so, she had successfully caught her first fish, with Scoots, Sweetie, Spike, and Star following shortly after. “Good job kids. Do any of you want to take your fish back to camp and eat it?” Shadow asked them. In unison, they all answered no, and so Shadow taught them the art of catch and release. While he did not have fish to cook, he had plenty of other food back at camp to teach them to cook with. ++++ After returning to camp, the group gathered near the fire, while Shadow showed them how to build and maintain it, and collect firewood. After the fire lesson was over, they all settled in to their sleeping bags, telling ghost stories, and Shadow sharing some stories from his time on earth, albeit ponyfied. After storytime had been exhausted, the campers retreated to their tents. Sensing something amiss, Shadow checked Sweetie’s tent, to find Sweetie amiss, her sleeping bag flat and open. He then heard giggling from Star’s tent and immediately knew what was amiss. “Star, Sweetie, out here now.” Shadows directed them, firmly, but quiet enough to not rouse the other campers. “Now, which one of you would care to tell me why you were both in Star’s tent, giggling?” Ashamed looks upon both their faces, Star spoke up, for it was his idea.“I’m sorry Shadow. Sweetie was scared when it started getting darker, So I told her to come stay in my tent. No funny business. Promise.” “Is this the truth, Sweetie?” Shadow turned to Sweetie, and she shrunk back a little bit. “You’re not in trouble, and I’m not mad, I just want to know if it’s the truth.” “Yes it is Shadow. I didn’t want to get kicked out of the scouts for being a scaredy-pony. I’m sorry.” She whimpered. “I don’t mind if you’re scared, Sweetie.” Shadow walked up to and sat next to the pair. “But I can’t have you sneaking off like that. You had me scared for a minute.” Shadow sighed. “A scout is first and foremost, an honest pony, which you both have demonstrated completely. Good Job. But next time, ask me before doing something like that." “I understand how you two feel about each other, but I’m your guardian first and foremost. If something bad had happened and one of you were lost, I would have very little options at my disposal to help you. Back to bed campers. Daylight comes early.” With that, Shadow left the two, laying himself down in front of the embers of the fire. Looking at them one last time before he fell asleep, he smiled. As much as they had messed up by doing what they did, at least they were looking out for each other, which was a lesson he wouldn’t have to teach now. +++ The next morning dawned bright and warm, and the smell of eggs and toast filled the campground. It was breakfast time, and the excited group was pondering the day ahead. Today they were going to learn how to identify edible plants and berries. Most ponies had an innate sense of what was good and wasn’t, but they still made mistakes sometimes, ending up sick for a day or two at a time. Shadow aimed to prevent that. “Kids, today, as you know, we’re going to learn about edible plants and berries found commonly around here. You never know what a camping trip may bring. You may run out of food, you may get lost, or both. But with careful planning and a good knowledge base, this won’t happen. “But how do you plan for an emergency, if you don’t know what’s gonna happen?” Applebloom asked. “You can’t plan, but you can prepare for, or even prevent such things. Even if you never go camping again, you’ll have learned something useful, at least.” With that, Shadow pulled some books from his saddlebags. “Now kids, for starters, you each get one of these books. This is a complete guide to local herbs, plants, and berries for our region. I want you to bring me back five different plants from this book. You may work in pairs or on your own. Meet me back here in twenty minutes, even if you don’t have them all. Got it?” “Yes sir!” They shouted, splitting off in different directions. While they were off gathering things, Shadow kept a close eye on them, while busying himself about camp, picking up garbage, gathering more firewood, or making sure the tents were clean and sealed. The children had all come back within the allotted time, and still met their quota for gathering. “Good Job, kids!” Shadow said excitedly. “Now, I’m gonna show you guys how to cook with these, in the event you grow your own or have other things to go with them. Get your mess kits and fill the bowls with fresh water. Then go pick something out of the food bins you’d like to see me cook with them.” After this had been done, and the meals cooked, they all sat down for lunch, chatting excitedly. While Shadow couldn’t listen to all conversation at once, he got the idea that they were enjoying themselves. He remembered, back on earth, that while he wasn’t an actual scout, he greatly enjoyed being outdoors, and took lessons from one of his other friends, on the days he wasn’t spending time with Damian. This is where his knowledge came from, since equestria, biologically, wasn’t all that different from earth, aside from the fact that ponies were the dominant species, and not humans. “Shadow, what else can you teach us?” Scootaloo asked her scoutmaster. ‘Well, Scoot, what do you want to learn?” he asked her. He wasn’t sure if she had any real family, but she seemed to be taken care of, though this didn’t stop him from watching out for her occasionally. “I wanna trap bears and cougars, like in the Daring-Do books!” She screeched happily. “Whoa there, kiddo. I don’t think that is something appropriate to teach children. I can, however, show you how to look for signs of animals, so you can avoid them, and in turn, avoid dangerous situations. Does that seem fair?” “I guess…” Scootaloo pouted, but nonetheless was excited to learn. So therefore, the afternoon was spent finding and sketching animal tracks, until eventually night descended upon the park, and the campers settled into their sleeping bags, sleeping outside this time. If Shadow could do it, why couldn’t they? +++ The next morning, once again warm and dry, led to the final lessons of the weekend. These being packing up, cleaning up, and shipping out, while leaving the site cleaner than when you found it. Shadow taught the kids to always respect the environment and everything in it. He saw what happened to earth over a matter of a couple hundred years, and didn’t want to see that happen to the seemingly utopian Equestria. Even though he would be long gone in a couple hundred years, he hoped to instill a sense of pride and duty to your environment to this generation, so that they may pass it on the the next, and the next, and so on. It was just about noon when the scouts were on their way out of the park and back home, talking excitedly about the weekend. Shadow heard the topic of going again come up constantly, and put it on his list of “possibilities” if the scouts stuck around long enough. The campers were greeted at ponyville’s front entrance by Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity. Hugs, laughs, and stories were shared on the trip to ponyville town square, where they split ways. Shadow and Twilight, with Spike and Star following closely behind; Rarity and Sweetie went towards Carousel Boutique; and Scootaloo and Applebloom left with Applejack. All in all, the weekend couldn’t have gone any better, aside from Sweetie and Star’s slip up, which stayed between them and Shadow. Spike also thoroughly enjoyed himself and wanted to tell the rest of his friends about it. With a satisfied smile, Shadow retreated to the marital suite, longing for a bed of fluff instead of rocks and dirt. Twilight soon joined him, and he recounted every moment of the trip to his beloved, while the babies slept soundly in their respective cribs. Author's Note This is hinting to a DDCT Side story I will make when the cover art is done Chapter 3:Shadow CheatsIt was an early Saturday morning, cold and dreary. The Weather Team had scheduled a rainstorm for the day, but that didn’t stop certain ponies from going about their daily business. This particular day, a unique pony had some running around to do. “Twilight, are you sure this is everything we need?” Shadow Foot shouted to his wife, whom was busy with Celestia-knew-what in the kitchen of their home on the outskirts of Ponyville. “Yes, I’m sure. I checked it myself, twice.” His wife said as she entered the front hall of their domicile. “You’re definitely certain this is everything? This may be the last time I go anywhere for the next 48 hours.” “Yes, Shadow. Now go, before it gets worse out there.” She said, slightly irritated at her husband. “Fine. I’ll be back in a little while. Please stay inside. I don’t need you getting sick and taking the rest of us with you.” Shadow huffed as he left. +++ “First stop, Carousel boutique.” The sanguine coated pony thought to himself, approaching the lavishly decorated business of Miss Rarity, a lady of ladies among ponykind. Refined, Graceful, and often to the point, Shadow confessed to himself multiple times, had he not fallen in love with and married Twilight, Rarity probably would have had his heart. The telltale jingle of bells greeted Shadow as he entered, snapping Rarity from her current project.“I’ll be with you in just a moment, please.” Her voice lilted out from some distant room of the boutique.” “Not a problem, Ma’am.” Shadow shouted.Rarity recognized the voice immediately. Not many ponies could imitate such a sound. Instantly dropping her materials on a nearby table, she always gave preferred customers priority, but Shadow was a greatly preferred customer. Able to hold his own in many conversations, she found him to be delightful company, and felt ashamed to admit, given the chance, she would give everything to have a chance at him. But that possibility went out the window on Twilight’s wedding day. “Hello, Shadow!” She said excitedly, drifting out of her project room and into the main display hall of her boutique. In this room, ponyquins of varying sizes were clothed in some of her finest work, on display for the coming season, and the gala, to be held sometime within the month. “What can I do for you this fine day?” She asked, drifting close to him. He always smelled of green fields and ocean breeze, a scent combination to die for. “Nothing much, Miss Rarity.” Shadow piped up, smiling at her. “I just need these sheets repaired. Somehow, Spike managed to shred them when he washed them. Poor kid’s got claws bigger than he can handle” He laughed. “Really? You can’t fix them yourself?” Rarity asked, astonished. A unicorn his age should have been able to manage that easily. “I tried. See the previous repairs? They’re horrible.” In truth, they were. While he’d been in ponyville for a few years now, he was still learning the intricacies of unicorn magic. It’s not every day you can do things you never thought possible, especially when you’re taught on Earth that magic doesn’t exist. Rarity laughed nervously. They really were horrible. “Not a problem, Shadow. Just give me a few minutes to finish up in here, and then I’ll get to this immediately.” “Very well then. I’ll be back later.” As Shadow trotted toward the door, Rarity quickly got his attention, realizing the opportunity that had just presented itself. “Shadow, why don’t you stay for some tea? The weather is horrible outside and I’d hate to make you come back out this way for a few bedsheets. It won’t take long, promise. +++ Within a few minutes, Shadow was settled into an absurdly fluffy couch, a pot of hot tea in front of him and two tea cups with floral paint on them. The set was elegantly painted and free-spirited at the same time, Shadow noted. While he wasn’t an artist himself, he enjoyed it. “So why come out for some bed sheets in the middle of a rainstorm?” Rarity asked her guest, who was happily munching on a chocolate cookie. “No reason. Just something that needed to be done. Along with groceries for the next couple days until the storm passes. You were closest.” “I wish we were closer.” Rarity said to herself, louder than she intended. “What was that, Miss Rarity?” Shadow asked, feeling a little giggly and sleepy. “Nothing, Shadow.” Rarity shouted back, realizing what she had just let slip. “Oh. Alright then.” Shadow reclined on the couch. He suddenly felt very comfortable, and reclined lazily, studying his cookie with great intent. “So what else were you looking for, today?” “Some fresh roughage, maybe some milk. I don’t remember exactly what.” Shadow said dreamily. He suddenly felt an urge to approach Rarity with less than platonic intent, but stopped himself. He was already married. How dare he even think of cheating… But Twilight hadn’t been “in the mood” as of late, and what could one affair hurt if Twi never found out? +++ “There we go, all done!” Rarity said gleefully, spreading the sheets before Shadow, to earn his approval. “They look Amazing, Rarity. And so do you” Shadow said thickly, as if he were entranced or drunk. “Why, thank y-- w…what?” Rarity asked shakily, blushing. She wasn’t sure what exactly she’d just heard. That comment was a bit off, even for the dashing and exotic Shadow Foot. “I said…” Shadow got off the overstuffed couch, stepping toward her. “You. Look. Amazing.” “Thank you, I guess. One does try to look presentable at all times. You never know who may show up.” Rarity said, nervously. She could almost smell his desire for her, not even slightly present a few moments ago, when she had served him the tea. It was almost as if he were in Estrus, which wasn’t supposed to happen to male ponies. “Shadow, I think you should go now. Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of it when you’re feeling normal again.” Rarity said, promptly folding and boxing the repaired sheets, and putting a hoof out to stop his advance on her. Then something clicked. This could be her one and only chance to have what she’d wanted since she met the stallion. At this point, a rapid argument began bouncing back and forth inside her, against herself. Here, she could have the stallion she always wanted, if only once, at the risk of endangering one of her best friends’ marriages, and her friendship with the both of them. “Shadow, what are you doing?” Rarity asked him worriedly. “I think you know.” He said, pushing closer. “I’ll have you know, Shadow, that I am not that kind of mare, and even if I were, it would not be with someone who’s married to one of my best friends. Now, you may leave on your own, or I can call the police and have them remove you.” “You won’t. I know as well as you that you’ve wanted me since I arrived here in ponyville. And what Twilight doesn’t know can’t hurt her.” “But what if somepony walks in? Everbody talks you know. And word travels fast in ponyville.”There were a series of small clicks, what could have only been doors locking. “Now there’s no chance that anypony can walk in. You’re one chance, for one afternoon.” “Shadow, I…”Before she could finish, Shadow kissed her passionately, unlike anything she’d felt before. With that, she succumbed to years of yearning, and the burning passion he’d ignited in her. +++ It felt so dirty, yet so very right. In the span of half an hour, all their desires had been fulfilled, all possibilities tried and tested. And nopony was the wiser. After a very long, hot shower, the pair parted ways, never to speak again of the deed that had been performed. Now that it was done and they had their fun, there was no longer any sexual tension between the two. They hoped that this would circumvent any future affairs. With naught but silence passed between them, Shadow left the boutique, and felt as if he had done something very wrong, but wasn’t quite sure. He knew he’d spent more time at the boutique than he’d intended, but wasn’t sure how. The last thing he clearly remembered was drinking the very last bit of tea in his cup, noting that it smelled and tasted funny, and that was it. Chapter 4:Shadow Cheats Part 2Shadow was still feeling a bit off, even after he had finished his errands and was on his way back home. He still wasn’t quite sure what had happened, but it had to have been pretty bad to be nagging at his conscience. Opening the front door to the old homestead, He was greeted by Twilight. “Hello love. Did you get everything alright?” At first, her husband didn’t answer her, which wasn’t unusual, so she asked him again. “Shadow, how was the shopping trip?” She asked her husband, raising her voice just enough to be certain he could hear. “Yeah, Twi. Everything’s right here.” He said, hefting and lowering his saddlebags onto the kitchen table. Sensing something was amiss, Twilight decided to pester Shadow a little bit to see what may have been bothering him. “Shadow, is everything alright, Sweetie?” She asked him gently. “Yeah… there’s something on my mind. Nothing to concern yourself with.” He said, trying to laugh it off, even though he feared it may be something to concern her. “I’ll be in the study. Please don’t bother me, love. I’ve got some research to do.” “Research? About what? I’m sure I could tell you literally anything you’d like to know.” Twilight responded, somewhat suspicious. Even though introverted at times, Shadow was never one to say “leave me alone.” especially to his wife. He always made time for the two of them, come hell or high water. “I’d rather be alone for a little while. Work stress.” He smiled reassuringly, which sated her curiosity for the time being. While Twilight busied herself in the kitchen, Shadow proceeded to the study, locking the door behind him. Twilight was far from dull, and would eventually figure out something was very wrong. He only hoped he figured it out before she did. +++ Twilight now noticed a peculiar smell in the air. Flowery and bright, just like Rarity’s shampoo. She’d hoped that it was just from Rarity’s frequent visits; or from Shadow being at the boutique earlier in the morning. It didn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary, so she dismissed it for the time being. Her husband would never cheat on her, she convinced herself, and went about her business, allowing herself a small grin. Being busy always brightened her spirits. Meanwhile, Shadow was flipping through page after page of research volumes on all manner of magics. He’d hoped he would find his answer somewhere among the musty old books, which added to the overall smell of fresh lumber and paint. The study had been the last thing completed on the homestead. Since there weren’t any spare rooms, they had to add it to the existing structure, via the expert hooves of Applejack and Big Macintosh. For some reason, the Apples had enough lumber lying about to build the room. After flipping through what seemed the hundredth book on magic, Shadow surmised Rarity was not capable of inciting such strange effects on a full grown stallion. Her particular magic wouldn’t allow it. He turned to the potion books that were few and far between. Being more studious than most ponies, Shadow and Twilight didn’t keep many potion books around. They both preferred logic over liquids. Why use a potion when you can have the skills you were looking for indefinitely? The first book yielded no logical results, but the second book gave him his answer nearly instantly. He read aloud, to be sure he understood. “While many “love” potions incite such effects as that of infatuation or obsession with the opposite gender of the drinker, there are a few recipes, that if concentrated high enough, will incite nearly instantaneous lust with any age appropriate, opposite-gender pony in the immediate vicinity. Oftentimes, a potion such as this, commonly referred to as a Sex Potion are brewed accidentally by an inexperienced party, or if created voluntarily, is often implemented in brothels and harems, to make normally unattracted ponies mate with a complete stranger. Most ponies who have even a minute dosage of this risqué brew, will find themselves in a fog, after the deed has been done, and won’t often remember who or what they may have done. As such, this type of brew is illegal in most cases, and in the few cases that go unreported, it’s often overlooked as a possible catalyst for most sexual crimes commited.” There it was, plain as day. Either Shadow had been drugged by an apparently innocent mare, or, more unlikely, it was accidentally brewed by Sweetie Belle in an effort make Star more in love with her, or worse. He had to get a hold of that teapot and test it for any relevant trace, or at least play it off long enough for Twilight to not find out and Rarity to forget. He had to get back to the boutique, whether he liked it or not. Then there was a knock on the door. +++ Looking at the luminous clock on the wall, he realized now that hours had passed, and he’d skipped lunch and supper. Swallowing hard, he answered the door, and saw the worst sight he’d seen in months.Twilight was at the door, watery-eyed and biting on her lower lip, a habit she only had when she was on the verge of tears. “Twilight what’s wrong? Are the kids alright? How about the twins?” Shadow asked her. It absolutely broke his heart to see Twilight in such a state. “They’re fine, Shadow. But I think we need to talk.”Just then, it hit him. She must have figured it out hours ago and was killing herself over confronting him, for fear of what may be confirmed. And here she was, mane all over the place. “Twilight, please…” “Shadow. Answer me truthfully. Did you cheat on me with Rarity?” “What…no…At least, I don’t think I did.” “Then why…why do you reek of…” At this point, Twilight couldn’t compose herself. “Why do you reek of her scent?!?!” She bellowed at him, a power in her voice she did not know she was capable of. Her eyes began to glow purple. Shadow knew this was bad. “TWILIGHT! CALM DOWN! YOU’RE GONNA BLOW THIS PLACE TO HELL!” Shadow bellowed back, trying to snap her out of it. “Calm down?! Calm down?!? How can I calm down when you reek of one of my best friends! I’m the mother of your children! Your wife, who you promised you would never, ever sleep with any mare else! Me, who gave it all up for you!” At this point, Spike and Star were outside of the open door, witnessing the spectacle. Shadow had to end this quick, or else they were all in very lethal danger. The last time something like this happened, Twilight blew a building to shreds. As if in slow motion, Spike, Star, and Shadow all saw one very slow, very real movement. Shadow slapped Twilight so hard he knocked her to the floor and out of her magical maelstrom of rage and heartbreak. With the sound of the contact, Shadow’s last shreds of his heart tore apart, never to be repaired.In tears himself now, Shadow left Twilight in disbelief. Both sobbing, Twilight watched the love of her life stagger past her, the boys, and out of the study. And she was 200% certain he would not return for a very long time, if at all. +++ Shadow had no idea who he was, where he was, or even what day it was. He did not feel the rain soaking his coat and mane; he did not hear the crash of thunder, or howling winds. All he knew at that moment was the scene replaying in his head. His hoof moving ever so, so slowly up in front of his face and across Twilight’s. Shadow remembered the sickening thud of his wife’s body hitting a wood floor; the dumbfounded stare of two young boys who didn’t know that their father figure could ever abuse their mother and guardian. Shadow walked away from his life. The scene replayed in his head, over, and over, and over again, thrice times as loud and vivid as the previous. Shadow puked several times as he walked, and cried even more. He did not know where he was going, and did not care. Shadow slept, darkness enveloping him, and he hoped, secretly, that some beast or disease would take him in the night, for he could never live with himself for what he’d done. He could never face Twilight, the boys, Rarity, or even his own children. He’d made his bed, and now he must lay in it. Before he fell asleep, he noticed he was in a ditch. “At least my grave was already dug for me.” Author's Note Wow I haven't updated this in a while now have I? Chapter 5:Love conquers All Part 1“Twilight, I’m so so sorry” Shadow heard himself saying, nearly crying it. “You can never be forgiven for what you did to me” Twilight’s voice snapped back, dark, menacing, and accusing. “Twilight, I didn’t know! I didn’t know…. “Shadow heard himself whimper “You will never see your children, or me, ever again! you distrustful, unfaith, rockheaded stallion!” Twilight screeched back. “No, please, no!!” Shadow shouted. And then all was black again. *** “Son, you alright?” Shadow heard a voice, distant and unclear. Was he dreaming? Was he even still alive? He didn’t know. He did know that he wasn’t inside, and felt something cold, wet, and thick around him Shadow ignored the voice. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to death himself. “Hey son, wake up, now. you need to get out of my cattle trough.” the voice continued to pester him. He felt a sharp stab in his ribs. something pointy and rough. “Quit it, voice. let me die,” Shadow grumbled. “I don’t know who this “voice” is, but I ain’t him, and you need to get up!” he felt a harder, more menacing jab, which made Shadow jump. “And you sure as hell ain’t dyin’ on my farm.” Shadow finally looked at the source of the voice. He was an Earth pony, with a Dark chestnut coat, and a mane so brown it was almost black. ”Where am I, sir?” Shadow asked the old farmer, unaware how he’d even gotten there. “Well son, You’re about ten miles outside of any civilization, in the middle of nowhere, laying in a puddle of who knows what.” “How did I get here?” Shadow asked, hoping the old stallion knew more than he did at that moment. “Well, I can’t rightly say. I heard a crash last night while I was tryin’ ta sleep, figured I’d investigate it in the morning when the sky was light. Found you laying in my cattle trough, whimpering about Twilight”. Whoever or whatever that is.”Then it all came to Shadow in a blur of of light and voice. He had hit Twilight so hard, he knocked her out. In front of the boys no less. He would never forgive himself, and partly hoped Twilight wouldn’t either. “Son, snap out of it!” The old farmer knocked his beating stick against Shadow’s skull, hard enough to be felt, but not doing any real damage. “I don’t know who you are, or where you came from. Hell, I don’t even know if you know who you are. But I can see that you need someplace to lay low for a while. You have the look of a haunted Stallion. I used to have that same look. Then I started this here farm.” “There’s an old shed out back, mostly used for storing tools and whatnot. If you’re willing to make it livable, it’s all yours. All I ask is that you help me out around here. Been a long time since the powers that be took my wife and cast my son to the winds. It’s awful hard running this place alone.” “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it” “Let me have your name, Son.” “”Shadow, sir, ShadowFoot.” “Peculiar name for a pony, but what do I care? And enough with the “sir” crap. I ain’t rich, and I ain’t military. Just call me Walnut. Black Walnut.” “Black Walnut it is.” Shadow said, offering his hoof, which was taken in kind and shook. “Supper’s roundabout sundown. Cook it yourself or eat what I make. Up to you.” “Thank you, Walnut, for everything. I’d like to start on that shed.” “Follow the cow path about 200 yards or so. you’ll see it, high and proud on one of the hills back there. You hit the forest, you’ve gone too far.” With a wave, Shadow departed. Keeping himself busy for a while was sure to take his mind off things. He would stay out here for a week or so, until he felt he could return to ponyville with a mostly clear conscience. Once he found out which way ponyville was. *** -Twelve hours previous- “Twilight, hey, wake up.” Spike shook his mother figure gently, trying to wake her. A large bruise had formed on her cheek. Spike was unsure what to make of what had happened just a few moments ago. He never, ever saw Twilight and Shadow come to blows like that, and had only seen Twilight’s magic activate so badly when they were in immediate danger. But maybe, they were in danger at that moment in time. “Star! I need your help!“ Spike shouted for his buddy who was crouched in a corner, on the verge of tears. Star sniffled, unsure of what to do. He had never seen anypony hit anypony. He thought Ponyville was too peaceful for that. Nor had he ever seen Twilight and Shadow, who was his hero, argue so badly. “Star! I can’t move her on my own! come on!” Spike shouted again, almost in tears himself. “Oh..ok…” Star mumbled. He knew Twilight was hurt. He didn’t like seeing ponies getting hurt. With a concentrated effort, the boys lifted Twilight’s prone form onto the reading couch Shadow and Twilight often shared. Usually when they were reading happily together. The thought of the pure happiness, and now pure hurt, almost sent the boys both into gasping sobs. “Spike, Shadow didn’t mean to hurt Twilight, right?” Star asked the young dragon at his side. “No, I don’t think he did, Star. He would Never. his heart is as pure as anypony’s. He would never hurt Twilight on purpose.” With this, Star leaned in to Spike’s side, and Spike felt wetness on his scales. “It’s ok Star. It’ll be ok…” He said, holding him close. Star was younger than Spike, and didn’t need to see these kinds of things. Even Spike knew that. “Star, I need you to do something really, really important for me.” Spike asked him, holding up Star’s chin and wiping away his tears with a gentle claw. “What is it, Spike?” Star asked him, putting on his bravest face. “Sit here with Twilight, and get her an ice pack for her cheek. Just sit with her and if she wakes up, let her know we’re ok. I’m gonna go get Fluttershy and AJ. They’ll be able to help us. Can you do that for me, Star?” “Yeah Spike, I can do it, What about the twins?” “They’ll be ok. Twilight whipped up a special brew for them to sleep through the night. I heard her talking about Her and Shadow ‘having the night to themselves.’ “OK Spike, but hurry please. I don’t like being alone.” “You’ll be ok. Owloysius has got your back.” At this, the owl hoo’ed confidently, saluting with one feathery wing. Spike hurried out the door, running first for Fluttershy’s cottage. She could fly to the acres faster than Spike could ever run, and she would understand the urgency, especially since Spike never ventured outside the property at night, especially on his own, when he knew Twilight would not be happy with him. *** Spike ran as fast as his legs would carry him, and knocked, hard and loud, on the heavy door of the cottage. He heard all of her pets raise a ruckus, and knew for sure it would get her attention. “Oh dear. Spike? is that you?” Fluttershy asked, half asleep. Her animals had scared her awake, and after calming them, noticed there was a rapid, frenzied knocking on her door. Next thing she knew, Spike was attached to her leg and sobbing. “Spike! are you ok? What’s wrong my strong little dragon?” Fluttershy cooed to him, holding him closer. “Twilight...hurt...Shadow gone….Need you, Applejack…” Spike was sobbing uncontrollably now, shaking with each drawn breath. “Spike, slow down, it’s ok...tell me what happened..”Fluttershy consoled him. She’d never seen Spike without a goofy smile or quip. This worried her, seeing him in such condition. Spike composed himself, barely, and told Fluttershy what he remembered. “And it’s only me and Star to watch the foals and each other...And I”m really scared, Fluttershy. Twilight’s...she’s probably still out cold...I can’t do it alone.” “It’s ok Spike.” Fluttershy nuzzled him like a mother would a child. “You did the right thing, coming to see me first. Let’s go get Applejack...Then we’ll take care if everything as soon as we get to the house.” “OK…” Spike sniffled, wiping his tears. “Climb on, please be gentle. I’m not used to carrying something your size, but I promise we’ll go as fast as safely possible.” After a couple minutes, they landed at Applejack’s doorstep, Spike jumping off before they even touched the ground, and knocked hard on the door. Thankfully, Applejack was already awake and ready to go. They explained the entire situation on the way back to the Ranch, and had arrived just as Shooting Star was falling asleep beside Twilight. *** “Why that dirty, no good, snake of a pony!” Applejack said through gritted teeth. She’d seen, and been in her share of fights over the years, and knew that a mark like the one on Twilight’s cheek was not a gentle hit. She’d seen marks like that on full grown stallions who tried to pick fights with Big Mac. Fluttershy gasped, raising her forehooves to her muzzle in a silent scream of horror. How could anypony leave a mark like that on his wife, much less the mother of his children. She was honestly scared of the always gentle and good natured pony she’d come to like, and the one pony who made Twilight happier than ever, “Fluttershy, take the boys to bed and check on the foals. I’m gonna see what I can do for Twi.” Applejack said sternly, and Fluttershy, wanting to be away from the horror before her eyes, gladly did so. Applejack, after bandaging her poor friend’s cheek, sent the owl to the rest of their friends. If Shadow came back, he would not be allowed anywhere near Twilight until the five of them were good and ready to let him do so, if at all. *** Shadow heard a bell ringing in the distance, and assumed it was the dinner alert. He really was quite hungry, and hadn’t eaten anything in hours. His stomach was too knotted to even think about eating. “I’ve never seen a pony work so hard on a project in my life, son,” Walnut said to Shadow over a chunky, hearty vegetable stew. You had that shed cleaned out, pretty, and livable, in just under eight hours. That’s remarkable.” “I’m a bit of a do-it-yourselfer back home. Always have been. I use my hooves more than this horn.” “Really?” Where do you come from, my boy?” Walnut asked, trying to make conversation. He was never really good at that sort of thing. “Ponyville. I lived there with my wife and her friends.” Shadow said nonchalantly, hoping Walnut would not press the matter, and assume he was divorced or something. That was better than the truth in his opinion. Walnut coughed, choked, and then laughed. “You sure about that, son? Ponyville is who knows...15 miles or better away from here. Only reason I know it is because of those...elements of happy or something like that. Don’t get a lot of news out here. Usually when I do, it’s important. “What are you gonna tell me next, Shadow? You’re married to one of those elementy-ponies?” Black Walnut laughed even more at his own joke, but when he saw Shadow’s face, knew he said something wrong. “Aww gee, Shadow, I’m sorry. The old muzzle gets ahead of the old brain sometimes. I’m only having a yank at your chain.” “It’s...fine, Walnut. Thank you for supper. I’m tired. I think I’ll turn in for the night.” “OK. I’m sorry again. I really don’t mean nothing by it. I”ll be up for a little bit longer, if’n ya need an ear to chew off. “I’ll remember that. Thank you.” Shadow slunk off, head low, to his shed on the hill. Shadow was still awake a couple hours later, Thinking things over. He dearly missed Twilight, and the rest of his adopted family, and was on the verge of tears, thinking about them. Especially his two beautiful foals. Their beautiful foals… Shadow nodded off, the faces of Twilight and his children in his mind’s eye. That Night, Shadow dreamt for once. +++ Here Shadow sits, new to Ponyville and Equestria, the faces of the people from earth running a marathon inside his mind. He thinks of his sisters, his mother, and Damian. Then he sees her. The most beautiful mare in ponyville. Lavender coat, tri-toned mane, a young dragon trotting along beside her. Time flashes forward, like a tape in high speed. He’s sitting with this beautiful mare, enjoying a lunch. He finally asked her out, and they are having an honestly great time, her laugh and scent lighting up his senses. He wants to say “I Love You.” but does not. He’s an outcast among ponykind, freakish coat, magical ability less than that of a five-year old unicorn. But somehow, his life feels complete within her presence Time zooms forward again, to their wedding day. The outcasted Shadowfoot is marrying the one element of harmony that makes the others work. But he’s in love with her, not her element. A flash, then the mental image of Her and their children, Smiling joyfully, nothing can go wrong on this day. The once outcasted Shadowfoot is now a father. And he couldn’t be happier. He grins, beams, at his young wife and children, hugs them all, nuzzling them. A picture is taken, and then later, mounted in their bedroom on the wall above their bed. Another flash, The last nail is put into the last hinge of their home, Now built with the help of Applejack, her brother, and anypony else willing. A picture is taken, again, and mounted right next to the birthday and wedding pictures. Then, a sudden flash of red lightning, and the smell of a familiar shampoo fills the air, then a slap is heard, echoing against the walls of Shadow’s memories, The slap repeats, turning into a thundering echo. *** -crack boom!!!- The thunderclap had woken Shadow up, eliciting an involuntary scream of terror from Shadow’s muzzle, which sounded suspiciously like the name “Twilight”. Shadow was panting heavily and sweating, even though it was relatively cool inside the 12x12 shed he was sleeping in. Shadow, now wide awake, sat up on the cot, burying his face in his hooves. He was crying. not loudly, but silently. The type of cry you cry when something torments your innermost feelings. He needed to apologize to Twilight, even if she never forgave him. He needed to see her smile, hear her laugh. He needed her. And if He could not have her, He would never be sane again. Shadow acknowledged to himself he was probably going squirrel-poop nutty, but he at least needed one last kiss. He still needed to wait a while. Twilight’s friends were going to be furious, and he was lucky if he’d make it into ponyville without them catching him first. He would continue helping Black Walnut on his little farm, and when he finally worked up the courage to talk to Walnut about how he ended up here, he would say his farewells, and hopefully, never have to return except on a more leisurely visit. *** Twilight woke up finally, and an audible sigh of relief was heard all around the room. “Girls? what happened? you look like you’ve been at a funeral.” Twilight asked, feeling a sudden pain in her cheek that she had no idea how was there until now. “Twilight! you’re ok!” The girls crowded around their friend, fearing, for a while, that Shadow may have done a lot more damage than they thought. Oddly enough, Rarity was a bit standoffish, which was highly unlike her. She looked more tormented than the rest of them. “Rarity, come here! give Twi a big old hug!” Pinkie squealed, grabbing Rarity by the hoof and dragging her across the wide room. “Twi, do you remember anything that happened in the past few hours? Anything at all?“ Applejack asked. “Certainly! I re-organized the entire study while Shadow was out, and…Where’s Shadow? He should be around here somewhere.” “No, he isn’t Twilight. you don’t remember anything at all? about him locking himself in the study, or leaving, or seeming a bit...odd?” Fluttershy asked. “Now that you mention it, he was locked in the study since late this morning, doing some research. He wouldn’t tell me about what, but he’s usually not doing much of anything but napping in here. It’s not hard to pop open a lock.” Twilight chuckled, recalling the countless times she’d found him snoring away, some random book over his eyes and muzzle in the cutest way imaginable. “Twilight, Shadow’s gone. You had a magical meltdown, he slapped you, and left, from what we can gather between Spike, Star, and the owl.” Applejack chimed in. “What, why would he…” Then Twilight smelled the shampoo again. The smell she last remembered before blacking out. “Rarity...you slept with...my husband’’ Twilight asked, flabbergasted.This was news to the rest of them, and the room immediately went quiet, the amount of tension perking up everyone’s coats. “Twilight, I…” Rarity said, beyond deflated. “My husband? my foals’ father?” Twilight said, tears forming in her eyes. “Twilight, he wasn’t acting like himself. He was in some sort of trance. I would never do something like that. You know that.” Rarity said softly. “Then why did you..” Twilight trailed off, not being able to make herself finish the sentence. “Because I lost control of myself, Twilight. I’ve always had a thing for him, and he was just so, out of it, I didn’t actually expect anything to happen. I don’t remember anything happening..” “Rarity. You need to leave. Please. I want to figure this out for myself.” Twilight said flatly, her usually cheerful and chirpy speech flat and robotic. “Twilight, please, I don’t want to…” “Rarity….” At this, Rarity burst into flat out tears, and ran all the way to her boutique, sobbing. *** ++++++ Southpaw’s Corner. featuring your favorite, jealousy-driven Author, me! There’s a lot happening here. Shadow’s having nightmares, Twilight’s KTFO, and there’s a possible funeral going on. What I would like you all to take from this, is Shadow feels like his life in equestria is over just as it’s gotten started. He’s also greatly tormented by the events (which I feel I probably exaggerated a bit) and is having flashbacks as well. However, he finds solace in the pure seclusion of Black Walnut’s spit of land, and hopes to regain his bearings. Will he stallion up and face his problems head on? Will he be forgiven for what he did? Or will he remain in servitude to the uninformed, rustic Earth Pony? only time will tell. This chapter is actually a smaller part of a massive chunk that came out at just under 11,200 words, which is probably a new personal record for me, and took three days to get that far, and is still 1k words short of total finishing. Hope I didn’t drag this out too long, but I dearly missed you guys. Chapter 6:Love conquers All Part 2“How long was I out, girls?” Twilight asked. “Best as we can tell, 12 hours or more. I think that magical meltdown drained you, and then Shadow...knocked you out...trying to save your home and yourselves. Spike and Star saw the whole thing. He was crying, Twilight. Shadow never cries. I’ve accidentally dropped a branch as thick as your neck and his tail and he didn’t even flinch. “ Rainbow Dash said, Staring at Twilight. “I need to find him, girls. I have to. I felt like he was calling, reaching for me. He needs me to tell him I still love him.” Twilight spoke confidently. “Good luck. It’s been raining so hard, hoofprints are washed away instantly.” Rainbow Dash spoke up. “This is a really freaky Storm. The weather Team can’t control it.” Without missing a beat, Applejack chimed in; “We have to let it run its course before we can even think about looking for him.” “Besides, who wants to go look for a pony in this kind of weather anyway. can you say “disasterriffic?” Pinkie added, making sense for once. “Girls, girls, you’ve made your points quite clear.” Twilight said. “That’s why I’m going to look for him on my own.” “WHAT?!?” The four mares shouted in unison, realizing they may have just woken up the entire household. “No, you’re not, Twilight. With you all busted up like you are, you’d be easy prey for any sleazepony between here and the everfree.” Applejack said, stomping her hoof for emphasis. “And all those mean hydras, cokatrices,chimeras, and manticores out there…” Fluttershy squeaked in terror at the very thought of what’s lurking out in the wide world. “Besides, how do you know which way to even go, or that you won’t go into total meltdown mode again and level the everfree?” “Because, behind every good mare is a good stallion, and vice versa. I need to find my husband. I have a gut instinct pulling me to him.” “Fine...but take somepony with ya, Twi. We don’t need you getting hurt again.” “I plan to, Applejack. Rarity is coming with me. I need to talk things out with her.” “you do realize Rarity is afraid of anything and everything dirty, dusty, grimy, wet, muddy, and slushy, right?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Of course. But if she wants to repair our friendship, and, in turn, restore the elements of Harmony to their full potential, she’ll go with me.” “Still…” “I’ve got it covered, Dash.” “At least wait until daylight, eh?” Applejack asked her. “that way we can help you pack up for the trip and see you off the right way.” “Fine, girls, I”ll wait until daylight. But as soon as first light, I’m leaving.” “Yes ma’am.” The four chimed in unison.” Once Twilight got something in her head, they all knew it was impossible to stop her *** Shadow awoke that morning, fur slightly damp from the coolness inside his makeshift apartment. It was far from comfy, but livable. His internal clock told him it was about 9am, and wagered that Walnut was already up and about. “Morning, Walnut.” Shadow said brightly, trying to hide how bone tired he really was. He trotted to the kitchen where he could smell coffee and breakfast. “Morning, Shadow. Storm keep you up?” Walnut grunted across the table as he was perusing a newspaper article about recent weather patterns. not a lot of it made sense to him, but he knew “bad weather” in any language. “Something like that. You?” “Slept like a foal.” “Amazing...May I have some of this coffee here?” “What it’s there for…” Walnut grunted again, flipping a page. “You’re not a morning pony, huh?” Shadow asked, trying to remain light. “Never have been. Probably why I make barely enough food to feed me.” At this, Walnut chuckled. It sounded like a pair of trees knocking together, warm and hearty. “Any breakfast left?” “A few eggs and some flapjacks. Help yourself, clean your dishes.” Shadow laughed in spite of himself. Walnut sounded so much like Twilight when she was talking to the boys, and he smiled, honestly, for the first time in what seemed like days. “So what needs doing, Walnut?” Shadow asked, wanting to make good on his promise to help. “Nothing. This is my day of rest. I don’t do a lot around here, but it gets to the bones and muscles after a while. So all I really do is read the paper, if it comes, and usually play the radio for a bit. I still do basic housework, but not much more than that.” “Oh. OK. Perhaps you can find something for me to do?” “Just leave it, son. There’ll be plenty of work to be had after that storm last night. How about you tell me how you ended up sleeping in a mud puddle? Seems an awful lot to go through, when you come from ponyville.” “I made a huge mistake, and ran away from it.” “I know that’s not all there is to it. What drives a respectable pony like you away from the comforts of home and into the boonies, where you’re lucky I even found you.” “Well, I don’t know where to start. I usually wouldn’t tell you about something like that, especially having just met you.” “Everypony does stupid things. Doesn’t make them a bad pony.” Well, I was running errands the other day….and I went to see a mare about some bedsheets, or curtains. Hell if I can remember what exactly.” “MMhm.” “Then, I sit down to wait for my order to finish, and I started drinking some tea that had been offered.” “And then, I don’t remember much past that, except that I left her store and had a nagging feeling something had gone horribly, horribly wrong.” “Ao you drank some jazzed up tea, lost your mind, and went home?” “Yeah. Pretty much.” “Doesn’t seem like a horribly smart idea. I wouldn’t believe it if’n I couldn’t tell you were an honest, good pony.” “Well, I got home, and something clicked. A smell, on me, that wasn't my own. I’m not a dirty pony, honestly, but I don’t choose to smell like lavender-vanilla shampoo.” “Now, bear in mind, I’m not a particularly stupid stallion. Not usually anyway. Why would I have been in a place much longer than necessary, and not remember why or how?” “So, weird, unmanly smell, and missing memories...interesting.” “So, I go to our study, and start reading all sorts of books, trying to figure out what went wrong. I was in there for hours, and found my answer, regrettably.” “Which was?” “I may have drank an incredibly strong love potion, shooting right past the love part and into more...carnal things.” “Carnal?” Shadow facehooved. Walnut was incredibly dense, at times. “Sex, Walnut. Stinky dirty pony sex.” “So, you bedded another mare? big deal. Young stallions like you have no control sometimes. I didn’t used to.” Walnut laughed. “Yes, it is a big deal, because I’m married to the element of magic herself, Twilight Sparkle, who also happens to be raising our two foals.” “Oh lord of ponies above!” Walnut spat out his coffee in a most comical fashion. “So you cheated on your wife, who's probably, if the stories are true, one of the most powerful mares in equestria, with another of her friends? “How’d you know it was one of her friends?” “Stories, like this, all too common around here. Stick around a village square long enough, you hear all sorts of raunchy things.” Shadow blinked twice, breathed deep, and returned to his tirade. “And so, before I could even try to make things right, my wife figures it out for herself, because she’s bloody brilliant, and confronts me about it. Before I can even say a word, she starts glowing all white and purple, her voice magnifies by tenfold, and she’s going into a magical meltdown, which can only be stopped by a sudden shock to the system.” “And lemme guess, you had to shock her system, and not in a good way?” “I slapped her so hard, I think I knocked her out. If I didn’t stop her, she would have blown our home to splinters and dust, killing me, herself, our foals, and the boys, while leveling half of ponyville.” “Damn, son. That really is horrible. But you did what needed to be done.” “Even so, I felt so horrible, I left. I blacked out, and woke up here.” “And now, for all I know, her friends, most of them anyway, want to murder me, she might STILL be out cold, and the boys are all alone with two newborns.” “Well son, I can’t condone hitting your wife. I never laid a hoof on my Norma in all our years. What I can condone, though, is that you saved several lives, while destroying your own. It takes a real stallion to throw his life away for others.” “I’m not a real stallion. Just an abusive husband.” “No, you’re not, Shadow. If you really love Twilight as much as you think you do, and she feels the same, she’ll come around. They always do.” “But, Walnut, how can you be so sure?” “Black Walnut may be a lot of things, but I am not a liar, nor a poor judge of character. You wanted to do things even though I told you there was none. You spent hours working on that shed, when, honestly, if you had asked for a room, I’d have given you my son’s, which has been empty for years. You showed determination and backbone. I can respect that.” “But Walnut…” “Shut your cornhole, Shadow. You two will come around eventually, come hell or high water. I can see by the light in your eyes how happy she makes you. It’ll be alright. Promise. Just give it time.” “I guess. It’s all I really can do.” “And that other mare? I’m sure she feels as horrible as you do. Not many mares in my lifetime have cheated and been happy about it.” “You know, Walnut. You remind me a lot of my father.” “How so?” “Let’s just say, I wasn’t always who I am now.” “Right…Go make yourself useful. collect some heating wood for your room. it’s upstairs on the left.” “My room?” “There’s another storm blowin’ in. I don’t want that shed taking you with if if it blows away or falls apart.” “Thank you, Walnut, for everything.” “Don’t mention it. I’m not a sappy pony. Work hard, show your true self, we’ll be just fine.” With a final, honest grin, Shadow trotted off to his chore. He was surprised that Walnut had such an optimistic feel about him and Twilight. It rubbed off slightly on Shadow. He’d made sure he collected two big piles for his room, and did the same for Walnut’s room and the den where they spent a good part of the night gambling away chores, while the storm raged outside. *** Rarity and Twilight had spent a major part of their voyage together in awkward silence, each not knowing how to approach the subject that they both knew needed to be discussed. They had made good progress so far, and had even gotten a fortunate lead from a few weather ponies in the next town over. They had seen Shadow pass through their village in the dead of night, crying and mumbling a name. “And which way did he go? Twilight asked sternly, needing any bit of information possibly on her husband. “Oh, Northwest, toward Walnut’s little farm.” But that’s still hours away by hoof. I would highly suggest laying low until the storm passes and the sky gets light.” “Storm?! What Storm?” Rarity demanded, the first time she’d spoken in hours. “Oh, there’s a real mean one comin’ up from the southeast, cutting itself a path through the deadlands. Nopony in their right mind will be sleeping tonight, or even outside of a basement.” “Twilight, we really should stay here tonight. It’s not smart at all to leave.” Rarity said, concerned. “Stay if you want. I”m going to find my husband come daybreak.” ”Twilight, that’s absolutely ludicrous! I understand how much Shadow means to you, but if you get trapped in that storm, there won’t be much left of you for him to love!” “I’ll be fine. I have a feeling we’ll be ok.” “Twilight, you can’t be…!” But before Rarity could finish, Twilight was already well on her way out of the sleepy little town and headed toward the deadlands. “Celestia preserve us…” Rarity groaned, looking at the welcoming inn, then toward the road that Twilight was moving swiftly along. “Celestia preserve us all..” Rarity moaned, quickly trotting after Twilight. A few hours had passed, and sunlight was rapidly fading into the the distance. Rarity and Twilight were on a precarious stretch of path where the mountains and the cliffside met, scarcely leaving room for them to walk abreast. “Twilight, I’m sorry.” Rarity finally broke the tense silence the pair had shared for much of their Journey. “Rarity, why did you do such a thing? The element of generosity and one of my best friends slept with my husband… Surely you understand why I’m so incredibly upset with the both of you.” “I do Twilight, I do. I was married once you know. The same thing happened to me. Except I wasn’t nearly as forgiving as you are.” “I can’t honestly say, Rarity, that I forgive you. In time I will, but right now, Shadow is my primary concern. The foals, the boys, they all look up to him, Rarity. I can’t just let him go.” “I know, Twilight. He really in a wonderful Stallion. I’m truly jealous he’s all yours. That’s partly the reason I took advantage of the situation. But he wasn’t acting himself, either; I scarcely see Shadow looking at other mares, much less doing unsavory things with them. He came on so strong and quickly...Like he was under a spell, or a trance.” “But, you LET it happen, Rarity. You, the model of grace, epitome of conduct and formality...The very soul of propriety. I would never, ever expect it out of you.” “To be fair, Twilight, all we did was have a cup of tea together while I was reapairing that material for you. But then, it all happened. I don’t remeber anything after drinking that last swallow...of the tea! The tea, Twilight! “What about the tea, Rarity? It’s one of the most common drinks in ponyville.” “Don’t you see, Twilight, there was something in it. I don’t know what, but something!” “How? didn’t you brew it fresh, like always?” “No! I saw Sweetie and Star using the teapot for some sort of school research project. Or so they told me.” “And you think, whatever that “project” was, involved you and Shadow…” Twilight couldn’t quite use the words she wanted to just yet. “I won’t say its the celestial truth, but I’d bet my bottom bit that it helped.” “Well, what now? all we have is a hunch and three heartbroken ponies.” “That’s better than no clue at all, dear.” Then, suddenly, a loud crash echoed above their heads, and a strike of lightning lit up the sky like Celestia’s sunlight itself. “The storm! I forgot about the Storm!” Twilight shouted in Rarity’s ear. “We need to find somewhere to lay low, fast!” “Oh dear, where do we go? All I see is wet ground and black cliff!” Rarity shouted back. The rain was pouring upon their heads like a sky-sized water faucet, the thunder echoing loudly off of the surrounding rocks, rattling their bones under their muscles. “We need to find a cave, or at least an overhang! Trees are too dangerous!” Twilight bellowed over the howling winds. “My jewel spell!! where there’s jewels, caves aren’t far away!” Rarity screeched, a loud thunderclap exploding above their heads, momentarily disorienting the pair, and leaving a ringing in their ears. “Great thinking, Rarity! lead the way! I’ll cloak us so we don’t catch a cold or go deaf!” With that, the pair silenced themselves, pouring every bit of power they could into their respective spells. After about ten minutes of tense silence, the pair finally collapsed just inside the mouth of a mid-sized grotto, that led about 50 feet into the side of the mountain, far away from the howling maelstrom outside. Thankfully, their saddlebags were more or less dry, and they removed their blankets and other assorted things, being sure it was all well and good. “Twilight, we have no way to make fire. We’ll freeze to death before we can even leave this dank hole.” Rarity whined, honestly scared for her life. “Yes we do. look.“ Twilight levitated a brick of material from within her bags proudly. “Twilight, love, bricks don’t hold flame. They can’t even take flame.” Rarity looked skeptically at the mysterious object in Twilight’s arcane grasp. “This isn’t a brick, Rarity. It’s hyper-compressed sawdust and cotton. This will stay lit for four hours minimum. more than enough time to dry ourselves and our sleeping gear.” Twilight finished matter-of-factly. “How ingenious is that?” Rarity asked, Amazed. “Shadow is a very smart pony. That’s how. He said it’s similar to things they use in his homeland, called “Duraflame” logs. But with a bit of equestrian genius, like me, we improved it to burn longer and hotter.” “Really now? You and Shadow did all that?” “Truthfully, we’re waiting on the Princesses’ approval for sale equestria-wide.” “Twilight, if you gain that approval, you and Shadow will be set for life.” “That’s what we were hoping. But so long as we can provide for our children for a little while after we’re gone, we’re fine with it.” “You two are Truly remarkable ponies, Twilight.” Rarity said, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m indefinitely sorry for what I’ve done to you. I hope you’ll forgive me.” She finished, staring into the now lit wonder-log. “I think everything will be just fine between all of us, Rarity.” Twilight said, hugging Rarity tightly. “I hope so. And I genuinely wish for Shadow to be alive and well.” “Something tells me he is.” *** At that same moment, Shadow was laughing at a particularly raunchy joke the Black Walnut had just told him involving two ponies and a banana. ++++++ Southpaw’s Corner! again! Hey Everypony, obviously, Southpaw here. OK, a lot happening here, too. Twilight’s more or less OK, and still wants to find Shadow. Rarity has been elected to accompany her on this journey, and Shadow finally reveals how exactly he ended up sleeping in a mud puddle on a spit of land in the middle of bucking nowhere. This chapter was done right around the second night of working on it, and this chunk is broken up into another 3,000 words and some change. Hopefully, you all are not getting bored on the angst I have woven into this epic, but hey, I’m good with angst. Anyway, please feel free to drop me a line on my user page letting me know just how much you hate, or less likely, love me. And if you really, really like me (insert cheesy emotion-voice) watch me! Once again, happy to be back, missed you guys, Southpaw Out. Author's Note So I hope you all liked the update it took Southpaw and I a while to do and we have a message from Southpa- *connection fizzles out* Southpaw’s Corner! again! Hey Everypony, obviously, Southpaw here. OK, a lot happening here, too. Twilight’s more or less OK, and still wants to find Shadow. Rarity has been elected to accompany her on this journey, and Shadow finally reveals how exactly he ended up sleeping in a mud puddle on a spit of land in the middle of bucking nowhere. This chapter was done right around the second night of working on it, Chapter 7:Love conquers All Part 3“Walnut, I don’t think I’ll ever meet another pony like you.” Shadow said happily. While he was still torn up over Twilight, Walnut had shown him things aren’t always as bad as they look. Walnut had also convinced him that Twilight was probably looking for him right now. “I hope not. It’s way too dangerous for any pony out in that storm.” “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this great big world, it’s that love conquers all things.” “But if you have nothing to love, how do you conquer all things?” Shadow asked the ever-wise Walnut. “With lots of brute force!” at this, the two howled in laughter. “Walnut. I’ve only known you for two days, but I feel like I want to know you even longer. Can we be friends?” Shadow asked the old pony. “Well, you’re eating my food, drinking my wine, and sleeping in my house. What are we, married?” “You’ve got a point there, old stallion.” Just then, a thought occurred to Shadow. “Old timer, you say this farm is an exercise in futility, right?” “A what now?” “Hopeless.” “Oh. Well, I wouldn’t say hopeless, but nothing really grows too well out here except buried vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, whatever.” “You ever wanted to see Ponyville in the flesh?” “Not particularly, no, but a bit of travel wouldn’t hurt.” “I’m not talking travel. I’m saying pulling up stakes and moving to ponyville.” “I can’t do that, son. My wife, She’s buried on this here land that we sweated and bled over for 15 years, easily. It just wouldn’t feel right leaving her here. I’ve already arranged for me to be lain next to her.” There went that idea. But Shadow wasn’t ready to give up on this old timer just yet. “How’s about you come visit me, in Ponyville? Meet my wife, my kids, and my adopted sons.” “That’s an awful long trip, son.” “Then, let us come visit you. They’ll need to meet the pony that helped save my marriage and myself.” “Well, does it look like I’m going anywhere fast? Maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll build y’all some guest rooms.” “Sounds like a plan to me.” With that, they clinked their glasses together and drank deeply, each of them happy they had found a friend. *** While Shadow and Walnut were making merry, Twilight and Rarity were having a much less pleasant time. Even though their little cave was warm and dry, either one would fall asleep, another crack of thunder would jolt them both awake, and they would try sleeping again, usually for no more than a couple minutes. Needless to say, the pair were quite happy to see the storm finally break and the warm ball of light in the sky. Over the course of the night, the two had finally cleared the air, albeit slowly and painstakingly. “So Twilight, where do we go now?” Rarity asked, trying to tidy her mane fruitlessly. “Well, that pony mentioned a farm just on the other side of this ridge. It’s our best bet to ask there if they’ve seen Shadow come through this way. Celestia knows where he may be by now.” “I don’t think I could ever chase a Stallion this way, Twilight. The weather is unbearable enough. Forget about food and supplies and what not. I’m a seamstress, not an explorer. I make clothes for a living. Not outdoorsy things.” “Well, Shadow taught me that you’re not limited by what you can do, just your effort and imagination. Like the crusaders, for example. They’re still full of potential.” “And your magic also saved us from that horrible storm last night.” “Well yes, but what else could I do? We could have been seriously hurt or gotten incredibly sick.” “Exactly. You showed yesterday that you’re more than capable of being useful in any situation.” “Thank you, Twilight.” “I think we found it” Twilight shouted gleefully. As it turned out, the farm that was spoken of was right beneath the ridge they were on, they would have spotted it last night if the weather wasn’t so horrible. A rough path led down and into the plains outside of the homestead. It didn’t appear to be a farm at all, but more a stone house with a miniscule smattering of vegetable plots and some cows and chickens milling about. “Are you sure that what we’re looking for, Twilight?” Rarity asked uncertainly. “There are some rather strange ponies in places like these. They may be cannibals, or zombies, or…” Rarity found a purple hoof inserted into her muzzle. “Does it look like there’s another building for miles around? and you see the vegetables, don’t you? For Celestia’s sake, there’s a pony right there collecting water.” “I guess so..” Rarity said around Twilight’s hoof. “Good. Even though we look like barbarians, were not. Let’s introduce ourselves.” *** When they felt they were in earshot, Twilight shouted a friendly greeting to the dark brown pony by the well. She held her bags up, then set them next to her. Rarity did the same. They then made the final 10 or 15 foot approach to the fence around the property. “Hello, Sir, Excuse me. My name is Twilight Sparkle and This is my friend, Rarity. We were hoping you could help us with some information.” Twilight smiled as friendly as she could muster, and to her relief, the other pony approached the fence, and them.” “Pleasure to meetcha, Miss Sparkle.” Black Walnut grunted, his voice stern but friendly. “You too, Mr….?” “Black Walnut, ma’am. There’s not a thing I don’t know about these parts as far as landmarks and whatnot, so what can I help you with?” “I’m not looking for landmarks so much, As I am looking for a Pony. A very unique pony, with black stripes and a wine-red coat. Have you seen him?” Black Walnut knew exactly who she was here for when he’d heard her name, but for the moment, let it lie. “Well, I do have a guest staying with me inside. Perhaps he knows more. He only just showed up here a few days ago. Chances are if anyone saw a pony, it’d be him.” “Well, we certainly would like to meet him, if that’s alright, Sir.” Twilight asked nonchalantly. “What type of gentlepony would I be to refuse a couple pretty mares like yourselves a rest? Come on in, I’ll fire up the coffee pot.” At his compliment, both mares blushed profusely. Few rustic ponies could speak like that, much less make them blush. “Don’t forget your bags, ladies. Hate for the timbers to get to them or summat.” Twilight lifted both bags to her, and levitated them along behind her. Rarity was still being standoffish, but she would come around with a few minutes to get used to the stranger before her. “Well, welcome to Walnut’s miserable little farm, ladies.” With a little flourish, Walnut popped open the door to his kitchen, and thankfully. Shadow was not in the immediate vicinity. As much as he wasn’t a sympathetic pony, he enjoyed playing little games like these. “Make yourselves comfortable, I’ll go find our other guest. I’m sure he’s still sleeping off last night’s festivities. It appears he loves storms as much as I do. Flatout enjoys it, I’d wager.” Walnut trotted up the shallow stairwell that led to the upper floor, then proceeded further down the hall, and, finding the door he needed, knocked hard and loud. Shadow jolted awake, to a loud knock on the door. That was the most sleep he’d had in twenty four hours, and was thoroughly enjoying it. “Gah, Walnut, it’s too early!” Shadow shouted, his head throbbing slightly. He thought to himself, “Whatever I drank was definitely not pure.” and answered the door, leaning heavily on the door frame. “We have guests. Make yourself pretty and come on down. They’re two rather pretty mares who look like they could use a hot meal and a cold drink.” “What are you, my father?” “Son, I’ve bedded so many mares, it’s quite possible.” Walnut chuckled loudly, eliciting a groan from Shadow. “Alright, alright, I’ll be right down.” Shadow didn’t quite understand why he needed to meet these guests, but Shadow didn’t mind. The more the merrier. Walnut’s jokes got old, quick. Much like Walnut himself. After Shadow had “tidied up” He trotted happily down the stairs, and could have sworn he heard Twilight’s voice in the next room. At that moment, he thought he might have finally lost his marbles. Why in the wide world would Twilight come all the way out here, especially with no idea he’d left, and two foals at home. He shook his head, trotting into the kitchenette. *** “Fluttershy! can you two make any bigger a mess?” Applejack said, running over to the foals’ high chairs, where there was gobs of what appeared to be oatmeal and milk all over the table. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to feed them, Applejack.” Fluttershy squeaked, dodging another oatmeal bullet that had been thrown with near-expert precision. “I’m used to feeding my animals, not foals.” She squeaked again, catching and earful of brown goo. “They’re foals, Shy. All they eat is foal formula! check the fridge!” Applejack yelled a little louder than she intended. “Star? Star, where are you?” Applejack called, looking for the midnight blue colt, who, as of yet, had not been seen. “I think he’s in our room!” Spike called from the kitchen, hurrying to clean whatever new messes he could. There were four of them here. How Shadow and Twilight did this on a daily basis, Spike would never know. “Pinkie, stop making them laugh!” Flutters squealed, noticing that Pinkie was behind the oatmeal tossing contest. “And miss out on a round of oatmeal airplane? heck no!” Pinkie giggled in delight. “Star, come on, young’un! we ain’t got time to play hide n’ seek! The crusaders will be here any minute lookin’ for ya!” Applejack called, heading deeper into the building. With the relative quiet of the deeper recesses on the homestead, Applejack heard light snoring in the room on her left, figuring it must have been Star, who should have been awake an hour ago. “Star, it’s time for school.” Applejack knocked lightly on the doorframe, trying not to startle the young colt too badly. “Aunt Jackie, I think I’m sick!” Star faked a cough, hoping she would buy it and let him sleep. “Not likely, little partner!” Applejack hoisted him gently by his tail like she had to do to Applebloom on so many occasions. “Hop to it now. The crusaders are gon’ be here any second. I don’t need them causing a ruckus on top of those two foals in the kitchen. Good Celestia Above…” Applejack sighed. She’d never been so happier that she only had Bloom to worry about. “But Aunt Jackie!” Star whined, trying ever so desperately to stay home. “Star, please, help me out here. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now and I need as much cooperation as possible from everypony.” Applejack laid down, getting eye to eye with the young colt. “I know yah miss Twilight n’ Shadow, and I know you’re worried about them, but they’re big ponies. Why, they’ll probably be home by time you get home, little man.” “I guess so, Aunt Jackie. But I have one more question, Then I promise I’ll get ready.” “Shoot.” “What’s coo-op-er-asian?” Star said, enunciating each syllable as well as he could. “Help, little guy. Now get to it. I’m sure I can find something for you to eat before ya go. Maybe even some...Apple Pie.” Applejack said, tipping a wink to the little colt. “Dessert? At breakfast! yayy!!” Star screamed in delight. Twilight would never let him eat pie in the morning. “But only if you’re ready in five minutes.” “10 seconds flat!” Star screeched, imitating Rainbow almost to perfection. “Hyuck hyuck, you got it, little pardner.” Applejack left the room with a smile. That little colt’s attitude was infectious. “Aunt Jackie?” “Yeah, pardner?” Star was thinking about asking another question, but he decided not to. After Applejack had gotten out of earshot, he talked to the walls in his room to get it off his chest. “Walls, do you think Shadow is OK?” He knew walls couldn’t talk, but he felt like they could maybe listen. When the walls didn’t cave in on him, he assumed that was a sign that Shadow was alright, and that was more than enough for him. As AJ entered the kitchen, she realized the ruckus had calmed down somewhat. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike had all started cleaning up the kitchen after finally getting the foals to settle down, who were both drinking happily from bottles. “Great job, ponies and dragons. We’ll be A-ok if we can keep this up until Twilight gets back.” “I hope that’s soon. I don’t think I could handle another round of “oatmeal airplane.” Fluttershy said, who was effectively coated in oatmeal.” “Hehe, Not so easy as your critters, huh, Shy?” Applejack chuckled. “Even Angel Bunny is more tolerable on his worst days.” “That was super-duper fun!” Pinkie Squealed. “I’ve never been beaten at oatmeal airplane, but those twins are amazing at it!” Pinkie finished, snorting and laughing. “I’m wondering why you actually have a name for that fiasco.” Spike grunted, plopping down at the table with a plate of pancakes. “Well..” “Another time, Pinkie.” Applejack told her, sitting down at the last available seat. “Aunt Jackie, I’m ready!” Star squeaked as he entered the kitchen. “Good gracious, ten seconds flat, young’un” Applejack chuckled, pulling an Apple Pie from her bags. “I figured you ponies and dragon would be hungry, So I slipped out last night after everyone calmed down and grabbed this.” She said, cutting the pie into equal chunks for those assembled, Star included. “Not exactly rib-stickin’ good, but better than nothing.” They ate in silence, and without missing a beat, the crusaders had arrived on the scene, happy and laughing. After hellos and goodbyes were said, the three mares finally had a moment to themselves. “Do you think Twilight and Rarity are OK?” Flutters asked, all the weariness in her voice finally evident. “I bet my cupcake eating trophies they are 100 % ok.” Pinkie Said softly, The worry evident in her voice. “Ladies, Twilight is one of the smartest ponies I know. And don’t let Rarity fool you. I taught her a long time ago that getting dirty is ok in certain circumstances. This is one of them.” Applejack said confidently. “I don’t think there’s a better pair of ponies to hunt down Shadow. I’m still not sitting right with what he did, but if Twilight thinks he’s still worth it, I’m behind her all the way. You both see the , way they look at each other. Nothin’ can tear those two apart.” “You’re so totally right Applejack…” Pinkie tried being as boisterous as usual, but she just didn’t have it in her. She barely was able to stifle a yawn. “Girls, Y’all can go on home if’n ya like. Shy desperately needs a shower and you both need some sleep. I’ll handle this here.” Applejack said, placing each of her forehooves on each of her friends’ shoulders. “Are you sure, Applejack?” Shy asked, stifling a yawn herself. “Go, girls. I’ve got it. I’ll take me a little nap on the couch after these foals nod off. The crusaders and Star aren’t due back for hours.” “OK, Applejack. We’ll leave. Since Sugarcube corner is closer than Shy’s cottage, have Spike come get me if you need me.” “Thank you, Pinkie. Goodbye girls.” “Bye, Applejack.” The mares said in tired unison, Pinkie following Shy out. “Well, nothing really to do, huh, kids?” Applejack asked the two drowsy foals before her. While she didn’t have kids of her own, she wouldn’t mind it. “Shadow, you idiot. Why’d you have to screw up so badly?” AJ asked the empty building around her. The only given answer was a groan from the beams around her. Author's Note Wow yet another update! Well here is another message from Southpaw! _____________ Southpaw here! Hai guyz! I decided there was too much angst is the last two chapters, so I left this one on a slightly more lighthearted note, with AJ, Shy, and Pinkie babysitting a houseful of kids. I like how it turned out and had a lot of fun writing the “house, foal, and everythingsitting” bit. And hooray for mama-ish Applejack! I always felt, from day 1, that AJ would be a bit more “take charge and be responsible” type, especially when it comes to the young’uns, while also humbling her by giving her and Star a bit of a “moment.” Chapter 8:Love conquers All Part 4Shadow and Twilight couldn’t believe what they were seeing. “Shadow…” “Twilight…” Nothing more needed to be said. Tears were flowing freely from their eyes as they embraced each other tightly, that moment feeling like an eternity. “Twilight, how did you find me all the way out here? I don’t even know where I am.” Shadow said, amazed at his wife’s pure drive and instinct. “I followed your heart, love. I felt you pulling and calling for me.” “What do you mean?” “Well, the entire way here, I kept hearing your voice in my head and my heart. Maybe we have some sort of magical link because we’re married, or both unicorns.” “I won’t say that’s impossible, but highly farfetched.” “Maybe so. It didn’t make sense to me at first, But I kind of went with it and it led me here.” “But that storm last night, it was insane. how did you make it through the night?” “I, we, have Rarity to thank for that.” “Rarity? how? why?” Sensing it was her turn to speak finally, Rarity took it. “Shadow, you heard the story of me and the diamond dogs, as well as my cutie mark story. I used that same spell to find us a cave to sleep in overnight.” She finished solemnly, trotting slowly up to Shadow. “Shadow, I’m so, so sorry for what I did. I can never forgive myself, but I honestly hope you will, in time. I knew you weren’t feeling yourself, but I took advantage of it. I’m disgusted with myself.” “Rarity, even though what happened, did happen, with your direct intervention, you were able to reunite Twilight and Me. Where would our foals be without you helping Twilight make it here safely?” “But Shadow, I dirtied your honest, good nature for my own gain. That’s hardly something for the element of generosity to brag about.” Rarity said, confused. Shadow seemed gleeful to say the least, even after the catastrophe at their home. “No, that deed is not something to brag about, but you reuniting us after we could have been permanently done for, is.” With that, Shadow hugged the misty eyed mare who had, to say the least, been through hell and back, along with Twilight. He didn’t linger too long, but Twilight seemed ok with it, for now. Walnut had watched the reunion in silence, keeping to himself and leaning easily against the doorway. He had remembered his first, and last big fight with his wife. And he knew exactly where the couple were coming from. “Well, ladies, is this the pony you were looking for?” Walnut interjected, the lovers still staring deep into each other’s eyes. “Exactly the one.” Twilight said happily, kissing Shadow long and deep, so long, in fact, that Walnut and Rarity needed to look away for a second. “Well, I just wouldn’t feel right sending y’all on your way without a hot meal. Would y’all care to join me for dinner tonight?” Three stomachs grumbled in unison, answering the question for them. “Well, dinner will probably be ready in about an hour or so. Till, then, make yourself comfortable. There’s not much here, but there is a warm fire and a radio in the next room.” “Thank you, Walnut.” Shadow said, sparing a momentary glance at the pony. “I’m not expecting the girls to cook, but you’re a different story, Shadow. I don’t care if she is your wife. Cook for her once in awhile. it does the heart good.” “Wait what?” “You heard me. You. Me. Cook Dinner. Clear?” “Yes, Walnut” “Good, let’s get a move on. We still have vegetables to pick and clean.” And so, dinner was made, subsequently eaten, and then tidied up. After all was said and done, Shadow finally noticed the mark he left on Twilight, which stung him more than it did her. “Did I do that to you, Twilight?” Shadow asked, astonished at his own display of brutality. “Yes, you did, Shadow. But I didn’t know you did until the girls told me what they had gathered.” “I’m so sorry honey. So Sorry…” Shadow said, gently caressing the bruise. “It’s fine, Shadow. You had no choice. I don’t even remember the magical storm. All I remember was confronting you outside of the study, and then, I woke up laying on the reading couch with an Ice Pack on my face and Star dozing off next to me.” “OH, celestia, Twilight! The boys! are they OK? the foals too? They saw everything..I hope they don’t hate me…” Shadow said, looking downcast at the floor. “Relax, Shadow, the boys, the foals, they’re OK. I left them in Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie’s hooves.” “Pinkie, really?” Shadow said skeptically. Why Pinkie, he thought to himself. “Who better to keep them laughing and happy while we’re both gone?” “Seems legit.” Shadow shrugged. While Pinkie was far from idea, she was better than most. Her experience with the cake babies helped. “How are we getting home?” Rarity asked, realizing that they were low on supplies and plus one more pony. “Well, it so happens I have an old cart in the back field. If we start on it tomorrow morning, we can have it up and running by midafternoon, and we’ll have you all back in Ponyville by suppertime.” Walnut grunted from across the room. “Back when my son still lived here, and my wife hadn’t passed yet, we were sole providers of potatoes and carrots for the towns to the north and east. While things didn’t fetch as many bits as they do now, it was an easier way of livin’ than trekkin’ back and forth between towns for work. With me getting older in years, Norma passin’ on, and my son doing who knows what, I gave up. Been living off of what I’d managed to save up over the years. “That’s so tragic, Walnut..” Rarity intoned, listening intently to his every word. “Aye, so it was...I didn’t have much left in me after She’d passed. “I don’t think I would either. She sounds like a good mare.” “Gods above, she was. Put a raunchy young stallion like me on the straight and narrow, and I never looked back. I used to raise all sorts’ a ruckus back when. I would bed a new mare every night if’n i could get away with it…” At that moment, Shadow snorted back laughter and Rarity gasped, her mouth dropping open. Shadow’s laughter was halted by a swift forehoof to his right front leg, delivered by Twilight. “Sorry hon.” Shadow grinned sheepishly. “Regardless of...how many mares you..” Rarity swallowed hard, and then continued “...bedded…how did a single mare change all of that?” Rarity was a hound for these sorts of sappy romance stories, as vulgar and steamy as they may be at times. “It was actually really funny and simple. I was on my way to trying my luck with another mare after I had just struck out with her, and she grabbed me by my tail and told me “If you can move that quickly from one mare to the next, how am I to know you’re worth my time you filthy stallion?!?” “After taking a lashing like that, I couldn’t very well let it be, so I says to her, I says, “...If you can’t let me go that easily, why should I even try again? you could be squirrel-poop crazy for all I know!” I shouted, and then, she slapped me so hard she knocked my filthy little flank to the ground in front of all my boys!” He laughed. Rarity was still aghast at the entire sequence, but couldn’t walk away. After Walnut had regained himself, he got back to his story. “Well, after that night, I couldn’t get that mare out of my mind. I would be thinking about her at work, or at the bar, so, I says to myself, “Walnut, if you let that mare go, you’ll never live down the fact that she whooped you good.” “And then, things led to things led to things, and before I knew it, we was married and our son was on his way into the world…” A whimsical smile crossed Walnut’s face, and at that, he cried. Those assembled watched in silence, knowing this was something he hadn’t done in years. “Gods above, I miss that mare. I really do. Every day, three times a day, I visit her headstone, just to have a chat with her…” Walnut sniffed, wiping his tears. “Shame on you ponies..” Walnut was smiling whimsically once again “Making an old stallion cry like a newborn foal.” Then, Rarity did something she wouldn’t normally ever do. “Walnut, you’re a wonderful old stallion, and I wish you many happy years. Norma was very fortunate to have you.” She then approached him, hugging him, like a daughter would her father. “Do you have a picture of her, Walnut?” Rarity asked, the gears turning in her head. The hardened old pony sniffled, and then pointed at a single picture of he and his beloved on their wedding day. “how about some old bedsheets, blankets, anything?” “In a closet upstairs. I really ever sleep on the couch. Why?” “If you trust me, you’ll see.” “What am I gonna do with them?” Rarity took that as a go ahead sign, and began constructing her latest masterpiece. She was up well into the night, and had retired long after Walnut had dozed off in front of the fire, and the lovebirds had retired to Shadow’s room.” With a long, deep yawn, Rarity laid the blanket over the old stallion. It was that very picture, of Norma in her wedding dress, that had inspired Rarity. She had used the mare’s image as a template for a large throw blanket that Walnut could wrap up in whenever he felt cold and alone. Walnut roused briefly, watching Rarity crawl up the stairs, exhausted beyond her limits. He’d wondered why she was still awake, and then realized what had been wrapped around him. “That Sweet, Sweet mare….” He smiled. “I knew she wasn’t all bad…” He then fell promptly back to sleep. Morning came too early for his liking. Rarity yawned again, and settled into Walnut and Norma’s old bed, and she slept, heavier than ever, for the first time in days. *** The next morning dawned bright and clear, with the brilliant blue of the sky, infinite in its’ size. The Stallions had done most of the work on the cart, repairing wheels, axles, and the like, while Twilight and Rarity had repaired the old canvas top, and even managed to refresh the paint job on the old wooden transport. The group looked upon the transport proudly, and before they knew it, they were homeward bound. While Shadow and Walnut had chatted up front, the mares were resting in the back, Rarity especially, who had only caught maybe a three hour nap before the morning call of the rooster had woken her. At present, though, Rarity and Shadow had switched places so Twilight could be closer to Shadow. After being so close to losing him, she couldn’t bear the thought of his warm body away from her. Before long, they had arrived in the very town Twilight and Rarity had passed through, and stopped off for a bite to eat. As Vulgar as he was sometimes, Walnut was an absolute pleasure to have around, and kept the group laughing and happy the whole trip through. As Celestia’s sun was setting, they saw the very path to Ponyville, lit up like bits of colored glass due to the naturally occurring crystals in the cobblestones. “Everypony, y’all are home.” Walnut announced proudly, the oxen’s hooves’ clicking on the cobbles below. “I never thought I’d be happier to see Ponyville.” Rarity said, allowing herself a smile. “Welcome home, My Love.” Twilight said, nuzzling Shadow’s strong neck, which he accepted. No embrace had ever made him happier. “I’m glad to be home, love.” Shadow’s voice shook slightly, and only Twilight’s warmth against his stopped him from crying. Even sooner still, they were just arriving at the gate to their home, and who should spy them first, but Shooting Star. “Shadow, Twilight, you’re home!!” He squeaked ecstatically, plowing into the both of them as hard as he could muster. “I thought you would never get home, and I would never see you again, and, and…” Star then burst into tears, soaking Shadow and Twilight’s forelegs within minutes. By now, those assembled had heard the ruckus, and were surrounding the party, bombarding them with questions about who, what, where, why, and how. Even the normally stoic and strong Applejack allowed herself a few tears of joy. She’d never been happier to see anypony in her whole life, and was surprised, to find out, that she found herself hugging both Twilight and Shadow, cracking their neck vertebrae. “OW, ow, AJ, too hard” the pair grunted, and they all laughed. “And who’s this fine young mare, here?” Black Walnut said, indicating the strong orange mare that made Shadow grimace. Everypony had forgotten he was even there. “Applejack, old timer.” She said, offering her hoof, which was shook. “Black Walnut at your service, missus.” “Aren’t you the charmer, stallion?” AJ said, somewhat flattered. He was strong and country, that was for sure, but yet he was a different breed of country. “Everypony, quiet down, please.” Shadow announced loudly. Shadow didn’t speak much, so if he did, it was important. “Everypony, this here is Black Walnut. He’s partly responsible for saving me from myself. He’s kept me safe and fed while I cleared my head, and I would like you all to treat him as you do me.” Assorted hellos and hi’s were said, hooves shaken, and after the introductions were made, the party retreated inside to hear a full recount of the past few days’ events, on all sides of the spectrum. The reunion was indeed joyous, and Shadow, if nopony else knew, that he had found a guardian angel in the rough old stallion named Black Walnut. After the events had finally calmed down and most everyone had gone home or to sleep, Shadow and Twilight were dozing happily together in their bedroom, when suddenly, they felt a little lump between the two of them. “Shadow, are you…?” “Nope, not me.” Shadow groaned. Then a familiar pair of wings brushed against Shadow’s belly. “Star, is that you?” Twilight sighed, half asleep. “We’re both very tired. We’ll talk to you more tomorrow, honey.” “Yes, it’s me…” They heard an adorable little yawn, and then “I missed you guys so much. Can I sleep in here tonight?” “I suppose. If Twilight’s fine with it.” Shadow said. Frankly, he missed Star as well, and felt he was more his son than his best friend in a pony’s body. “It’s fine, but if either of you two start snoring, I’ll poof you to the couch.” “Yes ma’am.” They said in synchronous, both yawning. “Goodnight, dad.” Star mumbled, finally dozing off. “Goodnight, my boy.” Shadow grunted, and with that, they were both out cold. Twilight wasn’t sure what she might have just heard, but she didn’t particularly mind it, either. She was happy to have all of her boys back, be they young, old, or otherwise. Author's Note Welp the Shadow and Twilight have been re- *fizzles out then in* oh no you don't! Not this time! But yes they are reunited an- *fizzles out* Southpaw’s Corner! Hey y’all! A lot here, as is my custom. We have two reunions, a d’aww moment, and a new character, Black Walnut, thrown into the mix! How fun is he? And, don’t forget, a GenerRarity moment! Which was kind of adorable. I had loads of fun writing Walnut’s little backstory here, as well as GenerRarity. As much as she fucked up the entire situation, and therefore, directly affected this entire thing, I couldn’t leave her on a bad note. Even though she’s not exactly one of my favorites, I still like her. Walnut’s role won’t be exactly central to our epic, but, he’s going to be a voice of reason and guidance, with the occasional pervy quip. Shadow could use something like that, eh? And, he seems to fit pretty well in our exceptionally long dramafic. *fizzles back in* ...What he said...
Chapter 1: Relationship's & surprises Chapter 1: Relationship's & surprises Dreams Do Come True:Side Story:Always Been At Your Side By Sparknanator & Southpawfight614 _______________________________________________________________________________ The early morning silence was broken by the sound of a heavy wood door slamming, as an angry wine-red unicorn left his humble treehouse home, soon tailed by an equally angry lavender mare. These two were once happy newlyweds, and proud guardians of a royal prince. But after they got married, they soon ran into financial and emotional troubles, which got the best of the two normally serene and smiling lovers. Supporting a rapidly-growing Alicorn prince, and an equally ravenous Adolescent Dragon, put their bitpurses “tight” at best. “Twilight, we have got to find a way to feed ourselves and those two food vacuums.” A snarling Shadowfoot growled at his wife, who he couldn’t look straight in the face when he was angry, because it always broke his temper. This was no “haha, it’s ok.” Matter. Their finances were truly strained at this point, and since Shadow wasn’t required to send those letters to the princess anymore, he had no income. The only other income came from the occasional transfer from Twilight’s brother or parents. “If a certain somepony would get off his rump and find some real income, we would be fine!” Twilight screeched, angry, but exasperated at the same time. Though she truly loved her upstanding, understanding, caring, smart, and sometimes goofball husband, his merits did not put food on their table. Money wasn’t always the root of their arguments, but it was the most common. “The library is paid off, as well as the loans for the wedding! Why is it so hard for you to put a few extra bits in our wallets, Shadow?” “Open your eyes, Twilight. There is no real income. Those who already have jobs struggle to keep them, those who don’t struggle to find them.” Shadow growled, a bit on the mean side. “You’re the prodigy of the Great and Powerful Celestia, and also her son’s babysitter. You figure she would toss a few bits our way…” Shadow grumbled. “BEING A PRODIGY IS NO EASY TASK, ESPECIALLY FOR WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME! MY TEACHER PAID FOR OUR WEDDING AND HOME, DID YOU FORGET?” Twilight yelled, now on the verge of breaking into tears, or asking for a divorce. That stopped Shadow in his tracks. This time, he rounded on Twilight, assuming a full-height stance. Very slowly, enunciating each word, he spoke. “No, I did not forget your great and powerful teacher set us up with the home and wedding of our dreams, and I would ask you kindly to not throw it in my face. Did you forget I was dropped here purely for Star’s benefit?” Twilight knew she had overstepped her bounds, venting her frustrations on the one Stallion who looked at her twice. “No, Shadow, I didn’t mean it like that…please…I’m sorry…” She said, trying to bore holes into the cobbled path below her hooves, for she now felt lower than the dirt the path was laid in. For all he was, Shadow did not take disrespect lightly, especially when he still felt like a stranger to this land. “I know you’re a stranger here, Shadow, but it’s time you stepped up and became the stallion I know you can be.” She approached her angered husband, whose special talent was supposed to be negotiations. Gingerly, she approached her husband, nuzzling him, which slowly turned into a delicious kiss, much akin to when they had first kissed. In that same moment, all of Shadow’s frustration seeped away. “Twilight. You haven’t kissed me like that since…” “Since the first night we made love, Shadow…I’m doing my best to keep us afloat, but I need your help. For Spike, Star, and…” Then Twilight stopped herself, afraid of how he may react to what she’d almost said. Her friends already knew, but she refused to tell Shadow, especially since they were arguing. “and who, Twilight?” asked Shadow, immediately knowing by her abrupt stop and voice tone she was leaving someone or something out. “Never you mind, love.” Twilight implored him, hoping he would let it rest for now. “Just promise me, you’ll find employment soon. We can’t live off of my savings forever. I know, Twilight. It’s difficult. It’s a shame my backstory didn’t follow me into this universe.” Shadow chuckled to himself. “Backstory…? I don’t follow…” Twilight asked quizzically, now forgetting the argument and wondering why he would say such a thing. “ You do remember I used to be a human, right?” “Yes, of course. How could I forget. It’s your deep dark secret…aside from those magazines I found on your side of the bed.” She told him, coyly. “Hey! Those aren’t mine! Or, aren’t anymore…eheheh…” “Am I not sexy enough for you mister ex-human” Twilight said, rubbing up against the most sensitive part of his flank with hers. “what? no! whoa! Hey! We’re in public, Twilight!” “Well, Rarity showed me this place in the park….” She hinted once more. “Mare, you better not…” Shadow warned his wife, sternly, but faltering. “Better not what?” She said, but did anyway, grazing on his ear with her teeth. “You did it anyway…” Her action sending shivers down Shadow’s spine and other places unspeakable. “Back to the nature at hand.” Shadow coughed, assuming his best professional tone, partly for the sake of his next statement, and partially partly to stop himself from rutting Twilight in the middle of the street at 7am. “I will most certainly keep pursuing employment, but until I find stable income, keep an eye on those two. They’re thick as thieves and eat ten times as much as their weight.” Shadow huffed. “And in my backstory, I am a particularly well-to-do unicorn.” “But in this moment, you are not and never will be unless you get a move on.” Twilight said, kissing him one last time before they parted ways. “And by the way, that WAS an invitation, Shadow.” Twilight said, trotting off, purposefully bouncing her flank as she walked. That would get him for sure. Momentarily hypnotized by his wife’s rear, Shadow shook his head. Daylight was burning away, and he needed work soon. As Shadow proceeded along the main drag of a sleepy ponyville, he stopped at the bulletin board, looking for any new jobs that may have been posted within the early morning. Much to his disappointment, there was nothing readily open for the next few hours. What was he to do with the time at hand, he wondered. he then heard a fight going on somewhere down the road. Pointing his ears toward the ruckus, he distinctly heard Applebloom, and then Scootaloo, followed by the little brat named Diamond Tiara. “What are those fillies up to now?” Shadow wondered to himself. Fights between these few were notoriously common, mostly because Tiara was spoiled rotten, and found nothing better to do than harass the three blank-flanks known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Rounding the corner, he saw Tiara push Applebloom down into a mud puddle, while her equally-rotten friend Silver Spoon giggled maliciously. On the verge of tears, Applebloom picked herself up and ran off, Scoots tailing her, while shouting insults back at the pair of rotten fillies. What they were not paying attention to, was the massive unicorn right in their path. with a heavy thud, Scootaloo and Applebloom ran into each one of Shadow’s forelegs. “Girls, are you alright?” Shadow asked the pair, knowing the answer already. “We’re OK, Mr. Shadow..” Applebloom sniffled, being helped up by Shadow and Scootaloo. He admired Applebloom’s strength, much like her sister and brother, but she was still young yet. “No, you’re not.” Shadow said, stern but gentle. “I saw the whole thing. And those two need to be taught a lesson.” Shadow grunted, walking up towards the pair of still giggling fillies. “You two, over here, now please.” Shadow said to the two, making sure they heard and saw him. “Who are you?” Diamond Tiara demanded of Shadow. We all know Shadow doesn’t take kindly to disrespect. “Girls, I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. All I want to know, is why you are always so mean to those two poor fillies over there. If you can’t tell me, maybe your fathers will. They are both respected members of our fair ponyville, as am I, so naturally, I know things.” “You don’t scare me, you striped freak!” Diamond Tiara shrieked. “I’m not here to scare you. I just want to know why you’re always so mean.” “Well, they’re the only two blank-flanks left in our school, not including that dodo bird named Sweetie Belle.” Silver Spoon snickered. “And they’re poor, unlike us.” Tiara chimed in. “And how is it fair to treat them so differently? What if you were in the same situation as those three? I doubt they would treat you any differently. They might even be your friends.” “I don’t want them as friends. I have my daddy’s money and that’s all I need.” Diamond Tiara said defiantly. “In that case, you two really are rotten little fillies, and you’re both coming with me.” Shadow then levitated the pair in his crimson magical aura. Though this was probably illegal, it was still quite early in the morning and nopony would be around, hopefully. “Hey! put me down, Where are you taking me?! I demand to know!” Diamond Tiara shouted “I’m taking you to apologize to Misses Applebloom and Scootaloo, and then to your respective fathers to have them deal with you personally. I’m going to set you down, but if you run off, you’ll be right back in my grip, learning the finer points of a mid air backflip, capiece?” “Yes, Mr. Shadow.” The usually defiant pair of fillies said solemnly. After apologies were given and thus, accepted, the fillies were now in front of both their fathers, suffering a severe tongue lashing, Shadow right on their little wiggly tails. After punishments were given, the three stallions adjourned to Filthy Rich’s study for an early drink, and thus, the topic of employment came up. “Shadow, my good stallion, I’m grateful you brought Tiara’s action into light for me. Teasing is one thing, but violence, entirely different.” Filthy said as he sipped on his bourbon. “I don’t agree with either practice, Sir.” Shadow said, lowering his glass onto a cork coaster in front of him. “Kids will be kids, yes, but behavior like that must be stopped early, or it will carry on through all of their educational years and into their adult lives.” “How can you be so certain, my good man?” Filthy retorted. “I was in the same schools, same classes, with the same ponies, for many years. I was one of the victims of that sort of thing through all those years. And sure as Celestia’s sun, those that didn’t mature became rotten ponies whose only aim was to make others miserable. School friendships are superficial at times, and their friends they once had, left them.” “That’s..quite deep, Mr. Shadow. I wouldn’t expect a gentlepony such as yourself to know of such things.” “I wasn’t always the pony you see before you.” Shadow said solemnly, reflecting on what he remembered of his past life, which was slowly fading, as life in equestria took over. “I could use a gentlepony like yourself for my company. How would you like a job, Shadow?” “Wait, a job?” Shadow asked, dumbfounded. “I heard it through the grapevine you may be looking at financial trouble, my good Stallion.” “Rarity...” Shadow grumbled. “She must have overheard the argument this morning” Shadow thought to himself. “And I could use a pony of your integrity and common sense to put my employees on the right track. So what do you say?” “What kind of position are we talking, sir?” Shadow asked. He would take the job anyway, but he wanted to know what he was getting into. “I was thinking, upper management?” Filthy told the Stallion before him. “Management, honestly?” Shadow said, now totally blown away. “Well, yes. I need a driving force, and you’re it. not many ponies would be brazen enough to drag a young filly to her home against her will, without fear of repercussions.” “Trust me, I was fearing, alright.” Shadow chuckled. “Thank you sir, I’ll happily take the job. When will you need me?” “10am Sharp.Today. And wear a tie at least. Casual Friday isn’t until tomorrow. Matter of fact, get yourself a nice collar-tie combo, on me.” A bag of bits plopped itself on the table next to Shadow. More than enough for even the most dressiest of fashions. “Holy Celestia sir, are you sure I need all of that?” Shadow asked, dropping the bits into a saddlebag. “Sign on bonus, plus first week’s pay, plus a few extra for teaching my daughter a lesson. I take it we have a deal?” “We most certainly do.” Shadow said as the last of their drinks were drained from the blue crystal glasses they were drinking from. *** Shadow, now officially employed, jogged as fast as he could to his home. Judging by the bag of bits he carried, He and Twilight would be much less concerned with finances for a good long time. “Twilight!” Shadow yelled joyfully as he burst through the front door of the library. Instead of being greeted by a certain lavender mare, he heard a loud thud, followed by a flurry of papers and the smell of burnt fur. Shadow blinked, and then looked toward the now-demolished bookcase, where a dizzy and disoriented Shooting Star was laying, groaning softly. “Dafu...?” Shadow said, just now noticing the gangly young Alicorn was, for all intents and purposes, knocked out. “My goddess, boy. What have you gotten yourself into now?” Shadow trotted over, lifting Star onto a nearby chair. “Was trying..teleport...” Star groaned, nodding back off. It was then that Shadow noticed Star’s muzzle looking a little crooked. Though it wasn’t bleeding, yet, it was bound to be painful. Shadow sighed heavily, then proceeded to look for his wife, whom had heard the ruckus and now came from the basement. Twilight’s mouth dropped to the floor, and couldn’t seem to lift itself back up. Sensing her thoughts, Shadow spoke up. “Star’s fine, I think. He’ll be sore, and possibly concussed, but fine after a little while. He tried to teleport like Aunt Twilight.” Shadow laughed. “But, your bookshelf, not so much. I’ve got amazing news, by the way.” Finally snapping out of her stunned silence, Twilight finally spoke, still in disbelief. “News, honey? what news?” “I’ve found a job with a particularly pretty pay rate.” The bit bag plunked onto the table, seemingly unaffected by the purchase of a hundred-bit collar and tie. “Shadow, that’s...probably more than I’ve earned in my entire life. How?” “Well, Mr. Filthy Rich seems to see me as some sort of visionary, and a new figurehead for his employees. I’m his new VP of Employee Relations. I make sure everypony is happy with their jobs, and keep morale up, which leads to higher productivity. Basically, I’m a well-paid sugar pill.” “If that’s your monthly income, we could easily afford a bigger home.” Twilight said, Amazed. “Well, after subtracting my sign on bonus and the few extra bits I was given for talking some sense into Diamond Tiara, this is my weekly pay.” Shadow said, seperating his weekly from the rest. A healthy pile of about 200 gleaming bits was looking back at Twilight, some even freshly minted, with no dirt, dust, grime, or hoofprints, “But, Twilight, we are not buying a bigger home. If we continue living as we do, and managing our bit flow, we’ll be set for months, if not years, depending on if I can keep this job.” “Shadow, I should mention I have some news, also.” Twilight said, a different, gentler tone in her voice. “Really, what’s that, love?” Shadow asked. “Shadow, I’m pregnant.” Twilight said. Then, silence. “Preg-what?” Shadow asked, unsure of what he heard. “Pregnant, you big red dummy. With not one, but two foals.” Twilight continued. “Twilight, that’s...amazing!” Shadow was overjoyed. He was going to be a father! officially! His equestrian life had now come full circle. “We’ll definitely need a bigger home, Shadow. At least within the next year. We can’t avoid it when we have two foals on the way. And those two adolescent clowns need separate rooms. They’re not kids anymore.” “And why exactly is Star not allowed to go back to Canterlot?” Shadow wondered aloud. “Celestia and Luna can defend themselves from attack. Star can’t yet. Not well, at least. And with Celestia all but destroyed by Queen Cheeselegs, we’re pretty much his only defense against attack. “And spike?” Shadow plodded on. “Spike’s too nice to act like a real dragon. He’s not mean, scary, or vicious. and he’s still 12.” Twilight said matter of factly.” “and pretty much your son, hence my stepson..” Shadow groaned. “yeah, seems about right.” “I HEARD THAT!” Spike shrieked from above. “I can too be mean and vicious and stuff!” “you startled the witch!” Shadow yelled, getting clueless expressions from his wife. “What...?” Twilight asked. “Human joke. Nevermind.” “Well anyway, we should start looking for a bigger home. I won’t sell the library, though.” “We won’t need it.” “This has been my home for close to four years. it means a lot to me. “Then you can pay someone to watch it.” “Fine.” Thats right everypony the Sparknanator & Southpawfighter614 writing team is back I hope you liked the chapter now warning I can not be sure when updates will come for this but I hope you all like it
Chapter 2: Mistakes Chapter 2: Mistakes With the financial roller coaster all but stopped for Twilight and Shadow, a new problem was about to rear it’s pretty mane, in the shape of a periwinkle blue unicorn from Shadow’s day’s in Canterlot. Shadow and Twilight were enjoying their new financial freedom in the ponyville market, shopping for odds and ends. some parchment and quill here, some candles there, but what Shadow wasn’t expecting to see was his old friend, Evening Breeze, at the same market. Regrettably, Breeze noticed him first. “Shadow! Shadowfoot!” A familiar, feminine voice called the unicorn’s name. Looking around, and not quite believing what he was hearing, he quickly spotted the source of the voice. Squinting in the noonday sun, he saw a familiar bluish colored unicorn, tall and graceful, sharing the same trademark stripes that he had, except a different color than his. “Evening Breeze, is that you?” Shadow approached apprehensively. She could easily dismember him if she wanted. “Of course it is, you silly pony! How many ponies do you know look like us, especially in Canterlot?” “Not many, that’s for certain.” Shadow laughed. Twilight heard the ruckus, and turned to see the most shocking sight of the day. Her husband and father of their children talking up some strange mare. Trying to contain her anger, she walked up behind Shadow, startling him. “Shadow, my love, friend of yours?” She said, barely containing herself. “Uh, yeah Twilight. This is Evening Breeze. She taught me the finer points of babysitting an overly energetic Alicorn Prince.” “Oh yeah, that Little Demon called Shooting Star, right? He was an unholy terror, but you seemed to always be able to make him calm. I only taught you to exercise patience.” “I’ll have you know that Star is one of the most well-behaved little colts in ponyville, Miss Breeze.” Twilight said sternly. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were familiar with the young prince.” Breeze replies, just as sternly. Shadow’s Cutie Mark was starting to itch. If he didn’t stop this now, there was gonna be a brawl. and two full grown unicorns would definitely destroy most of ponyville if left unchecked. “Ladies, please. Can’t we be civil adults? Twilight, she didn’t mean anything by it. He really was a little terror. He’d come a long way since before you took over guardianship by my side. And Breeze, you know better than to say such things, especially around strangers. Now, if you like, Breeze, you may come see the ex-unholy terror, for he’s living with me and Twilight here in Ponyville. Perhaps we can have some tea and share memories instead of verbal punches?” “Seems fair. If Miss Twilight will have me?” Breeze ventured. She had never been one to hold her tongue, but knew when she overstepped her bounds. “Who am I to deny my husband some other company besides myself and our young charges?” Twilight said flatly. She didn’t like the idea, but swallowed her pride for Shadow’s benefit. “So, off we go then.” Shadow trotted off, followed closely by Twilight and Evening Breeze. *** Meanwhile, back at the Library, Spike and Star, upon a fit of boredom, decided to raid Twilight and Shadow’s room for snacks, but instead found some questionable reading material under Shadow’s side of he and Twilight’s bed. Leafing through the pages, they found a particularly beautiful unicorn, in all her glory, as the centerfold of one of the back issues. Deciding it would be easier to throw away the dirty magazines than try hiding them again, they made a dash for the paper burner in the living room, when they ran smack into Shadow’s rump. Shaking the dizziness from their heads, they tried gathering up the incriminating evidence, but Shadow had beat them to it. “Boys, what are you doing with these?” Shadow asked sternly. “Well, spike...” “but star..” “he wanted snacks!” “he was bored!” “Enough you two. both of you go to your room. Now. We’ll deal with this later.” Twilight spoke up. After the pair dejectedly trotted back upstairs, Twilight rounded on Shadow. “I thought I told you to get rid of those.” “I was, but then you wanted to go shopping.” “You couldn’t have tossed them on the way downstairs?” “I...” “Enough, Shadow. We’ve got company. I’ll deal with these once and for all. You go make tea.” “Twi...” “Now.” “Yes, love.” Making his way towards the small kitchen, he grabbed the tea kettle and plopped it on the stove, none too silently. While honestly trying to burn holes in the kettle on the stove, Shadow heard hoofsteps enter the kitchen. “Shadow, is this a bad time?” Evening Breeze asked her friend. “No, Breeze. It’s just Twilight. She’s been really weird lately, having mood swings and whatnot. I think it’s the pregnancy getting to her.” Shadow said half heartedly. “Are you sure? I can come back later, maybe when she’s out.” “No, you’re fine. Please, have a seat.” Shadow told her. “Ok. Well anyway, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in years.” “Well, things could be better. Being Newlyweds has it’s own problems. On top of those two kids getting into trouble every day, it’s getting to be a bit much.” “Why don’t you send Star back to Canterlot?” Evening Breeze pressed. “Because he’s too young to defend himself. You saw the changeling attack, did you not?” “I did. It was horrible.” “We can’t risk losing the heir to the throne, therefore he’s under express protection of myself and Twilight. Probably the two most capable unicorns outside of canterlot. “You know, when you left, I was lonely for a long time. Never had a friend quite like you. Then when I found out you went and got married, I had to come see you. I missed you.” By this time, Shadow noticed Evening Breeze was awfully close to him. “I just need one thing from you, Shadow.” By now, she was staring into the unicorn’s uniquely colored eyes. Leaning in slowly, she kissed him so softly and gently, he swore it was a ghost’s kiss. Just then, Twilight walked in, and saw the spectacle for herself With a slamming door, Shadow was broken from his unwilling liplock with Breeze. “Shadow, you need to leave. Now.” Twilight said forcefully, which made Shadow shudder ever so slightly. “And, you, Miss Breeze, can follow him. If I ever see you at my library again, I’ll not regret what may happen.” “Wait! Twilight!” Shadow started, but was angrily cut off. “Leave now, or I may never let you back into my life.” Twilight told her husband, her heartbreak audible in her ears. “Fine.” with that, Shadow left, Evening Breeze following him. Sobs were heard upstairs, and Spike and Star knew better than to interfere. Their punishment would wait, but they weren’t exactly eager to leave their little slice of peace. *** “Shadow, I’m sorry.” Evening Breeze said as they left the now-foreboding library. “For what? Ruining my already shaky relationship with Twilight, who may never forgive me?” She could hear the hurt in the normally steady voice of her crush and best friend. “I didn’t want that to happen.” She began. “But it did, and now I’ll be very lucky if I’m even allowed to enter the library, much less sleep on a couch. “I lost control, Shadow. My instinct took over.” She said, tears forming in her eyes. “And because of that, we’re both screwed. You never thought. Not now, not ever. I used to admire that. But it’s time to grow up, Breeze.” “Shadow..” “Please, just go. It was nice seeing you, and if you leave now, I may be able to patch things up with Twilight, while maintaining some sort of dignity. I’ll come find you another time, after I’ve patched things up. Goodbye, Breeze.” “Goodbye, Shadow” and with that, they parted. What had been done, seen and said, could not be undone, and it would take months to fix things. *** Staring blankly into the tea kettle on the stove, Twilight did not hear the knock at the door, or Rarity calling for her. Still stunned by what she’d seen, She didn’t register Rarity’s presence until she felt a gentle, pearl white hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight dear, are you alright?” Rarity asked one of her best friends. While they didn’t share the same values, Twilight and Rarity often spoke at length about their days, be they normal or not, and Rarity knew something deeply bothered Twilight. “No Rarity, I’m not alright. I’m pregnant, as you know, and me and Shadow have been fighting a lot after our anniversary. If we can’t manage to pull it together, how will we be able to look after the boys and our own foals? And after what I just saw, I’m not sure if I love him anymore.” “Just saw, Twilight? What could possibly be so bad that it makes you question your own husband, or your feelings for him?” “Well, Shadow and I were cleaning the other day, and I found some questionable reading material under his side of our bed.” “Questionable material? What could possibly be in your library that isn’t wholesome, decent reading material?” “These, Rarity.” Twilight levitated the magazines from the garbage can just beyond the open kitchen window, hovering them in Rarity’s line of sight. “Oh my goodness, those really are disgusting publications. I don’t know how they ever get published.” Rarity said, a visible pink blush spreading across her muzzle. “But he is a stallion, Twilight. Surely you can’t be surprised he has something like that?” “That’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that he may not be attracted to me anymore. I know this often happens in older, more seasoned couples, but very rarely does it happen to year-anniversary newlyweds. And the boys found them also” “Twilight, I’m certain they’re just something old he forgot he had or forgot to get rid of. And those two were bound to find out somehow. Just hope it doesn’t get back to their friends.” “And if it does? “Cross that bridge when it comes to it. For now, cross this bridge.” “I could understand that, but there’s also this.” Twilight flipped to a centerfold picture of a particularly striped mare. “That’s the mare I just saw Shadow leave with. Oh dear...” “Exactly. And then I found those two kissing in our kitchen. I was so frustrated, I told them both to leave immediately. And what’s worse, I never gave Shadow a moment to explain. It may have been an accident, or she may have fallen and Shadow tried to catch her...I really don’t know.” With this, Twilight began to sob again. “Shh, come here, dear...” Rarity enclosed the lavender mare in a tight hug, feeling her shaking under herself. “I’m sure Shadow still loves you Twilight...but everypony makes mistakes. Granted, some are more severe than others, but just give yourself time to cool down and relax..I’ll fix us some tea, and then go deal with Shadow and that little...” “Rarity, no. Please don’t hurt them.” Twilight cut her off. “Oh fine.” Rarity pouted. “At least let me find out what exactly happened. Would that help you?” “It would, Rarity. I can’t bear to look at either of them right now. But I want, I need to know what exactly happened. Could you do that for me?” Twilight asked her, eyes still glistening from tears being shed. “Nothing in the world would please me more, Twilight.” Rarity hugged her friend again, then brought the tea kettle to bear, filling two mugs with the dark, fragrant brew. *** “SHADOW!” The voice came so loud, sudden, and demanding, that it startled the stallion something fierce. He knew that voice only belonged to one pony, Miss Rarity. And she was not happy. “Shadow. I believe we need to talk, sir.” Rarity, striding purposefully up to the wine-red unicorn. “Not right now, Rarity.” Shadow said, not even looking in her direction. “On the contrary, we do.” With that, Rarity grabbed his back left leg in her telekinesis, lifting it and tripping him up. That got his attention. “Rarity, what in the hell?” Shadow turned on her, furious. He was far from ready to deal with Miss Pushpin at this moment. “I should ask you the same thing, kissing naughty-magazine mares in yours and your newlywed wife’s home.” “First of all, those magazines were on their way to the trash and...what?” “You heard me. Your little blue tart that Twilight saw you snogging was the centerfold in one of your dirty magazines.” “No she wasn’t.” “How would you know? did you actually look in those things?” “Well, I might have glanced, but..” “But nothing, you pig! You know what even having those magazines did to Twilight’s view of herself? Which wasn’t very good, till you came along. And then she finds you kissing a pornstar?” “THE KISS WASN’T MY FAULT, RARITY!” Shadow bellowed at the mare, stopping her in her vocal tracks. Shadow had gotten enough hurt from Twilight without getting a severe tongue lashing from a unicorn who knew as much about love and romance as those mares’ magazines told her. He doubted she’d ever been seriously in love before, with something besides a rock. “For one, Evening Breeze kissed me, not the other way around, Rarity. For two, If I wasn’t attracted to my wife, would she be carrying our twins? “Twins...? I thought she only had one foal?” Rarity continued. “You mean you knew?” “Well, not exactly...” “And you didn’t tell me?” “I didn’t feel it was my place. but that’s besides the point! The point is, Shadow, whatever happened can’t be changed, but you need to make it better, fast. Before you lose her.” “I know, Rarity. Please, just give me and Twilight some time to cool off. I’ll patch things up, but I don’t need your help. Bye, Rarity.” With that, the conversation abruptly ended with Rarity speechless for once. *** “Well, I talked to Shadow.” Rarity walked into the library slowly. “And, apparently, she was the one who kissed him. He wanted no part of it.” “How can you be so sure?” Twilight asked her, still unsure of herself and Shadow. “I don’t think Shadow would lie about something like that, especially when you both mean so much to each other. And you’re carrying his children. If he wasn’t attracted to you would he have...you know..” Rarity said coyly. “Rarity!” Twilight blushed profusely. “I call them as I see them Twilight, nothing more.” Rarity smirked. “Well I guess you’re right about that, but I’m still not ready to see him again.” “I know dear, but when you need him most, he’ll most certainly be there for you, the boys, and your foals. He’s a good stallion. So when he comes back, hold him, kiss him, and love him, and he’ll respond in kind.” “I hope you’re right. Should I go look for him?” “No. Give him time. He’s just as hurt as you are. Trust me on this.” “If you say so Rarity.” “Say, Twilight, are you still worried about Shadow being attracted to you?” “A little bit, but you made me feel a little better. Why?” “Well, It’s open spa day. How about we go? “Rarity, I don’t know...” “You look like you’ve been through a tornado. You need to relax. Besides, Aloe and Lotus will make you positively irresistible. We’ll have to beat the other Stallions off with sticks on the way home. “What if he comes back while we’re gone?” “Something tells me he’s at the pub right now. He’ll be gone for a little while.” “I guess it has been a while since we had a girl’s day. let’s go!” “Brilliant. Let’s have some fun.” **** Meanwhile, back at the bar.... Shadow walked slowly into the smoky atmosphere of the local watering hole. While the local band was out for the afternoon, a few unemployed or first shift ponies were milling about, making idle conversation about one thing or another, of no particular interest to Shadow. He had an ice cold glass of cider on his mind. What had started as the week after their first anniversary turned into hell in Equestria. Now he had and extremely pissed off and heartbroken wife, a pornstar mare turned crush, and Rarity, who was probably pissed off at him for no reason. Grand. “Hey, Ice Chip, let me have a cider double, no ice.” The lanky bartender levitated a tankard from his shelves, filled it with his best import, and slid it down the bar, without acknowledging the pony who had asked for it. He knew Shadow quite well. He heard few bits clink onto the table, and without batting an eyelash, popped them into the tip jar. Shadow knew his money was no good here, but he still paid. “Bad day, Shadow?” Chip asked his friend. While they had only known each other for a few months, they quickly struck up a deep friendship, and neither of them really knew why. “Bad couple days. The boys found those magazines, I got kissed and subsequently booted out of my home, tongue lashed by none other than Rarity, and Twilight and I seem to have been fighting all week.” “Really is a crap week. Need an ear?” “It couldn’t hurt. Twilight seems to have it in her head that I’m not attracted to her anymore.” “Is that true?” “Far from it, why just this morning, we...” “That’s enough. No details, my friend, You know the rules.” “Sorry. Anyway, she’s got it in her head, and with her being pregnant with not one, but two foals, and then the boys who still need our support, things are Irritating at best. “And the kiss?” “You remember Evening Breeze?” “That cute little thing you used to run with in Canterlot? Yeah. Celestia above, she was cute.” “Still is, but..” “You mean you saw her recently? how is she? she still got that cute little flank? “She’s fine. Focus, Chip.” “Sorry. Anyway, She kissed me in our kitchen. In full view of Twilight.” “Was it good?” “Chip!” “Fine, fine.” “And Twilight flipped out, kicked me out of the house, and might not let me back in. “I’ve got a cot out back.” “Thanks, Ice, But I want to try and make things right. What should I do? “You tried going out recently?” “Like a date night? no. I don’t have the time.” “You’ll make the time if you love Twilight.” “I suppose you’re right. Thanks, Ice.” Plunking a few extra bits on the table, Shadow downed his drink and left. *** While still feeling brave, Shadow quietly entered the library. “Good Evening, love” Twilight said, spooking Shadow, who nearly jumped out of his skin. “Hi there, Twi. I can explain for earlier...” “You don’t need to. Rarity explained for you. But I was wrong also. I jumped to conclusions too fast and didn’t give you a chance to explain. I’m sorry.” “It’s ok, Twilight. Really. Are we ok?” “Not quite...” Twilight smirked coyly. “Twi, you look different. Did you change something?” Shadow asked her, now noticing the scent of estrus and desire, along with something else that relaxed them. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it was working. “I changed everything. and got a few tips from Rarity. Would you like to review them with me?” Twilight pushed Shadow onto their couch. “You need to prove you’re still attracted to me, one way or another.” “No need to ask me twice.” Author's Note I hope you all enjoy the chapter
Side Chapter:Shadowfoot The Scout Master!Dreams Do Come True: Always Been At Your Side By Sparknanator & Southpawfighter614 _________________________________________________________________________________________ “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS PONY SCOUTS YAY!!” Three very excited fillies and an equally as excited colt screamed as they barged into their troop leader’s bedroom, rousing him from a very lovely dream involving coffee and donuts. Shadowfoot awoke with a jolt, nearly smashing his head off of the low ceiling of the bedroom he shared with his wife, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight, whom was already awake, laughed at her husband’s misfortune. He had established the “pony scouts” as a form of education to the younger ponies in town, to teach them how to deal with emergency situations and help them develop character and work ethic. What he wasn’t counting on was very little interest in the program, except for the four who had just woken him. “Kids, please…” Shadow begged them. It was too early for anything besides coffee, much less yelling at the top of your lungs. “But Shadow; early to bed, early to rise, remember? “ The colt pestered him, remembering their very first lesson as pony scouts. “A good young pony goes to bed early, and wakes up early, to face the day ahead.” Shooting Star quoted studiously. “Not married, middle aged, new parent ponies.” Shadow grumbled. As much as he loved his family, he loved his sleep even more. “I disagree, Love.” Twilight giggled. “It wouldn’t kill you to get up with Dusk and Dream once in a while.” Shadow grumbled under his pillow, and although it wasn’t audible, it was probably bad. +++ “Yeah Shadow! We don’t have time to sleep. We have cutie marks to earn!” Star’s girlfriend, Sweetie Belle, chimed in. The two other fillies nodded vigorously in agreement. “ Urghh…fine…Twi, please tell me there’s coffee ready?” Shadow hoped. While he had been living in Ponyville for almost three years, he still retained some of his “human” habits. Specifically, drinking boatloads of coffee for no reason. “Always, dear. I figured I should know you well enough by now to know your habits.” “And that’s why I love you.” Shadow sat up slowly, kissing his wife gently. Applebloom and Scootaloo faked gagging noises, while Star and Sweetie smiled. “Alright kids, you succeeded in ruining my amazing dream. Go gather your uniforms and bags. Ready in 30 or you stay behind, understood? “Yes, Troop Master Shadow!” The children saluted, and then burst into giggles. It was the inside joke among the pony scouts and their leader, that they were a paramilitary clan of child assassins. “Briefing in 35, kids. Give me some time to wake up and eat.” Shadow laughed, sending the kids on their way. +++ In the spacious kitchen of their new home, Shadow sipped at a cup of coffee, munching on some apple chunks he had found from their last fruit trip. His twins, still in diapers, were taking turns throwing food at each other, while Twilight busied herself cleaning, mane all askew. Shadow enjoyed these quiet moments most of all. He heard the telltale click of claw on tile, he heard Spike coming into the kitchen, still half asleep. While twice Star’s size, spike still had the same child-like behavior. “Morning, Spike.” Twilight and Shadow said in unison. They were answered with an elongated yawn and wave, Spike’s typical greeting. In no way was it dismissive or abusive. He was just a slow type for waking up.Plopping down next the Shadow, Spike made haste in demolishing two bagels and a handful of cereal, before heading towards the door to go meet with Pip and Feathers, for a day of hunting fossils in the creek. “Hey Spike?” Shadow tried grabbing the young dragon’s attention before he took off. “Yeah Shadow? Spike turned, facing the crimson pony. “You want to join me and the kids over the weekend? We’re going on a camping trip just outside of town for the pony scouts.” “But its pony scouts, Shadow.” Spike replied, hesitant. He wasn’t invited to the first meeting, so he’d assumed shadow didn’t want him there. “As the one and only executive, aka Troop Leader, of the pony scouts, I make the rules, and the exceptions. You want to come or not?” Shadow asked him once again. “I had plans with Featherweight and Pipsqueak this morning. They’d be mad if I ditched them.” “Drag them along. It couldn’t hurt. And if they won’t come, you can always come back to town. It’s close enough to ponyville. I wouldn’t take a bunch of kids into the Everfree or the mountains.” “Do I need to wear the silly uniform?” “I’m sure Rarity can throw something together for you. It’s not mandatory, but if you like it, you can keep it, in case you want to join us again.” “Rarity….” Spike drifted off into a stupor, and Shadow knew he had him. “Let me tell the others. When are you leaving?” “About 35 minutes.” “See you then.” With that, Spike darted off giddily. +++ “Spike, huh?” Twilight asked her sometimes strange husband. “I didn’t know if he would like it, so I didn’t ask him to join us. He’s a Dragon. Can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to.” “It appears you were wrong.” “So I was. I better get myself ready.” With that, he kissed his wife slowly, leaving her to get his own bags and uniform ready. +++ As promised, the pony scouts plus one were ready, and assembled in the living room of the ranch-style home. As Shadow ran a discerning eye and hoof through the contents of the assembled bags, he nodded with approval. He had taught them well. Even a simple camping trip could turn disastrous in a moment, and as such, it never hurt to be ready for almost anything. After leaving directions to their campsite in the capable hooves of Twilight, the group set off, eager to see what the day held. After a brief 30 minute hike into the deepest parts of Equestria National Park, the group set up a camp, which didn’t turn out half bad. Four tents were set up in a semicircle, with a fire pit equidistant from all of them, to keep warm, but not light tents on fire. A hastily erected table was off to the side, with various snacks, meals, and drinks set out, or in a cooler. While the kids chatted excitedly amongst themselves, Shadow went about his personal checklist, debating on what to teach them first. Fire would have to wait until almost nightfall, so he decided to teach them how to fish instead. From there, he could teach them how to make a fire and cook on it safely. But it was time for a swim in between fishing and cooking. “Kids, over here please!” Shadow shouted, beckoning their attention. After he had successfully corralled them, he led them down to the creek, and ask them to find some good, strong, fallen branches. After they reported back with their findings, he showed them how to know, hook, and bait their lines. “Shadow, do I really have to touch the worms?” Sweetie Belle whined, the resemblance uncanny to her sister. “On your own, yes, but I can make an exception. I’m not gonna force you to.” With a deft movement, Shadow speared the wriggling critter, leaving it alive. Sweetie promptly gagged at the sight, and Shadow laughed. Maybe it wasn’t her strength, but he gave her credit for trying. He informed her of false bait that could also be used, and this lightened her attitude towards fishing considerably. “How do I knot such tiny wire, Shadow?” Spike asked him. “It’s simple. You don’t have to work in such a small area. Make it as big as you want, just be sure to tighten it up after.” “Yeah, Spike, like threading a needle.” Sweetie Belle piped up. With that, realization dawned on him, and within seconds he was done. “Impressive, Spike. You’ll make a fine fisherman one day.” Shadow encouraged him. As much as Spike could probably spear fish with his claws when they grew bigger, it was all for the sake of learning.Hearing a frustrated huff behind him, Shadow looked to see certain young colt who somehow managed to knot the wire around his hoof. “Star, what on Equestria did you do?” Shadow asked, amused. “I wasn’t paying attention and now I can’t get it off!” Star grunted. “Just cut it with your magic, or the little knife I gave each of you. Don’t worry about wasting line. I have plenty.” “SHADOW! LOOK AT MY STICK!” Shouted an excited Applebloom. Sure enough, the end was dipping up and down, indicating a fish had taken hold. “Good job, Bloom!” Shouted Scootaloo. “Pull on it, quickly! You’ll set the hook.” Doing so, she had successfully caught her first fish, with Scoots, Sweetie, Spike, and Star following shortly after. “Good job kids. Do any of you want to take your fish back to camp and eat it?” Shadow asked them. In unison, they all answered no, and so Shadow taught them the art of catch and release. While he did not have fish to cook, he had plenty of other food back at camp to teach them to cook with. ++++ After returning to camp, the group gathered near the fire, while Shadow showed them how to build and maintain it, and collect firewood. After the fire lesson was over, they all settled in to their sleeping bags, telling ghost stories, and Shadow sharing some stories from his time on earth, albeit ponyfied. After storytime had been exhausted, the campers retreated to their tents. Sensing something amiss, Shadow checked Sweetie’s tent, to find Sweetie amiss, her sleeping bag flat and open. He then heard giggling from Star’s tent and immediately knew what was amiss. “Star, Sweetie, out here now.” Shadows directed them, firmly, but quiet enough to not rouse the other campers. “Now, which one of you would care to tell me why you were both in Star’s tent, giggling?” Ashamed looks upon both their faces, Star spoke up, for it was his idea.“I’m sorry Shadow. Sweetie was scared when it started getting darker, So I told her to come stay in my tent. No funny business. Promise.” “Is this the truth, Sweetie?” Shadow turned to Sweetie, and she shrunk back a little bit. “You’re not in trouble, and I’m not mad, I just want to know if it’s the truth.” “Yes it is Shadow. I didn’t want to get kicked out of the scouts for being a scaredy-pony. I’m sorry.” She whimpered. “I don’t mind if you’re scared, Sweetie.” Shadow walked up to and sat next to the pair. “But I can’t have you sneaking off like that. You had me scared for a minute.” Shadow sighed. “A scout is first and foremost, an honest pony, which you both have demonstrated completely. Good Job. But next time, ask me before doing something like that." “I understand how you two feel about each other, but I’m your guardian first and foremost. If something bad had happened and one of you were lost, I would have very little options at my disposal to help you. Back to bed campers. Daylight comes early.” With that, Shadow left the two, laying himself down in front of the embers of the fire. Looking at them one last time before he fell asleep, he smiled. As much as they had messed up by doing what they did, at least they were looking out for each other, which was a lesson he wouldn’t have to teach now. +++ The next morning dawned bright and warm, and the smell of eggs and toast filled the campground. It was breakfast time, and the excited group was pondering the day ahead. Today they were going to learn how to identify edible plants and berries. Most ponies had an innate sense of what was good and wasn’t, but they still made mistakes sometimes, ending up sick for a day or two at a time. Shadow aimed to prevent that. “Kids, today, as you know, we’re going to learn about edible plants and berries found commonly around here. You never know what a camping trip may bring. You may run out of food, you may get lost, or both. But with careful planning and a good knowledge base, this won’t happen. “But how do you plan for an emergency, if you don’t know what’s gonna happen?” Applebloom asked. “You can’t plan, but you can prepare for, or even prevent such things. Even if you never go camping again, you’ll have learned something useful, at least.” With that, Shadow pulled some books from his saddlebags. “Now kids, for starters, you each get one of these books. This is a complete guide to local herbs, plants, and berries for our region. I want you to bring me back five different plants from this book. You may work in pairs or on your own. Meet me back here in twenty minutes, even if you don’t have them all. Got it?” “Yes sir!” They shouted, splitting off in different directions. While they were off gathering things, Shadow kept a close eye on them, while busying himself about camp, picking up garbage, gathering more firewood, or making sure the tents were clean and sealed. The children had all come back within the allotted time, and still met their quota for gathering. “Good Job, kids!” Shadow said excitedly. “Now, I’m gonna show you guys how to cook with these, in the event you grow your own or have other things to go with them. Get your mess kits and fill the bowls with fresh water. Then go pick something out of the food bins you’d like to see me cook with them.” After this had been done, and the meals cooked, they all sat down for lunch, chatting excitedly. While Shadow couldn’t listen to all conversation at once, he got the idea that they were enjoying themselves. He remembered, back on earth, that while he wasn’t an actual scout, he greatly enjoyed being outdoors, and took lessons from one of his other friends, on the days he wasn’t spending time with Damian. This is where his knowledge came from, since equestria, biologically, wasn’t all that different from earth, aside from the fact that ponies were the dominant species, and not humans. “Shadow, what else can you teach us?” Scootaloo asked her scoutmaster. ‘Well, Scoot, what do you want to learn?” he asked her. He wasn’t sure if she had any real family, but she seemed to be taken care of, though this didn’t stop him from watching out for her occasionally. “I wanna trap bears and cougars, like in the Daring-Do books!” She screeched happily. “Whoa there, kiddo. I don’t think that is something appropriate to teach children. I can, however, show you how to look for signs of animals, so you can avoid them, and in turn, avoid dangerous situations. Does that seem fair?” “I guess…” Scootaloo pouted, but nonetheless was excited to learn. So therefore, the afternoon was spent finding and sketching animal tracks, until eventually night descended upon the park, and the campers settled into their sleeping bags, sleeping outside this time. If Shadow could do it, why couldn’t they? +++ The next morning, once again warm and dry, led to the final lessons of the weekend. These being packing up, cleaning up, and shipping out, while leaving the site cleaner than when you found it. Shadow taught the kids to always respect the environment and everything in it. He saw what happened to earth over a matter of a couple hundred years, and didn’t want to see that happen to the seemingly utopian Equestria. Even though he would be long gone in a couple hundred years, he hoped to instill a sense of pride and duty to your environment to this generation, so that they may pass it on the the next, and the next, and so on. It was just about noon when the scouts were on their way out of the park and back home, talking excitedly about the weekend. Shadow heard the topic of going again come up constantly, and put it on his list of “possibilities” if the scouts stuck around long enough. The campers were greeted at ponyville’s front entrance by Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity. Hugs, laughs, and stories were shared on the trip to ponyville town square, where they split ways. Shadow and Twilight, with Spike and Star following closely behind; Rarity and Sweetie went towards Carousel Boutique; and Scootaloo and Applebloom left with Applejack. All in all, the weekend couldn’t have gone any better, aside from Sweetie and Star’s slip up, which stayed between them and Shadow. Spike also thoroughly enjoyed himself and wanted to tell the rest of his friends about it. With a satisfied smile, Shadow retreated to the marital suite, longing for a bed of fluff instead of rocks and dirt. Twilight soon joined him, and he recounted every moment of the trip to his beloved, while the babies slept soundly in their respective cribs. Author's Note This is hinting to a DDCT Side story I will make when the cover art is done
Chapter 3:Shadow CheatsIt was an early Saturday morning, cold and dreary. The Weather Team had scheduled a rainstorm for the day, but that didn’t stop certain ponies from going about their daily business. This particular day, a unique pony had some running around to do. “Twilight, are you sure this is everything we need?” Shadow Foot shouted to his wife, whom was busy with Celestia-knew-what in the kitchen of their home on the outskirts of Ponyville. “Yes, I’m sure. I checked it myself, twice.” His wife said as she entered the front hall of their domicile. “You’re definitely certain this is everything? This may be the last time I go anywhere for the next 48 hours.” “Yes, Shadow. Now go, before it gets worse out there.” She said, slightly irritated at her husband. “Fine. I’ll be back in a little while. Please stay inside. I don’t need you getting sick and taking the rest of us with you.” Shadow huffed as he left. +++ “First stop, Carousel boutique.” The sanguine coated pony thought to himself, approaching the lavishly decorated business of Miss Rarity, a lady of ladies among ponykind. Refined, Graceful, and often to the point, Shadow confessed to himself multiple times, had he not fallen in love with and married Twilight, Rarity probably would have had his heart. The telltale jingle of bells greeted Shadow as he entered, snapping Rarity from her current project.“I’ll be with you in just a moment, please.” Her voice lilted out from some distant room of the boutique.” “Not a problem, Ma’am.” Shadow shouted.Rarity recognized the voice immediately. Not many ponies could imitate such a sound. Instantly dropping her materials on a nearby table, she always gave preferred customers priority, but Shadow was a greatly preferred customer. Able to hold his own in many conversations, she found him to be delightful company, and felt ashamed to admit, given the chance, she would give everything to have a chance at him. But that possibility went out the window on Twilight’s wedding day. “Hello, Shadow!” She said excitedly, drifting out of her project room and into the main display hall of her boutique. In this room, ponyquins of varying sizes were clothed in some of her finest work, on display for the coming season, and the gala, to be held sometime within the month. “What can I do for you this fine day?” She asked, drifting close to him. He always smelled of green fields and ocean breeze, a scent combination to die for. “Nothing much, Miss Rarity.” Shadow piped up, smiling at her. “I just need these sheets repaired. Somehow, Spike managed to shred them when he washed them. Poor kid’s got claws bigger than he can handle” He laughed. “Really? You can’t fix them yourself?” Rarity asked, astonished. A unicorn his age should have been able to manage that easily. “I tried. See the previous repairs? They’re horrible.” In truth, they were. While he’d been in ponyville for a few years now, he was still learning the intricacies of unicorn magic. It’s not every day you can do things you never thought possible, especially when you’re taught on Earth that magic doesn’t exist. Rarity laughed nervously. They really were horrible. “Not a problem, Shadow. Just give me a few minutes to finish up in here, and then I’ll get to this immediately.” “Very well then. I’ll be back later.” As Shadow trotted toward the door, Rarity quickly got his attention, realizing the opportunity that had just presented itself. “Shadow, why don’t you stay for some tea? The weather is horrible outside and I’d hate to make you come back out this way for a few bedsheets. It won’t take long, promise. +++ Within a few minutes, Shadow was settled into an absurdly fluffy couch, a pot of hot tea in front of him and two tea cups with floral paint on them. The set was elegantly painted and free-spirited at the same time, Shadow noted. While he wasn’t an artist himself, he enjoyed it. “So why come out for some bed sheets in the middle of a rainstorm?” Rarity asked her guest, who was happily munching on a chocolate cookie. “No reason. Just something that needed to be done. Along with groceries for the next couple days until the storm passes. You were closest.” “I wish we were closer.” Rarity said to herself, louder than she intended. “What was that, Miss Rarity?” Shadow asked, feeling a little giggly and sleepy. “Nothing, Shadow.” Rarity shouted back, realizing what she had just let slip. “Oh. Alright then.” Shadow reclined on the couch. He suddenly felt very comfortable, and reclined lazily, studying his cookie with great intent. “So what else were you looking for, today?” “Some fresh roughage, maybe some milk. I don’t remember exactly what.” Shadow said dreamily. He suddenly felt an urge to approach Rarity with less than platonic intent, but stopped himself. He was already married. How dare he even think of cheating… But Twilight hadn’t been “in the mood” as of late, and what could one affair hurt if Twi never found out? +++ “There we go, all done!” Rarity said gleefully, spreading the sheets before Shadow, to earn his approval. “They look Amazing, Rarity. And so do you” Shadow said thickly, as if he were entranced or drunk. “Why, thank y-- w…what?” Rarity asked shakily, blushing. She wasn’t sure what exactly she’d just heard. That comment was a bit off, even for the dashing and exotic Shadow Foot. “I said…” Shadow got off the overstuffed couch, stepping toward her. “You. Look. Amazing.” “Thank you, I guess. One does try to look presentable at all times. You never know who may show up.” Rarity said, nervously. She could almost smell his desire for her, not even slightly present a few moments ago, when she had served him the tea. It was almost as if he were in Estrus, which wasn’t supposed to happen to male ponies. “Shadow, I think you should go now. Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of it when you’re feeling normal again.” Rarity said, promptly folding and boxing the repaired sheets, and putting a hoof out to stop his advance on her. Then something clicked. This could be her one and only chance to have what she’d wanted since she met the stallion. At this point, a rapid argument began bouncing back and forth inside her, against herself. Here, she could have the stallion she always wanted, if only once, at the risk of endangering one of her best friends’ marriages, and her friendship with the both of them. “Shadow, what are you doing?” Rarity asked him worriedly. “I think you know.” He said, pushing closer. “I’ll have you know, Shadow, that I am not that kind of mare, and even if I were, it would not be with someone who’s married to one of my best friends. Now, you may leave on your own, or I can call the police and have them remove you.” “You won’t. I know as well as you that you’ve wanted me since I arrived here in ponyville. And what Twilight doesn’t know can’t hurt her.” “But what if somepony walks in? Everbody talks you know. And word travels fast in ponyville.”There were a series of small clicks, what could have only been doors locking. “Now there’s no chance that anypony can walk in. You’re one chance, for one afternoon.” “Shadow, I…”Before she could finish, Shadow kissed her passionately, unlike anything she’d felt before. With that, she succumbed to years of yearning, and the burning passion he’d ignited in her. +++ It felt so dirty, yet so very right. In the span of half an hour, all their desires had been fulfilled, all possibilities tried and tested. And nopony was the wiser. After a very long, hot shower, the pair parted ways, never to speak again of the deed that had been performed. Now that it was done and they had their fun, there was no longer any sexual tension between the two. They hoped that this would circumvent any future affairs. With naught but silence passed between them, Shadow left the boutique, and felt as if he had done something very wrong, but wasn’t quite sure. He knew he’d spent more time at the boutique than he’d intended, but wasn’t sure how. The last thing he clearly remembered was drinking the very last bit of tea in his cup, noting that it smelled and tasted funny, and that was it.
Chapter 4:Shadow Cheats Part 2Shadow was still feeling a bit off, even after he had finished his errands and was on his way back home. He still wasn’t quite sure what had happened, but it had to have been pretty bad to be nagging at his conscience. Opening the front door to the old homestead, He was greeted by Twilight. “Hello love. Did you get everything alright?” At first, her husband didn’t answer her, which wasn’t unusual, so she asked him again. “Shadow, how was the shopping trip?” She asked her husband, raising her voice just enough to be certain he could hear. “Yeah, Twi. Everything’s right here.” He said, hefting and lowering his saddlebags onto the kitchen table. Sensing something was amiss, Twilight decided to pester Shadow a little bit to see what may have been bothering him. “Shadow, is everything alright, Sweetie?” She asked him gently. “Yeah… there’s something on my mind. Nothing to concern yourself with.” He said, trying to laugh it off, even though he feared it may be something to concern her. “I’ll be in the study. Please don’t bother me, love. I’ve got some research to do.” “Research? About what? I’m sure I could tell you literally anything you’d like to know.” Twilight responded, somewhat suspicious. Even though introverted at times, Shadow was never one to say “leave me alone.” especially to his wife. He always made time for the two of them, come hell or high water. “I’d rather be alone for a little while. Work stress.” He smiled reassuringly, which sated her curiosity for the time being. While Twilight busied herself in the kitchen, Shadow proceeded to the study, locking the door behind him. Twilight was far from dull, and would eventually figure out something was very wrong. He only hoped he figured it out before she did. +++ Twilight now noticed a peculiar smell in the air. Flowery and bright, just like Rarity’s shampoo. She’d hoped that it was just from Rarity’s frequent visits; or from Shadow being at the boutique earlier in the morning. It didn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary, so she dismissed it for the time being. Her husband would never cheat on her, she convinced herself, and went about her business, allowing herself a small grin. Being busy always brightened her spirits. Meanwhile, Shadow was flipping through page after page of research volumes on all manner of magics. He’d hoped he would find his answer somewhere among the musty old books, which added to the overall smell of fresh lumber and paint. The study had been the last thing completed on the homestead. Since there weren’t any spare rooms, they had to add it to the existing structure, via the expert hooves of Applejack and Big Macintosh. For some reason, the Apples had enough lumber lying about to build the room. After flipping through what seemed the hundredth book on magic, Shadow surmised Rarity was not capable of inciting such strange effects on a full grown stallion. Her particular magic wouldn’t allow it. He turned to the potion books that were few and far between. Being more studious than most ponies, Shadow and Twilight didn’t keep many potion books around. They both preferred logic over liquids. Why use a potion when you can have the skills you were looking for indefinitely? The first book yielded no logical results, but the second book gave him his answer nearly instantly. He read aloud, to be sure he understood. “While many “love” potions incite such effects as that of infatuation or obsession with the opposite gender of the drinker, there are a few recipes, that if concentrated high enough, will incite nearly instantaneous lust with any age appropriate, opposite-gender pony in the immediate vicinity. Oftentimes, a potion such as this, commonly referred to as a Sex Potion are brewed accidentally by an inexperienced party, or if created voluntarily, is often implemented in brothels and harems, to make normally unattracted ponies mate with a complete stranger. Most ponies who have even a minute dosage of this risqué brew, will find themselves in a fog, after the deed has been done, and won’t often remember who or what they may have done. As such, this type of brew is illegal in most cases, and in the few cases that go unreported, it’s often overlooked as a possible catalyst for most sexual crimes commited.” There it was, plain as day. Either Shadow had been drugged by an apparently innocent mare, or, more unlikely, it was accidentally brewed by Sweetie Belle in an effort make Star more in love with her, or worse. He had to get a hold of that teapot and test it for any relevant trace, or at least play it off long enough for Twilight to not find out and Rarity to forget. He had to get back to the boutique, whether he liked it or not. Then there was a knock on the door. +++ Looking at the luminous clock on the wall, he realized now that hours had passed, and he’d skipped lunch and supper. Swallowing hard, he answered the door, and saw the worst sight he’d seen in months.Twilight was at the door, watery-eyed and biting on her lower lip, a habit she only had when she was on the verge of tears. “Twilight what’s wrong? Are the kids alright? How about the twins?” Shadow asked her. It absolutely broke his heart to see Twilight in such a state. “They’re fine, Shadow. But I think we need to talk.”Just then, it hit him. She must have figured it out hours ago and was killing herself over confronting him, for fear of what may be confirmed. And here she was, mane all over the place. “Twilight, please…” “Shadow. Answer me truthfully. Did you cheat on me with Rarity?” “What…no…At least, I don’t think I did.” “Then why…why do you reek of…” At this point, Twilight couldn’t compose herself. “Why do you reek of her scent?!?!” She bellowed at him, a power in her voice she did not know she was capable of. Her eyes began to glow purple. Shadow knew this was bad. “TWILIGHT! CALM DOWN! YOU’RE GONNA BLOW THIS PLACE TO HELL!” Shadow bellowed back, trying to snap her out of it. “Calm down?! Calm down?!? How can I calm down when you reek of one of my best friends! I’m the mother of your children! Your wife, who you promised you would never, ever sleep with any mare else! Me, who gave it all up for you!” At this point, Spike and Star were outside of the open door, witnessing the spectacle. Shadow had to end this quick, or else they were all in very lethal danger. The last time something like this happened, Twilight blew a building to shreds. As if in slow motion, Spike, Star, and Shadow all saw one very slow, very real movement. Shadow slapped Twilight so hard he knocked her to the floor and out of her magical maelstrom of rage and heartbreak. With the sound of the contact, Shadow’s last shreds of his heart tore apart, never to be repaired.In tears himself now, Shadow left Twilight in disbelief. Both sobbing, Twilight watched the love of her life stagger past her, the boys, and out of the study. And she was 200% certain he would not return for a very long time, if at all. +++ Shadow had no idea who he was, where he was, or even what day it was. He did not feel the rain soaking his coat and mane; he did not hear the crash of thunder, or howling winds. All he knew at that moment was the scene replaying in his head. His hoof moving ever so, so slowly up in front of his face and across Twilight’s. Shadow remembered the sickening thud of his wife’s body hitting a wood floor; the dumbfounded stare of two young boys who didn’t know that their father figure could ever abuse their mother and guardian. Shadow walked away from his life. The scene replayed in his head, over, and over, and over again, thrice times as loud and vivid as the previous. Shadow puked several times as he walked, and cried even more. He did not know where he was going, and did not care. Shadow slept, darkness enveloping him, and he hoped, secretly, that some beast or disease would take him in the night, for he could never live with himself for what he’d done. He could never face Twilight, the boys, Rarity, or even his own children. He’d made his bed, and now he must lay in it. Before he fell asleep, he noticed he was in a ditch. “At least my grave was already dug for me.” Author's Note Wow I haven't updated this in a while now have I?
Chapter 5:Love conquers All Part 1“Twilight, I’m so so sorry” Shadow heard himself saying, nearly crying it. “You can never be forgiven for what you did to me” Twilight’s voice snapped back, dark, menacing, and accusing. “Twilight, I didn’t know! I didn’t know…. “Shadow heard himself whimper “You will never see your children, or me, ever again! you distrustful, unfaith, rockheaded stallion!” Twilight screeched back. “No, please, no!!” Shadow shouted. And then all was black again. *** “Son, you alright?” Shadow heard a voice, distant and unclear. Was he dreaming? Was he even still alive? He didn’t know. He did know that he wasn’t inside, and felt something cold, wet, and thick around him Shadow ignored the voice. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to death himself. “Hey son, wake up, now. you need to get out of my cattle trough.” the voice continued to pester him. He felt a sharp stab in his ribs. something pointy and rough. “Quit it, voice. let me die,” Shadow grumbled. “I don’t know who this “voice” is, but I ain’t him, and you need to get up!” he felt a harder, more menacing jab, which made Shadow jump. “And you sure as hell ain’t dyin’ on my farm.” Shadow finally looked at the source of the voice. He was an Earth pony, with a Dark chestnut coat, and a mane so brown it was almost black. ”Where am I, sir?” Shadow asked the old farmer, unaware how he’d even gotten there. “Well son, You’re about ten miles outside of any civilization, in the middle of nowhere, laying in a puddle of who knows what.” “How did I get here?” Shadow asked, hoping the old stallion knew more than he did at that moment. “Well, I can’t rightly say. I heard a crash last night while I was tryin’ ta sleep, figured I’d investigate it in the morning when the sky was light. Found you laying in my cattle trough, whimpering about Twilight”. Whoever or whatever that is.”Then it all came to Shadow in a blur of of light and voice. He had hit Twilight so hard, he knocked her out. In front of the boys no less. He would never forgive himself, and partly hoped Twilight wouldn’t either. “Son, snap out of it!” The old farmer knocked his beating stick against Shadow’s skull, hard enough to be felt, but not doing any real damage. “I don’t know who you are, or where you came from. Hell, I don’t even know if you know who you are. But I can see that you need someplace to lay low for a while. You have the look of a haunted Stallion. I used to have that same look. Then I started this here farm.” “There’s an old shed out back, mostly used for storing tools and whatnot. If you’re willing to make it livable, it’s all yours. All I ask is that you help me out around here. Been a long time since the powers that be took my wife and cast my son to the winds. It’s awful hard running this place alone.” “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it” “Let me have your name, Son.” “”Shadow, sir, ShadowFoot.” “Peculiar name for a pony, but what do I care? And enough with the “sir” crap. I ain’t rich, and I ain’t military. Just call me Walnut. Black Walnut.” “Black Walnut it is.” Shadow said, offering his hoof, which was taken in kind and shook. “Supper’s roundabout sundown. Cook it yourself or eat what I make. Up to you.” “Thank you, Walnut, for everything. I’d like to start on that shed.” “Follow the cow path about 200 yards or so. you’ll see it, high and proud on one of the hills back there. You hit the forest, you’ve gone too far.” With a wave, Shadow departed. Keeping himself busy for a while was sure to take his mind off things. He would stay out here for a week or so, until he felt he could return to ponyville with a mostly clear conscience. Once he found out which way ponyville was. *** -Twelve hours previous- “Twilight, hey, wake up.” Spike shook his mother figure gently, trying to wake her. A large bruise had formed on her cheek. Spike was unsure what to make of what had happened just a few moments ago. He never, ever saw Twilight and Shadow come to blows like that, and had only seen Twilight’s magic activate so badly when they were in immediate danger. But maybe, they were in danger at that moment in time. “Star! I need your help!“ Spike shouted for his buddy who was crouched in a corner, on the verge of tears. Star sniffled, unsure of what to do. He had never seen anypony hit anypony. He thought Ponyville was too peaceful for that. Nor had he ever seen Twilight and Shadow, who was his hero, argue so badly. “Star! I can’t move her on my own! come on!” Spike shouted again, almost in tears himself. “Oh..ok…” Star mumbled. He knew Twilight was hurt. He didn’t like seeing ponies getting hurt. With a concentrated effort, the boys lifted Twilight’s prone form onto the reading couch Shadow and Twilight often shared. Usually when they were reading happily together. The thought of the pure happiness, and now pure hurt, almost sent the boys both into gasping sobs. “Spike, Shadow didn’t mean to hurt Twilight, right?” Star asked the young dragon at his side. “No, I don’t think he did, Star. He would Never. his heart is as pure as anypony’s. He would never hurt Twilight on purpose.” With this, Star leaned in to Spike’s side, and Spike felt wetness on his scales. “It’s ok Star. It’ll be ok…” He said, holding him close. Star was younger than Spike, and didn’t need to see these kinds of things. Even Spike knew that. “Star, I need you to do something really, really important for me.” Spike asked him, holding up Star’s chin and wiping away his tears with a gentle claw. “What is it, Spike?” Star asked him, putting on his bravest face. “Sit here with Twilight, and get her an ice pack for her cheek. Just sit with her and if she wakes up, let her know we’re ok. I’m gonna go get Fluttershy and AJ. They’ll be able to help us. Can you do that for me, Star?” “Yeah Spike, I can do it, What about the twins?” “They’ll be ok. Twilight whipped up a special brew for them to sleep through the night. I heard her talking about Her and Shadow ‘having the night to themselves.’ “OK Spike, but hurry please. I don’t like being alone.” “You’ll be ok. Owloysius has got your back.” At this, the owl hoo’ed confidently, saluting with one feathery wing. Spike hurried out the door, running first for Fluttershy’s cottage. She could fly to the acres faster than Spike could ever run, and she would understand the urgency, especially since Spike never ventured outside the property at night, especially on his own, when he knew Twilight would not be happy with him. *** Spike ran as fast as his legs would carry him, and knocked, hard and loud, on the heavy door of the cottage. He heard all of her pets raise a ruckus, and knew for sure it would get her attention. “Oh dear. Spike? is that you?” Fluttershy asked, half asleep. Her animals had scared her awake, and after calming them, noticed there was a rapid, frenzied knocking on her door. Next thing she knew, Spike was attached to her leg and sobbing. “Spike! are you ok? What’s wrong my strong little dragon?” Fluttershy cooed to him, holding him closer. “Twilight...hurt...Shadow gone….Need you, Applejack…” Spike was sobbing uncontrollably now, shaking with each drawn breath. “Spike, slow down, it’s ok...tell me what happened..”Fluttershy consoled him. She’d never seen Spike without a goofy smile or quip. This worried her, seeing him in such condition. Spike composed himself, barely, and told Fluttershy what he remembered. “And it’s only me and Star to watch the foals and each other...And I”m really scared, Fluttershy. Twilight’s...she’s probably still out cold...I can’t do it alone.” “It’s ok Spike.” Fluttershy nuzzled him like a mother would a child. “You did the right thing, coming to see me first. Let’s go get Applejack...Then we’ll take care if everything as soon as we get to the house.” “OK…” Spike sniffled, wiping his tears. “Climb on, please be gentle. I’m not used to carrying something your size, but I promise we’ll go as fast as safely possible.” After a couple minutes, they landed at Applejack’s doorstep, Spike jumping off before they even touched the ground, and knocked hard on the door. Thankfully, Applejack was already awake and ready to go. They explained the entire situation on the way back to the Ranch, and had arrived just as Shooting Star was falling asleep beside Twilight. *** “Why that dirty, no good, snake of a pony!” Applejack said through gritted teeth. She’d seen, and been in her share of fights over the years, and knew that a mark like the one on Twilight’s cheek was not a gentle hit. She’d seen marks like that on full grown stallions who tried to pick fights with Big Mac. Fluttershy gasped, raising her forehooves to her muzzle in a silent scream of horror. How could anypony leave a mark like that on his wife, much less the mother of his children. She was honestly scared of the always gentle and good natured pony she’d come to like, and the one pony who made Twilight happier than ever, “Fluttershy, take the boys to bed and check on the foals. I’m gonna see what I can do for Twi.” Applejack said sternly, and Fluttershy, wanting to be away from the horror before her eyes, gladly did so. Applejack, after bandaging her poor friend’s cheek, sent the owl to the rest of their friends. If Shadow came back, he would not be allowed anywhere near Twilight until the five of them were good and ready to let him do so, if at all. *** Shadow heard a bell ringing in the distance, and assumed it was the dinner alert. He really was quite hungry, and hadn’t eaten anything in hours. His stomach was too knotted to even think about eating. “I’ve never seen a pony work so hard on a project in my life, son,” Walnut said to Shadow over a chunky, hearty vegetable stew. You had that shed cleaned out, pretty, and livable, in just under eight hours. That’s remarkable.” “I’m a bit of a do-it-yourselfer back home. Always have been. I use my hooves more than this horn.” “Really?” Where do you come from, my boy?” Walnut asked, trying to make conversation. He was never really good at that sort of thing. “Ponyville. I lived there with my wife and her friends.” Shadow said nonchalantly, hoping Walnut would not press the matter, and assume he was divorced or something. That was better than the truth in his opinion. Walnut coughed, choked, and then laughed. “You sure about that, son? Ponyville is who knows...15 miles or better away from here. Only reason I know it is because of those...elements of happy or something like that. Don’t get a lot of news out here. Usually when I do, it’s important. “What are you gonna tell me next, Shadow? You’re married to one of those elementy-ponies?” Black Walnut laughed even more at his own joke, but when he saw Shadow’s face, knew he said something wrong. “Aww gee, Shadow, I’m sorry. The old muzzle gets ahead of the old brain sometimes. I’m only having a yank at your chain.” “It’s...fine, Walnut. Thank you for supper. I’m tired. I think I’ll turn in for the night.” “OK. I’m sorry again. I really don’t mean nothing by it. I”ll be up for a little bit longer, if’n ya need an ear to chew off. “I’ll remember that. Thank you.” Shadow slunk off, head low, to his shed on the hill. Shadow was still awake a couple hours later, Thinking things over. He dearly missed Twilight, and the rest of his adopted family, and was on the verge of tears, thinking about them. Especially his two beautiful foals. Their beautiful foals… Shadow nodded off, the faces of Twilight and his children in his mind’s eye. That Night, Shadow dreamt for once. +++ Here Shadow sits, new to Ponyville and Equestria, the faces of the people from earth running a marathon inside his mind. He thinks of his sisters, his mother, and Damian. Then he sees her. The most beautiful mare in ponyville. Lavender coat, tri-toned mane, a young dragon trotting along beside her. Time flashes forward, like a tape in high speed. He’s sitting with this beautiful mare, enjoying a lunch. He finally asked her out, and they are having an honestly great time, her laugh and scent lighting up his senses. He wants to say “I Love You.” but does not. He’s an outcast among ponykind, freakish coat, magical ability less than that of a five-year old unicorn. But somehow, his life feels complete within her presence Time zooms forward again, to their wedding day. The outcasted Shadowfoot is marrying the one element of harmony that makes the others work. But he’s in love with her, not her element. A flash, then the mental image of Her and their children, Smiling joyfully, nothing can go wrong on this day. The once outcasted Shadowfoot is now a father. And he couldn’t be happier. He grins, beams, at his young wife and children, hugs them all, nuzzling them. A picture is taken, and then later, mounted in their bedroom on the wall above their bed. Another flash, The last nail is put into the last hinge of their home, Now built with the help of Applejack, her brother, and anypony else willing. A picture is taken, again, and mounted right next to the birthday and wedding pictures. Then, a sudden flash of red lightning, and the smell of a familiar shampoo fills the air, then a slap is heard, echoing against the walls of Shadow’s memories, The slap repeats, turning into a thundering echo. *** -crack boom!!!- The thunderclap had woken Shadow up, eliciting an involuntary scream of terror from Shadow’s muzzle, which sounded suspiciously like the name “Twilight”. Shadow was panting heavily and sweating, even though it was relatively cool inside the 12x12 shed he was sleeping in. Shadow, now wide awake, sat up on the cot, burying his face in his hooves. He was crying. not loudly, but silently. The type of cry you cry when something torments your innermost feelings. He needed to apologize to Twilight, even if she never forgave him. He needed to see her smile, hear her laugh. He needed her. And if He could not have her, He would never be sane again. Shadow acknowledged to himself he was probably going squirrel-poop nutty, but he at least needed one last kiss. He still needed to wait a while. Twilight’s friends were going to be furious, and he was lucky if he’d make it into ponyville without them catching him first. He would continue helping Black Walnut on his little farm, and when he finally worked up the courage to talk to Walnut about how he ended up here, he would say his farewells, and hopefully, never have to return except on a more leisurely visit. *** Twilight woke up finally, and an audible sigh of relief was heard all around the room. “Girls? what happened? you look like you’ve been at a funeral.” Twilight asked, feeling a sudden pain in her cheek that she had no idea how was there until now. “Twilight! you’re ok!” The girls crowded around their friend, fearing, for a while, that Shadow may have done a lot more damage than they thought. Oddly enough, Rarity was a bit standoffish, which was highly unlike her. She looked more tormented than the rest of them. “Rarity, come here! give Twi a big old hug!” Pinkie squealed, grabbing Rarity by the hoof and dragging her across the wide room. “Twi, do you remember anything that happened in the past few hours? Anything at all?“ Applejack asked. “Certainly! I re-organized the entire study while Shadow was out, and…Where’s Shadow? He should be around here somewhere.” “No, he isn’t Twilight. you don’t remember anything at all? about him locking himself in the study, or leaving, or seeming a bit...odd?” Fluttershy asked. “Now that you mention it, he was locked in the study since late this morning, doing some research. He wouldn’t tell me about what, but he’s usually not doing much of anything but napping in here. It’s not hard to pop open a lock.” Twilight chuckled, recalling the countless times she’d found him snoring away, some random book over his eyes and muzzle in the cutest way imaginable. “Twilight, Shadow’s gone. You had a magical meltdown, he slapped you, and left, from what we can gather between Spike, Star, and the owl.” Applejack chimed in. “What, why would he…” Then Twilight smelled the shampoo again. The smell she last remembered before blacking out. “Rarity...you slept with...my husband’’ Twilight asked, flabbergasted.This was news to the rest of them, and the room immediately went quiet, the amount of tension perking up everyone’s coats. “Twilight, I…” Rarity said, beyond deflated. “My husband? my foals’ father?” Twilight said, tears forming in her eyes. “Twilight, he wasn’t acting like himself. He was in some sort of trance. I would never do something like that. You know that.” Rarity said softly. “Then why did you..” Twilight trailed off, not being able to make herself finish the sentence. “Because I lost control of myself, Twilight. I’ve always had a thing for him, and he was just so, out of it, I didn’t actually expect anything to happen. I don’t remember anything happening..” “Rarity. You need to leave. Please. I want to figure this out for myself.” Twilight said flatly, her usually cheerful and chirpy speech flat and robotic. “Twilight, please, I don’t want to…” “Rarity….” At this, Rarity burst into flat out tears, and ran all the way to her boutique, sobbing. *** ++++++ Southpaw’s Corner. featuring your favorite, jealousy-driven Author, me! There’s a lot happening here. Shadow’s having nightmares, Twilight’s KTFO, and there’s a possible funeral going on. What I would like you all to take from this, is Shadow feels like his life in equestria is over just as it’s gotten started. He’s also greatly tormented by the events (which I feel I probably exaggerated a bit) and is having flashbacks as well. However, he finds solace in the pure seclusion of Black Walnut’s spit of land, and hopes to regain his bearings. Will he stallion up and face his problems head on? Will he be forgiven for what he did? Or will he remain in servitude to the uninformed, rustic Earth Pony? only time will tell. This chapter is actually a smaller part of a massive chunk that came out at just under 11,200 words, which is probably a new personal record for me, and took three days to get that far, and is still 1k words short of total finishing. Hope I didn’t drag this out too long, but I dearly missed you guys.
Chapter 6:Love conquers All Part 2“How long was I out, girls?” Twilight asked. “Best as we can tell, 12 hours or more. I think that magical meltdown drained you, and then Shadow...knocked you out...trying to save your home and yourselves. Spike and Star saw the whole thing. He was crying, Twilight. Shadow never cries. I’ve accidentally dropped a branch as thick as your neck and his tail and he didn’t even flinch. “ Rainbow Dash said, Staring at Twilight. “I need to find him, girls. I have to. I felt like he was calling, reaching for me. He needs me to tell him I still love him.” Twilight spoke confidently. “Good luck. It’s been raining so hard, hoofprints are washed away instantly.” Rainbow Dash spoke up. “This is a really freaky Storm. The weather Team can’t control it.” Without missing a beat, Applejack chimed in; “We have to let it run its course before we can even think about looking for him.” “Besides, who wants to go look for a pony in this kind of weather anyway. can you say “disasterriffic?” Pinkie added, making sense for once. “Girls, girls, you’ve made your points quite clear.” Twilight said. “That’s why I’m going to look for him on my own.” “WHAT?!?” The four mares shouted in unison, realizing they may have just woken up the entire household. “No, you’re not, Twilight. With you all busted up like you are, you’d be easy prey for any sleazepony between here and the everfree.” Applejack said, stomping her hoof for emphasis. “And all those mean hydras, cokatrices,chimeras, and manticores out there…” Fluttershy squeaked in terror at the very thought of what’s lurking out in the wide world. “Besides, how do you know which way to even go, or that you won’t go into total meltdown mode again and level the everfree?” “Because, behind every good mare is a good stallion, and vice versa. I need to find my husband. I have a gut instinct pulling me to him.” “Fine...but take somepony with ya, Twi. We don’t need you getting hurt again.” “I plan to, Applejack. Rarity is coming with me. I need to talk things out with her.” “you do realize Rarity is afraid of anything and everything dirty, dusty, grimy, wet, muddy, and slushy, right?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Of course. But if she wants to repair our friendship, and, in turn, restore the elements of Harmony to their full potential, she’ll go with me.” “Still…” “I’ve got it covered, Dash.” “At least wait until daylight, eh?” Applejack asked her. “that way we can help you pack up for the trip and see you off the right way.” “Fine, girls, I”ll wait until daylight. But as soon as first light, I’m leaving.” “Yes ma’am.” The four chimed in unison.” Once Twilight got something in her head, they all knew it was impossible to stop her *** Shadow awoke that morning, fur slightly damp from the coolness inside his makeshift apartment. It was far from comfy, but livable. His internal clock told him it was about 9am, and wagered that Walnut was already up and about. “Morning, Walnut.” Shadow said brightly, trying to hide how bone tired he really was. He trotted to the kitchen where he could smell coffee and breakfast. “Morning, Shadow. Storm keep you up?” Walnut grunted across the table as he was perusing a newspaper article about recent weather patterns. not a lot of it made sense to him, but he knew “bad weather” in any language. “Something like that. You?” “Slept like a foal.” “Amazing...May I have some of this coffee here?” “What it’s there for…” Walnut grunted again, flipping a page. “You’re not a morning pony, huh?” Shadow asked, trying to remain light. “Never have been. Probably why I make barely enough food to feed me.” At this, Walnut chuckled. It sounded like a pair of trees knocking together, warm and hearty. “Any breakfast left?” “A few eggs and some flapjacks. Help yourself, clean your dishes.” Shadow laughed in spite of himself. Walnut sounded so much like Twilight when she was talking to the boys, and he smiled, honestly, for the first time in what seemed like days. “So what needs doing, Walnut?” Shadow asked, wanting to make good on his promise to help. “Nothing. This is my day of rest. I don’t do a lot around here, but it gets to the bones and muscles after a while. So all I really do is read the paper, if it comes, and usually play the radio for a bit. I still do basic housework, but not much more than that.” “Oh. OK. Perhaps you can find something for me to do?” “Just leave it, son. There’ll be plenty of work to be had after that storm last night. How about you tell me how you ended up sleeping in a mud puddle? Seems an awful lot to go through, when you come from ponyville.” “I made a huge mistake, and ran away from it.” “I know that’s not all there is to it. What drives a respectable pony like you away from the comforts of home and into the boonies, where you’re lucky I even found you.” “Well, I don’t know where to start. I usually wouldn’t tell you about something like that, especially having just met you.” “Everypony does stupid things. Doesn’t make them a bad pony.” Well, I was running errands the other day….and I went to see a mare about some bedsheets, or curtains. Hell if I can remember what exactly.” “MMhm.” “Then, I sit down to wait for my order to finish, and I started drinking some tea that had been offered.” “And then, I don’t remember much past that, except that I left her store and had a nagging feeling something had gone horribly, horribly wrong.” “Ao you drank some jazzed up tea, lost your mind, and went home?” “Yeah. Pretty much.” “Doesn’t seem like a horribly smart idea. I wouldn’t believe it if’n I couldn’t tell you were an honest, good pony.” “Well, I got home, and something clicked. A smell, on me, that wasn't my own. I’m not a dirty pony, honestly, but I don’t choose to smell like lavender-vanilla shampoo.” “Now, bear in mind, I’m not a particularly stupid stallion. Not usually anyway. Why would I have been in a place much longer than necessary, and not remember why or how?” “So, weird, unmanly smell, and missing memories...interesting.” “So, I go to our study, and start reading all sorts of books, trying to figure out what went wrong. I was in there for hours, and found my answer, regrettably.” “Which was?” “I may have drank an incredibly strong love potion, shooting right past the love part and into more...carnal things.” “Carnal?” Shadow facehooved. Walnut was incredibly dense, at times. “Sex, Walnut. Stinky dirty pony sex.” “So, you bedded another mare? big deal. Young stallions like you have no control sometimes. I didn’t used to.” Walnut laughed. “Yes, it is a big deal, because I’m married to the element of magic herself, Twilight Sparkle, who also happens to be raising our two foals.” “Oh lord of ponies above!” Walnut spat out his coffee in a most comical fashion. “So you cheated on your wife, who's probably, if the stories are true, one of the most powerful mares in equestria, with another of her friends? “How’d you know it was one of her friends?” “Stories, like this, all too common around here. Stick around a village square long enough, you hear all sorts of raunchy things.” Shadow blinked twice, breathed deep, and returned to his tirade. “And so, before I could even try to make things right, my wife figures it out for herself, because she’s bloody brilliant, and confronts me about it. Before I can even say a word, she starts glowing all white and purple, her voice magnifies by tenfold, and she’s going into a magical meltdown, which can only be stopped by a sudden shock to the system.” “And lemme guess, you had to shock her system, and not in a good way?” “I slapped her so hard, I think I knocked her out. If I didn’t stop her, she would have blown our home to splinters and dust, killing me, herself, our foals, and the boys, while leveling half of ponyville.” “Damn, son. That really is horrible. But you did what needed to be done.” “Even so, I felt so horrible, I left. I blacked out, and woke up here.” “And now, for all I know, her friends, most of them anyway, want to murder me, she might STILL be out cold, and the boys are all alone with two newborns.” “Well son, I can’t condone hitting your wife. I never laid a hoof on my Norma in all our years. What I can condone, though, is that you saved several lives, while destroying your own. It takes a real stallion to throw his life away for others.” “I’m not a real stallion. Just an abusive husband.” “No, you’re not, Shadow. If you really love Twilight as much as you think you do, and she feels the same, she’ll come around. They always do.” “But, Walnut, how can you be so sure?” “Black Walnut may be a lot of things, but I am not a liar, nor a poor judge of character. You wanted to do things even though I told you there was none. You spent hours working on that shed, when, honestly, if you had asked for a room, I’d have given you my son’s, which has been empty for years. You showed determination and backbone. I can respect that.” “But Walnut…” “Shut your cornhole, Shadow. You two will come around eventually, come hell or high water. I can see by the light in your eyes how happy she makes you. It’ll be alright. Promise. Just give it time.” “I guess. It’s all I really can do.” “And that other mare? I’m sure she feels as horrible as you do. Not many mares in my lifetime have cheated and been happy about it.” “You know, Walnut. You remind me a lot of my father.” “How so?” “Let’s just say, I wasn’t always who I am now.” “Right…Go make yourself useful. collect some heating wood for your room. it’s upstairs on the left.” “My room?” “There’s another storm blowin’ in. I don’t want that shed taking you with if if it blows away or falls apart.” “Thank you, Walnut, for everything.” “Don’t mention it. I’m not a sappy pony. Work hard, show your true self, we’ll be just fine.” With a final, honest grin, Shadow trotted off to his chore. He was surprised that Walnut had such an optimistic feel about him and Twilight. It rubbed off slightly on Shadow. He’d made sure he collected two big piles for his room, and did the same for Walnut’s room and the den where they spent a good part of the night gambling away chores, while the storm raged outside. *** Rarity and Twilight had spent a major part of their voyage together in awkward silence, each not knowing how to approach the subject that they both knew needed to be discussed. They had made good progress so far, and had even gotten a fortunate lead from a few weather ponies in the next town over. They had seen Shadow pass through their village in the dead of night, crying and mumbling a name. “And which way did he go? Twilight asked sternly, needing any bit of information possibly on her husband. “Oh, Northwest, toward Walnut’s little farm.” But that’s still hours away by hoof. I would highly suggest laying low until the storm passes and the sky gets light.” “Storm?! What Storm?” Rarity demanded, the first time she’d spoken in hours. “Oh, there’s a real mean one comin’ up from the southeast, cutting itself a path through the deadlands. Nopony in their right mind will be sleeping tonight, or even outside of a basement.” “Twilight, we really should stay here tonight. It’s not smart at all to leave.” Rarity said, concerned. “Stay if you want. I”m going to find my husband come daybreak.” ”Twilight, that’s absolutely ludicrous! I understand how much Shadow means to you, but if you get trapped in that storm, there won’t be much left of you for him to love!” “I’ll be fine. I have a feeling we’ll be ok.” “Twilight, you can’t be…!” But before Rarity could finish, Twilight was already well on her way out of the sleepy little town and headed toward the deadlands. “Celestia preserve us…” Rarity groaned, looking at the welcoming inn, then toward the road that Twilight was moving swiftly along. “Celestia preserve us all..” Rarity moaned, quickly trotting after Twilight. A few hours had passed, and sunlight was rapidly fading into the the distance. Rarity and Twilight were on a precarious stretch of path where the mountains and the cliffside met, scarcely leaving room for them to walk abreast. “Twilight, I’m sorry.” Rarity finally broke the tense silence the pair had shared for much of their Journey. “Rarity, why did you do such a thing? The element of generosity and one of my best friends slept with my husband… Surely you understand why I’m so incredibly upset with the both of you.” “I do Twilight, I do. I was married once you know. The same thing happened to me. Except I wasn’t nearly as forgiving as you are.” “I can’t honestly say, Rarity, that I forgive you. In time I will, but right now, Shadow is my primary concern. The foals, the boys, they all look up to him, Rarity. I can’t just let him go.” “I know, Twilight. He really in a wonderful Stallion. I’m truly jealous he’s all yours. That’s partly the reason I took advantage of the situation. But he wasn’t acting himself, either; I scarcely see Shadow looking at other mares, much less doing unsavory things with them. He came on so strong and quickly...Like he was under a spell, or a trance.” “But, you LET it happen, Rarity. You, the model of grace, epitome of conduct and formality...The very soul of propriety. I would never, ever expect it out of you.” “To be fair, Twilight, all we did was have a cup of tea together while I was reapairing that material for you. But then, it all happened. I don’t remeber anything after drinking that last swallow...of the tea! The tea, Twilight! “What about the tea, Rarity? It’s one of the most common drinks in ponyville.” “Don’t you see, Twilight, there was something in it. I don’t know what, but something!” “How? didn’t you brew it fresh, like always?” “No! I saw Sweetie and Star using the teapot for some sort of school research project. Or so they told me.” “And you think, whatever that “project” was, involved you and Shadow…” Twilight couldn’t quite use the words she wanted to just yet. “I won’t say its the celestial truth, but I’d bet my bottom bit that it helped.” “Well, what now? all we have is a hunch and three heartbroken ponies.” “That’s better than no clue at all, dear.” Then, suddenly, a loud crash echoed above their heads, and a strike of lightning lit up the sky like Celestia’s sunlight itself. “The storm! I forgot about the Storm!” Twilight shouted in Rarity’s ear. “We need to find somewhere to lay low, fast!” “Oh dear, where do we go? All I see is wet ground and black cliff!” Rarity shouted back. The rain was pouring upon their heads like a sky-sized water faucet, the thunder echoing loudly off of the surrounding rocks, rattling their bones under their muscles. “We need to find a cave, or at least an overhang! Trees are too dangerous!” Twilight bellowed over the howling winds. “My jewel spell!! where there’s jewels, caves aren’t far away!” Rarity screeched, a loud thunderclap exploding above their heads, momentarily disorienting the pair, and leaving a ringing in their ears. “Great thinking, Rarity! lead the way! I’ll cloak us so we don’t catch a cold or go deaf!” With that, the pair silenced themselves, pouring every bit of power they could into their respective spells. After about ten minutes of tense silence, the pair finally collapsed just inside the mouth of a mid-sized grotto, that led about 50 feet into the side of the mountain, far away from the howling maelstrom outside. Thankfully, their saddlebags were more or less dry, and they removed their blankets and other assorted things, being sure it was all well and good. “Twilight, we have no way to make fire. We’ll freeze to death before we can even leave this dank hole.” Rarity whined, honestly scared for her life. “Yes we do. look.“ Twilight levitated a brick of material from within her bags proudly. “Twilight, love, bricks don’t hold flame. They can’t even take flame.” Rarity looked skeptically at the mysterious object in Twilight’s arcane grasp. “This isn’t a brick, Rarity. It’s hyper-compressed sawdust and cotton. This will stay lit for four hours minimum. more than enough time to dry ourselves and our sleeping gear.” Twilight finished matter-of-factly. “How ingenious is that?” Rarity asked, Amazed. “Shadow is a very smart pony. That’s how. He said it’s similar to things they use in his homeland, called “Duraflame” logs. But with a bit of equestrian genius, like me, we improved it to burn longer and hotter.” “Really now? You and Shadow did all that?” “Truthfully, we’re waiting on the Princesses’ approval for sale equestria-wide.” “Twilight, if you gain that approval, you and Shadow will be set for life.” “That’s what we were hoping. But so long as we can provide for our children for a little while after we’re gone, we’re fine with it.” “You two are Truly remarkable ponies, Twilight.” Rarity said, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m indefinitely sorry for what I’ve done to you. I hope you’ll forgive me.” She finished, staring into the now lit wonder-log. “I think everything will be just fine between all of us, Rarity.” Twilight said, hugging Rarity tightly. “I hope so. And I genuinely wish for Shadow to be alive and well.” “Something tells me he is.” *** At that same moment, Shadow was laughing at a particularly raunchy joke the Black Walnut had just told him involving two ponies and a banana. ++++++ Southpaw’s Corner! again! Hey Everypony, obviously, Southpaw here. OK, a lot happening here, too. Twilight’s more or less OK, and still wants to find Shadow. Rarity has been elected to accompany her on this journey, and Shadow finally reveals how exactly he ended up sleeping in a mud puddle on a spit of land in the middle of bucking nowhere. This chapter was done right around the second night of working on it, and this chunk is broken up into another 3,000 words and some change. Hopefully, you all are not getting bored on the angst I have woven into this epic, but hey, I’m good with angst. Anyway, please feel free to drop me a line on my user page letting me know just how much you hate, or less likely, love me. And if you really, really like me (insert cheesy emotion-voice) watch me! Once again, happy to be back, missed you guys, Southpaw Out. Author's Note So I hope you all liked the update it took Southpaw and I a while to do and we have a message from Southpa- *connection fizzles out* Southpaw’s Corner! again! Hey Everypony, obviously, Southpaw here. OK, a lot happening here, too. Twilight’s more or less OK, and still wants to find Shadow. Rarity has been elected to accompany her on this journey, and Shadow finally reveals how exactly he ended up sleeping in a mud puddle on a spit of land in the middle of bucking nowhere. This chapter was done right around the second night of working on it,
Chapter 7:Love conquers All Part 3“Walnut, I don’t think I’ll ever meet another pony like you.” Shadow said happily. While he was still torn up over Twilight, Walnut had shown him things aren’t always as bad as they look. Walnut had also convinced him that Twilight was probably looking for him right now. “I hope not. It’s way too dangerous for any pony out in that storm.” “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this great big world, it’s that love conquers all things.” “But if you have nothing to love, how do you conquer all things?” Shadow asked the ever-wise Walnut. “With lots of brute force!” at this, the two howled in laughter. “Walnut. I’ve only known you for two days, but I feel like I want to know you even longer. Can we be friends?” Shadow asked the old pony. “Well, you’re eating my food, drinking my wine, and sleeping in my house. What are we, married?” “You’ve got a point there, old stallion.” Just then, a thought occurred to Shadow. “Old timer, you say this farm is an exercise in futility, right?” “A what now?” “Hopeless.” “Oh. Well, I wouldn’t say hopeless, but nothing really grows too well out here except buried vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, whatever.” “You ever wanted to see Ponyville in the flesh?” “Not particularly, no, but a bit of travel wouldn’t hurt.” “I’m not talking travel. I’m saying pulling up stakes and moving to ponyville.” “I can’t do that, son. My wife, She’s buried on this here land that we sweated and bled over for 15 years, easily. It just wouldn’t feel right leaving her here. I’ve already arranged for me to be lain next to her.” There went that idea. But Shadow wasn’t ready to give up on this old timer just yet. “How’s about you come visit me, in Ponyville? Meet my wife, my kids, and my adopted sons.” “That’s an awful long trip, son.” “Then, let us come visit you. They’ll need to meet the pony that helped save my marriage and myself.” “Well, does it look like I’m going anywhere fast? Maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll build y’all some guest rooms.” “Sounds like a plan to me.” With that, they clinked their glasses together and drank deeply, each of them happy they had found a friend. *** While Shadow and Walnut were making merry, Twilight and Rarity were having a much less pleasant time. Even though their little cave was warm and dry, either one would fall asleep, another crack of thunder would jolt them both awake, and they would try sleeping again, usually for no more than a couple minutes. Needless to say, the pair were quite happy to see the storm finally break and the warm ball of light in the sky. Over the course of the night, the two had finally cleared the air, albeit slowly and painstakingly. “So Twilight, where do we go now?” Rarity asked, trying to tidy her mane fruitlessly. “Well, that pony mentioned a farm just on the other side of this ridge. It’s our best bet to ask there if they’ve seen Shadow come through this way. Celestia knows where he may be by now.” “I don’t think I could ever chase a Stallion this way, Twilight. The weather is unbearable enough. Forget about food and supplies and what not. I’m a seamstress, not an explorer. I make clothes for a living. Not outdoorsy things.” “Well, Shadow taught me that you’re not limited by what you can do, just your effort and imagination. Like the crusaders, for example. They’re still full of potential.” “And your magic also saved us from that horrible storm last night.” “Well yes, but what else could I do? We could have been seriously hurt or gotten incredibly sick.” “Exactly. You showed yesterday that you’re more than capable of being useful in any situation.” “Thank you, Twilight.” “I think we found it” Twilight shouted gleefully. As it turned out, the farm that was spoken of was right beneath the ridge they were on, they would have spotted it last night if the weather wasn’t so horrible. A rough path led down and into the plains outside of the homestead. It didn’t appear to be a farm at all, but more a stone house with a miniscule smattering of vegetable plots and some cows and chickens milling about. “Are you sure that what we’re looking for, Twilight?” Rarity asked uncertainly. “There are some rather strange ponies in places like these. They may be cannibals, or zombies, or…” Rarity found a purple hoof inserted into her muzzle. “Does it look like there’s another building for miles around? and you see the vegetables, don’t you? For Celestia’s sake, there’s a pony right there collecting water.” “I guess so..” Rarity said around Twilight’s hoof. “Good. Even though we look like barbarians, were not. Let’s introduce ourselves.” *** When they felt they were in earshot, Twilight shouted a friendly greeting to the dark brown pony by the well. She held her bags up, then set them next to her. Rarity did the same. They then made the final 10 or 15 foot approach to the fence around the property. “Hello, Sir, Excuse me. My name is Twilight Sparkle and This is my friend, Rarity. We were hoping you could help us with some information.” Twilight smiled as friendly as she could muster, and to her relief, the other pony approached the fence, and them.” “Pleasure to meetcha, Miss Sparkle.” Black Walnut grunted, his voice stern but friendly. “You too, Mr….?” “Black Walnut, ma’am. There’s not a thing I don’t know about these parts as far as landmarks and whatnot, so what can I help you with?” “I’m not looking for landmarks so much, As I am looking for a Pony. A very unique pony, with black stripes and a wine-red coat. Have you seen him?” Black Walnut knew exactly who she was here for when he’d heard her name, but for the moment, let it lie. “Well, I do have a guest staying with me inside. Perhaps he knows more. He only just showed up here a few days ago. Chances are if anyone saw a pony, it’d be him.” “Well, we certainly would like to meet him, if that’s alright, Sir.” Twilight asked nonchalantly. “What type of gentlepony would I be to refuse a couple pretty mares like yourselves a rest? Come on in, I’ll fire up the coffee pot.” At his compliment, both mares blushed profusely. Few rustic ponies could speak like that, much less make them blush. “Don’t forget your bags, ladies. Hate for the timbers to get to them or summat.” Twilight lifted both bags to her, and levitated them along behind her. Rarity was still being standoffish, but she would come around with a few minutes to get used to the stranger before her. “Well, welcome to Walnut’s miserable little farm, ladies.” With a little flourish, Walnut popped open the door to his kitchen, and thankfully. Shadow was not in the immediate vicinity. As much as he wasn’t a sympathetic pony, he enjoyed playing little games like these. “Make yourselves comfortable, I’ll go find our other guest. I’m sure he’s still sleeping off last night’s festivities. It appears he loves storms as much as I do. Flatout enjoys it, I’d wager.” Walnut trotted up the shallow stairwell that led to the upper floor, then proceeded further down the hall, and, finding the door he needed, knocked hard and loud. Shadow jolted awake, to a loud knock on the door. That was the most sleep he’d had in twenty four hours, and was thoroughly enjoying it. “Gah, Walnut, it’s too early!” Shadow shouted, his head throbbing slightly. He thought to himself, “Whatever I drank was definitely not pure.” and answered the door, leaning heavily on the door frame. “We have guests. Make yourself pretty and come on down. They’re two rather pretty mares who look like they could use a hot meal and a cold drink.” “What are you, my father?” “Son, I’ve bedded so many mares, it’s quite possible.” Walnut chuckled loudly, eliciting a groan from Shadow. “Alright, alright, I’ll be right down.” Shadow didn’t quite understand why he needed to meet these guests, but Shadow didn’t mind. The more the merrier. Walnut’s jokes got old, quick. Much like Walnut himself. After Shadow had “tidied up” He trotted happily down the stairs, and could have sworn he heard Twilight’s voice in the next room. At that moment, he thought he might have finally lost his marbles. Why in the wide world would Twilight come all the way out here, especially with no idea he’d left, and two foals at home. He shook his head, trotting into the kitchenette. *** “Fluttershy! can you two make any bigger a mess?” Applejack said, running over to the foals’ high chairs, where there was gobs of what appeared to be oatmeal and milk all over the table. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to feed them, Applejack.” Fluttershy squeaked, dodging another oatmeal bullet that had been thrown with near-expert precision. “I’m used to feeding my animals, not foals.” She squeaked again, catching and earful of brown goo. “They’re foals, Shy. All they eat is foal formula! check the fridge!” Applejack yelled a little louder than she intended. “Star? Star, where are you?” Applejack called, looking for the midnight blue colt, who, as of yet, had not been seen. “I think he’s in our room!” Spike called from the kitchen, hurrying to clean whatever new messes he could. There were four of them here. How Shadow and Twilight did this on a daily basis, Spike would never know. “Pinkie, stop making them laugh!” Flutters squealed, noticing that Pinkie was behind the oatmeal tossing contest. “And miss out on a round of oatmeal airplane? heck no!” Pinkie giggled in delight. “Star, come on, young’un! we ain’t got time to play hide n’ seek! The crusaders will be here any minute lookin’ for ya!” Applejack called, heading deeper into the building. With the relative quiet of the deeper recesses on the homestead, Applejack heard light snoring in the room on her left, figuring it must have been Star, who should have been awake an hour ago. “Star, it’s time for school.” Applejack knocked lightly on the doorframe, trying not to startle the young colt too badly. “Aunt Jackie, I think I’m sick!” Star faked a cough, hoping she would buy it and let him sleep. “Not likely, little partner!” Applejack hoisted him gently by his tail like she had to do to Applebloom on so many occasions. “Hop to it now. The crusaders are gon’ be here any second. I don’t need them causing a ruckus on top of those two foals in the kitchen. Good Celestia Above…” Applejack sighed. She’d never been so happier that she only had Bloom to worry about. “But Aunt Jackie!” Star whined, trying ever so desperately to stay home. “Star, please, help me out here. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now and I need as much cooperation as possible from everypony.” Applejack laid down, getting eye to eye with the young colt. “I know yah miss Twilight n’ Shadow, and I know you’re worried about them, but they’re big ponies. Why, they’ll probably be home by time you get home, little man.” “I guess so, Aunt Jackie. But I have one more question, Then I promise I’ll get ready.” “Shoot.” “What’s coo-op-er-asian?” Star said, enunciating each syllable as well as he could. “Help, little guy. Now get to it. I’m sure I can find something for you to eat before ya go. Maybe even some...Apple Pie.” Applejack said, tipping a wink to the little colt. “Dessert? At breakfast! yayy!!” Star screamed in delight. Twilight would never let him eat pie in the morning. “But only if you’re ready in five minutes.” “10 seconds flat!” Star screeched, imitating Rainbow almost to perfection. “Hyuck hyuck, you got it, little pardner.” Applejack left the room with a smile. That little colt’s attitude was infectious. “Aunt Jackie?” “Yeah, pardner?” Star was thinking about asking another question, but he decided not to. After Applejack had gotten out of earshot, he talked to the walls in his room to get it off his chest. “Walls, do you think Shadow is OK?” He knew walls couldn’t talk, but he felt like they could maybe listen. When the walls didn’t cave in on him, he assumed that was a sign that Shadow was alright, and that was more than enough for him. As AJ entered the kitchen, she realized the ruckus had calmed down somewhat. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike had all started cleaning up the kitchen after finally getting the foals to settle down, who were both drinking happily from bottles. “Great job, ponies and dragons. We’ll be A-ok if we can keep this up until Twilight gets back.” “I hope that’s soon. I don’t think I could handle another round of “oatmeal airplane.” Fluttershy said, who was effectively coated in oatmeal.” “Hehe, Not so easy as your critters, huh, Shy?” Applejack chuckled. “Even Angel Bunny is more tolerable on his worst days.” “That was super-duper fun!” Pinkie Squealed. “I’ve never been beaten at oatmeal airplane, but those twins are amazing at it!” Pinkie finished, snorting and laughing. “I’m wondering why you actually have a name for that fiasco.” Spike grunted, plopping down at the table with a plate of pancakes. “Well..” “Another time, Pinkie.” Applejack told her, sitting down at the last available seat. “Aunt Jackie, I’m ready!” Star squeaked as he entered the kitchen. “Good gracious, ten seconds flat, young’un” Applejack chuckled, pulling an Apple Pie from her bags. “I figured you ponies and dragon would be hungry, So I slipped out last night after everyone calmed down and grabbed this.” She said, cutting the pie into equal chunks for those assembled, Star included. “Not exactly rib-stickin’ good, but better than nothing.” They ate in silence, and without missing a beat, the crusaders had arrived on the scene, happy and laughing. After hellos and goodbyes were said, the three mares finally had a moment to themselves. “Do you think Twilight and Rarity are OK?” Flutters asked, all the weariness in her voice finally evident. “I bet my cupcake eating trophies they are 100 % ok.” Pinkie Said softly, The worry evident in her voice. “Ladies, Twilight is one of the smartest ponies I know. And don’t let Rarity fool you. I taught her a long time ago that getting dirty is ok in certain circumstances. This is one of them.” Applejack said confidently. “I don’t think there’s a better pair of ponies to hunt down Shadow. I’m still not sitting right with what he did, but if Twilight thinks he’s still worth it, I’m behind her all the way. You both see the , way they look at each other. Nothin’ can tear those two apart.” “You’re so totally right Applejack…” Pinkie tried being as boisterous as usual, but she just didn’t have it in her. She barely was able to stifle a yawn. “Girls, Y’all can go on home if’n ya like. Shy desperately needs a shower and you both need some sleep. I’ll handle this here.” Applejack said, placing each of her forehooves on each of her friends’ shoulders. “Are you sure, Applejack?” Shy asked, stifling a yawn herself. “Go, girls. I’ve got it. I’ll take me a little nap on the couch after these foals nod off. The crusaders and Star aren’t due back for hours.” “OK, Applejack. We’ll leave. Since Sugarcube corner is closer than Shy’s cottage, have Spike come get me if you need me.” “Thank you, Pinkie. Goodbye girls.” “Bye, Applejack.” The mares said in tired unison, Pinkie following Shy out. “Well, nothing really to do, huh, kids?” Applejack asked the two drowsy foals before her. While she didn’t have kids of her own, she wouldn’t mind it. “Shadow, you idiot. Why’d you have to screw up so badly?” AJ asked the empty building around her. The only given answer was a groan from the beams around her. Author's Note Wow yet another update! Well here is another message from Southpaw! _____________ Southpaw here! Hai guyz! I decided there was too much angst is the last two chapters, so I left this one on a slightly more lighthearted note, with AJ, Shy, and Pinkie babysitting a houseful of kids. I like how it turned out and had a lot of fun writing the “house, foal, and everythingsitting” bit. And hooray for mama-ish Applejack! I always felt, from day 1, that AJ would be a bit more “take charge and be responsible” type, especially when it comes to the young’uns, while also humbling her by giving her and Star a bit of a “moment.”
Chapter 8:Love conquers All Part 4Shadow and Twilight couldn’t believe what they were seeing. “Shadow…” “Twilight…” Nothing more needed to be said. Tears were flowing freely from their eyes as they embraced each other tightly, that moment feeling like an eternity. “Twilight, how did you find me all the way out here? I don’t even know where I am.” Shadow said, amazed at his wife’s pure drive and instinct. “I followed your heart, love. I felt you pulling and calling for me.” “What do you mean?” “Well, the entire way here, I kept hearing your voice in my head and my heart. Maybe we have some sort of magical link because we’re married, or both unicorns.” “I won’t say that’s impossible, but highly farfetched.” “Maybe so. It didn’t make sense to me at first, But I kind of went with it and it led me here.” “But that storm last night, it was insane. how did you make it through the night?” “I, we, have Rarity to thank for that.” “Rarity? how? why?” Sensing it was her turn to speak finally, Rarity took it. “Shadow, you heard the story of me and the diamond dogs, as well as my cutie mark story. I used that same spell to find us a cave to sleep in overnight.” She finished solemnly, trotting slowly up to Shadow. “Shadow, I’m so, so sorry for what I did. I can never forgive myself, but I honestly hope you will, in time. I knew you weren’t feeling yourself, but I took advantage of it. I’m disgusted with myself.” “Rarity, even though what happened, did happen, with your direct intervention, you were able to reunite Twilight and Me. Where would our foals be without you helping Twilight make it here safely?” “But Shadow, I dirtied your honest, good nature for my own gain. That’s hardly something for the element of generosity to brag about.” Rarity said, confused. Shadow seemed gleeful to say the least, even after the catastrophe at their home. “No, that deed is not something to brag about, but you reuniting us after we could have been permanently done for, is.” With that, Shadow hugged the misty eyed mare who had, to say the least, been through hell and back, along with Twilight. He didn’t linger too long, but Twilight seemed ok with it, for now. Walnut had watched the reunion in silence, keeping to himself and leaning easily against the doorway. He had remembered his first, and last big fight with his wife. And he knew exactly where the couple were coming from. “Well, ladies, is this the pony you were looking for?” Walnut interjected, the lovers still staring deep into each other’s eyes. “Exactly the one.” Twilight said happily, kissing Shadow long and deep, so long, in fact, that Walnut and Rarity needed to look away for a second. “Well, I just wouldn’t feel right sending y’all on your way without a hot meal. Would y’all care to join me for dinner tonight?” Three stomachs grumbled in unison, answering the question for them. “Well, dinner will probably be ready in about an hour or so. Till, then, make yourself comfortable. There’s not much here, but there is a warm fire and a radio in the next room.” “Thank you, Walnut.” Shadow said, sparing a momentary glance at the pony. “I’m not expecting the girls to cook, but you’re a different story, Shadow. I don’t care if she is your wife. Cook for her once in awhile. it does the heart good.” “Wait what?” “You heard me. You. Me. Cook Dinner. Clear?” “Yes, Walnut” “Good, let’s get a move on. We still have vegetables to pick and clean.” And so, dinner was made, subsequently eaten, and then tidied up. After all was said and done, Shadow finally noticed the mark he left on Twilight, which stung him more than it did her. “Did I do that to you, Twilight?” Shadow asked, astonished at his own display of brutality. “Yes, you did, Shadow. But I didn’t know you did until the girls told me what they had gathered.” “I’m so sorry honey. So Sorry…” Shadow said, gently caressing the bruise. “It’s fine, Shadow. You had no choice. I don’t even remember the magical storm. All I remember was confronting you outside of the study, and then, I woke up laying on the reading couch with an Ice Pack on my face and Star dozing off next to me.” “OH, celestia, Twilight! The boys! are they OK? the foals too? They saw everything..I hope they don’t hate me…” Shadow said, looking downcast at the floor. “Relax, Shadow, the boys, the foals, they’re OK. I left them in Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie’s hooves.” “Pinkie, really?” Shadow said skeptically. Why Pinkie, he thought to himself. “Who better to keep them laughing and happy while we’re both gone?” “Seems legit.” Shadow shrugged. While Pinkie was far from idea, she was better than most. Her experience with the cake babies helped. “How are we getting home?” Rarity asked, realizing that they were low on supplies and plus one more pony. “Well, it so happens I have an old cart in the back field. If we start on it tomorrow morning, we can have it up and running by midafternoon, and we’ll have you all back in Ponyville by suppertime.” Walnut grunted from across the room. “Back when my son still lived here, and my wife hadn’t passed yet, we were sole providers of potatoes and carrots for the towns to the north and east. While things didn’t fetch as many bits as they do now, it was an easier way of livin’ than trekkin’ back and forth between towns for work. With me getting older in years, Norma passin’ on, and my son doing who knows what, I gave up. Been living off of what I’d managed to save up over the years. “That’s so tragic, Walnut..” Rarity intoned, listening intently to his every word. “Aye, so it was...I didn’t have much left in me after She’d passed. “I don’t think I would either. She sounds like a good mare.” “Gods above, she was. Put a raunchy young stallion like me on the straight and narrow, and I never looked back. I used to raise all sorts’ a ruckus back when. I would bed a new mare every night if’n i could get away with it…” At that moment, Shadow snorted back laughter and Rarity gasped, her mouth dropping open. Shadow’s laughter was halted by a swift forehoof to his right front leg, delivered by Twilight. “Sorry hon.” Shadow grinned sheepishly. “Regardless of...how many mares you..” Rarity swallowed hard, and then continued “...bedded…how did a single mare change all of that?” Rarity was a hound for these sorts of sappy romance stories, as vulgar and steamy as they may be at times. “It was actually really funny and simple. I was on my way to trying my luck with another mare after I had just struck out with her, and she grabbed me by my tail and told me “If you can move that quickly from one mare to the next, how am I to know you’re worth my time you filthy stallion?!?” “After taking a lashing like that, I couldn’t very well let it be, so I says to her, I says, “...If you can’t let me go that easily, why should I even try again? you could be squirrel-poop crazy for all I know!” I shouted, and then, she slapped me so hard she knocked my filthy little flank to the ground in front of all my boys!” He laughed. Rarity was still aghast at the entire sequence, but couldn’t walk away. After Walnut had regained himself, he got back to his story. “Well, after that night, I couldn’t get that mare out of my mind. I would be thinking about her at work, or at the bar, so, I says to myself, “Walnut, if you let that mare go, you’ll never live down the fact that she whooped you good.” “And then, things led to things led to things, and before I knew it, we was married and our son was on his way into the world…” A whimsical smile crossed Walnut’s face, and at that, he cried. Those assembled watched in silence, knowing this was something he hadn’t done in years. “Gods above, I miss that mare. I really do. Every day, three times a day, I visit her headstone, just to have a chat with her…” Walnut sniffed, wiping his tears. “Shame on you ponies..” Walnut was smiling whimsically once again “Making an old stallion cry like a newborn foal.” Then, Rarity did something she wouldn’t normally ever do. “Walnut, you’re a wonderful old stallion, and I wish you many happy years. Norma was very fortunate to have you.” She then approached him, hugging him, like a daughter would her father. “Do you have a picture of her, Walnut?” Rarity asked, the gears turning in her head. The hardened old pony sniffled, and then pointed at a single picture of he and his beloved on their wedding day. “how about some old bedsheets, blankets, anything?” “In a closet upstairs. I really ever sleep on the couch. Why?” “If you trust me, you’ll see.” “What am I gonna do with them?” Rarity took that as a go ahead sign, and began constructing her latest masterpiece. She was up well into the night, and had retired long after Walnut had dozed off in front of the fire, and the lovebirds had retired to Shadow’s room.” With a long, deep yawn, Rarity laid the blanket over the old stallion. It was that very picture, of Norma in her wedding dress, that had inspired Rarity. She had used the mare’s image as a template for a large throw blanket that Walnut could wrap up in whenever he felt cold and alone. Walnut roused briefly, watching Rarity crawl up the stairs, exhausted beyond her limits. He’d wondered why she was still awake, and then realized what had been wrapped around him. “That Sweet, Sweet mare….” He smiled. “I knew she wasn’t all bad…” He then fell promptly back to sleep. Morning came too early for his liking. Rarity yawned again, and settled into Walnut and Norma’s old bed, and she slept, heavier than ever, for the first time in days. *** The next morning dawned bright and clear, with the brilliant blue of the sky, infinite in its’ size. The Stallions had done most of the work on the cart, repairing wheels, axles, and the like, while Twilight and Rarity had repaired the old canvas top, and even managed to refresh the paint job on the old wooden transport. The group looked upon the transport proudly, and before they knew it, they were homeward bound. While Shadow and Walnut had chatted up front, the mares were resting in the back, Rarity especially, who had only caught maybe a three hour nap before the morning call of the rooster had woken her. At present, though, Rarity and Shadow had switched places so Twilight could be closer to Shadow. After being so close to losing him, she couldn’t bear the thought of his warm body away from her. Before long, they had arrived in the very town Twilight and Rarity had passed through, and stopped off for a bite to eat. As Vulgar as he was sometimes, Walnut was an absolute pleasure to have around, and kept the group laughing and happy the whole trip through. As Celestia’s sun was setting, they saw the very path to Ponyville, lit up like bits of colored glass due to the naturally occurring crystals in the cobblestones. “Everypony, y’all are home.” Walnut announced proudly, the oxen’s hooves’ clicking on the cobbles below. “I never thought I’d be happier to see Ponyville.” Rarity said, allowing herself a smile. “Welcome home, My Love.” Twilight said, nuzzling Shadow’s strong neck, which he accepted. No embrace had ever made him happier. “I’m glad to be home, love.” Shadow’s voice shook slightly, and only Twilight’s warmth against his stopped him from crying. Even sooner still, they were just arriving at the gate to their home, and who should spy them first, but Shooting Star. “Shadow, Twilight, you’re home!!” He squeaked ecstatically, plowing into the both of them as hard as he could muster. “I thought you would never get home, and I would never see you again, and, and…” Star then burst into tears, soaking Shadow and Twilight’s forelegs within minutes. By now, those assembled had heard the ruckus, and were surrounding the party, bombarding them with questions about who, what, where, why, and how. Even the normally stoic and strong Applejack allowed herself a few tears of joy. She’d never been happier to see anypony in her whole life, and was surprised, to find out, that she found herself hugging both Twilight and Shadow, cracking their neck vertebrae. “OW, ow, AJ, too hard” the pair grunted, and they all laughed. “And who’s this fine young mare, here?” Black Walnut said, indicating the strong orange mare that made Shadow grimace. Everypony had forgotten he was even there. “Applejack, old timer.” She said, offering her hoof, which was shook. “Black Walnut at your service, missus.” “Aren’t you the charmer, stallion?” AJ said, somewhat flattered. He was strong and country, that was for sure, but yet he was a different breed of country. “Everypony, quiet down, please.” Shadow announced loudly. Shadow didn’t speak much, so if he did, it was important. “Everypony, this here is Black Walnut. He’s partly responsible for saving me from myself. He’s kept me safe and fed while I cleared my head, and I would like you all to treat him as you do me.” Assorted hellos and hi’s were said, hooves shaken, and after the introductions were made, the party retreated inside to hear a full recount of the past few days’ events, on all sides of the spectrum. The reunion was indeed joyous, and Shadow, if nopony else knew, that he had found a guardian angel in the rough old stallion named Black Walnut. After the events had finally calmed down and most everyone had gone home or to sleep, Shadow and Twilight were dozing happily together in their bedroom, when suddenly, they felt a little lump between the two of them. “Shadow, are you…?” “Nope, not me.” Shadow groaned. Then a familiar pair of wings brushed against Shadow’s belly. “Star, is that you?” Twilight sighed, half asleep. “We’re both very tired. We’ll talk to you more tomorrow, honey.” “Yes, it’s me…” They heard an adorable little yawn, and then “I missed you guys so much. Can I sleep in here tonight?” “I suppose. If Twilight’s fine with it.” Shadow said. Frankly, he missed Star as well, and felt he was more his son than his best friend in a pony’s body. “It’s fine, but if either of you two start snoring, I’ll poof you to the couch.” “Yes ma’am.” They said in synchronous, both yawning. “Goodnight, dad.” Star mumbled, finally dozing off. “Goodnight, my boy.” Shadow grunted, and with that, they were both out cold. Twilight wasn’t sure what she might have just heard, but she didn’t particularly mind it, either. She was happy to have all of her boys back, be they young, old, or otherwise. Author's Note Welp the Shadow and Twilight have been re- *fizzles out then in* oh no you don't! Not this time! But yes they are reunited an- *fizzles out* Southpaw’s Corner! Hey y’all! A lot here, as is my custom. We have two reunions, a d’aww moment, and a new character, Black Walnut, thrown into the mix! How fun is he? And, don’t forget, a GenerRarity moment! Which was kind of adorable. I had loads of fun writing Walnut’s little backstory here, as well as GenerRarity. As much as she fucked up the entire situation, and therefore, directly affected this entire thing, I couldn’t leave her on a bad note. Even though she’s not exactly one of my favorites, I still like her. Walnut’s role won’t be exactly central to our epic, but, he’s going to be a voice of reason and guidance, with the occasional pervy quip. Shadow could use something like that, eh? And, he seems to fit pretty well in our exceptionally long dramafic. *fizzles back in* ...What he said...
