//------------------------------// // Dark Clouds // Story: A Great and Powerful Love Story // by DragonMaster24921 //------------------------------// After the night of the party, Shuffle began going back to school while periodically making trips to see his comatose mother. Each visit hurt, but the doctors confirmed she was healing slowly but surely. She would be waking up in a few weeks. Shuffle was saddened by the long wait, but every one of his friends had given him the emotional support he had been lacking prior, which helped the teen cope during those days. Trixie had also finally started performing again. Each of her shows started having greater and faster-growing turnouts, as well as a slowly growing fan base until early March when for the first time Trixie had her first sold-out show. After a stupendous performance, Trixie and Shuffle, along with Lavender, Fuschia, Snips, and Snails, all went out to SugarCube Corner and celebrated afterward. School rolled on into final exams, with the duo spending nights studying ‘till the early hours of the morning. Little did the two realize, between Trixie’s shows taking off and contracting the infamous senioritis, they were going to graduate within a few months. What was meant for the future? What would they do after? Trixie could finally tour the country, but what about Shuffle? He would, on occasion, ponder about his future as well as his passion. Not only that, what about his mother? As each day went by, Shuffle grew more and more anxious about the condition of Tesla. Her recovery had begun to slow to a crawl. After school, Shuffle took a bus into town so he could check up on her progress, has not been able to since the week prior. Upon entering the familiar hospital, he made his familiar trek back to Tesla’s room. The doctor had begun to perform his hourly rounds long before they came into Tesla’s room, changing around assorted medicine and writing down something on his notepad. As he finished up, he noticed the teen sitting on the far side of the room. “Oh, I’m sorry. You’re Ms. Suite’s son, yes?” Shuffle nodded before getting up to greet him. “Yes, I’m Shuffle Suite. What happened to Ms. Cross? She’s usually the nurse taking care of my mom.” “Oh, she had to leave early for something, I usually take care of her at night.” “Then is there anything you can tell me about how she’s doing?” Shuffle asked. “Well her vitals are stable, but the damage to her brain stem from the overflow of blood from the incident had left it in a very sensitive state. The damage alone is enough to keep her in this condition.” The doctor had taken an MRI of Tesla’s brain to show to Shuffle. “Along with that, there is an unknown growth at the base. If we were to go in and attempt to remove it physically, we could risk outright shutting her brain down, so we are trying to figure out how we can handle this situation.” “Oh, I see... Does that mean…” “I am sorry Shuffle, but yes it does. Unless you can come up with your mother’s company’s co-pay, and/or further funds for medical expenses, we may have to consider the alternate solution.” “How much is it?” Shuffle asked hesitantly. The doctor had looked at his notepad. “Sixty-Five hundred dollars, for now.” “Are you serious?! I’m 18! How am I going to come up with that kind of money?” The doctor looked around, making sure he was out of view of any cameras that were in the ICU. “There is a man that regularly donates to this hospital, it’s a long shot but maybe he can help you…” the doctor slid Shuffle a card. He scanned the name and number upon it, and cold dread overcame Shuffle. The name on the card was…. Gideon Maurice BlueBlood. Shuffle almost lost his lunch from reading the name alone, much less the prospect of asking for help from him. “I’ll consider it, thank you,” Shuffle replied slowly before turning and leaving the room. The doctor continued his work in Tesla’s room. After a moment, he stuck an object from his coat pocket on the bottom of one of the rails of her bed. The doctor pulled out his phone and dialed a number, after the first ring the other end picked up. “It’s done, sir.” No response could be heard from the other end, though the doctor shook as if ice went down the back of his shirt. He glanced around, confused at the sudden chill. “Must be a draft,” He said aloud as he turned to leave. A slight gust of wind blew through the window nearby, the curtains dragging along the frame as the only indication. Shuffle was able to catch a bus back out of the city and into the suburbs area of Canterlot. Sixty-Five hundred dollars. Shuffle’s mind was a whirlwind of emotion. Something that expensive, and he only had a short time to forward some kind of payment. Shuffle held on to the card that the doctor had given him prior. His only option would have to be meeting with BlueBlood. Shuffled pulled out his phone and dialed the number on the back of the card. He took a calming breath and waited for someone to pick up. “Hello Mr. Suite, how can I help you today?” A few days passed since coming back from the hospital. Shuffle’s talk with BlueBlood had been brief, but in the period, he was able to make an appointment with the man. Shuffle would just have to go down to his office. He had all but avoided talking to Trixie about this, instead of telling the worried girl that Tesla was making a steady recovery. Shuffle felt bad for lying to her, but if he told her the options, she would have been adamant about not letting Shuffle go on with this. Shuffle got off the bus a little over a mile away from Blueblood’s building. The walk was torture enough, but the anticipation of getting into the building just to be turned down was a risk he was willing to take. He entered the building, silently taking in the lavish interior. One could tell that whoever did the decorating was given a very modest budget, along with a large collection of Blueblood portraits. Shuffle approached the receptionist’s desk. A woman sat there in silence working on her desktop PC. “Excuse me, I have an appointment with BlueBlood at one-fifteen, Shuffle Suite.” The receptionist scowled, having been interrupted by the teen. “Sit down over there, he’ll see you in a bit,” Shuffle followed her instruction, trying not to anger the already annoyed woman. Forty minutes rolled by. He did come a few minutes early, but given the history the two had, he bet the man was doing this on purpose just to crush his hopes. Another twenty minutes passed. Shuffle was about ready to get up and leave. If he was going to be made a fool of this, then there was no reason to be here. But as he was about to remove himself from the leather couch, BlueBlood himself rounded the corner. “Ah, I see you’re still here. Good,” BlueBlood said as he ushered Shuffle to follow him. Trixie came back from Lavender’s, having left a few props in her car from a performance earlier that week. “Shuffle, I’m home!” No response. “Shuffle, where are you?” Trixie called out again. Silence… Trixie pulled out her phone and quickly dialed Shuffle’s number, only for it to go directly to voice-mail. “Okay, don’t panic, there has to be a good reason for this. Maybe he’s at the hospital with his phone off,” Trixie got her keys, locked the door back up and made her way back to her car. The drive to Canterlot General was agonizing. It may have only been a good twenty minutes, but for Trixie, it was an eternity. Quickly pulling into the parking lot, she all but tore up the asphalt getting into the main entrance to the hospital. Trixie steadied her breathing as she entered the ward, seeing the familiar face of Red Cross walking in and out of the rooms. Trixie quickly approached the older woman before she could enter the next room. “Ah, hello Trixie, it’s been a good minute. You and Shuffle here to see Ms. Tesla today?” Trixie went pale as she tried not to have a panic attack. “Trixie, are you okay?” Shuffle sat at the opposite end of the elongated table. Blueblood had yet to say anything ever since collecting him from the lobby. A few terse moments had passed before Shuffle decided to speak up. “I don’t wish to take up much of your time, but I had no other choice.” Blueblood smiled diplomatically while Shuffle continued. “From what I was told, you would be willing to help me in my current situation.” Blueblood stayed silent. “I don’t want to cause drama, I just want to save my mother. But… I know the rocky history between us may affect what happens here. Hopefully, we can just look past it, for the sake of a human’s life. Please.” Blueblood nodded as he put his palms together in silent contemplation. “And why should I help you? Last time we had conversed, my security head ended up with a dislocated arm. What makes you think I wouldn’t just call the police to have you apprehended Mr. Suite?” Shuffle looked down in shame. Blueblood was right. It’s not like he didn’t have a foot to stand on. Shuffle was at his mercy. Shuffle got up a moment later, made his way around the table and kneeled at Blueblood’s feet. “Please, I’m willing to work with you. That is all I have left.” “Alright, I’ll help you,” Blueblood replied, “But to get a favor, one must do a favor first...” Shuffle quickly exited the building. He felt ashamed of what he was going to have to do. He checked his phone as he rounded a corner to ten missed calls and over a dozen texts from Trixie. Shuffle tapped on her picture, his phone auto-dialing Trixie’s number. Two rings later she picked up. “Hey, Trix…” “Shuffle, where are you!? I’ve been trying to find you all day!” “Look I’m sorry I left without letting you know but I had something to do.” “And you couldn’t include me?! Do I not mean anything to you Shuffle?” “No… Yes… Fucking…Just listen, we need to talk as soon as possible. I need you to meet me at SugarCube Corner in twenty minutes.” “Fine… but you have a lot to explain.” Shuffle hung up his phone, already putting his plan into action and hoping that maybe he can do the right thing. The bus bound for the suburbs came and went, leaving Shuffle awash with conflicting emotions. He knew what he had to say, but how he said it was going to be key. It would boil down to how well he could manage himself. Whilst on the way towards SugarCube, Shuffle had taken a path through the local park. As he was walking a feeling in his gut told him to move faster. He ignored the thought only for a few moments. When he turned the corner directly in sight of Zecora’s shop, he caught a male figure following him a good few feet behind him. Shuffle calmly entered the cafe and quickly made his way towards the register. “Heya Shuffle, you craving some sweet?” Shuffle noticed Pinkie had been running the register today. “Yeah, but there is another thing. I’m meeting Trixie in a little bit, but I was also meant to say Happy Birthday to my uncle today, he’s gonna be coming in a few minutes. Is there any way you can pass along my wishes for me please?” “Sure, what’s he look like?” Almost on cue, Trixie had stormed through the door absolutely livid. She quickly made her way up to the teen who was distracted talking to Pinkie, grabbing his shoulder. Before she could give him a piece of her mind, Shuffle quickly put his hand over her mouth. Trixie was red from rage but seeing Shuffle’s face she knew instantly something was wrong. “We’ll talk in a second. Thanks for the help Pinkie. Remember what I said ok?” “Okie Dokie Loki!” Pinkie gave a salute before quickly disappearing. Shuffle quickly pulled Trixie towards a table out of the way of the cafe. Somewhere where no one could hear their conversation. “Trixie, listen to me very carefully. We need to leave Canterlot.” Trixie looked ay Shuffle with shock. “What do you mean.” “Trixie. It’s not safe for you here. I’ve fucked up royally, and you’re going to be the one that pays for my mistake.” Trixie moved her head closer to Shuffles. “What happened.” Hours prior Shuffle and Gideon were sitting alone in Gideons’ office. “So what do you think of my proposition?” Gideon asked. “You’re wanting me to look away from the equivalent of a kidnapping.” “I wouldn’t call it that. More like regaining of lost property.” “Trixie isn’t property. And if you really think so, that’s sick. Why would anyone even agree to terms like that?” “People are more agreeable when you give them the proper incentives. Now, what will you do? What’s one girl for your own flesh and blood hmm?” Shuffle looked down at the briefcase. There was more than enough money to cover what he needed and then some. Shuffle clutched the briefcase his eyes starting to slowly glaze over. ” Yes. Take it and your troubles will disappear...” a small voice said within Shuffle’s mind. Before Shuffle could agree to the terms Blueblood had set, Shuffle’s phone rang, playing a pre-recorded version of Trixie’s song “Tricks Up My Sleeve.” The sound seemed to shake Shuffle out of the stupor. “No.” “What?” “I said no. I love my family more than anything, but to do something so immoral, I would never forgive myself for it. So take your money back, I don’t want it.” “You’re making a grave mistake young man. And there will be consequences for your actions.” Shuffle wordlessly left the office, his mind made up. BlueBlood, on the other hand, was absolutely livid. He grabbed his office phone, quickly dialing a number. “Time for plan B. Be sure to be in position. And make sure nothing remains.” BlueBlood hung up the phone. As he got up to leave the gem under his suit shirt began to glow. “Soon. Just give me more time,” Blueblood whispered. The glowing of the gem seemed to cease. Present time “I barely heard what he said at the end. But whatever his plan B is isn’t good. We need to go and we need to go now.” Once Shuffle finished speaking the man from earlier came into the sweet shop before quickly taking a seat. After a few minutes, Pinkie came out with a massive cake placing it down in front of the man’s field of view. Pinkie pulled a few party hats out of her hair and began to sing a birthday song the entire shop joined in on the song surrounding the man’s table. “That’s our cue. We need to get going,” Shuffle said quickly grabbing Trixie’s hand. The two swiftly make their way out the door. Thankfully the bell was muffled by the singing patrons. The duo piled into Trixie’s car and sped off into the evening light. “What’s the plan?” Trixie asked as they took a corner towards Shuffle’s house. “You still have that stash of money in your prop wagon. We can use that money to run. Once we get out of town, we keep moving. Get as far away from this town as possible.” “What about our friends? Don’t you think we could lay low with one of them until BlueBlood acts?” Shuffle shook his head. “No, he’s going to want you at his heel. It’s probably better this way.” Trixie’s car came to a stop on the curb of the house. Both jumped out and quickly made their way inside. “Go grab your cash box, I’ll go get Greg. And a few days of clothes for us,” Trixie nodded, both of them set out to perform their tasks. The last light of the sun finally left the sky when the two convened at the door. With Greg in his cage under Shuffle’s arm, the trio quickly strode across the yard but before either one could open the doors, they stop in place. Shuffle tried his best to move, but it was as if his muscles turned to ice. Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap “Oh bravo, you two. The fact you two thought escape was even a possibility tonight was absolutely adorable.” Across the street from Trixie’s old home stood the figures of Blueblood, Lariat Cross and a few unknown men in black clothing. “As I said earlier, Mr. Suite. There would be consequences for your actions and now you must reap what you sow,” Blueblood wandered over and pushed Shuffle out of the way, who went down without resistance. Blueblood put his hands behind his back, calmly approaching the still frozen Trixie. Shuffle tried to get back to his feet but still could not make his body respond. Blueblood stood in front of Trixie, taking her face into his hand. “You’re just as radiant as the day you left me,” He said to her, only for the magician to spit on the executive’s face in an act of defiance. “Just as fiery too. I may just actually feel bad for doing this,” The two have an intense staring contest for almost a minute before Trixie’s head falls limp to the side. One of the men on Blueblood’s side hoisted the now unconscious teen up onto his shoulder and towards one of the black vans that were parked further down the street and drove away. Blueblood turned about, heading back to his own vehicle before looking back at Shuffle’s home. “Almost forgot…” Blueblood pointed towards Shuffle’s house, then snapped. A few of the suited men came forward and tossed canisters through the front windows. Lights flickered inside, growing brighter with each moment. Blueblood smirked sadistically as the smell of burning polluted the air, turning the once pristine house into a sweltering inferno. While Blueblood wasn’t focused on Shuffle, the ice in his limbs seemed to lessen bit by bit. Before long the teen was back to his feet trying to make his way towards Blueblood. The closer he got the more he could hear the maniacal laughter coming out of the man’s mouth as he continued his power trip. Shuffle got a few feet away from Blueblood before being rooted once more, this time by some deep-seated fear that came from the depths of his own mind. Blueblood turned towards the teen. The blaring sound of the local authorities shook him out of his crazed state. He casually turned away from the now lit house to leave. “Let this be a reminder to you kid. Don’t stand in the way of your betters and shit like this won’t happen.” Shuffle silence the fear in him with screaming anger as he got to his feet again, charging the man once more but stopped by the bodyguards. “So young and foolish. If you really want to pursue your beloved like the pathetic white knight you’re trying to be, come to my manor, but I can’t promise your safety if you do,” Blueblood belted a confidant laugh as he and the men left Shuffle in the shadow of the now towering inferno of his old home.