The Shadow of a Marineby Patric12345ChaptersA wake up callWait what?Failed First DateWork Related ChaosSecond DateA Suicide AttackA wake up callI woke up with a start -- I was in the middle of a town of well Ponies. I noticed three things off the bat. No one was looking at me. My arm (well, leg now) was still the same. And a pink pony was bouncing on me. I rolled over and said to her, "Will you get off of..." She cut me off and said, "Hi my name is Pinkie Pie what's yours'?" I said in reply, "Shadow my name is Shadow now will you please get off of me." She got off and said, "What's wrong with your leg?" I looked down and noticed the Arcane vessels were visible. I said, "Its a long story and I don't have the time to tell you. I just need to find some place to stay until I find out where I a..." Pinkie said, "You're in Equestria dummy." I was about to say where IS Equestria, but I kept that to myself. I asked her, “Where can I find a house to live in?” She pointed me to a recently constructed house, which I got for free (Yeah, for FREE): another oddity. I just decided to plop down and look for some work. HOURS LATER I got a job at a farm. Hard work but it’s.. rewarding. No pony seems to trust me due to the fact they can see the damn arcane energies in my leg. The farmer, Applejack was her name, said I could keep working because I never complained. I thought to myself well: being a marine, complaining doesn't fly. I got to know a few others: the weather pony, named Rainbow Dash, the animal caretaker named Fluttershy, and then the dressmaker named Rarity who made me a leg cover: YEAH! It’s covered up now, so its not so DAMN COLD ALL THE TIME! THESE four, plus Pinkie, strike me as odd, but hey -- I am a foreigner; every thing is odd. Well, they said the anniversary when a Pony named Nightmare Moon was banished. So I got off. Might as well join the damn party. I suppose no ponies enjoy my presence. A new pony named Twilight Sparkles who just arrived thinks something bad may happen. I've got no details, but it sounds bad. I think I might try to find her and strike a conversation with her. My gut is telling me to do something other than… nothing. Wait what?This is going to be a long night every pony is gathering in the main building in town. Lucky me I just finished my gun might as well bring it I feel a lot safer with one by my side. Well then it seems every pony is here. Nothing is going to happen is what some ponies are saying. I beg to differ I sense a strong magic behind the curtains on the balcony. Something big is behind there. Well look who it is the new pony might as well say hi. "Hey I'm Shadow I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet." I said. She replied with, "Who me?" "Yeah you. You are the new pony right? I just thought I might say hi and hope to get a little lucky tonight," I said while trying to crack a small joke. She said with a little bit of a blush, "Well my name is Twilight Sparkles nice to meet you Shadow." I said, "I may have been a little to blunt with my last joke but I do find you cuter than most ponies I have met." She blushed a little more, "Oh stop that." "As you wish how about we sit together of," I said but was cut off by a maniacal laugh. Oh god not again. I turned around not being able to finish and prepared for the worst. What I saw was a large pony that looked exactly like the night sky. I knew something was wrong from the moment I saw her. I felt the blast coming before it was fired and I threw myself into it. I caught it just before it hit Twilight. It seared away the covering of my leg. I then rolled and returned fire with the same blast. It missed and hit the wall and it didn't explode which was nice for me. Fuck my leg hurts. I then stood directly in front of Twilight, drew my gun and prepared to fire before that damn pony vanished. Never caught her name I was too busy going unconscious from the pain the last thing I heard before blacking out was from Twilight and she said, "We need to go rescue Celestia!" I regained consciousness and I decided I needed to help. Since it seemed it was still night and I had been out for a full five hours. I got suited up and trotted to the forest. I hate forests. I went through and found some weird things not much of notice. I came to the ruins of a castle. I guess they went in there. I kicked open the doors and trotted in. Upon looking around I noticed five shapes that looked to be tied up and a sixth that looked to be unconscious. I got a little bit closer and was surprised to see Twilight laying on the floor out cold. I reached into my pack and grabbed an incense stick and light it. I stuck it right under her nose. Thankfully I grabbed the right one. She woke right up she was about to speak and I signaled to be quiet and I set to work on waking the rest up. After that was done I started to head for the stairs when one of them said, "Thank you." "No need. It seemed like you needed help." I replied. Only four of them knew my voice at that moment. The other two I didn’t know about. Twilight then said, "Shadow I may need your help do you mind being bait?" I laughed and said, "Sure what do you need me to do?" Failed First DateI awoke to the sound of pouring rain. My alarm clock then proceeded to kick in with the song ‘Rain’ . I don’t mind, no I don’t mind, I don’t mind the rain Simple things and subtleties, they always stay the same I don’t mind, that I don’t mind, no I don’t mind the rain Like a widow’s heart, we fall apart and never fade away (fade away) Fade away, as I fade away, away, away I began to hum along to it as I got into the shower. It may be crap outside, but it’s going to be a great day. Charlie’s verse kicked in just as a I got out of the shower, and I started to sing along to it again. If I could take it all back Before the flags were forced to wave at half mast That was long before my heart became black There’s no way to make it change or go back I continued to sing just as I heard a knock downstairs. I went downstairs to find a box at the door, so I brought it in and opened it. A robe? Its my old ceremonial robe that I would wear at any major gatherings, after the surgery and, after the training... It looked really worn down, as if faded from the years themselves. Note to self: Take it to Rarity as well as the plans for restoring it, the next chance I got. Well, time to dry off. I checked todays weather schedule. Supposed to rain today. Nice. It should have begun at 7. Seems like I’ll need it so I got a raincoat. I then proceeded to put my boots on, and walked outside. Well time to pick Twilight up. I walked over to her house and knocked on the door. I then heard Twilight yell, “Spike!! Will you get that? I’m busy at the moment.” Spike opened up the door. He then says, “Twilight, its Shadow! Come in. she’s just upstairs in the shower.” I stepped inside. Just as I was about to take a seat, Twilight stepped out of her bedroom. Dear God, she looked so beautiful. Twilight said with a little giggle at the end, “How do I look Shadow?” “You look beautiful!” I said. Twilight giggled in response to that and came over to me. All she said was, “Let’s go.” Just as we left, I noticed she didn’t have a raincoat, so I took mine off and put it around her. God she looks so great right now. I got closer to her. She noticed my advance and smiled at it. She then leaned in for a kiss. So I kissed her. Damn that felt great. We went off to Sugarcube Corner, and when arrived I opened the door for her. We found a suitable table and I said, “I’ll go up to order. What do you want?” “I’ll take a hot cocoa.” Twilight said. “I’ll be back in a bit then.” I said, as I walked over to Mrs. Cake’s counter. Just as I was about to order, Mrs. Cake said, “So who’s the lucky mare that with you?” I smiled, then replied. “Why do you ask?” “Well, you came in with a mare beside you and you’re soaked. So who is it?” “Twilight. May I order?” “Sure. What’ll it be, Sir Stallion?” She then proceeded to playfully wink at me, for reasons I still don’t understand. “Two hot chocolates, please.” “Sure thing, and don’t try to impress her too much. She does seem to like you, though. Take my advice: just be yourself.” I replied, “Thanks for the advice I’ll take it.” I then waited for a few minutes as Mrs. Cake made the drinks. I payed for the drinks and walked back to the table. As I got back to the table I noticed Twilight’s friends gathered around the table talking to her. I picked both cups up again and walked back to the table. I set one of the cups in front of Twilight and kept the other one taking a seat at the table. Rainbow Dash said, “Ugh. What is he doing here?” Twilight responded before I could with, “He took me out for a drink today. Thats about it at the moment.” I just smiled at Twilight getting a quick smile in return. I decided to take this opportunity to move in a bit closer. But I got blocked by a very and I mean VERY bouncy Pinkie. Applejack then said, “Twilight do ya really think its a good idea to have him around? No offence Shadow.” I said, “None taken I know I have done nothing to gain your trust.” Twilight then said, “Thank you for telling me I’ll be right out.” She then turned to me and said, “Shadow can we do this tomorrow?” “No can do tomorrow is my birthday...” I said a little sadly. Then everypony looked at me and Pinkie said, “Your birthday? YOU’LL NEED A PARTY!” I laughed a sad laugh and said, “No I’ve gotten used to celebrating alone. Since... I lost my brother.” It’s been a long time since.... Lucky died.... I miss him. But he... I just miss him so much. Then Twilight looked at me and said, “Hm maybe I can make it up to you then. Meet me at my house tomorrow we can celebrate it without a party just a couple friends gathered to celebrate it!” I said, “Sure then see ya tomorrow. I’ll be at my house if you girls need anything, and Rarity I need you to fix a robe for me.” Rarity said, “Just drop it off darling I’ll fix it for you.” I smiled slightly knowing they were warming up to me very slowly and then I finished my drink and walked out. I had to get to Sweet Apple Acres. I had to work today. Work Related ChaosI arrived and was greeted by Big Mac, “Shadow.” “Big Mac.” I replied. “Just follow me I’ll get ya to where you're needed.” He said leading me off to where the girls were working. “Hey what is he doing here?” Dash asked. “He’s been a good farm hand since he started. Hasn’t complained.” Applejack replied. “I wouldn’t I got the complaints beaten out of me in basic training. And whatever was left of them beaten out in Advanced Training.” I replied as I started to buck trees. Now I wasn’t as good as the Apples but I did what I could. Took me three good kicks to get the full tree cleaned off. “Ah I can do better!” Dash said. “Hmph. Go ahead. I’m not trying to injure myself.” I replied. I don’t want to turn this into a challenge I had a job to do. Not a bet to take on. I moved onto the next tree and when I prepared to buck I felt a spark. When I did buck the tree I cleared it AND the one behind it and I managed to put a pretty large dent in the tree. Oh… damn… I’m back in full operation… “What the…” Dash said. “... Great.” Was all I managed to say when I realised what had happened. I had managed to use a sonic concussion spell and I channeled it through my back hooves in a solid line. “That was a…” Twilight began. “Was that magic?” Applejack questioned. “That was great!” Pinkie shouted. I was stunned now. I’d probably just screwed myself over without even trying. That has to say something about my life, “I now have some explaining to do….” The general consensus was an all resounding yes. I just nodded and began my explanation. “It’s simple… if you neglect to count the super advanced hardware that replaced my hoof. I thought my magic was dead except for the capture and rebounding that I was doing last night…” “So… because of the hoof you can…” Twilight began. “In theory I should be able to cast any type of magic. But in reality it’s physical enhancements and arcane magics…” I continued. “Arcane… that’s… impossible… only the Princess can cast arcane spells… even she doesn’t they’re…” Twilight started. “To unpredictable, too power consuming, and to destructive. But my hoof… because of a… ritual that was performed to create it… it has natural arcanic mana running through it. That levies the power consumption and the unpredictability. Beyond that I’m limited to what I want to cast and what I know. Which isn’t much… I can fire an arcane bolt or a barrage of them, teleport, and I can capture and reflect other magics. And now I can create a small sonic concussion that is a new one for me. Physically I can’t do much more then, increased strength for very short times and increase my stamina for a decent amount of time. That’s all that I have to say on it.” I finished. “So… you were just going to hide this from us? For how long?” Twilight began to question me. “The reflection comes from the material my hoof is composed of… I didn’t find out that I was even able to do anything beyond that until just now… so I don’t know how long… But I can tell you once I found out it wouldn’t have been too long before the rest of you found out. Like now.” I replied not trying to garner a massive fight that would cost me more than these girl’s trust, “My actual hope was that my magic was all dead… It wasn’t ever easy living with it after the accident. It’s not like any other magic it demands a lot from me…” My depression kicked back in now too. I couldn’t even look any of them in the eyes now… I felt like I was misplaced and I didn’t belong. I felt alone again. Where would I belong? I’m not normal in any definition of the word. “Just… details like that are important to know… Incase they do come up again…” Twilight said with a hint of apprehension in her voice. “Yeah… Things like that are important. That doesn’t make ya any less welcome here.” Applejack said with a comforting smile. “Okay… being able to increase your strength is unfair!” Dash almost shouted. I laughed, “If I do accept any challenges I won’t use anything other than my base skills so you won’t have to worry about that.” “And ya aren’t off yet so get back ta work!” Applejack said finishing the conversation effectively. “Right away!” I saluted back as a sort of joke. I went back to my work. I knew tonight if Twilight got me alone she’d want to see everything I could do. I got off for lunch. The sheer fact that my magic is fully running again made me feel tired. I decided to drop by my house to get the robe and deliver it to Rarity. I arrived at my house and went right to the box I gently picked up the robe and under it a mask sat. The base of the mask was a muted black. The eye and nose holes were painted red. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before. I flipped the mask over and a note was placed on the inside of the mask. “To Shadow: I hope you enjoy the gift I sent you. Wear it with pride and honor. Do not falter in your course, don’t let fear rule you. And most importantly remember who your family is and remember to keep your friends close to you. Signed- A Lost Friend” No. It can’t be… It’s just a coincidence just a very scary coincidence. He… how? The engine room. The explosion… He’s dead… There’s no way he could have survived… I got a bad feeling that someone was playing a very dirty trick on me. I tried to shake it off but it wouldn’t go away. It hung in the back of my mind. Second DateI picked up the robe and the instructions on how to fix it. But if I can guess then she’ll probably make it more fitting to my personality. As well as livelier. I left my house again and took it to Rarity’s shop. As I walked in she came out of a side room. She spotted the robe I was carrying and said, “Darling bring it back here I’ll need to make a few measurements and get a few details in before you leave!” I followed her back into the room and she placed the robe over a mannequin. She made a few measurements on it and looked over the design. It appears she had a cat because it was playing with the side of the robe. So far they both seemed to like it. Soon her cat climbed onto the back of the mannequin and fell asleep on the robe. I agree with the cat. The robe is quite comfortable. “It just seems to be really old… I can’t really find anything wrong with it other than a few holes and tears…” She said as she got done looking over it, “I’ll have it back to you within a few days! I mean this is practically perfect for you! You’d both look perfect together.” I was ushered out of the store right after that, “Thanks Rarity!” “Oh it’s nothing Darling!” She responded. She shut the door behind me as I left. As I walked back down the main street to my house I spotted Twilight alone with Spike. I felt I needed to make up further for keeping the fact that I could use magic from her so I walked over to them. I glanced up at the sky and noticed rain clouds forming again. Twilight spotted me walking over and it appeared she was about to have a panic attack. “What’s wrong?” I questioned as I got to the table she was at. She breathed a sigh of relief, “All of the girls are trying to do favors for me because I just received two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” I thought about Rarity’s final words to me before I was ushered out of the store, “Oh. That’s why she’s going to get it done so soon.” “Wait… who? And what?” Twilight questioned. “I just gave Rarity my old robe. She said she’ll have it done in a few days… she also said, and I’m quoting, ‘I mean this is practically perfect for you! You’d both look perfect together.’” I responded. Spike laughed a little bit. Twilight blushed a little, “Um… you… I wanted to ask…. would you… um…” I smiled, “If you want me to go with you then I will!” “That’s great!” She said happily. “But…”I began. “What… is… are you…” She began to question. “No! No!” I cut her off, “No of course not! Maybe you should go back to your house and say… send the tickets back and try to get enough for all of us to go… I mean they probably… except Rarity… they all probably feel that I’m trying to take you away… Even though it’s only been two days… I just don’t feel to good about reinforcing that opinion…” She nodded, “Okay… Okay… Um… Would you mind…” “Sure. I’ll walk you back… I don’t see why not!” I said. Spike made the same motion I made when my mom and dad acted like this. Open mouth and pointing a finger down the throat. I laughed a little at that, “One day you may be acting like this Spike. I felt the same way when I was younger.” Just as Twilight was about to start eating the Waiter walked out. I pulled out an umbrella from my pack. I knew it was coming so I opened it up. “Excuse me Mrs… It’s raining are you sure you don’t want to eat inside?” The waiter asked. Just as he said that the rain poured down over top of me. Twilight saw the rain coming down on me and looked up, “RAINBOW DASH! I DON’T WANT ANY FAVORS!” Rainbow Dash shrugged and closed the cloud. Just before the rain came down on Twi I got her under my umbrella. She had managed to get her sandwich before it started raining. Twilight pushed herself against me and Spike walked under the umbrella too. We walked back to her house to find Fluttershy and her animals cleaning out her library. I chuckled, “Looks like you weren’t lying when you said all of them!” Twi glanced at me and smiled a little, “Come on… Let’s just get inside.” The three of us stepped inside, I shook the umbrella off before closing it and sticking it into the holder beside the door. Twilight huffed and said, “Fluttershy! I don’t want anymore favors!” “Oh…” Fluttershy replied. She glanced at me. She suddenly looked like she was about to burst into tears. I reeled, “No! No! She’s going to try to get enough tickets for all of us to go!” Fluttershy calmed down a little, “Re… really… are you going to Twilight?” “Yes I am… That’s thanks to Shadow…” Twilight responded giving Fluttershy a comforting smile. Fluttershy hugged Twilight lightly, “Oh thank you Twilight!” I breathed a sigh of relief now because I just averted a crisis that I didn’t want to be involved in. Spike had gotten the parchment and a quill so Twilight could write the letter. Fluttershy let go of Twilight and went to sit down on a chair. Twilight and I sat down on the couch. I gently positioned my own tail so it would be right against her’s. She was about to speak so Spike could write the letter when the rest of them appeared out of nowhere. Rainbow Dash questioned, “So Twilight… Who are you taking? It’s not like I need to know because I already know it’s me!” “No it ain’t Dash! She’s gonna be takin me!” Applejack retorted. I scooted over slightly so Rarity could sit down. Twilight didn’t mind me being right against her. In fact both of us enjoyed it. “No! Both of you are wrong!” Pinkie shouted. She was just joining in on what Applejack and Dash were doing. Rarity then questioned, “So Twilight. Are you two going to returning the same night or are you both going to spend some time alone?” Twilight blushed and pushed closer to me. “Nope. She was just about to try to get tickets for all of us to go…” I responded. Twilight gently cuddled against me. I’m starting to look forward to living here. Dash had conveniently neglected to hear my response and growled when Rarity even passingly suggested that Twilight was taking me. Now on a scale from one to ten on the scared-as-shitometer I was on par with what Fluttershy was daily. I feared for my own life… no not my life… my own fucking soul. “You… are… not… EVER… thinking… of taking him… over me…” Dash began as she drew closer. She had murder in her eyes. Thank God Applejack had a rope again, “Hold it there! Yah didn’t just hear what he said did ya?” “I DON’T CARE WHAT HE SAID!” Dash shouted angrily. “Well yah should! Twi ain't takin him! She’s gonna try ta take all of us!” Applejack retorted. “Oh…” She laughed a little shamefully, “Sorry… I…” I was still really scared but I had managed to hold my ground, “It’s… fine… sometimes… we only hear what we want to hear…” Dash was untied within a few seconds. “Any more… disruptions… or attempts to kill one another?” Twilight questioned while glaring at Dash. Everyone kept silent. “Okay. Spike, take a letter.” She said. Spike brought the quill up and prepared to write. She began, “Dear Princess Celestia…” Just as she began Spike belched out a letter. This one was clearly from Celestia. The other one I hadn’t seen. Twilight unrolled it and began to read it, “To My Faithful Student, I’m sorry for any trouble the last letter you received may have cause. My sister decided it would be a good idea to send only two tickets instead of the total of seven! In order to make up for that I have included the other five. But as of recent changes I have also decided to include an extra ticket! I hope to see all of you at the Grand Galloping Gala this year! Signed Princess Celestia.” We were all a little stunned. To say the least. I felt like calling Princess Luna the single greatest Troll I had ever seen. But I kept that to myself. Six tickets slid out of the letter. One for each of her friends and one for Spike. “Well… that was… really unexpected…” I said. “Yeah… that was…” Twilight agreed. We all remained quiet for two or three minutes. It was so quiet that we could all hear the storm picking up outside. Each of the girls picked up their tickets. Dash looked outside and said, “It’s getting really late… and the storms getting heavier… Let’s talk about this tomorrow.” All of us agreed to that. “Flutters. I’ll get you home.” Dash said. Fluttershy nodded and followed Dash outside. Rarity and Pinkie had both vanished I knew Rarity could teleport. Pinkie… I… I just don’t care anymore. Applejack had left with Dash and Fluttershy. “Spike you can get some sleep I’ll send a letter to Celestia tomorrow.” Twilight said. Spike nodded and went upstairs. “So… it’s just you and me now…” I said. She smiled a little and laid her head against my neck, “Yeah… it’s just us…” “If you want I can stay tonight…” I said with a little smile. Her smile widened and her cheeks flushed red, “You would!?! I’d love that!” I gently nuzzled her, “I think sleeping in a bed would be a lot more comfortable than both of us sleeping on the couch.” She took my little hint. She blushed even more, “Oh… um… um…” I smiled a little more and kissed her. When we broke I said, “No… no… not like that. I feel we should at least get used to each other before we take our relationship that far… Let’s just cuddle tonight.” She was still a little shaky about having me in the same bed as her. “O… okay… Come… come on… I’ll…” I got off the couch and managed to get her onto my back, “No! You’ve done enough Twi…” She held on tightly as I walked up to her room. I gently let her off my back and onto the bed. She hurried under the blankets and was still shaking. I slid into the bed right in front of her and wrapped my forehooves around her protectively. “Twi… I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to… Don’t worry…” She calmed down a little and snuggled against me, “Shadow… Can… can you tell me what you think of me?” “Twi… I think you're the most beautiful, most loving, and smartest mare I have ever met…” I responded pulling her in closer. She cuddled against me even more and settled her head down next to mine, “Shadow… I love you…” Instead of responding I kissed her. We continued kissing for a minute or two before we broke the kiss. I then said, “Twi I love you too!” “Shadow… Promise me you won’t leave me… promise me that I’m the only one…” She said. Her tone had changed from happy to a little sad. “I can do better than a promise. I’m never going to feel the same way that I feel around you around any other mare… I’m never going to go anywhere. I’m going to be right beside you from now on… We’ll just need to work out a sleeping arrangement… It’s kind of strange… we’ve known each other for two days and we've been dating for one and a half… But now…” I began. “But now we’re talking about moving in together.” She finished, “I’d love that… but Spike’s not going to be too thrilled about having to cook for both of us…” “I’ll earn my keep around here then. It’ll be worth it to be this close to you every night!” I replied as we settled against each other. “Good night Shadow…” She yawned. “Good night Twi.” I responded as she fell asleep beside me. Her breathing was slow and steady. Her heart beat the same. I felt… truly happy again… I’ve never been treated as normal not since I gained my archanic hoof. Ha. I’m beginning to act like a pony now that I’m being treated as one. I’m beginning to love it here. A Suicide AttackWhy did I agree to this plan? So now I'm trying to attract Nightmare Moon's attention so my new friends can actually hit her. Is it just me or am I just stupid? But hey at least it not like... OH GOD THAT ONE HURT! I need to dodge a lot more. Who knew getting hit by a moon bolt would hurt so much? YEAH I blocked one now time to throw it back. I missed horribly. I can feel a strong power behind me. I asked, “Is it read...” I never got to finish that either since the answer was right in-front of me. Dear god a rainbow just hit Nightmare... Wait what she became a regular pony?!? Wow. Now some crazy stuff is happening. A large white almost godlike being appeared. I think that’s Celestia. Wait she’s coming over... Oh got my hopes up. Well at least Twilight and her friends know I helped.... Wait Celestia is coming over to me. I bowed slightly and then she said, “ Thank you Shadow without you Luna would still be Nightmare Moon, and these ponies would have been her slaves. We all owe you a thanks.” I said, “It was nothing I just wanted to help a friends.” I then looked slightly at Twilight and winked, she then winked back with a slight smile. Celestia then teleported us back to Ponyville. I was a little disoriented being teleported from the castle to Ponyville. I asked the question that I knew every other pony wanted to ask, “What is going to happen to Luna?” Celestia said, “She will return to her rightful place at my side where she will again control the moon. But right now I wish to speak with Twilight and her friends you are dismissed for now Shadow.” I went to sit down on a bench to rest a bit. I slipped my headphones on and turned the A=album to Waiting For The End. After the song was done Twilight walks over to me and sits beside me. I let the headphones slide down my neck. I said, “Hey Twilight. What’s going to happen now? I’m guessing you’re going back to Canterlot now.” “No I’m not going back Celestia said I could stay here with you and my friends.” She replied. “Oh. I guess thats fine.” I said a little sadly. “Oh don’t worry we will be seeing each other a lot. How about meeting me at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow?” She replied with a seductive smile on her face. I smiled back and replied, “I would love to.” Celestia then vanished and the rest of Twilights friends came over. I slightly turned up the volume so I could hear the song that just came on without losing the ability to hear the girls. It turned out to be Dead Bite dear god I love Hollywood Undead. “What are you doing over here when we could be celebrating Twilight?” asked Pinkie. I just thought please dear god do not fuck me over here. The song started up. Oh god why? Johnny 3, and he's dipping in the four door 44 and it's pointing at your window Ain't a good shot, here come four more! Oh dear god no. I just about lost it at that moment every-pony was staring at me. Again it happens, I know that we have never really met before But, tell me, does this rag smell like chloroform? You know that I'm the reason people lock their doors But, I got nothing but time, so, I'ma wait on the porch You got nowhere to run too, so, don't try hiding 'Cause I'm known to be like Jack Nicholson from The Shining Yeah, I'm breaking your door down, so, don't try fighting Yeah, you gotta keep 'em fed, or the dead keep biting Oh god I hate myself. I was about to get up when Rainbow Dash said, “Hm that sounds good but a little creepy.” I mentally slapped myself. Guess I better turn it off. Fuck its to late anyway I thought upon seeing Applejack staring me down I then said a little sheepishly, “Well then I guess I better leave.” Applejack then replied after roping me, “Where do yall think you’re going?” I replied, “So you’re going to threaten me over a song.” Note to self keep your damn mouth shut if you get a chance. Well now I’m gagged and bound. Fluttershy then said a little sheepishly, “Applejack it was just a song why are you tying him up?” Twilight then spoke up, “Applejack if he wanted to hurt any of us then why didn’t he when he had a good chance inside the castle?” Applejack replied, “You got a good point Twilight but why would he have a song like that playing?” Rarity then said, “Applejack will you please release him he DID save us back there, and it is just a song.” I felt the ropes pressure leave. I took a deep breath. I then said, “Thank you. I couldn’t breath for a moment there.” Applejack said , “I shoulda realised it was a song and you really didn’t mean anything I’m sorry for doing that.” I replied with, “Its alright I did kinda deserve it for even playing that song.” They then left with my stuff.... I may want that back. Since it had my keys...... Twilight then broke out laughing and said, “So what was the song about?” I said, “It was a song I used to listen to a long time ago. Back before it was just Light and I left. Now it’s just me.” Then Rainbow Dash flew back with my bag in hand and threw it to me and said, “Sorry about running off with your bag!” Before I could say anything she was gone. I turned back to Twilight and just as I was about to ask her what she thought I should do to make it up to everyone else. She leaned towards me and kissed me. That took me by surprise and when she pulled away she was blushing deeply. I leaned in to return the kiss she leaned in too. I didn’t want that moment to end. She pulled back surprisingly fast and looked scared. I turned around and was met by a glaring Celestia. I didn’t back down I was about to speak when Celestia lightened up and said, “When I said make friends I didn’t expect you to make this type of friend. You surprise me Twilight as always.” Celestia was smiling and then with a little bit of anger in her voice said to me, “It seems she likes you a lot, but if you break her heart I will not be merciful with you and banishment will not be an option .” I sighed. I knew this would come… “You accuse me of something I would never commit. I’m not going to attempt to understand why. I have no more reason for loving Twilight then what I see now. My reason for loving her is simple. Because I do. I don’t need anything else. It would take utter mind control to force me away from that. Don’t accuse me of anything like that again.” I stated with slight anger. Celestia replied with, “Hm you seem adamant in your decision. Well go back to making your plans. Enjoy the rest of the night you two.” Celestia then vanished again. “I… I…” Twilight stuttered. I turned back to Twilight and asked, “I meant everything I’ve said to you. And I’ll never change my ways because other ponies don’t want me nearby…. I love you Twilight…” Twilight blushed and said, “Shadow… I… I love you too...” She leaned in again and we met with another kiss. I broke away and said, “About our plans… What time should I be at your house?” “Right around eight…” She replied with a blush. “I’ll be there… Goodnight Twi… I’ll see you in the morning…” I said as we both got off the bench. “Good night Shadow… See you in the morning too…” She said back with a smile. I returned the smile as she walked back to her house. This day… I’m thinking it’s a sign of what’s to come…. Strangeness. I’m going to enjoy my new life. Wait. I just threatened one of the Princesses… Oh that’s not going to be good for me.
A wake up callI woke up with a start -- I was in the middle of a town of well Ponies. I noticed three things off the bat. No one was looking at me. My arm (well, leg now) was still the same. And a pink pony was bouncing on me. I rolled over and said to her, "Will you get off of..." She cut me off and said, "Hi my name is Pinkie Pie what's yours'?" I said in reply, "Shadow my name is Shadow now will you please get off of me." She got off and said, "What's wrong with your leg?" I looked down and noticed the Arcane vessels were visible. I said, "Its a long story and I don't have the time to tell you. I just need to find some place to stay until I find out where I a..." Pinkie said, "You're in Equestria dummy." I was about to say where IS Equestria, but I kept that to myself. I asked her, “Where can I find a house to live in?” She pointed me to a recently constructed house, which I got for free (Yeah, for FREE): another oddity. I just decided to plop down and look for some work. HOURS LATER I got a job at a farm. Hard work but it’s.. rewarding. No pony seems to trust me due to the fact they can see the damn arcane energies in my leg. The farmer, Applejack was her name, said I could keep working because I never complained. I thought to myself well: being a marine, complaining doesn't fly. I got to know a few others: the weather pony, named Rainbow Dash, the animal caretaker named Fluttershy, and then the dressmaker named Rarity who made me a leg cover: YEAH! It’s covered up now, so its not so DAMN COLD ALL THE TIME! THESE four, plus Pinkie, strike me as odd, but hey -- I am a foreigner; every thing is odd. Well, they said the anniversary when a Pony named Nightmare Moon was banished. So I got off. Might as well join the damn party. I suppose no ponies enjoy my presence. A new pony named Twilight Sparkles who just arrived thinks something bad may happen. I've got no details, but it sounds bad. I think I might try to find her and strike a conversation with her. My gut is telling me to do something other than… nothing.
Wait what?This is going to be a long night every pony is gathering in the main building in town. Lucky me I just finished my gun might as well bring it I feel a lot safer with one by my side. Well then it seems every pony is here. Nothing is going to happen is what some ponies are saying. I beg to differ I sense a strong magic behind the curtains on the balcony. Something big is behind there. Well look who it is the new pony might as well say hi. "Hey I'm Shadow I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet." I said. She replied with, "Who me?" "Yeah you. You are the new pony right? I just thought I might say hi and hope to get a little lucky tonight," I said while trying to crack a small joke. She said with a little bit of a blush, "Well my name is Twilight Sparkles nice to meet you Shadow." I said, "I may have been a little to blunt with my last joke but I do find you cuter than most ponies I have met." She blushed a little more, "Oh stop that." "As you wish how about we sit together of," I said but was cut off by a maniacal laugh. Oh god not again. I turned around not being able to finish and prepared for the worst. What I saw was a large pony that looked exactly like the night sky. I knew something was wrong from the moment I saw her. I felt the blast coming before it was fired and I threw myself into it. I caught it just before it hit Twilight. It seared away the covering of my leg. I then rolled and returned fire with the same blast. It missed and hit the wall and it didn't explode which was nice for me. Fuck my leg hurts. I then stood directly in front of Twilight, drew my gun and prepared to fire before that damn pony vanished. Never caught her name I was too busy going unconscious from the pain the last thing I heard before blacking out was from Twilight and she said, "We need to go rescue Celestia!" I regained consciousness and I decided I needed to help. Since it seemed it was still night and I had been out for a full five hours. I got suited up and trotted to the forest. I hate forests. I went through and found some weird things not much of notice. I came to the ruins of a castle. I guess they went in there. I kicked open the doors and trotted in. Upon looking around I noticed five shapes that looked to be tied up and a sixth that looked to be unconscious. I got a little bit closer and was surprised to see Twilight laying on the floor out cold. I reached into my pack and grabbed an incense stick and light it. I stuck it right under her nose. Thankfully I grabbed the right one. She woke right up she was about to speak and I signaled to be quiet and I set to work on waking the rest up. After that was done I started to head for the stairs when one of them said, "Thank you." "No need. It seemed like you needed help." I replied. Only four of them knew my voice at that moment. The other two I didn’t know about. Twilight then said, "Shadow I may need your help do you mind being bait?" I laughed and said, "Sure what do you need me to do?"
Failed First DateI awoke to the sound of pouring rain. My alarm clock then proceeded to kick in with the song ‘Rain’ . I don’t mind, no I don’t mind, I don’t mind the rain Simple things and subtleties, they always stay the same I don’t mind, that I don’t mind, no I don’t mind the rain Like a widow’s heart, we fall apart and never fade away (fade away) Fade away, as I fade away, away, away I began to hum along to it as I got into the shower. It may be crap outside, but it’s going to be a great day. Charlie’s verse kicked in just as a I got out of the shower, and I started to sing along to it again. If I could take it all back Before the flags were forced to wave at half mast That was long before my heart became black There’s no way to make it change or go back I continued to sing just as I heard a knock downstairs. I went downstairs to find a box at the door, so I brought it in and opened it. A robe? Its my old ceremonial robe that I would wear at any major gatherings, after the surgery and, after the training... It looked really worn down, as if faded from the years themselves. Note to self: Take it to Rarity as well as the plans for restoring it, the next chance I got. Well, time to dry off. I checked todays weather schedule. Supposed to rain today. Nice. It should have begun at 7. Seems like I’ll need it so I got a raincoat. I then proceeded to put my boots on, and walked outside. Well time to pick Twilight up. I walked over to her house and knocked on the door. I then heard Twilight yell, “Spike!! Will you get that? I’m busy at the moment.” Spike opened up the door. He then says, “Twilight, its Shadow! Come in. she’s just upstairs in the shower.” I stepped inside. Just as I was about to take a seat, Twilight stepped out of her bedroom. Dear God, she looked so beautiful. Twilight said with a little giggle at the end, “How do I look Shadow?” “You look beautiful!” I said. Twilight giggled in response to that and came over to me. All she said was, “Let’s go.” Just as we left, I noticed she didn’t have a raincoat, so I took mine off and put it around her. God she looks so great right now. I got closer to her. She noticed my advance and smiled at it. She then leaned in for a kiss. So I kissed her. Damn that felt great. We went off to Sugarcube Corner, and when arrived I opened the door for her. We found a suitable table and I said, “I’ll go up to order. What do you want?” “I’ll take a hot cocoa.” Twilight said. “I’ll be back in a bit then.” I said, as I walked over to Mrs. Cake’s counter. Just as I was about to order, Mrs. Cake said, “So who’s the lucky mare that with you?” I smiled, then replied. “Why do you ask?” “Well, you came in with a mare beside you and you’re soaked. So who is it?” “Twilight. May I order?” “Sure. What’ll it be, Sir Stallion?” She then proceeded to playfully wink at me, for reasons I still don’t understand. “Two hot chocolates, please.” “Sure thing, and don’t try to impress her too much. She does seem to like you, though. Take my advice: just be yourself.” I replied, “Thanks for the advice I’ll take it.” I then waited for a few minutes as Mrs. Cake made the drinks. I payed for the drinks and walked back to the table. As I got back to the table I noticed Twilight’s friends gathered around the table talking to her. I picked both cups up again and walked back to the table. I set one of the cups in front of Twilight and kept the other one taking a seat at the table. Rainbow Dash said, “Ugh. What is he doing here?” Twilight responded before I could with, “He took me out for a drink today. Thats about it at the moment.” I just smiled at Twilight getting a quick smile in return. I decided to take this opportunity to move in a bit closer. But I got blocked by a very and I mean VERY bouncy Pinkie. Applejack then said, “Twilight do ya really think its a good idea to have him around? No offence Shadow.” I said, “None taken I know I have done nothing to gain your trust.” Twilight then said, “Thank you for telling me I’ll be right out.” She then turned to me and said, “Shadow can we do this tomorrow?” “No can do tomorrow is my birthday...” I said a little sadly. Then everypony looked at me and Pinkie said, “Your birthday? YOU’LL NEED A PARTY!” I laughed a sad laugh and said, “No I’ve gotten used to celebrating alone. Since... I lost my brother.” It’s been a long time since.... Lucky died.... I miss him. But he... I just miss him so much. Then Twilight looked at me and said, “Hm maybe I can make it up to you then. Meet me at my house tomorrow we can celebrate it without a party just a couple friends gathered to celebrate it!” I said, “Sure then see ya tomorrow. I’ll be at my house if you girls need anything, and Rarity I need you to fix a robe for me.” Rarity said, “Just drop it off darling I’ll fix it for you.” I smiled slightly knowing they were warming up to me very slowly and then I finished my drink and walked out. I had to get to Sweet Apple Acres. I had to work today.
Work Related ChaosI arrived and was greeted by Big Mac, “Shadow.” “Big Mac.” I replied. “Just follow me I’ll get ya to where you're needed.” He said leading me off to where the girls were working. “Hey what is he doing here?” Dash asked. “He’s been a good farm hand since he started. Hasn’t complained.” Applejack replied. “I wouldn’t I got the complaints beaten out of me in basic training. And whatever was left of them beaten out in Advanced Training.” I replied as I started to buck trees. Now I wasn’t as good as the Apples but I did what I could. Took me three good kicks to get the full tree cleaned off. “Ah I can do better!” Dash said. “Hmph. Go ahead. I’m not trying to injure myself.” I replied. I don’t want to turn this into a challenge I had a job to do. Not a bet to take on. I moved onto the next tree and when I prepared to buck I felt a spark. When I did buck the tree I cleared it AND the one behind it and I managed to put a pretty large dent in the tree. Oh… damn… I’m back in full operation… “What the…” Dash said. “... Great.” Was all I managed to say when I realised what had happened. I had managed to use a sonic concussion spell and I channeled it through my back hooves in a solid line. “That was a…” Twilight began. “Was that magic?” Applejack questioned. “That was great!” Pinkie shouted. I was stunned now. I’d probably just screwed myself over without even trying. That has to say something about my life, “I now have some explaining to do….” The general consensus was an all resounding yes. I just nodded and began my explanation. “It’s simple… if you neglect to count the super advanced hardware that replaced my hoof. I thought my magic was dead except for the capture and rebounding that I was doing last night…” “So… because of the hoof you can…” Twilight began. “In theory I should be able to cast any type of magic. But in reality it’s physical enhancements and arcane magics…” I continued. “Arcane… that’s… impossible… only the Princess can cast arcane spells… even she doesn’t they’re…” Twilight started. “To unpredictable, too power consuming, and to destructive. But my hoof… because of a… ritual that was performed to create it… it has natural arcanic mana running through it. That levies the power consumption and the unpredictability. Beyond that I’m limited to what I want to cast and what I know. Which isn’t much… I can fire an arcane bolt or a barrage of them, teleport, and I can capture and reflect other magics. And now I can create a small sonic concussion that is a new one for me. Physically I can’t do much more then, increased strength for very short times and increase my stamina for a decent amount of time. That’s all that I have to say on it.” I finished. “So… you were just going to hide this from us? For how long?” Twilight began to question me. “The reflection comes from the material my hoof is composed of… I didn’t find out that I was even able to do anything beyond that until just now… so I don’t know how long… But I can tell you once I found out it wouldn’t have been too long before the rest of you found out. Like now.” I replied not trying to garner a massive fight that would cost me more than these girl’s trust, “My actual hope was that my magic was all dead… It wasn’t ever easy living with it after the accident. It’s not like any other magic it demands a lot from me…” My depression kicked back in now too. I couldn’t even look any of them in the eyes now… I felt like I was misplaced and I didn’t belong. I felt alone again. Where would I belong? I’m not normal in any definition of the word. “Just… details like that are important to know… Incase they do come up again…” Twilight said with a hint of apprehension in her voice. “Yeah… Things like that are important. That doesn’t make ya any less welcome here.” Applejack said with a comforting smile. “Okay… being able to increase your strength is unfair!” Dash almost shouted. I laughed, “If I do accept any challenges I won’t use anything other than my base skills so you won’t have to worry about that.” “And ya aren’t off yet so get back ta work!” Applejack said finishing the conversation effectively. “Right away!” I saluted back as a sort of joke. I went back to my work. I knew tonight if Twilight got me alone she’d want to see everything I could do. I got off for lunch. The sheer fact that my magic is fully running again made me feel tired. I decided to drop by my house to get the robe and deliver it to Rarity. I arrived at my house and went right to the box I gently picked up the robe and under it a mask sat. The base of the mask was a muted black. The eye and nose holes were painted red. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before. I flipped the mask over and a note was placed on the inside of the mask. “To Shadow: I hope you enjoy the gift I sent you. Wear it with pride and honor. Do not falter in your course, don’t let fear rule you. And most importantly remember who your family is and remember to keep your friends close to you. Signed- A Lost Friend” No. It can’t be… It’s just a coincidence just a very scary coincidence. He… how? The engine room. The explosion… He’s dead… There’s no way he could have survived… I got a bad feeling that someone was playing a very dirty trick on me. I tried to shake it off but it wouldn’t go away. It hung in the back of my mind.
Second DateI picked up the robe and the instructions on how to fix it. But if I can guess then she’ll probably make it more fitting to my personality. As well as livelier. I left my house again and took it to Rarity’s shop. As I walked in she came out of a side room. She spotted the robe I was carrying and said, “Darling bring it back here I’ll need to make a few measurements and get a few details in before you leave!” I followed her back into the room and she placed the robe over a mannequin. She made a few measurements on it and looked over the design. It appears she had a cat because it was playing with the side of the robe. So far they both seemed to like it. Soon her cat climbed onto the back of the mannequin and fell asleep on the robe. I agree with the cat. The robe is quite comfortable. “It just seems to be really old… I can’t really find anything wrong with it other than a few holes and tears…” She said as she got done looking over it, “I’ll have it back to you within a few days! I mean this is practically perfect for you! You’d both look perfect together.” I was ushered out of the store right after that, “Thanks Rarity!” “Oh it’s nothing Darling!” She responded. She shut the door behind me as I left. As I walked back down the main street to my house I spotted Twilight alone with Spike. I felt I needed to make up further for keeping the fact that I could use magic from her so I walked over to them. I glanced up at the sky and noticed rain clouds forming again. Twilight spotted me walking over and it appeared she was about to have a panic attack. “What’s wrong?” I questioned as I got to the table she was at. She breathed a sigh of relief, “All of the girls are trying to do favors for me because I just received two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” I thought about Rarity’s final words to me before I was ushered out of the store, “Oh. That’s why she’s going to get it done so soon.” “Wait… who? And what?” Twilight questioned. “I just gave Rarity my old robe. She said she’ll have it done in a few days… she also said, and I’m quoting, ‘I mean this is practically perfect for you! You’d both look perfect together.’” I responded. Spike laughed a little bit. Twilight blushed a little, “Um… you… I wanted to ask…. would you… um…” I smiled, “If you want me to go with you then I will!” “That’s great!” She said happily. “But…”I began. “What… is… are you…” She began to question. “No! No!” I cut her off, “No of course not! Maybe you should go back to your house and say… send the tickets back and try to get enough for all of us to go… I mean they probably… except Rarity… they all probably feel that I’m trying to take you away… Even though it’s only been two days… I just don’t feel to good about reinforcing that opinion…” She nodded, “Okay… Okay… Um… Would you mind…” “Sure. I’ll walk you back… I don’t see why not!” I said. Spike made the same motion I made when my mom and dad acted like this. Open mouth and pointing a finger down the throat. I laughed a little at that, “One day you may be acting like this Spike. I felt the same way when I was younger.” Just as Twilight was about to start eating the Waiter walked out. I pulled out an umbrella from my pack. I knew it was coming so I opened it up. “Excuse me Mrs… It’s raining are you sure you don’t want to eat inside?” The waiter asked. Just as he said that the rain poured down over top of me. Twilight saw the rain coming down on me and looked up, “RAINBOW DASH! I DON’T WANT ANY FAVORS!” Rainbow Dash shrugged and closed the cloud. Just before the rain came down on Twi I got her under my umbrella. She had managed to get her sandwich before it started raining. Twilight pushed herself against me and Spike walked under the umbrella too. We walked back to her house to find Fluttershy and her animals cleaning out her library. I chuckled, “Looks like you weren’t lying when you said all of them!” Twi glanced at me and smiled a little, “Come on… Let’s just get inside.” The three of us stepped inside, I shook the umbrella off before closing it and sticking it into the holder beside the door. Twilight huffed and said, “Fluttershy! I don’t want anymore favors!” “Oh…” Fluttershy replied. She glanced at me. She suddenly looked like she was about to burst into tears. I reeled, “No! No! She’s going to try to get enough tickets for all of us to go!” Fluttershy calmed down a little, “Re… really… are you going to Twilight?” “Yes I am… That’s thanks to Shadow…” Twilight responded giving Fluttershy a comforting smile. Fluttershy hugged Twilight lightly, “Oh thank you Twilight!” I breathed a sigh of relief now because I just averted a crisis that I didn’t want to be involved in. Spike had gotten the parchment and a quill so Twilight could write the letter. Fluttershy let go of Twilight and went to sit down on a chair. Twilight and I sat down on the couch. I gently positioned my own tail so it would be right against her’s. She was about to speak so Spike could write the letter when the rest of them appeared out of nowhere. Rainbow Dash questioned, “So Twilight… Who are you taking? It’s not like I need to know because I already know it’s me!” “No it ain’t Dash! She’s gonna be takin me!” Applejack retorted. I scooted over slightly so Rarity could sit down. Twilight didn’t mind me being right against her. In fact both of us enjoyed it. “No! Both of you are wrong!” Pinkie shouted. She was just joining in on what Applejack and Dash were doing. Rarity then questioned, “So Twilight. Are you two going to returning the same night or are you both going to spend some time alone?” Twilight blushed and pushed closer to me. “Nope. She was just about to try to get tickets for all of us to go…” I responded. Twilight gently cuddled against me. I’m starting to look forward to living here. Dash had conveniently neglected to hear my response and growled when Rarity even passingly suggested that Twilight was taking me. Now on a scale from one to ten on the scared-as-shitometer I was on par with what Fluttershy was daily. I feared for my own life… no not my life… my own fucking soul. “You… are… not… EVER… thinking… of taking him… over me…” Dash began as she drew closer. She had murder in her eyes. Thank God Applejack had a rope again, “Hold it there! Yah didn’t just hear what he said did ya?” “I DON’T CARE WHAT HE SAID!” Dash shouted angrily. “Well yah should! Twi ain't takin him! She’s gonna try ta take all of us!” Applejack retorted. “Oh…” She laughed a little shamefully, “Sorry… I…” I was still really scared but I had managed to hold my ground, “It’s… fine… sometimes… we only hear what we want to hear…” Dash was untied within a few seconds. “Any more… disruptions… or attempts to kill one another?” Twilight questioned while glaring at Dash. Everyone kept silent. “Okay. Spike, take a letter.” She said. Spike brought the quill up and prepared to write. She began, “Dear Princess Celestia…” Just as she began Spike belched out a letter. This one was clearly from Celestia. The other one I hadn’t seen. Twilight unrolled it and began to read it, “To My Faithful Student, I’m sorry for any trouble the last letter you received may have cause. My sister decided it would be a good idea to send only two tickets instead of the total of seven! In order to make up for that I have included the other five. But as of recent changes I have also decided to include an extra ticket! I hope to see all of you at the Grand Galloping Gala this year! Signed Princess Celestia.” We were all a little stunned. To say the least. I felt like calling Princess Luna the single greatest Troll I had ever seen. But I kept that to myself. Six tickets slid out of the letter. One for each of her friends and one for Spike. “Well… that was… really unexpected…” I said. “Yeah… that was…” Twilight agreed. We all remained quiet for two or three minutes. It was so quiet that we could all hear the storm picking up outside. Each of the girls picked up their tickets. Dash looked outside and said, “It’s getting really late… and the storms getting heavier… Let’s talk about this tomorrow.” All of us agreed to that. “Flutters. I’ll get you home.” Dash said. Fluttershy nodded and followed Dash outside. Rarity and Pinkie had both vanished I knew Rarity could teleport. Pinkie… I… I just don’t care anymore. Applejack had left with Dash and Fluttershy. “Spike you can get some sleep I’ll send a letter to Celestia tomorrow.” Twilight said. Spike nodded and went upstairs. “So… it’s just you and me now…” I said. She smiled a little and laid her head against my neck, “Yeah… it’s just us…” “If you want I can stay tonight…” I said with a little smile. Her smile widened and her cheeks flushed red, “You would!?! I’d love that!” I gently nuzzled her, “I think sleeping in a bed would be a lot more comfortable than both of us sleeping on the couch.” She took my little hint. She blushed even more, “Oh… um… um…” I smiled a little more and kissed her. When we broke I said, “No… no… not like that. I feel we should at least get used to each other before we take our relationship that far… Let’s just cuddle tonight.” She was still a little shaky about having me in the same bed as her. “O… okay… Come… come on… I’ll…” I got off the couch and managed to get her onto my back, “No! You’ve done enough Twi…” She held on tightly as I walked up to her room. I gently let her off my back and onto the bed. She hurried under the blankets and was still shaking. I slid into the bed right in front of her and wrapped my forehooves around her protectively. “Twi… I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to… Don’t worry…” She calmed down a little and snuggled against me, “Shadow… Can… can you tell me what you think of me?” “Twi… I think you're the most beautiful, most loving, and smartest mare I have ever met…” I responded pulling her in closer. She cuddled against me even more and settled her head down next to mine, “Shadow… I love you…” Instead of responding I kissed her. We continued kissing for a minute or two before we broke the kiss. I then said, “Twi I love you too!” “Shadow… Promise me you won’t leave me… promise me that I’m the only one…” She said. Her tone had changed from happy to a little sad. “I can do better than a promise. I’m never going to feel the same way that I feel around you around any other mare… I’m never going to go anywhere. I’m going to be right beside you from now on… We’ll just need to work out a sleeping arrangement… It’s kind of strange… we’ve known each other for two days and we've been dating for one and a half… But now…” I began. “But now we’re talking about moving in together.” She finished, “I’d love that… but Spike’s not going to be too thrilled about having to cook for both of us…” “I’ll earn my keep around here then. It’ll be worth it to be this close to you every night!” I replied as we settled against each other. “Good night Shadow…” She yawned. “Good night Twi.” I responded as she fell asleep beside me. Her breathing was slow and steady. Her heart beat the same. I felt… truly happy again… I’ve never been treated as normal not since I gained my archanic hoof. Ha. I’m beginning to act like a pony now that I’m being treated as one. I’m beginning to love it here.
A Suicide AttackWhy did I agree to this plan? So now I'm trying to attract Nightmare Moon's attention so my new friends can actually hit her. Is it just me or am I just stupid? But hey at least it not like... OH GOD THAT ONE HURT! I need to dodge a lot more. Who knew getting hit by a moon bolt would hurt so much? YEAH I blocked one now time to throw it back. I missed horribly. I can feel a strong power behind me. I asked, “Is it read...” I never got to finish that either since the answer was right in-front of me. Dear god a rainbow just hit Nightmare... Wait what she became a regular pony?!? Wow. Now some crazy stuff is happening. A large white almost godlike being appeared. I think that’s Celestia. Wait she’s coming over... Oh got my hopes up. Well at least Twilight and her friends know I helped.... Wait Celestia is coming over to me. I bowed slightly and then she said, “ Thank you Shadow without you Luna would still be Nightmare Moon, and these ponies would have been her slaves. We all owe you a thanks.” I said, “It was nothing I just wanted to help a friends.” I then looked slightly at Twilight and winked, she then winked back with a slight smile. Celestia then teleported us back to Ponyville. I was a little disoriented being teleported from the castle to Ponyville. I asked the question that I knew every other pony wanted to ask, “What is going to happen to Luna?” Celestia said, “She will return to her rightful place at my side where she will again control the moon. But right now I wish to speak with Twilight and her friends you are dismissed for now Shadow.” I went to sit down on a bench to rest a bit. I slipped my headphones on and turned the A=album to Waiting For The End. After the song was done Twilight walks over to me and sits beside me. I let the headphones slide down my neck. I said, “Hey Twilight. What’s going to happen now? I’m guessing you’re going back to Canterlot now.” “No I’m not going back Celestia said I could stay here with you and my friends.” She replied. “Oh. I guess thats fine.” I said a little sadly. “Oh don’t worry we will be seeing each other a lot. How about meeting me at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow?” She replied with a seductive smile on her face. I smiled back and replied, “I would love to.” Celestia then vanished and the rest of Twilights friends came over. I slightly turned up the volume so I could hear the song that just came on without losing the ability to hear the girls. It turned out to be Dead Bite dear god I love Hollywood Undead. “What are you doing over here when we could be celebrating Twilight?” asked Pinkie. I just thought please dear god do not fuck me over here. The song started up. Oh god why? Johnny 3, and he's dipping in the four door 44 and it's pointing at your window Ain't a good shot, here come four more! Oh dear god no. I just about lost it at that moment every-pony was staring at me. Again it happens, I know that we have never really met before But, tell me, does this rag smell like chloroform? You know that I'm the reason people lock their doors But, I got nothing but time, so, I'ma wait on the porch You got nowhere to run too, so, don't try hiding 'Cause I'm known to be like Jack Nicholson from The Shining Yeah, I'm breaking your door down, so, don't try fighting Yeah, you gotta keep 'em fed, or the dead keep biting Oh god I hate myself. I was about to get up when Rainbow Dash said, “Hm that sounds good but a little creepy.” I mentally slapped myself. Guess I better turn it off. Fuck its to late anyway I thought upon seeing Applejack staring me down I then said a little sheepishly, “Well then I guess I better leave.” Applejack then replied after roping me, “Where do yall think you’re going?” I replied, “So you’re going to threaten me over a song.” Note to self keep your damn mouth shut if you get a chance. Well now I’m gagged and bound. Fluttershy then said a little sheepishly, “Applejack it was just a song why are you tying him up?” Twilight then spoke up, “Applejack if he wanted to hurt any of us then why didn’t he when he had a good chance inside the castle?” Applejack replied, “You got a good point Twilight but why would he have a song like that playing?” Rarity then said, “Applejack will you please release him he DID save us back there, and it is just a song.” I felt the ropes pressure leave. I took a deep breath. I then said, “Thank you. I couldn’t breath for a moment there.” Applejack said , “I shoulda realised it was a song and you really didn’t mean anything I’m sorry for doing that.” I replied with, “Its alright I did kinda deserve it for even playing that song.” They then left with my stuff.... I may want that back. Since it had my keys...... Twilight then broke out laughing and said, “So what was the song about?” I said, “It was a song I used to listen to a long time ago. Back before it was just Light and I left. Now it’s just me.” Then Rainbow Dash flew back with my bag in hand and threw it to me and said, “Sorry about running off with your bag!” Before I could say anything she was gone. I turned back to Twilight and just as I was about to ask her what she thought I should do to make it up to everyone else. She leaned towards me and kissed me. That took me by surprise and when she pulled away she was blushing deeply. I leaned in to return the kiss she leaned in too. I didn’t want that moment to end. She pulled back surprisingly fast and looked scared. I turned around and was met by a glaring Celestia. I didn’t back down I was about to speak when Celestia lightened up and said, “When I said make friends I didn’t expect you to make this type of friend. You surprise me Twilight as always.” Celestia was smiling and then with a little bit of anger in her voice said to me, “It seems she likes you a lot, but if you break her heart I will not be merciful with you and banishment will not be an option .” I sighed. I knew this would come… “You accuse me of something I would never commit. I’m not going to attempt to understand why. I have no more reason for loving Twilight then what I see now. My reason for loving her is simple. Because I do. I don’t need anything else. It would take utter mind control to force me away from that. Don’t accuse me of anything like that again.” I stated with slight anger. Celestia replied with, “Hm you seem adamant in your decision. Well go back to making your plans. Enjoy the rest of the night you two.” Celestia then vanished again. “I… I…” Twilight stuttered. I turned back to Twilight and asked, “I meant everything I’ve said to you. And I’ll never change my ways because other ponies don’t want me nearby…. I love you Twilight…” Twilight blushed and said, “Shadow… I… I love you too...” She leaned in again and we met with another kiss. I broke away and said, “About our plans… What time should I be at your house?” “Right around eight…” She replied with a blush. “I’ll be there… Goodnight Twi… I’ll see you in the morning…” I said as we both got off the bench. “Good night Shadow… See you in the morning too…” She said back with a smile. I returned the smile as she walked back to her house. This day… I’m thinking it’s a sign of what’s to come…. Strangeness. I’m going to enjoy my new life. Wait. I just threatened one of the Princesses… Oh that’s not going to be good for me.
