> Shine Boy's Birthday > by WarriorofFaith18 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Preperations > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On a sunny day in the city of Columbus. It was the start of a good day, not just because the sun was shining, but because it was the town’s local hero Shine Boy’s birthday. Unfortunately, he had planned to do his usual routine of patrolling his city for super villains. After his mother made him a special breakfast, he gathered his brother, Gamer, as well as his friends, Love Shine and Shine Girl, to their underground headquarters, the Shine Pad. “Okay, bro. what’s the plan for today?” Gamer asked. “Not much, Gamer. I’m gonna go on a solo patrol since things have been quiet lately.” Shine Boy explained. “Yeah we all have stuff to do today. Otherwise, we’d join you.” Love Shine said. “Anything else going on today?” Shine Girl added. “I have a dinner date later with Serenity.” Shine Boy answered. Serenity was a young photographer for the local newspaper, The Newsgram. She took pictures of Shine Boy for the newspaper. She went to the same school as Shine Boy’s alter ego, Tony Bedding. The two went steady when she learned Tony was Shine Boy. “Well then, the sooner I get out there, the safer Columbus will feel. See you guys later.” Shine Boy headed to his supped-up vehicle, The Shine Pickup, and drove off. “I’m surprised he didn’t mention that today is his birthday.” Shine Girl pondered. “That’s my brother for ya. He always feels like saying it’s his birthday is bragging.” Gamer shrugged. “It’ll make the surprise party worth it.” Love Shine added. “Which reminds me. We should head to the social hall and let everyone know so we can set up.” “I’ll text Serenity on the way over.” Gamer pulled out his phone as the three headed out in their spare motorcycles. ------ Meanwhile, in a deselect building, a figure covered in cloak from head to toe with only his red eye showing loomed over a large cauldron. It was the Chaos Mage, one of Shine Boy’s toughest enemies. He was not only an enemy of Shine Boy but to his teacher, Zion. He vowed to defeat Zion, even if he had to fight Shine Boy to get him. Shine Boy managed to defeat him in the past with plenty of help from his friends. "At last. it's finished." He then took a jar and scooped up some purple substance. “With my latest spell elixir, I will finally defeat Shine Boy once and for all!” He laughed maliciously. “My only regret that my nephew could not be here to see your demise!” and with that, he left his facility. ------ Back at the church’s social hall, Team Shine met up with Serenity as the pastor, Father Mel, unlocked the doors. “Here you all go. Just make sure you all clean up after yourselves and leave it like you found it.” He smiled. “We will.” Promised Gamer. “Thank you, Father.” Love Shine nodded. “I’ll be back in a bit to check up on you guys as well as drop off my card.” Father Mel then headed back to the church as the four entered the social hall. “Okay! I think we can let everyone know we’re ready to set up.” Serenity said. “Good thing I brought my T-Phone.” Gamer held up a phone that looked like a turtle shell and pushed a couple buttons. “Okay, Donnie. We’re ready.” After a couple seconds after Gamer hung up, a portal appeared in front of the group. Out from the portal came their friends from New York and Canterlot -The Ninja Turtles, April, Casey, Karai, Shini, Keno, and the Rainbooms, as well as Spike and Fugitoid. “Hey guys. Long time no see.” Leo greeted. "It's great to see you all again." Gamer smiled as he locked hands with Donnie. "It has been a long time." Karai smiled while Shine Girl hugged Shini. “Thank you, guys, for coming.” Serenity nodded. “We wouldn’t miss it” Sunset smiled. “Pinkie has been preparing for weeks since you told us you were gonna throw Shine Boy a surprise party.” “I brought everything we need to decorate!” Pinkie pulled up a couple boxes with decorations. "You spare no expense, do you, Pinkie?" Love Shine looked at all the boxes. "Nope." "Wow! they're all Shine Boy's favorite colors." Shine Girl saw the decorations in the boxes. “So what do we start on first?” Twilight asked. “How bout where do we put gifts, for one?” Casey held up a present. "Hmm. Ah! Here we are." Love Shine took a table and pushed it to a corner. “Set them right here.” Everyone who brought a present set it on the table. "Okay, now that that's done, where do we start?" Keno asked while dusting off his hands. Serenity then spoke up. “Okay. Shine Boy isn’t due until four thirty. When he comes, you all hide while I greet him. I’ll bring him in and then we all yell surprise. Also, Father Mel wants us to clean up after ourselves.” “Sure thing, sugarcube.” Applejack gave a thumbs up. “Also, other guests will show up later to help. So, we’ll start decorating while Pinkie, Mikey, and Fluttershy get started on the cake." "That's my favorite part of preparing for a birthday besides eating it!" Pinkie squealed. "Heck yeah!" Mikey agreed as the two high fived. "I volunteered to help because Pinkie has a special cake planned." Fluttershy shared. "Great!" Serenity kneeled down to Spike. "Spike, you keep an eye out in case Shine Boy’s in the area.” “I’m your dog.” Spike saluted. "We'll make sure to check up on you in case you need a break." Twilight stated. “Anyone got any questions?” Serenity asked. After no one asked any, Rainbow declared, “Then let’s give Shine Boy an awesome birthday!” "This is going to be devine!" Rarity sang as she took some streamers from one of Pinkie's boxes. Everyone nodded as they all started to decorate while Spike went outside and Pinkie, Mikey, and Fluttershy in the kitchen to start on the birthday camp. This was gonna be one birthday Shine Boy would never forget. To be Continued > Stone Cold Revenge > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Through out all of Columbus, Shine Boy kept himself busy all morning. He stopped a ball from bouncing in the street and returned it to the kids. He helped a couple elder folk across the street as well as prevented a car accident. Then, he helped get a cat down from a tree and stopped a runaway dog. Soon, he grabbed a quick lunch at Kaiser Burger and was eating on a building, taking a break. As he ate, he looked at his phone to check the time and saw it was noon. “Only another four hours before I’m due for my dinner with Serenity.” He said to himself. “at least it’s been a quiet day so far.” He was just about to finish his fries when he heard something like an explosion over near the downtown area. “Looks like I get to work off my lunch.” Finishing his meal, Shine Boy got back in his Shine Pickup headed to the source of the noise. ------ Meanwhile, at the social hall, everyone was hard at work preparing for their surprise party for their friend Shine Boy. Just then, a portal appeared in the middle of the room. “All right. They’re here!” Mikey grinned. Emerging from the portal were friends of both the Ninjas, Rainbooms, and Team Shine- The Digidestined. All twelve kids and their Digimon partners came out before the portal closed. “Hey guys!” Davis greeted. “Glad you all could make it.” Gamer welcomed the group. “Yeah things are kinda quiet in the Digital World, so this party is what we all needed.” Tai explained. “And it’s a good thing we are able to keep in touch with the T-Phones Donnie gave us.” Yolei held out her T-Phone. “Well, I think Andromon deserve some of the credit.” Donnie shrugged. “Andromon sends his regards to not being able to come.” Kari explained. “But he asked us to tell Shine Boy Happy Birthday and give him his gift.” “Speaking of gifts, set them right here on this table.” Love Shine led the Digidestined to gift table. “And then we can help set everything up for the party.” T.K grinned as they set their gifts for Shine Boy on the table. "Sounds great!" Sunset smiled while setting up some streamers. “Better help Casey with the balloons.” Raph pointed to Casey, who tried to blow a balloon up only to pass out from running out of breath. “While Sora and I help Pinkie and Fluttershy with the cake.” Mimi smiled. Sora then turned to Biyomon and Hawkmon. “And you two can relieve Spike from lookout for Shine Boy.” “Absolutely.” Biyomon chirped. “I’m sure Spike needs a break.” Hawkmon agreed. “Let’s get cracking!” Veemon cheered as The Digidestined headed to help decorate. Sora and Mimi, along with Palmon, headed to the kitchen as the timer on the oven went off. “Hey! Sora! Mimi! And Palmon!” Pinkie greeted as she and Fluttershy pulled a sheet cake out of the oven and setting it on the counter. “You’re just in time to help frost the cake!” “Sounds yummy.” Palmon grinned. Sora noticed Pinkie also baked three round chocolate cake. A small one, a medium one, and a big one. “This is gonna be a grand cake.” “You really out did yourself, Pinkie.” Mimi complimented. “And I’m sure Shine Boy will think so too!” Pinkie smiled. “I hope he’s not working too hard.” Fluttershy pondered as they all started to assemble the cake and frost it. ------ Meanwhile, Downtown Columbus, Shine Boy arrived at the town square. Luckily, no one wasn’t around the area, so no one was injured. “This is where the explosion occurred.” He pondered to himself. “I knew you would come, Boy.” Said a sinister voice. Shine Boy turned to see Chaos Mage merging from a tree and posed in a fighting stance. “Chaos Mage!” he gasped. “I should’ve known you’d be around!” “Your debt is yet to be collected!” The sorcerer declared. “The check is in the mail!” Shine Boy joked. Enraged, The Chaos Mage held his hand up. Then, his shadow responded by stretching out in front of him. From the shadow emerged several figures who moved. “Shadow Strikers! Destroy him!” the figures obeyed and ran after Shine Boy. Pulling out his staff, Shine Boy gallantly defeated the Shadow Strikers. “This neighborhood will be your grave.” The sorcerer declared, secretly pulling out his jar of his elixir. “Sorry. I made plans tonight.” Shine Boy stated as he charged towards the Mage. Just as Shine Boy was about to tackle the Chaos Mage, the villain threw his potion on the hero, disorienting him. “Gotcha!” As Shine Boy slowed down, he noticed his legs were beginning to turn into stone. “What…..have you…. DONE?” “My new elixir turns you into stone. And once you are completely a statue, I will smash you to pieces! The way you and Zion have smashed my destiny!” As he was turning into stone, Shine Boy spoke, “Y’know this is a low trick to pull on someone’s birthday!” “Your birthday? Enjoy it. For it will be your last!” chuckled the Chaos Mage. Shine Boy could only watch helplessly as his entire body was turned to stone. To be concluded > Party Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the social hall, preparations for the party were just about finished. After all the decorations were up, everyone helped with the refreshments. Kari and April made the punch while Raph and Matt set out the candies, chips, veggies, and dip while making sure Mikey, Davis, and the Digimon did not sneak any. Rarity was instructing Love Shine on where to set the plates and silverware. Sunset, Gamer, and Tai helped set up the DJ booth. Using the Cafeteria window, Sora, Mimi, And Pinkie were able to get the cake on the snack table with help from Palmon’s vines and Twilight’s levitation. It was a three layercake on top of a pan cake decorated in red, white, and black frosting with a big star labeled S,H, and B on the top. “Wow! That’s one big cake.” Shini awed. “Yep! Should be enough for everyone to have a slice.” Pinkie grinned before smacking Veemon’s hand away from touching it. "Aw!" The Digimon groaned. “It’s perfect, Pinkie.” Complimented Serenity. “and I’m sure Shine Boy would agree.” “Good afternoon, everyone.” Everyone turned to see Father Mel entering the social hall. “Afternoon, Father.” Love Shine greeted. “Everyone, this is our friend, Father Mel. He’s supported Shine Boy from the start.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Father.” Leo shook his hand. “Same to you. Any friend of Shine Boy is a friend of mine. No matter how different they are.” The priest smiled. “Well, I came to drop off my card before I have to head back and prepare for my services. Enjoy yourselves.” After dropping off his card with the other gifts, Father Mel left the social hall. Moments after he left, another portal appeared. Emerging from the portal was Donnie with a couple of their friends, including the hero duo Static and Gear, a humanoid gecko with swords named Chet, and some friends from Canterlot. Amethyst Majesty, a friend of Shine Boy who had a crush on Rarity, Wildcard, a writer from Canterlot, and Jeb Sketch, a fellow artist. “Here we are.” Donnie said. “Check it out, Verge. We’re in another dimension!” Gear grinned giddily. “Thanks for inviting us.” Static greeted as he shook Gamer’s hand. “Nice to meet you too. The Turtles told us all about you guys. And I know Shine Boy will love to meet you.” Sunset then noticed the gecko. “You must be Chet. Princess Twilight wrote to me about you.” Chet took a bow. “That is correct. My full name is Chetcheki Chan Gecko. I am from the tropical islands beyond the land of the Hippogriffs. I have heard about you ninjas from the students at the school of friendship.” “You attend the school?” asked Casey. “Yep. I arrived a little after you all went home. Princess Twilight told me I would get along with you guys. So where can I set the card I brought signed by my friends from Equestria?” “Bring your gifts over here.” Joe led everyone to the gift table where they set their gifts for Shine Boy. As the newcomers introduced themselves, no one noticed a figure crawl from a window and placed a card on the gift table. As the figure crawled back out, April looked back and headed towards the window while Leo and Karai followed. The three looked out the window to find the figure on the roof was their friend, Carmen Sandiego, who smiled and waved before making her leave. The three smiled before returning to the others. ------ Meanwhile, back at the town square, Shine Boy was nearly completely stone. Gotta….concentrate, he thought before he was completely a stone statue. He could only watch helplessly as The Chaos Mage walked up to him and prepared to blast him. Then, suddenly- BAM! The mage was knocked off his feet before he could harm Shine Boy. As he regained his composure, he heard a familiar voice. “You think you can turn my brother into a statue and beat him just by smashing him?” he looked to see it was Night Shine, who stood there, cracking his knuckles. “That’s a coward’s way out.” “Funny. I NEVER ASKED FOR YOUR APPROVAL!” The Chaos Mage hollered as he prepared to battle. Night Shine responded by pulling out his hatchets and the two began to fight each other. The Chaos Mage used his magic to fire lightning at Night Shine, who either dodged it or used his hatchets to deflect it. As the two fought, no one noticed Shine Boy beginning to glow. Slowly but surely, his stone prison broke off and fell off like gravel, allowing him to move again. “Don’t think I’ll get this dust taste outta my mouth.” Shine Boy spat. Chaos Mage then noticed Shine Boy was free. “Impossible! How?” “I concentrated my Shine power to reverse the spell. But it took longer than I hoped. You would’ve smashed me if it wasn’t for my brother arriving.” “No matter! This time you will BOTH be stone!” The Chaos Mage pulled out his jar of elixir. “Oh no you don’t!” Shine Boy pulled out a Shine-a-rang and threw it quickly. Thankfully, it knocked the jar out of the Chaos Mage’s hand. “MY ELIXIR!” The mage cried as the jar broke, spilling the stuff on the street. “SHINE POWER!” Shine Boy then fired a beam of light at the villain. Night Shine fired dark energy from his hand to help against the mage. After an intense struggle, The Chaos Mage disappeared into a twister. “you may have claimed victory on your birthday, Boy, but next time you will FALL!” his voice echoed as the twister flew away. Shine Boy turned to Night Shine. “Thanks for the help, Luke. Now I know you obviously did it because of our rivalry, but just know I owe you my life.” “Well, you’re half right. I also wanted to give you this.” He held out a birthday card which Shine Boy accepted. “Thanks.” “Well, I gotta go. Stuff to do.” Night Shine turned to leave. “Oh. And happy birthday.” Shine Boy waved his brother goodbye as he left. He then looked at his phone. “it’s almost four o’clock. I better start thinking about heading over there.” Pulling out his grappling gun, he headed to where he parked the Shine Pickup. ------ “There you go. enjoy.” “Thanks, Gregg.” Love Shine thanked as he, Tai, Mikey, Keno, and Agumon took about twenty pizza boxes. As they set the pizzas down at the buffet table, they looked around at the completed docrations. Also, a couple more guests arrived, including some personal friends of Shine Boy. They were mingling with the Ninjas, Rainbooms and Digidestined. Serenity then came out wearing a magenta dress with a purple sweater. “How do I look?” she asked Rarity and Fluttershy. “Simply devine!” Rarity awed. “Shine Boy will love it!” Fluttershy added. Just then, Biyomon and Hawkmon both flew in. “Shine Boy’s coming!” Biyomon chirped. “He’s about two blocks away!” Hawkmon added. “Good work, you two.” Serenity complimented then turned to everyone. “Okay, everyone. You all know the drill. You all hide while I greet Shine Boy then after Leo turns the lights back on, we all yell, Surprise. Agreed?” everyone agreed. “Okay. Let’s get in position!” Serenity hurried up to the door as everyone ran into hiding as Leo turned out the lights. The Shine Pickup pulled up in the parking lot just as Serenity came outside to wait while acting nonchalant. After The pickup parked, the door opened and Shine Boy emerged, stretching. “Now there’s a sight of true beauty.” Shine Boy smiled as Serenity blushed in awe. “Happy birthday, Tony.” Serenity wrapped her arms around her hero, giving him a birthday kiss. Shine Boy returned the hug the two stayed that way awhile before breaking. Shine Boy noticed she had a gift bag. “Got me a little something? Didn’t have to.” “Well, I did. But it can wait. Right now, you must be exhausted.” “Well I could use a little rest and a good meal.” Shine Boy admitted as he opened the door before noticing something off. “Has the door been unlocked the whole time?” “Well I have been setting up.” “Well, that’s true.” Shine Boy agreed. But as the two entered the social hall, he began to hear thumping. “Father Mel? Is that you? Sorry if we caught you at a bad time.” With no answer, Shine Boy whispered to Serenity. “I think we have a third wheel.” “Really?” Serenity asked, pretending not to know. Then, a spooky voice called out, “Shiiiiiiiiiiiine Booooooooooy!” Serenity pretended to be scared by hugging Shine Boy’s arm. “What do you think it is?” “Not sure. But it might be something coming to haunt me.” Then suddenly, the lights came on as everyone came out of their hiding places. “SURPRISE!” “Happy Birthday, Shine Boy!” Love Shine declared. Shine Boy was definitely surprised. “I. I. You all. What a surprise. It is good to see you all! I-I don’t know what to say.” “You don’t need to say anything, buddy.” Davis patted Shine Boy’s shoulder. “Let’s get this party STARTED!” Pinkie cheered. “Pinkie, don’t ever change.” Shine Boy smiled while trying to contain his tears of joy. Everyone all helped themselves to the pizzas and snacks while they played party games. Everyone couldn’t stop laughing as they played with a balloon tossing it around. At pinning the tail on the pony, Mikey pinned the tail Raph’s shell, resulting in Raph smacking him. Veemon had a similar result, only he pinned the tail on Davis’ leg. They then threw wooden kunai daggers at balloons. Static showed off a little by using his powers to make his kunai bounce a bit before popping a balloon, only to be schooled by Karai, who did it with her eyes closed. Then they all played a dancing game similar to musical chairs. Everyone had a great time. As things died down, it was time for cake. Sora and Mimi walked up with the birthday cake with a couple candles on it already lit. Shine looked in awe at the big cake. “Never ever change, Pinkie.” Everyone laughed at Shine Boy’s joke as Pinkie begins to sing. Everyone applauded to Pinkie’s song. “Now blow out the candles and make a wish.” Fluttershy said. “Yeah better do it before Smokey drenches the cake.” Keno pointed to Smokey the Bear, who was ready with a bucket of water. “Sorry. Force of habit.” “No worries. I know my wish.” Shine Boy took a deep breath and blew out all the candles. After Leo used his katana to cut the cake, everyone enjoyed it with ice cream. As they did, Shine Boy told them about his battle with the Chaos Mage. Everyone was shocked and amazed. “Gee, being turned to stone. Sounds scary.” Yolei gasped. “Yeah. That would’ve put a damper on the party.” Mikey added. “No kidding.” Davis agreed. “Well, thankfully my Shine power got me out. But I’m really grateful Luke came and bought me time.” “Weren’t you scared?” Cody asked. “would be lying if I said no, Cody. But if there’s one thing life taught me, it’s that true courage isn’t about not being scared. It’s about doing the right thing despite being scared.” “I tried to invite Luke, but he didn’t feel like partying.” Pinkie pouted. “That’s Luke for ya. He never sticks around for happy endings.” Gamer stated. Shine Boy smiled. “Funny. Because it’s his fault we have one.” Everyone chuckled. “Well it saves us on returning your presents.” Laughed Tai. “Speaking of which, Think it’s time to open them?” Chet suggested. “Sounds like a plan. Work off this sugar rush.” Shine Boy nodded. After opening his gifts, which he enjoyed every one of them very much, the DJ played slow music and people paired with each other to dance. Shine Boy danced with Serenity and the two leaned on each other. Then, Shine Boy whispered to Serenity. “Thank you for everything. This is one of my best birthdays ever.” “Seeing you happy makes me happy.” Serenity pecked her hero on the cheek. As they danced, Shine Boy looked around at his friends. Having so many friends is the best gift ever, he thought as he remembered his birthday wish- to continue to be blessed with great friends. The End > BONUS CHAPTER Two Days Before > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One morning, Shine Boy was trekking along the school grounds of Canterlot High. He was asked by the Turtles and Rainbooms to come by for a little surprise by their young friends, The Rock n’Beats. In really, the kids wanted to give Shine Boy a little surprise party for Shine Boy since his birthday was coming up. The Turtles and Rainbooms were planning an even bigger party, but the Rock n’Beats had a gig on that same day, so Pinkie convinced Shine Boy to meet with them a couple days before. “They told me to meet them in the music room when they were finished with something. Well, it’ll probably take me that long to find the music room.” He said to himself before looking at his Shine Tracker. “Good thing nothing bad is happening here or in Columbus.” Just then, Ace sped past the hero. He looked like he was carrying some kind of package. “Excuse me! I’m running late to setup your surprise party!” the boy called, unaware of what he blurted out. Smiling, Shine Boy decided to play along. “Okay! I’ll make sure I’m surprised!” he called back before he entered the school’s hallway. ------- Ace made it to the music room and made the secret knock on the door. Opening the door was Logan. “There you are, Ace! Come on in!” he greeted. As Ace entered, he saw The Ninjas and Rainbooms along with Gamer helping the Rock n’Beats and CMCs setting up decorations in the room. Melody Note walked up to Ace. Ace quickly explained himself. “I’m sorry I’m late. My alarm never went off.” “You’re here. That’s all that matters.” Melody stated. “You didn’t see Shine Boy, did you?” “I did, but he doesn’t suspect a thing.” “Well, it is his first time at Canterlot High. He’s probably keeping himself busy looking around.” Twilight guessed. “Bro always knows how to keep himself busy.” Gamer added. “Wait till he sees his bigger party!” Pinkie grinned. “Well, thanks for helping us do this for him.” Lancer thanked the teens. “Of course. It was also nice of Principal Celestia to let us have the party in the music room.” Leo reminded. “Let’s finish up so we don’t keep Shine Boy waiting.” April pointed out. “We’re just about finished.” Donnie checked as Ace put his present on a table with the other presents. “Rarity and Sweetie Belle should here soon with the cake.” Applejack added. “This is gonna be EPIC!” Mikey cheered. -------- “Thanks for the coffee, Celestia!” Shine Boy thanked as he left the principal’s office. As he drank from a Styrofoam cup, he continued to trek the halls. “What should I do next?” he thought out loud, unaware Rarity and Sweetie Belle saw him and quickly went another way while his back was turned. He then heard a door open and close and walked over to see Sweetheart carrying a gift bag. “Whew! It was hard work, but I think Shine Boy is really gonna love this.” She said to herself as she dusted off her dress. “Oh hi, Sweetheart.” Sweetheart yelped hearing Shine Boy and quickly hid her bag behind her back. “Shine Boy! Hi! Can I help you?” she nervously grinned. “Oh, I was just looking around CHS. Working on some extra credit?” “Yes! Yes I was. It’s for my art class.” Sweetheart covered up. “Good for you! That’ll look good on your report card.” Shine Boy smiled. “Well, I’m gonna finish my coffee and maybe shoot some hoops. Which way to your school’s gym?” “Down that hall, second door to your right.” “Thanks.” As Shine Boy walked down the hall, Sweetheart crept the other way to hurry to the music room. -------- Back at the music room, Rarity and Sweetie made it to the music room without Shine Boy noticing and set the cake on the table. “Looks like your training has paid off, Sweetie. You’re more elegant than before.” Rarity commended. “I’m just glad I didn’t drop the cake, let alone get caught.” Sweetie breathed. “You’re fine.” April coaxed. “So we ready, Y’all?” Casey looked around. “I don’t know. Something’s seems to be missing.” Lancer pondered before Half Note gasped. “Wait! Where’s Sweetheart?” “She was finishing up something in the art room.” Fluttershy answered. “I’ll go get her.” Melody volunteered before she bumped into Sweetheart. “Oh hey, sis!” “Sorry I’m late. I had shake off Shine Boy.” “You’re fine. We were just about ready.” Applejack nodded. “Gamer went to get his brother not too long ago.” Sweetheart then saw all the presents. “Wow! That’s a lot of presents.” “Yep. We all saved up our allowances to buy something nice for Shine Boy.” Lancer explained. Sweetheart’s eyes widened when she heard the word ‘buy’. “Y-You bought..” “While the rest of us are waiting for his actual birthday for our presents.” Mikey added. “Oh.” “What did you get, Sweetheart?” Applebloom asked. “W-well…. I …really didn’t…” Sweetheart tried to explain, which Fluttershy noticed. But before she could finish, Ace looked out from the door. “Gamer’s coming with Shine Boy!” Everyone got in position just as Gamer opened the door. “Sorry you didn’t have much time to shoot some hoops, Bro.” Gamer told his brother. “It’s cool, Games. I was more checking out Canterlot…. Whoa!” Shine Boy jumped when he saw the music room. “SURPRISE!” Everyone cried. “Happy two days early before your birthday, Shine Boy!” Pinkie cheered. “That’s a mouthful of a surprise.” Shine Boy smiled. “Happy early birthday, Shine Boy.” Sweetheart greeted the hero with a hug. “Aw! Thanks, Sweetheart!” Shine Boy hugged back. “So what you wanna start with first?” Keno asked. “How about presents?” Half Note suggested. “Sounds good to me.” Shine Boy nodded as he walked up to the table. “Start with this one. It’s from the CMCs.” Rainbow handed him a gift. Shine Boy accepted the gift and opened it, revealing it to be a DVD and read the title. “The Crown of Smaug. This is a classic in my family! How’d you three find a DVD copy?” “We saw it a couple days ago.” Applebloom explained. “Rarity told me you like that one and we agreed to get it.” Sweetie Belle added. “So we combined our allowances, with a little extra from my aunts, and gift wrapped it for you.” Scootaloo finished. “I see why you three are the Canterlot Movie Club. Thank you three so much.” Shine Boy gathered the three into a group hug. Maybe I should’ve bought something with my sisters, thought Sweetheart. After they broke the hug, Ace walked up with his gift. “Open mine next.” “Thank you, Ace.” Shine Boy accepted the gift and began to open it. “Ten to one, it’s probably a self-portrait of Ace.” Melody Note whispered to Half Note, who chuckled softly. But to their surprise, Shine Boy opened the box to pull out a travel mug decked out with stars. “Wow! Nice mug. I can use this on my patrols.” He opened it up to see hard candy in it. “And it’s full of hard candy. Thanks, Ace!” “My pleasure.” Ace grinned as he half hugged Shine Boy. Seeing this made Sweetheart hurt even more. Even Ace did right with his gift, she thought. While no one was looking, she grabbed her gift bag, dropped it in the trash, and snuck away. “Which one should I open next?” Shine Boy pondered. “How about Sweetheart’s?” Lancer suggested. “How about it, Sweetheart?” Shine Boy asked. “Sweetheart?” “Maybe she went to the bathroom?” Pinkie guessed. As he looked around, Shine Boy spotted Sweetheart’s gift bag in the trash and the door slightly opened. “Maybe I should do someone else’s.” he looked back in concern. ----------- Sweetheart ran out of the school up to the school statue, where she stopped to cry. “Why did I have to make something? I can’t give Shine Boy such a horrible gift!” she sobbed then sang. At times, I feel like I just don't belong And I never get anything right. Doing my best doesn't seem good enough, No matter how hard that I try. Will I ever be brave and reach for the sky? Will I always be scared for the rest of my life? I see other kids and they get it all right. So, why can't I? What if I don't know an answer? What if I don't know the way? Will someone laugh, or make fun of me? What will the other kids say? Will I ever be brave and reach for the sky? Will I always be scared for the rest of my life? I see other kids and they get it all right. So, why can't I? So, why can't I? She continued to sob until she felt a warm hand touch her shoulder. She looked up to see Shine Boy and Fluttershy with friendly, but concern smiles on their faces. “Sweetheart?” Fluttershy spoke. “Fluttershy? Shine Boy? What’re you two doing here?” Sweetheart asked through tears. “Well, we were at the party, and you weren’t there.” Shine Boy smiled. “Sorry. I just couldn’t be there because…. Because…” “You still had extra credit to work on?” guessed Shine Boy. “No. it’s just- I had nothing to give you! Everyone bought you great things, but I- I had nothing!” Sweetheart cried some more before Fluttershy pulled her into a hug. “There. There.” She calmly coaxed. “We were getting ready to have cake. Would you like to join us?” Shine Boy offered. “I-I don’t think so.” Sweetheart sniffled. Shine Boy knelt down and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’d really like it if you would come and join us.” Sweetheart was still unsure, but she didn’t want to hurt Shine Boy’s feelings. “Okay.” “Great! Let’s go!” Shine Boy got up and he and Fluttershy each held a hand from Sweetheart and headed back to the music room. -------- Shortly after, the three made it back to the music room where everyone was ready for birthday cake. “There you guys are! Where you’ve been?” Rainbow asked. “We were just checking on Sweetheart.” Fluttershy said. “Well, you guys are just in time for cake!” Mikey cheered. “Sounds good.” Shine Boy smiled. “Hey, guys. What’s this?” Sweetheart turned to see Logan pulling her gift out of the trash. “I think we missed a gift.” “No! Don’t!” Sweetheart hurried over to stop Logan. “What’s wrong, Sweetheart?” Lancer raised a brow. “Yeah. What is that?” Melody added. “That…. Is my gift to Shine Boy.” Sweetheart sighed. “It wasn’t that bad of a store you bought it from, was it?” Ace shrugged. “I didn’t buy it. I…. made it.” Sweetheart admitted. “Comment withdrawn.” Ace spoke before Melody knocked him upside the head. Shine Boy turned to Sweetheart. “Would you mind if I open it?” “Okay. It’s just…. Not that special.” Sweetheart sighed. “But you made it. That makes it all that special.” Shine Boy assured as he took out the tissue paper from the bag. “What is it?” Mikey asked curiously. Shine Boy reached in the bag and pulled a box made of popsicle sticks and decorated with stickers and crafts. “Well. I’d say that’s a nice box you made there.” Rarity commented. Shine Boy opened the box to see it play soft music as star on a spring spinning around. “That is beautiful music.” Shinigami smiled. “You made this, Sweetheart?” April asked. “Well, I did have a little help from Donnie with the mechanical stuff.” Sweetheart blushed. Shine Boy smiled as he closed the box. “It’s beautiful, Sweetheart. Thank you.” “You like it?” “I love it.” Shine Boy then knelt down to Sweetheart. “You see, Sweetheart, it doesn’t matter if you buy or make a present. If you put your heart into them, that is true friendship, which is the greatest gift of all.” He then faced the rest of the young group. “And you’ve all done great on that too. Thank you all for your great gifts.” As the Rock N’Beats and CMCs gave Shine Boy a group hug, Pinkie couldn’t help but bawl at the touchy moment, accidently drenching Raph in the process. They held that way until they heard a loud growling noise. They looked to see it came from Mikey, who giggled sheepishly. “Sorry.” He whispered. Shine Boy got up and smiled. “Guess that means it’s time for cake.” Everyone laughed as they gathered around the table while Leo began to cut the cake and Sunset passed out plates. The End