//------------------------------// // No Going Back // Story: Doing the Double Shuffle // by The FraudulentBrit //------------------------------// Doing the Double Shuffle Chapter 4; No Going Back Hoofer Steps awoke from her slumber that morning the same she did every morning. She lived in a loft at her dance studio, making it easy for her to keep the studio in, as she liked to say to herself, “Tip top tap shape.” After washing up, styling her mane into a ballerina’s bun, and slipping on her leotard, Hoofer Steps made her way to her kitchen to prepare breakfast. After a delightful breakfast of Trottingham muffins and a glass of orange juice, Hoofer Steps pulled out her class schedule to see who she would be teaching. “Vell, let’s see vhat ve have today.” She said to herself. She had a ballroom class at noon, a ballet/tap combo for very young foals, and…… of course, Double Shuffle would be coming over for a solo intensive. Hoofer Steps remembered the night before, when the young filly vehemently refused to leave the studio the night before…… Hoofer Steps’ Studio, the Night Before “Double sweetie, I ssink zat it is time for you to go home.” Hoofer Steps said to Double Shuffle as the filly continued to practice her scissors. Hoofer took a glance at the clock on the far wall; it was almost Eight-Thirty. “Are you sure? I mean I think I’m still having trouble on my scissors.” The young filly replied, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice. Hoofer Steps let out a sigh. While it was true she was fascinated by the filly’s passion for tap dancing, she couldn’t help but feel that her worst suspicions were coming true. Unsure of what she could do, Hoofer Steps decided to make a bluff. “If you don’t leave my studio in ze next five minutes, I shall summon your father.” Immediately, Double Shuffle panicked. She dashed to her dance bag and slipped it on before she began to run towards the door, sputtering, “Ok, I’m going I’m going. Please don’t tell my dad. Please don’t tell my dad.” Hoofer Steps placed herself in front of the door, blocking the filly. “Sweetie…” Hoofer Steps said softly as she placed a hoof on the Double Shuffle’s shoulder and said, “After vhat I saw last veek, I am very vorried about your father.” Double Shuffle began to back away a bit, and nervously said, “Don’t worry, he doesn’t hit me, he feeds me and my brothers, and he…” Hoofer Steps interrupted the filly. “I take it he vants to decide your future?” Double Shuffle was stunned by this statement. “How did you know?” Hoofer Steps answered, “Vell, vhen he showed up last veek he vasn’t exactly subtle.” Double Shuffle couldn’t help but let out a slight giggle. Hoofer Steps continued. “Have you ever heard of ze insult “takes vone to know vone?” Double Shuffle nodded and asked, “What does that have to do with dad?” Hoofer Steps let out a somewhat pained sigh and asked, “Can you promise to keep a secret for me?” Double Shuffle replied, “Sure. It’s the least I can do for letting me stay late.” Hoofer Steps gave the filly a smile and revealed her little secret. “You see, my family vasn’t super supportive of me vanting to be a dancer, especially my mother. She constantly tried to get me to follow ze family tradition of being merchants, talking about how I vouldn’t be able to make a solid living as a dancer.” Double Shuffle was amazed by what her teacher had revealed. “I know the feeling.” Double Shuffle said somewhat defeatedly. “Ever since mom died my dad has been pushing for me and my brothers to join the Royal Guard. My brothers are all gung ho into it but…” “You aren’t I take it?” Hoofer Steps asked. Double Shuffle answered, “No, I always wanted to be a dancer like mom. I don’t think he likes the idea.” “Neizer did my mother vhen I told her I vanted to be a dance teacher.” Hoofer then closed her eyes as she took another deep breath. “Eventually, she threw me out of ze house.” “WHAT?” Double Shuffle shouted in shock. “Your mom kicked you out of the house?” “Yes. Not only zat, but she and father disowned me. Luckily I moved in vith my aunt, Four Steps.” Hoofer Steps replied. “Luckily she vas far more sympathetic to me.” Double Shuffle then asked, “Wait, isn’t Four Steps that famous teacher in Canterlot?” Hoofer Steps nodded and replied, “Yes. And if I’m correct, Your mother vas quite ze tapper.” “You knew my mom?” Double Shuffle asked. Hoofer Steps replied, “Not personally, but I did know zat she was famous throughout Equestria. Ze mare vith ze blazing hoofs” if I remember.” Double Shuffle then felt a pang in her heart and said, “Sometimes I miss her.” Hoofer Steps wrapped her hooves around the filly for a moment. Double Shuffle then continued, “But when I dance, I feel like I have a part of her with me.” She then looked down to her hooves, her “new” tap shoes still fastened to her hooves, and continued, “I mean, no matter how much I try to tell my family my calling is dance, they just shrug it off and try to drill me like I’m just some toy soldier.” Hoofer Steps then said, “Look, If you vant, you can come over tomorrow arvound Three and ve can do a solo intensive.” “Really?” Double Shuffle asked. “Of course.” Hoofer Steps replied before continuing, “Now take zose tap shoes off and head home. I don’t vant you to get into too much trouble or damage your shoes.” Double Shuffle nodded and began to undo her shoes, gently placing them in her bag. Soon enough, both ponies bid their farewells and Double Shuffle went home, and Hoofer Steps went upstairs to prepare for bed. Hoofer Step’s Studio, that morning Hoofer Steps remembered the previous night as she saw the somewhat hastily scribbled addition to her schedule. Sure, she wasn’t too sure about the filly spending too much time at the studio, but she felt that if anything, Double Shuffle needed some time away from her father. Still, she had a few errands to run that morning, so she got up from her kitchen table, stretched her legs, and descended the stairs to the studios and opened the front door to the studio. As Hoofer Steps opened the front door, she heard the sound of some pony quickly scurrying into one of the bushes in the studio yard. “Who’s zere?” the elder earth pony called out. She was hoping that it was just some colts who were planning some sort of prank. However, she was instead shocked to see none other than Double Shuffle hiding in the bush. “Double Shuffle, is zat you?” Hoofer Steps asked. Out from the bush emerged a frightened Double Shuffle, the filly covered in twigs and mud, her dance bag covered in scuffs, and bags surrounded her eyes, clearly indicating she hadn’t slept much the previous night. Double Shuffle tried to speak, “I didn’t want to disturb you last night, so I tried to sleep on the porch.” Before she could react, Hoofer Steps wrapped the filly in her front hooves and rushed her inside. “Vhat vere you thinking?” the older mare asked the filly as she dashed up the stairs. “Dad started going on again last night, saying he didn’t want me to dance anymore.” Hoofer Steps didn’t say anything, simply making a mental note of what she heard. Clearly her father had terrified her to the point of making her want to run away. Once they were upstairs, Hoofer Steps set Double Shuffle on her sofa and said, “Now, I am going to prepare a bath for you. Can you sit here until it’s veady?” Double Shuffle nodded, not saying a word. With that, Hoofer Steps returned to her restroom so she could prepare a bath for the young filly. After that, she had no idea what the next step would be. “Alvight now, ze bath is veady.” Hoofer Steps called out to Double Shuffle. The young filly made her way from the couch to the bathroom, and began to undo her vest and bowtie. As she began to undo her braided pig tails, Hoofer Steps asked, “You sink you can clean yourself up?” “I think so.” Double Shuffle answered. “Very vell.” Hoofer Steps replied. “I need to vun a few ervands. I’m going to lock ze door. Until I come back, do not let anyone in. Am I clear?” The filly nodded, a somewhat scared look on her face. Hoofer Steps softened her face to a warm yet concerned smile, and said, “Don’t vorry. I’m just going to be doing a few errands, und I’ll be vight back. Now vash up, I sink I can smell my lilacs in your mane.” Double Shuffle couldn’t help but let out a brief giggle as she replied, “Yes ma’am.” With that, Hoofer Steps departed the studio (not without locking the door) and departed. She would have to skip her errands for later; she had a few ponies she needed to see. Ponyville Square If there was one thing Tender Taps loved doing during his off days, it was busking for the crowds of shoppers. After Apple Bloom helped him get over his stage fright, as well as earning his cutie mark in the process, He felt a sense of not only joy, but what could almost feel like an adrenaline rush when he danced for ponies. Of course, it also helped that he was able to make a few bits whenever he could perform. As he wrapped up, Tender Taps heard a very angry voice from right behind him. “Where is she?” confused, Tender Taps turned around to find none other than Semper Fi, and the look on his face made it clear that he was furious. “What do you mean?” Tender Taps asked, confused. “My daughter you drama foul!” the elder Pegasus shouted as he used his wings to close the distance. “She deserted her post last night I know you have been a bad influence on her, so she most likely ran off with you, so where is she?” Tender Taps backed away from the angry stallion and nervously answered, “I haven’t seen her since dance class last night. I swear.” That gave Semper Fi a horrible idea. The militant Pegasus very roughly pushed Tender Taps aside and took to the sky, dashing towards the dance studio. Tender Taps stood there for a brief moment, trying to comprehend what he had just heard and witnessed. Then, when everything clicked in his head, He dashed off towards the only ponies he knew he could go to for help; Applejack and Big Macintosh. Twilight’s Castle Twilight sat in her library, reading a book about the history of the Sarian-Griffin conflict when Spike came running in, calling out, “Twilight, Shining Armor sent you a message!” Twilight looked at Spike with confusion and asked, “Huh?” Spike answered, “Shining Armor sent this response to Princess Celestia, and she sent it to me.” Good old Shining Armor, Twilight knew she could always trust her B.B.B.F.F.. “Well, what did he say?” Twilight asked her assistant. Spike gave Twilight the letter, and she read it out loud. “Dear Twilight, Though I am no longer Captain of the Guard, I am still in contact with many in the Guard, and am indeed familiar with Semper Fi. Apparently he was a drill sergeant who started not long after I completed training. He developed a nasty reputation of being unnecessarily harsh, cruel, and often over stepped his bounds. Then, a few years ago, his wife died, and he became even more prone to breaking protocol and even bullied some of his cadets. Unfortunately, he was to be dishonorably discharged about a month ago due to him pushing a recruit to the point he had an emotional and mental breakdown, causing the recruit to be declared permanently unfit for duty. Before he could be dealt his punishment, Semper Fi deserted, and disappeared. From what I heard, he had three colts and a filly, and it seems there were more than a few concerned ponies looking into them, especially the filly. By the time you get this letter, some guards should already be on their way to apprehend him, but if things go south let me know, and I’ll be there as quickly as possible. Love, Your B.B.B.F.F. Twilight was horrified at the information she had been given. Shining had often jokingly complained about drill sergeants when he was in training, but he knew that they were only tough because their job demanded it. But it seemed that this Semper Fi pony had something seriously wrong with him, and she suddenly felt incredibly nervous knowing that he had four foals. Children of abusive parents would more often than not repeat the cycle when they had foals of their own. “Spike! I’m going out for a bit.” Twilight called out as she darted out of the library, and soon out of the castle. She knew she had to do something, and since she heard that Double Shuffle was a dancer, figured the best place to start looking was Hoofer Step’s Dance School. Sweet Apple Acres “Applejack! Big Macintosh!” a young voice called out from the road leading to the farm. Applejack, taking a moment to catch her breath for a moment from bucking apples, turned to see Tender Taps, a close friend of her little sister, running towards the farm. Tender Taps noticed the older farm mare and began to dash towards her. “Applejack…… Semper Fi…….. Double Shuffle…… Trouble……” The colt said, worn out and out of breath. “Hold ya horses sugar cube.” Applejack said, trying to help the colt catch his breath. “Now, tell me what’s going on.” Having caught his breath, Tender Taps began to explain. “Double Shuffle ran away last night, and her father is furious. When he found me, he started shouting about how I was somehow involved, and that I was a bad influence on her. He then flew off, and I’m worried he’s going to do something bad.” Applejack was stunned with what she just heard. Worse still, she could tell Tender Taps wasn’t lying, or at the very least believed what he saw was true. “You have any idea where he could’ve gone?” Applejack asked. Tender Taps answered, “I don’t know.” “What’s goin’ on?” Applejack and Tender Taps turned to see Apple Bloom, who had a broom in her front hooves. Tender Taps blurted out, “Double Shuffle ran away!” “WHAT?” Apple Bloom couldn’t help but shout in horror. “Apple Bloom, go inside right now.” Applejack sternly ordered her sister, but Apple Bloom quickly countered her sister. “Sis, Double Shuffle is mah friend, and if somethin’ bad is goin’ on, Ah need to be there for her.” “Come on!” Tender Taps cried out. “We have to hurry. She could be anywhere in town by now!” Both he and Apple Bloom darted off towards Ponyville, leaving Applejack both speechless and yet also a bit proud of her sister taking the initiative of something serious. Guess she really was growing up after all. Outside Hoofer Steps’ Dance Studio After nearly getting herself stuck in the wall at Sugar Cube Corner, Twilight had decided that flying would be a safer way to find the dance studio than randomly teleporting all over town. ‘Note to self’ she thought to herself. ‘Do a few fly-byes to get reacquainted with the town layout.’ Even though she knew she would soon inherit the Princesses’ throne didn’t mean she should grow lax in her knowledge of Ponyville….. Twilight shook her head. “Gotta stay focused.” She had to be focused; there was no way of telling how Semper Fi would react. Twilight found out very quickly. Not too far in front of her stood both the dance school, and a very angry green Pegasus. “Get your flank out of there this instant young lady!” the stallion furiously called out, every few moments ramming his body into the doors of the building. “Hey!” Twilight called out to the stallion, who she figured was Semper Fi. “What’s going on?” “Ah, your majesty.” Semper Fi answered, putting on a mask of civility. He continued, “My daughter has deserted her post and is hiding inside this wretched facility. I request your assistance in apprehending her.” Twilight was surprised with what she heard the unicorn. “Well, why did she “desert” you anyway?” Though she wasn’t entirely sure if this was the best idea, but at least it would stop him from damaging the building. The large Pegasus answered Twilight’s question. “She defied my wishes by continuing to attend this pathetic little facility. I told her she would follow my hoof steps and join the royal guard like her brothers.” Twilight then asked, “But what if she doesn’t want to do that?” “She is my daughter, and she will do what I tell her!” Semper Fi shouted, startling Twilight. “So once again, I politely request that you help me apprehend her.” He then resumed bucking the front door. At that moment, Twilight felt she wouldn’t be able to reason with this stallion, and did the only thing she could think of; she used her magic to ensnare Semper Fi and pulled him away from the building. “Put me down this instant!” Semper Fi shouted. Twilight replied, “I don’t think so. I’ve heard a few complaints about how you’ve been treating your daughter, and what I have just witnessed has confirmed my fears. I am going to keep you here until the guards arrive to place you under arrest.” “What’s goin’ on?” Twilight turned to see that Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Tender Taps were running towards her, with Tender Taps appearing to be incredibly winded. Twilight answered her friend, “This guy was trying to break into the studio.” Tender Taps walked over to the door, which was now buckled inwards, and gently tapped the door, only to see it come to pieces. “I think he just about succeeded. Looks like you got here just in time.” Unfortunately, while every pony was distracted, Semper Fi, who was drifting closer towards Twilight, managed to buck her right in the face. This blow halted her concentration, thus releasing the Pegasus. “Twilight!” Applejack shouted as she lept forwards, quickly rotating herself to buck the malicious Pegasus. Before he could react, Semper Fi’s face was met with the blunt impact of two farm pony rear hooves. Tender Taps then spoke up. “I’ll go see if I can find Double Shuffle.” “Very well. Applejack and I will stay here and keep an eye on her father.” Twilight answered as she turned her head towards Semper Fi, who was now lying unconscious on the ground. Tender Taps and Apple Bloom wasted no time in making their way through the destroyed door. “Alright.” Tender Taps began. “You check the studios, I’ll head up to Hoofer Step’s loft.” “You got it Tender.” Apple Bloom answered, giving Tender a brief hug. Tender Taps then made his way to the stairs that led to Hoofer’s loft. Tender Taps was indeed familiar with Hoofer Steps’ loft, having been spent the night during a few sleep-overs with his dance class over the years. “Double Shuffle? You in here?” he called out, not hearing anything from the living room or kitchen. He then decided to check the bathroom. Tender Taps didn’t see any pony, but he did notice the bath tub was full of soapy water, and that there was a trail that led out of the tub back into the living room. “That’s odd. Hoofer Steps should have cleaned up after herself.” Tender Taps said to himself. Tender Taps began to follow the trail of water into Hoofer Steps’ bedroom. “Double Shuffle? You here?” he called out. His call was met with a brief wimper. Tender Taps noticed the water ended just under Hoofer Steps’ bed. Walking over and hunching down, Tender Taps noticed two red eyes under the bed, only to quickly see them turn away, followed by what sounded like light crying. “Wait!” Tender Taps said, trying to be as gentle as possible. “Double Shuffle, it’s me, Tender Taps.” Before he could say anything else, Double Shuffle lept out from under the bed and wrapped her hooves around Tender Taps, letting her tears flow freely and crying her little heart out. “I….h-heard my d-d-d-d-dad-d-d…. a-a-and-d-d-d….. I w-w-w-was-s-s-s-s s-s-s-s-s-o-o-o-o-o-…….” The filly managed to struggle out before she continued crying, with Tender simply holding her close, stroking her back. “Tender, you find her?” Apple Bloom called out from the living room. “She’s in here.” Tender Taps said, trying to not disrupt Double Shuffle. Apple Bloom entered the bedroom, the sight of her entering startling Double Shuffle, who tried to back away. “It’s ok Double Shuffle.” Tender Taps said cautiously and sweetly, trying to calm the young filly down. Apple Bloom tried to reassure her friend. “Ah’m sure things are gonna be alright.” “Alright?” Double Shuffle asked Apple Bloom, anger starting to build up in the filly. “My dad tried to attack me, and this is something I have to put up with on a daily basis from my brothers, and all you can say is “Things will be alright?”” Double Shuffle was now starting to shake furiously, tears streaming down her eyes. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to have your family treat you like dirt?!” Double Shuffle could barely contain anything in, with Tender Taps only really able to wrap his hooves around her to try and calm her down. “Hey Apple Bloom, I think Double Shuffle just needs some alone time.” Apple Bloom silently nodded and exited the room, leaving Double Shuffle and Tender Taps alone together in the room. Hoofer Steps, Soft Shoe, and Hornpipe were stunned by the sight that they were witnessing. Hoofer had run to Soft Shoe’s residence to fetch her and her husband, with them being the only ones who she felt she could trust, at least outside of the elements of harmony. And now here the trio was; surprised that royal guards were surrounding Hoofer Steps’ studio, and Twilight Sparkle herself was there, directing them. “Vhat is going on?” Hoofer Steps asked Twilight. “Oh, Forgive me Ms. Steps, but Double Shuffle’s father tried to break into your studio. We were able to subdue him.” “Oh my goodness!” Soft Shoe responded. “Is she alright?” Twilight answered, “I think so. Tender Taps should be with her right now.” Hornpipe spoke up, “Oh dear. I hope the wee dear is alright.” Twilight noticed something in the corner of her eye towards the studio, and turned around. “I think you guys won’t need to worry.” Right behind everyone was Tender Taps leading Double Shuffle, the filly having tear stains around her eyes and wearing her signature vest and bowtie. “Oh my Goodness!” Soft Shoe cried out as she ran towards the filly, wrapping her hooves around her. Hornpipe followed his wife, asking, “You alright there little lass?” Double Shuffle plainly answered, “Honestly, not really.” Twilight walked over to the group and asked, “I’m glad that she is safe. Now we have to find her brothers.” “Uh…” Double Shuffle spoke up. “Knowing them, they’re probably running all around town.” Twilight replied, “Thanks, now about you and your father.” Double Shuffle immediately tightened her hold on Soft Shoe, starting to sniffle. “Oh don’t worry.” Twilight reassured the filly. “You won’t be going back to him.” Soft Shoe then asked, “What will happen to her?” Twilight pondered for a moment before she answered, “I guess Double Shuffle will be sent to an orphanage or foster home.” Soft Shoe turned to her husband, who gave her a knowing look, before she turned back to Twilight and firmly stated, “Then if those are the only other choices, she comes with us.” “What?” Tender Taps, Double Shuffle, and Apple Bloom were stunned. “Mom, are you sure?” Tender Taps asked. “I am.” Soft Shoe answered, a look of determination on her face. “I’ve had a bad feeling about Double Shuffle here, and I want to help her.” Twilight then continued, “Then for the time being, I place Double Shuffle in your care. I and my brother will take over finding the brothers and prosecuting her father.” Double Shuffle was stunned by what she heard. “You… you want to take me in?” Soft Shoe gave the filly a warm smile and answered, “Yes. I think it’s a shame for such a talented dancer as you to deal with such a dysfunctional family.” Double Shuffle couldn’t do much else other than wrap her hooves continue her incredibly tight hug as Tender Taps joined in. “Guess this makes me your new brother now doesn’t it?” he joked as he hugged the young filly. “I guess it does.” Double Shuffle answered back, suddenly feeling a warmth in her that she hadn’t felt in several years.