//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: My Little Pony: Lights and Shadows - Part I // by OmegaTale //------------------------------// Early morning rays shined brightly into the castle, illuminating the halls and rooms with crystalized light. The first sense that Shadow experienced was the warmth covering his face. Next, came the sound of birds outside and the distant noise of the castle door closing. Eyes opening slowly, the shadow pony fluttered them a few times. Closing and opening slowly, they squinted underneath the sun’s rays. Sitting up and pushing the blankets off of him, he stretched out, letting out a tired huff. Glancing around, Shadow yawned as he peered out the window. Twilight and Starfall took off flying east towards the rising sun, with Spike sitting on the princess’ back. It took his waking mind a few moments to remember that Twilight had received the letter from the Dragon Lands the night before and had to leave early this morning. The thought of last night made Shadow remember what had happened with the party, not the frightful part with all the guest ponies, but rather Pinkie Pie’s apology and hug. Although the surprise still lingered as a fear, Shadow felt only happiness so far this morning. Trotting over to the door, he placed his hoof on it to push it. The door swung wide open and Pinkie Pie yelled, “Good morning!!!” Aaaand now she was back. Shadow jolted a bit from the shout, but kept mostly at ease. “Good morning to you too Pinkie.” He replied, now fully awake. “Even though I apologized last night I still felt really bad!” the pink mare said in a single breath. “So I had the BEST idea ever! I, Pinkie Pie, shall take you to Sugarcube Corner and teach you….HOW TO BAKE!!!” The joyous nature of this questionably sane pony only made Shadow happier as opposed to timid, now having seen that she always means well. “Alright then Pinkie,” Shadow smiled, ready for the madness. “Let’s go.” Pinkie hopped up and down in excitement. “Teeheehee! Woo! That’s the spirit! And here I thought I’d have to wait for you to wake up all morning!” Shadow looked confused, tilting his head. “Pinkie have you…..how long have you been standing outside my door?” “Not too long.” Pinkie assured him, still hopping. “Just three hours, sixteen minutes and forty-two seconds!” Before anymore could be said, she grabbed Shadow and zipped out of the castle, rushing right past Fluttershy and making her spin about rapidly, ending up on the floor with dazed eyes. Quick as a flash, the two of them went soaring through Sugarcube Corner’s swinging door and ended up in the kitchen. Shadow placed his hoof on his head to help stop his eyes from spinning about. Pinkie took out her pans and ingredients as if she were set to fast-forward. “Are we in some kind of rush?” Shadow asked, not sure what to do as the pink one did just about everything. Placing the last ingredient on the countertop, Pinkie replied, “We don’t need to be in a rush, but since winter is starting today and it’s gonna be cold, I want all of Ponyville to be able to buy warm, tasty treats from Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” Shadow tilted his head, trotting over to the window as Pinkie made sure everything was ready. Pegusi filled the air with thick clouds, preparing to begin the first snows of winter. Shadow had never seen snow before, at least personally. He remembered Twilight telling him on the train that it would begin soon, but he didn’t realize it would be this soon. Turning back to Pinkie, Shadow asked, “Are the snows going to begin soon?” “About an hour or so.” Pinkie said with a smile. “You ready to get bakin’?” “Ready!” Shadow said, trotting back over to her. The teams of pegusi filled the skies over Ponyville with the snowflake-filled clouds being supplied from Cloudsdale. Cheer filled the air as everypony worked together to get winter started on schedule. Like a bolt of lightning, Rainbow Dash zoomed from team to team, checking on them and helping others carry over more clouds. Fluttershy helped direct the incoming teams, placing the clouds in exactly the right places. As the two pegusi met up to gather some clouds, Fluttershy said, “It’s too bad Starfall isn’t here. I know he was excited about getting to work with the weather again.” “Yeah, but it’s still alright.” Rainbow replied. “These are just the clouds to get winter started, there will be plenty more for him to help us with when he and Twilight get back. Ooooh, you went to wake up Shadow right? Is he down there watching now?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Pinkie got to him first. I think they went to Sugarcube Corner to begin baking for everypony.” “That’s even better!” Rainbow exclaimed. “I think she’s still a bit upset about the party last night.” Fluttershy continued. “It makes sense why she would want to bond more with Shadow.” Rainbow shooed aside the comment. “Yeah, yeah, I’m sure they are fine. I’m just pumped to be able to hang with the Pony of Shadows! I wish all of this would have happened earlier this year; he and I would have had a blast pranking ponies on Nightmare Night!” Fluttershy chuckled, liking the excitement about having Shadow around. “Well, you’ll just have more excitement for next Nightmare Night.” Rainbow nodded, performing a wide flip in the air. “I am sooo looking forward to that!” During her flip, Rainbow accidentally soared through a cloud being pushed in by the next pegusi group, making it disperse and forcing the snow inside to fall down in one clump. The pegusi all looked at her with upset expressions on their faces. “Hehe, sorry.” Rainbow chuckled. “Rainbow Dash!” Applejack shouted, directly underneath them and trapped underneath the snow blanket, a cart of apples attached to her harness. It took a lot of willpower for Rainbow not to bust out laughing. “Gotta dash!” she said quickly, rocketing off towards Cloudsdale for a new cloud delivery. Fluttershy glided down to the snow-covered earth pony, who burrowed her whole head through the white sheet. “Would you like some help?” Fluttershy asked. “Ah got it.” AJ replied. With a swift kick, she bucked through the clump, backing up and out. “That Rainbow…..always pulling her little pranks.” Fluttershy looked concerned. “Oh no, it was just an accident.” Applejack gave her an inquisitive eyebrow raise. “Uh huh, sure.” As the earth pony brushed the rest of the snow off of her fur, Fluttershy looked in the direction she had originally been walking. “Oh, are you on your way to Sugarcube Corner?” “Yes ma’am,” AJ said, shaking off her hat and putting it back on her head. “Pinkie ordered this here shipment of apples, I reckon she and Shadow are just bakin’ up a storm.” “Oh, that’s so nice. When you see him, can you tell him good morning for me?” Fluttershy asked politely. “Sure can.” Applejack responded, putting the harness back on. “Good luck with the clouds.” “Bye.” Fluttershy said calmly, taking off to rejoin the pegusi. Resuming her haul into town, Applejack shivered off the last bit of the cold feeling from the snow. The pegusi were making good time and were way ahead of schedule. With clouds filling the sky, Ponyville began to go gray in the wake of the oncoming snow. Lyra and Bon Bon trotted by, waving as Applejack did the same. Turning on the road, she spotted the bakery and could smell the treats inside. Roseluck walked out from the back as Applejack removed the harness and lined her cart up to the door, knocking on it. Almost instantly, Pinkie opened the door. “You’re here! Come on in!” Without another word, Pinkie grabbed AJ and yanked her inside as the orange pony gave a small yelp. From inside the bakery, Pinkie said, “Applejack? Where are the apples?” Applejack sighed. “Outside the door Pinkie.” She replied, used to the crazy mare’s behavior. Pinkie opened the door, scooped up the apples and zoomed back inside, putting them to use immediately. Watching her in such a rush to make the baked goods, Applejack saw Shadow taking a breather by the window. “Mornin’ Shadow.” AJ said, walking over to him. “Fluttershy says so too.” Shadow smiled at the sight of another friend. “Hey Applejack, and good morning.” Turning to the pink flash, Shadow said, “Would you like some help Pinkie?” “I got it!” Pinkie shouted, her hooves moving so quick that they had after-images. Applejack gave the shadow pony an amused grin. “She does that. So Shadow, want to come back with me to Sweet Apple Acres for a tour?” Having heard so much about the farm already, Shadow nodded his head, wanting to see it for himself and being a bit exhausted from the baking frenzy. “Is that alright with you Pinkie?” “Sure thing! Have fun!” Pinkie shouted, still moving around like a lightning bolt. Shrugging her shoulders, Applejack opened the door for Shadow and they both walked outside. Walking out of town on a dirt road, Applejack beguiled Shadow the stories of her past. “And that is how I got this here cutie mark.” She finished, looking back at the three apples marked on her flank. Shadow glanced back at her mark, and then at his own flank, having nothing but pitch-black fur. Looking back at AJ, he asked, “Do you think there is a way I can get a cutie mark?” Applejack seemed to like the question. “If I had a bit for every time I heard that one.” She chuckled, looking over at Shadow. “Sugarcube, everypony can get a cutie mark, and I bet you can just as well.” “I don’t suppose you have any pointers to give as to how I can?” Shadow asked, hopeful. Applejack looked ahead to the farm, specifically the far side nearest to the north orchards. “Oh, I bet I could think of a few ponies who would help, but for now, let me give you the grand tour.” Reaching the gate at the edge of the property, the two stopped to get a good view of the house, the barn, and the orchards that grew out beyond sight. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Shadow.” She said cheerfully, loving every time she could say that to somepony new. “That there is the barn,” she said, pointing a hoof at the red-colored building. “It went up at our last Apple Family Reunion….whew, good times. Over yonder are all the fields and orchards for our produce, but for now, ah think I’ll just introduce you to the family.” Walking over to the barn to drop off the apple cart, Applejack and Shadow trotted over to the house. AJ opened the door, yelling, “Big Mac! Granny Smith! Apple Bloom! Y’all home?” No response told her that they were all out. “Hmmm, guess introductions will have to come another time.” Retracing their steps out in front of the barn, Big Macintosh came walking out from the apple cellar with a few empty crates on his back. “There you are big brother.” Applejack said, grabbing the stallion’s attention. “Shadow, this here is Big Mac. Mac, this is Shadow, the friend I told y’all about.” Shadow and Big Mac just nodded to one another, quickly accepting that neither of them were big talkers. “I figured you two would hit it off.” Applejack chuckled. “Say Big Mac, is Apple Bloom with her crusader friends in their clubhouse?” “Eeyup.” Big Mac replied. Applejack nodded. “Have you seen Granny around?” Big Mac shook his head. “Nope.” “Alright, well, let me at least show ya to a few fillies who’ll help you out with your cutie mark problem.” “Alright crusaders! Who’s ready to get out there and help ponies find their purpose in life!?” Apple Bloom said enthusiastically, raising her hooves in the air as she stood behind the podium. Her enthusiasm faltered as she saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo giving her blank expressions. Shrugging her shoulders, Apple Bloom asked, “What?” “Give it a rest Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo huffed. “Nopony in Ponyville has needed our help since Gabby the griffon was here. And that was like, forever ago.” Sweetie Belle gave the filly pegasus a concerned glance. “Uhhh, Scootaloo? That was just a few weeks ago.” Chuckling to herself, Scootaloo replied, “Oh yeah.” “We just need something to get us up and moving.” Apple Bloom suggested. “A new challenge, something we’ve never experienced before!” “Like what?” Sweetie Belle asked, unconvinced. “It’s not like crazy, epic challenges just happen out of the blue.” “Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo!” sounded Applejack’s voice from outside, drawing the fillies’ attention. “Come on outside, ah got somepony for y’all to meet!” The three fillies flocked to the window and saw Apple Bloom’s big sister standing next to the Pony of Shadows. “Huh.” Sweetie Belle managed to say in rapid succession. “How about that?” In an overflow of excitement, they came careening out of their clubhouse and stumbled over each other down the ramp, fumbling to the awaiting ponies’ hooves. Applejack shot them a glare and they all quickly got up at the same time, halos appearing over their heads as they smiled. “Girls,” AJ said, lightening up. “This here is Shadow Light, our, uh…..friend from outta town.” Scootaloo wasted no time in jumping up in front of him. “Are you really the Pony of Shadows!?” “Are you the wandering spirit of an ancient pony!?” Sweetie Belle asked next, landing on top of the little pegasus. Apple Bloom jumped up and landed on top of the little unicorn, asking, “Did you meet Granny Smith a couple dozen moons ago!?” “Girls!” Applejack shouted, stomping her hoof and making them get back in a line. “Y’all shut your yaps and listen for a moment, ya hear? Shadow has a question to ask ya.” Receiving a nod from AJ, Shadow took a slight step forward. “I heard you three are the best at helping ponies with cutie mark problems.” “Sure are.” Apple Bloom nodded. Scootaloo then jumped up and hovered for a moment using her wings. “It’s our calling in life!” Sweetie Belle crouched down, saying, “For we are….” “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!” the three fillies shouted in unison, spinning around to show their similar marks. Shadow tilted his head, looking confused. “Cutie Mark Crusaders?” “Uh huh!” Apple Bloom said excitedly. “It’s our duty to help those in need!” “Like somepony who has lost their purpose!” Sweetie Belle added. “Or somepony who hasn’t gotten their cutie mark yet!” Scootaloo said with enthusiasm. Shadow smiled as he saw the three were pumped and full of energy. Applejack chuckled, “Well, you four have fun. Shadow, ah will be over at the house if’n ya need anything, okay?” Shadow nodded and AJ trotted away, going to finish her chores for the day. “So,” Sweetie Belle said, the three fillies looking up at him. “What can we do for you?” Scratching his head with his hoof, Shadow replied, “I don’t know how often you are asked this, but do you think it’s possible for a pony like me to even get a cutie mark?” Remembering Gabby’s similar request, Apple Bloom asked, “You don’t have a cutie mark? I don’t think ah have ever seen somepony so grown up without one.” “Well….” Shadow said, looking down at himself. “I’m not exactly a normal pony.” Scootaloo raised her hoof to her mouth, thinking as she tilting her head. “You have a point….but we won’t know if you can unless we try!” she said, trying to psyche the shadow pony up. “Yeah!” Sweetie Belle agreed. “Although….how do we come up with what to do? The cutie mark checklist doesn’t have too great of a track record for us.” Apple Bloom thought for a moment, and then perked up, excited. “Ah got it! Why don’t we bring ya around town! See’n and help’n out ponies might just give us a clue as to who you really are!” Thoughts of last night and the events of the surprise party made Shadow hesitant on the idea. Of course, these fillies had the best intentions at heart, but he wasn’t sure how he would handle another mix up in a crowd again. “If you think it will help then I’m all for it.” Shadow said, bravely disregarding his paranoia. Apple Bloom looked up at the sky as a few pegusi flew by. Something clicked in her mind. “Oh, that’s right! We better get in town quick, the first snow is about to begin!” Pegusi gathered in the sky, landing on cloud after cloud as they prepared for the sign to officially begin winter. Fluttershy spotted Rainbow on the ground below accompanied by Tank, her pet tortoise. Landing down beside them, Fluttershy said, “Good morning Tank, are you ready to hibernate?” The tortoise gave Fluttershy a slow nod, smiling wide as he always does. “I’m gonna take him on over to the park to find a good spot after the snow begins.” Rainbow explained, still watching the sky. “We’re just about ready. Where’s Shadow? Didn’t he say he was looking forward to seeing it?” Occasionally glancing around, Fluttershy replied, “Pinkie said he went with Applejack to Sweet Apple Acres. I hope he gets back in time.” Giving her friend a hopeful smile, Rainbow tried reassuring her. “I’m sure he’ll be here. I don’t think he’d be one to miss-” Rainbow stopped mid-sentence as something caught her attention in the clouds above. “Derpy!” she yelled. The gray mare standing on one of the clouds turned around and leaned down, spotting the rainbow-maned pegasus below. Waving her hoof, she shouted, “Hiya Rainbow Dash!” Letting out an irritated sigh, Rainbow took flight up to the cloud. “What are you doing up here? You’re supposed to be with your team. On the ground. Safely on the ground.” Rainbow said persistently, hoping either for luck or vocal reinforcement. “Yeah I know….” Derpy said, slinking down onto her stomach and hugging the cloud. “But I wanna help the pegusi begin the snows! I’ve never helped it snow before!” Rainbow was about to shout when she stopped to see how happy Derpy looked as she got ready to help the other pegusi. That goofy smile and cheerful demeanor often did get its way with Rainbow these days. “Okay, fine.” Rainbow said grudgingly. “You can help the sky team this time too.” Jumping up from the cloud, Derpy gave Rainbow a hug. “Thanks Rainbow!” she said joyfully. Before Rainbow could respond, Derpy noticed Shadow and the Cutie Mark Crusaders arriving below and greeting Fluttershy. In the blink of an eye, she flew down towards them to finally meet the new pony in town. Misjudging her landing….like always….she ended up plowing into Shadow instead. Lifting her head as she rested on top of him, Derpy said, “Hi! I’m Derpy Hooves!” Overcoming the initial shock from being practically tackled, Shadow smiled and leaned his head back. “Hello Derpy.” He said, lifting his head back up. “My name is Shadow.” Fluttershy flew over, her hooves over her mouth. “Oh my goodness! Shadow, are you alright?” “I’m good.” Shadow chuckled, the gray mare still smiling as she lie on top of him. “Think you can get up now?” Derpy blushed and offered a sheepish smile. “Oh! Hehe, sorry.” Using her wings to hoist herself up, she helped Shadow onto his hooves as well. As Rainbow moved to fly down to them, a group of pegusi towards Cloudsdale kicked a few clouds, generating lightning and sending the sound of thunder all over the land. Rainbow perked up. “That’s the signal!” Whistling down to the ground, Derpy looked up at her. “Get up here! Move it!” “Oh! Right!” Derpy said excitedly, racing up to a lone cloud and stumbling up on top of it. Ponies below and all over Ponyville gathered as the pegusi began shaking the clouds, trickling down a flurry of snowflakes. Shadow watched in awe as the first snow began, signifying the beginning of winter. Little fillies and colts raced up to the falling flakes, jumping at them as they laughed. Ponies stood with their eyes to the sky, bidding farewell to the fall season. Pinkie arrived with a cart of warm, sweet-smelling treats just as it all began. After the initial enchantment of the flurry, everypony began to cheer, filling the air with festive flair. Hopping up and down on her chosen cloud, Derpy let out excited sounds as her spirits flew higher than the clouds themselves. The first snowflake to reach Shadow floated gently down towards him. Raising his hoof to eye level, he caught it and looked down at its beauty. Every time this feeling came over him, he failed in remembering just how strong it was. It amazed him how something so small and fragile could hold such power. Moving his hoof in a slow, sweeping motion, Shadow released the flake and let it hover a bit further before landing on the ground. Rainbow stayed for a few minutes to enjoy the reactions of the other ponies, but soon after left with Tank to the park in order for him to begin his hibernation. As Apple Bloom watched the snow fall and saw the ponies all playing in the flurry, she turned to the other crusaders and Shadow beside her. “Maybe….we can hold off on the whole cutie mark quest until tomorrow.” She said, a smile dawning her face. Sweetie Belle looked up at Shadow, who continued to watch the snow bring happiness to everypony. “Yeah, I think that would be best.” “Well what are we waiting for?” Scootaloo said with a hop. “Let’s go have some fun!” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo immediately took off into the crowd of ponies playing in the snow. Apple Bloom grabbed hold of Shadow’s hoof, pulling him with her as she followed them. Shadow chuckled and then ran with them to join everypony. Applejack arrived, walking up beside Fluttershy. The two of them smiled as they watched Shadow and the girls play about, throwing snowballs and building snow-ponies. Two scarves wrapped themselves around them as Rarity joined them, offering another smile as well. The crusaders sipped hot cocoa around the castle fireplace. Dusk fell over Equestria a few hours before, bringing the circle of friends inside for some well-needed warming up. Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, Rarity, and Fluttershy all sat on the couches while the young fillies sat up closer to the flames. Shadow came out from the next chamber over with five mugs balanced on his hooves, each filled with cocoa from the kitchen. After giving them to the five mares, Shadow sat beside Fluttershy, who was lying down. “So Shadow,” AJ said, grabbing his attention. “How’d you like your first snow?” “I think it was incredible.” Shadow replied, staring off out the window and seeing the snow still falling lightly from the dark sky. Rarity took a sip of cocoa, lowering the mug. “It was simply wonderful to watch you playing with Sweetie Belle and the others. I think you made them quite happy.” Looking over at the three fillies, Shadow smiled as he saw them telling stories to each other, oblivious to the adults’ conversation about them. “They’re great kids. And even greater friends.” Looking back at the five mares, he said, “Just like you girls.” “Awww!” Pinkie said, blushing. “How sweet!” Applejack chuckled. “Getting kinda red there Pinkie?” “Hmmm?” Pinkie asked, looking at them. “Oh, you want one too?” she asked, offering a few of her baked goods that were left. Everypony laughed as their company lit the room with enough joy to banish a windigo. Fluttershy shivered a bit as she laughed. Sitting down her cocoa, she looked up at Shadow. “Ummm…..would you mind if I….?” Shadow smiled down at her, lifting up his hoof. Fluttershy inched closer and up against him, warming her up. Tucking in her tail, she nuzzled Shadow and closed her eyes. Lowering his hoof around her, the grand feeling returned to him, which he expected. Gently, he stroked her mane, earning a smile from the resting pegasus. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow all eyed one another and snickered a bit. The door to the castle opened, making everypony perk up a bit, and Fluttershy get up. Twilight trotted inside with Spike on her back as Starfall followed. “Twilight!” Rainbow said, first to ask. “So what’s up in the Dragon Lands?” Twilight’s expression could have answered the question for her. “Everypony,” she said, sounding tired. “We have a lot to talk about.” The hour was late, very late. Twilight had explained everything to everypony; the attack on Ember, the loss of the scepter, and the suspicion of a connection between them and the events of the past week. Ascending the stairs, Twilight was absolutely exhausted. The lack of sleep she had subjected her body to had really begun to take a toll on her. Like before at the Grand Equestria Summit, her weariness was maxed out, and she desperately needed rest. Reaching the top of the steps, Twilight didn’t notice and nearly fell over. Starfall caught her just before she fell, saying, “Take it easy Twilight.” “Sorry Starfall,” Twilight said slowly, drifting in and out as her eyes struggled to stay open. “I guess I didn’t realize….how long it’s been since….I had…..” About to fall again, Starfall helped her once more. Without struggle from the princess, Starfall picked her up in his arms, flying smoothly over to the door of her room. Entering the chamber, Starfall flew over to her bed and gently rested her down upon it. Letting out a few mumbles, Twilight hugged at the comfortable sheets, quickly drifting to sleep. Starfall lifted the blanket over her and made sure she was tucked in enough to stay warm through the potentially cold night. Walking back to the door, Starfall said, “Good night princess.” A misty haze covered the bedroom as Twilight opened her eyes, completely awake. Looking around at the foggy chamber, she sat up and stepped out onto the floor. “Hello?” she asked, her voice echoing. From the fog, Princess Luna emerged. “Princess Twilight, I received your letter.” “Princess Luna?” Twilight asked, slowly understanding what was going on. “Is this a dream?” “Yes.” The princess of the night agreed with her, walking past Twilight as the younger princess followed her. The two walked into the fog, and it surrounded them. “Forgive me for waiting until now to reply to you.” Luna continued. “I had to wait until you were in your dream.” Twilight looked at her, confused. “Couldn’t you have just sent a letter?” Luna shook her head in reply. “I could not risk my sister seeing it. I must show you part of the vision that she had, but she cannot know that I showed it to you.” Twilight had never seen Luna hide something from Celestia before. It told her that there was something else going on that she wasn’t aware of, something between the two sisters. Using her magic, Luna lifted the fog to reveal the Tree of Harmony. Twilight looked up upon the tree and the elements, seeing them still glowing brightly as they always have. Before anything could be said, she and Luna turned to see the silhouette of the dragon appear, approaching them. Twilight’s eyes widened as the dragon stepped out from the shadows, matching Garble’s description of the one that attacked Ember and stole the Bloodstone Scepter. “So it was the same dragon….” Twilight said, knowing she was right about the connection. The dragon drew closer to them, but everything then became fogged again, the vision ending. “Huh?” Twilight said, turning to her companion. “Luna what-” Luna’s look of depression stopped Twilight. Her eyes were cast upon the floor and she looked as if defeated. “This was all I was able to see….” Luna said quietly. “I rushed to my sister for fear of her safety, but she sent me to the Crystal Empire while she sought to the matter herself.” There was loneliness in her eyes as she said, “Celestia is hiding it from me.” “What?” Twilight asked. “Why would she hide anything from you?” “I know not why.” Luna replied, looking up at Twilight. “You are wiser than us all Twilight. Find that dragon, end whatever it is that’s happening.” Before Twilight could respond, Luna looked off into the distance. “In the meantime, I will discover what it is my sister is hiding from us.”