//------------------------------// // A Friendly Visit // Story: Before the Friendship Games: Dean Cadance // by CapNTilfy //------------------------------// Cadance hugged Neighsay tightly, glad to see him outside of any official capacity. The hug was returned gratefully, and an unbidden memory ran through her mind: her earliest memory of him. ---------------------------------------------- Cadenza was three years old and in the backyard, chasing after a butterfly on a warm summer day. Amore watched her as she tripped over her untied shoelaces, blinked, then got back up and went to look for something else to do. Smiling warmly, Amore walked over to her and sat her down, then tied her shoes. She gave Cadenza a mischievous smile. "I'm gonna get you," she said in a playful tone. Cadenza laughed, then started running as best she could as her mother chased after her for several moments until a voice stopped them both in their tracks. "Hello, Amore," Neighsay said as he entered the backyard. "Neighsay," Amore exclaimed in delight with outstretched arms. "So glad you could come!" She turned her attention to Cadenza, who just stood there, staring at the big scary man. Her eyes were wide with uncertainty as she slowly walked towards her mommy while keeping her eyes on him. Amore laughed warmly, then picked her up. "Cadenza," she said in a motherly voice. "This is mommy's good friend, Neighsay!" Cadenza blinked, then buried her head in her mother's shoulder. Neighsay chuckled. "I'm sure she'll warm up to me eventually." Amore smiled as she gently rubbed Cadenza's back. "I'm sure she will, too." ---------------------------------------------- The hug was broken, and Neighsay walked in. "So how was your day?" Cadance took a deep breath, then heaved a sigh. She may have spoken to Hope, but she was still really ashamed of her actions against that one particular student. "You're probably going to want to sit down for this one," she said, then reluctantly told him what happened. She finished her story, then sighed heavily as she put a hand to her head. She was mortified by her behavior even more now that she told Neighsay. "Cadenza," Neighsay said, causing her to flinch. He put his hand on hers. "I understand why you did what you did..." He trailed off, as though he was hesitant in speaking his next sentence. He sighed. "But I cannot condone that sort of behavior from anyone. Not my students, and not you. You should know better by now," he exclaimed in a scolding tone. ---------------------------------------------- Cadenza was in Kindergarten and was receiving a stern look from Neighsay. "Why did you push your classmate," the Superintendent asked. Cadenza stood still for a moment, unable to meet Neighsay's gaze. "She said something mean about mommy." Neighsay raised an eyebrow. "We're supposed to talk through our anger. Isn't that what your mommy told you?" Again, Cadenza remained silent and still for a moment before answering. "...Yes." "I'll forgive you, but don't do it again," Neighsay said, then smiled. "Now come on, let's go see mommy." ---------------------------------------------- Cadance blanched at Neighsay's rebuke. "I know," she said quietly while looking away. "I-I just snapped." She wanted to curl into a ball, she was so embarrassed at herself! "You should consider yourself lucky if the student doesn't press charges..." Cadance grunted in frustration. "Don't remind me." ---------------------------------------------- Now in third grade, Cadenza sat on a tablecloth outside with Neighsay and her mom as they ate lunch together. She stared at her sandwich for a moment, then spoke. "Why don't I have a dad?" Amore nearly choked on her drink, then took a deep breath. She glanced at Neighsay, who simply shrugged. She knew this day would come eventually, but she didn't think it would come so soon! She exhaled, bracing herself for whatever her daughter's reaction would be. "He's out of the picture." Cadenza tilted her head in confusion. "What your mother means," Neighsay said as he scooted up to Cadenza. "Is that your dad...left before you were born." "Why would he do that?" Neighsay hesitated momentarily. No matter what, he felt Cadenza needed to know the absolute truth. "He...wasn't a very nice person." Amore shifted uncomfortably behind him. "He only cared about himself, and when he found out he had... 'responsibilities', he ran away." "'Responsibilities'," Cadenza repeated questioningly. Neighsay closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, steeling himself. This was going to be painful for all parties involved. He exhaled, then opened his eyes. He stared into Cadenza's eyes for what seemed like an eternity, then forced the words out of his mouth. "He didn't want to take care of you." Cadenza teared up. "My dad left...because of me?" As if on instinct, Neighsay immediately grabbed Cadenza and hugged her as tightly as he could without hurting her. "I'm so sorry," he whispered as a tear fell. "He did." Cadenza sniffled, then began to cry, burying her head into his chest. He felt his heart shatter as she shook with each sob. No child should have to suffer so, but neither should a child be lied to about their parents. Amore ran over and hugged Neighsay as tightly as she could, tears of her own streaming down her cheeks. "T-Thank you," she said before sniffling. "I-I just didn't have the heart to tell her!" Neighsay smiled. "It's all right, Amore. I know how uncomfortable the subject is for you." He looked down at the emotional Cadenza. "She would have found out sooner or later." When she finally had no more tears left in her, Cadenza looked up at Neighsay. "W-Will you be my dad?" Neighsay's eyes widened momentarily, then looked at Amore who seemed to be on the verge of bursting into tears. He looked back at Cadenza, then smiled warmly. "I'd be honored." Amore broke and held onto both Neighsay and her daughter as though all their lives depended on it, crying tears of happiness. ---------------------------------------------- "Well, what am I supposed to say," Neighsay asked as he raised an eyebrow. "That you did the right thing?" "Look, I already said I'd apologize," Cadance said, frustrated. "Can we not talk about this anymore?" "Very well," Neighsay said. "But don't say you weren't warned." "I'll keep that in mind." Cadance said as she got up from her seat. "Would you like some tea?" "That does sound good right about now." ---------------------------------------------- Eighth grader Cadenza sniffled with her head in her hands as Neighsay consoled her. "There, there," he said as he gently ran a hand through her hair. "Not everybody finds love with their first crush anyway," he said. "He didn't have to be a jerk about it, though," Cadenza exclaimed, then sniffled again. Neighsay nodded. "That is true, he didn't." Cadenza sighed, then looked up from her hands. "Have you had any luck in love before?" Neighsay smiled warmly. "I understand love's importance in life, but I'm happily single." Cadenza's eyes widened. "How can you be happy when you're single?" Neighsay shrugged. "It's just my preference, nothing more to it than that." Cadenza was slightly confused. She had never heard of someone happy to be alone. She would have asked about her mother, but she already knew Neighsay loved her like a sibling. "I-If you say so," she said with uncertainty. "Cadenza," Neighsay said as he gently put his hands on her shoulders. "I have no doubt that one day you'll find the right person." Cadenza smiled, taking his words to heart. ---------------------------------------------- Cadance brought tea back with her. "I know this is supposed to be an informal visit," she said as she sat down and gave a cup to Neighsay. "But what do you know about the supposed magic at Canterlot High?" Neighsay gratefully took the cup of tea, then paused in thought. "I only know of it from stories told by the staff there," he said. A couple of teachers actually retired, believing the stress of the job was getting to them." Cadance couldn't help but snicker. "Well, they may have gotten out just in time if the magic is real." "Indeed," Neighsay said with a smile. "But if I'm being honest, that's all I know." ---------------------------------------------- "Amore," Neighsay said, concerned. "I'm not so sure you should trust Dean Cinch. I fear she may have an ulterior motive in wanting to meet with you alone." Amore rolled her eyes and smiled. "Oh come now," she said. "You shouldn't worry." "But she's-" "I know who she is, Neighsay," Amore said in slight frustration, crossing her arms. "Honestly, you should at least give her a chance." Neighsay sighed. He didn't like this one bit, but whenever Amore crossed her arms that meant her mind was made up. "Just...be careful, okay?" "I will," Amore said, then left. Silence reigned for several moments as Neighsay heaved a sigh. "I know you were listening in, Cadenza. Come on out." Cadenza, now going by Cadance (which was a nickname she enjoyed so much in eighth grade, she registered herself as such upon enrolling in Crystal Prep) was now a Freshman. She walked out slowly, filled with grave concern. "Is... Is mom going to be okay," she asked. Neighsay sighed again. "I certainly hope so..." ---------------------------------------------- Cadance made a sputtering noise. "Think you could find some way to get to the Friendship Games? So you can see the magic for yourself, provided it's real?" Neighsay took a sip of tea. "You know I can't guarantee that I'll be able to make it. 'Busy schedule', remember?" "Right," Cadance looked down in disappointment. "But I will see what I can do." ---------------------------------------------- Young Cadance was abruptly woken up by a cry of agony. Slightly dazed, she ran to her mother's room to a sight that would haunt her until her dying day. Amore was sitting on the toilet and clutching the bathroom's trash can. Her eyes were shut tightly as she screamed in pain before vomiting into the receptacle. She looked up and saw her daughter with terror in her eyes. "N-Nine...One..." She vomited again, then waved a free hand frantically. Cadance needed no more instruction. Now fully awake and nearly in hysterics as tears rolled down her eyes, she ran to the nearest phone, then dialed for an ambulance as she heard her mother continue to be violently ill in the background. Once she knew the ambulance was incoming, she called Neighsay in a complete and utter panic, urging him to come over immediately. ---------------------------------------------- "That's all I ask," Cadance said. Neighsay's phone buzzed, and he checked it. He sighed heavily, then pocketed it. "Duty calls," she asked. "I'm afraid so," Neighsay said. "Well, it was short but sweet." "Indeed it was." Cadance walked up to Neighsay and hugged him. "If there really is magic, it just might be our one chance." "Here's hoping," Neighsay said as her returned the hug. "Want me to see you to the door?" Neighsay smiled as he broke the hug. "I'd like that." Cadance walked the Superintendent over to the door and smiled. "I'll see you later." Neighsay nodded. "See you later." Cadance closed the door, then cleaned up and went upstairs to bed. ---------------------------------------------- Young Cadance and Neighsay arrived at the hospital, where they anxiously awaited the doctor's diagnosis. "I-I'm scared," Cadance said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "So am I, Cadenza," Neighsay said as he hugged her. "So am I..." The doctor arrived with a troubled look on his face. "I have a question for you both," he said. "I'll answer it," Neighsay said, then gestured to Cadance. "She's far too anxious for anything right now." The doctor nodded. "Fair enough," he said. "And you are..." "Neighsay." "Right. Neighsay, do you know what..." he looked at his clipboard. "...Amore ate most recently?" "No," Neighsay said. "She was out when she ate last..." he trailed off as realization struck, and his eyes widened in horror. "Oh dear lord, no," he whispered. "Mister Neighsay, she's been vomiting, experiencing severe stomach pains, bloody stools...extreme thirst..." "What is it," Cadance asked, unable to keep the fear out of her voice. Neighsay turned around, tears in his eyes. "Cadenza...those symptoms..." "What? What??" Neighsay sniffled. "...Those symptoms are from amanita mushroom ingestion. Your mother's been poisoned."