//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Adventures of Shadow Chaser: The Shimmer in the Desert // by RangerBeef //------------------------------// "Remind me again how I got roped into this?" I asked, standing as still as I could on Rarity's pedestal. "Oh come now, Shadow, it's not that bad," Rarity said, as she gave me a once over, inspecting my outfit. "Besides, if I didn't have you, then I'd have no other colt to model them for me." I cringed at the word 'model.' "It's not that I mind helping you out, Rarity, but there are other stallions in this town. Stallions that are far less busy than me." "And none of them look nearly as handsome in a tuxedo as you. Now stop complaining and let me work my magic." She whisked the layers of fabric she'd had laying on me over to a sewing machine and worked faster than I thought possible. I remained on the pedestal and scratched an itch on my nose that only seemed to occur when Rarity made me stand still. "So, you think I'm handsome?" I said in a half mocking voice. "Oh, don't be such a playcolt, Shadow. I know you and Rainbow only broke up a few months ago," she said without turning from the sewing machine. My heart pained at the mention of Rainbow's name. We'd decided at the end of our last case to no longer be partners, which had seemed fine for the both of us, but it soon became apparent our time together as detectives was all we really had in common. The break had been mutual but had hurt both of us when it finally ended. "She misses you, Shadow," Rarity said softly, pausing for a moment in her work to glance over her shoulder at me. There was a long silence before I asked, "How do you know that?" "Because we talk, of course! To quote Rainbow, 'Who better to talk about drama with than the drama queen?'" I smiled at Rainbow's rough way of seeking out sympathy from even her own friends. "I miss her too." Rarity returned to her work, "Well, you two should find time to talk about your feelings. You really were a cute couple." I smiled at Rarity's subtle compliment but brushed off the idea of talking to Rainbow. We had both known that we didn't quite fit. No matter how much it hurt we were just too different for one another. As I thought of something to change the subject, Rarity did it for me, holding up an outfit with her magic. "Here, put this on. I'll leave you so you can have some privacy." "Rarity, I'm standing naked on a pedestal in your bedroom. We're way past privacy." I watched as her white face turned slightly pink. Teasing her was still very fun, even after all these years. "Yes. Well, I suppose you're right. But please put this on." She spoke purposefully, trying to overcome her embarrassment. As I took the clothes, there was a knock at the front door. Rarity looked more than grateful at a chance to slip away for a moment. I paid her and the door no attention as I slipped into the well-tailored tuxedo Rarity had been working on. As I admired myself in the mirror, I had to admit, I looked pretty darn good, and it fit like a glove. Though with as many measurements as Rarity had taken it better fit like a glove. As I turned this way and that getting a better look, I was startled by a small voice behind me, "Wow. Is that what you're wearing to the wedding?" I turned to see Sweetie Belle standing in the doorway. I smiled at her but asked the relevant question, "What wedding?" "The one for you and my sister," Sweetie answered proudly. My jaw nearly hit the floor. "Where did you hear that we were getting married?" "In Rarity's diary! She has dreams about you all the time. And she's got a plan for when you guys get married. The wedding will be really pretty." I can only imagine how my face looked at that moment. This certainly was a news flash. As Rarity walked back in leading Twilight, I quickly collected myself and smiled at both of them. "Wow, Shadow, Rarity wasn't kidding when she said you look handsome in a tuxedo," Twilight said, giving me an approving smile. I looked down at myself suddenly very aware that Rarity had literally dreamed of seeing me in this tuxedo. "Uh.. Yea, Rarity really did a heck of a job, didn't she? I mean, if it can make me look good imagine what it could do for someone actually handsome," I said, chuckling nervously. "Come now, Shadow, you mustn't put yourself down like that. You look very fetching, if I do say so myself." Twilight nodded in agreement. Rarity spoke sincerely, even if I was now aware of her dreams. She noticed Sweetie Belle standing just inside the door. "Oh Sweetie, you're finally home. Were you keeping Shadow company?" Sweetie nodded happily. "Yep! I was just telling him about your dreams..." "Dreams of opening a second boutique in Canterlot," I interrupted quickly. "Oh, that is a long way off. I'm still the only one working here. I'd need to hire a full staff for a boutique in Canterlot." She sighed heavily. "A mare can dream, can't she?" I nodded slowly. "Yep. You sure can." "Sweetie, I'm surprised you even remembered that." Rarity pulled out a few bits as she spoke, "As a reward for showing you really do listen to all my ramblings, run down to Sugarcube Corner and get yourself something sweet." She smiled sweetly as she handed her sister the bits. Sweetie didn't question the act and took the bits, yelling a thank you as she raced out of the house. "Now, where were we?" Rarity asked turning back around to Twilight and I. "Well, actually, I was here to ask about a dress for next year's Gala but since the most elusive stallion in Ponyville is here, I was wondering if I could talk to him in private for a moment," Twilight said. Her tone implied she saw speaking to me as a bit more important than the next Gala. Rarity and I were equally surprised by the request. I gave her a look and a shrug before she said, "Not a problem. I'll go put on some tea so we can discuss your dress, Twilight." Rarity left quickly and we heard some tea cups rattling in the kitchen. I stared at Twilight for a long moment, expecting her to tell me what was on her mind. When she only stared back, I took it upon myself to break the silence. "So, what's up, Twilight?" I tried to be casual. I liked Twilight Sparkle, as both a talented unicorn and as a mare. Her kindness and dedication to her friends always warmed my heart. Even if sometimes she was a little too smart for her own good. But the fact was, Twilight intimidated me. I didn't fear her, but something about her presence and confidence left butterflies nervously fluttering in my stomach. She glanced around nervously before walking slowly toward me as she spoke, "It's nothing I really want to discuss here but I was wondering if you could stop by the library tonight so we could talk.. Privately." By the time she finished the last word she was standing nose to nose with me, and the butterflies in my stomach were starting to panic. I swallowed hard and nodded slowly, leaning back a little. "Oh, and Shadow," she leaned in and whispered into my ear, "Come alone." She turned from me and slowly walked out of the room, giving me a look as she went. I stood frozen in place as Rarity returned to me. "Alright, Shadow, Twilight and I are going to discuss her dress. I would like to thank you for being my handsome model today." She kissed me lightly on the cheek. "You're free to go. Just don't take that tux with you." She chuckled as she left me alone once again. I slowly took off the tux, being extra careful to avoid wrinkles or tears. I hung it up neatly and took a deep breath, clearing my head and trying to focus on what had just happened in the last 20 minutes of my life. I sighed and chuckled inwardly as I made for the door. As I passed the living room, Twilight and Rarity gave me a wave and I stopped. "Just a random idea for Twilight's dress. Try something minimalist. A small black dress or something." Rarity raved at the idea as I left the Boutique and headed home. Tonight would be interesting to say the least.