> A Great and Powerful Love Story
>  by DragonMaster24921
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Welcome To Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hot midday summer sun cast its intense rays down on the city of Canterlot, as a family of two were hard at work unpacking the moving truck; one was a boy of about seventeen, and the other was a woman in her early thirties. The boy was handling most of the heavy lifting, while the woman managed the lighter. Their names were Shuffle Suites and Tesla Bolt.

“Shuffle, can you please help me with the dishes before you take in any more boxes?” the woman asked, obviously struggling with a particular box.

The boy quickly put down the box he was carrying and went to help the woman, saying “Of course mom, I’m coming!”

While working the items they owned into the small three bedroom house, across the street was a house that was oddly designed. On the top of the house was a long rod with a blue and silver star on it, reminiscent of a wand. Next to it was a trailer; from the front, it didn't look like much, but the side looked like it had some kind of contraption on it.

“It looks like it could fold out,” Shuffle said aloud, noticing the trailer as he helped his mom.

Whilst staring at the odd trailer there was a loud explosion. Smoke and fireworks began to fly out of the trailer. A girl about his age rushed out of the same trailer. Shuffle watched her as she promptly kicked the trailer, shouting obscenities that someone his age really shouldn't be saying.

As for her appearance, she was a light cyan skin tone with silver hair and a purple star pin in it; she was also wearing a skin-tight hoodie with a thigh length skirt and knee high boots that had golden stars on the tops of each boot.
After a few seconds, the girl turns and spots the boy staring at her.

She took in the sight of the pale peach skinned boy with arctic blue hair, with some kind of streaks in it that she couldn't see but she did notice it was a greenish color, wearing a red jacket with the sleeves roughly cut off, showing his slightly toned arms. The hood was drawn over his left eye which, only for a moment, perplexed her.

He waved at her before turning away and going back behind the truck
“So someone bought that old house next door, eh?” Shuffle’s mom gave a chuckle, walking into the house and away from the hateful trailer, “It seems things are definitely more interesting now.”

After a few hours of unpacking, the two finally finished making what was once a barren house into a home. The moving trucks were given back to the local branch, and the two finally set down for dinner.

“Well, this Canterlot, the town you grew up in, mom. How is it different from when you were my age?” he spoke first after digging into the take-out food his mother had ordered during the last little bit of unpacking.

“From looking around, beyond the obvious stores, I’ll have to see, Shuffle, but let’s enjoy tonight, and tomorrow we leave to set you up for school at Canterlot High in the fall,” she replied to her son, taking a bite of her food, their first meal in their new home. After a few minutes of eating, they grew relatively quiet.

It was an uneventful dinner, so the teen decided to retreat to his new room to set it up. This would be a simple task, especially since he knew exactly how he wanted to set up his new room. Getting out his laptop, connecting his twin Bluetooth speakers, and setting up his favorite playlist, he got to work first on his television and consoles.

After a few minutes of sorting

Searching through a medium sized box he found, along with his a few replica items he got for Christmas, Shuffle found a sealed box with a picture on it, along with a necklace that had a sword interlaced with a circle, reminiscent of a crescent moon.

He gasped, picking up the box and necklace and looking at the picture on the box; it depicted a younger Shuffle and another boy along with his mother and another man. Gently putting the box on the stand next to him, he put on the necklace, making sure its pristine silver wasn’t tarnished.

“Vereor Nox, dad,” he whispered, touching the man's face, wiping away a tear and moving on to finish unpacking his items.

Thirty minutes later

The last item in the box he was looking through was his own custom-made lightsaber.

Taking the blade and one of his wrenches that sat on his desk, he screwed on the blade, making the flashlight into a lightsaber. It was arctic blue at the moment, but turning a part of the hilt allowed the blade to change colors; Shuffle turned the knob until it was set to a green-teal color. Instinct had taken over as he subconsciously started spinning the blade with slow, precise motions, building up speed until the teal blade was leaving a trail of teal light around the teen. Shuffle finished his motions with a spinning diagonal slash; unbeknownst to him, his mother was watching him from the door and gave him a small applause for his somewhat impromptu light show.

“You’re getting really good at practicing with that saber Shuffle, but if you want to do that, you might want to do it outside next time; I don't want you breaking your stuff, or worse, the walls!” She let out playfully, to which Shuffle quickly put up the saber on its stand in the corner beside his closet.

“Sorry, mom just got caught up in the moment. I'll practice outside from now one.” He promised, returning back to the box he was working on as his mother left him to do her own stuff.

As he put down his saber he picked up a big binder with three-inch rings, which he set down on the dead center of the desk and opened it; inside was a picture of him and his father playing cards, and behind it was his small arsenal of decks.

Ever since he was young he had played the popular-ish card game Yu-GI-Oh with his dad, even going as far as to keep up with the modern cards that Konami had released. Taking a seat in the chair, he had decided to look through the past deck he and his father had made and played with.

The first card that caught his eye was the card “Junk Destroyer”, which was his first big beater card way back when an obvious choice that wasn't easily beaten and will not be gotten rid of; another one was Black-Winged Dragon. This was the card he had used to beat his father the first time, and after that, he felt that he found something that he could put his life towards. His dream at one time was to open up a game shop like Yugi's’ grandpa from the anime, and have future generations see that these kinds of games aren't lame.

But with how everything is, people are slowly leaving it because of modern crap too. He sighed, pulling each deck from the binder and putting them in separate boxes so he could hopefully find a local game shop to play at.

“Soon, I'll be able to fulfill my dream and make you great again,” he lamented, looking at a box with a particular symbol on it.

Turning off the music that was playing in the background, he noticed it was already late at night. Shuffle broke down the last of the boxes and took them to the cardboard recycling bin. He took a moment to survey his new room.
While his set up for his consoles and games were immaculate, the string of lights he had put up wasn't cooperating, not wanting to stay in the formation he desired, but everything else was pretty good, all in all, it was something Shuffle he could be proud of, so with the thought happily stuck in his head, he decided to retire for the night.
Tomorrow will be the first day of many here in Canterlot, and with summer almost at its end, school will start, and with that, the start of a whole new adventure with this “Canterlot High” that his mother had praised on the way over; compared to his previous school, this one should be “magical”, so she said, and hopefully she was right. Staring at the picture of his family, Shuffle drifted off to a pleasant slumber.

Meanwhile

A lone silver-haired girl 17 in age was hard at work in her room, a board with various names and pictures of finished magic tricks on it. The girl tipped her purple hat back and reclined in her desk chair, staring at the board.

“Which ones?” She asked herself, rocking back and forth, staring at each trick.

While deep in thought the girl didn't notice her rocking was getting a little too hard; her chair rolled backward and she fell backward into her bed, bouncing off it as a small box of white balls few off and erupted in clouds of white dust, which promptly set of the smoke alarms.

“Trixtella Lulamoon, what did you do this time?” A woman called from down the hall.

“Nothing Mother, Trixie just fell...”

She knew it was bad to lie to her mom, but it was an accident. The woman gave out an annoyed groan as she turned off and reset the alarms, mumbling something about “annoying magic”, and “waste of time”, passing Trixie and heading to bed, but she turned and gave her a warning.

“Set off the alarms again and your little magic show is out of this house Trixtella!” She yelled, to which Trixie quickly nodded and retreated to her bed.

Wiping a tear away that had poured from her eye, she swore to herself, “I'll show you Mother, I'll show you that this ‘annoying magic’, is more than just that. I'll show you and all of Canterlot just how Great and Powerful Trixie is!”

The last thing she saw before she fell asleep was her iconic cape and hat on their hangers. With a renewed vigor, she decided that tomorrow she was heading to the new magic shop that just opened for inspiration for her best and biggest trick yet!
> The Great Expedition of Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was early in the morning when Shuffle had risen from his new bed. It was very rare to beat his alarm, but today seemed to be one of those days. As the teen stretched his arms, Shuffle had decided to make his way to the bathroom he had for himself to get ready for the day.

After showering, Shuffle walked down the stairs and saw that his mother wasn’t awake yet. So instead of waiting Shuffle had decided to make breakfast for himself and his mother. Making his way to the kitchen, he removed a carton of eggs and the instant pancake mix and set about performing the task.

Breakfast was an easy affair, and after making two small stacks of pancakes, homemade hash browns, and two sunny-side-up eggs apiece, Shuffle had set the table only to go get his mother up from the bed.

Knocking on the door of his mother's room, he waited for her, either to get up and respond, or he would have to go in making her get up. He knocked again with a little more strength to make sure he was heard.

No response.

“Mom, it’s time to get up!”

Waiting for a response was getting annoying, so he quickly put down the plate of food on a nearby table. He returned to the door ready to go in and see why she wasn’t answering.

He slowly opened the door, revealing there was no one in the room. Which was weird due to the fact he knew his mother very well; she’s not an early riser, and she spends most of the time (especially at night) much to his irritation performing “SCIENCE!”, as she called it. Shuffle loved his mother to death but her tendency to go overboard when she was in “The Zone” can go for two to three days without eating or sleeping.

Shuffle took a few minutes inspecting his mother’s room to even see if she was in here, to begin with, which from the askew bed sheets and dirty clothes on the floor, there were signs of his mother being in her room at least.

“Might as well try to call her,” he said aloud, leaving the room and heading up to his on the second floor.

Shuffle entered his room to find his phone going off, with his mother's’ ringtone playing; moving across the room he quickly answered it.

“Hey Mom; where are you?” he asked the woman on the other line.

“Sorry Shuffle, I had to finish getting my equipment from work so I left early to grab it before you got up,” she responded.

He sighed, “You couldn't have waited for me? Really mom, I kinda wanted to explore Canterlot today, so I could have gone with you.”

“Then why don't you go out on your own and explore then?”

His mother's rebuttal took Shuffle aback considering three factors; One, New town means no environmental awareness, which he could easily remedy with a simple mind map. Two, the fact not only does he not know where to go, but at the same time the chances, even at his age, of a random kidnapping wasn’t out of the question. Three, what if he got lost? Yes, he had his phone, but there was a chance he could go in the wrong direction and get lost regardless of how careful he was.

As the teen pondered his phone let out a loud screech that almost made him drop his phone. As he picked it up he could hear his mother groaning on the other end.

“Mom, are you okay?” Shuffle asked her.

“Yeah, just a minor chemical spill… umm, Shuffle, can you please get on your bike and head over to me so you can help me please...?” she asked, trying to coerce the teen to help her.

Shuffle couldn’t help but mentally facepalm, thinking how much of a genius his mother was, even if she couldn't perform the most basic of tasks.

“Don't worry mom, I'm on my way. Can you send me the address via text so I can use a map app please?”

A few seconds later, his phone beeped signaling he got a message, which revealed the address.

“501 Sunset Avenue, I swear if I see any yellow cards I give up!” he said to himself, chuckling at his own stupid joke. He grabbed the extra set of keys that were made before they moved in. He grabbed his MP3 player, popped on some music and set out following the map his phone had made for him.

Meanwhile

Across the street from Shuffles house, a man in his early forties was getting out of his car, physically exhausted from working all night groggily walked into the house his wife and daughter had been living in for the last few years.

Upon entering his home he was greeted by his wife Star Shine.

“Good morning dear, how was work?” Star Shine asked the exhausted man, who promptly slumped down into the chair that was at the head of the table.

“It was absolutely abysmal. Four more temp workers were let off so I spent the vast majority of the night trying to cover for the lack of hands."

"That girl of yours... She ain't right… with the magic I mean. She's going to have to learn sooner or later that that magic act isn't going to get her anywhere.”

A vein bulged from the man's forehead; he was obviously annoyed, but he still ate what his wife had promptly set in front of him.

“Why are we allowing Trixella to continue that blasted magic?” Star Shine asked the man after a minute of silence.

“Because, Star, That's what she wants to do with her life and to be honest, I do support it, even if she's reckless with some of her stunts,” The man retorted.

“Granite, you don't understand; she triggered the fire system AGAIN. Do you know how long it took to clean the mess she left for me? Three hours, three fucking hours while she was too busy holed up in her room to help fix the mess she-” Granite slammed his hand on the table, cutting off Star before she could finish her sentence.

“Star, I don't want to hear it! I just got home and your complaining isn't gonna fix the situation, I'll talk to her after I get up tonight ok?” the man relented, trying to diffuse the situation calmly; another argument wouldn't be worth what little energy he had left. Star went back to cleaning.

“Fine, but if she does it again, she won't have her show gear, come the first day of school...”

As the man ate his dinner he pondered why Star was so against their daughter being a stage magician; it may not be a good profession to go into, but Trixie does have a talent for it, if only Star would go to her shows as he did, she would understand why he supports his daughter. She was talented with her craft, albeit a little reckless, but talented regardless of that fact.

Granite finished his plate of food and cleaned his place; he might be tired but that doesn't mean he couldn't keep up his own dishes. After a few seconds of cleaning his few dishes, he walked up the stairs of his two-story home and right to his wife and his bed so he could get a few hours of rest.

“Just you wait for Trixella, this magic act is going to go up in smoke, even if it kills me.” Star let out a sinister bark of laughter and turned to leave to the living room.

In Trixies’ Room

The early morning Sun stung the eyes of Trixella Lulamoon, “Too early… leave me alone…” she said aloud.

But the sun can be a cruel and harsh thing, as it continued to shine in on her.

Grumbling in annoyance, the teen got out of bed to close her blinds; she might like the moonlight but the sun could burn out for all she cared. Having returned to her bed, Trixie grabbed a stuffed plushie, depicting a blue unicorn with a small wizard cape and hat.

“Good morning Stygian. Did you sleep well?” she cooed to the plushy, hugging it to her chest as she slid back into her bed. “That's fantastic to hear Stygian, now what’s on today's Itinerary?”

She reached for her phone and swiped it open, her home screen depicted a picture of her and her bandmates Lavender Lace and Fuschia Pattern on stage before the Battle of the Bands from last year.

She smiled fondly at the memory, because for all intents and purposes The Dazzlings were not only beaten by that Princess Twilight and The Rainbooms, they were also caught cheating, so by default she and her bandmates had won the Battle of The Bands, even though she had sabotaged the Rainbooms from performing in the first place. She waved her hand dismissively at the thought.

“I was under the Dazzlings influence; I would never do that… intentionally.”

She chuckled nervously to no one but herself and her plushie pal.

“Okay, so today we are going to go down to the Canterlot Curio Shoppe, try and find some new props for my show, then over to Carousel Boutique to check on my cape repairs. And finally, stop by the store so I can get me a new supply of peanut butter crackers!” she let out a squee in joy at the thought of getting her favorite snack today.

Trixie had laid in her bed for about forty-five minutes, getting ready for the day and enjoying the silence while she was singing her band's best song “Tricks Up My Sleeve.”

As it was pushing 9 am, she finally got finished getting ready in a lavender shirt that had magic wisps on it, a pair of jeans that tightly hugged her figure; she had a nice body and was proud to show it off.
“I should be back in a few hours. Bye, Stygian!” she waved at the plush exiting her room.

After shutting her door, Trixie quickly made her way downstairs and passed her mother without a word. Star had stopped Trixie at the door by calling her name.

“Not even a goodbye, or an ‘I'll be back soon’, hell not even a ‘good morning mom?!’” she asked, outraged at her daughter.

Trixie turned around before opening the door.

“Mother, we do this every day. I hardly say anything to you anymore. Why do you insist on wasting Trixies’ time with your dribble?” she fired back defiantly.

“I AM your mother Trixella! You're supposed to respect me, but ever since you passed the age of ten you've done nothing but go against my wishes and do whatever you want without any regard for what I want! And another thing you little….”

Before her mother could finish her rant Trixie was already out the door and on her way into the main part of town. Trixie opted to not take her car, trying to conserve its minor reserve of gas until her Father could give her a few dollars to fill it up.

“Stupid mother, and her annoyances, Trixie is perfectly capable of going about as she pleases! It's none of her business what Trixie does because Trixie is her own person!”

Her shout was met with stares as she cut through Canterlot Park, heading for her first destination of the day.

Meanwhile

The trip on his bike was relatively short and uneventful, barring the one guy who chose to sit in the middle of a four-way intersection, holding up traffic.

Shuffle had arrived at his mother's lab. Inside was a stereotypically formatted lab; it was pure white with people scrambling around in lab coats, holding clipboards or containers of unknown materials that were held within. After getting de-sanitized by one of the aides, he was able to enter the building properly.

Approaching one of the men in coats, he tapped the shoulder of one that seemed to be the least busy.

“Excuse me sir, but would you have any idea where Ms. Tesla bolt is? I am her son and she asked me to come by.”

The man promptly nodded his head and ushered the teen to follow him. The two men went to the back of the main room into a bright colorful office; his mother was sitting at a desk typing frantically away at her computer.

“Tesla, your son is here to see you,” he said dully.

After he announced Shuffle’s presence, the aide had turned away and swiftly exited the office leaving the boy and his mother alone.

“Bright ray of sunshine you got there. Okay, mom, you got me down here. What do you need help with again?” The boy asked his mother while taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

After a few seconds, Tesla didn’t respond back to her son, so Shuffle took the initiative and knocked on his mother's’ desk trying to get her attention. This didn't seem to work, however; letting out a groan, Shuffle moved around the desk tapping her on the shoulder, which resulted in the same lack of reaction.

“MOTHER!” Shuffle shouted aloud, promptly scaring the woman out of her seat.

“Who? What! When...” she tried to rationalize what was going on until her eyes lock onto Shuffle, “Oh; Shuffle sweetie please don’t pop up on me, I was doing something important; when did you get here? I’d think someone would tell me you were here...” she trailed off in thought while turning back to the computer.

“I've been here for about ten minutes mom. You got wrapped up in your work again and lost track of time, I guess. Now, what was it you needed me to help with?” Shuffle’s retort was short and blunt since he knew his mother couldn't stay away from a project no matter how much she tried. Science was in her blood and it wasn't in him to try and tear her away from her passion.

“Oh that, what was it I was needing help with again?” she tapped her head thinking hard. “Oh yes, I was wanting your help with moving stuff in my personal lab, but my assistant Lightning Arc showed up earlier than anticipated, so he did it.” As if on cue, a man about his mother's age had walked in carrying a box of papers and other miscellaneous junk for an office.

His looked just screamed head scientist: his hair was back in a neat comb-over, whilst the streaks in it were reminiscent of wild lightning; his jacket, whilst being white, was smudged with grease stains and what looked like a random assortment of dry chemicals. The oddest thing about his man was his eyes, they were feline like in nature and each iris was a different color; red on the left and purple on the right.

“Tess I’ve got the Bio equipment set up so far on the west side of the...” the man had noticed the teen in front of Tesla. “Hello, my name is Lightning Arc. You must be Tess’s kid.” Putting down the box he was holding and extended his hand which Shuffle had reluctantly taken.

“Yes, I’m Tesla's son; Shuffle Suit Bolt is my full name, but people usually call me Shuffle.” Lightning shook the teen's hand before turning back to his mother.

“Anyways Tess, I’ve got a few questions about your equipment. Is it okay if I can steal you for just a few minutes?” Lightning asked Shuffle’s mother, whom Shuffle had noticed was blushing. “Of course Arc, I’ll be along in a few minutes,” she said quickly; he gave a nod in response and turned away, leaving.

Shuffle stood there in silence a moment, then joked, “Really, mom, if you’re going to admire the man you might want to dry up the spittle around your mouth.” Shuffle chucked as his mother fumbled for her compact mirror, which made Shuffle burst out laughing.

“Oh ha-ha Shuffle, but since I’m needed why don’t you go out and explore Canterlot?” She handed him a fifty note from her purse. “Go have some fun before school gets back in, and I swear this money had better be gone.” As the boy turned to leave his mother called out to him.

“Oh, and Shuffle,” the boy turned around to his mother holding a remote. “I wouldn’t suggest just heading home since I activated the security system, so, until this afternoon at around five, you can't go home.” she let out a short defiant laugh, much to the annoyance of her son, who cursed under his breath before leaving the office.

“Great, locked out of the home with nothing to do except walk around town,” he threw his hands up in the air in frustration.

If Shuffle couldn't go home until later, then he'd need to find something to do. Pulling out his phone he began researching popular locations in this new town. One place that he had discovered in his search was a Small cafe called Sugarcube Corner, which was located about two miles away and a few streets over.

“Might as well try there first,” He mused since he had money to spend and an iced coffee sounded great in his mind.

As Shuffle put the address on his phone, he started walking down the street of the semi-busy road and struck upon an idea.

“Why take the long way when I can just cut through… or should I say over?”

Cutting down an alleyway, Shuffle found a fire escape and proceeded to climb it at a rapid pace; getting to the top of the building was easy enough. Taking out his phone shuffle got a picture of the cafe he was heading towards, which he could see since it had a crescent brown roof on it, whilst every other building was a dull gray.

“Looks to be about a five-minute sprint this way,” he said to himself. “Legs, arms, I swear if I die from this, I’m going to kill all four of you.”

Taking a jogging start towards his objective, he sped up until he reached the edge of the first building, then pushing with all of the strength in his legs, Shuffle made a mighty leap between the two buildings, as he poured more speed and grace into his movements.

The teen sailed between the two buildings with no foreseeable issues. Shuffle kept pace with the beat of his song until he reached the next building edge. Feeling a little daring, he took a step off the building right on the edge and somersaulted over the next gap; luckily, this gap wasn’t wide, so he was able to do his trick along with a diving roll, prior to dropping slightly onto a lower building. When his legs hit the roof, he performed another role which he ended in a three-point stance.

Rising back to his feet, Shuffle continued to Sugarcube Corner, occasionally doing a flip or tumble along the way just for style.

A short five-minute sprint on the rooftops turned into a ten-minute detour because Shuffle forgot how much fun free running was!

Shuffle noticed he passed the Sweets Shoppe without even thinking about it, so he performed a quick 180°, jogged towards the edge of the building he was at, and quickly dropped down the front of it, using edges to stop himself as he descended so he didn't get injured.

While this was happening a black-haired boy, wearing almost exclusively black, save for the silver kanji on his shirt was wandering along, enjoying his morning walk, and had noticed a boy about his age rapidly descending the building across the street. He watched in surprise as the boy was moving with style.

After he reached the ground the boy had walked into Sugarcube Corner. Taking out his phone, the black-suited boy sent a message to a group of friends via group chat.

“Guys, I think there's a new kid in town, meet me at Sugarcube Corner ASAP.”

As the message was sent out, the teen made his way into the café, quickly following in step right behind the unknown boy.
> Clashing Ideals! Sweet Memories Turned Sour
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Shuffle entered the establishment called ‘Sugar Cube Corner’, his nostrils were overwhelmed with the various aromas of pastries, cakes and fruits alike.

Being the tail end of summer break, the place was decently packed with the denizens of Canterlot. There were some elderly couples sitting together while enjoying what looked like a substantial piece of cake, as a woman was giving her child a delicious muffin.
Shuffle let out a slow breath and approached the waiting line, his eyes scanning the menu as he waited for his turn.

After a few minutes, Shuffle was next to order. He looked directly at the cashier, who was an older woman probably mid to late forties, her skin was an offset of blue and her hair looked like it was maroon with obvious grey hair intertwined; but the weirdest thing about her was the fact that her hair was swirled like cupcake frosting.

“Good morning young man, what can I getcha today?” The woman asked with an almost inhuman enthusiasm that was akin to a stereotypical ‘happy-go-lucky protagonist’ in a children's story.

Shuffle promptly responded. “Good morning to you too, can I please have a chocolate donut and iced hot chocolate please?” the woman nodded and asked for payment, to which shuffle gave her.

“Your order will be out in five minutes why not go sit down until it's ready?” The cashier offered, whom he promptly thanked and walked away from.

Shuffle took a minute to look around the Cafe, trying to find either an abandoned booth or an isolated table to sit at. After a minute, he found a space booth by the door, heading for it while getting out his phone as he waited for his order to come.

Five minutes passed in relative silence, except for the people around him conversing or the occasional yelling from children leaving. His eyes scanned the cafe trying to spot his food. To his surprise, a huge fluff of pink had obscured his vision.

As he tried to move the massive mound of pink out of his way, he was greeted with the sight of a light pink girl about his age directly in front of him with his hot chocolate and donut. Shuffle thanked the girl who set the tray down but she let out a loud gasp after.

“OHMYGOSHYOURENEWTOCANTERLOTIMPINKIEPIEILIKEPARTIESANDTHECOLORPINKDOYOULIKEPARTIESISHOULDTOTALLYTHROWYOUAWELCOMETOCANTERLOTPARTYWHATSYOURFAVORTIEFLAVOROFCAKEISITCHOCLATEIMGOINGTOGOPLANYOURPARTYNOWBYE!” Shuffle just stared at the pink haired teen who then defied the laws of physics by disappearing in a blur of pink.

Brain.exe has stopped working please restart,

Whilst all of this transpired a small group of boys had entered the Café and quickly found a booth to sit in.

“So why exactly did you text us this early, just to spy on a new kid?” One of them asked.

“Because Soul, with the slew of new students, we need to see if this one is a friend or foe. Considering what that Lone Wolf character from Crystal Prep did last year, wouldn't it be better to have a potential friend or at least a rival, who won't stoop to CPA’s level?” Another boy retorted tersely.

The boy, now dubbed as Soul, sighed in resignation, “I understand this Zero, but he doesn't look bad from where I’m standing. Just look at him.” The boys turned their heads towards Shuffle who was still stunned in silence from the pink devil that had appeared in front of him.

A third boy let out a chuckle, “I see he's met Pinkie Pie already. So since he's just sitting there who's going to go over first?”

Before anyone could say anything, another boy crashed into the cafe with a jetpack on his back, then another jetpack descended into the hole that the first made. Unlike the boy, the other jetpack rider had landed on her feet.

“Treble Baka! Why did you even nosedive?! You knew it was gonna hurt, yet you did it anyway.”

This Treble character had gotten up and dusted himself off. “Because, dearest sister, the author is an idiot but he likes making hilarious entrances. Besides, Ragga wouldn't let me actually get hurt. YA HEAR THAT DRAGON I’M F%&*ING INVINCIBLE!” To which nature responded with the thirty-second downpour of rain in the hole of the ceiling while it was sunny outside.

Treble grunted in annoyance. “Fine, I get it Dragon, I'll move on with the plot already, but first! Gaige, I do believe I owe you an ice cream.” To which the other person, named Gaige, let out a squeal of joy and quickly got in line.

Shuffle sat at the table, TRYING to comprehend what transpired in front of him. He didn't notice one of the four boys sitting down at his table. “Don't mind Pinkie, that's how she meets new people.”

Shaking his head, Shuffle looked at the teen who had randomly sat down in front of him. “Excuse me, but who are you and why are you sitting at my table?”

“Oh yeah, about that, I didn't recognize you from Canterlot High. Did you just move into town recently?” The unknown boy asked.

Shuffle took a second to observe the boy’s mannerisms, from his relaxed posture he didn't seem like he was looking for trouble, his silver hair was a chaotic mess but it somehow worked on him, contrasted by his deep indigo eyes, which in themselves were pools of calm, a welcome change to other kids his age.

“You still never told me your name, it would be a good idea to start there first.”

“Right, that would be a great idea to start with; name’s Soul Writer. Nice to meet you.” Soul said as he extended his hand toward Shuffle, who reluctantly took it. “Shuffle Suite, and to answer your other question, yes I will be heading to Canterlot High starting this term.”

The two released each other's hands whilst sitting in an awkward silence, Shuffle returned to his food, not paying attention towards this Soul character. Soul, on the other hand, turned towards his friends who ushered him to continue the conversation.

“How long have you been in Canterlot, Shuffle?” Soul inquired.

“About three days now, my mother and I moved here because she had to relocate since she got promoted at work.”

Soul sat there taking in the new information. “Well that does suck, it must have been hard. Did you have any friends at your last school?”

This caused Shuffle to tense up almost instantly as his eyes shot up at the silver-haired boy. “No, not really, I've always been an introvert. The few friends I did have will probably forget me and move on with their lives.” He said coldly, but Soul could tell there was an air of bitterness around that statement.

“Well then, if you want you could hang out with me and my friends.” Soul pointed at a table almost across the room. The four boys there were still watching them; Shuffle noticed they were staring and they quickly turned away, starting a conversation to cover their tracks.

“Yeah, no, I'm not into the whole ‘group outings thing.’” He said making air quotes with his fingers. “And besides, why would you even talk to me? A complete stranger, don't you know how dangerous that can be? Now if you'll please excuse me, I've got somewhere to be and I'm running late.” Shuffle stood up and made his way to the exit with his drink in hand.

Soul stood there, taken aback by how rude Shuffle had been. Thinking nothing of it, he returned to his friends.

“So how did it go?” Zero asked as soon as Soul sat back down with his friends.

“It was going just fine until you lot started staring, why were you even watching? Don’t you guys trust me with this?”

“It's not that Soul,” Artemis started, “We were just curious what was going on. But what made him snap back at you?”

“I don't know; it was going fine until I asked about his old friends, his response had a resentful tone to it. If I could take a guess, Shuffle was either made fun of back at his old school, or his friends were absolute jerks to him, kinda reminds me how Rainbow and Gilda were.” Soul sat back in his chair taking a drink of his soda after finishing his statement.

Whilst Soul and Artemis were talking to each other, Zero was watching Shuffle with curiosity, “He doesn't look like a bad guy, so why would he really be that hateful?” Zero pondered aloud. The two other boys turned towards Zero who was lost in his own thoughts.

Soul and Artemis continued talking about Shuffle Suite, whilst Zero had gotten up and left the cafe. He needed to know why Shuffle was unwilling to hang out with them.

Hours had passed since the incident with the four teens, and it was early dusk when he finally reached home. As he opened the door, he found his mother asleep on the couch with notes scattered everywhere, her reading glasses askew on her nose.

Shuffle let out a chuckle. “Okay sleepy head, time for you to get to bed for real.” He said aloud as he shook his mother.

Tesla reacted slowly to the ushering of her son. “Mmm- not tonight Flushy we can play tomorrow.” She said groggily. Shuffle was taken aback. ‘Flushy’ was his dad's nickname, used since they first got together. She was having a dream about him, so Shuffle laid her down on the couch again so as to not disturb her, considering she was probably enjoying her dream. He left for only a few seconds to get a pillow and blanket for her.

He didn't realize while he was doing all of this, his mind had flashed back to when his dad was still around.

Flashback

“And with this attack, I think I win the duel.” Shuffle said.

He and his dad were sitting at the family table, his father had had his arms cross in surprise; Royal Flush, a competitive card player, lost to his own son because he played him for a fool this game, and it made him proud.

“Yes, you did bud. Congrats on beating me fair and square.” The older man let out a proud chuckle as he collected his deck. “Now since you won, I guess I have to hold up my end of our deal.” Royal took out a box from under the table.

“I was gonna wait for your birthday, but a few weeks early won't hurt anyone so here.” Royal handed Shuffle the box, and promptly ripped the packaging paper off of the box and opened it. Inside was his own custom lightsaber.

Shuffle let out a squeal of excitement and thanked and hugged his dad multiple times.

The two shared this moment for a few minutes while Shuffle inspected his new saber; the hilt was silver and onyx in color, the blade was beautiful white. Shuffle asked his dad why his saber was white instead of blue.

“No saber is alike and this is yours, so the color is yours to pick. Just turn the knob halfway down the hilt.” His father replied.

Flashback End

Shuffle broke his daydream with a gasp, his mother was still sound asleep. He didn't notice it at first but he felt tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Damn it, mom,” he said under his breath. He went to his room, grabbed his saber and went back outside.

Standing in the yard in the late evening, Shuffle ignited his saber and began the steps his father had taught him on that day. His arms reacting without mental input. Nothing excited him more than being outside of his mind, beyond himself and his lightsaber moving in perfect unity.

On the other side of the street, Trixie had just finished up with her list of stuff to do for the day; she was coming home from the Curio Shop that Zecora ran, who had more flameless fireworks for her. She was carrying a few bags whilst behind her two boys carried the rest of her stuff. There was so much baggage, it kinda made them look like pack mules. One was lanky and tall, while the other boy was short and pudgy.

“Trixie, are we at your house yet? This stuff is really heavy.” The lanky one asked.

“Yeah, why do you need all of this stuff anyway? Aren't you already the best at magic Trixie?” The pudgy one asked immediately after.

Trixie had let out a groan of irritation, “These are supplies for my show you dolts! I can't be ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ without my handy stage props.” Trixie let out a haughty laugh as the two boys and herself approached Trixie's personal wagon. At the door, Trixie had fished up her keys and put them in the lock to unlock it.

The pudgy one accidentally dropped one of the bags, which held fireworks. One of them sparked as it hit the pavement shooting off in a random arc, exploding in the street, which caught the three's attention and Shuffle’s as well.

“SNIPS, YOU DAMN MORON!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH FLAMELESS FIREWORKS COST?!” Trixie screamed at the pudgy teen. Snips quickly grabbed the bag and took the lot into the trailer.

Shuffle turned back to his own activities, not concerned about what had happened.

Twenty minutes passed when Shuffle had decided to finish his exercises for the day. Holding his saber at his side, he turned around to go inside when he heard a loud shout from behind him.

“LOOK OUT!!!”

Before Shuffle had a chance to react, something struck him in the back of the head, knocking him unconscious.
> Nurse Trixie, And The Twin Colored Eye Boy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a present silence as the three watched the errant firework whack Shuffle in the back of the head. Trixie turned around towards Snips.

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND SNIPS!”

Trixie was livid. Not only did one of the degenerate lackeys that hung off of her like fruit flies on old food, but one had wasted HER resources and also knocked out a potential fan. To say Trixie was mad would be the understatement of the millennium.

“Both of you put the bags away. I'm gonna get some medical supplies; hopefully, if he tries anything, it won't be on me.”
Running inside, Trixie found the small medical kit her family had and rushed across the street to the unconscious boy.
As she approached, Snips and Snails followed behind. Trixie got down on her knees face to face with her new neighbor, checking his head for any blood, which thankfully wasn't there. Next, Trixie made sure there were no erratic issues with the boy.

“For once, I’m thinking that nursing class actually came in use.” She said aloud.

As she sat, Trixie noticed Shuffle’s lightsaber, which, thanks to hanging out with Zero, she learned what it was called, but the “blade”, she thought the plastic white part was called, had snapped in half from hitting the pavement so hard. As she inspected the object, Shuffle regained some semblance of consciousness.

“Urgh, did anyone see the number of the truck that hit me?” he said, unaware of the three figures that were hovering over his body.

After his vision started focusing, his eyes locked on the girl. Shuffle took a moment to process this, his brain registering that a person was above him. He proceeded to quickly back away from the girl, “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to impose, his hands flying to his hood quickly covering his face in embarrassment, Trixie, on the other hand, let out a laugh.

“It’s not your fault, most men can’t handle being in the presence of THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” Trixie performed an elegant flourish as a shower of sparkles came out of nowhere. “Besides, my assistant over there accidentally fired off one of Trixie’s stage props and it hit you, so Trixie thought it would be a good idea to make sure the person hurt by my assistants' stupidity was okay and give them my personal apology- Hey where are you going?”
Shuffle had gotten up as the girl was boasting was left unheard. The only thing he noticed was his saber. The last gift his dad gave him broke in half. Shuffle took minutes to check the hilt for any damage, and to his relief, there wasn't any beyond superficial, and the blade easy replaced, but that doesn't mean he was happy about it.

Trixie had stood up a minute later, “Yeah about that, you can blame him over there.”

Shuffle turned to the boy who already looked remorseful about what he did on accident, but the fact he looked like he was barely a freshman in high school, Shuffle couldn't bring himself to get angry at the pudgy teen.

“You do know you’re going to replace this right?” Snails nodded rapidly. Shuffle had forgotten that his hood was drawn so to someone like this kid, he was giving off an intimidating demeanor. A gust of wind blew whilst he was towering over Snails, which in turn had knocked the hood off, revealing the rest of his face.

Small scars adorned the socket around his left eye, looking like he still had the remains of a bruise on it; the odd thing about it was, his eyes were two separate colors! One was blue, whilst the other was a blazing red. Snails noticed his eye and froze, staring directly at it.
Shuffle just stood confused until he noticed what had happened. Quickly he adorned his hood.
“Just come by tomorrow and we figure out how you can repay me for this kid,” he said quickly as he picked up his broken saber.

Before walking away, Shuffle turned towards Trixie, his hood readjusted to his left eye. “Thank you for making sure I was well, and for the apology.”

She gave him a firm nod as he re-entered his home for the night. Snails were still in the same spot, petrified with fear. Snips gave him a smack on the back of the head to awaken his friend.

“What happened to you dude, he wasn't that scary. I'd say you got off easy with how he reacted.” Snails said to the tense Snips.

“You don't understand Snails, you should have seen his face, it was horrifying.” Snips turned to his friend.

“Scars all along the left eye, and it was bruised. Plus, along with the state he was giving me, his eyes were two different colors! It made me feel… cold.” Snips responded.

“There's no way someone can have two different eye colors,” Snips protested.

“I know what I saw, idiot! I promise you his, eyes were two different colors!”

Meanwhile, Trixie was standing there staring at Shuffle’s home, “Could that have been why he moved away so quickly?” she pondered, quickly dismissing the thought a few moments later.

“No it must be because he was in the presence of someone as great and powerful as I, he must have gotten intimidated by Trixie's presence.” She turned away from the two bickering teens and headed inside her trailer. If this was going to be an issue later, she would deal with it later.

Shuffle went upstairs to his room and laid down on his bed. His mood had been soured even further than before; first, his mother had brought up a painful memory of his dad, and now his way of exhuming his pain was destroyed for the foreseeable future.

He groaned loudly as he turned over in his bed and put on his headset. Nothing was going to happen tomorrow beyond that Snails kid coming by to repay for his broken saber, so Shuffle put on one of his many audio books and chose to lay in bed until he fell asleep.

Having long since died, the headset was silent and shuffle had turned over asleep, but peace wasn't anywhere to be seen tonight. Shuffle’s mind had decided to dredge up something from his past he’d much rather forget about. He let out a whimper of pain as his nightmare finally made itself known.

Shuffle’s Dream.

Shuffle was standing in a hallway, his mind awash of memories of him and his old friends having a good time in the hallway, making up stupid stories and acting goofy, but of his trio of friends, there was one that stood out to him.


The fiery Sunset Shimmer, donning her usual outfit of a magenta sleeveless blouse, gold skirt with a gold and magenta stripe on it, and her signature jacket. She was laughing along with them. As the four said their goodbyes for the day, Sunset caught up with Shuffle asking if she could go home with him, saying she had to talk to him about something important.


Shuffle agreed and the two had left together. Once the pair got to Shuffle’s old house, he let her in and went to get something to drink for both of them. Sunset gladly took it but turned to Shuffle and asked him a question.

“Shuffle, I need to know, do you like me?” she asked innocently.

Shuffle had taken a quick drink of his soda and quickly composed himself.

“What do you mean, Sunset? We’re friends, yes, but I wouldn’t move in on Terra’s girlfriend, I'm his friend too, and friends don't do that.”

“Of course Shuffle, I get that but I was going to say, I kinda like you too.” Sunset blushed, as did Shuffle; even though Terra was his best friend, he was a little envious of him.

Sunset was intelligent, witty and smoking hot, along with being adorable, which Shuffle wasn't. He had turned away to get another drink when he turned back to Sunset she was closer to him, almost on his lap. He faced away, but she turned him back, leaned forward and kissed him. Shuffle resisted at first, but something about Sunset had made him feel weird; as much as he wanted to hold out, his mental will had given out, and he embraced the girl. The kiss quickly turned into a makeout session. Little did Shuffle know, his house door was left slightly ajar.

Terra and his other friend Stratos had entered Shuffle’s house, Terra heard the sound of moaning coming from the living room, finding Sunset on top of Shuffle grinding away as the two were locked in a moment of passion.

He stood there, stunned, as Stratos called out to Shuffle, who was shaken from his euphoric stupor to see his best friend staring at himself and Sunset. No words were said as Terra charged the two who forced Sunset out of the way and proceeded to punch a stunned Shuffle, but before any pain could be felt, Shuffle was snapped awake.

Shuffle let out a yell as he shot up from his bed in a cold sweat. It was almost five in the morning by the time he looked at his clock. Shuffle laid in bed, trying to slow his rapidly beating heart. That Day will forever haunt him. He didn't mean to do anything with Sunset; she forced herself on him, but there was something else that obstructed his rational thinking, which was what cost him his friendships, and it was all HER fault.

But it was also his too; he wanted her, yes, though he wasn't going to try and steal Sunset from Terra, in his moment of weakness he felt… glad. He finally had something worth keeping, he had a girlfriend like his friends, but that joy was quickly destroyed thanks to HER deceptive ways.

After the three boys stopped talking, Shuffle made a promise, “Never let anyone in, all they want is to manipulate you to their will and make you their pawn; shut them out, embrace solitude.”

His mantra was and has been that ever since. But perhaps… maybe it was time to move on.  Shuffle turned over in his bed, twisting away from the growing sunlight from the window. Shuffle had slowly fallen asleep again, his thoughts making his memory more terrifying than even his nightmare.

“Terra, if it's any consolation, I am sorry,” he said before falling asleep again.
> The Final Melody of Summer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle’s sleep after his nightmare wasn't as bad as when he first fell asleep. Opting to not get up with his alarm, he just laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling.

“That Snips boy should be here anytime today, so I can't really leave, plus the thought of staying in today sounds absolutely divine after yesterday.” Shuffle said aloud.

After all, the last week of summer should be spent doing what was supposed to be the most intense fun of the summer, and that would entail finding something to do.

Two hours passed as Shuffle just sat there, reading on his phone when his mother knocked on the door.

“Shuffle, I'm heading to the store today, do you want anything?” She asked.

“Just a box of granola bars, please. I’m sorry mom, but I don’t feel like going out today, and thanks by the way.” He replied absent mindlessly, focusing more on his phone. Tesla nodded in understanding and left the room.

Shuffle rolled out of bed and grabbed his PlayStation 4 controller and settled into his swivel chair; if he wasn't going out, he was going to get something done on one of his new favorite games, Monster Hunter World.

Most of the day passed in a haze as Shuffle lost himself to the game; currently, he was finishing off one of the harder hunts on the game, Legaina, with a small squad of NPC’s, when his mother called him on his phone.

“Shuffle, can you come down and help me with the groceries, there's a bunch and I got cold things to put away,” Tesla asked.

“Of course Mom, I'll be right down.” His reply was short as he paused the game and went down the stairs in nothing but his sleep shorts and a torn T-shirt.

The sun’s rays beat down on Shuffle. It was almost a hundred degrees outside, so it was a good idea that he didn't go out walking.

Shuffle and his mother quickly unloaded the car and carried the groceries inside. As they finished up, the two boys from last night were walking in the distance.

“Why did you drag me along today Snail? It's hot as crap and I wanted to stay home…” Snips complained.

“Because you know after this Trixie is going to want us to apologize to her too for losing her fireworks, plus you still don't believe me about the two different eye colored boy so I'm going to prove you wrong about that too.” Snails replied harshly, holding a crisp fifty dollar bill in his hand.

“I hope this will be enough, this is a whole month’s allowance.” Snails thought.

The two boys approached Shuffles’ home. Snails hesitated for a moment, hoping nothing bad would happen; taking a breath he knocked on the door three solid times.

Shuffle’s head swirled at the sound of the knocking. He approached the door, opening it, revealing the two boys from last night.

“I'll be damned. You actually showed up.” Shuffle said to the two boys, a smile tugging at his face.

Snips and Snails stood there terrified as both focused on shuffles’ face, Snail's didn't even hesitate when he pointed out the two different eyes.

Shuffle gave a sigh. “Of course, go right for that. Just give me what you owe and leave.” Shuffle held out his hand which snails quickly dropped the money in his hand, which only a few moments after was met with a resounding SLAM.

Both of the boys stood there, paralyzed for a few minutes until Snails snapped back to his senses and led his friend away. “I told you he had two freaky eyes.” Snails said that a little too loud.

Shuffle could hear the two talking about him. His annoyance was starting to turn into anger, but he took a deep breath. “There is no bad emotion, there is peace…” Shuffle said as he let out the same breath he held. Calming down, Shuffle returned to his mother and helped her put the groceries away.

“Who was at the door Shuffle?” she asked. Shuffle didn't respond immediately.

“It wasn't anyone important,” he said, as the two finish their task. Shuffle retreated back to his room.

Trixie’s Trailer
Trixie was sitting in her Prop Trailer, looking up at her Trick board; with the new final year of high school speedily approaching, she was going to participate in the seniors’ division of the talent show, the last three years were always dominated by Sunset Shimmer. But this time, Sunset was pardoned of her past, and her new best friend Trixie could take center stage and blow everyone out of the water!

Trixie didn't notice she had donned her iconic magicians’ and robe and was mid flourish when there was a knock at the door. Peeking outside and seeing Snips and Snails outside waiting gave her an idea. Grabbing a smoke pellet, she answered the door.

“WELLCOME SNIPS AND SNAILS TO THE GRRRREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE'S’ MYSTICAL MAGICAL EXTRAVAGANZA!” stepping on a button by her foot, fireworks shot into the sky, and a short fanfare played as Trixie stood with her arms out at the side with her cape flowing in the wind.

Usually, Snips and Snails would be in awe of the magician, but today was a special case. Both clapped for Trixie's effort of making a grand entrance, to which she gave a huff in annoyance. “What's wrong you two? You’re usually exuberant when Trixie is doing that.”

Snails stood there trying to find words about earlier, but Snips wasn't looking at the girl; his face turned to the side, smashed by the forwardness of Trixie. After a few minutes of silence, Trixie started tapping her foot in annoyance. “Trixie has little patience of just standing here. If you have nothing important to say, begone.”

Trixie turned away, but Snails finally spoke. “Wait, Ms. Trixie, we did as you wanted and apologized to the boy we hurt,” he said, clapping his hands together in an open-palmed fashion. Trixie stopped mid-motion, surprised the lanky boy actually spoke back.

“Did you give him the tickets to the show?” Trixie asked cautiously, as Snails stood there and nodded. “Excellent, then both of you can come in and help Trixie with her next show.” The two boys quickly made their way inside.

Shuffle sat back in his chair, after only a few extra moments of putting the money in his small box of emergency cash. As he uncrumpled the bills he noticed another sheet of paper in the middle.

“Two tickets to see the great and powerful Trixie’s “End of Summer” magic show.” He tossed the tickets aside. He might be a nerd, but watching a teen his age act out on stage wasn't something he wanted to waste his time with.

Shuffle returned to his little setup and stayed that way for the rest of the night.

The Next Morning

Shuffle woke up in his chair, his TV long gone dark from the power save mode. “Must’ve fallen asleep.” He muttered, getting up and stretching.

It was about ten in the morning from what his wall clock was going by, so Shuffle ventured down to the kitchen to get breakfast. As he rounded the stairs to head into the kitchen, he could hear a conversation coming from the living room. Shuffle ignored it, thinking it was probably some neighbors coming to greet the pair to the neighborhood; that was until she heard a familiar voice.

“Yes, thank you for your time but Trixie must be off, with her magic show coming up she has plenty to do.”

There was movement from the room as Shuffle passed into the kitchen to follow the pair; at the door, he could see his mother conversing with that girl who had helped him a few days ago.

Tesla shut the door, turning to see Shuffle standing in the breezeway confused. Letting out a chuckle, she approached her son with a sheet of paper in hand.

“I hope you don't plan on staying hidden in your room today, the neighbor's daughter just invited us to her magic show, and I think it would do you some good before summer ends and school begins.”

Shuffle stood there in a daze. If anything, he was genuinely surprised that Trixie girl made sure that not only did those boys give him tickets, but she personally did it herself as well.

“Mom, you know for a fact that stage magic is the most obvious hoax. Why waste the time?”

“Because after school starts, you’re not going to want to do anything on weekends; you seem to forget that I'm your mother and I know you better than you know yourself.”

“You know for a fact I wouldn't have much fun, yet you still want me to go?”

When posed the question Tesla didn't even hesitate, “Yes, because you never know if you might like this.”

Shuffle sighed. “Well… fine. We shall test your theory, and if I don't enjoy myself I get to blame you, deal?” He stuck out his hand and his mother who took it eagerly.

“Deal, it's not ‘till about seven-thirty, so we got time to relax. How about a small movie marathon? I found the ‘Lord Of The Rings’ collection set.” Tesla held up the mint condition box set.

“Touché, so not only did you rope me into a magic show, but you're also holding my favorite movie set hostage?” Tesla nodded.

“Alright, I'll get the popcorn and the drinks while you set it up!” Shuffle said enthusiastically, turning and walking into the kitchen.

Hours Later

Two movies and three bags of popcorn later, Shuffle and Tesla were sitting on the couch, watching the credits of “The Two Towers”.

“Well if we were to start the next movie, we wouldn't be able to make it to the show, so we better get ready,” Tesla said, getting up from the couch and stretching her body; sitting still for almost six hours barring bathroom breaks was not healthy, but it was worth it.

Shuffle got up too, relieving himself of his stiffness. The pair stared at each other, content with the mini-marathon they spent together until they both noticed one thing: there was only one shower in the house. Almost on instinct, both jumped over the couch and raced up the stairs to try and reach the bathroom first. Through sheer luck, Shuffle reached the bathroom first.

Getting in and locking the door, much to Tesla's dismay, he had secured the restroom for himself before their little family outing.

After getting out of the bathroom, Tesla quickly went inside and did her business while Shuffle went to get ready. After an hour, Shuffle and Tesla were ready to leave.

“The ticket says it's going to be at the Canterlot Civic Center, good thing it's close or we would be late.”

“Mom, it's only Six-forty, she has time, don't worry about being late.”

Tesla let out a nervous laugh, Shuffle did coolly as well, as the two set off.

The Civic Center was somewhat busy; amazingly enough, there were children everywhere, either playing in the jungle gym area or in the public pool, their parents either playing with them or watching from a distance. The pair had gotten out of the car and walked up to the schedule board, looking to see where this magic show was happening.

After locating the lot, the pair set off to get seats early. It was fast approaching seven when they got to their destination; the room was already decently full of families, while children were bouncing up and down excitedly. Shuffle and Tesla took a few random seats near the front.

There wasn't a long wait until the room's lights began dimming and some techno-esque music began playing. Smoke billowed out from the stage, as the music starts to increase in volume and pacing when very suddenly all lights went out.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES, ARE YOU READY TO SEE SOME MAGIC!”

The entire crowd gave out roars of approval and applause when a flash of light happened, and there on the stage stood a lone girl, the exact same girl from earlier, but there was something different about her; she had a look of focus, yet a playful, confident smirk on her face. Instead of her normal ensemble, Trixie was wearing her hat and robe, a tight purple suit along with a purple skirt, and, from where Shuffle was sitting, Black leggings all adorned with stars and moons on them.

“WELCOME ONE AND ALL, TO THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRRRIXIE’S END OF SUMMER MAGIC SHOW!” Trixie's hands threw up a shower of glitter, which had an interesting effect on the stage lights, making a pseudo-rainbow around her body. If anything, Shuffle might not like the concept of the show, but he did admit one thing: it was a good entrance.

“First thing’s first, how about a simple trick, a rabbit from a hat.” Trixie took off her hat and turned it over revealing nothing in her hat, to begin with, then turning her hat over making an elaborate flourish over it, and sure enough, a rabbit appears from the hat. The crowns let's put a cheer as Trixie puts the rabbit down on a pedestal next to her. Shuffle watched the show in absolute silence; yes, it was smoke and mirrors stage magic, but if you were really good at it like Houdini or Jack Pot, you could fool even the sharpest eye. “Let's see where this goes...” he says, silently intrigued by the magician girl.

“Thank you, everybody, but that was just the warm-up, now let's kick it up a notch!” Trixie exclaimed, confetti shooting from the stage. The lights went dark for only a few seconds, but upon them returning, Trixie had a massive cage next to her, holding two boys in tuxedos, the same two boys from earlier, Shuffle noticed.

“Now for my next trick, my handsome assistant's Snips and Snails here have been locked away in the solid steel cage with no way to escape, Trixie will now have the cage covered…” As Trixie finished her sentence two girls came out wearing matching dresses and covered the cage. Trixie then pulled out a wand.

“NOW BOTH OF THESE BOYS SHALL DISAPPEAR!” waving her wand, which gave off a periwinkle glow and with three flashes of light Trixie tears the cloth off the cage revealing both boys were gone!

Trixie turned around and gave a lavish bow as the crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Some even whooped and yelled in amazement. Shuffle clapped as well; it was obvious there was a trap door under the cage, so the two boys got away, but it was still an impressive ruse.
“Next, The Great and Powerful Trixie did have a special act with her faithful companion Komungus, but he seems to have escaped his cage, and is now missing. Not to worry, the show will still go on, but please, if you see a brown legged spider, don’t touch him, he's very violent and very poisonous, but to continue the show I need a special item, and I think I have it in my hat somewhere…” Trixie began to search through her hat, somehow pulling out a small rope of handkerchiefs and a dove. After a few moments, she accidentally dropped her hat, cursing silently. She bent over to retrieve it, when a massive spider jumped out of the hat and onto Trixie’s leg, crawling up it. A few members in the front gasped, and others backed away quickly.

“No one move too quickly, humongous has a tendency to bite if there are too many moving bodies,” she said hesitantly as her hand slowly reached into her pocket.

“If I can just reach his my flute I can-AGH!” Trixie yelped as the spider jumped up at her, but she caught it and tried to throw the spider away, but its web allowed it to recoil back into her hand. She began to whistle, making the spider dance in an almost hypnotic fashion, moving to her hands and lowering itself using a web and just dangling there. Shuffle watched in awe; this was absolutely amazing, this teenage girl somehow figured out how to train a spider that responds to her whistles. After about a minute, Trixie tossed the spider up into the air and caught it with her hand. The spider sat on her hand looking out into the audience as they applause; from what Shuffle could see, the spider was moving its arms as if to simulate bowing. “Amazing.”

Trixie's’ show went on for the next hour, around the halfway point there was a small group of teens, a bunch of meatheads by the looks of it, booing the magician. It wasn't loud, but it was still prevalent; Shuffle noticed this as well as Trixie, who turned to the hecklers.

“So, you do not like Trixie’s feats of amazing magic, do you? Well then, Trixie issues a challenge, anything you can do, I can do better” the biggest one got up and took over Trixie's stage.

“Look at this weak girl, thinking she can handle the Mighty Boulder! I challenge you to an arm wrestling contest faker, let's see your Great and Powerful skill beat raw strength” the teen flexed as his friends hollered at him.

Trixie stared at the jock’s confidence. “Very well then, “Mighty Boulder” I accept your challenge” Trixie turned and brought out a table for the two to perform the challenge, both combatants locked arms.

“On the count of three, push as hard as your feeble arm cam” Trixie shot at the jock, both arms tense up as Trixie starts the count…

“One…”

“Two….”

“THREE!!”

In half a second the Boulder was slammed to the ground, as Trixie stood unmoving, a coy smirk on her face.

“Looks like I win.” Trixie gave a bow as the crowd exploded in applause.

Boulder got up from the ground; he wasn't particularly happy by being emasculated in front of his friends and a good few dozen people.

“Hey, Bitch, why did you cheat?” Boulder pointed at the girl, seething in anger. Trixie turned to the jock and calmly replied.

“Trixie didn't have to cheat to beat the likes of you, your strength was your own folly, now get off of my stage. You scare the kids up front.”

Upon Trixie finishing her sentence the jock let out a roar of rage and charged her. Trixie simply sidestepped Boulder, giving a twirl, much to Boulders annoyance and the crowds' amusement. Boulder continued to try and catch Trixie, but she was always barely out of reach.

This went on for about five minutes until Boulder got hold of the magician. “Now what are you going to do, oh Great and Powerful Trixie.” Boulder stood there triumphant, but the show wasn't over yet.

“Simple. You're going to be the last trick of the day! Trixie is going to escape your grip and you're going to be all tied up,” Trixie said cryptically. Boulder made sure he had a good hold with both hands on her shirt, just in case.

“I’d really like to see that.” He retorted. POOF! A puff of white smoke appeared from out of nowhere, only covering the stage, there was silence until a dull THUD was heard. The smoke cleared, revealing Trixie sitting in a chair while Boulder was bound up like a Thanksgiving turkey. “TA DA!” Trixie exclaimed to a stunned audience, then laughter and applause came from the crowd, as Boulder was carried off by the guards that were stationed nearby.

“Thank you all for attending Trixie’s Show! I hope you all have a safe trip home!” Trixie exclaims, throwing down an unknown substance, recreating the same smoke cloud. Upon its dissipation, Trixie was nowhere to be seen. The crowd gave one more applause before everyone started getting up to leave.

“THAT WAS AMAZING!” A child said as Shuffle and his Mother passed by.

“DID YOU SEE HOW SHE HANDLED THAT BULLY?” Another said as they continued the journey to the car.

“Oh my gosh, Trixie was so incredible, I wish I could have actually met her.” A third lamented.

“You didn't hear? Trixie goes to Canterlot High! I bet if we go there we can get autographs!” A fourth said.

Shuffle and Tesla reached the car and got in. “So what did you think of the show, Shuffle?” Tesla asked.

“I'll admit, I was surprised that at the beginning, her tricks were a bit generic, until she got to the dancing spider bit with the flute, I've never seen that; plus how she showed up that boulder guy was pretty impressive...” Shuffle stated; it might have been an act, but it was pretty convincing. He wondered how she pulled off the last two tricks easily. Shuffle was snapped from his thoughts as his mother pulled out of the Canterlot Civic Center.

“That one kid said Trixie was going to Canterlot High, which in two days’ time I shall be attending as well… if anything, I can just ask her…” Shuffle stayed silent as the two went home. Tomorrow was the end of summer, and then School would begin. Hopefully, he wouldn't have another Sunset Shimmer incident like last time.
> First day at CHS Part. 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle rose from his bed, heading straight to the bathroom for his usual morning routine. The last two days of summer had come and gone, and today would be the beginning of either hell on earth or a long, boring stretch of time between now and the graduation. Shuffle grabbed his bag of supplies, his phone, and iPod and went down to the living room and sat on the couch, having a good thirty minutes until his bus arrived. Shuffle sat there in silence, save for his music in his headphones.

T’was the apex of dawn and the sun started rising in the sky when the bus pulled up to Shuffle’s house and waited. Shuffle got up, went outside his home and locked the door, since his mother was still asleep, and headed towards his new school.

Upon entering, Shuffle gave the bus driver his information and the required papers and sat down in one of the first seats, which oddly enough were almost barren, but the back was filled to the brim with other kids talking amongst themselves or was just flat asleep. The bus ride was uneventful, to say the least. As it pulled into the bus area of CHS everyone got off, some running to their groups of friends and others towards the gym to wait for the first bell.

Shuffle entered through the front, heading straight for the office, since he missed the open house from the night prior and didn't pick up his schedule, his head bobbing in time with his music for a few minutes, until he reached the office. Taking off his headphones and turning them off, he knocked on the door.

A few seconds pass until the door is opened by a middle-aged woman with pale skin and so many colors in her hair it was absolutely absurd. “Whoever did that dye-job really needs a raise and recognition.” Shuffle thought.

Shuffle cleared his throat, “I'm looking for Principal Celestia.” he started.

The woman gave a second to process what was said; it was early, neither of them was fully awake.

“That’s who I would be, and might I ask who you are? I don't recognize you,” she replied.

Shuffle gave a chuckle as he scratched the back of his head. “I'm Shuffle Suite, I was supposed to transfer from Vanhoover High, I meant to come last night, but to be honest, I flat out forgot.”

“Excellent; I was worried when you didn't show up last night since most of the new students did. I'm hoping this won't be a recurring thing, Mr. Suite?”

Shuffle shook his head.

“Good, if you could follow me I'll give you your schedule and have a student show you around our wonderful school.” Celestia finished typing, turning about and heading back into her office, Shuffle in tow.

Celestia went to one of the filing cabinets behind her desk. Opening one, she pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Shuffle.

“If you want Mr. Suite, wait outside and I will have Ms. Shimmer give you a tour around the school.”

Shuffle, too engrossed in reading his schedule, refused the help.

“Half of the mystery at a new school is exploring it yourself, it's appreciated but I can manage on my own, but thank you.”

“I understand. If you need any help, just come by my office, have a good day and welcome to CHS.”

Shuffle promptly left his new principal’s off and walked off in a random direction. “Time to explore,” he said aloud, walking along the hallway looking for his first class.

Turning about a corner, too consumed by his schedule, he didn't notice someone walking around the opposite end; the two knocked into each other, causing both to fall.

“Agh! Watch where you're going, or you're going to face the wrath of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” the girl exclaimed.

Shuffle got up from the fall. “Ow, holy crap that hurt.” Shuffle rubbed the back of his head trying to dull the pain. A few seconds pass and Shuffle offers a hand towards the fallen magician.

“Sorry about that, I was trying to figure out where I was going.” Shuffle said quietly as he pulled her to her feet.

“Trixie has the mind to give you a good tongue lashing for knocking her down, but, since your acting like a gentleman, you earn a pass from her wrath, and as a way of showing how GENEROUS Trixie is, she will assist you with finding your first class location, now release your schedule to Trixie so she can help.” Trixie extended her hand and swiped the paper in Shuffle’s hands.

Reading the schedule carefully, Trixie took out another paper; she noticed her and this boy had three classes together.

“Lucky you, you have Chemistry with Trixie as your first period,” She walked past the boy, still holding his schedule. “You just follow Trixie and she will escort you to your first class.”

Shuffle sighed in resignation. It seemed like this Trixie’s “Generosity” was going to be more of a hassle than helpful. “Lead on,” he said as the pair set off towards their first class.

After walking almost across the school, the first-period bell rang and students started dispersing to their destinations. Shuffle kept an eye on Trixie, making sure he didn't lose her in the crowd.

Shuffle caught up to her a few seconds later, realizing something. “You said you were The Great and Powerful Trixie right?” Trixie let out a haughty laugh.

“There is only one Great and Powerful Trixie, and I am she! Why, do you know about her exploits?” Trixie inquired to counter the boy's question.

“Well, it's not that I’ve heard about you, but I was at your magic show at the Canterlot Civic Center, and it was actually impressive in my opinion.” Shuffle muses.

Trixie beamed at the praise. “What part about my act did you like the most? Was it me showing up that meathead, or was it how Trixie looked? Some boys usually come to see her show with the thoughts Trixie will be dressed in some kind of scantily clad outfit.” Shuffle noticed her tone got harsh with the second response.

“No, I promise you, I was there because my mother dragged me along; what I found interesting was your spider bit, how did you train it not only to move as swiftly as it did but not to bite or poison you?”

Trixie let out another haughty laugh. “A magician as Grand and Powerful as myself has her ways, besides Greg is such a nice Tarantula he wouldn't hurt a fly… pun aside.”

As if on cue a silver-haired boy ran past the two screaming in terror. “GET IT OFF GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!” the boy was moving at such a rapid rate he promptly smashed into the locker, knocking himself unconscious.

Shuffle stood there in a stupor. “Is that normal?” Shuffle asked Trixie, as she palmed her forehead, walking towards the unconscious boy.

“For Soul here, being attacked by spiders, it’s almost common for him.” Trixie didn't even hesitate in picking up the massive spider; just from a few feet away Shuffle could tell it was fully grown.

Trixie came back as the spider climbed up her shoulder and rested itself comfortably there. “Don't worry, he won't jump on you unless you're obviously afraid of him, I’ll give him to Fluttershy after class.”

“What about the boy, shouldn't we take him to the nurse's office?” Trixie took a second and pulled out her phone, faster than Shuffle could even blink, the phone was put away again. “Don't worry, his girlfriend will be by soon and get him.” Shuffle shrugged and moved into the classroom, Trixie following close behind.

The room was already populated by other students either by talking to others or sitting down trying to wake up. Shuffle took a seat in the back, left of the room’s lab tables. Most of the student didn't notice him walk in, but the scarce few that did paid him no mind.

A few minutes pass before the teacher walked into the room, she was middle-aged with her body in a bit of a large size, but she was incredibly toned, she was red/purple color, along with her crimson hair, which oddly enough was stuck In what looked like a permanent Mohawk, giving her an intimidating look. But the strangest thing was her eyes, they were a deep teal color, which coupled starkly with a constant look of domination on her face, and Shuffle could there were signs of a scar on her right eye.

“Good morning class, my name is Tempest Shadow, and I will be your Chemistry teacher this year.” She began as she made her way across the room to the desk, leaning against it.

“Since today is the first day, we will go around introducing ourselves, it will help me remember your faces for future reference, starting from the row on the left to the right you will introduce yourself and say something about yourself.” Tempest pointed at the girl sitting in the first seat in front of her “You first.”

The girl was had pink hair and her complexion was almost golden, she took a second to clear her throat before speaking, “…Hello, my name is Fluttershy, and I like tending to my animals, and I volunteer at the local shelter,” she said quickly and almost too silently for Shuffle to catch, and he was only four chairs away! Tempest nodded in approval as the girl smiled and sat down again. The other students continued the train of introductions until it was Shuffle’s turn. Shuffle stood beside his desk and began his introduction.

“Hello, my name is Shuffle Suite, and I just recently moved to Canterlot.” Shuffle sat back down almost immediately, to the confusion of Tempest and classmates.

“Do you not have any hobbies?” A blue-haired boy asked.

“I do, but honestly, I don’t really do much, anyway” Shuffle retorted back, promptly making the other boy quiet back down. The introductions continued seamlessly, beyond Trixie almost taking up ten minutes of everyone’s time talking about herself.

“Yup, she’s one of THOSE girls, full of herself, but at least she isn't an absolute bitch.” Shuffle thought as she was told repeatedly by Ms. Shadow to sit back down, but continued her boastful speech anyway, at least until Ms. Shadow swiftly glided across the room, telling Trixie one more time to sit down, speaking right in her face, which Trixie actually did, even though Shuffle could tell Trixie was mad for being cut off.

By the time introductions were finished, the class was set to end, so Ms. Shadow had given them their chemistry textbooks. The bell rang not a minute after she finished and everyone up and left quickly. Shuffle was the last to leave, able to sneak away from Trixie since he had to go to his locker and put up his book.

With that done, Shuffle pulled out his map and made his way to his next class.

The morning classes had come and gone, nothing exciting happening beyond getting an earful from Trixie how her great and powerful Generosity was being thrown back in her face, even though Shuffle just tried to explain he just walked to his locker, but as usual Trixie didn't hear a word and stormed away. “So much for that…” Shuffle said aloud as he entered the cafeteria.

The place was jam-packed with students eating or chatting about their day. Shuffle made his way to a random table with only a few people at it. He sat down and pulled out his bag lunch; after about five minutes, another boy came around sitting across from Shuffle.

“Hello.” The teen said.

Shuffle, lost in his own world, ignored him, so the boy touched Shuffle’s shoulder. He turned suddenly at the physical contact, his eyes quickly locking onto the opposing boy. The boy sat there, frozen. “Can I help you?” Shuffle said, mildly irritated from being disturbed.

“I was just...going….to…” the boy began but Shuffle could Tell why the boy stopped talking: he noticed his two different irises. Shuffle got up and left quickly, wanting to be away from another possible confrontation. Meanwhile, the other boy watched him leave, confused as another friend had approached the table.

“Hey Artemis, how’s it hanging?” Zero asked as he sat down. Artemis sat for a minute trying to piece together what happened, not noticing Zero saying anything. A few moments passed before Zero poked Artemis in the face, which resulted in a slap to the hand.

“Ow, the hell dude?” Zero started, but Artemis didn't respond for almost a minute, then he turned to Zero.

“Sorry, there was a new kid and he caught me off guard, Zero.”

“Well, the school year did just start, so it wouldn't be unheard of for someone sitting at our table without an invitation.”

“That's the thing, do you remember that one boy Soul talked to at Sugarcube?”

Zero winced, remembering that day, he had tried to shadow Shuffle after he left Sugarcube, but somehow he had evaded Zero, even after taking to a roof to try and spot the boy, he still escaped. “Yeah, what about him?”

“He’s here…”

“REALLY?!? How can you tell dude?”

Artemis took a second to think. “I just remember seeing the one eye look right at us when we were watching Soul and him talk after you got us caught Zero. I noticed for a split second that there was something wrong with his face, but it wasn't his face, it was his eyes.”

Zero sat there, processing what Artemis had said. On one hand, he was excited at the concept of finding another guy like him, but the whole “insulting his friends’ kindness” thing was not a simple thing to be forgotten. Zero took a breath and responded, “Do you think we should tell the others?”

Artemis shook his head. “No, if he wanted to talk to us, let him do it on his own; for now, let's just enjoy lunch and we will keep an eye out for him.” Artemis grabbed his food and started eating, ending the conversation there. Zero followed his example, and the two talked about their day.

Shuffle finally slowed his pace by having to make his quick escape from the Cafeteria, his heart beating from the sudden exercise. “Why, why was I born like this?” He groaned as he slid down a wall.

A few minutes passed as he sat there, just... sitting. This day was going fine, up until that boy. It's always halfway through the day something happens. Shuffle took a few more minutes to collect himself before he was surprised by the bell ringing directly over him. Shuffle got up and slowly collected himself from his little moment.

“Well, halfway through the day and no one noticed my eye, now that someone HAS seen it, it won't be long until the rumors start... what else is going to happen?” he said a little too loudly, drawing a few looks from the students walking by. He cleared his throat, apologized and headed to his next class.

Another two lifeless classes pass by, with more stares from the students; the small commotion that Shuffle caused after lunch had earned him more looks. Shuffle made sure the glances were circumvented from his face as he quickly made his way to his final class for the day, Gym.

The gym was easy to find since it was near the east side of the school. Shuffle entered it and sat at the bottom of the bleachers, waiting for the teacher to show up; Shuffle noticed that a lot of the teachers are the last to show up to each of his classes, but it must be a first-day thing so it should continue. As he finished his thought a man came booming out of the gym office.

The dude was HUGE; his entire chest was muscled in such a way that it was disproportionate to his legs, which looked like they haven't grown since his teens, and that was a long time ago, considering he was already getting gray hair, but he didn't have a wrinkle on his face.

“Alright Ladies, Welcome to your senior year Gym class, for all you maggots who don't know who I am, I am Iron Will, your gym teacher. If any of you think you're in the gym to have an easy time… YOU ARE WRONG!” Iron Will slammed his clipboard on his knee menacingly.

“Now today, since it's the first day, you all will be running five laps around the court and I will be tuning each and every one of you. NOW, LINE UP!” Iron Will blew a whistle, which let out a shrill screech as the entire class lined up on the far right side of the court. He whistles again after a few seconds, and most of the class shoot off, only a few lagged behind jogging, whilst Shuffle just walked. Iron Will did not like this.

“COME ON CARD BOY, PICK UP THE PACE!” Shuffle gave the gym teacher a tired look and continued walking to slowly finish his first lap, while others had been on their third or fourth. Shuffle noticed two girls racing around the court, one blonde and the other oddly enough had rainbow hair, both were already sweaty from their impromptu race.

He continued his stroll, much to the chagrin of Iron Will. Some students groaned in annoyance as the teen finally finished, while the others sighed in relief that their wait was over. Shuffle went and sat down away from the class, waiting for Iron Will to announce the next activity. Will pinched the bridge of his nose, “Okay keep calm, remember your blood pressure.” he said to himself.

Iron Will had grabbed a bag of balls from the office. “Dash, today will be dodgeball; you and Applejack will be captains,” He sat down at a desk, watching his class as the blonde and rainbow-haired girls got up from their seats and stood parallel from each other.

“A’ight applejack, how shall we decide who gets to pick first?” the girl now named Applejack put her hand to her chin before responding.

“How’s about the usual?” she said. The rainbow-haired girl was absolutely beaming as the two drew their hands together.

“1….2….3!” they both said, throwing their fists forward; they were playing rock-paper-scissors. The rainbow-haired girl won and threw her arms up in joy. She took a second to look around the group and pointed at another girl.

“Pinkie, you’re on my side.” She said.

A pink haired girl skipped beside the new captain and the two gave each other a high five.

Applejack took a moment to look around the class before pointing out another random student. “Aria, you're with me.” The girl got up and stood next to Applejack, giving her a fist bump.

This process continued on until it was down to the last three students; Shuffle, and two others. Shuffle turned and walked towards the bleachers and sat down.

“Don't worry about me, just split those two. It’ll be fine, play without me.” Dash and Applejack had decided between the two final students.

“That's odd, I thought Sun…” Dash began to say as the door opens and another student walked in, one that Shuffle recognized on the spot; no matter how far away he was, he would recognize her almost instantly.

Sunset Shimmer had entered the gym, and Shuffle’s day just got even worse.
> The First Day Part. 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle sat on the sidelines of the class. Part of him wanted to get up and confront Sunset Shimmer, but the other wanted to vomit; this wasn't supposed to happen. Moving from Vanhoover was supposed to be a fresh start away from her.

“Why did she follow?” Shuffle’s mind raced across any and all possibilities he could think of.

“Yo, Sunset, since that kid over there is sitting out, we really can't have you play since the teams won't be fair,” Dash said but was cut off; before Sunset could respond, Shuffle suddenly got up and called out.

“If it's an unfair team size I'll have to play.” Shuffle said a little too quickly. Dash said nothing as Sunset went to Rainbow’s team and Shuffle to Applejack’s.

Iron Will stood in the middle of the two teams that had taken opposite sides of the court, both poised for the game to begin.

“Now, I want a nice clean game…” Iron Will took a minute to look at every student, “From all of you. We shall be playing with line rules; when I say so, the entire court will open up and there will be no safety for either team!” Iron Will moved to the side and blew his whistle.

The game began instantly as both teams charged the line, grabbing or knocking balls back to their teammates. Shuffle lagged behind watching the opposing team, who had begun their bombardment of balls, which only caused a few from his team to be eliminated. Dash teamed up with the pink girl and the two were a wrecking crew when it came to eliminations, Dash’s raw strength along with the pink girl’s unpredictably wasn't helping his team.

“Oof, nice throw Fluttershy,” Dash said as the pink-haired girl had eliminated a short boy who wasn't paying attention to the game.

On Shuffle’s team, it was Shuffle, Snails, whom Shuffle had recognized from weeks prior, and Trixie, oddly enough. On the opposing were two gruff looking boys, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Sunset. Shuffle moved behind snails and quickly leans into his ear. “I know you don't like me right now, but trust me when I say this, head right and I'll draw the balls from the other team and try to shave a few members off.”

The game

Snails looked at the older teen in confusion; it was weird having someone actually ask him for help, but he nodded wordlessly as the two executed their plan. Shuffle moved in a pattern matching Snails on the opposite side, as the lanky boy flailed idiotically, drawing the attention of Applejack and one of the gruff boys, whom Shuffle knocked out easily.

Trixie was unlucky; she took a ball to the chest, thrown by one of the other boys. Trixie wasn't happy, as she shouted towards the offending boy, who let out a condescending laugh.

“Not so Great and Powerful, you can't dodge a ball! Oh, but I think you like taking some balls too, don't you?” the boy said, the lewd comment eliciting blushes from most of the class, Shuffle and Snails; both had backed up, being the only ones left on their team. Snails were torn from his distraction as the two regrouped at the back of the court. The last boy was slowly making his way to the line as if goading the pair into trying something.

“Any plans boss?” Snails asked. Shuffle took a second to notice he was called boss, thinking nothing of it after. That moment, he made an idea, and retorted, “Just one…”

Snails peered at the teen. “What is it?”

“A hail mary…” Shuffle said as he burst forward, grabbing a ball nearby and rocketing it towards one of his opponents; luckily, it hit Sunset’s hip. She groaned in annoyance and walked off the court. Shuffle was proud of that shot, if not for the piece of revenge against Sunset, which only left Fluttershy and the two boys, and a single ball for them to defend themselves with, which was picked up by the lanky teen.

Shuffle and Snails backed up to the wall again, waiting for the two boys to make a move; Fluttershy, on the other hand, had backed away from the confrontation, for all intents and purposes, it was a two-v-two battle. Shuffle pulled snails close, whispering in his ear.

“Ok, I got one more idea, if you’re willing to listen again.” Shuffle said tentatively. From a simple glance into Snails’ eyes, one could see a fire had been lit within. Snails nodded, “Go for it, as long as we get some payback for that comment for Trixie.”

Shuffle smiled, he could tell this boy had a crush on the magician; it was written all over his face. Shuffle nodded to the other teen as he whispered his plan in Snails’ ear.

After a few seconds, Iron Will blew his whistle again. “NO LINE!” As if on instinct alone, both boys charged forward, Shuffle in front and Snails trailing behind, then the others charged forwards as well, balls in hand, throwing them as hard as they could muster. Tense moments passed as Shuffle got in front of Snails and took the barrage of spheres, eliminating himself and knocking them away from Snails.

“NOW!” Shuffle said aloud, and before the boys could even react, Snails threw the ball. Miraculously, he and Shuffle got a double elimination! Rainbow let out an audible groan. “Oh great, there goes an almost guaranteed win, but Fluttershy is still left. Maybe she can pull through.”

Fluttershy, on the other hand, was on the verge of tears, being last was sometimes a blessing but other times a curse, this being one of the latter times. Snails called out to the timid girl.

“Hey ‘Shy, catch.” Snails said as he tossed the ball at her. Fluttershy reacted instinctually and caught the ball, ending the game.

Iron Will blew his whistle as Rainbow’s team rushed to congratulate the girl, whilst Shuffle returned to Snails’ side.

“That was really nice of you to throw the game for that girl, dude.” Shuffle said as he gave Snails a firm pat on the back. Snails blushed as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Well, I know Fluttershy, and hitting her, even with a ball, wouldn't be worth having Rainbow Dash trying to kill me for hurting her friend,” he replied as the two walked back to the boys’ changing room.


The class ended a few minutes later, everyone had joined their groups of friends and were actively talking as they were heading towards their cars or busses. Shuffle broke away from the small group of teens that formed near him as he watched Sunset Shimmer interact with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack.

After a few minutes, Shuffle went through the double doors. The further away from Sunset, the better, he thought.

Shuffle quickly made his way to his locker, removed the books from his bag, and made his way towards the Bus zone so he could leave.

At Home

Shuffle opened the door to his house. The silence was deafening, but welcome knowing his mother would be home later; this would give him a good few hours to vent.

“What the hell is going on? I know for a fact I left Sunset back in Vanhoover! In the few weeks, we've been here, there is no logical way she would be able to not only track me down but establish some kind of relationship with, seemingly, the most popular girls in CHS!”

Shuffle threw down his bag on the couch, frustrated. This move was supposed to be a new beginning; were the Powers that Be torturing him for something? Shuffle took a moment to ponder the thought.

“Last time I checked, beyond the fight with Terra, she had no plans to move; it would probably be a good idea if I checked to see if Sunset was still in Vanhoover.”

Pulling out his phone, Shuffle went onto his social page on Hoofbook, his eyes looming on the few people that were on his block list, and there sat Sunset Shimmer. Shuffle cringed for only a moment and pressed unblock.

With a quick scan of Sunset’s Hoofbook page, largely the recent posts, Shuffle could see that Sunset was still posting from his hometown. From pictures of the familiar locale, and the shot of her and Terra's lip-locking in front of his old town's old water tower, Shuffle was not only confused with what was going on, but the fact that seeing his old friend hurt him.

Shuffle took a minute to reflect on this new information, and after reblocking Sunset, he got off Hoofbook. He was about to retreat to his room for the night, but his mother came up from her lab in the basement, smoke billowing from the door.

“WHOO, NOTHING LIKE A SMALL CHEMICAL REACTION FAILURE TO WAKE YOU UP!” Tesla said as she coughed some pink colored smoke. She turned towards the kitchen, intent on heading to do something, but she caught her son mid-stride up to his room.

“SHUFFLE BABY, HOW WAS YOUR FIRST DAY AT CHS!” she yelled.

Shuffle cringed from her yelling; if it was his guess, she probably temporarily deafened herself.

“Another failed project blow up in your face?” he asked as Tesla was shaking her head trying to get rid of the ringing in her ears.

“WHAT?!” “I THINK THE EXPLOSION MESSED UP MY EARS, I ASKED HOW WAS YOUR FIRST DAY!?” Shuffle facepalmed, groaning in annoyance, and after a moment he responded with yelling.

“IT WAS FINE BUT I GOT SOME WORK TO DO SO IM GOING TO GO TO MY ROOM,” He responded.

Tesla laughed out, “Jeez Shuffle, you don’t gotta yell. First day and homework already? What, did you get HarshWhinny as one of your teachers?” Tesla gave him a pat on the back.

“I’m about to get some food on, I’ll call you when it's done, ‘kay bud?” Shuffle nodded, went up the stair and collapsed on his bed, confused by everything that happened today, from Sunset showing up, to that one boy, Snails, the boy heckler from Gym; Shuffle remembered from weeks back how scared he and his friend looked when they were at his door, but later the fact he was willing to cooperate with him when those Diamond Dog boys were picking on Trixie. Shuffle chuckled as the memory came back to him, especially at the dumbfounded faces they wore as the two were eliminated from the game.

“Today could have been worse, but knowing a duplicate of Sunset lives here defies logic,” he mused as he sat down on his bed. “Is there some cosmic being above trying to torture me with this devil of a woman?” Shuffle sighed as he turned over and laid back in his bed.

“Well, if this is what fate has planned, fine. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to watch her; I KNOW there's something wrong, and I WILL get to the bottom of this, “Double Sunset” mystery!”

Shuffle relaxed into his bed. Tomorrow would be a new day, and the start of something life-changing for the teen; whether it’s good or bad, only the Wheel of fate will tell…
> An Unfamiliar Stand off
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’m going to talk to him.”

“Dude, you're out of your mind; look at his posture, he wants to be left alone.”

“Clyde you really need to spend time away from Rarity, she’s rubbing off on you, and not in a sexual way this time.”

“But he keeps glancing over at Sunset…”

“Soul, your girlfriend is kinda hot, it wouldn't surprise me if more guys stare at- OW!”

A week had passed since school started, and Shuffle had already put his plan into action; shadowing Sunset Shimmer wasn't hard since she really didn't hide from anybody, plus even in this diverse crowd of people, anyone could see her flame-like hair. What shuffle hasn't noticed, however, was another set of boys had been watching him.

Soul grumbled in annoyance as his arm recoiled, giving his friend Night Chase a punch to the arm.

“If I'm not going to go talk to him, then who will? Seriously, there are all these tables he could sit at, and he's sitting alone. Isn't it the Canterlot High way to welcome students with open arms?”

Clyde pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Soul, look, if it helps, why don't I go over and talk to him? From what Artemis said, he shut you down so hard it's hilarious.”

Soul nodded.

Clyde groaned again, got up and went to go talk to Shuffle.

Shuffle turned back to his lunch, whilst trying to focus on what Sunset had been saying; reading lips had come naturally to him since most of the time he would have his music drown out the voices of most people.

“Hey, this seat is taken?”

Shuffle didn't acknowledge the boy as his hand laid on the left side of his face. Clyde tapped Shuffle on the shoulder.

“Mind if I sit with you?”

“Free country,” Shuffle replied, not worrying about what the boy did. Clyde nodded and sat down in front of Shuffle.

“Haven't seen you around Canterlot before, you just move into town?”

“Yes.” Shuffle said absentmindedly.

“Got a name?”

“Yes,” Shuffle replied distantly.

The two sat in silence for a minute.

“Well. What is it?”

“No”

“No?”

“Yeah,”

Clyde was taken aback by the boy's response. Taking a breath, he began to speak again.

“Well, if it helps break the ice, my name is Clyde.”

Shuffle raised his head removing his hand revealing his full face, the left half has a red mark on it and his left eye was bloodshot, but Clyde noticed that this boy had two different colors; he gave a small, quiet gasp, but not enough that Shuffle didn't notice.

“Yes, yes, take it in. I have Heterochromia Iridium.” Shuffle’s reply was tart, but his focus still remained elsewhere.

Clyde took a moment to compose himself. If Rarity had taught him anything, this would be like dealing with a disgruntled customer, which he had already felt plenty, thanks to his girlfriend.

“I don't mean to stare, it just surprised me; besides, it's not like something as small as iris color would dissuade me from talking to someone.”

Shuffle was surprised, that Clyde was able to, not only respond, but apologize and actively continue the conversation.

“Whatever man. Just because you’re sitting here, doesn't mean I want to talk.”

“Dude I'm actually trying to be friendly here, what's your problem?”

“I'm not here to make friends at the moment, sorry.”

Clyde was hurt by his response, but it was true. He sighed again and stood up.

“Well then, sorry for bothering you,” and with that, Clyde left the table.

“So how’d it good?” Night asked.

“It didn't go bad, per se, but that kid didn't like talking. Hell, I didn't even get his name.”

“His name is Shuffle Suite, I talked to him at SugarCube Corner, remember?”

Clyde spoke up after Soul finished.

“Yeah, but he doesn't know that I know his name, and trying to get it out of him was my goal. I wonder why he told you…”

“Probably because Dragon is an idiot and forgot to fix it…” the small group of boys looked at the one who had finished talking.

“What? It's probably true, maybe… it's hard to tell.”

“Treble, are you sure you’re okay? You haven't been the same since we found you outside the school tied up to the flagpole.”

Treble crossed his arms in annoyance, staying silent. The other boys shrugged as the bell to signal lunch period was over, everyone dispersing to class.


The rest of the day was a blur in Shuffle’s mind. Anything the teachers had said was quickly forgotten or not even heard; in his mind, Sunset Shimmer was priority number one, and focusing on school wasn't helping his cause.

Shuffle raised his hand when there was a lull in his current teacher's lecture.

“May I please be excused? I am not feeling well.” the man waved his hand dismissively and shuffle left the room quickly with his bag.

Shuffle quickly made his way to the bathroom to sit and wait for the classes to end. Next was Gym, and there he could study his target more. After a long wait, the bell rang, and Shuffle was prepared to swiftly make his way to the gym, but something was amiss. As he was about to remove himself from his hiding spot, two female voices decided to come into the bathroom. Shuffle held his breath, noticing something very wrong: there were no urinals. He had accidentally entered the woman's bathroom.

“I'm telling you Sunset, there was something wrong with what Clyde was telling me about that boy, he was staying directly AT you, darling.”

“It's not that I don't believe you Rarity, but getting looks like that isn't something new to me if you don't remember from before the sirens, after the fall formal,” Sunset sighed dejectedly; the memories from the last fall formal still felt painful to remember.

Shuffle took a minute to register the new information. Sunset did something at the fall formal, which upon a sweep of his memory, told him that that was a dance coming up in September.

“What's done is done Sunset, you might have stumbled before we all became friends, but you have gotten better. What was it you said, my past is not today?” Sunset nodded.

“Then take your own advice, don't let your mistakes hold you down, and rise up higher, like the majestic phoenix you are!” Rarity exclaimed, throwing her hands up, trying to encourage her friend.

Sunset laughed as the two embraced.

“Thanks, Rarity, I needed that more than you know. Besides, the boy is in my next class, maybe I can try to talk to him. I'll talk to you later, okay?”

Rarity gave her friend another hug as she turned around to leave. Rarity had moved into one of the stalls. Shuffle quickly made sure to check before quickly exiting the bathroom

Shuffle quickly made his way towards the kitchen, his mind a mess of questions.

What did Sunset do at the fall formal?

What was she going to say to him during gym?

How do Rarity and Clyde fit into this?

Why the hell was he in the woman's bathroom?

Shuffle quickly made his way to the gym. If Sunset was going to approach him, he would be ready.

Too bad this wasn't going to happen, because upon getting near the gym just moments before the bell, the class was met outside of the gym by a female instead of Coach Will like normal. She was wearing a white pair of sweatpants that hugged her lithe figure, her shirt jacket combo had a look or royalty and was a deep blue color, offset by her white pants, but the most standout feature on her was her snow hair, which also had frosted tips on the edges.

“Good afternoon class, my name is Captain Edel Frost. Your teacher Iron Will is an old friend of mine and asked me to come here today to help train you guys in a special class today. Now, if you will go get changed, we shall begin immediately.”

The class separated by gender to go change for this new workout, and as everyone returned the bleachers were collapsed, and there was a massive ring made in the center of the basketball court. Shuffle recognized the arena, and if what he was seeing from Edel’s posture, this was going to be incredibly interesting.

Edel leaned against a tarp covering an unknown object hidden beneath.

“How many of you have ever participated in melee combat?” No one said a word.

“Yeah, I had expected that, so today we shall be utilizing a Japanese style of combat called Kendo.” upon finishing, she removed the tarp, revealing wooden swords and practice gear.

The class “ooh-ed” in curiosity as Edel donned a set of gloves and grabbed one of the bamboo swords.

“If everyone would grab a set of gloves and a sword of their own, we can begin with some warm-up exercises.”

The entire class rushed the teacher, each getting what they need to participate. Shuffle noticed that Sunset was one of the first to grab the gear, which, even though he was watching her, she had this almost giddy look on her face.

Edel spread everyone out in equal squares, making sure no one was going to be injured whilst she was teaching.

“Okay, the first thing I'm going to teach you is proper posture with this particular weapon. Everyone follow me, grasp the near bottom of the handle and the other hand just below the guard, and put your feet shoulder length apart, your secondary behind your primary, just a few inches will do.” The class followed her instruction, a few having to look at others for reference to how their hands had to be.

“Now, we shall start with some basic chops through the target zones.” Edel pulled up a diagram showing the human body dissected in points. “Point one is the head, point two is the neck, three and four are the left and right arm respectively and point five and six are the legs. Now, first is the honor sash, between points three and five and four and six.”

The entire class followed Edels’ instruction. They were quiet as they drilled the basics strikes, thrusts, guards, and parries. Notably, the two whom had the least resistance with this practice were Shuffle and Sunset. After everyone was comfortable with maneuvering, and Edel had made sure that everyone was doing the strikes properly, she guided the class over to the massive ring opposite the gym. Hopping in, she grabbed a mask in her hand and turned to the class as they gathered around the ring mat.

“Now that you've gotten a start of how Kendo works, we are going to have a small exhibition; I need a volunteer to help me as I explain the basics of dueling,” Multiple hands shot up almost as soon as Edel finished her sentence. Taking a moment to look through the class, she eyed each of them before she made her decision.

“Flame hair girl and Blue hair boy with teal highlights, step into the ring please.”

Sunset was ecstatic.

Shuffle was eager but nervous.

Both entered, and Edel gave both of them a mask and some lightweight armor.

“Each participant has to wear this gear, and the objective of this exercise is to land three strikes on their opponent to win.” After the two suited up, Edel stood between them.

“From what I saw just by the basic drills, both of you will do just fine, now bow to your opponent.”

Both bowed simultaneously. Edel moved out of the ring, raising her own sword, a few tense silent moments lingered as Edel slashed her sword down onto the mat, surprising the class, shouting,

“BEGIN!”

The two teens watched each other, slowly circling the mat, waiting for the other to make a move.

Sunset started with a low slash to the legs, trying to score the first point, but Shuffle parried, following with a diagonal slash between Sunset’s arm and leg. She quickly retreated, her hands moving how one would hold a fencing rapier. Shuffle nodded in understanding; the basics weren't going to work on Sunset, so he would have to step it up. One of his hands released his sword as he gave a “Come at me” motion and flourished the blade with the skill that he had been building for years now.

Shuffle was the next to attack as he started with a thrust to Sunset’s chest, though she anticipated this and parried the blow, but was caught off guard as Shuffle sidestepped and quickly reversed the momentum of his weapon, striking Sunset in the stomach, gaining a point.

The two combatants moved away without breaking eye contact, both unwilling to back down from the impromptu challenge.

“Come on Sunset, you can do it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

More and more cheers were given to Sunset. Feeling confident from the cheering, she advanced on Shuffle, swinging her Kendo stick in a sash pattern, but as Shuffle turned to intercept the attack, Sunset performed a feint and thrust forward, catching Shuffle in the chest.

An explosion of cheers erupted for the small victory. Shuffle groaned, annoyed that Sunset was getting praise when he did the exact same thing not moments before.

All went quiet as the two reset their stances. Both glared at each other, and nothing could be heard outside the ring as the two advanced whilst rotating each other. Unbeknownst to them, the teens outside were recording the entire match.

Shuffle swung first, a slash from the left.

Sunset blocks it, countering with a thrust.

Shuffle sidesteps it and brings his sword down, aiming for Sunsets head.

Sunset, running on pure instinct, stepped backward, the strike missing and hitting the mat HARD, the thud resounding for only a few moments as Shuffle pushed forward, bringing his sword back up to catch Sunset, who amazingly rolled out of the way, and quickly returned to her combat stance.

“Impressive…” Shuffle said as he gave his opponent time to regain her composure. A few tense seconds pass again, and the two push each other once more. This would be their final clash.

What followed was ten straight seconds of a rapid series of slashes and parries between the two; the entire class held their breath as Sunset finally pushed through Shuffle’s wall of blocks, a strike coming directly for his midsection, when suddenly Shuffle dropped off his feet, getting a strike to Sunset’s leg, whilst Sunset got a strike on Shuffles leg as well, ending the match.

The entire class was stunned into silence. Sunset was the captain of the Canterlot High Fencing Team, so her tying with this random kid was something no one expected.

Sunset winced in pain; Kendo was fun, but she would definitely stick with fencing. Shuffle rubbed his leg, surprised he tied with Sunset, but oddly humbled from it. But this raised another question: the Sunset from Vanhoover wasn't one for something like Kendo.

Shuffle finally realized something after this match. He needed to talk to her, immediately.

The class moved on, congratulating the two on an amazing match, and continued watching the class perform matches, some lasting only a few minutes, and others only lasting moments.

Edel signaled the end of class, all of which separated back to change into their clothes. Shuffle was the first out of the gym, waiting aside for the flame-haired girl.

Not even a few minutes later, she came back out of the gym, all alone.

Shuffle approached Sunset as she reached her locker. “Now or never Shuffle, time for the truth,” he said softly to himself.

“Hey Sunset!” he said quickly getting her attention.

“Yes, um, do I know you?” She asked.

“What was that in Gym?” Shuffle questioned.

Sunset stood confused, “I'm sorry? I was just doing what I had always practiced, I've been fencing since I was young. I'll admit, you had me on a run for my money, though…”

Now it was Shuffle that was confused. “No, you haven't, I've known you since you were eight, you have never touched a weapon in your life, it was ‘Uncouth’ and ‘Idiotic’,” Shuffle said.

“Why did you follow me from Vanhoover, Shimmer?” Shuffle asked.

“Vanhoover? Kid, I don't even know your name! I've lived in this town ever since I moved here!” Now Sunset was getting annoyed. Who was this kid?

“Don't lie! Does the name ‘Terra Quake’ mean anything to you?” Sunset’s eyes visibly bulged out; that was one of the colts she manipulated back in Equestria.

“How do you know that name?!” she asked, visibly worried. She noticed that something was off about this boy; not only did she notice his iris were two different colors, but behind them, she could physically see something she hasn't seen in a long time: anger, pure unadulterated anger.

“That was one of my best friends a few months ago, but thanks to your little manipulative ass fucking seducing me into betraying his trust was a grave mistake I will never live down, and something I will not allow to happen again. I don't know how you got all of these followers so quickly, but know this, no matter where you go, no matter who you manipulate, I will find a way to show all of these people here just what you truly are, nothing but a monster, and the name’s Shuffle Suite; you would be wise to remember it.”

Shuffle pointed at himself and then her and stormed off.

Sunset, on the other hand, slid down the locker in tears, the painful memories of the domination of her old school in Equestria playing in her mind, but there was something that confused her as well. The incident with Terra happened years ago, but she had never met a Shuffle Suite. At least, not that she could remember. All she knew was that she needed to find her friends and her boyfriend; Soul could help her figure this out.

Shuffle felt so good, finally confronting Sunset was euphoric, if not therapeutic, months of ire let out in a single burst.

Shuffle quickly returned home after the confrontation, feeling energized from what happened. His mother was nowhere to be seen, so he decided to retire to his room and get to work on another plan. By late evening, Shuffle finished his objective, just in case Sunset chose to retaliate against him.

“Ball’s in your court Shimmer, let's see what you'll do,” Shuffle laid back in bed, assuming that Sunset wouldn't have anyone she would be willing to confide in.

Sunset’s Apartment

Sunset sat on her couch, surrounded by her six best friends (and boyfriend), all-enveloping her in a group hug. It had been a few hours since Sunset and Shuffle had their “talk”, clearly shaken up from it, each one of her friends and Soul was trying to piece together this new possible villain.

“So, basically, you think this Shuffle boy has you confused with another Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, but how can that be possible? I'm the only Sunset Shimmer in this world.”

“That's the thing, Sunset,” Applejack interjected, “Remember during the Friendship games when we thought this Twilight was the princess from Equestria? It wouldn't be too hard to think that there would be another you somewhere in this world.”

Applejack’s thought process was true after all since Twilight had just been a stone's throw away from where Princess Twilight had come to stop Sunset from taking over CHS.

“If I may, Applejack darling, this boy just sounds like another brute that just wants to dredge up an old wound. From what Clyde told me earlier, Shuffle was very… ‘coarse’, for lack of a better term. Maybe if you choose to ignore him, the problem will go away; it's not like he can do anything to you at school, and he doesn’t know where you live.”

“Rarity, you're so full of it. I say we beat the answers outta the chump!” Rainbow Dash countered.

“Silly Dashie, don't you all see what's going on?” Pinkie started.

“All this boils down to is Shuffle having some unresolved issues with his old friends, and he just needs some closure.” The entire group stated at Pinkie.

“And how did you come up with that theory?” Sunset asked.

“Well, I may have read the synopsis of Shuffle’s story, and this was the outcome there, so logically, I’m pushing the plot towards the conclusion that the writer above is trying to get to.” Pinkie put her hands behind her back, smiling widely.

“I don't think that's what's going to happen Pinkie,” Fluttershy spoke up, the first time for the night.

“Whatever the case is, this is an issue that cannot be ignored, so at least until this blows over I would much rather not have it escalate,” Sunset said.

Soul had been quiet the entire conversation, the pieces finally coming together in his mind.

The unwillingness to talk to anyone, how he mostly ignored both himself and Clyde and the loner attitude, someone had hurt him to the point that he was bound to freeze out anyone who tried to form some kind of relationship with him.

Sunset turned to her boyfriend who looked lost in thought.

“Soul, you okay babe?” Sunset asked.

Soul shook his head. “No, this whole situation is so new to all of us… usually, anyone that comes to CHS is so willing to make friends. The only other that was like this was Warhawk. It's disheartening, ya know?”

Sunset snuggled into Souls’ side.

“I know how you feel, this isn't much different than when The Dazzlings first appeared, but hopefully this time we won't have to deal with it as we go. C'mon girls, let's turn in tonight, we can figure this all out tomorrow.” everyone nodded and dispersed, the entire group decided that staying with Sunset would be the best thing to do tonight, and everyone had a change of clothes for the next day, courtesy of Rarity.

A few hours had passed since the entire gang turned in for the night, in Sunset Shimmer’s bed lay herself and her boyfriend, who was out cold. Sunset, on the other hand, wasn't finding peace in the embrace of sleep. Carefully, she got out of her bed, retrieving the new journal that Princess Twilight made for her.

“Maybe Twilight can help…” she said silently, before rejecting the thought. After all, she WAS a princess in Equestria; she probably had enough on her plate to handle. Sunset sat her desk looking at the blank page.

“One note, just advice, there's no reason to pull her away from her duties.” picking up a pencil, Sunset began to write.

Dear Prince Cel
Dear Princess Twilight

Dear Twilight

Firstly I would like to apologize for writing so late, but I'm having a minor crisis that won't leave my mind. There is this boy named Shuffle Suite, and today I was verbally attacked by him. The thing was, he claimed I had done some really messed up things to him; this isn't what has me worried, but if there really is another Sunset out there doing all of these hurtful things to pony people, how should I go about trying to fix what another me had done? Any information you give is greatly appreciated. Once again, sorry for the late night message.

Your friend,

Sunset Shimmer

P.S. If you can, there is a stallion named Terra Quake that I did some really nasty things to, if you could please pass along an apology for me, it would mean the world.

Sunset sighed as she closed the book. It gave her peace of mind that if something were to happen, at least Princess Twilight could help, if need be…


Meanwhile

While all of this was going on, Soul had rolled over, grabbing his phone after Sunset left. Soul sent out a giant group text to every one of his friends.

Tomorrow, EVERYONE, meet me at the usual table, no exceptions. We need to discuss this Shuffle Suite situation.


With that, he put his phone back down, rested his head back down on the pillow and fell back asleep.
> Magic, Information, And A Confrontation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHS Cafeteria

Early morning usually bothered Soul Writer and his friends. Today, on the other hand, was a rare occasion. Everyone in Soul’s group had gathered, some in confusion, others in silent knowing; today had drawn the attention of Rivet, Clyde, Swift, Zero, Treble, and Artemis.

The group sat together at the table, waiting for Soul to speak since he called the meeting.

“Thanks for coming guys, I know none of you like being up early but this couldn't wait till lunch,” Soul said.

“Yesterday, if any of your respective girlfriends haven’t said anything, or you don't know, Sunset has a new bully on her…”

Artemis was the first to speak.

“Soul, there isn't anyone left in CHS that bullies anybody, even Trixie has been more placated than normal since the end of last year. Why would someone surface now?”

Rivet was next.

“Besides that Soul, who would be so bold as to try and bully Sunset Shimmer? She's not exactly an easy target, plus her friend is always around her 24/7. When would this have happened?”

“It happened after gym, that new boy Shuffle Suite did it.”

Clyde tapped on the table, calling the group to his attention.

“Soul, I do appreciate the concern for Sunset, but why would Shuffle personally attack her?”

Soul sat down, pulling out a single sheet of paper. On it was a ven diagram, one side had Sunset’s name in it and the other Shuffle’s; the intersecting part had “Problem?” written in it.

Next to speak up was Swift.

“Okay, just to hazard a guess, there could have been some bad blood between the two.”

Soul nodded silently placing his finger in the intersecting part of the circle.

“Yes, but the issue isn't the problem. Shuffle made that very clear in the warning he gave her yesterday; the issue is that this happened a few months ago, and if all of you notice, that couldn't have happened since the girls were away on a band road trip, remember? Plus Shuffle said this happened in Vanhoover, which was the opposite direction they went.”

Each boy sat in Silence, letting the new information sink in; this made no sense to any of them, but it didn't make it any less serious.

After a few minutes, Zero spoke up.

“Instead of talking about what's wrong, why don't we focus on fixing it? I don't know about you guys, but along with the events of Camp Everfree and all of the magic actively floating around, none of us want more drama, do you?” Zero turned to Soul, waiting for a response to his blunt question, but instead, Treble was the one to speak up next.

“Why don't we just smash his kneecaps and make him apologize for this obvious mistake, besides I need some payback from the flagpole Incident.” Treble pulled the chair from under the table, ready for combat.

Soul cringed, shaking his head quickly. “No, violence shouldn't be our first resort; we aren't barbarians.”

Treble put the chair down. “Maybe not you….” he grumbled.

“What I think we should do is try and defuse the tension between them, let Shuffle get out all of his feelings.”

“But what if he doesn't want to talk to Sunset, Clyde? There is a very real chance that if he was alone with her, he would have done some kind of damage.” Rivet retorted quickly. Soul held the bridge of his nose, unable to say a single word as the group divulged into ideas, helpful or harmful alike.

“GUYS!” Soul shouted, finally annoyed at being ignored.

“What we should do is very simple; that is, keep trying to reach Shuffle. Maybe someone will get him to open up to them.”

Each teen sat there thinking… violence shouldn't be the way unless it's absolutely necessary. After a few seconds, Zero realized something.

“I do remember that there have been times where he was conversing with Trixie during the beginning of the year, maybe he’s said something to her?”

Treble laughed out. “Come on, this is Trixie Lulamoon we are talking about guys. What are the chances he would open up to her? She barely does it to Sunset, even after they became friends.”

Soul gasped, an idea forming in his head. “Exactly, Treble! And thanks to that remark, I have a plan! I'll see y'all at lunch, I have someone to find, later!” with that, Soul quickly got up and left the table.

“Well, since he wants to try diplomacy, who else wants to have chairs at the ready if this all goes to hell?” Treble said, a stack of chairs at the ready for the group.

Soul jogged through the school, intent on finding on a certain sapphire mage.

“You better believe I got tricks up my sleeve,
And I captivate, 'cause I'm powerful and great-ea-eat”

Trixie sang out as she bent over, getting her morning snack out of the vending machine. Soul approached her from the side as Trixie turned accidentally, bumping into him.

“I apologize Soul Writer, Trixie was lost in her own world this morning,” she said as she tore open the container to her peanut butter crackers.

Soul shook his head as Trixie took a bite of her first cracker, not forgetting why he sought out Trixie.

“No, it was my fault, I should have made sure you knew I was here, but that's beside the point. Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

Trixie nodded. “Trixie was just heading to the library, but for the boyfriend of Sunset Shimmer, Trixie is willing to accommodate a few moments of her time, but if you would be quick, someone is waiting for Trixie.”

Soul took a moment to gather his thoughts.

“Do you know anything about a boy name Shuffle Suite? Zero said you converse with him regularly.”

Trixie let out a haughty laugh.

“Well, lucky for you, Trixie has built a small rapport with this particular individual, but information like that doesn't come around easily… if you were to convince me of sharing it, I would gladly do so.”

Soul rubbed the back of his jeans; his wallet was going to feel this one. But, as he reached to pull out his wallet, Trixie burst out laughing.

“You… actually believed I wanted money?!” Trixie exclaimed, holding her sides, trying incredibly hard not to fall over. Soul groaned in annoyance; this wasn't getting him anywhere.

“Trixie, please, this is incredibly important and I'm not in the mood for jokes right now.”

As Trixie recovered from her little joke, she put her arm around the teen.

“Soul Writer, the happy-go-lucky boy of CHS is in a dour mood, which is a rarity if I've ever seen it, but yes, Shuffle is my lab partner in Chemistry. He doesn't talk much but he's incredibly intelligent, and resourceful too.” Soul listened patiently as Trixie continued speaking.

“But beyond what he chooses to tell me, I don't know much.”

“Any info you have is fine Trixie, it's just… there is something going on between him and Sunset, and I'm worried that if we don't get to the bottom of it, he might try something.”

“Well if it helps, maybe Trixie can ask him since she is about to meet him in the library today?”

Soul cringed. If it was anyone else, that would be a great idea, but a case like this, discretion should be kept.

“It's fine Trixie, you have a good morning. Later” Soul said, leaving back to the cafeteria.

“Odd boy, but I can see why Sunset fell for him,” Trixie commented to herself, turning the corner and heading for the library.

Shuffle had been sitting in the back of the library, his chemistry textbook open, a bunch of notes scattered around the table, along with a decently thick work packet; he was slowly working each equation, making sure nothing was wrong with each one, lest his mother force him through one of her lectures on quadruple checking your work when messing with incredibly volatile chemicals.

Trixie entered a few moments later, quickly finding the boy, his head down in his work. Unbeknownst to either of them, Shuffle had been singing, it was low enough no one could actually hear it around him, but Trixie could hear it plain as day once she was closer, and what really caught her off guard was how well he could do it.


“Everglow,
You'll never know
The beauty I see when you open your shadows
Everglow,
They'll never know
The worlds that I see in the darkness you don't show.”

Just from hearing along, Trixie couldn't tell if it was either natural skill or he had been taught.

“Still not as good as Trixie,” she said quietly, listening to him for just a few more minutes before clearing her throat, which actually got Shuffle’s attention.

“There you are, I could have sworn you were going to skip out on work again,” he said bluntly.

“Trixie didn't mean to last time, Shuffle. She had something more important to do than lousy school work.”

Shuffle shook his head. “Whatever, just grab your packet. I'll let you copy my work to catch up, I don't plan on failing this early in the year.”

Trixie chuckled as she pulled out her own packet of paper and began copying it.

“You, fail? Ever since Mr. Hertz gave out any assignment, Trixie has watched you turn it back in either the next day or by the end of class, if she could hazard a guess. Your grade must rival that of Twilight Sparkle’s, if not surpassing it.”

Shuffle nodded at the compliment, retiring his gaze back to his papers. Trixie followed behind, copying Shuffle’s answers.

A few minutes pass, as nothing could be heard but the scratching of pens on paper and the occasional question between the two. Once Trixie finished up the next question, she finally chose to ask about something that was picking at her mind.

“There have been some rumors about you and Sunset Shimmer, care to tell your great and powerful partner about it?”

Shuffle tensed up, his writing comes to a screeching halt; this wasn't something he wanted to talk to anybody about, and besides, who would care what happened between two nobodies, right?

“No, whatever you heard was wrong, nothing is going on,” he said hastily, not looking at Trixie.

“Is that so? Then why would her boyfriend come around asking Trixie questions about it? If it helps, Shuffle, I didn't say anything to him about anything, beyond that we were lab partners.”

Shuffle gave her an incredulous stare.

“If there is drama, why do you care? It doesn't affect you. This is a personal matter and something I should be getting back to.”

Shuffle moved to get up from his seat when Trixie grabbed his hand.

“Look, I've done some messed up things in my life… I’ve manipulated others, used some as slaves, and have been a grade-A bitch to others, but after talking to someone about it, it made me feel better, ya know? It might not balance out what Sunset did to you, but if it does help, Trixie lives right next door to you. It's not good to keep these emotions hidden forever.”

Shuffle was silent. Everyone and he did notice EVERYONE, said that they wanted to help. What is it about this school that draws them to help each other?

Mass hypnosis?

Some kind of drug in the food?

There has to be some logical reason. This isn't some sap story; people are greedy, manipulative, and will do just about anything to better their own goals.

“Why do all of you say that…?” Shuffle muttered a little too loudly.

“Do what?”

“This, the “we want to help you” act, it does get rather old after six other people say it.”

This time Trixie was the one to look confused until the perfect retort came to mind.

“Because Friendship is magic here. I assume you don't know about the “incidents” in the last two years, huh?”

“Incidents?”

“Yeah, the one where actual magic has been at CHS,” Trixie said, before the morning bell rang, shocking both of them. Neither had noticed that they had moved closer together.

Shuffle quickly grabbed his stuff, a blush forming on his face that, along with this new revelation about magic, was a change of pace for the teen.

“Meet me at lunch, I want to hear everything about these incidents, okay?”

Trixie nodded as she collected her stuff as well, heading to her class.

“Magic existing? It's impossible! I mean, next thing you're going to tell me there's an alternate dimension consisting of talking goats or something.” Shuffle said, weaving his way through the students congregating in the halls with practiced precision.

Shuffle entered his first class of the day. Chemistry, he felt, was going to be an easy task today, since the teacher was going to be out for the morning. Vice Principal Luna was going to sub for him, and since they were working on that packet, he had it basically done, so he could work on the questions he was going to ask Trixie at lunch.

Shuffle sat down at the back of the class like normal, already placing paper down on a desk, quickly scratching away every question that formed in his mind. Unfortunately, fate conspires against Shuffle today in two ways.

As the students came in, Shuffle heard a scraping of a stool next to him, when dread crossed his mind.

Trixie was in his chemistry class.

“We could have walked to class together, you know that right?”

Shuffle actually smiled, which surprised Trixie, but before he got the chance to remark with something witty, the bell rang.

Luna walked in as the late bell rang. Shuffle paid her no mind, keeping at his own work, as morning announcements came on, once again ignored by the teen, although he did hear something about a formal.

After announcements, Luna stood in front of the class.

“As you all know, Mr. Octavius was called away on an urgent family matter, so today, since I'm filling in, I asked my sister if we could have a guest today, and she agreed. So for today, please welcome, from Canterlot Chem., The head of the science team, Ms. Tesla Bolt!”

“Wait…. What?” Shuffle noticed the name, praying he was wrong. Well, in the wrong department, he was on point.

Tesla entered the room as students gave greetings to Ms. Bolt. Shuffle actually tried to lower himself so he wasn't seen.

As per custom by now, each student went around introducing himself/herself, and all went without incident. Before he could be noticed, Shuffle quickly ducked under the table, hiding, which was another error he made; he forgot about, as the introductions passed by him, the length of the table, which promptly caused him to smash his head on the ledge as he came back up. Yelping in pain, he resurfaced as Luna made her way to the table.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yes ma'am, just hit my head picking up my pen,” Shuffle responded, rubbing his head. Turning around, he didn't notice Tesla had made her way across the room, but when she got closer she recognized Shuffle almost instantly.

“Shuffle, I didn't know you were going to be here!” she enveloped him in a hug.

Some students stared in confusion.

“Oh I'm sorry, is this your girlfriend Shuffle? I didn't mean to interrupt you two, I just saw my boy and had to give him hugs, he's always so grumpy at home.”

Trixie stifled her laugh, thoroughly enjoying this little moment.

“Ms. Bolt, I know he's your son, but we must get started, plus if he gets any redder, he might actually pass for a tomato.”

And that's when the class laughed. It made sense for a mother to hug her son affectionately, and the fact that this bright bubbly woman was the mother of the silent boy in the back was ironic to the point it was almost comedic.

“You’re right. I'll be here all day Shuffle, so let's have lunch together, it's been so long since we’ve done that. Maybe if you would stop locking yourself in your room, that could be fixed.”

A few snickers could be heard, and a viable blush was on Shuffle’s face as he sat back down. The two women went back to the front of the classroom, as Shuffle put his head down. This was so embarrassing.

Chemistry went without any issues, Tesla’s lecture going off with very little if any problems and any that popped up Luna took care of quickly.

As the class wound down from the activity Tesla had them working on, the bell rang. Everyone got up and left the room. Shuffle tried to sneak out with the crowd, though this didn't work as Tesla pulled her son off to the side.

“Don't worry, I won't be the long sweetie, I just wanted to ask how you're doing with your little girlfriend?”

Shuffle sighed. “She's not my girlfriend mom, she's my lab partner, that's it.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, oh. I mean, ever since we moved to Canterlot, you haven't gone out to try and find friends, beyond the first weekend. It was good to see that you improved, but since it wasn't true, I won't hold you any longer, I'll see you at lunch, okay?” Shuffle nodded as the two embraced.

“Don't worry mom, I'm managing fine, just focus on your work and don't somehow blow up a potato clock,” he said jokingly, smiling as the two parted, Shuffle to his next class and Tesla back in her chair.

“You know, he doesn't really talk to anyone during lunch,” Luna spoke up.

Tesla turned to her old friend.

“Yeah, reminds me of you back in high school, eh Nightmare?” she joked, dredging up Lunas’ goth phase.

Luna laughed as she hugged her friend. “God I hate you so much.”

“Hate you too!” she says jokingly as more students filed in.

Lunch finally rolled around, a time Shuffle was looking forward to, two pages in his hand and a tray of food later he was sitting at his usual table waiting.

And he waited…

And he waited some more…

After about thirty minutes of waiting and eating, Trixie finally showed up.

“Jeez, I thought you forgot,” he said.

“No, Trixie didn't forget, I just had to dodge a few fans.”

“I thought you liked being praised?”

“Trixie does, but the two she had to hide from creeped her out, plus I think one of them stalks me here.”

“Do you know their names?”

“Snips and Snails, why?”

“Well Snips can't really do anything, and Snails, he's just a follower. Snails actually have a crush on you, so if I could guess, he's trying to win your attention.”

Trixie pondered, noticing how Snails tried just about everything in the cliché book of romance.

“Oh, well that's something one wouldn't expect…” she said, clearly worried about the whole situation.

Shuffle nodded, taking a drink from his can. “So while you sort out this whole mess with your number one fan, how about we talk about this magic you were going on about this morning?”

Trixie nodded and began her tale, starting back before Princess Twilight had shown up.

A good few minutes pass as Trixie rapidly recalled each event from the “Fall formal”, to “Gaia Everfree”, each story getting more outlandish than the last.

“Okay… so you’re saying that, basically, there is a parallel world that's accessible from the statue out front of the school, and it's composed of copies of the students and faculty from CHS, plus these random seven girls have harnessed this power multiple times to save the world from destruction or domination.”

“Yes, didn't Trixie just explain all of that?”

“Ok, a more cynical person would discount this as a load of crap, but I myself would like to see if you're not lying, obviously.

“Trixie has no reason to lie to you Shuffle,” she said defensively.

“Okay then, time for a practical test. If you aren’t lying, and all of this IS true, then I should just as easily walk over to them and ask to see their abilities, yes?”

Trixie nodded hesitantly.

“Well then, shall we?” he said, getting up and heading over to the table that had the seven “magical girls” at it

The humane seven were sitting at their usual table, enjoying each other's company, the only one who wasn't enthusiastic as normal was Sunset Shimmer, who was looking down at her journal, reading and rereading the return message from Princess Twilight.

Dear Sunset Shimmer,

Sorry it took so long to respond to your messages, running a school along with my duties as a princess of Equestria has been keeping me distracted, and with spike having just gone through his molt, he's been practicing using his wings with Rainbow Dash. But to answer your question, going about thinking another Sunset is out in that world isn't farfetched, considering you’re friends with my counterpart, but with the incident with this new boy, maybe the best thing to do is to actually sit and talk with him, maybe that could help, but if something goes wrong, let me know, I could come over and help. Also, I got in contact with Terra Quake, he works around Ponyville as a construction worker, and after I spoke with him, he wanted me to tell you that he had forgiven you for whatever it was you did. I think everyone at Princess Celestia’s school didn't hold any kind of grudges against you, so you’re safe on that end.

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle

She smiled, happy to know that her past mistakes in Equestria weren't much of a problem anymore, at least.

“Girls, I'll be right back, I need to go do something.”

Each of her friends gave her a nod and returned to talking.

Sunset quickly got up, determined to bring this situation to a peaceful end, but as she turned, bag in hand, she bumped into another and noticed it was the person she was about to look for, Shuffle Suite.

Both stood in silence, waiting for the other to begin for only a moment, but both decided at the same time to speak up simultaneously.

“We need to talk.”

Both nodded and left the Cafeteria.
> Curiosity, Shops, and Ex's
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset and Shuffle quickly made their way outside, Shuffle leading the way to the CHS statue.

Sunset turned, staring at Shuffle; she noticed that during these few tense seconds, her breath was hitched, and if her grip got any tighter, she could easily rip the book she had in hand quite easily.

“Okay, I want answers, starting with this parallel world, Equestrian.”

“It's called Equestria.”

“I don't care about the name, just if it's true.”

“Yes, Equestria exists, it's a world of multiple races of creatures, from Hydria to Unicorn. It exists somewhere.”

“And this world is inhabited by talking Ponies?”

Sunset Nodded.

“Show me.”

“Why? You've been nothing but nasty to me, and besides, if I opened the portal, something could happen and it could destroy reality.”

“Sunset Shimmer, as usual, even in Canterlot, you’re somewhat of an airhead. Space nor time works like that, and an open portal to another world isn't something that should be kept secret. Do you know what this could do to the world if we could communicate with borderline aliens?”

“First off, I'm going to ignore the airhead comment. Secondly, just because you want it, doesn't mean it's going to happen. Third, I've lived among you humans for two years now, and with the amount of violence that has happens in recent times, I’m not so willing to show Equestria off like some kind of science exhibit.”

Shuffle growled, annoyed that he wasn't seeing the proof he wanted.

“Fine. What about the magic at the Fall Formal, or the battle of the band, hell I'll take that geode story! I just want proof, and if you don't want to give it to me, I'll find someone that will!”

Sunset, out of pure instinct, grabbed Shuffle’s arm as he started to turn. As the two made contact, Sunsets’ geode began to glow, triggering her mind-reading ability.

Earlier

Shuffle had gotten up from the table, heading for Sunset and her friends.

“This can't be true! Magic doesn't exist. But in theory, the whole school is overly friendly, too… maybe that's what's causing the…”

*Bump*

“We have to talk.”

Sunset gasped as she let go of Shuffles’ shoulder.

“So you think Equestrian magic is why everyone was so friendly?”

Shuffle seized up. “How did you…?”

“I can read emotions. You’re confused, angry, and intrigued by this. I am too.”

“Lucky guess. Besides, have you seen how these people act? It's not normal.”

“Why is it not normal for people to be nice to each other?”

“Because, human nature is cruel, greedy, and malicious. If you’re not out for yourself, this world will eat your alive.” Shuffle sighed, his back sliding down the base of the statue. Sunset sat next to the boy, who was suffering from the inner turmoil from the view that his mind had put on the world so quickly.

After a few moments Shuffle turned to the teen.

“So you really aren't human, are you?”


“Nope. I was originally a unicorn and a protégé of Princess Celestia, but I got too ambitious and ran away, threatening to come back and conquer Equestria, but Twilight stopped me.”

Shuffle nodded, hearing her words. This made no sense, and if anything, this was borderline cartoonish. After a few moments, he spoke up again.

“I want to know everything. Is there any way I can take notes of you and your friends? This would be an amazing research opportunity, and my mom would kill me if I passed it up, and don't worry, I won't leak this stuff on the internet, it's not like anyone would believe me anyway.”

Sunset chuckled, a feeling of nostalgia overcoming her, the memories of days spent trying to figure out what's going on with her and her friends before and during the friendship games had become prevalent in her mind.

“Well then, let's start at the beginning…” she said, leaning onto the statue base.

Soul had been rushing past the crowds undeterred, his eyes quickly scanned every person he saw, it was very apparent he was looking for somebody.

After a few minutes, Soul burst into the cafeteria, quickly making his way towards the humane six, all of which were wrapped up in their own conversations, at least until Soul appeared next to their table.

Applejack was the first to notice.

“Heya Cuz, where's the fire?”

Soul didn't even respond with a “Hello”. Something more important was on his mind.

“Have Y'all seen Sunset? I've been trying to look for her all lunch period.”

“She was here Soul, but she up’n left just a few minutes ago, she said she had to do something.”

“Thanks,” he said, making a quick turnabout and leaving the cafeteria.

“So, do you girls think Sunset went to talk to the Shuffle boy?” Applejack asked.

“Probably. Sunset has always been a ‘direct approach’ kind of girl, but this wasn't a magical problem like normal, this was a boy who had genuine bad blood with her, so Soul is probably worried,” Twilight responded.

“I just hope this doesn't end in violence,” Fluttershy said meekly.

Soul quickly charged around the school, his eyes scanning each person. Sunset was very distinct, so finding her in a crowd shouldn't be hard, but since she's with that boy, he assumed that they would find an isolated part of the school for anything they were going to do.

His thoughts were interrupted, bypassing the entrance of the school his eyes locked on firmly to the fiery-haired girl was against the the CHS statue base, while Shuffle was in front of her, his arms, from where Soul was standing, pulled out of sight, but if one were to follow the curves of Shuffle’s arm, they looked like they were against his chest, or someone else's. Without even thinking, Soul broke into a full sprint, slamming through the door and rushing across the yard almost instantaneously. Soul grabbed Shuffles shoulder and pulled him away and got in between him and Sunset.

Shuffle stumbled back, dropping his phone, which had been recording his conversation with Sunset.

“Dude, what the hell?!” he said defensively.

“I don't want to hear it from you! Why did you have Sunset out here by yourself? What exactly were you planning to do?”

“I was following the rumors around CHS and this equestrian magic that everyone is talking about, and since Sunset was the center of it all, why not go right for it?”

Soul stood in place. Undeterred from what the boy said, he fired another question back at Shuffle.

“If that's all you wanted, why did you threaten her a few days prior?”

“Because, if what she says is true, I was going to apologize for doing it, but it seems idiots like you really make it hard to have some kind of meaningful conversations with a single person. I can see the look in your eyes, I can already tell you see me as a possible threat, so I'll leave it be.” Shuffle did a 180 turn and went back into the school.

Sunset and Soul stood there in silence a moment before he quickly turned around to make sure his girlfriend wasn't injured.

“I'm fine Soul, I promise he wasn't trying to hurt me.”

“Yeah, but the threat was there, Sunset. That was one of the most insane things I've seen you do. Why would you go so far as to reach out to someone like that?”

“Because, in a way, Soul, he's kinda like me back after the fall formal. Didn't you see how defensive he got after you showed up? Shuffle built a wall around his heart, and it's all this other Sunset’s fault, so I confronted the problem head-on, since this was a problem caused by me, and I believed it would make the most sense to end it with me.”

“Wow… that's really brave of you Sunset, but please don't try to take on something that could possibly get you hurt without someone being there to back you up. I don't know what I would do without you…” Soul said silently, hugging Sunset tightly, which she reciprocated. The two stayed like that for a few minutes, at least until the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. The two parted, and Soul walked Sunset to her next class.

Three Days Later

Shuffle was walking out of CHS. The day had just ended, and with it being Friday, he decided to stroll around town before heading home. After sending his mother a quick text to inform her of his intentions, he began his mindless wandering.

Heading deep into the main area of Canterlot, Shuffle walked in and out of some shops, each carrying something of interest to him. That was until he came up a strange store; it depicted a tribal mask on the front with lights in the eye sockets that gave off an ominous green glow.

“Canterlot Curio. I wonder what this has…” Shuffle said aloud, entering it.

The entrance bell let out a loud ring, as per usual for every shop. Shuffle took no notice of it as he began looking about.

The curious thing about this curio shop was that each shelf was covered to the brim with ancient relics or something tribal; shriveled heads, talismans, and masks aplenty. Each looked like they belonged somewhere in a stereotypical witch doctor setting.

One shelf, in particular, caught Shuffle’s eye; while other shelves had something from Mayan or other cultures, this shelf was completely covered in Egyptian artifacts, a find that any archeologist would kill to discover!

Shuffle turned his back away from the front counter, his mind already focused on looking at each item. After a few moments, there was one in the very back that caught his eye, giving off a golden glow even in the dark. Mesmerized, Shuffle reached back and grasped the object, retrieving it, and realizing it was heavier than Shuffle had anticipated.

By the time Shuffle pulled the foreign item from the shelf, he noticed it wasn't much bigger than his wrist, about the length of a blow dart gun, and an eye of Wdjat crest on the base of the figurehead, which Shuffle discovered wasn't an actual animal, but the ears of Anubis. Shuffle turned the object over, eyes taking in every little detail of the scepter, which was then he noticed a smaller crest on the bottom of the headpiece.

Running his thumb over it, the crest pushed inwards and the rod’s bottom half extended, making it now the full length of a full staff.

“Fascinating relic, is it not? For one so young, to be enamored with history is quite a shock,” a voice said behind Shuffle.

Shuffle spun on his heels instinctively, hiding the staff behind his back.

“Calm yourself, child; if you see from my face, my reaction was quite mild.”

Shuffle let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.

“Sorry… I just saw this and was looking at it, but I apparently found a button on it.” Shuffle said, chuckling awkwardly, finally taking notice of the woman who had addressed him.

Upon first glance, she looked withered away, her gray skin contrasted by her black and white Mohawk hairdo, but upon closer inspection, one could see she was incredibly fit, even in her middle ages, from what Shuffle could guess.

“It is fine, welcome to Canterlot Curio, Zecora is what I am called, and by the look on your face, you’re not appalled,” she said, chuckling.

“My name’s Shuffle Suite, and I do apologize for snooping, but Egyptian artifacts are just so interesting, plus this staff caught my attention. It seems incredibly familiar to me when I picked it up when it was a rod.”

As the two continued their conversation, the door to Zecora’s store opened and in walked in Trixie, who had on her hat and robe; if Shuffle could guess, she was preparing for another one of her shows.

“Zecora are you in? Trixie needs more of those flameless fireworks you have, Trixie’s stock has run low again,” she said, waking about the store like she owned the place.

Zecora excused herself from Shuffle, who had been inspecting the rest of the staff.

“Ah, Trixie, it's good to see thee. I have a crate of what you desire, but I have to charge my usual fee.”

“Don’t worry Zecora, I have some herbs; you have no idea how long it took Trixie to find this stuff in the Everfree.”

Zecora smiled as the two talked for a few moments. Shuffle approached the counter with the staff, now retracted into its rod form.

“Shuffle, I didn't know you came in here.”

“Well, usually I just head home, but today I just felt like walking around town, and this place just caught my eye.”

Zecora slunk away as the two teens focused on their conversation to grab Trixie's fireworks.

“Oh Trixie comes in here every few days. Zecora is the best when it comes to natural remedies or relics,” Trixie pulled up her jacket sleeve to reveal a tribal bracelet on her forearm. On the natural looking string was her logo, which was made into a little add-on, along with a few multi-colored wings which led to the string being tied in a pentagram pattern.

“Wow, I didn't know you were into Wiccan stuff.”

Trixie blushed as she rolled down her sleeve.

“It's a guilty pleasure of mine, plus Trixie is surprised that you didn't automatically default to Satanism.”

“Any normal person would, but they would just notice it and assume that but your pentagram is faced up, which means ‘Balance’; I learn that back during culture class back in my old school. Plus, it would be bad if I got something I know very well wrong.” Shuffle moved the back of his shirt slightly, revealing a pentagram of his own.

Trixie smiled, impressed with Shuffle. Before she got a chance to ask her next question, Zecora returned with the box, which Trixie picked up, but failed to notice it was heavier then she had originally anticipated, almost dropping it, if Shuffle didn't quickly grab the box keeping it from falling, who in turn put his hand over Trixie’s on accident.

Both teens paused, then straightened themselves as Shuffle took it from her. “I'll help you carry it out.”

Trixie huffed. “Trixie had it, I'll have you know, but since you are willing, she will allow this.” Shuffle chuckled as Trixie tried to hide her face from her minor blunder. Before both of them left, Shuffle turned to ask Zecora something.

“Is there any way I can keep this, I can go home and get some money if need be.”

“It’s fine Mr. Suite, and adieu, this staff I bequeath to you.”

Shuffle thanked the older woman and helped Trixie remove the boxes from the store, setting them in her van.

As the two worked, thunder was rolled over both their heads and with each boom, rain started to fall from the sky, slowly at first.

The two quickly finish their task, and Trixie wished Shuffle farewell as she put up an umbrella so she could continue her shopping along the street. Both walked separate directions, but as Shuffle rounded the bend, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a trio of men emerge from an alleyway and quickly cross the street with purpose, following the magician.

Shuffle stayed silent, turning quickly and heading down another alley close by, quickly scaling the building using the fire escape as a makeshift ladder, and followed the trio from the rooftop unnoticed.

Luckily, with the BOOMS coming from the storm, he was able to keep pace silently. As soon as the group caught up with the unsuspecting magician, one grabbed the girl, who let out a muffled scream and was dragged into an alleyway.

“Hello Trixella, my boss gives his regards.” Trixie gasped, recognizing the voice from behind, the security head of her recent ex-boyfriend blueblood’s staff, Lariat.

He was 5”4 with some muscle, but what could be seen on him most prominently was his beer gut, along with his shaggy dirty neon blue hair, pasty skin, and dark unkempt mustache/beard combo.

Shuffle quickly but quietly made his way down the building, listening in on the conversation.

“I thought I told blueblood we were through, after the stunt he pulled at his eighteenth birthday, the prompt slap to the face and kick to the balls should have been enough of a message,” Trixie spat at the Man.

“Well, to him, it's not, so now me and my men here are ordered to escort you back to his manner so you two can make nice.”

Trixie laughed.

“As if I would want to make up with some spoiled, limp-dicked loser who tried to drug me! If he wants to apologize to me, tell your boss he can be man enough to do it himself, and not send Larry, Curly, and Moe after me.” Trixie stomped on the man's foot, digging her heel into the toes, causing them to bleed. The man's grip loosened and Trixie fled from Lariat.

Lariat reeled in pain, holding his foot.

“Well don't just stand there you idiots, GET HER!” the other two men quickly passed their boss and grabbed the girl, who wiggled free, throwing down one of her smoke bombs, and Trixie promptly made her way out of the alley. But as she reached the exit and into the public area, one of Lariat’s goons got her from behind, pinning her to the wall. Trixie let out a shriek in fear and pain as the man smacked her on the side of her head with the handle of a knife, making her vision blur, but her head starts bleeding instead of knocking her out.

Shuffle swung from the fire escape and quickly hooked his legs around the head of the assailant, using his body's weight and gravity to carry him down. He then pulled back, making the man let go of Trixie in surprise and flipped the man against the wall knocking him out cold. Shuffle rolled over and got to his feet before either of the two men could jump him.

“Sorry to ruin the moment gents, but it seems the lady doesn't want to be with you all tonight.” he quipped.

“Kid, this isn't your problem, just walk away and we don't have to hurt you.”

“Ya see…” Shuffle began, sauntering with swagger towards them, “That's where you're wrong. Trixie might have the ego of an over-inflated balloon on the verge of exploding, but that's half of her charm, and from here, your foot’s bleeding pretty badly. Plus, your friend over there is unconscious.” Shuffle pointed towards the man who was stuck in a scorpion position, his feet pointing towards the sky, groaning in pain.

“And your last friend over there looks like he's about to piss himself, ten outta ten lackeys you got there by the way.”

Both men charged the teen, who responded by sidestepping at the last moment and tripping the injured man using the heel of his boot. Shuffle smashed his foot down on the man’s head, rendering him disoriented, whilst the other spun on his heel, pulling a knife out of his pocket and slashing it at Shuffle. In response, the lackey was met with a quick gut check and prompt knee to the nose, causing him to scream out in pain, blood shooting from his broken nose.

Shuffle winced, noticing the man had slashed his arm deeply. Blood trickled down his arm and his mind was losing focus. Thinking quickly, he grabbed onto Trixie and a handful of smoke bombs that were sitting in her jacket pocket, throwing them down and quickly making his way outside of the alleyway, carrying the semi-conscious teen back to her car. He gently put her in and got in the driver's seat, despite the fact he didn't have his license, and quickly drove to the hospital.

Once he reached the hospital, Shuffle parked in the emergency room area and pulled Trixie out of the car, slowly making his way towards the entrance before his own body finally lost out to the lack of adrenaline that was keeping him going, along with the blood loss. As he passed into the entrance in sight of the nurse, he finally dropped, holding Trixie next to him tightly.
> Revalations, And A New Threat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot General 

Beeps could be heard as an unconscious Shuffle Suite laid on the small emergency room bed. Next to him sat his mother, whom upon being informed about the situation, rushed away from work, blazing a trail of tire tread and wheel marks directly towards the hospital.

A few minutes of silence passed as she sat there. Doctors came in to regulate Shuffle’s monitors and the blood bags that were needed for his transfusion.

“If he was even four minutes late, he would have been in serious danger; praise be he showed up with the girl in time,” The doctor said, jolting Tesla from her idle state.

“As long as he and that girl are alright, that's all that matters,” Tesla replied, silently staring back at her son’s stitched arm. 

Outside the room, time flowed at the normal pace, but for Tesla, each second was unbearable. Finally, after an hour of sitting in silence, the door opened, revealing Trixie Lulamoon. Her head had been wrapped in bandages, and her parents followed behind her. 

Tesla focused on the teen girl, who returned the gaze with an apologetic glance as she went to the other side of Shuffle, sitting down in a chair directly opposite of Tesla.

“What are you doing here Trixie? I thought the hospital wasn't discharging you until tomorrow.”

“They are holding me, Ms. Suite, but I wanted to come to see how Shuffle is doing.”

“The doctors said thanks to you two showing up when you did, he probably wouldn’t just be in the holding area of the ER.”

Trixie looked down at the boy, tears enveloping her eyes, the memory coming back in flashes; even though the haze from her head injury, she could see Shuffle fighting, then subsequently dragging her to her car, but not much else.

“I'm so very sorry for having your son get involved with my ex-boyfriend and his security team.”

Tesla gasped. Shuffle single-handedly took on a small team of grown men and only came out with a gash on his arm. Thank the fates above that she enrolled Shuffle in self-defense classes.

“I don't blame you, dear, from the way Shuffle was carrying you inside the hospital, I could tell right there everything that transpired wasn't in your control,” Trixie looked to Tesla in confusion.

“What do you mean?” 

Tesla pulled out her phone, which had the recording of Shuffle physically carrying an unconscious Trixie before collapsing himself. Trixie noticed that when Shuffle collapsed, he somehow made sure he didn't land on top of her already injured body. A few seconds pass, as a few EMTs came by with stretchers, ready to take the pair for medical attention, but even unconscious, Shuffle didn't let go of her without some kind of resistance. Tesla paused the video in the middle of the scene.

“That right there proves to me you didn't do anything wrong, Trixie. He might not talk to many people, nor willingly seek out friendship, but Shuffle has always been a good boy, always looking out for others before himself.” 

Trixie leaned back in the chair, trying to process this new revelation. At school, Shuffle had gained this reputation of being angsty and overly passive aggressive towards others, yet thinking about it, she noticed he was toned down, even sometimes chuckling when she would show off.

Silence resumed as the two women sat there, both trying to find words about the situation. Just then, a scuffle could be heard as Shuffle finally started sitting up from the bed.

“Holy hell, can I get the number of the truck that hit me?” the teen groaned, his eyes fluttering open.

After a few seconds, Shuffle noticed the pure white room, along with the constant smell of disinfectant; he deduced he was sitting in the hospital, and also noticed that his mother was sitting beside his bed, though Trixie went unnoticed at the immediate moment.

Tesla was the first to move, diving for her son and embracing him in a death grip hug, finally giving in to the urge to cry. Shuffle returned it at the cost of most of the oxygen in his lungs.

“Mom…. Can't breathe,” he barely got out.

Tesla let go after a few more seconds, and Shuffle took in as much air as his chest could.

“Okay, not that I'm not grateful for the hug, but what happened? The last thing I remember was being in an alleyway with those guys and Trixie!” Without thinking, Shuffle moved to get out of his bed, but his mother stopped him.

“Don’t worry, she is fine, and what happened was you and she showed up to the hospital, you were bleeding from your arm, and Trixie had a head injury, but you both pulled through.”

“Oh yeah, that guy, he said he was some kind of security head to, someone called Blueblood.”

Trixie finally spoke up.

“That's Lariat Cross. He used to be a Mixed Martial Arts teacher before Blueblood’s father hired him as a personal guard; now he follows Blueblood around, but it's been so long since I've seen him. He really let himself go.”

Shuffle cringed midway through Trixie’s statement. Lariat Cross is a legendary name in MMA, and as a teacher alone he was known as one of the most brutal, but if you could stand through his training you’d be one of the greater fighters in MMA.

“So what happens now? If this Blueblood guy is really in control of someone like Lariat, what will we do?” Shuffle asked.

Trixie sighed.

“Now, Blueblood will try just about anything to get back at anyone that says ‘No’ to him. Wouldn't surprise me if he didn't already have someone watching us as we speak.”

Tesla looked around worriedly. This wasn't good for each family; if Blueblood found out where she and Shuffle lived, they wouldn't be safe.

Tesla spoke up after a few minutes.

“Does Blueblood have a tendency to “dispose of” anyone in his way?”

Trixie shook her head.

“No, the best he’ll give is arrogant threats or property damage, murder is too big of a crime for him.”

Shuffle turned back to Trixie.

“Well then, looks like until this blows over you’re stuck with me.”

Tesla stood up immediately.

“Oh no, you don't! If anything it would be smart if the two of you laid low for a few weeks.”

“Mom, I love you and all, but this dude could target us at any point, and at this point, I bet Blueblood already has something planned, but he doesn't know about you, so you're relatively safe at the moment, whilst Trixie and myself are going to be his primary targets, so if we just watch each others’ backs, at least until this spoiled brat gives up and moves on, acting like we don't know he’s watching would be the most ideal.”

Tesla opened her mouth to shoot down her son's plan, but it was actually pretty solid.

“Fine... sometimes I curse the fact that you inherited my intellect.”

“Then that's the plan; starting the moments we get out of the hospital, Trixie and I will stick together.”

Trixie scoffed, incredulous of the fact she was left out of the impromptu plan.

“I AM sitting here, you know. What about if I don't like this idea?”

“Because, if he's gunning for you, wouldn't you want someone there to back you up? It was lucky I even saw them follow you around the corner. What happens next time, huh? What if I'm not there to save you again?”

“...On second thought, this plan sounds fabulous, but as my personal shadow, you shall be automatically be called on when I perform.”

Shuffle groaned.

“Fine...”

Trixie beamed, satisfied with her conditions being met.


Meanwhile



Sitting in a lounge, a slim pasty man with blonde hair and blue eyes sat in a chair facing a fireplace, enjoying a warm cup of tea and a book. Out of nowhere, in barges a man yelling obscenities towards the men who “escorted” him to the room.

“So, I have a question, Mr. Cross, why have you returned to my manor without my prized tonight?” the man said calmly.

“We did have the little bitch, but this guy showed up and beat my men.”

“Did you at least get a picture of his face?”

“No, but I do know something about this boy that's unique to him; not only have we seen him hanging out with Trixie, but I noticed he had two different colored eyes.” 

“Interesting... that reminds me of that one man, that card player… Royal Flush! That's it. If you would please bring Mr. Flush here, I have some questions for him.”

The man left wordlessly.

“Now, Ms. Shine, about your daughter's hand in marriage…”

Blueblood looked over to the other seat, revealing Trixie’s mother Star Shine, holding a briefcase of money.

“As long as you keep up your end of the deal, I don't care,” star responded, too invested in the briefcase.

“I shall just be warned... I hear widows take a long time to grieve,” Blueblood said, chuckling sinisterly.
> A Great and Powerful Halloween Pt. 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 1st, CHS

A few days had passed since Shuffle and Trixie were released from the hospital. Trixie had her friend Lavender Lace come to pick up her car since the doctors deemed her unfit to drive; instead, Tesla opted to drive the two home, which to tesla's surprise (and absent-minded lack of attention), Trixie actually lived right across the street from Shuffle and herself.

After wishing the magician goodnight, the pair arrived home, promptly crashing from the night prior.

The next day, Trixie was picked up by Shuffle’s mother, whilst he was sitting in the back of the family car, his music blasting in his ears. Trixie sat up front of the car, and the trio made their way towards CHS.

Upon arrival, the trio soon became a duo, Tesla heading off to work, and the two teens into the school.

“Firstly, since you are going to be seen hanging out with Trixie, you will have to talk to her friends Lavender and Fuchsia.”

Shuffle wasn't paying attention, his eyes constantly scanning the relatively small crowd for any foreign faces; having attended CHS for two months now, most faces were distinguishable.

Trixie continued the one-sided conversation until both reached the cafeteria.

“-and Lavender has a tendency to be meek, so make sure you don't get too loud around her,” Trixie finished as she turns towards Shuffle.

“You get all that?”

Shuffle nods as the two enter the cafeteria, only to be met with an audible POMF as confetti and streamers rained down from the ceiling.

“SURPRISE!”

Shuffle jumped back, already assuming a defensive stance, tensed up and ready before he noticed that the entire school had somehow piled into the cafeteria, a banner above a certain poufy pink girl who had dashed from behind the entire group pushing in between the two and wrapping them in a group hug.

“SowereyousuprisedIknowShuffledidntgethispartysoIthoughttomyselfsinceyoutwowehregettingoutofthehospitalIcandotwopartiesatonceisntthatsocool?!”

Shuffle got out of Pinkie Pie's grip.

“Yes, it is a surprise, but why this early? Also, how did you know we were in the hospital?”

“Well…” but before she could go back into full pinkie mode Shuffle covered her mouth.

“On second thought, I don’t think I want to know. Trixie, change of plans, I'll be over there if you need me,” Shuffle removed his hands from Pinkie and made his way to another table, away from the public eye.

Trixie, on the other hand, happily strode towards her own friends as the school started the party, which carried on into the first period. Shuffle chose to continue his surveillance over the students, memorizing faces with names, but also keeping an eye on the magician, not that it was hard since she was over the moon about being the center of attention.

After a bit, someone decided to sit at the same table as Shuffle. This time it was three girls, one with blue hair with a darker blue streak through it, the second with a wild mess of hair that had an orange with streaks of yellow, and the third had purple hair with green streaks in the twin ponytails.

The orange haired one was the first to speak up.

“So, you’re the elusive Shuffle Suite Pinkie was talking about. Why would CHS's local hero be sitting here in the corner by himself?”

Shuffle stared at the girl, and with a flat voice, he replied.

“It's far too early for this stuff for me. Besides, I'm not one for parties.”

The orange hair girl chuckled.

“What's so funny?”

“Considering what happened, and the fact of how opposite you are to Ms. Lulamoon, it's just funny. Plus, you two would make a good couple.”

Shuffle gagged on his drink as the girl finished her sentence.

“Oh, god no… Trixie is fine to hang out with, but she would need someone that could hog her attention. I've always been more of a background character.”

“This a shame. Everyone knew that comes here has had some kind of luck with the opposing gender, even that one girl Ink Quill, if I remember correctly; she and Gaige were a thing for a short time.”

“Ugh, I'm leaving. Thanks for pulling us around, as usual, Adagio,” Said the purple haired girl.

“Yeah, I kinda have to go too. I promised Warhawk that I’d help him with his truck, and I have to talk to Pinkie. BYE ‘DAGI!” the other remaining girl dashed off as well, leaving the two alone.

“And then there was one,” Shuffle said jokingly.

“I like you, and that's saying something. I don't like many humans,” the girl, now named Adagio, said.

“Duly noted, and by the name Adagio, I assume you are the one and only Adagio Dazzle?”

“You would be correct, it seems my reputation precedes me. Tell me, Mr. Suite, what do you think of the things we did when we had our magic?”

Shuffle took a moment to think of a proper response.

“Well firstly, just because these stories seem to be true, I'd say it doesn't matter now, history is written by the victors, and if I remember correctly you didn't win, so anything I'd say is purely hypothetical at best.”

Adagio chuckled.

“I see you know of Churchill’s speech. He was such a nice man,” Adagio said with a sour expression.

The two continued back and forth, their conversation lasting through the entire party. As everything was wrapping up, Adagio left to move towards her next class. Shuffle on the other handheld back to see who would remain, hoping to see a certain girl.

Finally, after minutes of waiting, he noticed the flame-like hair girl helping Pinkie and the other girls in their group cleaning up the impromptu party.

Shuffle took a deep breath, and slowly approached the group.

“Ms. Shimmer, may I have a word with you a second?” he said trying to sound as neutral as possible.

The first to respond was Rainbow Dash, who had only taken a step but was instantly in Shuffle's face.

“And what makes you think that she wants to talk to you, bub? After the crap you pulled, you're lucky I don't deck you right now!”

There were a few times in his life when Shuffle had to be intimidating, and now it was time to add another tally towards the total.

“My business here is with Sunset Shimmer, not you, and if you even try to touch me, I will gladly show you the meaning of fear,” Shuffle responded so low that the only person that could hear it was Rainbow in front of him. The tone had been so calm, yet filled with an incredible amount of malice, that it child Rainbow to the very bone.

Rainbow backed away from the boy, audibly shivering. Shuffle turned towards Sunset.

“Look, more important things have come up, and having this personal vendetta against you isn't conducive to my time, so I'm apologizing now, since I was proven wrong about the magic here a CHS; thank you for a few moments of your time,” Shuffle then made an about face and left the cafeteria.

All seven girls were silent, except for Pinkie, who was pushing her head around on the floor to sweep up the confetti.

“Well then, looks like that's that, I guess…” Rarity said

“No, it couldn't have been that easy. Did any of you notice what he said?” Sunset followed.

“Yeah, ah heard that this vendetta he had with you was doing something for his time,” Applejack spoke up.

“That, and something important had come up. What did he say to you, Rainbow?”

Rainbow twitched but quickly regained her calm, cocky composer.

“Heh, nothing important. He ain't that tough,” Rainbow retorted, rubbing her head and chuckling awkwardly.

Sunset held her chin, thinking.

“Could it have something to do with how he and Trixie were in the hospital?” Fluttershy asked.

Everything went silent as everyone worked to clean up the mess, each pondering the new event.


October 8th

With October came new changes to the season: the days became shorter, and the temperature in the town of Canterlot began to come down to a comfortable area, not too cold to wear heavy clothes yet, but cold enough to offset the scorching inferno of summer.

Today, Shuffle would be helping Trixie with her first show of the school year. Shuffle held onto the flyer that she had given him yesterday; since it was Friday, they were up and out towards Canterlot Civic Center, but not before having a very awkward conversation with Trixie's parents. Shuffle shuddered, remembering the incident…


-Flashback Start-

Sitting in a set of chairs was Star Shine and Granite Load, the latter looking exhausted but still sat tall, whilst the former sat with her husband with a scowl on her face.

“So, basically, that's what's going on Mr. Lulamoon. I'm not doing anything with your daughter, we are just practicing her act.”

Granite gave him a stern look, the two trading an invisible battle of wills, unknown to Shuffle, who was trying to not get beaten by a disgruntled father.

“I'll allow this for now, but that doesn't mean I'm not watching you, and if you try ANYTHING inappropriate with my daughter, I promise you, you will not like me.”

Shuffle gulped. “Understood”

As he turned to leave, now without a ride to CCS, he had to walk. After getting a few feet away from Trixie's house a notification was received on his phone.

“Will be at the center early for stage prep, meet me there.”

“God damn it, Trixie.”

-Flashback End-

Lost in his own thoughts, he never noticed he had reached his destination.

Trixie was sitting on the stage ledge, filing her nails as she waited for her new partner to arrive, a massive tome next to her; upon closer inspection, one would notice that the book had a rainbow of sticky notes sticking out of it.

Shuffle approached the stage quickly.

“Ya know, with this whole Blueblood business, I'd think you’d be more careful,” Shuffle said, annoyed.

“Yes. Trixie does know of our situation, but it’s been almost two weeks since Lariat showed up. Trixie wants to assume that he's going after some other hussy.”

“Fine, but next time, make sure your texts actually go through, please.”

“Trixie shall consider your thought. Now, the practice should be easy; first, we shall see your skill with sleight of hand,” Trixie handed Shuffle a stack of cards.

“The trick here is to slightly bend the card so your hand knows which one to grab,” Trixie took a singular card out from the deck revealing it to be the king of hearts, and pinched the bottom of it just enough for it to be noticeable to Shuffle, after a few seconds she replaces it in the deck at a random area.

“Now, shuffle the cards, and drop each one that's not bent in the hat.”

It was time for Shuffle to smirk as he manipulated the deck with practiced skill, another trick he picked up from his dad. He passed the deck through both hands with practiced precision, rapid firing each card into the hat until the only card left was the king of clubs.  Shuffle chuckled as he dropped the last card, revealing it to be the king of hearts.

“Impressive for your first time! That was close,” Trixie cheered.

Shuffle smiled.

“Thanks, but all the shuffling wasn't something I picked up. My dad taught me how to stack the deck to favor me, but it seems I'm still rusty.”

“It's fine Shuffle, you did well for your first time. Let's move on to another trick.”

The two spent the remainder of the day trying and retrying tricks. By the time it hit sundown, Trixie went into her trailer, bringing out something in her hands.

“Ok, the last trick I've got to show you is called ‘The Dancing Spider’, and Greg here is going to help us,” In an almost uncharacteristic fashion, Trixie nuzzled the tarantula, who returned it like a puppy.

“Shoot, I forgot his flute. Do you think you can hold Greg while I get it?” Trixie handed the spider to Shuffle, and it scurried and jumped onto his arm. Shuffle winced but tried not to freak out, not wanting to get poisoned.

Shuffle brought the spider up to eye level, carefully looking at it. From weight alone, it was maybe ten ounces, plus all the fuzz on it looks slick. Shuffle rubbed the spider’s leg, feeling the goo on his finger.

“Hehe, I guess you just shed your skin, huh?”

Greg leaned forward in a way that would look like someone showing off a new fancy pin on their shirt; it was showing off, and it was absolutely amazing to think this spider was showing this amount of intelligence.

“Yes, it's very impressive, and you are too. Now I wonder why that Soul Writer boy doesn't like you.”

Greg tensed up, from looking at how the spider was acting it was almost like he was ashamed of how Soul reacts to him.

“You’re not trying to hurt him are you?”

Greg shook his body side to side.

“Are you just trying to play with him?”

Greg nodded.

“Wow, I've never heard of spiders being as smart as you Greg. I hope I made a good first impression on you.”

Greg crawled up Shuffle’s arm and nuzzled on his chin in a warm fashion. He laughed as the spider sat there, and the pair waited for Trixie to return.

The trio finished practice, Greg retreated into Trixie's hair, and the three got into Trixie's car, which was pulling her trailer of props. As they headed home, Shuffle turned to Trixie.

“So, how exactly did you acquire Greg?”

“Trixie didn't; he was given to me recently by Fluttershy. Apparently, he likes being on stage with Trixie, so naturally, Trixie adopted him. Everyone at school has a pet, and at first, Trixie was worried that Greg wouldn't like her, but as you can see that’s far from the truth.”

Greg popped out of Trixie's hair and watched the two have their conversation.

Trixie pulled up to her home and the pair got out.

Shuffle walked Trixie up to her door.

“Hey, Thanks for helping Trixie with her practice, it would be fun if you were to be my permanent assistant…” Trixie said so very low it was almost unheard by Shuffle.

“Ya know what, that would be fun. Plus, I'd like to learn more about your magic, Trix.”

Trixie blushed, chuckling awkwardly.

“See you at school tomorrow,” Shuffle said, turning to leave, but not before Trixie rushed to his side, giving him a warm hug and a peck on the cheek, which made Shuffle’s cheeks become an even deeper shade of red.

“Yeah, see you,” Trixie responded before disappearing into her home.

Away from prying eyes, Trixie let out a silent squeak of joy. Shuffle also had a bigger spring in his step; despite what was going on, the amount of joy he was feeling couldn't be brought down by anything.


Trixie walked into the kitchen for a drink before heading to bed, only to see her dad sitting at the family table, with a mug in his hand.


“Hi Daddy,” Trixie said joyfully, passing him for the fridge.

“Hey Lovebug, can I talk to you after you get your drink?”

“Sure dad, 2 seconds ‘kay?”

Granite nodded, taking a drink.

A few seconds pass before Trixie sits down in front of her dad.

“Trixie, you know I love you more than anything right?”

“Yeah, if it wasn't for you dad, I wouldn't be the magician I would be if you and my friends didn't support me. Why do you ask?”

“And this new boy, Shuffle Suite, is he someone I have to worry about?”

“No, he's nice, but he's not looking to date, we are just friends.”

Granite chuckled.

“That's where it always starts Trix, but that's beside the point. In a few days’ time, I will be going on a company trip; it will just be for a week, but while I'm gone, can you not do your magic? I don't want your mother losing her mind and calling me every day freaking out. Just until I get back, please.”

Trixie smiled. “Sure dad, I can do that,” Trixie yawned, finishing her drink, hugging her dad and heading to bed.

Granite rubbed the temples of his head, revealing a paper, beneath his left arm.

“How am I going to tell her the truth?” he said aloud, grasping the paper in his hand, putting it in a drawer of the island countertop next to the table. He got up, leaving the kitchen and heading to bed as well.
> A Great and Powerful Halloween Pt. 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 10th

With Halloween closing in, all of CHS was excited for what the school's premier party planner had in store. Trixie and Shuffle finally got into a routine of practicing small tricks during breaks and outside school, and as promised, Trixie didn't perform any magic at home since her dad left, but that didn't mean she couldn't do it at a friend’s.

But Halloween drew ever closer the pair, along with Greg, who had taken a liking of jumping between Shuffle and Trixie on occasion and was currently sitting on Shuffle’s shoulder.

“So, do you have any plans?” Shuffle asked.

“Not particularly; usually beyond the school’s Halloween party, I just spend the night hanging out with Lavender and Fuchsia. Do you have anything planned?”

“Welp, since it's the last Halloween as a child, I wanted to go trick or treating one more time, and after that maybe marathon some slasher movies, or play a horror game.”

The pair reached their first period class, Shuffle sat at his seat while Trixie went to go talk to her other friends. As the teacher walked in, the schools PA system came to life, and as usual, the happy voice of principal Celestia rang over the speaker.

“Welcome all to another day at CHS. As you all know Halloween is only twenty-one days away, and pinkie here has put together a rather “Unique” party this year, I shall now turn it over to Ms. Pie for information.”

“HELLO CLASSMATES IT'S ME PINKIE PIE, AND THANKS TO THE HELP OF OUR TWO AWESOME PRINCIPALS THIS YEAR’S HALLOWEEN PARTY SHALL BE AT CAMP EVERFREE, STARTING WITH GOODIE BAGS AND ENDING WITH A COSTUME CONTEST ALONG WITH A DANCE IT'S GOING TO BE THE BIGGESTHALLOWEENPARTY EVER BACK TO YOU CELLY!!!”

The entire school just had to sit and witness a full-on Pinkie Pie moment; it was obvious she was excited for this one. Shuffle turned to Trixie, who returned the look, both smiling, already knowing exactly what's going to happen.

After class, the pair head to their lockers, which they hadn't noticed was only a few feet away from each other until recently.

“So a costume contest, we totally should enter!” Trixie said excitedly.

“I agree, but if we want to match we need to agree on a theme. Let's take a few hours to spitball a few ideas around before we get started.”

The two separate for classes, at least until lunch.

Both sit at their usual table, pieces of paper scattered across it, most crumpled up but a few laid in a pile.

“Okay, so far the themes we agreed on are: Kingdom Hearts, Legendary Spellcasters, and Vegas shows, still bummed my Star Wars theme got shut down.”

Trixie laughed.

“I tried multiple times to get into the series, even with Zero's narration it didn't help, but the movies were boring to me; I never did understand the appeal, and besides, Star Wars isn't that good anyways.”

Elsewhere, a certain silver-haired teen clutched his chest, feeling as if his heart stopped.

“Hey Soul, you okay?” one of his friends asked.

“No, I feel like someone spoke the worst kind of heresy.”

“What, insulting your girl?”

“No, insulting my favorite franchise.”

The group laughed off Soul's paranoia as they moved on with what they were doing.

As lunch wrapped up, a scream could be heard. Shuffle and Trixie turned towards it to see Rarity and another girl covered in paint. Lo and behold, after that, a hysterical Rainbow Dash zoomed up to her friend, yelled “Gotcha,” and sped away.

“That Rainbow Dash, every year around this time she gets prank-happy,” Trixie scoffed, mad for an unknown reason.

“Well, it is all in good fun, but she looks like she is actually angering people. How bad did does this get?”

“She replaced Trixie's smoke powder with itching powder!”

“Really, that's it? Seriously, that's small time compared to some of the pranks me and my old friends did on the school bullies.”

Trixie turned back to Shuffle, interested.

“What did you guys do?”

“Well, you'd be surprised how well molasses works as a bonding agent; if you have enough, you could stick someone to it and they would be stuck for a while.”

Trixie laughed at the concept of some poor sucker being stuck to a wall coated in molasses.

“Then Trixie has a plan, and you’re helping.”

“But…”

“NO BUTS, WE GO!”

“Trixie…”

“NO BUTS!”

“TRIXIE, WE’RE AT SCHOOL! WE CAN'T LEAVE REMEMBER!” shuffle yelled quickly.

“Oh, after school then.”

The day ended as usual, and Trixie and Shuffle quickly made their way to Trixie's trailer so they could work. By dusk, both had exhausted themselves with shooting ideas off, whilst working on their homework. By the time Shuffle came into his home, his mother had been sitting at the table, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

“And just where have you been?”

“Next door. Trixie and I were working on plans for Halloween.”

“And you couldn't have texted me because…?”

Shuffle chuckled awkwardly before apologizing to his mother.

“It was kinda sudden, to be fair, plus can't you just track my phone?”

“That's beside the point mister, now what makes you think I won't ground you from going?”

“I couldn't, but you and I both know it was an accident. If I promise to make sure you know where I am ahead of time will that make you feel better?”

“Yes, I would like that very much so.”

“Thanks, Mom, and sorry again to scare you. By the way, do you know about a camp called Everfree?”

Tesla's frown changed to a smile instantly.

“Get your shoes back on.” Tess said cryptically.

October 22nd


The days passed by in rapid pace as the duo worked. Since Halloween was nine days away, it was time for the finishing touches on Trixie's plan.

“Hey Trix, not that I'm complaining, but are you sure this is going to work?”

“Yes I am Shuffle, and thanks to Gloriosa, this plan may be as great and powerful as I am!”

“But what are the chances rainbow walks on this spot and not someone else?”

“It’s the center of the room. Knowing Rainbow, she's going to try to have the best costume, hence the giant X here.”

“So you’re going on a whim and one personality trait that you’re going to be able to pour pink paint on her?”

“Exactly! Now keep Trixie still, balancing this paint can on these tiny rocks is taking all of her concentration.”

Shuffle pinched the bridge of his nose; this wasn't a prank, this was a petty revenge tactic, but arguing with a woman, especially one like Trixie, is never a good idea. It's a battle you can't win.

Greg was perched on Shuffle’s arm, chattering away almost like talking.

“See, even Greg thinks it’s a bad idea!” Greg nodded his abdomen in agreeance.

“Hush, both of you, this is the plan and we are sticking to it.”

Shuffle sighed but smirked.

“As you wish, but after this, I need to show you something.”

Trixie finished setting up the paint cans and was lowered down by Shuffle, who then yanked the rope down and rolled it up.

“Now, what is it?”

Shuffle smiled as he ushered Trixie to follow him. Towards the back of the crystal caverns, there was a small crevice just big enough for someone to go through. Shuffle pointed it out with his phone’s light and went through it.

On the other side, he helped Trixie through and the two continued their journey into the heart of the mountain. After about half a mile of walking, Shuffle found what he was looking for: there was a natural archway that led to a bigger room, and on the walls were crudely drawn pictures and initials. The trio passed through the entrance to reveal a glowing lake on the far side, where a crescent carving in the stone where light from the sun had shown through, with bits of crystal that made the entire wall look like a night sky.

“Welcome to the Cavern of Twilight, Trixie,” Shuffle said, sitting at the coast of the lake.

Trixie gasped in awe as she fully took in the sight. A cavern like this, while almost impossible, had stunned the magician.

Trixie joined Shuffle at the coast, taking off her shoes and dipping her feet into the water, noticing it wasn't cold either.

“This is absolutely stunning, who knew behind the crystal caves had been something like this.”

“Funny thing is Trix, that's what I said too, but even though it feels man made its all natural.”

Trixie turned towards the boy who had kept his eyes looking forward.

“How did you find this place? I thought you weren't from Canterlot?”

“It was my mother’s doing, she found this place when she was younger with my dad. Apparently, this is where he proposed to her, and I just thought you might have like it- Mmph” 

Shuffle's mind reeled, finally focusing on what was happening: Trixie had pushed herself into his frame and leaned up, giving him a soft kiss. 

Shuffle recovered, wrapping his arms around Trixie and pushing back into the kiss, both hearts fluttering in perfect synchronization. After about fifteen seconds, Trixie pulled away.

“I mean… I… um…” Shuffle stuttered, trying to use every part of his brain to comprehend what happened before his lips were covered by a single finger from the magician girl.

"Do you think this is going way to fast, Trix, it's not that I didn't enjoy this but I never could have guessed that you..." 

Trixie covered Shuffle's mouth with her finger, promptly silencing the teen.

“Just enjoy the moment,” she said, before hugging him.

“Noted, but how about a picture first?” he returned as he pulled his phone out and took a picture of himself, and Trixie, and for the first time in so very long, Shuffle had smiled, an Real smile, not just one put on for others. 

The two stayed on the beach of the cavern for a long time, until both notice the light from the crescent gash had turned from a white to orange.

“We should be getting back,” Shuffle said. The two turned to leave their new secret spot, hands interlocked and happy on the way out passing through the crystal caves. Trixie had noticed her paint cans had fallen from their perches.

“Shoot, I thought I secured them.”

Shuffle grabbed the now empty cans. 

“It's fine Trix, if you’ll hear me out, I have an idea to get the entire school anyways, we could even win the costume contest.”

“I'm listening…”

October 30th

Trixie, along with her friends Lavender and Fuschia, had decided to take the day to hang out at the mall after school. Whilst looking around one of the clothing shops, Trixie’s mind kept replaying the kiss between herself and Shuffle. Ever since, Shuffle and Trixie agreed to keep their moment to themselves, but someone would occasionally catch either the one or the other staring at the other. Today, Trixie couldn't help herself, her mind ever on Shuffle, no pun intended.

“Trixie, you okay there? You haven't said anything since we got in the store, and for you that's rare,” Lavender asked casually as she put a shirt to her chest, looking at herself in the mirror.

“Trixie is fine, she's just thinking about something.”

“You mean your thinking about that boy you keep gawking at?” Fuschia said jokingly.

“Ye-NO! Trixie doesn’t gawk at others, they gawk at her!” she said defensively.

“Uh huh, but seriously, what's going on with you two?” Fuschia asked, before gasping.

“OH MY GOSH! Did you two hook up?” 

Trixie blushed even harder before covering her face.

“No, I didn't ‘Hook Up’ with Shuffle, it’s just…” Trixie tried to explain between her hands, but her phone buzzed midway through her sentence. She checked it to find a message from Shuffle.

Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite to eat in a bit?

Trixie smiled at her phone before Lavender snatched it away.

Lavender read the recipient along with the message, then she showed Fuschia, and both squealed in delight.

“I can't believe you have a boyfriend and didn't tell us, Trixie!” 

“Yeah, we would have celebrated with you!” 

Both girls were incredibly giddy from this news, already pushing Trixie towards the exit of the store.

“You go and have fun!” they both said shoving Trixie on her way.

Trixie chuckled as she made her way towards her car, replying to the message.

Sure, just tell me where and I'll meet you there. 

Later at the hall of justice.

Shuffle met up with Trixie at a recently opened sushi bar.

“Hey you,” Shuffle said waving at Trixie as she approached. 

“Hey yourself. A pretty fancy spot you picked, it's almost like you were trying to impress Trixie.”

“No, it's not… well yes, but I just thought you might like Sushi, and since it was new I thought we could try it together.”

Trixie giggled as her impromptu date was tripping over himself, trying to not make himself look like an idiot.

“It's fine, Trixie was just joking. Shall we?” 

Shuffle nodded, grabbing the door and holding it for Trixie.

The duo entered the restaurant and was greeted by a familiar face. 

“Welcome to Unami Palace. My name's Sunset Shimmer, and I shall be your waitress today.”

“Hey Sunset, it's just us. Can we get a booth table please?” Trixie asked Sunset.

“Sure, it's been kinda slow today, just sit over there and I'll bring you some menus,” Sunset walked towards the kitchen area and the pair sat down at the booth.

“Huh, good to know she works here. Professional, too,” Shuffle thought.

“Ok you two, here's your menus, I'll let y'all take a second to look at our drinks.” 

Shuffle and Trixie looked over each of their menus. Trixie ordered a sweet tea while Shuffle got water.

Sunset got their drink orders and walked away.

“So, what gets your attention?” Shuffle asked.

“I was looking at the four roll plate with a side of wasabi, to be honest.”

Shuffle turns the page looking further down the vast menu.

“I think I might do that too, except no wasabi, not killing my tongue like last time.”

“Last time?”

Shuffle cringes in pain, remembering. 

“Back in Vanhoover, my friend dared me to down a six-ounce cup of wasabi. Let's just say, my mouth was the second hottest thing in that restaurant beyond the wasabi itself.”

Trixie laughed and took a sip of her tea.

“Do you miss your friends from Vanhoover?”

“Every day, but one can't look back on the past, for only the future matters,” he responded sagely.

“But if one is to move forward, they must analyze the past, ‘lest they repeat it,” Trixie followed.

“Didn't take you for a philosophical person Trix, especially knowing one of the most iconic George Santayana lines.”

“What can I say? I got a few tricks up my sleeve.” 

Sunset giggled; the two were so lost in their conversation they didn't notice her approach them.

“So, you guys ready to order?”

Shuffle and Trixie nodded,  giving Sunset their order.

Whilst this was happening, two figures had been sitting at another table. Both were watching Shuffle and Trixie discreetly.

“Lavender, do you think this is a good idea?” Fuschia asked her friend silently.

“Of course, we are Trixie's friends, we should be making sure that she's being treated right.”

“This wouldn't be because of how you can't get a date?”

“NO!” Lavender said defensively slamming her palms on the table, catching the attention of Sunset, Trixie, and Shuffle.

“Good job Lavender.” Fuschia chided snidely.

Trixie groaned, covering her face in embarrassment.

“Friends of yours?” 

“Regrettably.”

Shuffle snickered, which then turned to a full on laugh.

“Oh, this is priceless but thoughtful.” 

“And hella embarrassing.”

“It's fine. As long as they don't try to ruin our lunch, I won't be bothered by them.” 

Trixie looked towards him, to which he only replied with a warm smile. Trixie removed her hands from her face, her blush still prominent.  

Sunset returned with the two’s food, and they chow down, only on occasion talking about random things like assignments in their respective classes, to movies or other forms of media. 

As they finish eating, Sunset came back around. 

“How was your first visit to Unami?” 

“Spectacular, and this is coming from someone who very rarely likes sushi,” Shuffle replied happily.

“Trixie agrees, she wouldn't mind coming back for more, Sunset Shimmer.”

The pair stacked their dishes on the tray and got up so they could leave. Trixie looked around noticing that Lavender and Fuschia had left. She smiled, happy with the fact her two friends were looking out for her, plus they didn't interrupt this outing beyond the one time.

Shuffle pulled out his wallet, ready to pay for the meal, but Trixie, in a sleight of hand faster than he could even see, already had her out money out and handed it to Sunset, so Shuffle covered the tip.

Both then left Unami Palace with a waving Sunset at the register.

Sunset looks to a portrait of herself and Soul sitting at one of the booths. Since they were the first customers in the restaurant, it had been photographed and framed.

“Good on you Trixie, you found someone that's going to treat you right,” Sunset said aloud before going back to work. 

The pair made their way towards home, both keeping their conversation going, firing jokes off on occasion to keep the mood light. As Trixie pulled into her house's driveway, they get out and stand beside her trailer. 

“So, I'll see you in the morning okay?” Shuffle said squeezing her hand.

“Yeah, I'll see you,” Trixie responded before Shuffle gave her a peck on the cheek and walked away.

“That's for that little stunt you pulled in the cavern Ms. Lulamoon!” Shuffle said aloud as he walked across the street towards his home.

October 31st

The next morning, Trixie had gotten up earlier than her usual time; today would be the day the plan that she and Shuffle made would spring into action, and there was so much to prep for. 

Trixie went through her daily routine as usual, though the only thing she paid more attention to was her makeup. Considering she was dressing to impress, she chose to go the extra mile for him. 

Meanwhile, Shuffle was up as well, his costume ready for the day. He grabbed his attire, put it in a bag and slung it over his shoulder. Shuffle then got his clothes out for the day, deciding to wear the T-shirt he got from Trixie's stock of merch. 

“Trix'll get a kick out of this.”

With both of them ready, each headed down to get something for breakfast.

“You’re up early Shuffle, what's the rush?”

Tesla had been sitting at the table tinkering with an unknown object.

“Trixie and I have something to do before school, so I'm going to go meet her.”

“Okay, remember to let me know if you need anything. Oh, and Shuffle…”

“Yeah, mom?” 

“Treat her right, or so help me I'll strangle you.”

“But… How even… How did you know?!”

Tes snickered.

“You just told me.”

“And that's my cue to leave now,” Shuffle gave his mom a kiss and headed out.





As Shuffle jogged across the street to a rather miffed Trixie, he spent a few moments trying to figure out how the hell he was going to explain this to her.

“Sorry, my mom had me held up.”

“Good, Trixie was worried you had forgotten.”

“Trust me, I wouldn't miss this for the world.”

Trixie smiled, unlocking her trailer and disappearing inside. After a few moments, she came back out, bags full of various items. Shuffle, takes half of the load and the two carefully put everything into the trunk of Trixie's car. With everything in place, the duo head to the school.

Usually, at CHS, most of the students would shamble into the building like a mindless zombie, considering how early it was, but since today had been a special occasion, almost everyone had dressed up, plus groups of friends had chosen their own theme for their respective group. 

Trixie and Shuffle got out of the car, and in a practiced flourish, Trixie donned her iconic cape and hat, whilst Shuffle stayed in his casual wear, his costume hidden in his bag.

“Trixie thought you were going to wear your costume all day.”

“I am, I just need to go change into it. I'll catch up in a bit, you go find your friends.”

Trixie nodded and left, leaving  Shuffle to head into the school.

Trixie quickly found Lavender and Fuschia sitting at one of the tables in the lunchroom each enjoying their breakfast. Trixie approached the duo, only now noticing that they dressed up in a white garb and fluffy wings set aside of each of them.

“Morning girls.”

“Hey Trixie, where's your new boy toy?” 

Trixie waved her hand dismissively.

“He's getting his costume on. I see you two are going as angels again.”

“We didn't have enough time to get new ones, and besides, it's a fun concept.”

Trixie sat down with her friends and the trio start talking amongst themselves.

After about ten minutes, and a few jabs at Trixie’s expense, the cafeteria doors open, revealing a single figure clad in what looked like an ancient cloak, wielding a long, body-length staff; on his chest was a ring with the eye of what and four spikes hanging down it.

Everyone turned and stared at the new arrival, as he confidently strode over towards the small group Trixie was sitting with. Once in front of Trixie, he bowed to the ground.

“My queen, I have searched for days trying to find thee, now that mine eyes have gazed thine's, I, Mahad, am now your eternal servant if you'll have me.”

Trixie giggled whilst the rest of the school’s collective mouths dropped. 

Trixie leaned down towards the bowed person.

“Kinda hamming it up aren't you?”

Mahad chuckled quietly enough so the only Trixie could hear it.

“Gotta make it look real right?”

Trixie pulled away, a look of shock on her face.

“Well, if that is the case, Mahad, I do have one task for you. There is this girl named Rainbow Dash, she has been running around pranking these poor students, along with your queen. So if you could deliver the wrath of kings, I would be forever in your debt.”

Mahad nodded towards Trixie.

“Young students of Canterlot High, where is the one called Rainbow Dash?”

The entire room went deathly silent, before pointing out the prism-haired girl.

“So, you are the one who plagues this school with your childish pranks.”

Rainbow got up from the table she was sitting at, already a cocky smirk on her face.

“So what if I am? It's Halloween, can’t help the fact that everyone here can't take a joke. Besides, is this supposed to scare me? Buddy, I've faced down demons, LITERALLY.”

Rainbow turned back to her friends who didn't look much happier.

“There is a limit though, Rainbow; remember what you did to Rarity's fish costume?”

Mahad slams the butt of his staff on the ground, making the lights flicker.

“Regardless of the past, starting now, if Rainbow Dash even tries to prank another poor students again, more than just a conversation will happen next time!” Mahad hit his staff on the floor again making the lights go out for a split second, but when they came back on he was gone.

Rainbow scoffed as she sat back down, her pride as a prankster challenged. She looked directly at the magician girl, who still had her eyes on the spot where Mahad had disappeared.

“Starting with you, Trixie.” 





“Rainbow, this isn't a good idea.”

“Of course it is, Pinks! It's obvious that Trixie was trying to scare me with that Mahad guy. Now she gets to see this little surprise that I’ve prepared.”

“But I don't think anyone likes having fake spiders dropped on them Rainbow.”

“Pinkie, its fine, I got this.”

“Okay, if you say so Dash,” Pinkie says absent mindedly.






With school over, and everyone rushing out of the building or already making the lengthy drive towards Camp Everfree, the entire student body was excited for another fun-filled Halloween party, courtesy of one Pinkie Pie.

Trixie had gotten back into her car, still pulling fake spider webbing out of her hair. She grabbed her phone and fired a text off towards someone.

Rainbow did it again, I hope you’re ready for tonight.

Trixie finished with the webbing, groaning in annoyance that she was going to have to wash her hair just to get the grime out.

So does that mean I can go all out?

Trixie chuckles sinisterly.

Make it a Halloween she won't forget any time soon

It didn't even take the recipient two seconds to respond.

:)

After heading home and fixing herself for the party, Trixie arrived at Everfree. The party was already getting started, as more guests were arriving. Trixie chuckled in the knowledge that this party was definitely going to be special.



 


Halloween had truly begun, dusk finally settled over the town, and with the rising of lights came children going out to trick or treat, or some of the more rebellious teens to trick for treats.

At Camp Everfree, the entire woods pulsed with the constant humming of music inside the crystal cavern. Since Vinyl was Deejaying the event she was going to push the absolute limit of either her setup or the world, collapsing one or the other from the number of wubs she produced.

Everyone had been dancing, taking pictures and playing the games set up. The only exception was Trixie, who sat at the table watching her phone. No updates from Shuffle had come through, and she was getting worried that something happened.

While she was paying attention to her phone, Shuffle was behind the Equipment set, his mask already on and ready; all that had to be done was a little misdirection.

Shuffle started messing with the lights, causing them to flicker. No one paid it any mind, assuming it was Vinyl, but when the lights went out and the music stopped, everyone started looking around in the only light that registered, the rapidly descending sun, then everything went dark. 

In the darkness, every student that had a phone activated their flashlight. Once a significant amount of light had been established, Celestia went up on the stage.

“Okay, everyone remains calm, the power just went out temporarily, we are looking into it now.”

Immediately after she finished speaking, there was a shriek of fear as all lights pointed towards a figure behind Celestia, who had back away offstage. The lights reignited, revealing not one but four figures, each one looking abhorrently disfigured and had what looked like sharp horns on their heads. The one at center stage stared back towards the crowd, before launching a breath of fire into the air, cueing the demon in the back onto the deejay set, which sparked to life; hard rock started playing from the speakers, and the demon in the middle held up what looked like a microphone.

“Welcome, poor unfortunate souls. This will be your last night on this earth!”

A fifth demon had covered the only exit. Everyone started screaming in the panic trying to find another way out, but another fireball in the air stopped the entire crowd, and finally, after a few minutes of calming down the center stage demon started singing. 

Welcome to hell
Welcome to anhilliation
Your night has been taken 
By demons of devilish delight
Don't resist, don't relent, your souls are mine for the taking, we are Demons of Salavadon and your will shall now break.

The entire crowd had become transfixed as the hoard of demons seemed to have somehow materialized instruments.

Dark saints, all hallows
Hold your tongues, lest you’re held in the gallows
A dark dance, that shrouds evil
Spirits and whispers stir
Under our blood red moon whisper

The demon on the right started a riff on its guitar, making it sound like a shrill banshee scream as everyone covered their ears. The center stage demon then took a step off the stage dropping to the ground, parting the audience as he passed.

All here shall know our song
Bones shiver, legs quiver and hair standing on your neck, but as a noble devil, we shall only take one, one for all

The demon then passed through the crowd, first sniffing the frozen frame of Rainbow Dash, finally eyeing a very concerned looking Trixie.

“This one will do. Now, join us young one, we have much to do,” the demon held put his hand towards the girl. In a trance, she had taken ahold of the demon's hand, and the two disappeared in a flash of smoke. The entire crowd started to panic again as they reappeared on stage, this time with a lithe demon accompanying the larger one, as the new one started to sing.


Dark saints, all hallows
Hold your tongues, lest you’re held in the gallows
A dark dance, that shrouds evil
Spirits and whispers stur
Under our blood red moon whisper 

I shall choose thee for eternity, and let this be the ultimate thriller.

Then the entire group burst into flames, all cackling evilly as they seemed to have melted into the stage when all hell broke loose; with the exit finally uncovered, everyone ran out in a panic.

Meanwhile, the only thing that could be heard deep in the cave was the howling laughter of one Trixie Lulamoon and Shuffle Suite.

“OH MY GOSH, THAT WAS AWESOME!” Trixie said excitedly. 

“And this is why I have good ideas. Sure, it was last minute, but I like to think I pulled it off.”

“But who were the other people? I didn't recognize anyone.”

“Robots. I had to pay a few people to gets some too look like demons.”

Inside the secret cavern, Micro Chips emerged from the crevice, a controller in hand.

“Okay, I'm ready to go, just had to finish calibrating the CPU... why are you already in costume, and why is she back here? What happened with the plan?”

“Chips, it's over, we pulled it off, and it was all thanks to you, especially that guitar riff, that was genius bro!”

“But that wasn't me though.”

“Wait, then who was it?”

The trio then turns around revealing three dark silhouettes with glowing red eyes.

“Run, run now!” all three speed off towards the exit screaming.

The figures came forward, revealing Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie.

“Oh dear, I hope we didn't scare them too bad,” Fluttershy says quietly.

“It's all in good fun darling. Besides, didn't you have fun?”

“Well yeah, it was kinda fun to be the scarer for once.”

“Exactly.”

Trixie and Shuffle piled into Trixie's car and sped away from Camp Everfree.

“Ok, never going back there on Halloween ever again,” Trixie said, panting.

“Agreed, the magic at CHS is enough, we don't need actual demons after us!” Shuffle retorted. 

The duo finally pulls over.

“Well, that was exciting and terrifying at the same time.”

“Yeah, kinda bummed we didn't get any snacks though.” 

“Oh, didn’t we?” Shuffle pulled a bag from under the seat, filled to the brim with candy and Trixie’s favorite snack, peanut butter crackers.

Trixie let out an audible “eeeeh” sound and stole the bag, getting herself a single pack.

Shuffle laughed, reaching into the bag and grabbing a small chocolate bar.





Two hours passed as the two continued their little spree of eating the stash, making jokes and just relaxing from the night, but as all nights, they must end, so the duo finally makes their way home.

As Trixie pulled onto the street of their homes, they both noticed an ambulance and police in front of Trixie's house with their lights on. Trixie pulled up to the ambulance as they were wheeling out a stretcher, and on it lain Trixie's dad in a body bag.

Trixie rushed out of her car and over to her dad's side, but the paramedics held her back. After they loaded up and the ambulance left, Trixie broke down into tears as the officer gave his condolences.

Shuffle rushed to her side, pulling her into a hug; this was supposed to be a happy night and it was all ruined.

Down the road, a car was sitting silently, all lights off, and a man was watching the two teens.

“Phase one complete boss,” the driver said.

“Excellent. Let's go home; we have a wedding to plan,” the man in the back said, his hands going up to the blood red jewel around his neck. The driver looked back towards his passenger, and could have sworn he saw a flash of red in the eyes of his passenger.
> A Moment Of Peace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Short, empty hours had passed since the party. Shuffle spent most of his time trying to comfort a distraught Trixie until she finally tired herself out and fell asleep on her family couch. Weirdly, Trixie's mother was borderline nonexistent; after discovering Granite gone in the household, she fled to what Shuffle assumed was her and her now deceased husband’s room.

Shuffle checked his phone, groaning silently. They had gotten back at 11:30, now it's rolling onto 4 am. He put it away and stared down at the sleeping magician.

“Worth it,” he said aloud to no one in particular, as he finally let his own mind shut down for a few hours.

…

Shuffle’s alarm went off at its usual time, startling him awake.
 
He silenced the beeping demon quickly, already starting to drift off again. He rested his hands on his lap, his mind shutting back down once more, before immediately snapping back on. Something was wrong, very, very wrong.
 
He looked down to make sure Trixie was okay, only to find her not laying there; instead, there was the familiar face of Granite, who had a look of shock on his face, his body already ice cold. Shuffle screamed and threw himself away from the corpse, only to be at the feet of Trixie's mother, Star Shine.
 
“So, it's done?” she said, not paying attention to the teen at her feet.
 
“Yes ma'am, and it looks like it was natural, too. Shame, he was such a nice man and a hard worker, the company will miss him,” one of the figures said.
 
“So, where's the money? This acting isn't going to be easy to do, and I might need an incentive to make sure it's really convincing.”
 
“Rest assured, ma’am, you will get paid, just be patient.”
 
“Good.”

Shuffle gasped. This can't be real, no one would be this cruel! He tried to decipher whom the figures were, but he could only see shadows, and what looked to be an unusual amulet…

Before Shuffle had a chance to process what had happened, his head flew up from the couch armrest.

“Okay, okay, it was just a dream,” Shuffle said silently, his breathing uneven. He took a few seconds to compose himself.

“Morning,” a voice said behind him, startling the teen again.

Shuffle sat up, turning, revealing the voice to be his mother standing behind him, her arms crossed.

“Yeah, sorry, just kinda jumpy. I had a weird dream…”

“How are you holding up?”

“It's not me I'm worried about, it's Trixie; the last thing I remember, she was passed out on my la- hold the phone, where is she?”

“Trixie went to take a shower. She got up a few minutes before you did, and used your phone to call me and apologize for not having you home. She told me what happened, too.”

“Well, how long am I grounded for not informing you sooner?”

“A week. It should be longer, but the situation is special.”

Shuffle moved closer to his mother, giving her a hug.

“Thanks. Let me talk to Trixie, then I'll come home okay?”

“Yes, and make sure you take a shower too. Christ, you reek!”  Tesla covered her nose playfully.

“God I hate you sometimes mom.”

“Well, if you loved me all the time… meh.”

Shuffle chuckled as Tesla left for home. A few minutes pass and Trixie comes back out, dress in a pair of sports shorts and a lavender shirt with her logo on the hip of it.

Shuffle blushed, noticing her come out. Her hair still somewhat of a mess and cascading down her face, due to the fact it was still damp.

Both eyes meet the others’ simultaneously.

“Hey.”

“Morning, doing better?”

“No,” her expression remained rather downtrodden.

“Do you want something to eat? I don't think either one of us ate since last night.”

Trixie nodded, Shuffle could tell she was still hurting from the night prior but was glad she was well enough to have an appetite.

“Do you think your mom will get mad if I made you something?”

“Probably, but do it anyways, please?”

“Yes ma'am,” Shuffle gave her a salute and rushed into the kitchen.

Trixie followed him, and amazingly in the few seconds, he already had an idea of what to make. The stove was already heating up and Shuffle had a few eggshells already sitting on the counter. The sounds of chopping could be heard from in front of Shuffle, so Trixie sat at the family table.

A few minutes pass, and with it, the rising smell of freshly fried onions and bell peppers soon consumed the kitchen in their heavenly aromas.

After a minute, Shuffle presented a plate in front of Trixie consisting of a single medium-sized omelet with fried potatoes on the side. Her face began to lighten up slightly.

“Enjoy, I'm gonna clean up the mess,” Shuffle said turning away from Trixie getting started on clean up. Even from the short distance away, Shuffle could hear the telltale sounds of a fork scraping across the plate, and a subtle, perhaps unintentional moan as well. Shuffle mentally fist pumped; those hours of working in a kitchen back in Vanhoover were finally paying off!

“I didn't know you cooked,” Trixie said between enthusiastic bites.

Shuffle shrugged. “Never came up, but I did work at a small mom ‘n’ pop restaurant back in Vanhoover. It’s how I got most of the stuff I own.”

“What about your mom, didn't she get you anything?”

“Well yeah, but with her new jobs and ever since dad passed on, she spends a lot of time at work. Besides, I think she has a crush on her coworker. “

“What happened with your dad, if you don't mind me asking?”

“He…” Shuffle began, unable to find the words on how exactly to explain this.

Trixie leaned forward, waiting patiently for Shuffle to start.

“Back in Vanhoover, he was one of the best local card players, no matter the game: Blackjack, Texas hold ‘em, hell even Yu-Gi-Oh. It was amazing how quickly he picked up on any game, but one day we were going through some financial troubles and he went to a local high stakes poker game to earn big for his family. Next thing we know, the police are at the door, and the rest is history.”

“I'm so sorry for your loss, Shuffle,” Trixie stopped eating and moved around the table, embracing the boy. The story alone was painful for Shuffle to remember, and even with the obvious poker face he had on, it didn't hide how hurt Shuffle was.

The two separated, and Shuffle grabbed his phone.

“I gotta go home, because of this little fiasco mom wants me home immediately. It’s almost thirty minutes later, so I'm already going to hear no end of it.”

“Okay, I'll see you at school tomorrow.”

“Eeyup.”

Shuffle left without another word, leaving Trixie there by herself. After finishing her food and washing her plate, she turned to head to her room, but her eye caught sight of a piece of paper sticking from an almost closed drawer. Thinking nothing of it, Trixie grabbed it and was about to put it in the trash, until she noticed her name was on it. She then turned it over and began to read it.





Shuffle quickly made his way back to his own home, and after entering, he quickly made his way to a shower. Considering his mother grounded, him he couldn't do anything electronically, so instead, he spent the morning cleaning up around the house.

By mid-afternoon, the house looked immaculate. Shuffle retreated back to his room looking for something to do, and then as if by fate, he found a binder on his bed with a note on it.


Found this in my room, you'll enjoy what's inside.


Shuffle opened it, revealing dozens of pictures of himself and his dad, and behind it, all was something that amazed him was still in great condition: his dad's old deck from when Shuffle was a kid! He grabbed his own box of cards, and after carefully removing the cards in the binder, Shuffle set up both decks on his bed. If one were to enter the room in the hours that passed from that moment to almost midnight, they would find a very giddy Shuffle Suite buried in piles of scattered cards. It had been so long since he last played, and after playing just the one game between his dad’s and his own old decks, he had forgotten what it was like to actually have fun again. Y’know, aside from hanging out with Trixie.

He finally passed out at about 3 am. After cleaning up the mess he made, Shuffle returned the decks to their respected areas, making sure they weren't any worse for wear.

The next morning, Tesla came up to an already wide awake Shuffle, who was currently finishing up getting ready for school. Thankfully, this whole Halloween business landed on the weekend, so no ones’ schedules were messed up too badly.

“Hey mom, I know I'm technically grounded, but can I please ride with Trixie today? She really needs someone now, and I don't want to feel like I'm trying to avoid her.”

Tesla smiled. Even though he couldn't see it, Shuffle was acting more and more like his father every day… next time she saw that girl, she was going to have to thank her for doing something she thought impossible: bringing back Shuffle's true self.

“Shuffle, hold on.”

Tesla turned towards her son and rushed past him, headed down the stairs and into her room. Shuffle came down as Tesla came out of her own room, holding something behind her back.

“Here,” she held out her hand, revealing a small box.

Shuffle took the box and opened it, revealing it to be a necklace with a sapphire star in the center.

“Your dad gave this to me a few months into dating. I think Trixie would love it right now,” Tesla said, smiling. The two embraced, and Shuffle left soon afterward. Tesla sat down on the couch, staring down at the ring on her finger. Ever since Royal Flush passed away, she never looked to date again, but seeing Shuffle as happy as he was now compared to Vanhoover… she sighed, removing the ring from her third finger and placing it on her middle. She grabbed her phone and dialed a special number.

“Lightning, it's Tess. Is that offer for lunch today still open?”





Trixie had just closed and locked the door to her home. While walking towards her car, a figure appeared behind her, covering her eyes.

“Guess who?” the voice said.

“Shuffle, not today, please.”

Shuffle smirked lowering his hands to her stomach, pulling her into a warm hug from behind.

“Fine, no jokes today. How about a ‘good morning’ at least?”

Trixie sighed in resignation.

“Good morning,” She said dully before having a kiss planted on her cheek.

“See? That wasn't so hard, was it? Now, lets'a' go, I'm getting us breakfast.”

Shuffle removed himself from Trixie, swiping the keys from her before unlocking the door and opening it for her.

“I thought you didn't have a license?”

“I don't, I was just making sure my Sapphire Star was given the gentlemanly treatment.”

Trixie approached the car and got in. Shuffle slid across the car, trying to imitate the dukes of hazard, but it didn't work; when he got across, his footing was terrible, which caused him to slip. He fell face first on the pavement, which in turn made Trixie laugh hysterically. It was music to Shuffle since it was the first time he heard her laugh after the recent development.

Shuffle quickly got into the car, dirt on his face, which made Trixie laugh even harder.

Shuffle used the mirror to clean off his face and booped the magician girl’s nose.

“I thought you were a ‘Parkour Master’? Last time Trixie checked, that requires having the ability to stand.”

Shuffle crossed his arms in slow contemplation, before coming up with the best response he could think of.

Trixie, already trying to hold back another fit of laughter waited for a response.

“No u.”

That was what broke Trixie’s resolve. Another fit of laughter was shared between the two, which somehow elicited a snort from the magician.

After a few minutes of laughing, Trixie started the car, and the two were off to get food.





The entire day was a whirlwind of chaos. Winter exams were coming up, so each teacher going over packets for each of their respective tests. By the time lunch rolled around, most students’ hands were already cramped from all the writing, and their brains fried from absorbing knowledge. Groups were already assembled together in the lunchroom, relaxing or talking with their friends. Trixie and Shuffle were sitting with Lavender and Fuchsia, along with Snips and Snails, who somehow ended up dating Trixie's friends; apparently, during Halloween, neither group had a partner for the party, so they went together. And, because of the prank Trixie and Shuffle pulled, the two couples tried dating.

Currently, Trixie was talking about her RP group she has after school, which consisted of her, along with Big Macintosh, Zero Gravity, and Snips and Snails, hilariously. They were getting together this afternoon, and Trixie was talking about having the “Ultimate Quest” she had set up.

Shuffle smiled, listening to his girlfriend geek out was both strange and amazing. No one would think a girl like Trixie would be into stuff like DnD. It was a pleasant change of pace towards the couple.

“And that's what Trixie has planned, there is no way all of you will leave alive from this dungeon!” Trixie let out a maniacal laugh. The lights flash, but only for a moment.

The entire group chuckled at the magician’s antics. After they calmed down, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and the beginning of afternoon classes.

Towards the beginning of gym, Shuffle met up with Trixie again, who had a handful of books, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a pencil behind her ear.

“Hey, love, ready for Gym?”

Trixie ignored Shuffle, her mind obviously elsewhere, but from the books, she was carrying it was made apparent her mind was still processing everything from her last few classes.

Shuffle tapped her side, which startled Trixie into dropping her books.

“You oaf, Trixie had these in a particular order and you're ruined it!” Trixie shouted, quickly grabbing her books. Shuffle bent down to help her pick them up.

“Sorry, I was just trying to get your attention, didn't mean to make you drop your notes.”

Shuffle held half of the contents she had dropped in his own hand as Trixie sighed.

“It's fine Shuffle. Trixie was just stressed out because of her exams, the biology test is supposed to be a hundred questions and Trixie doesn't want to fail her exams again.”

Shuffle put his hands on Trixie’s shoulders having her look at him.

“Listen, if you need help, just ask. Stressing yourself out isn't helpful for your mind. Besides, you’re lucky, I know someone who happens to be a major in biology.”

Trixie perks up from this new information. “Who?”

“My mom, Trix. I mean, Biology is her job.”

Trixie punched his shoulder and the two entered Gym class.

Iron Will was standing in the center of the basketball court, multiple bags beside him.

As everyone gathered around Iron Will, he spoke out.

“Welcome back to Gym maggots. Today, since all of the teachers are pushing your minds, Iron Will shall be pushing your strengths! Inside these bags are changes of clothes for everyone. Ladies, this is your bag, and men, this one is yours. Everyone get to the changing room and meet me in the weight room immediately!”

The entire class groaned. Weight training was one of the more hated things Iron Will made them do, beyond running laps, which Shuffle actually loved.

After the class was ready, Iron Will escorted them to the weight room.

“Iron Will has put everybody in pairs. When I call your name, each of you meets with your partner and pick a station. First up, Soul Writer and Shuffle Suite!”

Shuffle approached the other teen, who didn't look happy to be paired with him. Shuffle shrugged and waited beside his new partner while watching Iron Will continue his pairings.

After everyone was sorted out and everyone had a station, Iron Will went around explaining each machine to each pair. Once that was done, everyone got started.

Shuffle went first. From the look on his face, he could already tell that Soul wasn't going to even try, which saddened the teen, considering these machines can kill you, but given their history, he bet Soul would have no problem letting that happen.

Shuffle set up the bar with a starting amount of weight that suited his strength and began his reps. After his twenty, he got off, wiped off his sweat and let Soul go. As he sat down, Soul made a comment.

“Just because we’re partners today doesn't mean I like you.”

“And I could give a shit about you Writer, now hurry up, unless your weak arms can't even handle the bar,” Shuffle spat back.

Soul stayed quiet and got started with his exercise. Shuffle noticed no weights were changed and carefully watched Soul perform. To say it was sloppy was an understatement of the century; his arms were too wide and his breathing was shallow and rushed. It was obvious that Soul couldn't handle what Shuffle could. Once Soul got done, Shuffle pulled off the weights and turned to his partner.

“I get you don't care for this class, but are you trying to get yourself killed?”

“I matched your weights, didn't I? What makes you such an expert in weightlifting?” Soul couldn't tell but he was already panting.

“Considering your positioning was terrible, your face was purple, and you’re still out of breath now says a lot about you.”

“Whatever.”

Shuffle pushed past Soul, sitting back down on the bench.

“Chaalva,” Soul said under his breath, low enough for no one far away to hear, except for the sitting teen.

Shuffle looked up at Soul and smirked before responded.

“Copaani mirsmure’cye vod?” Shuffle replied coolly.

Soul looked awestruck as Shuffle continued his reps.

“Gar jorhaa'ir mado’a?

Shuffle took a second before responding.

“Elek Ni vaabir di'kut.”

Soul took a second to register what was said, his focus lost on the bar that quickly came down on his chest. Shuffle helped him lift the bar as Soul coughed from having the wind knocked out of him.

“I didn't know you spoke mado'a!” he said after recovering.

“I can do more than that, you just gotta know me.”

Soul smiled nodding his head.

“Well then, maybe after school we could hang out?”

Shuffle stood there in silence for a minute.

“Maybe some other time. I've got someone I'm looking out for right now,” His gaze landed on his girlfriend, who was completely engrossed in her own exercise. Even from this distance away, Shuffle could see that Trixie was working up a sweat, and the shirt she was given was already clinging to her body. This was the first time Shuffle truly saw Trixie, and with the clothes sticking to her, along with how she bent wasn't helping the blood move to his brain.

Wow, she really is hot.

Shuffle’s mind shut out anything else as he focused on her. He noticed, one moment, that she had noticed him staring. In an invisible display only for him, she leaned back, stretching her arms, presenting her slim stomach, then bent forward to stretch, showing off just for him.

ThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughtsThinkunsexythoughts!

Shuffle had been dumbfounded in the span of a few seconds, before being smacked back to reality by his partner, who didn't seem to notice what happened.

“Hey, dude, Iron Will told everyone to hit the showers.”

“Oh… um, okay. I'm coming,” he said hesitantly.

God damn it, Trixie… He thought as he made his way back to the changing room.
> An Old Flame Reignited
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The entire month of November flew by in a flash for Shuffle and Trixie; after Granite’s funeral,
Trixie would throw herself into her act and/or would always be seen around Shuffle.

Shuffle noticed she was incredibly hurt from the entire ordeal, so to make up for the dark days, he would try as hard as he could to make her smile, even going as far as playing little harmless pranks on their friends to ease her pain. By the time Thanksgiving break rolled around, Lavender and Fuchsia had had enough of it and confronted Shuffle, who promptly apologized.

Thanksgiving was fairly lackluster, barring the fact Trixie spent the day with Shuffle, who invited her, Lavender, and Fuchsia, along with their boyfriends, over to his house for the feast. Tesla loved having the company, along with watching her son interact with more and more people.

As the day wound down, everyone left, taking plastic plates of food for later. All that was left were Shuffle, Trixie, and Tess, alone for cleanup. As the trio cleaned, Shuffle noticed a friendly spider descend and perch himself on Shuffle's Shoulder; apparently Greg decided to tag along with Trixie, and the duo laughed as Tesla freaked out with a giant spider in her home, but after some convincing, and a few tricks with Greg, Shuffle took Greg back to his cage across the street in Trixie’s trailer. While he was gone, Trixie and Tesla continued to clean in silence, at least, until Tesla stopped.

“Hey Trixie, I just wanted to thank you.”

Trixie turned towards Tesla, who had stopped washing dishes and turned to lean against the counter.

“For What, Ms. Suite? Trixie never leaves a mess at another’s house. She can sometimes be vindictive and egotistical, but never a slob.”

Tesla chuckled.

“Well that, and for what you do for Shuffle. In the past month that you two have been together, it's almost like nothing ever changed since we moved from Vanhoover. After that incident with that Sunset girl, he retreated into himself, always staying shut up in his room and not really eating or sleeping. But now, it's very rare I see him inside anymore, and because of you, I truly have my son back.”

Trixie blushed at the praise. Honestly, it’s all been Shuffle who's wanted to hang out outside of school, and from what she just learned, if he hadn't changed his ways, he would have been in even worse condition than before.

“Trixie appreciates the comments Ms. Suite, but Trixie isn't the sole reason Shuffle has become livelier. It was all of our friends that helped out, and from watching him at school, his list of friends is slowly growing. I've already seen him hang out with a few other guys in the lunchroom if he's not with myself, or the two couples that were here tonight.”

“Still, compared to how we left Vanhoover, that's five times more than before. Do you mind if I ask you a personal question though?”

“No, we haven't done anything like that. Shuffle actually hasn't made that kind of move on Trixie yet, nor I to him.”

Tesla stood there, slightly taken aback. It wasn't the question she was going to ask, but now it was another thing she didn't have to worry about immediately. Sure, she was over the moon for her son and his girlfriend, but not so excited to be a grandma yet.

“Actually, I was going to ask how you two first got together. I mean, it's not that I don't have any problems with you and Shuffle doing...’That’, as long as your practice safety.”

Trixie laughed at a flustered Tesla, who was about as red as one of Applejack’s apples.

Trixie took a moment, recovering from her fit of giggling.

“It was thanks to this spot at the base of Everfree Mountain. Shuffle showed me this really beautiful indoor lake that had natural holes and gashes in the back wall, making it look like a night sky. From what Shuffle said, you had brought him there, and that it was supposed to remain a secret no matter what.”

So he took you to the ‘Twilight Cavern’, Tesla thought as she listens to Trixie talking.

“After that, he and I sat on the beach for a little while, before deciding to head home for the day.”

“Interesting…”

The door opened again, revealing Shuffle, smiling as he approached the kitchen.

“Sorry I took so long, Greg needed some food, and THIS one had to hide it,” Shuffle said teasingly as he moved to the right side of Trixie.

“You've seen what Greg's like if he knows where his food is mister, he'd make a little web in the box and devour all the crickets in hours, and a fat spider is something Trixie doesn't need, thank you very much.”

The trio finishes cleaning up and headed back into the living room. Shuffle moved towards a cabinet on the side of the TV.

“How's about a movie to unwind for the day?” he suggested.

Both of the women nodded. Shuffle grabbed a random movie and popped it in, dashed back to the couch and plopped down on the seat next to Trixie. The movie quickly loaded and hit the main menu, calliope music started playing as all three noticed what Shuffle put in, “The Greatest Showman”.

Trixie let out an audible squeal and quickly dove for the remote, pressing play.

Mid-way through the movie, Shuffle and Trixie had shifted around so that they snuggled together, their eyes not leaving the TV, but enjoying each other’s heat. Tesla smirked as she discreetly pulled out her phone and took a snapshot of the two.

By the time the movie ended, Trixie was already asleep and Shuffle was quickly heading the same way. The credits rolled when he finally succumbed himself.

The rest of break was quiet, then when Monday rolled around, things got really hectic. The first week of December was exam week, so all of CHS was even more chaotic, each student doing his or her own way of studying and/or coping. For Shuffle, juggling his own studies and keeping up with his goal of making Trixie smile was tiring; he was stressed out, but it was worth it in his eyes. By Wednesday afternoon, Shuffle decided to take a walk around the city part of Canterlot to cool off his mind. Trixie was spending the night over with Lavender and Fuchsia, having a “Girls night”, which left Shuffle by himself, and apparently all of his friends had stuff to do, looking back at his phone, re-reading all of the rejections for the afternoon.

Shuffle sighed. It had been so long since he had been alone. The feeling felt almost foreign to the boy, which was weird, considering last August he preferred it.

Shuffle pursed his lips looking up and down each road looking for something to do before he spotted a particular store.

“Discord's Game Emporium”, why have I never seen this before…?” Shuffle said aloud as he approached the store and entered it.

Inside sat two rows of seats on the far left, a few people standing around them, enraptured with what was going on in between the crowd. Shuffle approached it and took a look without trying to invade someone else's space; on the inside were two boys each staring at the other in focus, as the boy on the left grabbed a card on the table.

“With your turn ending, I play the trap card ‘Call of the Haunted’, reviving my Starving Venom from the graveyard.”

Shuffle gasped, Call of the Haunted was a trap from Yu-Gi-Oh! That alone was enough to make him smile.

“After that, I'll immediately attack directly. Good game, Shadow.”

The boy, now named Shadow, clutched his heart in mock pain.

“Damn, not here,” he said before laughing. “Good game Artemis, but one of these days, I'll beat your Predaplants.”

The other teen packed up his cards and smiled at his opponent.

“I welcome the challenge anytime Shadow. See you later!” the two fist bumped and Shadow left. The group dispersed to go about looking around the shop, while Shuffle approached Artemis.

“So, you play Yu-Gi-Oh?” Shuffle asked the boy.

“Oh yeah, I come into Discord’s a few times a week to practice, plus the friendly atmosphere is always a good thing to be around,” Artemis idly said as he finally focused on the boy talking to him.

“Are you new to Discords? I haven't seen you around before.”

Shuffle sat down in front of Artemis.

“I've never seen the store before. If I knew there was a comic shop around, I would have been in here more. Do they have a local’s tournament here?”

“Depends on the time of year, but we do play for fun, and that's all that truly matters. Ya know, I never got the chance to introduce myself. I'm Artemis Arrow,” he held out his hand and offered a handshake.

“Shuffle Suite, a pleasure to meet a fellow duelist.” Shuffle returned the gesture.

“I thought I recognized you, you go to CHS right?”

“Eeyup.”

“Awesome, we have to talk some more at another time, my girlfriend is texting me, apparently her sisters are getting on her nerves, and she needs me. I'll talk to ya later buddy.” Artemis got up and quickly left the shop.

“Huh… Neat.” Shuffle said silently as he got up himself, walking around the shop and looking.


Before he knew it, the sun had reached its setting point, and Shuffle was about to leave before a tall man appeared beside him.

“Never have I ever seen someone stay in my shop for so long, barring Artemis himself,” the man said as Shuffle took a good look at him.

His skin tone was grey, he had a goatee, and weirdly enough his eyes were yellow, while the irises were as red as his favorite jacket; he wore a suit that looked like it was patched together by random pieces of cloth.

“Apologize for my interrupting, but my name is Discord, and this is my shop, mind if this old clout gets your name in return?”

“Shuffle Suite.”

“Ah, I remember now. Zecora told me some time back about a boy with discolored irises helping her usual customer out, and your description fits. For helping one of my friends, I have something for you.”

Discord snaps his fingers, revealing a singular card in his opposite hand as if it appeared from nowhere. Shuffle retrieved the card and looked at it.

It was both a spell card and an effect monster; this turned Shuffle’s mind upside down as he took a closer look at the card’s design. It was a seven-star monster, dragon type, had red scales, a ring around its back near the tail, but the biggest thing Shuffle noticed was the dragon had two different irises, just like he did.

“‘Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon’, I've never heard of this card before.”

Discord let out a mad cackle as he walked away from the confused boy.

“Ask your new friend, I bet he can help you. Ta-ta for now, I've gotta close up.” Discord said as he went into the back.

“Thanks, I guess.” Shuffle said to himself as he walked out of the store, and went home.





Trixie, along with Lavender and Fuchsia, had finally moved into Lavender's room after sharing a large pizza. Each was caught up in their own activity: Lavender tending her flowers, Fuchsia playing with her phone, and Trixie was staring outside, her eyes idly scanning the passing cars.

“What's the wrong Trix? You seem distracted,” Fuchsia asked.

“Nothing Fuchsia… It's just been quiet ever since dad died, and the silence reminded me of everything that's went on for the last month, and it hurts, so much…” Trixie hugged herself, trying to hold back tears. Unknowingly, her two friends sat down beside her, each placing a hand on Trixie’s shoulders.

“Losing family is never easy. Remember when Lavender's dog died? She couldn't recover for almost two whole months,” Fuchsia giggled at Lavender, her face going red.

“I couldn't help it, Spark was such a nice dog. Besides, I had him since I was little, it was better that he went in peace.”

The three girls remained silent for a minute.

“So, how are you two doing with Snips and Snails?”

Lavender blushed, Fuchsia, on the other hand, did the same, but she also had a proud smile on her face.

“Well, ya see…” Lavender started.

“The thing is…” Fuchsia croaked out.

Trixie giggled, waiting for her two flustered friends to recover from her question.

“Snips might be a little immature sometimes, but he can be such a sweetheart,” Lavender said.

“The same with Snails. He can act like a goofball, but he's actually really intelligent. Did you know his hand-eye coordination is so amazing that one time when I dropped one of my school books he was able to bounce it off his foot and hand it back to me?”

The other two girls gave an audible “ooh” as Fuchsia finished her little comment for her boyfriend.

“Snips can't do that, but he can draw,” Lavender pulled out her phone, showing a paint coated Snips, holding a well-done picture of the two on a beach together.

“Has Shuffle done anything special for you, Trixie?”

Trixie smirked already ready to give a few hundred things, but something stopped her. Actually, come to think of it, recently she had been as boastful as she normally was; it was there still, but not enough to annoy people.

“Have you both noticed that Trixie doesn't boast as much as she used to?”

Both girls nodded.

“If Trixie could guess, it's because being around him has humbled Trixie. Yes, she is still her great and powerful self, but for the first time in a while Trixie doesn't feel like showing off. Plus, Shuffle is a mean cook,” Trixie rubbed her stomach, already remembering certain days where Shuffle would get up early just to bring her breakfast, along with a few packs of peanut butter crackers.

“So, how far have you two gone?” Fuchsia, asked the daydreaming magician.

“Excuse me, what did you just ask?”

Fuchsia didn't even hesitate to repeat her question.

“What makes you think we've done anything like that, Fuchsia?”

“I mean, you’re around each other almost constantly, and I could swear there have been times if you could you’d sit in his lap!”

“That is true, but that's just because Shuffle is very warm. Like, seriously, you wouldn't need a blanket if his arms are wrapped around you.”

“AHA! YOU TWO HAVE DONE IT!”

“NO, we just snuggle a lot, that's it though I swear!”

Fuchsia burst out into a fit of laughter.

“If it helps, Trixie, the way you two act, it's amazing he hasn't tried to make a move on you,” Fuchsia said, wiggling her eyebrows seductively.

“And I do believe it's time for bed, goodnight ladies!” Trixie said before quickly turning over in her sleeping bag.

“But it's only 9:30…” Lavender pointed out.

“Goodnight you two,” Trixie said quickly before going still and silent. Both of the other girls shrugged and settled down themselves.

The next morning, Trixie awoke to use the bathroom. Noticing it was still dark, she checked her phone, finding that it was barely four in the morning. Trixie sighed, noticing she had a missed message from Shuffle.

Hey Trix, I found a neat little card shop on Prance Street, maybe tomorrow you can go with me so we can look about? If not, that’s all good. Have a good night :)

Trixie smiled, even something as simple as this made her day. In the silence as she laid back down to go back to sleep, her mind wouldn't stop thinking of him. Everything about him was so amazing, his personality, his goofiness, the fact that Greg jumps on him and he doesn’t panic… Trixie's mind continued on and on until her mind started thinking of other things.

Trixie bit her lower lip. The conversation with Fuchsia earlier that night got her thinking what it would be like if they actually went further… her mind became abuzz with thoughts, slowly growing lewder by the moment, before she noticed her own hands imagining what he would do.

The very thought alone was a catalyst to reigniting a long forgotten spark inside Trixie, one that quickly took over rational thought, and replaced it with a need.

A need for release.

“I really need this, sorry girls.”

Quickly but quietly, she checked to see if her friends were asleep, before turning away from them and quietly took care of the need she was so desperate for.
> A Forbidden Secret Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midnight Shuffle’s Room

It began with a simple call. Exam week was midway over, and Shuffle was getting the rest he needed to keep his mind sharp, but it changed when someone had persisted in calling him at an unholy hour. Shuffle was going to give the person a piece of his mind before noticing the song specific ringtone he had applied; it was none other than Trixie, but this wasn't normal. The next time Trixie called, he picked it up on the first jingle.

“Sorry Trixie, I wasn't ignoring you, promise. Just took me a minute to wake up.”

“….”

“Trix, are you there? You didn't butt dial me again, did you?”

“Let me in… Please…”

Shuffle rolled out of bed and peeked outside his door, and it seemed to have started raining recently. The constant pitter-patter of the soothing weather almost lulled Shuffle back to sleep... Almost.

After throwing on a spare shirt, Shuffle rushed down towards the door and let Trixie in. She was soaking wet, carrying a bag, and her eyes were bloodshot. the confident magician that usually stood tall looked like she was wholly and truly broken. 

Shuffle took the bag and tossed it on the couch before running towards the bathroom and grabbing a few towels and a blanket in the hallway closet midway back. Once he returned, he noticed Trixie hadn't moved an inch.

“You know, you could have sat down. Mom wouldn't have cared about the couch getting wet.”

Trixie never responded.

“Trixie, are you okay?”

No response.

“Please Trixie, talk to me. What were you doing outside this late?”

Nothing.

Shuffle was slowly starting to panic. He quickly strode across the room and pulled her into a hug. It was the last thing he could think of to do. 

Finally, he received a reaction from her; she had wrapped her arms around his frame and starting crying. It was silent at first then grew louder and louder until she pushed her face into Shuffle's chest and let out a wail of pain. Something happened, and Shuffle knew he needed to get Trixie to calm down. Shuffle pulled Trixie to the couch as he cradled her in his arms. Before he knew it, he was slowly rocking back and forth, shushing her, rubbing her back, trying everything he could immediately think of to call someone.

Thirty minutes of this passed before Trixie finally started to calm down. Shuffle's mind was a whirlwind of questions, but they could wait a little longer.  

“Trixie, you’re freezing. I need you to go take a warm shower, can you do that?”

Trixie nodded before moving away from Shuffle and made her way towards their bathroom.

What the fuck happened? Shuffle thought as he kicked on the heater so after Trixie got out she wouldn't be cold. Before he went back up to get something for her to change into, he noticed a paper sticking out of her bag. Against his better judgment, he grabbed it and read it.

Dearest Trixie, 

Upon the time of writing this, I feel it's important you know this first. I love you more than anything in this world, but neither myself nor your mother has been truly honest with you. Let me start from the beginning.

When I met Star, I had been working for a casino in Las Pegasus. I was the repairman, and she had been fawning over a local Magician; when his shows would end, people who had the access to a post-show meet-and-greet with him could go behind the curtain and spend a few minutes with the man...

The next few paragraphs had become smudged thanks to the rain. Shuffle moved further down the page until he found more legible words.

But after their argument, he decided to break it off with her. No woman should be that cruel, especially to their own child. That's why you have a tendency to talk in the third person, thank the lord it was only that and nothing else. 

After that, the two went their separate ways, but not before Star gained a lump of his own wealth; apparently, she had been taking bits of his money, so when she was done with him, he could be tossed aside.

But this doesn't prove a point. I may not be your birth father, but I hope after you read this you won't hate me for this. I thought what I was doing was going to protect you from the truth, but it seems history is starting to repeat itself again, and Star is looking to leech money again, from me this time. When I caught her, she wasn't happy, and I haven't seen her since.

I am sorry for telling you all of this via paper, but if something does happen, go find somewhere else to stay. Don't, in any form, trust Star. 


Signed 


Granite Load


Another forty-five minutes pass before Trixie came out of the bathroom. Shuffle had snuck in and left a pair of his sweatpants and a random shirt along with a fresh warm towel.

Shuffle sat in the living room, the paper in his hand. Fifteen times he read it, but no matter how many times he hoped it was all an illusion, he would glance back and see the same words plastered on it. 

Once Trixie returned, she saw the paper in his hand and became furious.

“Why did you read that without my permission?!” 

Shuffle winced, dropping the paper on the floor.

“Trix, I'm sorry, it was just sitting out and…”

“Don't you ‘Trix’ me! What gave you the right to go through my stuff?!” She shrieked.

Shuffle moved closer to Trixie.

“Listen to me, please. I didn't honestly know what was going to be on the page, but if this is what's tearing you apart, then let me help you.”

“Why? So you can just be using Trixie as well?!”

“Trixie, you know for a fact I would never do that! Please, calm down and just talk to me,” Shuffle tried to reach for the girl, who quickly pulled away. Shuffle mentally growled at the challenge and kept trying to get close to Trixie, until finally, he was able to get past her arms, pinning them behind her back and forcing his lips onto hers.

Trixie struggled for a few moments, before finally succumbing to the feeling of calm that always washed over her when they were this close.

Shuffle slowly released Trixie's hands and pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her back, making sure this kiss conveyed his true intentions.

After about a minute, the two separated, each out of breath and blushing.

“Now, better?” 

“No, but Trixie does feel calmer now. Sorry for freaking out…”

Shuffle waved his hand dismissively.

“It's fine, and after reading what I could of the paper, I can't hold it against you. Is that why you came over this late?”

Trixie sighed, moving away from Shuffle and sitting back down.

Shuffle followed her, sitting close, just in case something happened.

“Yeah, when I found the page a few weeks ago, I was so angry with what I read... plus, with my mom not showing her face ever since dad's funeral, I never got to question her about it. Finally, today I did. It divulged into a screaming match that only ended after I stormed out.”

“Makes sense. Listen, I can't fathom the amount of confusion, fury, or pain currently going through you right now Trixie, but remember this, our friends, plus myself and my mom, are always willing to help.”

Trixie smiled softly reaching out for her boyfriend pulling him again towards her and into another kiss.

Shuffle followed her lead. Before long, he noticed he had moved atop her as the kiss gradually changed from a simple gesture to a full-on make-out session, their first one.

Minutes passed before Shuffle tried to pull away, but Trixie wrapped her arms around him, keeping him from moving, diving back at his mouth with a renewed feeling, this time making sure to push her tongue against Shuffle’s lips, begging for entry. Shuffle responded with his own, and their internal battle had truly begun.

Shuffle's mind was on overdrive with a flurry of emotions. Trixie was confused, and he didn't want to take advantage of her in this state. Steeling himself, he tried to pull away from her but found out he was no longer in control of his own actions.

Trixie, on the other hand, was over the moon. That night from weeks back had slowly ignited a flame in her core, and finally, after so long, she was going to be able to state it. The two quickly shift positions where Trixie was on top and back at his lips, grinding her pelvis against him, the flame inside her finally taking over rational thought. 

Before he knew it, Shuffle was already stripped of his shirt and was already tearing her shirt off, but at that moment, Shuffle found clarity: the shirt had been the same one Trixie first gave him.

“Trixie, we need to stop; this isn't right,” Shuffle started but was quickly shut down again by Trixie's lips. 

In that single moment, Shuffle knew two certainties could happen: one, he could let this go and give into the moment; or two, he tries to escape her grasp, but the latter was rapidly becoming almost impossible for him.

“Trixie, stop, I don't want to have to do something we'll both regret.”

Shuffle held Trixie’s face in his hand, pleading for something to pierce through the haze of arousal that emanated from her.

“No, it's been far too long since I've wanted something like this, and I'm not letting you get away.” 

Using an unnatural level of strength that surprised Shuffle, she straddled his waist again, ready to continue.

“Then I do apologize for what I'm about to do…” Shuffle said quietly, as he wrapped his arms around her, pushing her onto the floor, knocking her out cold.

Shuffle sat up, checking Trixie, making sure he didn't hurt her. He noticed a small lump on her head, so he made sure to quickly put some ice on it to reduce the swelling. He carried her to his room, laid her down on his bed, and covered her in his blanket. Now he would have to sleep on the couch tonight.

“The things I do for this girl... but to be brutally honest, if circumstances were different Trixie, I'd be alright with what you wanted. Maybe sometime in the future, we could do it for real... but, maybe just being close wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?” 

Shuffle, in an act of pure stupidity, decided to get into the same bed as her. Before he could even get comfy, Trixie's body slid back into his. he eventually wrapped his arms around her stomach and finally fell asleep...





Tesla had woken up at the sound of her alarm. Since she was on break from her job, she had been getting up to exercise with Lightning Arc most mornings. Tesla got up, stretching her body, knocking out the kinks in her limbs as she approached Shuffle’s room.

“Shuffle, I’m going to make breakfast. Do you want anything in par...tic...u…?” Tesla started to say, before noticing that her son was currently holding his girlfriend, and all she could see was his nude back from the slightly unrolled blanket.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”
> Rough Divide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days had passed since the incident between Trixie and Shuffle. After Shuffle explained what happened and a firm scolding from Tesla, Trixie was allowed to stay for a few days, and was also able to put her Traveling Trailer of Tricks in the second space of the garage so nothing happened to it. 

Tesla kept an eye on the two during the weekend, and nothing happened for the most part, beyond Tesla finding the pair laying together listening to music. By the time monday rolled around, she felt comfortable letting Trixie be alone with her son once again and left for work like usual, leaving a small stack of french toast ready for the pair.

The two trouble children got up a little after Tesla left, performing their morning rituals in relative silence. The only noise heard was Trixie singing in the shower, and soon after, both were ready for school.





Finally, winter exams were completed, and everyone at CHS was enjoying the weather. Thankfully, snow crews were able to keep the roads clear enough that students were going to be able to travel to school with little to no issues. Lunch today began once again, and unlike most days, where Trixie and Shuffle could be seen hanging out together, Shuffle was rushing around the school purposefully avoiding the eyes of his girlfriend.

“Come on, where the hell are you?” Shuffle huffed out as he jogged down each hall.

As he turned a corner he had accidentally bumped into someone.

“Oh, sorry about that, I wasn't watching where I was looking.”

The other teen groaned as he rubbed his head.

“It's fine. With how often this happens, it wouldn't surprise me if the world just likes trolling me,” the boy replied.

Shuffle helped the other teen up, and finally took notice of who it was: the one kid from Discord's, Artemis-something, if he remembered.

“Anyways, do you by any chance know where a girl named Pinkie Pie is?” Shuffle asked.

“Actually, yes, I'm going to go meet her in the band room now, if you want to tag along.”

Shuffle sighed, relieved he wasn't going to have to spend the afternoon looking for her.

The duo then set off.

“So what are you looking for Pinkie for?” Artemis asked.

“Well, it was just something party related, and apparently she is the ‘Defacto’ party planner here, so I figured I’d get some advice.”

“Actually, same here; I've been trying to help a few friends of mine interact with the others, and two of them are just being stubborn.”

“How's a party going to help two people converse with other students?”

Artemis smirked.

“Well, they can't avoid a party if it's in their home, now, can they?”

Shuffle pondered for a moment.

“That is true, little creepy, but true.”

Artemis and Shuffle chuckle as they continue their journey to find the Premiere Pink Party Planner.

“Oh, Artemis, I have a question for you.”

“Shoot.”

“Back at Discord’s shop, he gave me a card, and I was curious if you knew about it,” Shuffle pulled out his wallet and handed it to him.

Artemis gasped and quickly took the card away from Shuffle.

“How did you get your hands on an Odd-Eyes?!”

“Discord gave it to me. He said something about you being able to help me do something with it.”

“Of course he would be holding out on a rare card like this! But yeah, if you hang around after school, we can head to Discord’s and I can set you up with a deck perfect for Odd-Eyes here.”

“Sweet, consider it done, but first, Pinkie.”

“Eyyup.” 

Both boys finally reach the band room. Upon opening the door, the pair were greeted with the sound of muffled music pulsing through the door of the practice room in the back. Both wandered to the door, and waited outside.

Whoa oh, whoa oh now that we are better than ever!

Both boys entered quickly and gave a small applause.

“You girls are getting better and better,” Artemis said.

“Heck yeah! What would you expect from my band?” Rainbow boasted.

The rest of the rainbooms looked at Rainbow Dash.

“Hehe, our band. Sorry girls...”

Artemis chuckled as he approached Pinkie Pie's drum set.

Shuffle stayed back near the door, staring off in a random direction, trying his best to avoid eye contact with any of the girls. Even though he had been staying away from Sunset Shimmer, he couldn't help but notice she was standing on the far side of the band room. His discolored eyes met her teal ones, and he looked away in shame. After a bit, Artemis appeared in front of Shuffle and passed him with a sheet of paper in his hand.

“Thanks, Pinks, I'll let you know when I wanna set up the party,” Artemis stepped out of the room, leaving Shuffle alone with the Rainbooms.

Shuffle let out a slow breath.

“Look, I know I did some stuff I shouldn't have, but I just need to talk to Pinkie Pie and I'll be out of your ears.”

“And why should we let you do that? All you've been since you showed up was nothing but mean towards anyone who’s tried to be nice to you,” Rainbow said defensively.

“I was bitter, sue me. Besides, you might be her friends, but none of you can stop me from talking to her.” 

Shuffle pointed towards the pink drummer.

“Regardless of what happened before, I haven't said or done anything to any of you, I just need to know about something for a party and if…” 

Shuffle was caught off midway through speaking before the pink party planner had appeared besides him.

“He might have been a meany, but if all he did was come here for party tips, it's in my code as an ‘Official CHS Party Planner’ that I can't walk away from something like this. Just give us a minute, okay?” Pinkie grabbed Shuffle’s hand and was about to head out of the room, but Dash spoke up.

“No way! You are not leaving this room with ‘Freak-Eyes’ over there!” 

Shuffle stopped mid stride, his mind rewinding to earlier in his teen years; how he was ridiculed for his eyes, and that alone triggered a few scarce tears to slip past the calm facade that was quickly starting to break.

“Rainbow Dash, that was uncalled for!” Rarity yelled out, angry at her friend.

Shuffle kept his back turned away from the rest of the Rainbooms, save for Pinkie.

“I just need to know what kind of cake Trixie likes. After that, I'll leave,” he mumbled silently enough for Pinkie to hear.

“Chocolate with Cinnamon nut bits on it.”

“Thank you,” he said quietly before leaving quickly.

Every other member of the Rainbooms turned towards Rainbow Dash.

“What?”

“Was insulting the kid really necessary Rainbow?” Rarity asked.

“Oh come on! Everyone here was thinking it! Those eyes are really weird.”

“Ah can most certainly say for a fact that’s not what ah was thinkin’,” Applejack countered.

“Don't you remember what happened back when we were kids, especially with your hair…?” Fluttershy said softly.

Rainbow huffed, grabbed her guitar and got back into position.

“Come on Pinks, we gotta finish our set,” Rainbow said, before noticing Pinkie hasn't moved an inch from when Shuffle left.

“Pinks, you ok?” 

Pinkie’s hair physically deflated as she turned towards Rainbow.

“No, I'm not okay Rainbow. If you are going to judge someone like Shuffle, you seem to forget what some of your friends went through!” Pinkie stormed out of the room.

Finally, one by one, each of the Rainbooms left the room, save for Sunset Shimmer.

Rainbow huffed and turned to Sunset.

“You gonna leave too?”

“Yes, and at least think about the crap you say before you say it Rainbow, considering what happened with the Annon-O-Miss fiasco!” Sunset got her stuff and left promptly.

“Fu-” Rainbow started to say, before being cut off by the sound of the school bell.



 

Shuffle walked calmly towards his next class in silence, his mind still reeling from the impromptu confrontation from Rainbow Dash. One thing from the entire conversation stuck to him the most...

Freak-Eyes

Shuffle instinctually covered his left eye. The insult kept coming back to his mind, along with the mocking tone...

Freak-Eyes

Shuffle started getting aggravated as the mocking voice continued on a sing-songy tone...

Freak-Eyes...

Freak-Eyes…

Shuffle finally snapped at the taunting, finally lashing out in the direction of the voice. A crack, then a yelp of pain came from Shuffle's mouth.

Shuffle rubbed his hand making sure nothing on his hand was broken from hitting the wall.

“Fuck, that was stupid,” Shuffle said silently as he recovered before swiftly moving on. 





As The day ended, Shuffle met up with Trixie, who had Lavender and Fuschia in tow. Trixie greeted her boyfriend with a hug, and he returned it. They said their goodbyes to the other girls, then climbed into Trixie’s car and headed home.

“Where were you at lunch Shuffle? Snips and Snails were asking about you.”

“Sorry, I had to do something and it took all of the lunch to finish up.”

“So you didn't eat?”

Shuffle turned his face away shamefully.

“No, I didn't eat...”

Trixie looked at Shuffle, who had been staring outside of the car.

Trixie put her hand on Shuffle’s, getting his attention.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, just tired,” he said dismissively.

“We could hang out in my trailer if you want. I got a few new tricks I can show you.”

Shuffle shook his head slowly.

“No, I just need to go home and take a nap.”

Trixie grasped Shuffle hand interlocking their fingers together.

“Maybe I could join you?”

Shuffle smiled, finally turning his head towards the magician, revealing a small stream of liquid was going down his right eye.

“Yeah, that sounds great.” 

A few minutes passed in relative silence. Since Tesla was still out with Lightning Arc, she wouldn't be back ‘till later, which left the duo on their own. Shuffle had already retreated to his room, swiftly changing out of his school clothes into a pair of fluffy lounge pants and a sleeveless zip up jacket. Trixie, on the other hand, changed into a pair of sweats and one of Shuffle’s hoodies which was to big for her, but she enjoyed the feeling of it.

The two settled down in Shuffle’s bed, slow music playing as a kind Of white noise and laid in silence.

After a few minutes, Trixie turned towards Shuffle, who had his arm under her head and was staring up at the ceiling.

“So, now that we are by ourselves, wanna tell Trixie what's on your mind?”

“Nope.”

Trixie took a moment to register what shuffle just said.

“Did you just say no?”

“Eyyup.”

“Why?” 

“Because.”

“Because of what?”

“Trixie, it's nothing you gotta worry about, okay? I just don't feel like talking tonight.”

“And that's what's wrong; usually you’re so energetic and happy. What happened?” Trixie pulled Shuffle’s face to look at her.

“Tell...Me…Now…”

Shuffle turned his face away.

“Don't worry about it, it's not worth wasting time on.”

Shuffle turned away from Trixie and mumbled something so low Trixie couldn't pick it up.

“This freak isn't worth it.”

Trixie sighed before turning over, away from Shuffle. A few minutes pass before she calls out to Shuffle once. 

“Can you at least hug me?” 

No response.

Trixie covered her face with the blanket and laid there quietly, before sleep finally took her.

At around midnight, Shuffle woke from his slumber. He noticed his arms were crossed, he was sweating, and more importantly, that he was alone in his bed. 

Shuffle then turned over, checking his phone, seeing that he missed a message from Trixie.

If i did something that made you mad just tell me okay…

Shuffle sighed as he rolled out of bed and responded.

I'm not mad at you, i promise it's just something that shook my self esteem, nothing you gotta get worked up about.

Shuffle put his phone in his pocket, before changing his sleeveless jacket into a long sleeved shirt. He grabbed his hoodie, along with his mp3 player, and closed the door to his room, ready to head out.

The living room was barren, so passing through was quick.

Once he got outside, he turned on his mp3 player, set it to full blast, and started jogging towards Everfree Forest.


Once Shuffle arrived, he quickly pulled out a moderate sized headlamp and a pair of thick gloves from his jacket pocket. Hooking it to the hem of his shirt, Shuffle started jogging through the forest looking for something, and after a few seconds, he spotted a downed tree, making a beeline for it. Once at the base, he launched himself up the stump and starting scaling the leaning tree, into the the upper parts of the trees. He leapt forward, landing shakily on the next thick branch, taking a second to readjust his stance and focus on his movement before he took off again for the next branch.

Then the next…

Then the next… 

Faster and faster he moved, his eyes subconsciously spotting the next best branch for him to hop to, ‘till he was flying through the trees. Once he finally got to full speed, his mind let go of all rational thought, and he began performing twists and rolls mid air, landing them as he continued rocketing through the forest.

Once Shuffle reached his next tree, he turned to it, got a good grip and started to scale it.

Benedictus
Et Affectus
Benedictus
Hallelujah

Each time he grabbed a piece of errant wood or a new branch, his mindset changed to focusing on the song currently blasting in his ears. Without thinking about it, Shuffle noticed he started singing along to the song.


“In the night we can't rest
in the dark we are blessed
and in moonlight we fight for the father
We are brave to the heart
blood and fire we part
and forever we pray for we are...”

Shuffle let out a yell of pure anger as he willed his body to perform a longer launch from a branch like a jumping spider. 

His leap successful, he perched atop the highest branch.

“Blessed and Possessed.”

Shuffle turned to look back the way he came and noticed he was a significant ways away from the cityscape. 

Shuffle sat down on the branch and just stared out towards the small town to let his mind wander, and finally sleep.

“Yo, get up,” a voice called to Shuffle, along with a foot tapping his side he woke up.

“Wha… What time is it?” Shuffled asked groggily.

“It's going on four in the morning, and you’re sleeping in a tree,” the voice said.

“Damn it, it's amazing that I didn't fall,” Shuffle said as he turned over to stand, before noticing he wasn't the only one in the tree.

Another boy stood on an adjacent branch that hung close enough for someone to stand on without hurting the branch’s integrity. He had on a black shirt with a japanese kanji symbol on it, along with a black button up shirt that hung loose and unbuttoned, gray skin, golden eyes, long black hair that looked like it couldn't be tamed even if the best hairstylist in the world tried to do it; the thing that got Shuffle's attention the most was even with all the dark colors on, he still had a cocky smirk on his face.

“Thanks for waking me up dude, I wasn't planning on dying today,” Shuffle joked awkwardly.

“All good dude, but we might wanna get down soon. This tree has a tendency of breaking branches.”

Shuffle’s eyes went wide. He quickly got ahold of the trunk of the tree and quickly descended, the boy following close behind.

Once the two reached the ground, Shuffle put away his headset and gloves and turned back towards the boy, whose feet had just hit the ground.

“Once again, thanks for that dude,” he said, holding out his fist.

The boy smiled and gave Shuffle the fist bump he extended.

“Ye, just don't go up so high next time.” 

Shuffle nodded as the boy turned to leave.

“Wait, what's your name?” Shuffle called out.

The boy waved back still walking away.

“Name's Zero Gravity. I'll see you around!”

Shuffle gasped, recognizing the name easily before smirking again, taking off after the boy. Once he got close enough, he blew by the teen who stood there for a moment.

“Trixie told me a lot of things about you. Any friends of hers is a friend of mine, and I know for a fact you can't resist a challenge!” Shuffle laughed, and Zero took off after the teen.

“First one back into town buys breakfast!” Zero said as he took to the lead.

“Oh…. IT….IS….ON!” Shuffle called out!

The two used the impromptu challenge to push themselves to their absolute limit… only to end up tying as they wound up at a small twenty four hour diner. The two enter and sit at a booth, panting.

After the two sat down, a waitress came by.

“Welcome to Salty Mike's. My name’s Winifred, and What shall I be serving you tonight?”

Both boys ordered their respected food and drinks, and Winifred left wordlessly.

“So, you’re the boy going out with Trixie?” Zero asked.

“Yeah, it's… unique, to say the least, but I enjoy her company. Plus, nifty seats at her magic show is always a plus.” 

Zero sat back in his seat, staring at Shuffle.

Shuffle tried to ignore the eyes boring into him, but after a few extra moments Shuffle spoke up.

“Can you please stop staring at me?”

“I will after I find out something.”

“Find out what?”

Zero chuckled as he looked away.

“Don't worry yourself about it. Trixie is my friend, and watching out for my friends is my thing.”

The two fell into a silence as Winifred returned with their food.

Zero unceremoniously tore into his pancake stack while Shuffle just stared down at his food.

“Come on dude, chow down! This stuff is delicious!” 

Shuffle started cutting his own stack of pancakes when he looked back up at Zero.

“What were you doing in the forest at four in the morning Zero?”

“Oh, between study sessions with my tutor and school, I like getting some exercise. I was just passing by when I saw you at the top of the tree, so I climbed up and woke you.”

“...So you free run too?”

“Yeah, I've been doing it since I was about twelve.”

“Neat.” 

The two fell into silence and continued eating.

“Ya know, I haven't seen Trixie this happy since the fall formal last year.”

Shuffle looked at zero again.

“What do you mean?” 

“Well, back then, me and Trixie tried dating. It didn't work out, but we did end up like brother and sister, and ever since that witch of a mother of hers started trying to force Trixie to stop practicing what she loved, she was slowly slipping back into her haughty full-of-herself mode, but then you came along. It's weird, ya know?”

Shuffle nodded silently, thanking Zero for the compliment, before finishing his own food. He pulled out his wallet so he could pay for his food, but zero held up his hand.

“I got this dude, don't worry about it, you have a good morning.”

Shuffle got up to leave, but as he passed Zero, he put his hand on Zero's shoulder.

“If you wanna hang out sometime, find me at CHS,” he said before leaving.

Zero sat there for a few minutes, before pulling out his phone and sending a group message. 

Shuffle needs to be introduced to the group tomorrow more details later.

Zero smiled before paying the tab, leaving Winifred a sizable tip and left as well.
> Preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle rushed through the crowds of people. Today was the start of CHS's Winter Sales, and he was already running late.

The talk with Zero earlier that morning at Salty Mike's had instilled a new feeling within Shuffle; he cursed himself multiple times for being rude to Trixie. It wasn't fair for her, and it was just a downright jerk move on his account. He knew if he could pull this off, she would be willing to forgive him… Hopefully.

Once he broke free of the crowd, Shuffle turned up his speed, finally getting within eyesight of his destination: Carousel Boutique.

The bell jingled as Shuffle entered. This had become foreign territory to him, considering he would just grab whatever was clean in his closet, barring having to wear particular clothes. Shuffle took a breath and approached the counter.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything's chic, unique, and magnifique! I'll be with you in just a moment.”

Shuffle stood in silence, mindlessly thumbing the side of his phone, waiting patiently.

“Good afternoon darling, how may I help you?” the voice said as a shadow was seen approaching.

“I just needed to place a custom order for something.”

The shadow finally reached its zenith before the curtain was swept aside revealing a young girl, about Shuffle’s age: her skin was pale white, she had sapphire blue eyes, and she wore a baby blue shirt and violet skirt.

“Well, placing an order this close to Christmas will be tricky, but I might be able to squeeze you in. What are you looking to have made?”

Shuffle took out his phone and pulled up a picture of Trixie in her cloak and hat.

“Something along the lines of the cloak and hat in the picture.”

The girl chuckled as she took a moment.

“I see Trixie's assistant has finally made his way here.”

“Wait, how do you know who Trixie is?”

“She usually comes in every few months for repairs to her cloak.”

“So can you do it?”

“Absolutely! I just need a design you would prefer, darling.”

“I don't really have any preference, just similar to Trixie's is fine.”

The lady visible frowned as she wrote down Shuffle’s order.

“And when do you need this finished?” 

“The twenty-sixth.”

“I suppose that's all I need here. If you'll give me your number, I'll let you know when it's done.” 

Shuffle nodded and quickly left the store.

The tailor took out her phone and sent a quick message away.

Our multi coloured eyed friend shall be coming your way. 

Oki doki loki.

Rarity smiled, set her phone down and went back to work. 






Shuffle's pace never slowed as he expertly weaved through the crowd of people. In his hand was a list of things he needs to get done in preparation for the surprise he had planned.

“Okay, cape ordered for the performance. Next, I need to place the order at SugarCube Corner, and hopefully I can get some lunch after,” he said aloud to no one in particular. 

Shuffle's phone buzzed in his pocket as he crossed the street towards the sweet shop. After entering it, he checked his phone and noticed he had missed calls from Lavender and Fuschia. Shuffle moved out of the way for paying customers and dialed Lavender’s number.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Lav, sorry I missed your call, I was running some errands. Did you need something?”

“Yeah, Trixie has been looking everywhere for you. She locked her phone in her trailer so she couldn't call so she walked over to my house. She seemed upset about something. Care to explain?”

“Lavender… It's just something that I needed to reflect on. I thought I told her that, but next time I see her I'll apologize. In the meantime, I need to finish this prep work, I've got something planned and I need to focus on it.”

“No, Shuffle, don't hang up on me!” Lavender shouted, but her phone already went back to her main screen.

“So, did you get a hold of him?” Fuschia asked.

“Oh, I did, and when I do it again, I'll make sure to give him a piece of my mind.” 

“Why what did he say?”

“He said something about it being personal, maybe he has another girl?”

“No, have you seen those two? I could swear they were identical. Maybe it had something to do with when he went to talk to the Rainbooms,” Fuschia said, quickly dismissing the slight chance of Shuffle cheating on Trixie.

“Why did he talk to them?”

“Well, it wasn't the Rainbooms, per se, it was just Pinkie Pie.”

“So he's planning a party, but for what?” Lavender pondered.

The two sat in silence before both gasped, finally figuring it out.

“Uh-oh,” they said simultaneously. 

Shuffle put his phone back into his pocket and got back into line. As he waited, his mind went back to the night Trixie was trying to get him to talk to her, and thanks to his own insecurities, he pushed one of the few people away that was willing to help him.

Shuffle signed, mentally facepalming himself for such an idiotic move on his part. Now that Lavender was in on it, he was going to have to explain this mess to the two of them. 

After a few more minutes of waiting, Shuffle finally stepped up to the cashier of SugarCube Corner, with none other than Pinkie Pie working the register.

“Hiya Shuffle, what can I getcha?”

“Just here to place an order Pinkie, nothing complicated.”

Pinkie rubbed her chin for a split second before tapping something into the register.

“One Cinnamon Nut Swirl cake, one layer, quarter sheet?” she said matter of factly.

“Uh, yeah actually, I would ask how you knew exactly what I wanted, but I'm a little afraid of the answer. So, how much for the cake?”

Pinkie beamed and handed him a piece of paper.

“First-time orders are free of charge if they are pick-up; consider it an apology for the mean things Rainbow said to you.”

“Wow, thanks Pinkie, I'll come to get it when it's done,” Shuffle said as he turned to leave, but before he could even move, a pink hand had shot out to grab him, and in it was a small note.

“Forgot your receipt, silly.”

Shuffle smirked and nodded, leaving the shop.

“Okay, a cake is done, next is decorations.” 

Shuffle continued down the street, cutting across and through an alleyway towards his destination, but as he reached halfway, he heard an audible Snap behind him. He turned around, seeing three boys had blocked one way of the alley.

“‘Ey look what we got here boys, a kid trying to take a shortcut through our turf.”

Shuffle sighed, recognizing the voice.

The “Gang” of CHS, the Diamond Dogs, consisting of Rover, the lanky gray leader, Fang, the lumbering muscle, and Spot, who... honestly, Shuffle didn't know what Spot did for them. 

“Not today Rover, I've got crap to do.”

“Well too bad, card boy. You should have thought of that before crossing into Diamond Dog territory. Sic ‘em, boys.” 

Shuffle sighed, sidestepping the largest of the trio who had been the first to charge the boy.

“Look you three, I've got a party to plan, and I really don't need any distractions, so if Y'all leave me alone I'll just go back the way I came and go around.”

Rover growled menacingly as he charged Shuffle, who responded with a twist to the side and an outstretched foot in Rover's path, tripping him.

“Seriously, just stop. This is getting sad. Leave while you're ahead, please?”

Rover seemed to get even madder as he got back to his feet.

“No, you will not disrespect The Diamond Dogs like this. Fang, Spot let's attack together!” Rover called out, going for another punch. Fang followed, his arms outstretched in an attempt to grab the teen. Spot, on the other hand, hesitated, seeing as how his short form couldn't help in any obvious way.

Shuffle responded with breaking out into a run, right before either dog could get to him he used an errant metal box to vault over the two, forcing them to collide with a spot.

“Welp, it's been fun lads, but I’ve got places to be, so off I pop,” Shuffle said in a cheeky cockney accent before turning towards the end of the alleyway he needed to go through and walked away.

“THIS ISN’T OVER CARD BOY!”  Rover screamed out as hard as he could.

Shuffle chuckled as he finally entered the store he was headed for.

After his little shopping spree was finished, he took the bags of supplies and quickly made his way home, this time avoiding the “Territory” of Rover and his gang. Once he arrived, he quickly stashed all of the party supplies in the garage, away from prying eyes, and headed in to take a shower.

“And where have you been?” a voice called out behind Shuffle in the living room.

“...Shit.”

“Trixie heard that now come here,” Shuffle quickly came into the living room to a very angry Trixie, her arms crossed. Shuffle could tell she had been waiting for a long time.

“Hi Trix, I just had to do stuff today, nothing else happened.”

“Oh yeah, then what was this ‘prep work’ you were talking to lavender about?”

“I can't say, it's meant to be for someone special.”

“Oh, and who would it be for!?”

“I can't say that either?”

“Shuffle, I trust you more than most people, even Lavender, and Fuschia on some things! If you value our relationship, you will tell me who it's for.”

“...Mom, it's meant for her. I was just trying to keep it from everyone else so no one could blab about it okay?”

Trixie nodded, smirking as she got her answer.

“Now another question: the ‘Personal Reflection’ you needed, did you get it?”

“Yeah, and I'm sorry I pushed you away; what Rainbow said shook my confidence, and it just affected me more than it should have.”

“So Rainbow Dash is the cause of your distress. What did she say?”

“...She...called me ‘Freak-Eyes.’”

“Really? Her insult has little merit, considering how her hair is, but still, Trixie is going to have a word with her next time she sees her.”

Shuffle quickly grabbed Trixie's hand, pulling her attention to him.

“Don't, I don't want to make a mountain out of this. Please, just let it go.”

“But she insulted The Great and Powerful Trixie’s boyfriend, and that is unforgivable! No matter what you say, Trixie is gonna-Mmph.”

Shuffle pulled Trixie into a firm hug and kiss, both to reassure her that he was fine, and to stop her from going on another one of her tirades.

“It's fine, I promise you. Just let it go…”

Trixie blushed as Shuffle booped her nose.

“Fine, only because Trixie wants to.”

Shuffle laughed as he let Trixie go.

“That's fine with me, now if you'll excuse me, I’m taking a nap.”

“And what makes you think you’re doing that now?”

“Because I'll be in my room asleep. Unless I have a certain Great and Powerful snuggle buddy, I might stay up longer~.” Shuffle said, already up the stairs and making his way to his room.

Trixie stood for a single moment before following without another thought.





With winter break comes to snow, and with snow comes snow fights, making snowmen, hot chocolate with friends, and the ever-looming presence of Christmas being just a week away.

Whilst children were having fun, adults were getting their last minute shopping done for the holiday season, some doing it calmly, while others were physically losing their minds and wallets over what the “Perfect Christmas Gift” would be for their loved ones. Tesla was in the latter half; ever since Shuffle and Trixie had started dating, she had slowly started seeing Trixie like a family member. The only problem was, she didn't know much about her, so getting something was proving to be extra difficult, and she’d be damned if the only thing Trixie got from her was money.

“How the hell are you so calm!? Did you even get Trixie anything for Christmas?” Tesla asked Shuffle, who had come along just to put some last minute touches on his plan.

“Oh yeah, I got something planned, and it's just about done. I just need Vinyl to confirm she's available.”

“Well, good to see you're not having a mental meltdown, NOW HELP ME!” Tesla said as the two moved through the Canterlot mall.

“Mom, it's not hard. Trixie likes constantly working on her show, plus outside that, she likes watching borderline the same things I do. Why are you making such a big deal out of this anyway?”

“Well… I mean…. Ya see…”

“Besides, don't you have Lightning to buy for?”

“Well, yes, that's true, but it's been so long since I've seen you happy, and I wanted to make Trixie feel welcome.”

“Mom, listen, you let me take Trixie in after her mother basically disowned her. We have her travel trailer in our garage, you make breakfast and dinner for her, and most of all, you let her be close to me without thinking we are going to pounce on each other like manic animals in heat. She already appreciates everything you do for her. She might not show it, but I can promise you, she is very vocal about how you are.”

Tesla visibly relaxed.

“Thanks, Shuffle, I needed that.”

Shuffle smiled as he pointed towards a shop.

“Try your luck in there, and you might find something. I'm gonna head to the bookstore and check something out.”

Shuffle waved to his mother as she looked at the shop.

“Actually I got a better one that I bet both of you will enjoy,” Tesla said aloud changing directions and heading towards another store.
> Burning Spirits on Christmas Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle had woken up earlier than usual today. With Christmas being less than twenty-four hours away, he wasn't going to let this last day go to waste. As he rolled out of bed, he shivered, finally feeling how cold it truly was. Shuffle contemplated just crawling back into bed until later on during the day. After one look back to a sprawled out Trixie, her cute little snorts coming out as it looked like she was having a really good dream, Shuffle smiled as his resolve steeled. He got some warm clothes and went to get a quick shower before heading out.

Trixie woke up two hours later, turning over to notice Shuffle wasn't in the bed with her. Her first instinct was to get mad; it seemed that for the last two weeks he was already up and gone before she was even awake. She knew he was planning something for his mother on the twenty-sixth, so she wasn't completely mad at him, save for not letting her help.

Trixie rolled off the bed only for a moment before diving back onto it again.

Holy crap, it's so freaking cold!

Trixie cocooned herself back into the blankets, instantly absorbing the warmness of them.

Welp, I'm not going anywhere for a bit.

Trixie sighed as she dared to reach out for her phone and the remote to Shuffle’s TV, turning it on just for some noise and using her phone to message Shuffle.

You hurry home, its cold and I am NOT getting out of bed.

Trixie relaxed back into the bed as she focused on the TV but something else had her attention after a few minutes her phone buzzed as she got a message back from Shuffle.

On swiftest wings, my Sapphire just had to grab something from the store.

Trixie smiled. She loved the nickname that he gave her: Sapphire Star. Trixie always wondered where it was from, but it was still a nice name. It gave her a warm fuzzy feeling, and she enjoyed it.

Trixie flipped through the channels on the TV, trying to find something interesting to watch, but after three full loops, nothing of significance stood out to her. Finally, she decided to get up and grab the P-station remote that was docked on its charging kit and try something new. Once it was powered on, Trixie signed into her account and looked around on the home screen. Shuffle rarely got on it anymore, but when he did, Trixie would watch him play some of his games. After a few minutes of searching, she settled on a particular application she hadn't seen before.

“TeamWatch”… what's this? Trixie wondered as she started the application.





Snow… it had to snow while I was busy… really nature?!

Shuffle grumbled as he re-entered the house, bags in hand as he shook off the snow that was on his body. He made his way to the kitchen so he could put everything he bought away.

After finishing, Shuffle turned to see if anyone else was home when he heard something faint. It sounded kinda like a cheer, almost. Shuffle followed the voice upstairs and into his own room. As he reached for the handle, a familiar voice line sounded out.

FIRE IN THE HOLE!

“No fucking way…” Shuffle silently opened the door, revealing Trixie with his headset on, eyes glued to the screen. To his surprise, she had indeed been playing his games.

Shuffle chuckled silently as he watched, not wanting to ruin the moment. Trixie let out a loud holler of joy as she got a full team kills with her hero's Destro-Tire.

“Nice, you’re already a better Demotrap than I am,” Shuffle said to her ear, making her jump forward.

“OH MY GOD SHUFFLE DON'T DO THAT!” Trixie yelped out, making the boy collapse on his bed laughing.

“So, I see you found TeamWatch.”

“Yes, and it's SO MUCH FUN!” She yelled excitedly.

Shuffle sat up and watched Trixie continue her rampage as Demotrap. By the time her match was over, she got Play Of The Game which made her pull Shuffle into a bone-crushing hug, much to the boy’s pain and joy. He continued to watch her play, giving a few tips against particular hero matchups and alternate routes through the map. Finally, after a few hours of playing, he took over for a few matches on her account. While Trixie was a madman with Demotrap’s snares and bombs, Shuffle was her complete opposite, playing as the iconic assassin Arachne, who was one of the more hated characters because she could “One shot” a hero if one was skilled enough, he explained, and skill was shown, as Trixie listened to the hate he was getting for playing Arachne. Not only did he keep up a consistent kill rate, but he was also able to snipe turrets that the opposing team was trying to set up, and he kept the healers from being able to perform their duties in the game. Trixie did notice that Shuffle would have a tendency to mumble something as he played each match. When she asked what it was, he explains it was a song specifically made for Arachne players because of how disciplined you have to be to make the shots, and it helped him focus. All in all, it was a fun night for the duo.

As dusk gave way into the night, Trixie didn't notice when she was playing that Shuffle had fallen asleep. Trixie put the controller back on the dock and powered down the system again. After that, she went downstairs to get a drink.

I can't believe Shuffle and I have been dating for two months. Where did the time go? Trixie held the glass in her hands as she stared out into the calming darkness. Trixie finished her drink and was about to head upstairs when the door opened, revealing Tesla coming inside, looking completely disheveled.

“OH MY GOSH! Ms. Suite are you okay?” Trixie exclaimed as she rushed towards Tesla.

“Yeah, just tired. Apparently, the staff like hiring this girl named Pinkie Pie for their annual Christmas party, and… this girl just breaks the laws of reality.”

Trixie giggled, remembering all of the parties CHS has had under the proverbial banner of Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah, you get used to it after a while. As long as you don't try to logic Pinkie, you'll be fine.”

Tesla sighed, plopping down on the couch.

“Wish I knew that four hours ago…”

The two shared a silent laugh.

“So how are you doing tonight Trixie? With it being Christmas Eve, I thought you’d be asleep by now.”

“Trixie was in bed, but she got thirsty.”

“And Shuffle?”

“Out like a light. We kinda just relaxed in his room, playing this neat game called TeamWatch, and he dozed off sometime during.”

“He really does think the world of you. If he's wanting to share his interests with you, wouldn't surprise me if he didn't teach you how to play Yu-Gi-Oh as his dad showed him.”

“He did try once, but Trixie finds it too complicated, in her opinion, but he was having fun, so Trixie grit her teeth and went with it.”

“Did he give you a necklace yet?”

Tesla tensed up instantly.

“No…He got me a necklace?!”

“Um….No?”

Trixie started bouncing up and down in excitement.

“Ooooh I need to find it now, I need to see what's on it!” Trixie was about to rush off and see her (now ruined) surprise that Shuffle had stashed away, but Tesla caught her before she was able to get away.

“No! I mean, let him give it to you. He was probably saving it for a special time, just please don't go snooping for it. I wasn't supposed to say anything, and Shuffle would get mad at both of us,” Tesla gasped.

IDEA!

“But if you do want to see a gift early, I've got one for you.”

Trixie turned back towards Tesla.

“You have Trixie's attention…”





The Next Morning

Shuffle woke up, laying on the chest of a currently unconscious Trixie. Sometime during the night, he had shifted in his sleep to pull her close to him, and it ended up with him face to face with two soft spots encompassing his face.

When did I get more pillows? Shuffle wondered before turning his head and noticing he was looking directly up at Trixie’s face.

Oh….

Shuffle slowly tried to move off of Trixie, but was caught midway and pulled back onto her chest by her. He noticed she had locked her arms around his neck and pulled him directly back into her cleavage.

Shuffle tried to move away again, but even with his positioning and how big the bed was, he would somehow end up back where he started. In a last ditch effort, he put his hands on her and tried to pull himself away.

Success!

Shuffle moved away slowly. A few seconds later, he noticed that Trixie had been silent panting in her sleep. Once Shuffle was able to get away from Trixie, he also noticed two prominent protrusions on Trixie's chest.

Oh dear lord, please don't tell me I did that…

Shuffle bit his bottom lip. This wasn't the first time he thought of Trixie in a provocative manner, but this was one of the few times he and she had been this close and in this state. It took every ounce of Shuffle's will to stop the blood flow to his… head, as he slowly re-lifted the blanket to stay warm. All of a sudden, a strange scent he never noticed before wafted along the warmth; it had a particular tang to it that was unusual, but somehow… it made his heart race.

As he inhaled the scent, his mind slowly hazed over, and a new curiosity instilled itself into the teen’s mind. Without a thought towards self-control, he descended upon the sleeping magician’s jugular, leaving soft kisses and a few nibbles on it, making her moan silently.

After a few minutes, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer, one hand already rubbing her leg as he continued his ministrations up top. His lower half subconsciously started grinding against her sleeping form, and hers replied in kind.

Trixie’s eyes slowly came open as her arousal grew. Finally, after a moment of clarity, she noticed Shuffle was kissing her neck and his hand slowly inching closer and closer to the aromatic spot between her thighs. She moaned out and took his hand, guiding him towards his destination. She turned her head back and lunged at Shuffle’s mouth, snaring him in a deep lip lock.

Shuffle’s mind had gone completely blank, and the only thing pushing him forward was that pungent perfume as his finger slid along the smooth damp fabric, but before anything else happened, the door was flung open.

“Good morning you two! When are you coming down… to…?” Lavender started to speak but noticed she had caught the two in a very compromising position.

“Shuffle'smomwantedmetogetyoutwocomedownwhenyou’redone!” the door slammed shut and the sounds of quickly retreating footsteps could be heard.

Both Trixie and Shuffle looked at each other, then quickly away as they separated.

“Well, that happened,” Shuffle commented awkwardly.

Trixie smiled as she rolled out of the bed, making sure Shuffle got a good view of her rear end.

“Oh, don't think just because we got interrupted I'm done with you. Besides, it’s about time you took initiative.”

I…ah…she…but… Shuffle's mind shattered.

Trixie laughed as she bent back over towards the boy, leaned in, and grabbed a spare set of clothes beside his bed, leaving the room without another word.

This woman is going to be the death of me.

Shuffle rolled out of bed himself and grabbed some of his clothes, heading towards the opposite bathroom and towards a nice, ice cold shower.

Shuffle walked down the steps after he was re-dressed in warm clothing. He had forgotten that it was Christmas day. Well, almost forgot; he didn't forget, per se, but with what happened this morning, other things were on the teenager’s mind.

As Shuffle entered the living room, he was greeted with the familiar faces of Lavender and Fuchsia. The former still had a visible blush on her face as her eyes darted between Shuffle and Trixie. He made a mental note to apologize for what she saw, considering it was just as startling for them as it was for her.

“About time you two joined us!” Fuchsia remarked coyly.

“Being honest, I forgot today was Christmas. Now that we're here, shall we open presents?” Shuffled retorted while sitting down next to Trixie, who already had on one of those awful Christmas sweaters.

Tesla sat beside the tree and grabbed the first box.

“Shuffle seems like you get to start us off,” She said passing the gift to him.

It was rectangular in shape, the length of his arm and the paper in pristine condition until he tore into it. A few tense seconds pass until the box was revealed to be a Neightendo Snap. Not only that, it was one of those limited time skinned ones that had a recently released game with it.

Shuffle let out a shout of joy as he turned the Snap over and opened the box, causing a single card fell out.

Merry Christmas Shuffle, thanks for being the most greatest and powerfulest Boyfriend a girl could ask for.

Love,
Trixie

Shuffle leaned over towards the magician who was already proud of her accomplishment and nuzzled her side, repeating the phrase “Thank you” over and over.

Tesla reached for the next box before yelping for a second; a familiar spider crawled up her arm, also in a small eight-legged sweater.

“Oh, there's Greg. Can you pass him over to us, mom?” Shuffle asked. Tesla compiled, as the next box was Trixie's anyways. Greg, meanwhile, idly climbed onto Trixie's shoulder and did the equivalent of sitting there, just watching.

Trixie tore open her present, revealing it to be another cloak and hat. Instead of it being her traditional pale purple, it was a dark royal blue with luminescent Stars and Moons on it, but along the inside was not only her iconic logo, but the stars inside of the wave of the wand were replaced by the four suites from a deck of cards.

In the center was another card.

To the greatest magician at CHS, use it well.
Shuffle

“I didn't know you made stuff like this, Shuffle. It’s so well done, too.”

“Well, I mean, it wasn't just me that did it, but Rarity did help steer me in the right direction. Plus, there's an accessory to it, too, but I'll show you that later,” Shuffle winked as he finished his sentence.

Tesla reached for the next box, revealing it to be incredibly small, not much bigger than one's palm.

“That's Greg's. Trixie got something for her favorite spider assistant,” Trixie took the box, opening it to show a smaller box inside that said “live crickets” on it. Trixie handed Greg to Shuffle, getting up and left the room for a few minutes, but soon returned with Greg's tank. Shuffle put Greg into his little home and Trixie dropped a few crickets in for him to feast on.

The rest of the gift exchange went relatively smoothly, barring Lavender dropping the mug Tesla had gotten her by accident when Greg escaped and decided to attach himself on her mug. It was an enjoyable moment for the small group.

Shuffle was setting up the Snap on the TV when a chime sounded, altering Lavender that her phone had gone off.

“Shoot, I need to go. Snips want me to meet his family today. Thanks for having me over,” Lavender quickly departed. Shuffle quickly followed, catching her just outside the door.

“Hey Lav, before you leave, I just wanted to say sorry about this morning.”

Lavender blushed as she quickly turned away, remembering what she saw.

“Just lock the door next time. Lord forbid if your mother saw that.”  

The two laughed awkwardly as Lavender got in her car and prepared to leave.

“Hey, don't forget about tomorrow!” Shuffle called.

“I wouldn't miss it for the world!” Lavender waved and left Shuffle's driveway.

Shuffle went back into his home, his conscious finally clear from the mishap of the day.

Hours pass between the remaining four as they played on Shuffle’s new Snap. Before long, Fuchsia had left as well, since the snow has gotten more abundant, and she wanted to get home before it got any worse. Tesla had gotten Lightning Arc to show up later on in, so he could enjoy a meal between the family and himself. He soon departed as well, Tesla walking him to the door. Shuffle and Trixie followed behind silently so they could watch the two say their goodbyes, and to their surprise Lightning had his hands around Tesla as they kissed passionately.

“Best we leave the two lovebirds alone, yes?” Shuffle whispered.

“Trixie seconds this.” She shivered as a gust of wind came from outside.

Shuffle hugged her from the side, sharing his warmth with her. She responded in kind, nuzzling into the crook of his neck.

“Come on, I still have something to give you,” Shuffle took Trixie's hand pulling her up the stairs and into their room.

Shuffle gave Trixie a peck on the cheek as he pulled something out of his back pocket and pressed a button on his TV remote that was set nearby him, as he played a special song.

“Turn around love, and close your eyes,” he said silently.

Trixie did so after a few moments of silence before a cool feeling enveloped her neck.

She reached up, grasping the coldness. Her hand was met by Shuffle’s as he brought his head around and into a soft kiss.

Shuffle wrapped his remaining hand around Trixie's stomach as the two separated. Trixie’s other hand pulled the object away from her neck, revealing a small locket. Engraved on it was a star, adorned in sapphire bits and a golden clasp on the right side of it, barely visible to anyone at first glance.

Shuffle took the locket in his hand and popped it open, revealing a small picture, the same one that Tesla had taken during the first few days they took Trixie in. It depicted them cuddled together on the couch, and from the looks on their faces, they had fallen asleep together.

Shuffle let go of Trixie as she just stared at the locket. A few tense moments pass before she broke down into tears. Everything the two had done, good and bad, all surfaced in her mind. Another moment passed before she pulled his shirt and lead him towards the bed, and promptly pushed him down onto it.

Using strength she didn't even know she had, Trixie slowly crawled upon Shuffle’s lap, making sure not to be even an inch away from the one person who meant the world to her. Shuffle responded by cupping her face and pulling her to him, exchanging a kiss, one that went much deeper than a simple gesture. Each slowly traced the other’s body with their hands, Shuffle’s resting on Trixie's hips, while Trixie’s where around his neck.

Trixie smiled as the two sat in silence, their eyes speaking every word. Trixie moved to speak but Shuffle stopped her.

“I think I know what you’re about to say, but not tonight. Tomorrow, I promise.”

“Trix- I don't wanna wait. Please, I need it.”

Shuffle kissed Trixie's head as he flipped them on the bed.

“Not the full thing, but there is one thing I wanna try,” Shuffle said as he slowly moved the covers over Trixie with him underneath.

“What are you talking abo- oooh~...” Trixie moaned out, already enjoying herself.
> Happy Birthday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eight-Thirty AM


*beep* *beep* *beep*

Shuffle quickly rolled over, shutting his alarm off before it could get any louder.

“Operation: Magician’s Distraction is a go,” Shuffle whispered silently as he sent out a message to someone.

A few moments later, Trixie's own phone went off with a notification from Lavender.

Shuffle answered it and whispered into the mic.

“Ready?”

“Yeah, lemme get her out of your hair. We'll be back by late afternoon, that good?”

“Absolutely perfect.”

Shuffle nudged Trixie trying to wake her.

“Hey, Lavender is going to the mall for a shopping spree. Apparently, she’s got a lot of money and asked me if you wanna go.” 

Trixie turned over and responded groggily.

“Trixie doesn't feel like getting up right now. Tell Lavender she can go without Trixie.”

“Nu-uh, you’re going out with your friend's madam. I'm not letting you stay inside as I do. Besides, don't you have something to pick up from Zecora’s shop anyways?” 

Trixie moved deeper into the bed.

“Trixie can wait another day.”

Shuffle sighed.

Okay, you asked for this…

Shuffle rolled out of the bed, grabbed ahold of the top sheet and yanked both it and his comforter off, exposing Trixie to the cold. 

Trixie yelped as the freezing air forced her to curl up into a ball. Shuffle also forgot she wasn't wearing pants from last night, so he was greeted with an exposed behind once his eyes locked onto the magician.

Shuffle clapped his hands and pulled her out of bed.

“Chop chop, Lavender's gonna be here in an hour,” he said as he left the room without another word.

Forty minutes flew by with Shuffle in the kitchen. Tesla was there as well, but she was still in her robe rubbing her head, a glass of water in her hand.

“Ah, sleeping beauty is finally up and about,” Shuffle said as Trixie finally decided to come downstairs. He quickly gave her a breakfast sandwich to eat.

“Lavenderisoutsidewaitingjacketsbythedoorbye!”  Shuffle quickly said as he literally pushed her out the door, jacket in hand and sandwich in her mouth. Shuffle slammed the door a moment later and locked it.

“Well then, that was rude,” Trixie put on her jacket and made her way towards Lavender's car. The two greeted each other, and a few minutes later Lavender pulled away.

Shuffle watched as the car rounded the corner and drove out of his sight.

“Okay everyone, you can come inside now.”

The door to the garage opened, revealing Fuschia, Snips, Snails, Zero, and a girl that stood beside Zero. 

“Ok ladies and gents, we got five hours to get this party up and running; Snips and Snails, you’re on decorations,” Snips and Snails both gave him a salute and got to work.

“Fuschia, Mom, you set up snacks. Here is a list of what I didn't get to put together,” Both nodded and went on with their assignment.

“Zero you’re with me. You knew Trixie longer, and I need your opinion on the other surprise I have planned.”

“Um, I don't think I recognize you,” Shuffle took a moment to actually take a look at the new girl.

Her hair had been pulled back into a ponytail with a star pin on the right side. Her hair was violet, along with her skin tone. She also wore a pair of thick black glasses.

“Hello, I'm Twilight Sparkle. I'm Zero's plus one.”

“Ah okay, you don't have to help out. The remotes to the tv and cable are on the table. Also, mind Greg, he has a tendency to get out of his cage.” 

Shuffle turned and headed into the garage.

“Who's Greg?” Twilight asked Zero.

“Remember that spider that likes jumping on Soul's face?”

“Yeah, what does that have to do with-.”

Zero gave her a look, mentally conveying the info for Twilight.

“Oh. As long as he doesn't jump on me, I'll be fine. Go help your friend.”

Zero left Twilight and followed Shuffle into the garage, while she went into the living room and sat on the couch.

With Shuffle and Zero

“And that’s what I got planned, whatcha think?” Shuffle asked as he finished folding the cloak he had gotten from Rarity earlier that month. 

“Well, it's unique, to say the least, but don't you think it's over-the-top?”

“That's what I was going for. Trixie loves spectacle, and it lets me practice with the props as well.”

“But playing magician for a magician’s birthday makes no sense.”

“Exactly. Besides, it's not going to just be stage magic, the song ties in as well.”

Zero shrugged.

“Hey, it's your gift. If anything, she'll enjoy it.”

Shuffle sighed as he finished loading up everything he needed.

“Thanks, Zero.”

Zero gave a thumbs up and went back inside.

Shuffle pulled out his phone for a moment and thumbed a message to Lavender.

How's it going?


Trixie is still complaining…


I know you got stuck with the short end of the stick but just keep her distracted another 3 hours, I owe you.


Damn right you do!


Shuffle chuckled as he grabbed his bag and went back inside to help.





“Trixie, come on, we gotta get outta here.”

“No, Trixie refuses to leave until she gives these plebians a piece of her mind.”

“And last time you did that, you got kicked out of the Canterlot Theatre, remember that?”

“That wasn't because of Trixie, remember? She was just showing that boy how to win at a crane game easily.”

Lavender raised her eyebrow.

“By throwing a chair at it?”

“Don't blame me for a rigged machine.”

Lavender sighed as she pulled her friend by the arm away from the shop of Flim and Flam.

“Thanks for the business Miss Lulamoon. Make sure to come back again,” One brother said, slyly counting the bills in his hand.

Trixie growled. Ever the vindictive one, she quickly lashed out towards the side, grabbing someone's drink and threw it at the Flim Flam Brothers, drenching them in juice before turning around and striding away confidently.

The brothers started to clean themselves off of the sticky substance. The one that was holding the money in his hand already noticed that they started to stick together.

“You do know they can call the police right?”

“Yes Trixie does, but their pride won't let them, especially with cheapskates that can very easily be taken to court.”

Lavender groaned, following Trixie out of the Canterlot mall. Originally, this was supposed to be a fun outing, but going into Flim and Flam's shop was a bad idea.

Three hours earlier

Lavender had just pulled up to Canterlots mall. As Trixie and herself got out of the car and walked towards the entrance, Trixie turned mid-stride to ask a question.

“So, why did you choose to invite me and not Fuschia as well?”

“I did, Trixie. I was hoping we could spend the day together like we used to before we all kinda found boyfriends, but Fuschia isn't even in town today. Did you know that Snails is actually part of a small group of Buddhists?”

“Is that why he always sits crossed legged during our Hoofball games?”

Lavender shrugged. “I guess so. I remember Fuschia saying something about meeting his teacher, think his name started with a Z, it sounded fancy like, Zenyamcha, I think.”

“Well then, good for him, but how about we focus on what we came here for? Pretty sure we can find something special,” Trixie said, giving Lavender a jab in the side with her elbow.

Lavender smirked, replying cooly.

“Whoever said I didn't already have something for Snips? Besides, if I remember correctly, weren't you a little busy with Shuffle yesterday?” 

“Sh-Sh-Shut up!” 

Lavender and Trixie laughed as they got out of the cold and into the mall’s warm, welcoming plaza.






Shuffle we got a problem.

Lavender sat in a bathroom stall, trying to get ahold of Shuffle, while Trixie had opted to go back to the car. Lav was trying to figure out what to do.

Minutes passed with no response from Shuffle.

Clearly aggravated, she kept sending message after message to his phone, finally, she started calling him.

Please enjoy this music while your party is reached.

Lavender groaned audibly as she heard the music play. “Come on, pick up!”

Meanwhile

Shuffle sat on the table connected to the island of the kitchen, just staring at the chaos that was unfolding.

Decorations tore down; food was strewn all over the floor; Greg SOMEHOW got ahold of his food supply, so now crickets were chirping and hopping about the house. Greg, on the other hand, could be seen scuttling about the living room, catching his mobile buffet.

“Well, at least it can't get much worse now, right?”

Vrrr..Vrr...Vrrr..

Shuffle turned his head, his eyes locking onto his partial screen on his phone, only seeing half of the name, but he could already tell who it was.

“Mother-” 

*Whoosh*

Another small fire started on the stove.

“OH COME ON, I WAS JUST MAKING HOT CHOCOLATE!”





Lavender tried another dozen times to call Shuffle. The last time she tried, she was sent straight to voicemail.

“I have listened to your damn ringtone twenty-two times Shuffle! I swear to god when I get ahold of you... Trixie wants to leave, PLEASE be ready by the time we get back! I don't have any other way to stall her!” Lavender hit end on her phone before leaving the stall, only to be met face to face with a very irked Trixie.

“Distract me from what, Lavender? The fact that Shuffle had a party planned for my birthday?”

“...No?” was the only thing Lavender could say.

“Shuffle’s house. Now. We can go together, or I'll just walk. Either way, I'm going now,” Trixie about-faced and left.

“This has gone so poorly it's not even funny.”






The group just finished cleaning the majority of the house back up by the time Lavender’s car pulled up.

“Welp, at least we have the cake,” Shuffle said aloud before he noticed that crickets had stuck to it.

“I give up!” Shuffle screamed, slamming his hand onto the island, making the cake fall.


Trixie opened the door to the house, and what she saw shocked her; Zero was sitting on the couch, nursing a sizable lump on his forehead; Fuschia was trying to stop Greg from crawling all over Snips, who was trying his absolute best to not freak out; Snails was sitting in a corner, his arms and legs crossed, his mind clearly other places; Tesla was trying to salvage anything she could for the party; and Shuffle himself had just rounded the corner, looking the worst out of them all. His hair had singed tips, his usually confident smirk was overshadowed by a deep scowl, and crickets and cake were on his shirt and pants.

Lavender pushed past Trixie. Once her eyes witnessed what happened, she yelped in surprise.

“What happened?!” 

“Everything... Murphy’s Law happened,” Shuffle said dejectedly before turning towards Trixie.

“Surprise.” 





The entire group sat around the table of the living room in silence, two Large pizza sitting on the table and a few soda bottles sat close by.

“So basically, you have been planning this party since the beginning of December?” Trixie asked.

“Yup. Everything was already made. I ordered the cake the first day of break, told all of our friends to keep is quiet, hell I even thought we fooled you. When did you find out about the party?”

Lavender cleared her throat, drawing attention to herself. “That was my fault. I was trying to get ahold of you and kinda shrieked it into the voicemail.”

Shuffle took a second to grab his now ruined phone.

“You wouldn't have been able to get ahold of me anyways, thanks mostly to the oven.” 

“But that doesn't explain how everything else got destroyed, or even how Zero got knocked out.” 

This time it was Snails that spoke up.

“That was Snips and my fault, we were putting up the decorations when we starting talking about the last Ogre's ‘n’ Oubliettes session we did. It started an argument, I fell into Zero, and he fell right into the table.”

“And Greg?” 

Everyone shrugged, uncertain how the spider, who was now roosting on a web in his cage his belly full of cricket, got ahold of the stash.

“Sorry the party was a bust, Trixie,” Fuschia replied somberly.

After a few moments, Trixie started giggling before bursting out into a full-on gaffuafle.

The rest of the room looked at her in confusion.

“What’s so funny?”

“You guys... Trixie does appreciate the gesture, but you didn't need to do anything extravagant for her. Besides, doesn't this sound like something out of a terrible romance story?” Trixie said in between fits of giggles.

The gears clicked for everyone else, and the laughter began to spread.

“Whoo, okay. Since this has gone so far south, how about we get a few more pizzas?” Tesla suggested.

One phone call and a minor wait later, the party had finally gotten into full swing. Music played as background noise, and Shuffle dragged all of his consoles out of his room, along with a few extra controllers. Everyone was having a blast. By early evening, Shuffle and Tesla went back out to get a cake from the store. It wasn't the one that Shuffle wanted to present, but no one can simply say “no” to an ice cream cake.

The party finally began winding down as everyone presented Trixie with a gift. Lavender and Snips started by giving her a well-drawn picture of herself up on stage, her cape billowing in an invisible wind, fireworks shooting in multiple directions.

“Sorry we couldn't buy you something, Trix,” Her response was to hug both of them.

“Think nothing of it, but you did capture in the most perfect angle. Good job, Snips.”

Next, Snails and Fuschia had gift cards. Snails’ was for a free trip to the Canterlot Spa, which had a forty-five percent discount for a group up to four people, while Fuschia’s was a fifty dollar card towards a local aromatherapy store.

“We knew you would on occasions get stressed out on occasions, so we thought it would be nice for you to relax on certain days.” 

“Oooh, Trixie hasn't been in a long time. I wonder if Aloe and Lotus ever got promoted since last time?”

Zero stepped up next. In his hand, he had a wrapped box with some weight to it.

“Happy birthday. You have no idea how long it took me to get this together.”

Trixie quickly tore off the wrapping paper, revealing it to be a box set of Ironclad Alchemist.

“Oh my gosh, is this the complete series?!” Trixie asked, already excited.

Zero smirked, wiping his nose with his pointer finger, “Yes it is, and you have no idea how many cities I dug through to find all of-oof!” Zero was cut off mid-sentence as Trixie locked him in a bone crushing hug.

“Thank you! You might be a pain, but I couldn’t ask for a better brother.”

Twilight spoke up.

“Wait, you guys are related?!” Trixie and Zero started laughing at the confused Twilight.

“No, we are just close Twilly. I promise you aren't getting replaced,” Zero said, sitting back down next to his girlfriend and giving her a kiss on the nose.

“N-No, it's not that, I just didn't know,” Zero smiled as he pulled her into his side.

“God, you’re so easy to tease,” Zero Chuckled.

Tesla went next, handing Trixie an envelope. Trixie quickly opened it and within was a crisp hundred dollar bill and note behind it.

I'll be out of the house tonight. Have fun and be safe. Check the cabinet ;)

Trixie blushed and quickly put the paper and the money into her jacket pocket. The only person left was Shuffle, who had somehow disappeared from the festivities.

“Has anyone seen Shuffle?” Tesla asked, but not a moment later the light went off.

A few moments later, a shuffling could be heard, and somehow the fireplace erupted to life. From the opposite side of the living room, three figures appeared.

Ya better believe
I got some tricks up my sleeve


Time to captivate
'Cause we're powerful and great

Oh, whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh

Ya better believe
I got some tricks up my sleeve

We dominate
'Cause we're powerful and great

Oh, whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh

The lights came on at a low dim, revealing a male figure covered in a cloak and hat, along with Lavender and Fuschia in their stage gear and instruments.

They think they've got what it takes to go toe to toe?


We got more moves than you'll ever know

Let's own the stage, be all the rage,

Not looking’ to the past,


Shooting for the Space Age

Come on, let them make noise


Listen it takes no effort for our music to destroy


Anything you throw at me


We’re just gonna throw it back, Just you wait and see!

The figure swiftly moved past his audience and took ahold of Trixie’s hand, pulling her back onto the impromptu stage. She smiled, joining in on the song.

Ya better believe
I got some tricks up my sleeve


It's time to captivate
'Cause we're powerful and great


Oh, whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh


Ya better believe
I got some tricks up my sleeve


This time we dominate
'Cause we're  powerful and great


We'll gladly knock you down a peg


Oh, whoa, oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-oh

By the time it's done, You're gonna beg

Oh, whoa, oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-oh

it'll take a lot to be in this band,


Application rejected!
Rejected!

Don't be so sad and so dejected
So dejected...

Don't mean to brag,
never meant to boast

But I'm a six-course meal and you're just burnt toast

Think we are ever gonna ever give up?

No, never, ever, ever, ever!

Come on, you're just making noise
Listen how our magic destroys


Anything you throw at me

 We'll gladly throw back,
Just wait and see


Ya better believe
we got tricks up my sleeve

Time to captivate
'Cause we're powerful and great


Oh, whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh

As the finale came about, Trixie took point.


Ya better believe
I got tricks up my sleeve
See me dominate
'Cause I'm powerful and great!

Applause came as the duo took a bow. A chilly feeling enveloped Trixie's throat, and only a second later did she notice that a necklace had been placed around her neck. On it was an exact replica of her logo. The wand had a sapphire stare embedded in the center, and in the “Magic” coming out of the wand, there were mini rhinestones to resemble the stars.

“Happy birthday,” Shuffle said in her ear as she wordlessly marveled at the amulet on her neck. Trixie pulled Shuffle into a passionate kiss. The two were lost in each other as their kiss reached fever pitch, pulling at each other, trying to make the kiss last. 





Night gave way, and everyone had finally departed. The only ones left at the house were Shuffle, Trixie, and Tesla. The first two were relaxing on the couch snuggled together. Trixie had flat out refused to leave Shuffle’s side after the parody of “Tricks up my sleeve”. Tesla had gone back to her room and had been there for a long while.

“You have fun today?” Shuffle asked.

“Definitely. Even though your original plan fell through, it was still a nice gesture. Trixie appreciates it,” Trixie snuggled deeper into Shuffle’s side as they continued watching Trixie's new DVD set.

Eleven-Thirty 

The duo finally decided to turn in for the night. As Shuffle turned on some light background noise, he rolled over in bed ready to relax. Unbeknownst to him, Trixie had somehow slipped out of the room behind his back, and by the time he noticed, his eyes had been covered by two familiar palms.

“Ah-ah, no peeking just yet. Trixie has a surprise for you tonight.”

Shuffle tried to remove Trixie’s hands but was stopped by an unfamiliar feeling on his back, something soft but firm at the same time...

A few moments later, Trixie removed her hands. “Turn around…” Shuffle did as requested and was greeted by a mind-melting sight.

There stood Trixie in rays of moonlight, adorned by nothing but a black negligee that split all the way down her front, which was barely held together by a thin black string. A small black pair of underwear covered Trixie's privates, but that was just about it. On her legs were stockings that matched the design of the rest of her outfit, but what got Shuffle’s attention the most was the amulet he gave her today was still predominantly placed on her chest.

“I… You… Hot… Jeff…” He stammered, trying to find coherent words to the brain.

“Before tonight is over, I want one more thing from you…” Trixie's stride never faltered, pushing the boy back onto the bed before sensually straddling his waist.

“Make love to me…” with a voice like silk, she pushed her face into his and the two began kissing. Trixie's grip faltered, and Shuffle took point as he put his hands on her rear end, pulling it and kneading it as the two pulled each other closer, each actively trying to one-up the other, all the while grinding against each other, driving further into the haze of lust. Before long, the two separated, and Shuffle un-tied the string, the negligee opening up just enough to reveal the sides of Trixie's bosom.

“Wow…” he said idly as he stared in awe of the sight. He leaned up, kissing her again, his arms wrapped around her sides. Trixie let out a few soft “Coos” of pleasure, her gyrating never stopping as Shuffle continued his ministrations.

Leaning up, he pulled Trixie down to him again and into another passionate kiss, his hands pulling the blanket over the two. Trixie’s hands left his chest and were about to remove the garment, but Shuffle stopped her hand.

“Leave them.”

Shuffle watched in awe as Trixie drug her fingers past his nose playfully before moving back feeling a bulge touch her butt.

“Mmmm, Nice wand you got there,” she replied smoothly letting the feel of their flesh sink in.

Shuffle blushed as he thought of his own comeback.

“Well, I can supply the equipment, but can the master magician use it right?”

Trixie chuckled as she lined up for the plunge.

“Let's find out…” She said, leaning down and kissing the teen again. The two embraced, and finally, the two halves became one.
> Showtime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan 10th

School had finally started again. With the beginning of a new year comes new challenges to face, and Shuffle, for the first time in an eon, was ready for them. Ever since Trixie's birthday back in December, the two had gotten even closer, pretty much joined at the hip. The two would very rarely be seen without the other. By the time lunch had rolled around, Shuffle and Trixie had entered the Cafeteria, collected some food and met up with their friends.

Each couple discussed what happened through the rest of their vacation, each making comments on the others, or showing off pictures of what happened.

“Trixie usually hates when school restarts, but now that we are in the home stretch of senior year, it should be fun. Hopefully, Pinkie can set up a party for the class.”

“I bet she has one already planned, knowing that girl. Probably has the supplies bought and hidden somewhere in the School,” Lavender replied.

“Hey Shuffle, what is it you wanna do with your life? We all know Trixie’s going into show business, Lavender is already an intern at Mage Meadowbrook’s Scent Emporium, Snips and Snails have plans to start a prank shop, and Zero… actually, does anyone know what Zero wants to do?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“He wants to protect people. Maybe he could be a Policeman?” Shuffle shrugged absentmindedly at his thought.

“But to answer your question Fuchsia, I don't really know. Most of my life I played cards with my dad when I was younger, so maybe that's something I could do. Plus, it could double as teaching magic tricks for aspiring magicians to get a start.”

During their conversation, Zero came by and asked for Shuffle's presence for a few minutes. Shuffle got up and followed Zero away from their friends as he led them to another table.

“I know this is last minute, but I need to introduce you to these guys.”

“Looks like I've beaten you too it then Zero, ‘cuz I've met half of your friends indirectly.”

Zero's face lit up as he dragged Shuffle to the table.

“Good, then this will be easier.”

Zero and Shuffle arrived at the table.

“Hey guys, sorry I'm late, had to get someone.”

Shuffle took notice of who was sitting at the table. Off the top of his head, he already recognized Artemis, Soul, and Clyde. Everyone else was unknown.

“Zero, I already met three of these guys. Is it really necessary?” Shuffle asked as he stood by the table.

“Yes, yes it is. Considering CHS is supposed to be the friendliest school in the state, it would make sense if we all at least knew each other, now come sit down,” Zero patted the seat next to him, ushering the teen to comp-a-squat.

“Now, from left to right; that's Clyde, he's on the basketball team. He can be a bit of a Romeo sometimes, but I think that's from being around Rarity so much.”

Clyde groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“One time. I only did that so I could sweep my Boo off her feet.”

“His Boo?” Shuffle asked.

“That’s what he calls his girlfriend Rarity.”

Shuffle shrugged. “Seems legit, nice to meet you,” Shuffle said holding out his hand. Clyde let out a chuckle as he accepted the handshake.

“Next to him is Rivet, a bit of a goofball but one of the most loyal friends you can have.”

“Hello, nice to meet you,” Rivet waved.

“After him, Is Soul Writer, he's more recent to our little group, but in that time, not only did he gain all of us as friends, he also began dating Sunset Shimmer.”

Zero leaned closer to Shuffle and whispered something in his ear.

“Pro tip; don't insult Star Wars in front of him, unless you wanna binge watch all six movies.”

“Good thing I like the series then, isn't that right, Vod Mando'a?”

The rest of the small group looked in confusion. Soul, on the other hand, replied smoothly.

“Jate, jorcu meh gar notei Ni'd ganar at spilit gar guuror Darth Maul.”

“Oh dear lord, there's two of them!” Rivet said aloud.

The group laughed as Zero moved on.

“That's…” he started to say before Shuffle cut him off.

“Hey Artemis, been a while hasn't it?” Shuffle said.

“Yeah, I've been busy. My sisters and I have been practicing for the musical showcase this year, plus Aria's singing lessons eat up my schedule too.”

“Well if you're ever free, we really need to have that duel I promised you,” Shuffle replied before turning back to Zero.

“I'm sorry, what were you saying Zero?”

“Well, I was gonna introduce you to Artemis, but it seems you know each other already, I guess,” Zero let out a hearty laugh.

“Next is Swift Justice. That one somehow has the special talent of getting himself hurt in the most amazing ways.”

The boy, now named Swift, crossed his arms.

“Come on, it's not that bad,” Fate seemed to conspire against Swift as his seat gave out underneath him. Swift yelped as he landed on his rear end.

As swift got up Shuffle snapped his fingers.

“I knew I recognized you. You're the one that helps Pinkie out with her parties, right?”

“Yup, that's me: Assistant Party Planner,” he said proudly.

“And I guess like everyone else here, you’re dating Pinkie, right?” Swift staggered a bit as he sat back down.

“No...” he replied dejectedly.

Shuffle patted the boy's shoulder.

“Don't worry dude, you'll get her.”

Clyde spoke up next.

“Has anyone seen Treble?”

“He said something about a unicorn, rainbows and dancing with or on them, so who knows at this point,” Rivet said.

“Since we are going around the circle with introductions, I'm Shuffle Suite, and it was nice meeting you all, but I'm gonna go back to my group. Y'all enjoy lunch,” Shuffle got up and left the table.

“He seemed nice,” Swift said after a moment of silence.





After school, Shuffle and Trixie piled into Trixie’s car and were heading home, while they passed through town.

“You ready for tonight?” Trixie asked excitedly.

Shuffle had his reservations. Between himself and Trixie dating, and the occasional shows Trixie did, he was always backstage, making sure props were in place, the stage was set up ahead of time, etc., whilst Trixie practiced her routine, usually solo, but sometimes Lavender, Fuchsia, Snips, Snails or even Greg would help out. Tonight would be the first time he would be seen onstage too.

“To tell you the truth Trix, I don’t really know if I'm ready yet.”

“Lemme guess, you’re terrified that you’re going to foul up in front of everyone and become the laughingstock of the school?”

“...How even…”

Trixie chuckled as she pulled into the garage. “Simple, Trixie was the exact same way. The best way to conquer stage fright is to just do it, but Trixie won't force you to do something that doesn't make you feel comfortable. Let Trixie say this: when you do join her onstage, she can promise, when that crowd is cheering for you, it's something exhilarating.”

“I'll take that into consideration for next time, but tonight, you focus on the crowd. I'll keep everything managed in the back.”

Trixie nodded and focused on her routine in her head again.





That night, Trixie, along with Lavender, Fuchsia, Snips, and Snails, were in their costumes ready to perform. Shuffle had set up each of the pops ahead of time whilst the stars were getting ready. He had a clipboard in his arm, running down each prop setup and with meticulous detail.

“Trixie wants to open with ‘Dancing Spider’, so Greg is already perched up on the curtains ready to descend onto Lavender. Your seat will be 15A, dead center, go ahead and get into position and wait for my signal.”  

Lavender nodded as she took her to leave to mingle amongst the waiting audience.

“After that, Snips and Snails, you two shall be on the far side, ready to bring Trixie ‘The Mystic Box’. Wheels are greased up just in case something goes wrong. There is also a backup can of WD-40 hidden on the backside of the box for the hinges. Remember to put it on the spot we practiced on so we can get Snails away from the swords.”

The duo nodded as they passed behind the curtain. Shuffle kept moving down the list of tricks.

“Let's see. After that was “Card Shower”. The rigged deck is in Trixie’s cape. Where even is the blasted thing...?” Shuffle quickly scurried around the stage, trying to locate the missing cape.

Meanwhile, Trixie had emerged from behind the trailer wearing a new outfit, compliments of one Rarity Belle. Unlike her normal outfit, consisting of her cloak, hat, and a blue dress that came down to her knees, this was a shorter dress, a gold trim going down the main part of the jacket, the rings of the arms covered in stars, purple stockings, heels that had two blue bows on them, and atop her head was a top hat which had two fluffy feathers adorning the left side.

Shuffle stopped mid-stride as he finally noticed the magician.

“Well then, that's a new…” Trixie giggled as she took the clipboard.

“I've got this, just relax and watch Trixie work,” she said coolly as she gave him a playful hip check.

“Knock ’em dead!” Shuffle said as Trixie took the wireless mic from Shuffle and passed through the curtain.

Shuffle could already hear the cheers from behind the curtain. He stood by, watching from a discrete spot as Trixie got started.

It was a great start; Lavender played her part flawlessly. Greg returned to Trixie's foot before she began to try and “stomp” on him, which lasted for about a minute before the duo started a pseudo dance, where Greg hopped between her legs, following Trixie's motions before she slid the flat of her foot around Greg, allowing him to crawl up her leg before disappearing into the hat. Trixie then tossed up the hat before it disappeared behind the top of the stage. A second passed before her hat seemed to float back to her hand and a round of applause erupted from the audience.

“Thank you, everyone, but Trixie has more planned!” Trixie announced as she moved about the stage to continue her act.

Each trick went off seamlessly, from what Shuffle could hear. “The Mystic Box” got more reactions than normal since Snips was the one that “struggled” to get in. Alongside that, thanks to Snips’ acting, and the bags filled with red paint, lots of people fell for the illusion. The show was wrapping up nicely, so Shuffle started packing down each of the already used props to save time.

Once finished with a decent amount, he turned his attention back towards Trixie, who was wrapping up her show. Suddenly, he noticed that he was being pushed on by Snips and Snails towards Trixie, with Snails carrying Greg on his shoulder.

“Guys, what the hell? Stop pushing me! What's going on?”

“Sorry Shuffle, but Trixie wanted her assistant on stage, by any means necessary,” Snails replied before the duo gave a mighty push, making Shuffle stumble from behind the curtain and into the eyes of a few hundred pairs of eyes.

“Ah, so good for you to finally join us. Everyone, as great as Trixie is, none of this show would be possible if it weren't for my number one assistant, Shuffle Suite! Give him a hand, everyone,” Trixie started clapping after she finished speaking.

Almost all of the audience gave Shuffle a standing ovation, some even cheering, even their friends were applauding. To Trixie, this was normal, but to Shuffle, knowing his hard work had such an overwhelming amount of appreciation struck Shuffle harder than even he imagined. It was a weird feeling, for lack of a better term. Shuffle felt… Alive.

Everyone started to quiet down after about a minute.

“Since my assistant is on stage, Trixie will need help with her last trick. Now Shuffle, if you could please take a card from Trixie's hands.”

Shuffle turned to towards Trixie, who had a cheeky smirk on her face.

That sneaky, conniving witch.  Shuffle thought as he took a card from the middle of the deck.

“Now what card is it?”

“King of Hearts. Very fitting, since mine’s racing faster than Pinkie Pie on a sugar high,” Shuffle joked, eliciting a laugh from the crowd.

Trixie then took the card back and started shuffling the deck around, truly showing how skilled she was with dexterity. Before tossing up the entire deck, which scattered as each of the cards came back down, Trixie gave Shuffle a quick kiss on the lips before he could react, reaching out to the side and handing a card to Shuffle.

“I do believe you're holding the king again, Correct?”

“Eh-nope. Three of Diamonds,” Shuffle replied coolly.

“What?! Trixie was sure she had the right card!” she quickly snatched it back, looking at the King of Hearts in her hand.

“Gotcha,” Shuffle chuckled before Trixie flicked the card at his face, and another laugh flew from the crowd.

“You guys have been wonderful, thanks for coming to Trixie’s show!” she said, laughing along and taking a bow. Shuffle did as well, and the two went back behind the curtain. Not even two seconds passed before Shuffle pulled Trixie into him and gave her a firm kiss.

The two part a moment later. “I see you enjoyed your time in the spotlight.”

“Yes, but at the same time I hate you for pulling that stunt.”

Trixie shrugged. “Guess I know you better than you know yourself. Now then, Sugarcube Corner isn't closed yet, why don't you go get us some donuts? We'll clean up the rest and then we'll go celebrate.”

Trixie handed Shuffle a twenty.

“Now you’re just bribing me…” Shuffle said as he left out the back of the stage.

The walk to Sugarcube Corner was a slow process. The adrenaline from being on stage had worn off and was replaced with exhaustion that Shuffle didn't know he had. Before he turned the corner in sight of the sweet shop, he was grabbed and pulled into an alleyway with his mouth covered.

Shuffle fought back, trying to break the assailant’s grip, but was hit with something that paralyzed him, as he was pushed down against the wall he was held up by a familiar face.

“Hello, Lariat. Been a while, hasn't it? Still feeling that ball buster Trixie gave-Argh!” Shuffle cried out before finishing his quip, as Lariat gave him a punch in the gut.

“Shut it boy. He's all yours, boss,” Lariat said as he moved off to the side.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Suite,” a second voice said. He noticed that the other person's hand had a slight red glint to it.

“Can't say the same thing for you… Blueblood.”

“Good to know trash can recognize their betters,” Blueblood replied as he lowered his hand, but the glint was still present.

“I'll make this quick and simple so that even an ape can understand. You WILL stay away from Trixella 
Lulamoon.”

Shuffle let out a laugh. “Why, so you can try and force her to marry you again? Dude, give it up. She wasn't interested then and I can guarantee that you aren't wanted.”

Blueblood was taken aback by Shuffle’s remark before he chuckled.

“Who said I wanted to marry that whore? She just has a use to us, and we need her in a state of pain, to add an incentive….” Blueblood snapped his fingers, sending an electric shock through Shuffles body. Shuffle fell over from the wall his body, writhing in agony until Blueblood snapped his fingers again.

“I'll be watching you Shuffle. Don't try anything funny, or else things might get worse, especially for your mother and father… Farewell,” Blueblood snapped his fingers once more, leaving Lariat to ensure Shuffle got the message.
> The Hearts Doubt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Days had passed after the encounter with Blueblood, and Shuffle's mind couldn't fathom what was said that night. Not only was he targeting his family for possible attacks, but the man had something to do with his dad as well.

Shuffle kept all of this information to himself, mostly because he didn't want Trixie knowing that Blueblood had targeted him and because her show had attracted a talent scout from a performance school in Las Pegasus, and she needed to focus on that. 

The biggest thing he had a problem with was with what was said at the end. The threat towards his mother was already enough to put him on edge already, but with how Blueblood spoke about it, it was like he knew something, and it felt wrong, very wrong.

"Shuffle, you okay?" Trixie asked as she nudged him from the side.

"Yeah, it's fine… just distracted."

Trixie chuckled as she flicked his head. 

"Well get your head out of the clouds, or does Trixie have to guide you back down herself? ‘Cuz she has her ways~…" She replied, accentuating her point by rubbing his cheek.

"No Trix, I'm fine, promise," Shuffle said quickly. 

"Really then? If nothing is wrong, then why does Trixie catch you looking around more often than usual, hmm?"

Shuffle tried to respond, but Trixie already had another question at the ready.

"And where are you going at three in the morning, coming back covered in sweat?"

"See, that’s because… I'm trying to..."

Trixie put her hands on hips, waiting for an answer. Shuffle sighed as he sat down.

"I've just been trying to get back into free running again. Between going to school, afternoons with you, the shows… it's the most opportune time to do it, it seems."

Trixie sat next to shuffle as he looked away from her.

"Why didn't you tell me about this? Trixie does love performing magic, but if you want, we could do something you'll enjoy. Though, on two conditions."

Trixie held up her index finger.

"One, no more secrets, no matter how little and insignificant. Deal?"

Shuffle nodded.

"Two, you show me how to do it too." 





Trixie and Shuffle stood at the edge of Everfree Forest. 

"Trix, I don’t think you're ready for where I practice yet…" Shuffle said, trying to deter his girlfriend. 

"Pshaw! I'm The Great and Powerful Trixie! Anything you can do she can do better, now let's get started already!" 

Shuffle chuckled. "Okay then, let's start off with something basic. Try to climb that tree there," Shuffle pointed at one of the thick trees. 

Trixie gave him a cocky smirk as she tried to take hold of any loose areas of the tree. When her grip was secure she started to climb.

A few minutes of silence passed as she grunted and finally reached the first and lowest branches.

"Haha! Beat that...Shuffle?" Trixie turned on the branch to look for her boyfriend, who seemingly vanished.

"Shuffle?!" Trixie called out, trying to spot him.

There was a snap as Shuffle stood a few feet from her on a branch above her.

"How did you even?" Trixie asked, obviously confused.

Shuffle chuckled as he hopped down onto Trixie's branch, making it shake.

"Simple: I ran up the opposite tree and crossed to your tree."

"But in what time frame though?" 

"Trix, I've been doing this for quite a while, just watch this." 

Shuffle turned towards another branch, leaping onto it and pulling himself up and holding himself completely vertical for a few seconds, before swinging back and forth, releasing and gliding towards another branch, then another, and another, before tagging the fourth with his hands, pulling his top half forwards in a flip, directly into a roll onto the ground.

Trixie watched on as Shuffle got back to his feet, wiping off any debris on himself before jogging back to the tree she was perched in, scaling back up to her like it was nothing.

"...Showoff."

Shuffle booped Trixie's nose as he sat down.

"Wouldn't be your boyfriend if I couldn't flex my skills as you do. Besides, it takes one to know one." 

Trixie sat against the tree's trunk. 

"What made you pick this up?" She asked.

Shuffle shrugged. "After dad passed on, I looked for other hobbies. This wasn't my first choice, but there's something about being in the air almost akin to flight. It just feels right. Like how your magic and the roaring crowds are for you."

The two sat in silence as the early summer breeze washed over them.

Shuffle took a deep breath as he stretched and fell back, hanging himself with his legs.

"Love, if you really want to learn, I would much rather have you be in a parkour gym before we do something like this." 

Trixie stood up as she replicated hang like Shuffle.

"No, anything you can do, I can do better. Now then, get to teach." 

Shuffle smiled as he let himself go into freefall since the distance between the branch and the ground wasn't far. His experienced legs absorbed the shock with minimal resistance. 

"Another thing!" Trixie called out as Shuffle looked up at her still hanging.

"Help me!" 

Shuffle burst out into laughter as Trixie started fuming. 

"Alright chill, I'm coming.” 



 

After that day, Shuffle and Trixie headed out towards Everfree almost every afternoon so Shuffle could teach Trixie. 

Two weeks passed and Trixie was making marginal progress. Shuffle tried every day to get her to go to a gym first, which she denied. This carried on for a full month, but through Trixie's stubborn nature, she started matching Shuffle point for point.

During each practice session, Shuffle watched as Trixie adapted to moving in the trees, but even with all the progress she made, he would think about Blueblood. He would on occasion watch his back even during the school day, thinking someone had been watching him. But it seemed like when he would catch who was doing it, the feeling would disappear.

"Yo Shuffle, you in there?" Artemis asked, snapping his fingers in Shuffles face.

"Oh Sorry dude, just thinking about something."

"Yeah, I noticed. Wanna talk about it?" Artemis asked, putting down the cards in his hand.

"Yes… No… Yes… I mean... ARGH!" Shuffle grunted out, setting his cards down.

"If you don't want to buddy, that's fine," He replied coolly

Shuffle sighed, weeks of stress finally getting to him.

"Yeah… I can't bring this to Trixie, and my mom is already paranoid enough. But it's something that's driving me nuts. It started back in January after Trixie's first show…"  

As Shuffle retold the events in extreme detail to Artemis, they continued their card game.

"Why haven't you went to the police yet about this?" 

"That's the problem; I did research on Blueblood. He's 19 and already in charge of his own company, and a successful one at that. Who would believe this random tycoon would threaten some random teenager?"

"Makes sense, plus you wouldn't know if he had someone on the force under his payroll. But it's not smart to keep this from her forever, you know. Women have a tendency to sense when their significant other is hiding something," Artemis followed.

Shuffle nodded in understanding as he picked his hand back up.

The two went back to silence as they continued their game.

"I will admit two things though. Blueblood might be an issue. I'm ready if he dares to try something against Trixie. And secondly, I do think I claim victory," Shuffle set down five cards in a sequence, two arms, legs, and head.

"Dang it, another Exodia pull! How do you do that so consistently?!" 

Shuffle smiled as he shuffled his deck.

"It's all in misdirection. A couple plays here, couple reshuffles there, and a pinch of luck," Shuffle responded as he put his deck away. 

"One more thing before you go, you did say you would explain this pendulum mechanic," Shuffle held out the copy of Odd-Eyes.

"I'm pretty sure Discord has a few specials going on, let's ask him about it," Artemis got up. Shuffle followed and the duo went up to the main counter. 





Trixie came by near dusk to pick Shuffle up from the front of Discords.

When Shuffle arrived, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Hey love, how was your day?" Shuffle asked.

"Trixie had been busy all day reworking her act. It's starting to get a bit stale for her tastes, and Trixie did find a few new tricks to add to her trade."

The two rode home in comfortable silence. Unbeknownst to Trixie, Shuffle had snuck his hand into hers which was sitting on the gear shift.

"Hey, I want to do something," Shuffle said.

Trixie hummed in wonder as they came to a red light.

"What do you want to do? Trixie is listening."

"Since tomorrow is Saturday and we don't have to get up at any particular time, why don't we make it a lazy day? Just watch crappy movies or find something new to watch."

Trixie smirked as her hand tightened on his. "Are you trying to fatten up Trixie?" She asked.

Shuffled chuckled as he squeezed her palm. "No, but there's nothing wrong with being EXTRA THICC!" Shuffle shot back making Trixie giggle.

"Sounds like a plan, but we are gonna see that new Prince Ali movie later that night for that ‘insult’.''

"Oh dear, I have to sit through a movie with my hot girlfriend. When will the torture end!" Shuffle put a hand up to his forehead.

The two burst out into fits of laughter as the light turned green and continued their journey home.

Shuffle stared at Trixie as she focused driving, he made a note on every inch of her, from the swirl in her hair all the way down to her relaxed posture, everything he bore witness to added another trait to the girl sitting next to him from an outside look one could swear they could see a shimmer of light in Shuffles' eyes.

Zing

"Get a camera if you want, but I doubt that photo will compare to the real thing."

"What can I say? I like what I see," Shuffle responded.

"Well, if you’re good, I'll make sure you can see later on tonight~..."

Shuffle smirked playfully as he sat back in his seat.

"Yes ma'am, I'll be a good boy."

The two finally reached home. Shuffle got out first and slid across the front of the car opening the door for Trixie.

"M'lady…" Shuffle bowed and tipped an invisible hat.

"Wow, could you get any cheesier?" Trixie asked as she got out of the car.

"I don't think that would be a Gouda idea," Shuffle remarked as he shut the door.

Trixie groaned as the two entered Shuffle’s home.

"What? I thought it was a good pun. Hey, maybe I can be a comedian, I might even be able to make that good Chedda too!"

Trixie covered her ears, laughing nonetheless. 

"Stop it! God, any more cheese puns I'm going to become lactose intolerant."

"Wouldn't that be a gas!" Shuffle responded.

"I hate you sometimes, you know that right?" 

Shuffle smirked as he quickly pulled out his phone and responded.

Trixie's phone beeped, opening it to see a single text.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"Yep, it's a burning hatred now!" Trixie reported as she opened and quickly shut Shuffle’s door, locking him out.

"You can come in after you get the puns out of your system!" 

Shuffle just laughed as he started back downstairs.

"That's fine I'll just eat some of those peanut butter crackers of yours!"

Trixie shot out the door to chase down the cracker thief.

"TOUCH MY STASH OF CRACKERS AND I WILL DESTROY YOU!" 

Trixie rounded the corner to see Shuffle holding a small box of her favorite snack.

"Um. Meow?" Shuffle said with a wild smirk on his face, Trixie screamed, while Shuffle replied in kind and ran off with the box.

"SHUFFLE SUITE YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" 

"Viva la revolución!" Shuffled hollered back.
> Lightning Strikes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuffle awoken from his peaceful sleep stretched his free arm. The other had been stolen by a certain sleeping girlfriend. He laid there in silence, listening to the soft inhale and exhales of the girl. From an outside perspective, someone would find his whirlwind of a romance fast, unusual, or even doomed to fail. But at this moment, just lying there made everything worth it. 

Shuffle let out a sigh and was about to fall asleep again when he felt another fuzzy body on his trapped hand. 

Shuffle laughed silently as the body came to rest in his palm. Greg somehow escaped his cage again.

"Don't even know why she tries to cage you bud, you just get out."

"Because your mother doesn't like having a rare tarantula crawling about in her home," Another voice piped up.

Trixie rolled over, scooping up the spider. "How's Mama's favorite spider this morning?" Trixie cooed at the spider, nuzzling it.

"You’re such a weirdo, you know that right?"

"Takes a weirdo to know a weirdo. Besides, how can you say no to this cute little guy?" On the spot, Greg pulled out a pink flower and presented it to Shuffle.

"How does one train a spider to do what Greg does? Other spiders wouldn't do the things he does. If anything, one would mistake him for an eight-legged cat."

"Maybe Trixie is such a good owner that she speaks spider."

Shuffle raised his eyebrow.

"What? Can you just not accept that Trixie is that great?"

"No."

Trixie pouted and held Greg close. "Don't listen to the mean man Greggy, you’re just as great and powerful as Trixie is," Shuffle rolled his eyes as he finally got his arm free from under Trixie.

"If you’re done stroking your ego Trix, I do believe we had a date today. And we still need to get ready for the day," Shuffle got up and walked to his closet, grabbing a set of clothes. "I'm going to take a shower," With that, Shuffle left the room leaving Trixie alone with Greg.

Greg sat in Trixie's hand looking up at her before making gestures at her.

"Yes Greg, I did mean everything I said. With you in my act, we have an advantage over any kind of competition in the future. Nothing will stop The Great and Powerful Trixie and Komungus The Wise, as we take the world by storm!" 

Greg pointed to where Shuffle went.

"Yes, Shuffle would be along as well, but that doesn't mean we can't take center stage."

Trixie looked towards the door in silent thought.

Trixie wonders if Shuffle would like to go on tour with her in the summer.

A few moments of silence passed before Greg made a noise to get Trixie's attention.

"No, Greg, this isn't like with Him. Trixie feels like she would enjoy having Shuffle along. Now you need to go back into your cage. Don't worry, I'll get you some breakfast in a bit," Trixie got up herself. 

"First, let’s deal with a certain someone that forgot that Trixie likes taking her showers with that someone."

Trixie put Greg back in his cage, locked the door and left swiftly after. 

Greg sat in his cage until the door shut, then quickly scuttled out of a small hole in the bottom of the cage.

She needs to fix that. Greg thought as he hopped down from the table. 

Greg, using his small agile form, found his way into a crack in the door opening and scaled the wall, heading towards his usual spot in the house. A small entrance allowed Greg to enter the wall. 

He scuttled in, slowly using the house’s frame to descend towards the corner. There laid another spider in a web. It was a larger than normal spider but the special thing about it was the irregular coloring on her, it had red legs that had white rings around the bends of each leg, the body itself was blue and the web sack had a lotus design on the top, reminiscent of a circus ring. Along with it was a mid-sized sack which was already rumbling with the surprise inside. Greg approached the other spider and gave a chitter of greeting, the other spider reacted with the same sound and the two nuzzled together.



 

Trixie and Shuffle quickly finished their morning routines and left, ready for a day's worth of fun. As the duo exited the house, Shuffle pointed at the walkway. 

"How about we walk today? It feels great out and we got all day," Shuffle hooked Trixie's arm under his as the two walked off towards town. 

Unbeknownst to the duo, Greg had made a small parachute and was already in hot pursuit of them, leaving the other spider back home. As much as he wanted to stay, he knew somewhere deep down that something was going to go south, and he was going to be needed. That and the weeks with Trixie had taught him that she gets in fights constantly. Even then, he still needed to give that boy an apology for scaring him. Maybe this time he won't freak out when Greg tried to hug him.

With no exact destination set, the duo mindlessly wandered around Canterlot’s shops. 

The first shop that caught both of their attention was Zecora's. Shuffle held the door for Trixie and the two entered. Familiar scents wafted from the various mixes and reagents made by the local alchemist. From sweet-smelling scents to earthy odors, the shop alone was an olfactophilic's dream.  

Zecora came from the back room having heard the faint jingle from the door's bell and approached the duo. "Ah, Trixie, it's good to see you again. Here to pick up anything you need?" 

Trixie hugged the older woman. "No, we're just looking around today, but have you got anything new in stock?" 

Zecora nodded and pointed towards the back area of the shop. "Over there are some new items from back home. Take a look and see if there are any items that you can use to perform."

Trixie moved away from Shuffle and starting looking around the shelves idly, whilst Shuffle's eye had a distinct glint of a gold plated box. Shuffle attempted to open the box but the lid seemed to be sealed shut. Shuffle picked it up and inspected the box looking for a way to open it before his long finger slid along the underside of the lid revealing a small button. He pressed it and the lid made a small POP sound. The lid moved, revealing what looked like slips of cardboard. The cardboard seemed in extremely good condition, even though the box looked ancient. Before Shuffle could remove the lid and look at one of the papers, a voice next to him snapped him from his trance.

"It's not wise to be snooping around, Mr. Suite," Zecora said, her hands crossed. Shuffle laughed nervously.

"Sorry, it kinda just got my attention," Shuffle replied before giving the box to Zecora. She looked down at the box, noting the lid had slightly moved. Zecora nodded and took the box into the back room. 

Shuffle quickly moved back towards Trixie's side, not wanting to offend the owner any more than he had already. 

Once Trixie finished looking, she grabbed a few relics from the shelf and paid for them. The two left shortly thereafter. Zecora smirked and removed herself from the front room and took the items within the gold box. A blackened fang, a small vial of purple goo, a ring with an eye symbol on it. A rainbow-like a veil neatly folded in the corner, a set of red and green spectacles. Along with these items a handful of small blank cardboard cards.

"Soon," Zecora said aloud, before arranging each item with a card, leaving three in a small pile off to the side.

The hours flitted away for the teens, who stopped into SugarCube for lunch. Trixie and Shuffle had come across the duo of Zero and Twilight inside. The two couples exchanged a small rapport before breaking off for lunch. After finishing, the two said goodbye to their friends and continued their escapade around town. Before long, they ended up at a small bookstore beside the theatre. 

"Hello, Welcome to Novella's! If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask," The clerk said cheerfully. Trixie, eyes already locked onto a particular area of the store, practically drug Shuffle over towards it.

"OH MY GOSH. THEY HAVE IT!!!" Trixie said with glee as she started grabbing a book. Shuffle loomed over her shoulder.

"Show Stopper's Advanced Magics Revealed?"

"Yeah, he was one of the first stage magicians, second best to Hoofdini himself! He was capable of doing the legendary, "Dancing Flames" trick. No one knows how he was able to conjure up two perfect human forms and having them perform tricks for a solid five minutes straight."

"Sounds like stunt actors, in very good protective gear," Shuffle said as he thought about it.

"That's what everyone else thought too, but when the entirety of the stage crew was interviewed for this book, no one had volunteered to perform the trick. Show Stopper has been a legend ever since and finally, I can read how he did it!" Trixie replied.

"Ya know, for someone who sleeps through a majority of her classes, you know stage magic history very well. Maybe if you put some of that enthusiasm into learning about the quadratic formula, your math grade would be higher, hmm?" Shuffle said playfully as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

Trixie giggled and elbowed Shuffle in the stomach. "Sorta like how you can explain that chain link mechanic in that card game you play? And last time I checked mister, your grades in English aren't the best either." 

Shuffle shrugged. "Look, Cranky has it out for me, I swear. Ever since I and Zero accidentally trashed his picture of Matilda, he's been tryna fail me."

"And we all told you two to not be running around the school with water guns filled with hot sauce."

"Hey, you thought it was funny too! Don't act all high and mighty," Shuffle shot back, trying to hide a smile.

"Trixie didn't, she just has the dignity to know when the joke is meant to stop." 

Shuffle gave her a look. "Then how about that little ‘Practice Session’, you pulled me into a few weeks back?”

It was Trixie's turn to blush, before coming up with a remark.

"Last I checked you didn't mind when you were arm deep between-."

Beep Beep Beep

Shuffle’s phone rang out. He checked it before taking Trixie's hand. "Oh shoot, we got five minutes till the movie start, we need to get going!" Shuffle guided the two out of the store and across the street into the Cinema. 





Meanwhile

Tesla had gotten home from work, Lightning in tow behind her, each carrying a box of supplies in hand. The two head down towards Tesla's home lab. Tess set down her box and made space for Lightning.

"Thanks again for the help Light, I was needing these samples for an experiment at home, and hopefully I can get it down pact, especially for Trixie."

“Seems like a bit of overkill. What are you even trying to accomplish anyway, Tess?" 

"Matter displacement or perfect camouflage. Both would be using full for the world, but Trixie is gonna test it out for me when she starts her shows again."

Lightning sighed as he watches Tesla putter around her lab. "Before you get lost in your work again, can we at least talk about us?"

Tesla stopped mid-stride and turn her attention to Lightning.

"What do you mean? I thought we were working out okay, we go out regularly, we don't let it interfere with our jobs, aren't we in perfect form for a healthy relationship now?"

"Well, yes, but, the past few weeks have been getting… Stale to say the least. Most of our ‘dates’ are here or running around town trying to find stuff. And when we do go out to eat or do something, you always nose deep in some kind of project or writing notes for something..."

Tesla was taken aback from Lightning's remark, but upon reflection, she noticed that what he said has been true.

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry Light, I've just been focused on this, and I haven't been considering your feelings… how about this? We go upstairs right now, make some food and have a movie night. Trixie and Shuffle are out so maybe we do other stuff too~..." Tesla replied before taking Lightning's hand into hers.

"Actually… That's what I wanted to talk about. I think it would be best for us to take a break, ya know, just so we can focus on our own goals and pick up later?"

Tesla's face visibly paled as she let go of his hand. "Oh… Yeah, that's okay, maybe some other time then I guess…" Tesla moved away from Lightning, turning away from the man. "I'm sorry, but I think you should leave, I've got some work to do." 

Lightning moved towards Tesla who locked up at his touch.

"Tess, it's only for a little while, promise," Lightning said as he tried to touch Tesla.

"Please, just leave…" Tesla replied in almost a whisper as she quickly grabbed something to busy herself with.

Lightning left silently, leaving Tesla all alone. A few terse minutes of silence resonated in the cold lab before she sat down on one of the stools and began to cry.

Lightning shut the door to the house and walked to his car. Picking up his phone he called a number.

"There, I did as you asked me, now about that promotion…" Lightning pulled the car out of the driveway and back towards the city.



 

It was dark by the time Shuffle and Trixie had gotten home from the movies, having had dinner in the food before walking home. The duo was riding off the high of the day. Shuffle opened the door to the house, revealing it completely trashed with papers and it reeking of alcohol. Shuffle’s stomach dropped as he and Trixie started searching the house for Tesla, finally revealing the woman unconscious in the kitchen, a trail of blood oozing from Tesla's head and arm.

"Trixie, call 911, Mom's hurt!" 

Paramedics came and went, quickly escorting Tesla to the hospital, Trixie's car following behind. By the time Trixie parked in the emergency room area of the hospital parking lot, Shuffle was already out the door and in a full sprint into the hospital.

Shuffle checked in with the nurses working there. “Yes, she's already checked in. The doctors are attempting stopping her injuries as we speak, just sit down and we'll call you when we get more information."

Shuffle thanked the nurse and moved to sit down at the other end of the waiting room. Trixie entered moments later, sitting beside him.

"How is she?" 

"No one knows yet, they are trying to stop the bleeding now," Shuffle replied in a monotone voice.

Forty-five agonizing minutes pass, no response from any doctors. Shuffle had started shuddering from the wait, trying his best not to break down, yet he needed to know if his mother was okay, and crumbling wasn't going to help.

By the time it had reached an hour and a half later, a doctor finally came from the back room. "Shuffle Suite, can I speak to you please?" Trixie nodded as the two got up and followed the doctor back to a private room. 

"There's no easy way to say this son, but your mother's not in the best condition. From what we found, she had major gashes along the side of her arm and a significant amount of head trauma from a fall. That, along with the amount of alcohol in her system, she's very lucky she wasn't in any worse shape. The injuries in her arm looked deliberate, has your mother ever had any suicidal tendencies?" The doctor asked.

Shuffles took a deep breath before replying. "No, the last time something like this happened was a long time ago…" Shuffle replied.

The doctor nodded, taking some notes. "Well right now, we have her in ICU, keeping her under watchful eyes, at least till she regains consciousness." 

Before the doctor could add anything more, his pager had buzzed. "I'm sorry, I've got another call if you want to see your mother just ask one of the nurses to point you to ICU. I'm sorry we can't do much more right now." 

Shuffle went silent from the news. Trixie thanked the doctor for Shuffle, and he left shortly thereafter. He took a few minutes to sit down at the conference table, trying to collect his thoughts.

"Shuffle?" Trixie called out.

Shuffle silently left the room, completely ignoring Trixie who followed close behind. Shuffle asked a nurse for directions, where he was guided towards ICU, his footsteps heavy from the weight of the last two hours of the trauma he had been carrying on his mind.

They reached Tesla's room, and the sight along made Trixie's stomach turn. Tesla's arms from inner elbow to wrist had several painful stitches on her arm, her head was partially shaved with even more stitches, a breath mask on her mouth and nose, and the hospital gown was a mess of wires and pipes. 

"Mama…" Shuffle said silently as he approached the comatose woman. Tears started welling in his eyes, his mind already triggering the memory from years prior, regressing to a much younger Shuffle.

"Shuffle?"

Trixie tried to get the boys' attention, but it seemed like words weren't going to reach him. She got closer to her boyfriend, wrapping her arms around him. Finally, the dam burst and Shuffle started to cry into Trixie's shoulder. 

After a little while, Shuffle finally tried composing himself and gave Trixie a shaky kiss on her forehead. 

"Thank you," Shuffle said almost in a whisper. Trixie gave him a soft smile before taking his hand again.

"We need to call Lightning. I need to know why mom did this, and he would be the best start to try and figure this out," Shuffle said as he walked over to his mother kissing her on the forehead. "Don't you dare leave me alone… please," Shuffle and Trixie left the room and soon the hospital.

Sitting in Trixie's car, Shuffle called Lightning a dozen times before the man finally answered. The shuffle had the phone on speaker when Lightning finally picked up.

"What do you want, Shuffle? It's almost midnight," Lightning asked in an irritated tone.

"Mom was put in the hospital today. She had an accident while drinking, did you spend any time with her today?" Shuffle asked. 

"Yeah, we were in her lab most of the day, she was fine when I left."

Shuffle took a moment to ponder this before another voice chimed in.

"What's Wrong babe, did that ex of your come crawling back?" The voice said, obviously female and had a malicious edge to it.

"Lightning, please for the love of Faust, you’re not with another woman right now!"

Lightning stayed silent as the woman took the phone. "Look bitch whoever you are you might wanna back off before something happens to you, I know people."

Trixie stole the phone from Shuffle's shocked handed before he could respond. 

"YOU EVIL VINDICTIVE MANIPULATIVE WITCH, I SWEAR IF I GET MY HANDS ON YOU I'M GOING TO PERSONALLY INTRODUCE YOU TO THE GROUND!" 

Trixie's shrieks didn't go unnoticed from the woman from the other side of the line.

"Hello Trixella, it has been a while hasn't it?" 

"Can it! I don't know what you did, but you’re going to pay dearly for this!"

"Aw, is that any way to speak to your mother?" 

"You never have and will never be my mother! You may have given birth to me, but you’re nothing more than the dust beneath Trixie's boot!"

"Whatever, you’re nothing to me anyways. Your daddy's money on the other hand, that I would be more interested in, which by the way, as your mother I'm entitled to a cut of it. I helped raise your spoiled ass, now give me what I'm due!" 

Trixie let out a scream of rage and ended the call before she would attempt to break it.

Shuffle on the other hand had been stunned to silence. It made perfect sense. Lightning dumped his mother, then went to another woman not even thinking of the consequences.

"Shuffle… I'm…" Trixie started before Shuffle got out of the car and started walking. He didn't know where but he just needed to move.
> The Calm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie drove through the length and breadth of Canterlot. For two straight days, she had run herself ragged trying to find Shuffle, and berating herself for not even trying to follow him into the night. Shuffle himself had seemed to up and vanish. By day two, she finally snapped, enlisting the help of her and Shuffle’s friends. After recounting the situation, the group searched high and low. On the third day, by chance, Trixie received a text from Sunset Shimmer.



We found Shuffle, he's on his way to the hospital.



Trixie, tired from the few days of endless searching, pulled herself from the hammock of her trailer and practically dove into her car, cutting through traffic on the way to the hospital moments after reading the message, a sense of hope in her chest.



"I swear, when I get my hands on you Shuffle, it's not gonna be pretty," She said aloud, taking the first turn towards Canterlot General.









Shuffle made his way into the hospital. His mind was robotic, his body numb, and his eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. Without any direction, she wandered towards the ICU. Once he arrived, he was greeted by the same nurse that greeted him every day for the past four days. Or was it three? Shuffle’s mind didn't care to remember.



"Hey Shuffle, back again I see…" Nurse Red Cross, replied.



"Yeah," Shuffled said. Red Cross noticed the teen’s voice was haggard and hoarse. Thinking ahead, she quickly left and returned with a bottle of cold water, offering it to him.



"Doctors say that the damage to her brain was significant. The alcohol and blood that got in her brain when she was struck built up, and we are still trying to drain it out of her skull. I'm not gonna lie, she is going to have some issues after we get her back."



Shuffle nodded and looked towards the room that housed his mother. "May I?" 



"Usually yes, but you look like you haven't had any sleep in days. Are you okay?"



"No," The teen replied, his eyes never looking away from the room.



The nurse sighed. "You got five minutes, after that you need to go straight home and get a bath, I'm breaking enough rules for you letting you in now."



Shuffle wordlessly approached his mother's room. As he looked in, a lump reformed in his throat while he tried to hold back what was left of the few tears he hadn't already shed prior. Shuffle made no attempt to leave as he pulled a chair up to his mom's side, sat down, and waited, taking a drink of the water Red Cross gave him.



Tick-Tock  



One of the only consistent sounds in the room beyond the beeping of the heart monitor. The clock was the only measure of time for Shuffle, as his mind would not count the passage of time on its own by now.



Tick-Tock



Seconds felt like minutes to the teen. He slipped his hand into his pocket, removing a small black ring, and slipped it on his mother's ring finger. 



"Mom, I know you're in there. I brought Dad's ring. Can you see him? Is he in there, helping you find your way home?" Shuffle sputtered out, his voice slowly starting to return. He moved closer to his mother's comatose form, taking her hand and laying his head on her bed. A few long moments of silence passed before his mind wandered back to his childhood, and a special song his mother had sung to him on the nights when he would have nightmares.



When the fire is gone, I will die to protect you, light a candle for me, on this winter's day.



As Shuffle continued humming softly, his will finally shattered, turning the broken teen’s mind to mush.



My Queen, don't cry this night, we have a dream left to cling to. Rest in ash, to leave you safe I pray.



The two verses alone brought a wave of sorrow, leaving his face covered in his mother’s hand as he let the floodgates opened.



Time slowed even more as Shuffle finished crying. He noticed that his tears had soiled his mother’s sheet. Delicately, Shuffle took off the soiled linen and replaced it with a spare set in the cabinet nearby, making sure Tesla was tucked in. After finishing, Shuffle got up to leave but was caught on the door being slightly ajar, showing a silent, disheveled Trixie Lulamoon.



Shuffle visibly tensed up. He hadn't remembered anyone else that would have been affected by his disappearance. Shuffle looked away, trying not to draw attention to his red face and bloodshot eyes. 



"Hi," He said silently before being caught in a vice-grip hug.



"I missed you," Trixie said silently. The relief from seeing her boyfriend well, and the pain he felt, made her own will crumble. She broke down herself, crying into Shuffle's shirt.



The two's embrace was cut short by a person clearing their throat behind them.



"Shuffle, it's been almost thirty minutes. I need you to please leave and get cleaned up," Red Cross said, guiding the two out of the ICU.



Trixie clutched Shuffle’s hand making sure he could not escape from her this time.



"Where have you been? I've been looking for you all week. How were you able to stay out of sight for so long?" Trixie questioned Shuffle, each word piercing Shuffle's heart, making him feel even worse for how he made himself scarce.



"I...I don't want to talk about it." 



Trixie gasped at hearing Shuffle’s voice be so weak. She understood why he didn't want to talk, but continued to hang on to him. Finally, Trixie and Shuffle were escorted out by the Red Cross. 



Shuffle turned towards the road, ready to walk back to where he had been hiding out but was stopped by a strong yank from Trixie, kiting him to her car.



"Nu-uh, you’re gone two days and you think you’re just gonna run off on me again?" Trixie pulled open the door. 



"In."



"But, I-"



"Get. In. Shuffle." She repeated firmly.



Shuffle looked down, ashamed at his actions. "Okay".



The drive home was dead silence between them. Shuffle was visibly uncomfortable from being in the car. Trixie was more focused on getting him home and cleaned up. When they arrived, Trixie got out but Shuffle stayed inside.



"Come on you. You need to come inside."



Shuffle didn't move.



"Come on the big guy, let's get you inside. Please, for me?" Trixie pleaded with the immobile teen.



Shuffle finally responded by getting out of the car and slowly making his way around it and into the vacant home.



Trixie opened the door and led Shuffle inside. The blood from days prior had been cleaned up by Trixie, and the house still had the soothing scent of lavender leaves. She went towards the kitchen and got a few apples for her and Shuffle to share. She noticed Shuffle had arranged himself on the couch, his head already slumping over from an obvious lack of sleep.



"When was the last time you slept?"



Shuffle didn't respond immediately. But when he did it was barely a whisper.



"Two days."



Trixie sat beside Shuffle, pulling his attention to her.



"Where were you hiding out all this time? I've been looking for you."



"Never stopped. Needed silence," He choked out before taking another drink of his water.



"Where did you sleep?"



"Trees, rooftops, just about anywhere out of sight."



"How did you survive?"



Shuffle looked away, ashamed. "I Didn't."



Trixie took a moment to mull over everything. 



"Why did you not try to come home?"



"I did, multiple times. But this place feels hollow, no soothing hums and beeps of mom's machines, her popping up and down getting food or saying ‘hello” after school. Even Greg still scaring her with his appearances. All of it’s gone now. And it's my fault." Shuffles voice became more and more stable as he went along.



"Shuffle, no one blames you for what Lightning did. If anything, it's his fault your mother is hospitalized. Or better yet, it's my mother’s for setting this whole thing up. Had I known, Trixie would have put her through a table."



Trixie chuckled at her joke, trying to coax a smile out of him. Instead, his eyes still held the same hollow look his voice had.



Trixie scooted closer to the boy, putting his arm around her. 



"I know you’re hurting Shuffle. Remember when my dad had died, how broken I was? It hurt, yes, but do you know what helped me get through that nightmarish time?" Trixie turned Shuffle’s face towards hers.



"You. An anchor Trixie could latch onto when she felt lost. A beacon of light awash in a sea of shadow. I hope for a brighter tomorrow. Shuffle, the last time I felt this way was last year when I and Zero tried to go out. He understood me just as much as you do. But his heart belonged to another. It took me a while to get that through my thick head, but when it did, it hurt. If anything, Zero has been like a brother to me ever since then. And I still love him like one, but you… You’re special, and Trixie doesn't want to lose you."



Trixie took initiative and soft pinned Shuffle to the couch, adjusting herself so she would be his center of attention, making sure he saw her.



"Shuffle Suit, Tri-- I, love you, more than anything in this world and beyond. Not like how I love Zero or even my show. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And if you ever forget this fact, remember today. Remember all that we've been through. Remember this most importantly, you NEVER have to fight alone. I will be there as your shield. Just as you were for her."



Shuffles wrapped Trixie in a hug, burying his face in the crook of her neck. 



"Thank you. For everything… You are the Greatest and Powerfullest girlfriend ever."



"And you'd better not forget it this time. Oh, and another thing…"



Trixie got off of Shuffle's lap.



"Go take a bath. I might be Great and Powerful, but even I can't stand up to your smell for very long, and you chose to go into a hospital too. For shame."



Shuffle got off the couch and started to head upstairs, but was stopped again by Trixie.



"And I swear, if you try to escape, Trixie knows where you hide now!"









Shuffle did not attempt to run that night, as he was plagued with the same nightmare that haunted him. His mother looking directly at him. The eyes hazed over and piercing him.



"All your fault…" The voice said, its tone malicious. Before long, his father would appear next to her, holding out his hand.



"Failure…" the figure said. The torture becoming too much for Shuffle, he let out an ear-piercing scream as the two malevolent figures attempted to swipe at his form. Soon, the two apparitions took hold of his body, pulling Shuffle down. He tried to fight back, but the constant barrage of negative emotions quickly destroyed his defense, and as he started to accept his fate, a blue hand reached out to Shuffle, bathing him in a sea of light. Desperately, he reached for the hand and was overcome with a dozen lights in the distance, along with a carved crescent moon illuminating the sky. Shuffle instantly recognized where he was.



"Shuffle, you okay?" The familiar voice of Trixie behind him asked, making the teen jump. Shuffle turned around to see something odd. It was Trixie, yes, but she seemed much older. Almost twice his age.



"Yeah, just thinking is all," Shuffle played along, hoping she didn’t think he was weird. Trixie sat down on a small blanket. "You wanna tell me, or do I have to trick it out of you again?"



Shuffle looked dumbfounded. "No, it's fine, just a flashback I guess. Why are we at the cavern again?"



The older Trixie shook her head, chuckling silently. "To celebrate. After all, I AM pregnant," She retorted, holding her stomach. 









The rest of the night passed smoothly. Shuffle woke up later than normal, sprawled out on the couch with Trixie asleep on his chest.



What was that dream? It felt so… Real. He thought to himself. Shuffle rearranged himself to where his arms wrapped around Trixie's stomach. Feeling its flat form reminded him of the dream.



The early morning silence weighed heavily upon Shuffle. Each tick of the clock nearby brought more and more questions to his mind.



Why did I dream of that? As Trixie said, it wasn't my fault for what happened to mom, but Lightning, he needs to pay… No, that's not how I was raised. Even a despicable being like him, karma will find him, but the dream after, it seemed to change so suddenly, like someone was watching it. Maybe my mind just made it up. But then it wouldn't feel real. Would it?



Shuffle’s internal thoughts were broken moments later as Trixie rolled over, mumbling something in her sleep.



"And for my next trick, I'm going to…ZZZ," Shuffle smiled as the silly magician performed in her sleep, a small snort coming on occasion.



"Trixie, it's good to know how pure you can be sometimes," Shuffle said in a low tone.



Trixie hummed in approval and snuggled into the warm body nearby.



I wonder how Trixie would react if I told her my dream. Would it scare her? She is dead set on being a famous magician. But what about after? What about us? I know now how she feels, what about six months from now? Will it be the same? The Trixie in my dream was pregnant too, how would she react if I told her that?"



Shuffle's mind once again over-analyzed what was a simple dream. But the thoughts kept gnawing away at his subconscious. He wanted to know. Shuffle took a breath. 



Even if she doesn't like it, it's a nice dream to have.



Shuffle's lingering thoughts flitted away as the early morning sun finally made its way high into the sky, and he fell back into a dreamless sleep.









The next few days were silent for the two. Shuffle had finally gone back to school. With permission from Principal Celestia, if he wasn't feeling emotionally able to participate due to his mother, he would be able to stay home, as long as his grades didn't drop. On the days he showed, he barely said a word to any of his friends, however. Trixie noticed this and pulled a few people aside after lunch to come up with a plan on one of the days he didn't show up.



By Friday afternoon, Shuffle and Trixie had gotten out of school, piling into Trixie's car. She swiftly left the school’s property and started to drive into town.



Shuffle hadn't noticed them entering town until SugarCube Corner came into view.



"What are we doing?" Shuffle asked.



"Trixie read somewhere that being inside for too long was unhealthy, and you have done nothing but mope around for the past few days. So, for the weekend, we are going to be spending every hour of sunlight out of the house.



"Trix, no, I don't want to-"



"We're heeere~," Trixie said in a sing-song tone.



Shuffle sighed as he got out of the car, resigning to the weekend. He would have much rather been at home in his opinion, but if he tried to get away again Trixie would just follow him. She walked around the car, putting a small box in his hand and dragging him into the store. 



"Why are we at Discord's? I thought you didn't like being here?" 



"I may not, but you do. Besides, Artemis was housing me when you were gone, so you go on in there and have some fun. Trixie is right behind you."



Shuffle shook his head, groaning inwardly before entering the shop.



The interior of the shop had drastically changed from the last time Shuffled passed through the door. With it being a new year, more merchandise had appeared, and it seemed Discord had made the store look even more chaotic than normal. Shuffle, finally giving in to his curiosity, took a look at some of the new stuff. Having grown up on older anime, he hardly recognized any of it, but the designs of each character and the well-made figures hidden behind each display case were expertly crafted and meticulously placed to ensure maximum "wow" factor. 



"You like them? Imported from across the sea recently," The familiar voice of Discord rang out from behind the counter. 



Shuffle turned around and approached the shop owner.



"Yeah, it's nice to see you’re expanding your inventory Mr. Discord." 



The gray man's face scrunched up into a look of disgust.



"You know I hate when you do that Shuffle. Do I have to ban you from the store again?"



Shuffle wasted no time in firing back a smart remark.



"If you did, then who would host your locals? Or better yet, those games of O&O? Last time you tried to do it yourself, it didn't end the best, if I remember right."



Discord scoffed dismissively. "How overpowered can a reality-bending Draconequis even be? Honestly, no one likes letting loose."



"Because of balance, as all things should be," Shuffle retorted.



"Ah well, that's beside the point. What brings you in today?"



Shuffle went silent. Not wanting to think about what happened over the last week he quickly changed the subject.



"No reason," Shuffle replied. 



Discord eyed the teen, before shrugging. "I do have a few new cards sets up around the corner. And knowing you and Artemis, you’re gonna want first pickings at them, so enjoy. Plus if you’re interested, I do have a few openings for some hired help here, if you want that is."



Shuffle nodded. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you," Shuffle made his way around the store, looking for the Duel Monsters section, browsing the newer sets once he found them. After catching back up with the card game itself, Shuffle found it fascinating that a game as complex as Duel Monsters could evolve into an almost 4-D game of chess, especially with this new Link Summon mechanic; the game had become a shadow of its former self. But it did make the game interesting to watch, for outsiders at least.



Trixie rounded the corner and saw Shuffle looking at stuff, but decided to hang back. She wanted him to be happy, but seeing as she didn't like the game herself, she didn't want to bring down his mood any more than it already was. After a few minutes of watching, Artemis, Zero, and Clyde entered the shop.



Trixie noticed the trio come in and flagged them down.



All three approached Trixie.  "Ok you three, remember the plan. Keep Operation Shuffle's Smile on track. Trixie has to go get the rest ready and check-in with Pinkie." 



The trio nodded in unison before Trixie left. All three approached Shuffle.



"Hey dude, we didn't know you came in here!" Zero said loudly, putting his arm around him.



Shuffle jumped before twisting around and seeing the three familiar faces of his friends.



"Oh, hey guys," He said absently.



Artemis came next, with a few boxes in hand. "Hey man, I know it’s been a while, but maybe you can help me. Clyde and Zero were curious about how to play Duel Monsters. I've been waiting to talk to you since you pay attention to the more nuanced areas of the card game; maybe you can explain things easier than I can."



Shuffle frowned. Artemis was incredibly intelligent, and even though he did display a lot, he knew just as much as Artemis did. Something seemed off, but Shuffle didn't want to say anything. 



"Trixie brought me and I know she would want… to… go..." Shuffle took a moment to look around but found no sign of the magician.



"Oh…" Shuffle said silently.



Clyde, being more attuned to people's emotions, picked up on Shuffle’s silence and quickly made something up.



"Trixie passed us by the door, she wanted me to carry along a message. She had to step out for a minute. Rarity finished the touch-ups on her attire, and she went to go pick it up." 



Shuffle sighed. "I guess I'm stuck here for a bit then. I'll help you Artemis; what decks are they trying to learn?" 



Zero held up a bright green box. "I chose Psychic types."



Clyde had an Indigo box. "Ultra-Athletes I think they’re called." 



Artemis had his box, but instead of it being the normal lavender, it was black. "I've built something new for you, Orcust."



The 4 sat down at one of the many tables and started playing. After about an hour, Clyde and Zero had a decent grasp on what their decks could do, so they decided to have a mini tournament to test their skills. Clyde vs Zero, and Artemis vs Shuffle. Each game took a good minute, but it ended with Clyde and Artemis taking the win in their respective games. Zero was bummed he lost, but he still had fun. Shuffle on the other hand had been mentally beating himself for displaying as bad as he did. Not even one of his favorite games could bring him to even smirk. He moved away from the trio so he could sit and look at his deck again.

 

Let them have their fun, maybe deck building will help me, Shuffle thought to himself after laying out each category of his cards. 



"This deck is missing something." He said absently. The days of playtesting with Artemis taught him not only how the game played again, but how truly versatile Odd-Eyes was. It could use every summoning mechanic in the card game, but it still had the same result: beat down the opponent. 



Using his phone, Shuffle decided to research any more pendulum based decks. A few minutes of searching revealed that Odd-Eyes had a sub-archetype that complimented it. 



"Magician?" Shuffle tapped on the tab and continued to read on about them.



The magician archetype, subservient to Odd-Eyes, was introduced in the duelist pack "Pendulum Evolution". These spellcaster pendulum monsters allowed the legendary Dimensional Dragons to gain access to one of the most powerful decks in Duel Monsters, but regrettably, due to an error in the printing, not all of the magicians got a release. Four that were slated to be released to the general public had been mysteriously cut from the final product. The dimensional dragons would have to wait until these hidden cards got released, but a leaked image revealed one. Shuffle pressed on the image link. Up popped a human male, wearing red armor-like robes, wielding a straight sword, pointed hat, and shoulder pauldrons. Along the hilt of the sword was a deep blue jewel attached to each piece. Shuffle also noticed that the spellcaster’s eyes were differently colored from one another.



"It's like he's a human Odd-Eyes," Shuffle said to himself before looking back at his deck. 



Shuffle had been so caught up in his thinking that he hadn't noticed Artemis approach him. 



"Hey man, we are wrapping up over here. What are you doing?" He asked.



"What are the Dimensional Dragons?" Shuffle asked suddenly.



"Pardon?" Artemis asked again.



"The Dimensional Dragons. What are they?"



"Oh, those," Artemis pulled out his wallet revealing a card hidden within. "They are four dragons, each to represent the four summoning types. Synchro, XYZ, Pendulum, Fusion. Not only that, they were limited prints too, and I was lucky to get one. You have one too, y’ know," Artemis turned the card over revealing it. It was purple, snake-like, and had multiple colored orbs on its body.



"This is Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, my personal favorite. Plus a gift from Aria on our first anniversary.  She paid almost forty dollars for it, too. Your Odd-Eyes is one of the others, and if I remember correctly, the remaining two are called Dark Rebellion and Clear Wing." 



Shuffle thanked Artemis for the information before putting his deck away. He got up and approached Discord, but before he could ask about anything Trixie came from behind and hugged him.



"Heeyy~..." she said.



Shuffle hugged her back. "Hey, you. Did you get your stuff from Rarity?" 



Trixie nodded as she took his hand. "Yeah, sorry. Trixie didn't mean to leave you so urgently. But Rarity insisted that Trixie picked up her new outfit as soon as possible." 



Shuffle nodded silently, watching his three friends from Trixie's side. All three were talking, or in Zero's case, making grandiose gestures, causing Clyde and Artemis to burst into fits of laughter.



"You know they miss you right?" Trixie said as she took his hand.



Shuffle's mind had already begun to shut back down again. Trixie noticed Shuffle’s eyes seem to lose some of the warm luster that she had become familiar with. Thinking quickly, she pulled him towards the door.



"Here, let's go. Maybe you can help Trixie rearrange her caravan?" Trixie asked hopefully.



Shuffle nodded and the two left the store.





 



As Trixie drove back towards home, Shuffle had nodded off, leaving Trixie to her thoughts. A small traffic jam slowed the duo down, so to pass the time, Trixie messaged Sunset.



How is the party arrangements coming along?



Their coming along everything's set up inside the house, are you sure Shuffle is gonna be okay with this? 



Trust Trixie Sunset Shimmer, she knows her great and powerful assistant, and he is going to love it



HONK! HONK! HONK!



The traffic finally began moving. Trixie, who had been wrapped up in her phone, was given a rude gesture from the older man behind her car. Trixie growled silently as she put her foot back on the gas pedal, falling in line with everyone else moving on towards home.









By dusk, Trixie pulled into the garage of Shuffle’s house. Turning off the engine, she leaned over and attempted to wake the sleeping boy.



"Shuffle, wake up, we're back," Trixie nudged his side to no avail. No matter, Trixie was determined and tried again, this time getting a mumble from Shuffle.



"Hey, come on we're home," She said softly, placing a kiss on his lips. Shuffle's eyes finally opened, and as his sight returned all he saw was the face of Trixie, who had a soft smile on her face.



"Sorry…" he said almost silently.



"For what? Trixie understands why you’re sad and tired, and she doesn't blame you for taking a quick power nap, but if you’re gonna do that, you’re not doing it in the hot sun. Come on, let's go inside," Trixie got out and attempted to slide across the hood of her car, trying to mimic what Shuffle had done during the early days of their relationship. The heat from the car running naturally, along with the sunbaked metal, made her yelp out in pain and quickly scramble off the hood.



Shuffle groaned in embarrassment as Trixie's rubbed her rear end.



"Not one of Trixie's best ideas…" she said, grabbing Shuffle's hand. "At least if I have a burn on my butt, I have someone who'll help me take care of it~," Trixie purred. Shuffle nodded in silence, looking down at the magician before shaking his head.



"What was that Shuffle? You’re making it look like you don't appreciate Trixie's Assets," Shuffle groaned at the terrible joke but even he thought it was kind of funny.



"That was awful Trix," Shuffle took lead and began to unlock the door. Once he opened it, he stepped inside to almost immediately be blown back by a small blue cannon.



SURPRISE! 



Lo and behold, behind the cannon revealed a certain pink party planner, who had somehow not only gotten into his home but she, along with his and Trixie's friends, had been scattered throughout the house. Behind them all was a giant banner that read:



Get well soon Shuffle!



"SowhatdoyouthinkShuffledoyoulikeitTrixiesaidyouwouldlikeitandIalsosawhowsadyouweresoTrixieaskedmetohelpsetyouupthispartyand...mmm!" Pinkie's mouth was quickly covered by Swift, who was standing beside her.



"Sorry, Pinkie got hungry and got into the sweets early," He said, pulling her and the cannon out of the way. "Come on in you guys."



Shuffle hesitantly made his way inside with Trixie in tow, before joining the group. 



"So, you guys set up a party. Why exactly?" Shuffle asked.



"As Pinkie said, Trixie had been planning this all week. She wanted to make sure you remembered that your friends were here for you," Sunset said. Shuffle looked towards her, where she and Soul had been sitting on the couch.



"You guys didn't have to do that. I was doing okay," Shuffle replied, sitting down on the loveseat away from everyone else.



"No we didn't, but it seemed like the nice thing to do. We are your friends," Soul said.



Shuffle nodded in silence before Swift finally lost control of Pinkie. The party planner was practically foaming at the mouth, quickly crossing the room at an inhuman speed and turned on the boom box that had appeared from nowhere. It began playing an electronic tune, something Shuffle didn't recognize, then grabbed Swift by the hand and pulled him onto the impromptu dance floor.



"Less talking, more partying!" 



Everyone shrugged before others decided to join in on Pinkie’s fervent dancing.



All of the partygoers had been enjoying themselves for the majority of the night, save one certain dichromatic boy, who slipped outside midway through.



Shuffle took a deep breath, taking in the calm spring night, the warm early summer air, and the pale full moon slowly rising into the night sky. 



Shuffle mindlessly approached one of the few trees that littered his backyard before increasing his strides into a jog. Then at the base of the tree, he used the thick trunk as a jumping point and launched himself upward onto the first branch he could reach, pulling himself up onto it and resting against the trunk.



Shuffle sighed as he silently watched dusk give way to night.



"You do know you’re gonna get it when Pinkie notices the guest of honor had vanished y’ know?" Shuffled yelped in surprise before almost falling out of his little hideaway. 



He looked around the tree trying to find where the voice originated from, finding a familiar rainbow-haired girl a branch up above him.



Shuffle sat back, sighing. "Never been one for parties, Rainbow…" Shuffle replied.



Rainbow hopped down onto the same branch Shuffle was sitting on.



"Look, it's not like I don't appreciate it, but unlike Trixie, I just prefer to suffer in silence."



Rainbow sat down on the branch. "But why suffer anyways? It's not like you did anything wrong."



Shuffles groaned inwardly. "That's not what I mean. I just don't like being in the limelight."



"Considering your girlfriend can be an attention hog, might want to get used to it," Rainbow retorted playfully.



The two sit in silence as the muffled sounds of the party continued. 



About Fifteen minutes later, Rainbow got up and stretched herself. "Look, I'm not gonna tell you how you're gonna live, but just remember your friends. You'll never be alone no matter what."



Shuffle nodded as Rainbow slid off the branch and back down onto the ground.



He leaned over, looking down at the athlete. "Hey Rainbow!" 



Rainbow turned around at her name being called. 



"Thanks."  



Rainbow gave a thumbs up before returning inside to the party.



Shuffle rolled off the branch himself a few minutes after and made his way back into the party, hopefully not to anyone's immediate ire.



The party finally began to wind down at about eleven, everyone started to make their way back to their vehicles, some carrying leftovers, others, actual people. As the other partygoers said goodbyes, Shuffle helped Swift carry a case of leftovers to his car



"Thanks again for the help Shuffle.”



Shuffle nodded. "Hey, Swift, when you get the chance, can you let Pinkie know that, while I do appreciate the party, can we pull it back, just a little?"



"Not a fan of parties huh?" Swift asked.



"Not parties, just being the center of attention."



Swift held out his fist and offered it to Shuffle. "Okay, I'll make sure to pass or along, but don't expect a random cannon blast now and again now."



Shuffle returned the fist bump. "Seems like that's just a byproduct of being friends with Pinkie, so I'll take the risk."



Swift chuckled before heading back inside to aid in cleanup, leaving Shuffle and Trixie alone in the living room.



Shuffle took a few minutes cleaning up some of the remains of the party with Swift. As they cleaned up, he turned on some slow relaxing music to play in the background. Shuffle began to hum along with the music after a bit. Shuffle sat back down on the couch to take a breather and noticed that Trixie had all but disappeared. Shuffle got up and attempted to look for her. 



Shuffle made his way upstairs after turning off the radio and noticed that the door to his room was slightly ajar. Shuffle opened it the rest of the way, revealing Trixie who was asleep on the bed. "There you are." He said quietly. He got ready for bed, and without thinking, stripped off his shirt and pants, leaving him in nothing but his boxers. He attempted to take Trixie’s hoodie off her so she wouldn't get uncomfortable during the night but was pulled down onto the bed and into the arms of a very awake girlfriend.



"So, care to explain why you were trying to strip Trixie?" 



Shuffle stuttered, trying to form a coherent sentence before Trixie breaking out into a fit of giggles.



"You are so easy to tease Shuffle if you just wanted to see me…" Trixie moved to nibble on his ear, "You only have to ask~," Shuffle went pale in the face. Trixie howled with laughter. Before long, Trixie had calmed down and settled back into the bed, stripping off her clothes as well.



Having recovered from the little prank, Shuffle was smirked before the room was made for him on the bed. A sudden thought crossed his mind.



I can be damn near naked with her, and she doesn’t mind… wow…



"Trixie hopes you enjoyed the party," She said after a few minutes of silence.



"It was...Eventful..." Shuffle replied. 



"Especially when the main person sneaks out of his party?" Trixie asked. "If it wasn't due to the fact we had five of the seven magically gifted girls from school here, I would have been especially worried, but that's why I sent Rainbow Dash out to look for you…"



Shuffle frowned. He hadn't thought about what he was doing, considering earlier in the week had been driving herself into a physical panic just to find him. To just leave from something that she probably worked hard on to plan was incredibly rude. Shuffle took a moment to collect himself before he explained himself.



"Look, Trix, it's not that I didn't enjoy it, it's just… I don't like being the center of attention. I do appreciate it, but for now, I don't need these over the top parties. Maybe a calm night, just us, next time?"



Trixie nodded before pulling the boy into a hug. He suddenly realized she had been watching him with deeper concern than he expected, though she seemed relieved that he would stay in the next time.



"Promise?"



"Promise."



Shuffle gave her a warm smile as he laid his head down beside hers.



It's good to finally have you back Shuffle, Trixie thought as she pets his head, snuggling into the boy’s bigger frame, her fears, and anxieties put to rest. 



Little did the duo know, this little reprise was going to be their last...
> Dark Clouds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.