1. Goodbyes and Hellos

"Bye Spike! Bye Rarity!" Twilight Sparkle waved her two friends off at the train station as they began their journey together. "Good luck! Have fun! Write me, okay? I'll find a way to write back!" She smiled as they waved back to her as the train pulled away.

Smiling happily, Twilight headed towards home as she reminisced. It was about a month after the first Equestria Olympics. She had been rather surprised at who her primary opposition had been...though somehow, she wasn't surprised that Celestia had orchestrated the whole thing for a dramatic reunion between Sonic and Rainbow Dash. The last sight of that pair had been as they flew off together, leaving behind a brilliant aurora borealis in their wake. Twilight had received a letter from Rainbow Dash recently, saying how they were traveling through many worlds on a sort of walkabout, as Sonic had heard such journeys called.

Rarity and Spike had begun to pursue their relationship with more fervor, going out quite frequently. Finally, they had decided to go travelling together. Twilight was happy for them both, and wished them all the joy they could find.

Reaching the library, she smiled. "Well, I guess it's time to figure out what I'm going to do today," she said happily. "Spi-" She paused. She had been about to call for Spike to check her schedule. She giggled to ehrself a bit. "I guess I really have gotten used to him being around." Using her magic, she carefully put away Spike's baby bed. He'd gotten to big for it and had been using the guest bed, but Twilight had kept it out anyway. "Hmm...I guess I'll just look in on what my other friends are doing. Fluttershy-" She paused, glancing down at the desk. There were a few letters on there addressed to her that she'd received in the past few days.

'Twilight,
I know this is rather sudden, and I know I said I'd only be in Mobius a few days, but something's kind of come up. There's a lot of turmoil and pain on Mobius, and with Ivo's help I think I can make a difference, make Mobius the peaceful world so many people want it to be. I can't turn my back to that, not when so many people need me. It...looks like I'm going to be staying on Mobius for quite some time. I'll write often, and I hope you can visit henever you can.
Love, your friend,
Fluttershy.
P.S. I hope this isn't too inconvenient for you, truely...I mean...yeah, you know...'

Twilight sighed. "Right, Fluttershy's in Mobius." She thought for a time. "Well, Pinkie always knows something fun to...do..." The next letter down silenced her.

'Hey Twilight!
Guess what! Me and Tails are gonna be doing some crazy science research here at his lab! He thinks I'm a genius! Can you believe that? Of course, he's a little out there, so you gotta take what he says with a salt lick.
Anyway, I'm gonna be staying at the lab for a while. See, Tails is WAY too much of an introvert, kinda fraid to get out there and socialize. I'm gonna see what I can do for him there, just like I did for you. Sides, Tails is just SOO cute, and he makes the cutest noises when I squeeze him!
Love ya bunches, and an okie dokie loki!
Pinkie Pie'

"Right," Twilight said to herself. "Pinkie's staying with Tails..." She perked up. "Applejack! I know she's still at Sweet Apple Acres! Maybe I can help with Applebucking or something." Twilight took off for SAA.

Upon arriving there, she was rather surprised to see that nearly all the trees were bare of apples, and a new field had been plowed and planted. Oddly enough, it was Apple Bloom overseeing the process, but she waved Twilight over. "Howdy Twilight! What brings you by?"

"Hey, Apple Bloom," she replied happily. "I was just looking for your sister. Is she around?"

"Naw!" Apple Bloom replied. "She's off to Mobius doing all her sales work. She keeps talkin bout new markets and whatnot, but she's gone most of the day, falls asleep almost as soon as she gets home, and is off before dawn's light. She's always around for supper, but that's about it." Apple Bloom smiled. "Course, with the money she's been bringin in, we've been able to do some major repairs around the farm, and even plant this here new field!"

Twilight managed a smile. "Yeah, I can see just how busy you all are..." She glanced around at the bustling farm.

"Say! You wanna stay for brunch?" Apple Bloom asked happily.

"Gee, I'd love too, but...I've gotta get back to the library. Gotta do some research, you know. Tell your sister I was by when she comes back, okay?" Turning, she galloped back into town.

Once back in the library, Twilight began to pace a bit. "So all my friends are off, living their own lives. I'm happy for them...really..." She looked around. "Maybe I could go visit them on Mobius..." She shook her head. "No. I don't really have any real business there. And the Mobian form..." She shuddered. "I can't see how they can like it. I always feel like I'm about to fall over, I'm so top heavy there. Not enough legs." She sighed. "Well, I'm sure they'll come back to visit...eventually..." She glanced towards her shelves. "Well, might as well do some research."

Working on her magic through till nightfall, she then yawned. "It's getting late. I should probably get some sleep." Going up to the beds, she curled up in her own and tried to sleep. However, something was off. "Huh. I can't seem to sleep." She glanced over at a pad of paper by her bedside. "Let's check my official sleep checklist. Hmm...pillow's fluffed?" She fluffed her pillows. "Check. Blankets warm? Check. Lights out? Check. Spike snoring..." She glanced over at the empty bed. "Oh..." Turning, she tried once more to curl up, to get comfy...but she just couldn't seem to relax. Sighing, she walked over to her trunk and levitated out a small rag doll. "Hello, Mr. Smartypants," she said quietly. "You're not...angry with me over what happened a few years back, are you? With that spell?"

The doll flopped over in her magic, seeming to shake its head.

"Thank goodness," she said happily. "I'm so sorry." She took the doll into her forelegs as she curled up in bed once more. "I haven't needed you at night for...years. Not...not since Princess Celestia said I could be trusted with caring for Spike..." Closing her eyes, she thought back to that time.

When she'd first gotten Mr. Smartypants from Shining Armor, she had needed it. She didn't sleep well at night when she was a little filly, and often wound up going to her big brother's room when she had nightmares or couldn't sleep. Curled up in his forelegs, she slept peacefully. When her folks felt she was getting too big to be doing that, Shining had brought home Mr. Smartypants. He said that as long as she held onto him, he would be with her, scaring away the bad dreams.

It wasn't until she started magic school and moved into the castle that she began to understand why she had so much trouble sleeping alone. She had always been socially awkward when she was very young. Although she tried to make friends, she was always too forward or too reticent. She was the wierd filly, never knowing how to act. Hurt, sad, and lonely, she had retreated into her books, and there found worlds to fill her lonely heart, convincing herself she didn't need friends. Besides, Shining Armor was always there for her, whenever she needed him. She would always have her Big Brother Best Friend Forever. What did she need other ponies for?

But in her room at the castle, she had cuddled Smartypants so tightly each night that he'd started to get a bit frayed. The truth was, at night, the nightmares haunted her, filling her mind, telling her she would always be alone. Then Princess Celestia had said she could be trusted with Spike, and he was staying in the room with her. At first, she'd complained about his snoring, even throwing a pillow at him a time or two. However, in truth, she couldn't have been happier. He didn't actually snore that loud, and his gentle breathing helped ease her sleeping mind. Here was someone who'd always be with her, she could tell the dark dreams. Here was someone who would always be there. With Spike, she would never be alone. The dreams still came at times, but all she had to do was focus on the sound of Spike's breathing to banish them.

THen she had come to Ponyville and made five wonderful friends. With each trial and tribulation they went through together, their friendship grew stronger, and the nightmares of loneliness were further and further from her mind, until they were all but forgotten. However, now...her brother - her BBBFF - was living in the far north in the Crystal Empire with Cadence, and her friends were all moving on with their lives, leaving her behind, alone. She knew they didn't mean it that way, and she ould never think it was intentional...but to her sleeping mind, the nightmares of loneliness were once more coming true...and she clutched Smartypants tightly, silently fighting the tears that stained her pillow.

---------------

Three weeks later...

Shadow slowly staggered to his four hooves as he began to grasp his surroundings. While Tails World Bridge made for very stable passage between Mobius and Equestria - and other worlds - the transformation to pony form was still hard on the body, and rather unpleasant. However, the ponies of Equestria had actually set up a special curtained off area around the World Bridge at the Ponyville train station, so that new arrivals could adjust to their new shapes in privacy, thus mantaining their dignity. Rather considerate of them, he thought. He wondered whose idea it was.

As he got his horse legs, he slowly walked around a bit, getting the kinks out. Pausing, he searched inside for his usual store of chaos energy, which he gathered and used in place of holding a chaos emerald. He was rather surprised to find he had a ready supply, and more in the ambient energy fields. Then again, Discord was active and at peace with Celestia, and he was a living beacon of Chaos energy. Calmly, he tried to focus that energy...and found he couldn't quite grasp it in the same way as before. He glanced at himself in a nearby mirror for explanation.

His pony body was completely black from nose to rump. His mane and tail were his usual mix of black and red, his mane naturally slicked back into his usual spike pattern. His tail hung down, waving gently in the breeze. On his flank was a green Chaos Emerald...his 'Cutie Mark' if he wasn't mistaken. He shuddered inwardly at the thought of anything about him - the Ultimate Lifeform - being refferred to as 'Cute'.

He was rather surprised, however, to discover a black spiral horn rising from his forehead. Apparently, he was a unicorn. Giving that some thought, he reached with one hoof to pat his sides, checking for hidden wings. He found none, and heaved a sigh of relief. He was sure his coloring would make it hard enough to blend in, and it would be even worse were he an alicorn, when there were so few of those.

At ease at last with his new form, he ehaded towards the gate, where an official looking white unicorn in gold armor stood at his post, looking Shadow over. "Name?" he asked.

"Shadow," he replied. This was obviously customs of some sort.

"First time in Equestria?" the guard asked. When Shadow nodded, the guard pushed forward a small booklet. "Place your right forehoof on this." When Shadow did so he continued, "State your full name, world of origin, original species, and energy alignment."

"I am Shadow. I come from Mobius. I was originally a hedgehog. I draw power from chaos." Shadow blinked as the booklet glowed as the spell on it took hold. He flipped it open. Inside, there was a picture of him both as he appeared in Mobius and here, as well as pertinet information.

"That's your passport," the guard said, handing him a set of black saddlebags. "Don't lose it. So long as you carry it, you are a recognized guest in Equestria. You will be expected to obey local laws and customs. Should you wish for a change in status - either an alteration to the terms of your stay or to apply for full citizenship and residency - please send your request via letter or in person to their Highnesses, Celestia and Luna, in Canterlot. Enjoy your stay." The guard stepped aside, and Shadow headed out into town.

As Shadow walked down the street, he noticed a lot of ponies looking at him and whispering to each other. While used to this sort of thing in Mobius, he was rather pleased to see that none of the sidelong glances towards him were fearful. Nearly all of them were curious or appraising...although a few of those from the mares were flirtatious or downright lustful. What comments that passed between those discussing him that he could overhear - while flattering - were somewhat disturbing to him. No one had ever looked at him THAT way back on Mobius...as far as he knew.

Glancing up, he saw a somewhat familiar looking purple mare. The coloration was right, and with her nose in that book as she walked...he trotted up to her. "Twilight?" he asked, hoping he was right.

She looked up. "I know that voice...Shadow?" She smiled at him. "It is you! What brings you to Ponyville? WHen did you get here? How is everyone? How's your first time being a unicorn? How does it differ from the Mobian form to your perspective? Do you prefer walking on two legs or all fours? Do-"

"If you'll pause long enough to take a breath, I'll try to answer your questions," he said, hiding a smile. Same old Twilight. When they'd talked back on Mobius after Discord's defeat, she had been just as full of questions about Mobius. Somehow, answering her questions had made him feel...relaxed. As he opened his mouth to speak, his stomach growled.

Twilight laughed. "Just got here, right?" She put her book back into her saddlebag as he nodded. "Come on, we'll pick up something at Sugarcube corner. My treat." As Shadow opened his mouth to argue, she interrupted, "Or do you already have bits to pay for it?"

Shadow closed his mouth. Truth was he didn't have any money...never had. His ability to sustain himself on the Chaos energy fields meant he didn't actually have to eat...and his genetic design meant he could absorb energy into his body through his skin. However, apparently that wasn't quite enough for a pony body. When they reached Sugarcube Corner, Twilight ordered them each a smoothie, and then they sat down at an outdoor table to drink. Although he disliked having to be treated, he found the smoothie quite delicious, if a flavor he wasn't used to.

Twilight smiled at him as he drank. "So what brings you to Ponyville?" she asked again, then waited for an answer.

Shadow drank for a bit longer before responding. "Coming home."

Twilight blinked. "But...I thought you were born on Mobius?"

Shadow shook his head. "I was 'born', if you can call it that, aboard the Space Colony ARK, in orbit around Mobius. However...it's not home to me anymore, any more than Mobius is. ...too many painful memories." He paused to take another drink. "I came here to make a fresh start, where I won't have to be haunted by my past. ...I figured once I'd managed to get myself settled as a...unicorn, I'd travel to Canterlot and see if Celestia or Luna had a job for me."

"Oh." Twilight was silent for a time. "I...take it you'd rather not talk about Mobius, then."

Shadow nodded silently, sipping his drink. As he finished, he stood up. "Thank you for the meal, Twilight. I hope I'm able to return the favor soon."

"There's no need for that," she said, waving her hoof. She was silent for a moment. "Say, Shadow...have you decided where you'll be staying while getting yourself settled?"

Shadow shook his head. "I figured I'd ask around, see if anyone could use a live in worker, or had an extra bed I could crash on."

"Well...I have an extra bed," Twilight said quietly. "Spike was using it till recently, but a few eeks ago, he left with Rarity on a journey of self discovery around Equestria." Twilight smiled. "Somehow, I don't think he'll need it when he gets back. You can stay with me, if you like."

Shadow thought about this for a time. "While it is a generous offer, and it would be nice to stay with some...pony I know..." He shook his head. "I don't think I can accept."

Twilight looked up at him, obviously hurt. "W-why not?"

Shadow turned his head away. "I'm just trying to look out for your reputation, Twilight."

There was dead silence for a while. "My what?"

Shadow glanced back and saw that Twilight obviously had no idea what he was talking about. "Twilight, as far as what anypony else can see, you just met me and took me out for a smoothie, your treat. What would they think if you brought me into your house for the night or longer?"

Twilight tilted her head. "I don't think I follow."

Shadow sighed. "Let's put this another way. An attractive single mare meets up with a stranger stallion who's just come to town, takes him out to eat, then takes him back to her place where she lives alone. What are ponies likely to think?"

Twilight blinked. "Oh." She blushed. "Oh." She started to laugh a little. "I see what you mean, but I don't think you need to worry."

Shadow blinked. "Why not?"

"Well..." She glanced away, hiding a blush. "I have had some...awkward experience with stallions flirting with me, and...word of those events has gotten around. I'm pretty sure by now most of the Ponyville gossips are convinced I'm a fillyfoaler."

"A what?"

Twilight blushed. "It's a term for a mare who prefers the company of other mares for...intimacy."

Shadow blinked for a time, trying to think how bad those instances could ahve been to leave THAT sort of impression. "That bad, huh?"

Twilight nodded. "Besides," she said, obviously trying to change the subject, "if anyone has the courtesy to ask, I'm putting up a friend who's trying to get a new start on life, and you'll be helping me with my research. What do you say?" As Shadow hesitated, she continued, "I'm also probably one of the best to help you adjust to unicorn magic, since I'm the only unicorn in all of Equestria with any experience wielding chaos energy."

Shadow sighed internally. "Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?"

Twilight squealed happily and quickly finished her drink. "Come on, let's get you settled in. You'll probably conk out if you do too much, but I can show you some magic basics before you need to rest."

Shrugging his shoulders, Shadow followed Twilight home.

------------

That night, Twilight Sparkle curled up in her bed. Mr. Smartypants was back in the trunk, and Shadow was curled up in the guest bed across from her. She could clearly hear his gentle breathing. She'd managed to teach him basic telekinesis and object manipulation before night fell. Since she hadn't managed to get much sleep for the past few weeks - and what sleep she got, haunted by nightmares as it was, wasn't very restful - they called it a night there.

Now, however, as she listened to Shadow's calm breathing, the slow in and out rythm of his life, she sighed happily. Tonight, the nightmares wouldn't come. Tonight, she would sleep peacefully. Tonight...she wasn't alone.