I sigh contently when something soft rubs up against my neck. I roll to my side and pull Luna close...

"Luna?" I ask as I open my eyes. She's lying right next to me, smiling. "Morning love."

"Morning. Where's Shadow?" I look around the bed and realize she isn't here.

"She's probably in the restroom. What brings you here so early... or late in your case." I ask as I wrap my arms around her.

"What? I can't lay with my husband every now and a again? I missed you." She says as she leans in and nuzzles my nose. I just smile and return the affection.

"BARK BARK BARK BARK!" The door suddenly bursts open and Lupus and Hati come running in. They stop at the end of the bed and continue to bark at us.

"Hey hey hey, shut up already." I yell at them, getting whines in response. "Sheesh. Mood killers."

"Do you smell smoke?" Luna asks as she sits up. I sniff the air a couple of times before I smell it as well. We look to each other before running towards the door. I check her room first and find it completely empty, and clean. Next we make our way down the stairs and to the kitchen where we find it a complete mess. A light tan paste covers most of the counters and cabinets as smoke rises from the stove.

"I MADE WAFFLES!" Shadow announces from the table as she presents a plate full of odd looking pancakes. She has her mane tied back with the blue streak hanging in front of her face. We look between her and the mess before I start to laugh. "Um... did I do something wrong?" She asks as she sets the plate on the kitchen table.

"No, no, its just my luck." I chuckle as I walk over and look at the meal she prepared. "How is it that both the women in my life can only cook by making a complete mess."

"Hey... I didn't make a complete mess." Luna says as she joins us.

"I'm sorry Miles. I'll clean up right..."

"No, its fine. We'll clean up after eating." I say as I take a seat and look over a waffle. "So what is this anyway?"

"Its a waffle." Shadow says a she takes the seat to my right.

"Whats in it?"

"Um... waffle." I laugh a little before taking a bite. "Its pretty good."

"Its better with syrup." Luna says as she take one and pours some syrup on it. I go ahead and add some as well, finding it to be twice as good now.

"So... you like it?" Shadow asks as she perks up a bit.

"Yeah, its good. Where did you learn to cook anyway?" I ask as I take another one.

"Well... it was only me and Lantern Light. We had to provide for ourselves, and Lantern was always working harder then me. So I picked up a few things from the other miners."

"Why were you in the mines to begin with?" I ask, putting down the waffle. She looks between me and Luna before lowering her head a bit.

"We didn't have parents... and if we went to an orphanage... we could have been separated. So we hide down there one day and the forepony found us...and ended up making a deal with us. We helped with the smaller things and we got to live in the miners camp, we even made money..."

"Wait wait wait. They let children work in a mine.... why?" I ask, looking to Luna.

"Don't look at me. I'm just as shocked as you are." She defends.

"I don't know what the deal was. Lantern Light was the one who made it. All I was told was to gather rocks from the miners and to transport them occasionally. My sister would have to talk to the forepony every now and a again, but I was never allowed to go..."

"Go to... how did she act when she came back?" I ask as I turn towards her.

"Well.... she was usually sad... and would want lots of hugs...."

"Oh sweet Barbra." I mutter as I look back to Luna, getting a similar expression from her.

"What?" Shadow asks. I look back to her and try to think of what to say. How do you tell a little girl that you think her sister was molested so they could live and work in a mine.

"Miles, why don't you take Shadow to town and get her stuff. Tooth brush, hair brush, maybe a snack at Sugar Cube Corner?" Luna suggests.

"Sugar?" Shadow asks as she perks up a bit.

"Uh.... yeah. Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll go grab my stuff, eat up while I do that." I say before standing up. I head upstairs where I put on some new clothes and grab some money. When I make it back down stairs I find Luna and Shadow waiting by the door. Shadow looks like a ball of energy that's about to explode while Luna looks... nervous.

"OK. You two have fun now. I'll clean up before heading back to Canterlot." Luna says as she walks up to me and gives me a hug. "Remember what we talked about." She whispers.

"I will. See you soon." I say before giving her a kiss.

"Blech, are you two always like that?" Shadow asks in disgust. I just laugh as I watch Luna head up the stairs. "Miles?"

"Alright. Lets get going." I say as I turn back and open the door for her. She jumps up a bit before running out to the porch.

"*gasp* MILES! Look! It's Soarin!" She exclaims as she points up. Confused, I walk over and look up to see some pegasus stallion leaving Rainbows place.

"OY! What do you think you're doing in there?!" I yell at him. He looks down before diving for us.

"Nononononono.... why is he coming down here? Hide me!" Shadow says before diving behind my legs.

"I assume that you are Miles." Soarin says before landing before me.

"Yeah..."

"Why are you going to train Rainbow? She has enough to deal with as it is, do you really...."

"Don't lecture me on putting too much on her plate. We both know who's the one doing that." I say, making him back off a bit.

"It's... just..."

"Look, if you really feel this way about her joining, talk to her. I just want to give you some friendly advice. Scootaloo is more important to me then you or a bullet. Ruin this for her, and I'll get rid of both." He stares back to me slightly confused, but I can tell that he gets the threat. I look back to Shadow and motion for her to follow as I walk around him.

"Whoa... and I thought I was bad at meeting new ponies." Shadow says as she scurries after me.

"Well... he's messing with a close friend of mine." I say as I look back to her, noting her difficulty in keeping up. "Come here." I say as I stop. I pick her up and set her on my shoulders, getting her to grab my head to keep level.

"Whoa, I'm taller then Celestia!" She says as she looks around. "MUSH!" She yells as she points forward. I just chuckle to myself as I run down the path, getting high pitched giggles from her.

We come to a stop at the edge of the town where Miles puts me down. I look nervously between him and the crowded town...

"Are you OK? You're shaking." He says as he stands up right. I look down and see my legs slightly shaking, only making me shake more.

"Can we go back? I don't want all of those ponies seeing me shake like this." I ask as I glance back at all the ponies over there.

"There's only like... five, maybe six ponies over there." Miles says as he looks over to them.

"Well.... maybe we can sneak our way over to... where are we going?" I ask as I look for the best route possible.

"Well, we'll head over to the shops first, see whats there, then head over to the market district." I run over to a nearby building and press myself against it. OK, if we follow these buildings over to that side of the fountain, take that alley, and then...

"Where are you going!?" I yell as he just walks out into the open.

"We aren't going to get there by standing here, lets go." He says casually as he continues to walk off. I bite my hoof as I check if the coast is clear. There are a few ponies looking towards Miles, but they seem to be focusing on him. I take a few deep breathes before running after him. Once I catch up with him I try my best to not draw attention to myself, keeping as close to Miles as possible.

"Miles!"

"EEP!" I scream as I leap behind Miles.

"Hey Storm, long time no see. Whats up?"

"Just doing some shopping.... who is that?"

"This is Shadow. Shadow, meet my friend Storm Cloud." Really Miles! OKOKOKOKOK, I can do this. Just like sis said. Deep breath, smile, and don't be a dork. I grab onto Mileses leg and lean over.

"H-hi." I mutter as I look over to the muscly grey pegasus.

"Hi there, where you from?" He asks as he steps closer to me.

"Uh..." Why did he have to ask another question! Stupid Storm Cloud! "I'm... from.... Detrot."

"Detrot huh? Me to, well, kind of. What brings you here?" Why do you keep asking questions! Stupid Storm Cloud.

"I... uh... live... with...." He leans a bit closer so I bury my face in Miles's pants. Why does he have to stare right at me like that?

"Uh... was it something I said?" He asks Miles.

"She's staying with me. I... well, I'll let you know when we get ready for Spartan training."

"Spartan training? Who was nominated?"

"True Will, Camo Flash, Dust Devil, and Rainbow Dash."

"Really? Huh... OK then. If you say so. Well I need to get going...."

"Send Spike over later today for training. I want to see how he's progressed while I was gone."

"Will do. See ya Miles. Bye Shadow." I just nod into Miles's leg as I wait for him to leave.

"He's gone now." Miles says. I look around a bit before letting go of Miles, feeling slightly foalish for doing that. "You really don't like meeting new people, don't you?"

"...no." I say as I look down and scuff the ground a bit. "It's... I just don't like the way they look at me."

"Trust me, I get that." He says as he kneels before me.

"Really? How?" I ask as I look up to him.

"I was an orphan till I was eight. People back home... well, because of the circumstances I was under, I got treated poorly. I know what its like to be judged by a group of people on appearance. But don't worry, everyone here is extremely friendly. You'll warm up to them soon enough, trust me." I give him a smile as I nod to him. Knowing that he was an orphan and that he likes it here makes it a bit easier being here... a bit.

"*INHALE* SHADOW!"

"GAH!" I yell as I cling to Miles again. Out of no where a pink pony comes running in front of us, pulling a cart along with her.

"Welcome welcome welcome a fine welcome to you!

Welcome welcome welcome I say how do you do...

Welcome welcome welcome I say hip hip hooray!

Welcome welcome welcome to Ponyville todaaay! Wait for it." She says as she slides to her knees. I look up to...

FOOSH

A door opens up on the cart and shoots us with confetti, nearly knocking us over.

SPLOOSH

From out of the horns of the cart comes some kind of batter that covers the three of us completely.

"Looks like I mixed the confetti and the batter, again." She giggles as she steps back and eats the pony mold of batter.... huh?

"Pinkie... what the fu...fu... why?" Miles asks as he starts wiping the batter from his eyes. Luckily I had my face against his leg, so I didn't get any in my eyes.

"What? I had to bring my welcome wagon for Shadow. Not to mention I didn't get to welcome you to Ponyville either. *gasp* we should totally throw a welcome PAR.... SOCIAL GATHERING!" She yells as she begins to bounce around.

"No." I say with all of my dread.

"Uh... Pinkie..."

"OH! We'll need balloons, streamers, punch, CANDY, I'll go get my party cannon and bring it to your place. See ya there!" She yells right before running down the street.

*drip*

"Is she really throwing a party?" I ask as I look to Miles. I see him cringe for a second before he looks back down to me.

"Uh... I don't know. Most likely. Lets just... forget about that and cross that bridge when it gets here." He says as he continues to stare at the energetic pink pony. He shakes his head before looking down to me. "Uh... lets get cleaned up. Hmm..."

"Please, lets not meet any new ponies." I ask as I try to give him my best puppy dog look.

"Well.... I guess we could make it back home..."

"Miles darling." We both look over to see two white unicorn ponies walking towards us. "Ew... what in heavens happen to the two of you?"

"Pinkie Pie."

"Ah." They both share a laugh while I try to blend in with the batter, but I can tell the filly can already see me.

"I am Rarity dear and this is my sister..... well Sweetie Bell? Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Rarity says as she pushes the filly forward.

"But you just said my name." She says as she looks back. The mare gives her a look, making her roll her eyes. "Hi, I'm Sweetie Bell."

"..."

"Ahem." Miles says as he shakes his leg.

"I'm... Shadow." I say as quietly as possible.

"Why don't you two come with us to Carousel boutique to clean up? I'm sure it would be quicker then going to your home."

"Thanks Rarity, I think we'll take you up on that." WHAT! "Why don't we head over now then."

"Of course. If you will." She says before turning and walking away. Sweetie Bell stares at me for a second before running after her sister.

"Do we have to?" I ask as I let go of Miles.

"What? She's one of my friends you know. And I think you and Sweetie will be good friends. She actually has a group of friends looking for their marks..."

"Hey, I have my cutie mark!" I defend as I wipe my flank off. "See!"

"...... there's nothing there."

"It's a shadow!" I say as I look to the shadow.

".... really?"

"It's there..." I say as I look back to him. "I swear."

"Uhuh. How did you get it?" He asks as he crosses his arms.

"Uh...."

"Yeah, didn't think so. Come on. Lets go at least get cleaned up."

"But..."

"No buts, lets go." He says as he walks off. I sigh as I follow after him. I really wish we could just go back and get cleaned up, but I don't want to make Miles mad. We make it over to this... well... it looks like something pretty vomited on a building, but whatever.

"Sweetie why don't you take Shadow to your restroom while Miles uses mine."

"OK, come on Shadow." She says as she runs up the stairs. I look back to Miles, who waves me along, before following after her. I make it to her room and see the door to the left. I walk over and find her getting the water ready. "Just a word to the wise, if you don't wash your mane, Rarity will probably do it herself."

"What? Why?"

"It would be a travesty against fashion!" She says as she takes a dramatic pose, then giggles. "My sister is a fashion designer, so she tends to focus the little things. She's really cool and all, but she tends to... well... do you know what uncouth is?"

"Uh... no." I say as I try to creep my way over to the tub.

"Oh... well... just don't worry about it. I'll just let you wash up then.... bye!" She says before running out of the room. I sigh in relief and shut the bathroom door, glad to have her out of my mane.... my now crusty mane. *sigh* I hate meeting new ponies.

After I wash up I take a moment to tie my mane back before running down stairs. I can't wait for the sugary treats that await. OH! I hope they have double chocolate chip! My favorite! I look around but find the front room empty. Well... I don't really want to go looking around somepony else's house; so I guess I'll just wait here.

Sweetie Bell wasn't lying, there are a lot of dresses in here. Not that I like these kind of things, but... why is Miles taking so long?

Hmm, this one has sapphires in it. Nice. A little over shined for my taste, but still pre.... Miles needs to hurry up.

OH MY GOD MILES! It's been like... five hours! (four minutes) I'm so BORED! What is taking him so long? If this continues on for any longer I might...

"Hey Shadow..."

"FINALLY!" I yell before running over to him.

"Uh... OK. There's been a change of plans. I've got something I need to do real quick, so in the mean time I'll leave you to hang out with Sweetie Bell and her friends..."

"But... but..."

"I know I said we'd go shopping, but we'll have to do that when I get back. Here's a satchel that Rarity made for you, I left some money inside in case you want to get a snack. Be good, I'll be back before you know it." He sets the satchel on my hips and ruffles my mane before walking out of the room.

"But... but..."

"Come on Shadow, lets head over to Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom and Scootaloo are waiting for us!" Sweetie Bell cheers before running out the door. I was about to run after Miles when Rarity got in the way.

"Eh... dear, before you go... could I make one, tinsy, insy, change to your..."

"WAIT UP!" I yell before charging out of the front door. As I run out and look around for Miles, but only find crowds of ponies walking around... looking at me... Oh look! A dark, hidden alley. I run over to it and duck behind a barrel, panting lightly from all of the staring eyes.

"Hey kid, can you help me with something?" I look over and nearly fall over from the hooded pony standing before me.

"Um..."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to know where True Will is. Do you know him?" He asks as he steps towards me.

"N-no." I say as I shrink away from him.

"Hmm, well, if you ever see him, just let him know Daisy says hello. Can you do that?"

"Uh.... sure... I... uh..."

"Nice talking to ya kid. Hehehe." He turns away and limps down the alley. I glance back to the crowded street and determine that it's better then the creeper. Keeping my back against the wall, I make my way out into the open and...

CRASH

"OW! Watch it twerp!" Some pink filly yells as her grey friend helps her up.

"Oh.. sorry..."

"Why don't you watch where you're going you blank flank!" Snickers her friend.

"O-M-G Silver! Another blank flank, can you believe it! They're, like, multiplying, EEEWWW!"

"My flank isn't blank! Its just a Shadow!" I defend. They pause and look to each other before bursting out with laughter. I look around to see all of the ponies around us staring at us, staring at me. I start to back away when the two of them stop laughing and whisper to one another.

"OOO, I like it." The pink one says with a wicked smile.

"Ok, we're, like, sorry for laughing at you, and stuff. Want to come over and, like, hang out? My mom is making cookies." She says. I pause and look back to her.

"Double chocolate chip?"

"Are there any other kind?" She asks with an upward inflection. I smile to them and nod, getting them to giggle.

"Ok, I'm Diamond Tiara and she's Silver Spoon."

"I...I'm Shadow." I say as they turn and begin to walk away. I look around and notice how everypony is no longer looking at me. Maybe these two aren't so bad after all...

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

"What is it Alistair?"

"Ruptor has awaken."

"And?"

"And I need your help to kill him."

A/N: Shout out to Fireeaters for picking breakfast. Be sure to follow my blogs for OC roles and be sure to leave your OCs if you want them to appear. HI Ghost, no need to boast, lets have a toast! Brony on!

Next Chapter: Chapter 142 Friendly Advice Estimated time remaining: 52 Hours, 31 Minutes