Original Sin

by NocturneD85

No More

note: Hmm. Just a bit of a slight spoiler, there are original characters in this story and I decided to add more family members. But don't worry, they won't steal the spotlight and their appearances will be as little as cameos.

Waking up the following morning was awkward enough being passed out on the couch. I woke to the sound of pots and pans and smell of breakfast. Ah. Just like old times. The entire family sitting peacefully...well almost peacefully at the table enjoying the taste of pancakes, waffles or eggs and toast. Man that does sound good right about now.

Slowly I opened my eyes. To reveal the rays of the sun peering into the room. I let out a yawn and rose from the sofa. My head really was bumping. Right in front of me was dad's expensive whiskey bottle nearly down to the bottom, reminder to self buy dad a new bottle. I walked to the kitchen to find my parents there of course. Dad reading the paper, mom whipping something up.

"Good morning everypony." I coughed then rubbed my eyelids.

"Good morning Shin." My dad lowered the paper to greet me, then instantly flipped the paper back up to his face.

"Yes good morning honey." Mom turned away from the stove, "I'm making French toast with scrambled eggs. Hope you're hungry." She smiled and turned back the stove.

My head was still bumping. I walked over to the medicine shelf and looked for some head pain relief. Oh man they must have twelve different bottles. AM. PM. Gel caps, regular. Guess they won't mind me taking a few gel caps. I popped two of them in my mouth and drank it down with some water. Then refilled it with orange juice and sat down next to dad. Mom slid my plate in front of me and boy did it look good. I looked for the syrup bottle. Hmm... Strange.. Where did it go?

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Mom answered it while I enjoyed my breakfast, oh boy she made a lot. With the familiar voice of my little sister Twilight filling the room. She was always welcomed. Behind her was her friend Rarity and the baby dragon Spike. With a warm hello we all sat down together and enjoyed a pretty short but sweet conversation. Not really feeling like talking about old times right about now. But what I noticed with Rarity, other than showing up in a nice outfit she was carrying a couple boxes with her. I hope those are not what I think they are.

Twilight explained that she was going to help Rarity finalize some paper work for the new building she had her eye on. My mother carried the conversation on and insisted on going with them, Spike tagged along. Dad told me that he was going to take the day off and just clean up his study. I was asked if I was going to be okay, I just told him not to worry. I was just going to walk around town and try to enjoy whatever little vacation I had left.

Funny how I spend those days. But despite still feeling betrayed and torn, I decided to go catch up with some old friends. It was not easy trying to find ponies you used to hang out with before you were enchanted by a princess. Even if I could find one of them that would be fine. Still the public whispered to their friends around my presence, nothing very sincere. Just calling me and Cadance showboating idiots. And somewhat I agree to that. Maybe this was not a good idea after all. But before I knew it some ponies started taking pictures of me. Oh great. Those photographers that are willing to get a picture even if it killed them. Well look on, you see nothing but me wearing a hoody and trying to over wearing sunglasses. I gave them their little show by not giving them anything to work with. I just walked casually minding my own business. Hopefully they would give up but they were pretty pesty.

I looked across the street to find a Food King. Oh good. I owe dad a new bottle of whiskey. Hopefully they have his brand then again its a middle class store where any pony can shop, even the half wits snobs. I ducked inside and got a basket, might pick up a few more things but let's concentrate on that bottle shall we? About twenty minutes into my shopping trip my basket was already filled with unnecessary things. Candy. Syrup. A cereal I thought was discontinued a long time ago. My own headache pills. Soda. The whiskey was apparently bought from another liquor store so, drats to that. I just tossed a name brand into the basket and was preparing to walk to the frozen food section to pick up some ice cream.

"Need any help sir?" An employee asked.

"Ah no I'm jus..." I looked at the employee, a tall earth pony with gray fur and darkish brown hair stood there waiting for an answer. "Nac?"

The employee squinted his eyes, "Uh... Sir?" He tilted his head. "Something wrong?"

I shook my head, "No no. Nac remember me Shining Armor? We were in school together and even went to college."

He nodded and smirked, "Ah yeah." We brohoof and chuckled. "So what brings you here?"

I frowned, "Eh. I'm on vacation for a while and uh staying with my folks."

"Sounds good. Sounds Good." he nodded. "So how are things with the royal guard?"

I let out a sigh, "Fine. Just fine."

"Doesn't sound fine when you did that." Nac smirked.

I was not happy still but I figured I should tell him, "It's complicated. If you read the magazine you'll figure out why."

"Oh right. Right." He frowned, "Royal guard and marriage was not working out huh?"

I shook my head negatively, "There was just some complications. That's all." I grabbed a carton of chocolate and vanilla mix.

"Well. I'm sorry it came to that then." Nac apologized. I knew this stallion pretty well back in grade school. Was pretty much the quiet type and was picked on verbally by some other classmates. He would sometimes sit by himself at lunch because kids were cruel back then. Girls would go "Ew" at him, some boy so would just taunt him. He was not the best looking colt but then years later girls started noticing him better. He was always a private pony and never talked unless asked, or to throw his two cents in. But often was told to shut up. Not me, we had some things in common like collecting cards and trading them. Probably around high school he had better recognition but still remained quiet. Was rather a shy pony as well. But was always dependable if you needed help with an assignment or needed moving stuff also had an interest in computers.

"Nah. Cadance and I were on the rocks for awhile..." I admitted.

"Well. Again sorry to hear that. At least you're doing better than me." Nac sighed.

"Not so sure lately anymore myself. Work has been hammering me down lately." I chuckled. "Was thinking about quitting."

"That must pay well." He sighed, "But if what you said is true then there is some balance to that."

"Yeah." I looked down at my basket and thought it was full enough, "Well nice talking to you again... wa.. wait."

"Huh?" He tilted his head in question.

"Um. Cadance and I are separated for now and..."

"So she's available?" He chuckled.

I narrowed my eyes at him. He frowned and apologized, "Sorry... Sorry. What's up?"

I asked, "Well. I need help moving some stuff from my house into my parents place and was wondering."

"When do you want to do it?" He asked.

"Later in the afternoon if possible. I asked a neighbor if I could use his moving truck and said it was okay." I explained.

"Yeah sure." He agreed. "I get off in an hour anyway."

"Great." I clopped my hoofs together. "Just meet me at this address and bring any pony who is willing to help. I'll pay if you want."

"Sure. I'll get the gang back together they're not too far." He smiled.

I paid for my stuff and left to go back home. Mom was still gone with Twilight, Rarity and Spike. Dad was in his office and I presented him with a brand new bottle. He appreciated it and I asked him if he was willing to help with the move. He asked if I was sure I wanted this, I just told him it would make me feel better. And with that he agreed to help along with some of the neighbors.

I approached the home that belonged to Cadance and myself. Waited until every pony my dad and I asked to come. I phoned my lieutenant Ghendi earlier to see if he was willing to take the day off and help. He agreed and made it down in time. To my surprise, Nac showed up with about ten ponies. Ten familiar faces. Joel, Grace, Cid, Lancer, Hammer Time, Gold Eyes, Splinter, Crow, Teddy, Sweet Heart. Wow. How much I wanted to catch up with them but the time was not quite appropriate as I would be explaining that I would taking my stuff and share of the wedding gifts out of the house. Dad showed up with the neighbors and brought the moving truck.

I called Cadence earlier that I was coming to get my stuff back. She was not in the mood to talk but said take my crap and go as she put it. "Take your crap and go then! See if I care!" She cried over the phone. For what we were about to do seemed a bit extreme but I decided I did not want to have anything to do with Cadance anymore. I was convinced from her outbursts and locking herself away, I wanted my life back. I wanted nothing else from her. Dad opened up the back of the moving truck and moved the ramp in place. I unlocked the front door and gave a list to every pony on what to do take and ask me to make sure. From time to time I would pass the kitchen doorway to find Cadance just sitting at the kitchen table with her face buried in her arms. And every time she did look up she just put on an ignorant look wondering why am I not out fast enough? Through and through it must have taken three to four hours total to nab everything that was mine or was a gift from my side of the family.

Everything was either disassembled and loaded onto the truck. I thanked every pony but had some unfinished business inside. Dad made sure that everything was checked off. Though this drew some unwanted attention from the press, I let it slide. Yes Equestria. Know that I'm moving out and going on with my life.

I walked back inside to tell Cadance thanks for her cooperation. But as before, she was in no mood to talk. She was facing the window that overlooked the backyard. I walked up beside her to see the sun was getting close to set. A long time ago this would be considered romantic but right now it was just another plain sunset.

"Thanks for your cooperation Cadance." I simply told her. Not happily, nor mad. Just ordinary. She said nothing.

I took this as my cue to leave. I turned and stopped suddenly in the living room. I took one look around the once somewhat happy home. A bit sad now. Almost like some pony died here, the same gravity that held the room as depressing.

"Shining Armor?" I heard Cadence asked from the doorway.

"Yeah?" I turned my head.

"Do you... Do you forgive me? Still love me?" Probably was not the smartest question to ask once I just looted my own stuff from my own house.

I just sighed and walked out the door. Closing it behind me. I heard crying behind that door but just kept walking. I gave the house one last look. Then turned to see my old school chums waiting for me. I gave them a heavy thank you and paid them each fifty bits, some of them waved my offer and we're just glad I was talking to them again. We had so much catching up to do. But still I felt a little guilty about the stuff. Shining Armor... It was now or never. Put your hoof down and walk away... Come on... It's easy... One hoof forward... Then another... Come on... Move... It's not hard... Who am I kidding I still felt guilty. Was not until my dad grabbed me and pulled me into the truck as we drove away. My friends waving, they knew where I was staying now. It felt great talking to them again. They did say they were sorry for the news but glad I was back. Might take awhile to get their full trust back but hey, as long as they are talking to me.

Ghendi stopped by the house again and helped move the boxes and stuff into the house as I instructed. Mom was sure surprised once she saw all the gifts I managed to retrieve back. The chandelier was definitely one of the hardest things to get back, but other stuff not so bad. Twilight, with a sad look on her face just watched as we started unpacking. I knew how much she loved Cadence and looked up to her, but things do not always work out for the best. She had high hopes for us but ended up just smashing them. Rarity and Spike handled a few small boxes. Dad was pretty much by my side during the move while Ghendi helped Twilight with the organizing of what goes where. Even name tagging each gift that was to go back to what relative. From our brother Vanishing Star to our great great aunt Nova.

Finally all of it was done. A lot of them went into the basement just so we had room to walk upstairs. I admit, there was a lot of stuff. Everything was finished. Mom had prepared dinner and we all sat down to eat. She makes the best spaghetti this side of Canterlot. I ate normally, Rarity was next to me while Spike was on the other side of her. Twilight sat across from me with Ghendi next to her, calmly eating quietly. But if I knew those two they were... Well, I looked under the table and they were touching hoofs. I gently kicked Ghendi in the knee to watch it, not that I did not trust him but hey it's my sister he was getting with. For all I knew they were seeing each other for a year but knew each other pretty well from childhood. Same age practically. My parents were just chatting up with Rarity about her plans for the store. As in good news, she got the building she wanted. For a fun occasion my parents broke out the champaign to congratulate Rarity, not happy on my end but sure why not. For a brighter future as we raised our glasses and gently clanged them together. I had two glasses, mom and dad two as well, Twilight barely finished hers, Rarity and Ghendi only had one. Spike was stuck with juice. Poor guy... But not until you're older.

Half past ten o'clock Twilight and Spike were already in bed. Mom just bid me a good night, dad let out a yawn and considered turning in as well. Ghendi left an hour ago, Twilight saw him to the door and bid him a great night. Pretty cute actually. I was sitting down stairs in the family room again. Rarity joined the seat next to me, we still had some champagne out but I was trying to control myself. Last night was not a good night to start any problems.

As Rarity sat next to me she pulled out a few boxes and told me to open them. Only if I wanted to still. I knew what these were and opened them. And no surprise, the last few pieces to Cadence's dress.

"Miss Rarity..." I looked at her.

"Yes Armor darling? Are they not to your specifications?" She blinked.

"Oh... Oh yes they are it's just..." I puckered my lower lip sadly, "It's just a shame that I'm considering on separating for good..."

"Oh dear..." She lightly gasped.

"Don't worry I'll still pay you... It's just I... well Cadence said some...things..." I rubbed the back of my head.

"Oh my what did she say?" She had a conscious look to her, like she really cared. Then she shook her head, "I mean if you don't want to tell that's fine."

"No... it's okay. When I went back to the house to get my stuff back Cadence was not in the best of moods. Every time I passed her, her expression was either angry, guilty or even sad. But most of the time she was grumbling like she did not want to see me again.. But... before that." I kept scratching my head, "I confronted her about the magazine and video the other day. I chewed her out and told her I wanted out..."

"Oh dear." She hung on. "Maybe she was just trying to say what she wanted to?" I just looked at her and drank more of the champagne, she quickly apologized, "Sorry that was out of line."

"Just... what happened at that party anyway?" I asked.

"Well..." She set her glass down, "She was the star of the party after all because it was to welcome her to Ponyville. We were all having fun dancing, talking and drinking. Pinkie really went all out." Rarity explained, but I knew it was a bit painful for her to tell me the details.

"Rarity... Just be honest with me please." I looked into her blue eyes. I had to admit, they were the nicest eyes I have ever seen since Rain.

She nodded, "Well. Cadence was having fun and the ponies were around her having fun. She was having cider and somehow left the party. Guess every pony needs a break from that level of partying. She went outside and was having a conversation with Big Mac as he was doing work on his farm, he's very loyal to his family and works a lot. Poor guy never really socializes other than saying “Yup” or “Nope”, when asked anything. But some reason whenever we saw her she was with Big Mac. At this point she got a hold of the alcoholic cider and downed those."

"And at that point that's when the video was made?" I asked.

"Video?" She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out my cell phone again and showed her the exact video I was asking about. She could not deny it because there were a few shots of her in it. "Oh dear... I was not aware that Rainbow filmed the reactions of us as well."

"So Rainbow Dash recorded this?" I asked while stopping the video. She nodded.

"And what were you doing exactly?" I asked, "From looking at this you looked disgusted what was going on."

Sadly she lowered her head and nodded, "Yes. Well. She's a princess and she deserves to have fun but... When that was filmed that is when it got a bit unnerving hearing her say that, she said more stuff before the video started but..."

"Well can't say that I approve of something like this being filmed but I'm glad I found out of about it that makes a strong case against her." I told her, easing myself letting my back slide in the corner of the couch. "Really hurts you know. You try your best to impress every pony and it just blows up in your face little by little."

"And the pony who you think would have your back is the one that makes the dominoes fall." Rarity said. Her expression was indeed sympathetic, even her eyes. "Sorry... I was out of line."

"No..." I assured her, "I just question this whole relationship as a whole."

"Do you love her?" She asked.

I must have thought about this for at least a minute and not given her an answer straight away.
"I do...n't know." I shook my head.

The boutique box with Rarity's logo and theme still laid in my lap. "I'm sorry that you made this entire dress for nothing."

She managed a meek smile, "Just keep it. Maybe things will work out better in the end."

"I don't know..." I slid further down the couch.

I pulled out the engagement ring my parents gave me back during dinner and held it out in front of myself. The sweat and hard work that went into this ring, meant for another mare. I was unsure.

"My darling what a cute ring." Rarity inched closer. "This was not Cadance's was it?"

"No. This was meant for a girlfriend a long time ago her name is Rain, we pretty much grew up together." I put the ring on the coffee table. "We were both in college and she said yes. We were very close, always sharing with each other. Sneaking into her dorm room, then she would return the favor sometimes. We did everything together... but then somehow I hurt her... I dropped out and signed up to be a guard much to my family and friends disapproval and... well the rest is history." As much as I hated telling that story, it always somehow comes out.

"Does she still live around here?" She asked.

"Well from what I heard she does and works at the Wonder Bolt training camp for young foals helping them on learning to fly. " I smirked. "She always liked kids."

"That's very sweet of her." Rarity smiled. "You ever talk to her still?"

I shook my head sadly, "Not ever since I enlisted... She would try to contact me but I'd never return her calls or letters until she finally had it... She gave this ring back to my parents and wanted to tell them something... But just flew off. Guess she was disgusted with me and no longer wanted to be reminded of how much I hurt her. I deserve it if she does not want to ever talk to me..."

"Now come on darling. I'm sure you can give her a surprise visit." Rarity inched closer to me,

"Chances are she might still care about you if she heard about this whole Cadence thing. Should have by now it's everywhere."

"What if she does not forgive me?" I asked. Still a bit aching at the idea.

"No pony says you ever have to try to get back together with her. At least try to give her peace at mind that you were sorry." She nodded her head as she explained, "And if she does not forgive you then, at least she will know that you tried and can move on."

I chuckled. She was right. I have to at least apologize to make this right. And if she wants to be sour with me then I will at least have the memory for at least try to make things right. I looked at the bottle of champagne and was about to pour another glass but it felt light. Oh great, I drank another of mom and dad's booze to its entirety. I put the bottle down and apologized. Rarity said it was alright she had two glasses already. She said good night and kissed me on the cheek. Why she did that I have no idea, but it felt nice. Really soothing like an angel telling that everything was going to be alright. I was going to go see Rain the next day.

"Oh by the way darling... Your couch is really sticky..." She told me.

I dug my hoof into the couch cushion and found the syrup bottle with the cap open. Well mystery solved then.

A little bit about this chapter in particular. Yes it's helping to establish the character Rain to finally appear maybe in the next chapter. But also there are cameos of characters from my other stories. If you caught Vanishing Star then yay, but just to say that this story is not in canon with The Vanishing Star so characters from that are slightly altered as you can see with Ghendi. Nac is technically a disgruntled employee that I made up and can sort of see myself in him but he's appearance might be limited and will just cameo for the rest of the story. Characters like Sweet Heart, Teddy and Lancer are from generation two. Also good job to anyone who saw the Biggs and Wedge reference. Yay!