Thanks for the support everypony and for reading my story. I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it, with those little mistakes here and there.
And just a little recap on a comment that someone told me about a while ago but I neglected to reply to them and I apologize for that.
Jake is 13 at the beginning of story in Chapter 1. He then turns 14 during the first year he was in Equestria in Chapter 6-9. His Birthday falls just within winter which if on earth would fall on December 27th, and he turns 15 in chapter 10 as it is said during the ending of the chapter. And as such, he is currently 15 years old. Sorry if anyone was confused about his age up until now. But I hope that clears things up! Now,
Shatters of a Reflection – Chapter 14: Surprises and First Times
With the school year coming to an end, my troubles seemed as if they were nothing but a memory now. Thou, I would still get these looks from the other ponies about what happened but I didn't mind. I knew what I had done and I was willing to live with it.
Mom told me once, that it isn't our past that defines us, but how we learn from them and better ourselves so we don't make the same mistake again.
I guess in a way, my past is what helped change me for the better.
And ever since the whole incident, I found my inner magic was different, almost like it had evolved from what it was and into something stronger.
I was able to produce my own magic, which I have never been able to do before. Thou it was weak, weaker than most foals I had seen around Canterlot, but like Mom told me. Magic is something that is needs time to grow, that the more you use it the stronger it becomes. At least for somepony's it's that way.
Whenever I used my own magic, it gave off a reddish hue, and when I absorbed magic, it wasn't as strong as it used to be, but it still gave of the same blue hue like it has always been.
I remembered how my magic felt different at times and this was why, the magic I absorbed wasn't my own, and whenever I was angry or mad. My real magic which was controlled by my inner self began to leak out which explained how my magic spiked at times.
But that all aside, I couldn't help but remember the words of that Alicorn I met in the old ruins, "There will come a time when you must make a choice Jake Muller. When that time comes, you will learn how much you changed this world by entering it. Then, and only then will your fate be decided."
What did those words mean? But whatever they meant, I couldn't shake this feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I yawned, stretching my arms out before I leaned back and rested against one of the trees within the castle courtyard. It was near the end of summer now, and even the Pegasui that were in charge of the weather over the Castle were moving the clouds in to settle them in for a shower that was supposed to happen sometime tomorrow or the day after.
It still got to me how different this world was compared to earth. How they were able to decide how the weather was or acted. It was truly something else. And I always enjoyed watched them work in the sky above.
And it didn't hurt that I wanted to be lazy and rest under the sun today.
Closing my eyes I just basked in what little sunlight was peeking through the creaks in the tree. It felt nice, add the nice cool breeze that blew past and it was enough for me to start drifting away.
As if all my troubles were gone with the wind…
"There you are."
And just like that the, I cracked an eye open to see Cadance standing there near me smiling with a basket next to her.
Just to play around I closed my eyes trying to pretend that I didn't see her but she just trotted over and stopped next to me. As I continued to pretend being asleep.
"Well then," I heard her say as she was shuffling through her the basket she had brought with her, "I guess I'll just have to get eat this cupcakes alone then." She said as could smell the fresh scent of the cupcakes she spoke of.
"You're evil, ya know that." I said as my stomach gave a little growl. Her cupcakes really were the best.
She let loose some giggles as she held out one of the cupcakes to me. And I took it from her before taking a bite and savoring the sweetness of it.
"I hope you don't fill up on that because I brought lunch too." Cadance said as she opened the basket once more and two wrappings floated up, "I made you this." She told me as she levitated one of them to me as I finished off my cupcake licking the remnants off my fingers as I took the wrapper and opened it to find half a loaf of bread, but it was warm.
"Go on." I heard her say to me as I looked down at the bread and took a bite of it only to look down at my surprise to see hot cheese pouring and the bread was crispy like it was toasted.
"Grilled cheese?" I said taking another bite and there was something else inside of it but I couldn't quite put a finger on it.
"How is it?" She asked me, and I just swallowed another bite and let out the hotness of each bite I took.
"It's really good!" I told her and I saw this beaming smile on her face.
"Thank you Jake." She told me as she started to eat her own, only hers had some flowers and regular cheese slices inside.
Taking a few more bites I realized it was garlic that was leaving that strange after taste in my mouth with each bite. Not that I hated it, but added to how good the sandwich was.
I shoved the last bit into my mouth and swallowed it before letting out a satisfied sigh as I placed a hand on my stomach and closed my eyes.
"Man, I feel full." I said receiving a laugh from Cadance who was almost finished with her own.
"I'm glad that you enjoyed it!" She said proud of her cooking skills.
I leaned my head back against the tree, "I feel jealous." I said spontaneously.
"Of what?" I heard her ask.
I chuckled a bit, "Of the lucky colt that gets to eat your food every day." I told her only, if my eyes were open and looking at her I would have seen the blush on her cheeks.
"Oh." She said quietly as I heard some more shuffling, but I was growing tired again and it wasn't helping that I had a full stomach now.
I felt myself drifting when I felt something resting against my shoulder. And I cracked an eye to see Cadance was leaning her head on me.
"Be my pillow for a bit?" She asked looking up at me, I noticed the small blush on her face and I couldn't help but know that I had one on mine.
"S-sure." I stuttered out as I closed my eyes and I would assume she did the same.
I inhaled through my nose and I was greeted with the fresh scent of herbs with a hint of Lavender? I couldn't really tell but I liked the way it smelt.
We sat there for a bit in silence before I heard, "Jake."
"Hmm?" I hummed out.
"I wanted to thank you again for the birthday gift you gave me. I really do love it." She said and I let out another hum in reply.
"You never told what happened to it that night thou." She asked as I just closed my, taking in the warmth of Mom's Sun and the cool breeze.
"Maybe I'll tell you sometime." I told her as she just leaned a bit more into me and before I knew it I started drifting off as my thoughts went to that night.
(A/n: I don't really know when Cadance's birthday is. For that matter does anypony really know? Cause I don't, but for the sake of that being said. I have placed towards the end of summer which is a two months prior to the current setting.)
-Flashback-
Today was Cadance's Birthday, and there was a huge party being thrown for her, much like my own only this one was bigger as she was one of the princess and niece of the ruler of Equestria. It was held in the grand ball room and it was full of ponies from far and wide. I wasn't one for the party as Twilight and I had set up a small party just for us inside of her room.
Using my magic to decorate her room with streamers and balloons while Twilight was helping place them and together we were done in no time. The only thing we were missing was the guest of honor herself.
"Cadance is taking a while. Do you think she forgot about us?" Twilight asked me as I just brushed my hand through her mane to ease her worry.
"Don't worry Twi. I'm sure she's just being held up by some of the guest. It is her birthday party." I told her and she nodded.
A little of time had pasted as we waited for Cadance to walk through the doors but she didn't.
I thought it be best to go and find her since she was taking so long.
"I'm going to go and look for her ok, so just wait a bit Twi." I told the little filly as she nodded and buried her head into the book she was reading in the meantime.
I stood up and patted the pouch on the side of my jacket and felt the box inside still wrapped and ready to give to her when the time was right.
Taking my leave and walking through the doors I made my way down the corridors until the sound of the party that was faint at first, began to grow louder and louder as I got closer to it.
Turning the corner I was greeted with the bright lights of the ballroom shining through the stain glass and as I walked over open doors, I peeked inside to see the room full of ponies all in formal wear on and from the looks of it I couldn't see Cadance was somewhere inside of there.
Looking around I did see Mom, so I thought if I was going to find Cadance she would probably be with Mom.
So I walked in through the doors getting an eye from one of the guards and a grunt from the other.
I stopped and turned to them, "What, you guys know I don't do parties, especially when it's full of kiss ass's and suck ups." I said in a hush tone but loud enough that they could hear me as they shared a quick chuckle before standing at attention again like they always did.
Right now I was wearing some baggy white pants that had a zipper running down the entire length of the pants, and at my knees were straps. Instead of pockets there were two pouches that held whatever I needed them too. And lastly my shirt, well it was more of blue sleeveless jacket with a large zipper on the front, and a checkered pattern on the bottom of the jacket. And at the sides were a smaller zipper that went just up to my underarms. And the collar was larger, but I liked it.
Mom got it for me not to long ago when I had another growth spurt. I don't know who designed them but I liked them.
Taking my stride inside, I noticed the looks I was getting as I walked through the crowd. I was taller than most, and the only other one my height would be the Ox's attending or Mom. And speaking of Mom
"Princess Celestia." I said as Mom turned around and saw it was me, and she smiled.
"Jake!" She smiled at me as she walked over to me, "I am glad that you decided to join us." She told me as she looked me up and down, "Thou, I wish you wear the clothes I had tailored for you." She said using her magic to zip up my collar and she started to pat down my hair that I was growing out.
"Stop it Mom." I removed her hoof from my head groaning out as I just realized I said that out loud and the ponies near us heard me. They started speaking about what I had said but Mom just smiled happily.
"D-do you know where Cadance is? Me and Twilight thought she would be back in her room by now." I said a bit embarrassed but she gave me this thinking look as she looked towards the balcony side of the ballroom.
"I believe she is just outside on the balcony. She left just a little while ago. I'm sure you can still catch up with her." She told me and I nodded as I hurried out of there to find Cadance.
But as I was making my way through the crowd again, I was bumped into. I turned around to see it was BlueBlood. He was smirking at me as he gave a snort and looked away. I wanted to say something but I promised I Mom that I would 'try' to start fights with him. So I turned around and walked away, being the better colt.
Finally reaching the balcony I went through the doors leading outside as I walked over to the edge of the balcony where the railing was. I leaned on it as I looked around but I didn't see Cadance anywhere.
"Where is she?" I muttered out to myself as I started down the stairway leading to the lower level that was the garden.
I stopped at the end of the stairs when I heard something coming from deeper inside the garden.
Deciding to check it out, I walked into the garden going through the entrance, I came to an opening where some the moons light was shining down over the patches of flowers.
And then I saw her. She was resting on her stomach near the edge of the flowers admiring one that was in her hoof, one that I knew all too well.
"Moon's Tear." I said making my presence known as she gasped looking towards me.
"Jake!" She said letting out a heavy sigh, "Don't scare me like that."
I just chuckled as I walked over to her side crossing my legs and dropping down next to h er, "I really like these flowers. I'm glad Mom let me plant them around the Castle." I said and she nodded.
Moon's Tear, it was a flower that glows when the moon's light hits it which made it give off this glow as small orbs of light escaped the light. And when you had a number of them they were really a sight to see.
I notice Cadance nodding her head, "Yes, I think Aunty was right to let you. Who knew you had some a green hoof." She said giving a little laugh as I just rubbed the back of my head.
"Guess it's my special talent. Helping things grow." I told her and she nodded.
We sat there for a while, just watching the flowers glow as more and more began to bloom with the radiant light they gave off.
After sometime passed, I heard the sound of the grass being crushed and I turned around to see Twilight standing there pouting.
"Jake! I thought you said you'd be right back with Cadance." She said to me as I looked to Cadance who turned to me a raised eyebrow to me and give me the same look she always does when I forget something.
I shifted around and clapped my hands together in front of me, "I'm sorry Twilight, I lost track of time and forgot that I was supposed to bring Cadance back to the room." I said in a pleading tone as I looked at her waiting for her to say something.
But instead she walked over to me and pushing her way from under my arms and sitting down in my lap as she looked up to me and smiled.
"It's ok. I forgive you, ABBBFF." She told me and I just rested my head against hers as she giggled.
Twilight really was something else. But I couldn't help but notice like me, she was sort of a black sheep. She didn't have many friends besides Mom, Cadance, Shining and myself. When I asked her why she never went to play with the other fillies and young colts, she would say that she found rather silly to show how many ponies she could meet. That she had her books to read so she was fine with that. And since she had Shining, me and Cadance she was content with that.
Sometimes it worried me. She would rather be alone and study then be with others her own age. But, I looked at the smile on her face as she giggled when I brushed her mane with my hand.
I guess seeing her smile, hearing her laugh was enough for me to make that worry disappear.
I saw Twilight looked towards where she came from and using her magic, she brought a square box from out of the bushes.
"I almost forgot, Happy Birthday Cadance!" She shouted as she placed the gift in front of her.
Cadance looked down at the gift and smiled as she held her front hooves out and Twilight jumped off me and rushed over to the awaiting hug that Cadance gave her.
"Oh, thank you Twilight! You shouldn't have!" She said as Twilight leaned a bit out of the hug to look up at her.
"Well I wanted to get you something! After all you're the best Foalsitter I could of ever of wished for so I wanted to get you something special!" Twilight said going back into the hug as Cadance just sigh happily before they released each other.
Cadance lifted the present and opened it up to see a sweater inside. It was a lighter shade of her coat and as she looked at it Twilight said, "I remember the when we went shopping a while ago that you said you liked this sweater. So I saved up my allowance and bought it for you!" She said a little shyly as she played with her hoof, "I hope you like it."
I saw the look on Cadance's face as she put the sweater into the box and proceeded to hug the life out of Twilight.
"I love it Twilight, thank you for the gift." She said as Twilight went into a fit of giggles again.
"Oh! Jake got you something too!" Twilight suddenly said as the both looked towards me.
"Well I was going to wait till later to give it to you but, I guess now that the cats out of the bag I'll just…" I stopped mid-sentence because when I reached into my pouch where my gift was. It wasn't there.
I started to feel around before I looked down at my pouches on both sides of me and it wasn't there.
"Jake? Is something wrong?" Twilight asked me as I stopped and turned to them.
"Umm, I think I forgot it." I said rubbing the back of my head giving them a grin.
They both looked at each other and shared a laugh, "You would forget Cadance's gift Jake."
"It's alright Twilight, no need to get upset over it." Cadance told her as she looked up to me and smiled.
"How about I meet you guys back at the room?" I suggested and Cadance nodded as she got up with Twilight at her side.
"We'll meet you there Jake." I nodded to her as they started to head back in as I mentally kicked myself.
How could I lose it! I just had it in my pouch so how did I lose it?
I started thinking about the last time I knew I had it. I remember checking if I had it before I left to find Cadance, and I had it before I went into the ballroom.
'Better retrace my steps I guess.' I thought as I started to leave the garden and headed back into the ballroom.
Taking a look around the balcony, I didn't find it. I turned to the ponies still inside the ballroom and I remembered that I bumped into BlueBlood. Maybe I dropped it then.
With nothing to lose, I headed inside and went to where I bumped into him. Only when I made it there, I found nothing on the floor and when I asked the colts and mares if they happened to see a small box laying around. Some would say no, others didn't bother to answer me.
'I'm not making any progress here.' I sighed, 'Maybe BlueBlood…' I groaned at the thought of him finding it, but if by the off chance he did.
I decided to look around for him and after looking, I found him.
He was talking with some of the other Colts he was friends with. A group of highly social standards types that I never bothered to talk with. But I needed to find the gift.
I walked over and stopped just a few feet behind him as he and the others were laughing about something.
One noticed I was there and he sent a glance to BlueBlood who turned and smirked.
"Oh, Jake to what do I owe the pleasure." He said in a mocking voice.
I wanted to knock him upside the head but I held it in, "Hey BlueBlood, just wanted to ask if by chance when we bumped into each other earlier that maybe you found a pink box that was on the ground?" I asked him in hopes that he did. But a part of me hoped that he didn't either.
He raised an eyebrow to me as he looked to his friends and smiled to them as they began to snicker.
"Would it by chance happen to have a light blue ribbon on it?" He asked me and I knew it.
I nodded my head, "So you did find it. That's good, could I have it back?" I asked and he just raised a hoof under his chin.
"I never said that I did Jake. And even if I did find such a thing, what makes you think I would keep it." He said teasing me.
I took a deep breath, "Look, don't play dump with me BlueBlood. The only way you know how it looks like is if you found it. And I know you did, so just give it back to me please." I told him but then his smile turned into a frown as he glared at me.
"How dare you use that tone with me peasant!" He shouted as he stood up with his head held high and stuck out his chest.
I groaned as he continued to glare at me, but I held my hands up in front of me, "Listen, I don't want any trouble. Just give me what I came for and I'll be on my way." I told him only for one of his friends to speak up.
"I'm sure that he would return the item in which you seek if you were to… beg for it." He said as the other colts agreed and started snickering.
I was beginning to losing my temper but BlueBlood stepped forward, "Yes." I looked at him, and he used his magic and brought out a small package which was the gift that I got for Cadance. And from the looks of it, it wasn't open, "If you beg for it. I'll give it back to you." He said as I began to glare at him.
Thinking about it, I could just take it from him. I knew, and he knew that I could take him easy. But his magic was covering it. So that meant he could easily break it if he wanted too.
I shut my eyes and swallowed my pride, as I lowered my head, "May I please have that back BlueBlood." I said to him but he just grunted.
"That doesn't sound like begging to me." He said letting a snort leave his mouth, "On your knees and maybe I'll give it back."
I grit my teeth as I fell to my knees, placing my hands over them as I lowered my head, "Please, I beg of you. Return my gift back to me BlueBlood." I pleaded to him as he and the others just began to laugh at me.
Holding in my resentment towards him, I kept my head down until he spoke up.
"It would make me the better Colt to return this too you." He said as I raised my head with some hope but it was quickly crushed as I saw the ghastly grin on his face, "But on second thought." He looked at the gift, "I think I might just keep it for myself." He told me.
I shot up and took a step towards him, "You said you'd return it to me!" I shouted to him, but he just laughed.
"I said that might return it fool. Not that I would." He said turning his back to me only as he did, he looked brought it to his face, "But then again, I have no need for such a thing." He said as his magic started to flux.
I didn't waste a second as I lunged forward using that he had his back turned to me to reach him just before he was able to crush the gift with his magic.
"Unhand me!" He shouted out loudly as I grabbed his horn and his magic was zapped away in an instant and I caught the gift with my free hand.
I gave a sigh of relief as I tucked the gift into my pouch making sure to zip it up and that it was secure before I looked down at BlueBlood who was trying to break free. And you would think he would of learned that I magic against me wasn't the smartest thing as I was just draining what he tried to use.
Using the fact that I was stronger, I lifted him up by his horn just enough that his hooves were dangling off the ground and leaned down towards his face.
"I did as you asked and yet you didn't keep your word." I lifted him a bit higher, "That just proves how much honor you have." I said in a whisper as I drained him of the magic he was trying gathering up before I dropped him and he crumbled to the ground.
The other colts came to his aid only as they did, I gave them a scare as my body began to glow with the magic I took from BlueBlood and I looked towards them.
"Come at me if you dare." I said in a hollow tone, I saw one of them gulp as sweat gathered on their foreheads. I cracked a smile, "Thoughts so." I made sure the gift was still there and it was as I gave them one last look as I took my leave.
He got what was coming to him. After all, what goes around comes around.
It didn't take me long to get back to the room where I cracked the door opened and peeked inside. Only as I did, I noticed Twilight was fast asleep in Cadance's bed and Cadance was standing outside on her balcony.
Coming inside, I closed the door started to walk over to her. But as I did, I noticed she had her eyes closed and looked as if she was in deep thought.
I stood there silent, as I really got a look at her. Normally I didn't see her wear anything, which was the norm for ponies as I had come to learn. But Cadance had dressed up for the occasion it was her birthday after all.
And I had seen her wear a dress before and I had to say. For a pony, for a mare, she knew how to pull the look off. And this dress she looked as if, well. As if it was made for a Princess.
She suddenly opened her eyes and turned her head towards me. Seeing that it was me, I saw her tilted her head slightly as she gave me a warm smile as she waved for me to come over. And I did.
I walked over to her waited for me to join her.
"Did you happen to find what you were looking for?" She asked me as I sat down next to her.
I turned to her and just grinned, "Yeah, I did." She nodded, "Um…" I opened up my pouch and took out the gift and held it out to her, "Happy Birthday Cadance." I said as she looked up to me and giggled a bit before she took it into her hooves, holding the gift against her edge of her mouth as he eyes seemed to look at me idly before looking away.
"Thank you Jake. Is it alright if I open it now?" She asked me and I nodded to her as she started to open it.
She used her magic to carefully remove the wrapping as she held the white box before using her magic to open it up and she gasped.
Inside was the necklace that I had custom made in the shape of a golden heart and over it a teal jewel heart that replica of her Cutie Mark.
She stared at it for a while, and somehow I thought maybe it was a bit much. Maybe she didn't like it. Maybe- "I love it!" She said cutting my trail of thought.
"You do?" I muttered out a little taken aback.
She nodded her head, "Oh Jake, you really shouldn't have. It must have been troubling for you to get this." She said but I quickly shook my head.
"It wasn't really. I wanted to get you something special so I got his custom made just for you." I told her, "And I'm glad you like it. I know you don't like to wear anything flashy but I wanted to give you something that thought you would like so yeah." I just grinned at her and she closed her eyes and brought the necklace close to her chest before she opened her eyes and looked into mine.
"Thank you Jake. I…I really don't know what to say. No ponies ever gone done something like this for me." She said and I just chuckled a bit.
"You're worth it Cadance." I told her as we looked at each other and just shared the moment.
I know that some would find it weird, and back on earth. I would be called a freak, or ridiculed for even thinking this. But I like her, I really like Cadance.
"Jake?" She called my name and I looked to her, "Would you mind?" She held the necklace out to me and I took in my hands knowing what she wanted me to do. She turned around, moving her mane out of the way as I leaned towards her, wrapping my arms around her neck before I carefully brought the necklace around her neck and clipped it together behind her neck.
"Ok." I said as she let her mane go and turned back around to me. The necklace was a perfect fit, and the chain was the same. The heart shaped pendant rest just above her chest, not to loose and not too tight.
"I looked beautiful on you." I said suddenly as I wanted to clasped my hands over my mouth but the words had already been said.
But I noticed that Cadance was blushing at what I just said, and I looked away not wanting her to me that I was too.
"Thanks." She said in a hushed tone as she placed a hoof on the necklace and began playing with it a bit.
I sat down leaning my back against the wall and looked up to the sky.
"I really love the nights here in Equestria." I said to her as she joined me.
"As do I." She said as she sat back down next to me.
We sat there quietly, not saying a word to each other as we stargazed.
And it wasn't long before I felt her leaning her head against my shoulder.
"Do you mind?" She whispered to me.
I just chuckled a bit, "I don't mind if it's you." I told her as she just giggled a bit before she leaned a bit closer and we just continued to sit there, enjoying each other's company.
And as I looked up into the night, I swore I saw a shooting star race across the sky. And I closed my eyes and made a wish.
-Flashback End-
I cracked an eye open as I looked around to see that the sun was setting just over the horizon.
That meant that it was almost time for dinner. And that I, I looked to my right. We had been asleep for quite the while.
I looked down to my right and saw Cadance was still sleeping against me, it was cute how she looked when she slept. A soft snore escaping every now and then, it felt like a crime to wake her up. But alas Mom would give me a lecture about missing another dinner.
So I raised my hand and gently nudged her as she just muttered something out, but I didn't quite understand what she said.
But it did make me chuckle as I nudged her again, "Cadance, Cadance it's time to get up." I said and it seemed to work this time as she gave a yawn as she licked her lips and opened her eyes, peering up to me only as she did, she closed her eyes once again and nuzzled against my arm.
"Come on Cadance, it almost time for dinner. Mom's not going to be happy if we miss dinner again." I told her as she began to stir.
"And I was so comfortable too." She muttered out.
"Glad to know I make a good pillow." I told her as she got off me and I stood up stretching my arms and legs, "Need a hand?" I asked her as she laughed at my humor. But lifted her hoof to my hand and I helped her up as she gave her body a quick shake.
"Ok, I'm up." She said looking up towards the sky, "We really did sleep the day away huh?" She asked me and I just nodded.
"Yeah, but will Fall coming around this might have been the last chance to enjoy laying in the sun." I said and she couldn't help but agree with me.
I helped gather her things before I took the basket into my hand, "My, what a gentlecolt." She teased me giving this sly grin.
I just snorted at her, "Well, I was raised to respect the mares around me." I said as Mom gave me many talks about respect to the opposite sex, even if they were ponies.
But Cadance just giggled as she lifted a hoof to my and started to drag me behind her.
"Come on, don't want to keep Aunty waiting now do we?" She as I just smiled at her and started to match the pace she was moving at.
We shared a good laugh until we made it to the dining hall and were greeted by Mom who was just getting there herself.
She looked at the two of us before her eyes looked down as a smile worked its way across her face. We both looked down at what she was seeing and we were still holding each other. Hand in hoof.
We jumped away quickly embarrassed as we made our way to our seats.
Dinner went on as usually, we made talk about how things were going. And Mom reminded us that the new school year was going to begin. And I groaned making her and Cadance laugh at me.
And with dinner over, I went back to my room after saying goodnight to everypony. I was still tired despite the nap I took earlier.
I laid my head against the pillow and looked up the ceiling as I closed my eyes.
'Your time will in this world will come to an end soon.' I thought about that Alicorn's words once more, I didn't tell Mom about her when she found me in the old ruins that day. I wanted to, but I didn't.
What she told me, just before I lost consciousness. It really made me think.
"If my times almost up…I guess I'll have to make the most of what I have left." I told myself as I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
-2 Months Later-
School had started once again, and unlike last year. I only had one class with Cadance which I felt a bit sad when I found out but we still got to hang out during passing, or even at lunch. Heck, we lived in the same place so a little time away from each other wouldn't mean much.
But a few days ago, I heard this rumor that was going around.
Something about Cadance and Shining, I knew Cadance wasn't popular, but Shining seemed to be a jock or something along the lines of one since he started playing Hoofball during this past summer. But it didn't make him any less of a bro to me. Which I was glad to hear.
But I felt something off about the rumor. Shining knew I liked Cadance, and was the one that actually encouraged me to tell her which I still haven't. He would joke with me about it saying that somepony would come and take her before I would tell her, and one time he joked saying that he just might. But quickly took it back as I was started to slowly drain his magic away. But it was just his way a poking at me, but this rumor was that they were dating and I couldn't help but think.
They had been seen together during the past few days, and it didn't help that I noticed Cadance had been avoiding me lately. We would walk to school together but and she would say a few things to me but that was it as she left to her class and I did to mine.
The bell rang and school was over with, I gathered my things and decided to go ahead and wait for Cadance at the school gates so we could go home.
Only while I was waiting, I felt a hoof tap me on the arm and I turned to see Shining there.
"Yo, what's up?" I asked him I held my fist out and he bumped his hoof against it.
"Cadance told me to relay a message to you. She said for you to go on ahead without her. She has something's to do before she leaves." He told me.
I thought it was strange that she couldn't just tell me that herself but I guess something's can't be helped.
"Alright are you heading to training?" I asked him and he shook his head.
"I got some free time before training starts so I'm just going to relax around for a bit." He told me.
I nodded, "Alright, I catch ya later Shining." I told him and he headed back into the school while I started to head back to the castle.
When I was about a quarter of the way there, I realized I left my notepad in my locker. So I had to head back. I didn't want to, but there was going to be an exam tomorrow for Advance Magic's and I didn't want to fail at something I grew to love having. So I turned around and started heading back.
When I made it the school, there were some ponies still lingering around. Not anypony I knew thou. So I headed straight for my locker and got my notepad, placed it in my pack as I closed the door before I started down the hall.
But when I was going to turn the corner, I noticed two mares heading my way.
"Did you see them?" One said.
"Yeah in the courtyard, Shining and that one mare Cadance are together again just like Bloom said. Do you think their dating each other?" The other said as they passed me.
"I don't know, but they seem close from the looks of it." The first one said as they turned the corner and left me there.
So Shining is with Cadance right now? I thought she had something to do thou? I shook my head, she wouldn't lie to me, and use Shining to lie for her. It wasn't like her.
Deciding against my better judgment to leave them alone, I headed over to the courtyard and sure enough. There on of the benches was Shining and Cadance.
They looked as if they were talking about something, but I couldn't hear from where I was.
But then I saw it, Shining lifted his hoof and stretched it over and around Cadance's neck. And to make matters worse, Cadance leaned against him like she would do with me.
I felt pain in my chest as I watched them stay like that for a while.
"So it's true then." I said quietly to myself as I laughed a bit, the rumors were true after all.
I didn't want to look at them anymore, but as I was going to turn away, they looked over their shoulders and saw me looking at them. I made eye contact with Cadance but I quickly turned around and started walking away and when I heard.
"Jake?" I stopped in mid-step as looked over my shoulder and Shining was there looking at me, "I thought you went home already Jake?" He said as I looked next to him to see Cadance who was blushing up a storm as she didn't even make eye contact with me.
"Oh right, I forgot my notepad in my locker so I came back for it." I said giving them a dry laugh as I looked at the two before turning my back to them, "I…I think I should go." I said as I started walking away.
"Jake, wait!" I heard Cadance shout to me as her hoof grabbed my arm.
Only I pulled it out of her hold, turning to look at her. And she was giving me a worried look and I knew why. I was crying. I had tears coming down my cheeks.
"What's this?" I said laughing a bit as I tried to wipe them away but they didn't seem to stop.
"Jake, what's the matter?" She asked me, her face still red as I noticed this gleam in her eyes as she reach for me once more, but I stepped away from her reach.
"Stop," I told her as she did as I said and just looked at me, "I need to go." I said as I turned around started walking away and before she could finish calling my name. I had teleported back inside my room at the castle.
I stood there looking at the ground as I let my pack fall of me and I went over to my bed and fell right on it not changing out of my clothes and closed my eyes as I felt the pain in my chest again.
*Knock, knock*
"Jake? Jake are you in there." I heard a voice call from the other side of the door. It was Mom's voice.
"Yes." I replied to her as I heard the door opening.
"I'm coming in Jake." She said opening the door and closing it behind her.
I looked up from the bed and she gave me this look one that meant she knew something was troubling me.
"Do I have to ask?" She said to me as I sighed and rested my head against my pillow as she walked over and climbed onto my bed.
"There has been a rumor going around the school lately about Cadance," I said which peeked her interest, "And Shining Armor…dating." I said the last part a bit low but she heard me just fine.
She looked at me and just smiled why I didn't know, "And do you have any proof that the rumors are true?" She asked me and I nodded my head.
"Just before I had Teleported home, I saw heard two mares talking about how they were in the schools courtyard. So I went to see if it was true and sure enough they were there and Shining had his hoof over her shoulder and Cadance was leaning against him. I…" I buried my head into my pillow. "I tried to leave but they noticed me and tried to talk to be but I just wanted to leave." I told her and she nodded her head as she spread her wing out and wrapped it around me.
"Were you jealous of them?" She asked me and I was hesitant but I nodded my head, "Because you by chance like Cadance?" She said and I sighed and nodded my head again, "And I am sure that you told Shining that you liked her correct?" Once more I nodded my head, "Then I believe you have nothing to fear Jake especially a rumor the likes of this one." She told me and I lifted my head to her.
"What do you mean?" I asked her and she just rolled her eyes.
"Come now Jake do I really have to spell it out for you." She asked me before she shook her head, "My dear child, you need not be jealous of Shining Armor because Cadance doesn't think of him in that way." She told me which made me confused.
"But I saw them?" I said to her and she just gave me a soft laugh as she leaned down and kissed me on my forehead.
"My dear Jake, allow me to let you in on a little secret. When a mare reaches a certain age, they begin to have these urges. You do know what I am referring to as you have taken Health and Safety in school already correct?" She asked me.
Only I looked down a bit ashamed, "I kind of fell asleep through some of the lesson." I told Mom as she shook her head.
"What am I going to do with you?" She told me as she shook her head, but she did so with a smile on her face, "Jake, I'm sure you heard of something called Mating Season no?" She asked me and I nodded, "Then you are aware of the urges that a mare will feel when they start going into heat. And how they feel towards somepony they like." She asked me. I knew this of course but did that mean.
"So what you mean to tell me is that Cadance is in…" I blushed as I stopped myself at the realization of what was going on, what was really going on.
Mom smiled and nodded her head, "Yes she is. And that would mean." Mom gave me this look as if hinting something.
I thought for a moment, if Cadance really was in those urges, and Mom said she doesn't think of Shining in that way then…
My eyes shot wide open as Mom just smiled at me, "It would seem you finally get what I was trying to tell you all along Jake." She said to me but I was still going over what she told me.
But I stopped and shook my head, "What so that means she's been avoiding me the past few days because she's worried that-" "When a mare is in heat Jake. They tend to do things they normally wouldn't. And it is the reason she has been avoiding you and she told me about his when she first noticed that she was going into it." She cut me off and finished what I was too embarrassed to say.
But then I also realized that I left them on a bad note, "I need to apologize to her." I told Mom, and she nodded to me.
"I believe that would be best. But," She stopped and smiled at me, "Don't go making me a Grandmother just yet Jake." She said with a bit of a laugh as I felt my face burning red and my head overloading at the thought.
"Mom!" I shouted at her as she just continued to laugh as she placed a hoof on my head and shuffled my hair around.
"Forgive me, I couldn't resist. I find it entertaining poking at the both of you." She told me, "But if you do go and speak with her. Just be mindful that she is trying to resist her urges whenever you are near her. And that alone is something that most mares have trouble doing."
I nodded to her and when I thought about it, I had hit puberty nearly two years ago just before I came to Equestria. But it was much different for Mares and Colts here. And in a way I should have remembered that. If I did, I wouldn't have acted like that.
But the dial has already been turned and I have to finish what I started.
Mom left my room giving me a little bit of encouragement as I learned that Cadance likes me.
I waited and thought about what I was going to ask her, what I was going to say to her.
Dinner came and went, and she wasn't there. But she was in her room from what I was told. I took the food that was made for her and took it to her door and stopped.
'It's now or never.' I thought to myself as balanced the tray in one hand and knocked on the door with the other.
"Yes?" I heard Cadance call from inside.
"Cadance, it's me Jake. I brought your dinner for you." I said as I heard her moving things around inside before her hoof-steps came to the other side of the door and she opened it.
I saw her peeking through it as I stood there and gave her a halfhearted smile, "Um, hey. Can I come in?" I asked her and for a moment I saw her eyes look away before she opened the door to and step aside.
"Come on in." She said as I walked in and couldn't help but notice the blush on her face as she refused to look at me.
"Here, it's your favorite." I said placing the tray down on the table as she still refused to look directly at me.
She stood off to the side, her eyes looked at everything else but me.
"Um, Cadance?" I called to her as I saw her ears twitch slightly.
"Yes?"
I sighed before I looked down at my hands, "I wanted to say sorry about how I acted earlier today, it was foolish of me to get upset like that." I told her and was silent.
"It's ok. I forgive you, but why were you upset? That is, If you don't mind me asking?" She asked me.
I thought about it for a moment, "There was a rumor going around about you and Shining."
She gave me a puzzled look, "What was the rumor about?"
I rubbed the back of my neck and looked away from for a bit embarrassed, "Yeah um, it was about how you two were supposedly...well it was that the two of you were kind of," I gulped and just said it, "That you two were dating." I finally said getting it out as Cadance gasped.
"But Shining and I aren't dating! Shining isn't the colt that I li-!" She stop right there as I looked to her and I just happened to meet eyes hers widened as a blush rapidly appeared on her face and it grew more and more and then I suddenly saw her wings shot out stiff as she froze in place as I think I saw steam coming off of her face before the next thing I knew she was about to fall to the ground but I caught her in my magic.
"Cadance!" I rushed over to her side and took hold of her then I checked to make sure she was alright, and I gave a sigh of relief when I found that she had just fainted is all.
I looked down at Cadance and couldn't help but wonder, 'Was she going to tell me that she liked me?' I thought but I quickly shook my head. But I knew she did since Mom pretty much advertised it to me, but I wanted to hear it from Cadance herself just to make sure it was true.
But I guess she wasn't ready to tell me just yet.
I gently picked her up and carried her over to her bed and tucked her in placing her on her side and tucking her wings back against her so she wouldn't get hurt if she turned. But as I covered her with her blanket, her wings popped back out stiff once more.
And I couldn't help but laugh a bit at what Shining told me once, 'Wing boner. That's a first.' I thought as I just covered her once more and walked over to her door.
Opening it and walking outside, I took one last peek at Cadance sleeping in the bed.
'One day I will tell her how I really fell, and maybe just maybe.' I couldn't help but feel a smile working its way across my face as I closed the door.
-TBC
Dang that was a long one to write. My internet was shut off this past week so I took to writing another long chapter. And as I'm sure you noticed in the Last Chapter, I sorta rushed in posting it and forgot to proofread it which is the first thing you should do after you finish writing a chapter so as soon as this one is posted which it should be if you're reading this. I shall fix the mistakes in the last chapter! So thanks for stopping by and now Next time on Shatters of a Reflection!
"Jake had taken it one day at a time. And now 2 years later he finds himself being more open with Cadance as they have yet to express their true feelings to each other yet it doesn't stop them from being a bit flirty now. But Jake finds himself at a crossroads of sorts as he must face one of the most difficult things he has come to face since he arrived in Equestria, Prom night. How will things turn out for him as he finally takes that next step, but what's this? The night before Prom he finds himself standing in familiar ruins and in front of him… Chapter 16: Homecoming