My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

31. Chapter 31: Sisterhooves Social

Chapter 31: Sisterhooves Social

Ponyville, as it lived and breath on another bright and shining day. A time for fun, games, and peace among the fellow pony, not to mention beautiful moments with family. That sight was becoming apparent as Shadow Swirl was now strolling around on this bright and bountiful morning. As she made her way through town, after being invited to the Ponyville boutique. She could not help but notice that the families of Ponyville were together in high spirit through town.

The children were playing with their parents and older siblings like they were going on a picnic. Especially the young ones that were accompanied by their older siblings. This was making Shadow a bit solemn, but joyful inside as well, once memories of her younger sibling came to mind. She discretely reached into the collar of her robe and pulled out the locket. Clicking it open to look at the picture of her and her brother Dusty, long before his tragic end.

However, she did not have long to be going back to the past in her mind. She had a meeting with Rarity, after the fashionable unicorn had responded to a message of Shadow's. Her intentions seemed revolved around the one outfit she wore, but with an important event occuring tomorrow, she needed some new outfits. After hearing the request, Rarity certainly wanted to make sure Shadow is not stuck wearing only one piece of attire all the time. Shadow had her doubts about what Rarity could offer, but Orion was there to push her into giving it a try.

So she put her locket away, and continued through the town after a big sigh. Finally, she happened upon the boutique, it seemed to be quite an easy place to find considering how it looks. It's fancy purple and pink vineyard styled exterior stood out almost as much as Sugar Cube Corner. Especially with the fact that Rarity was quickly waving and fanning out black smoke. That had then suddenly alerted Shadow, dark smoke meant fire, and fire in a boutique was disastrous for such a business.

Almost immediately, the dark mare bolted as fast as she could to the boutique. Only to dig her boots deep into the dirt to stop herself, as she came up upon two older looking ponies. The two appeared to be a couple, and both of them appeared to be preparing to go on vacation. Thankfully, Shadow was able to stop herself as she grind to a halt, digging a great mound of dirt before herself. A small bit of the dirt mound flung from the pile and landed on the purple maned mare's shoulder, gaining her attention.

"Oh gosh… Wonder where this small bit of dirt came from. It's like dirt's growing legs or something,"The mare wondered and brushed the dirt off before she took notice of Shadow Swirl right behind her,"Oh…! Sorry about that. Are you one of Rarity's fine customers?"

"You could say that. I'm here to get measured and hopefully recieve a dress or something,"Shadow kindly greeted while her shadow locked onto the couple and instantly flooded her head with knowledge on the ponies,"Ah, you two must be Rarity and Sweetie Belles parents. Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flank."

"Oh gee…! I didn't know Rarity was talking about us. She doesn't normally gossip much about us,"Cookie Crumbles found herself enthralled by the sudden knowledge the dark mare had on them,"That's gotta be quite the intuition you got there to learn about us."

"You might say that…"Shadow slyly responded while Hondo knocked on the door.

"Rarity! It's your mom and dad! You in there?"The stallion called and knocked on the door till there was finally an answer.

Suddenly, the door slowly opened, and young Sweetie Belle poked her head out. Allowing her to see her parents and the special guest invited by Rarity herself. The filly was elated, her eyes sparkled with excitement as she through open the door and rushed to her parents.

"Mom! Dad! I snuck in and just made some breakfast before your big vacation,"Sweetie Belle greeted and jumped for her parents to embrace a family hug,"Rarity is just inside cleaning up a bit if you're looking for her!"

"Well thank you very much there Sweetie Belle. We just need to go over some request for her while we're gone,"Hondo informed before gesturing to the patient Shadow Swirl right behind,"When she's done. Rarity has a customer here. Seems like that girl is always busy."

The two parents went inside gradually, following the smell of breakfast. Shadow was slow to enter as well from a stroke of curiosity to learn about the family of Rarity and Sweetie Belle. She barely made it through the door before Sweetie Belle was already circling around the mare of darkness. For she was now able to recognize Shadow as the savior from the dark void of Discord.

"I know you! You're the mare that freed us from that Discord guy's void. You're the dark magic warrior,"Sweetie excitedly exclaimed what she had learned about Shadow from Orion,"It's very cool that you came to live in town. Some of the kids still talk about you at my school."

"I know… But it was your friend Apple Bloom and Orion that did the hard work. I just lowered the void."Shadow kindly passed more of the credit off on Apple Boom and the prince.

"But you helped too…! And you can actually make dark magic do good things for the world!"Sweetie exclaimed again, her excitable side was becoming more apparent to Shadow.

'It's just…what we do, child. Such praise is not necessary for the line of work we do."Shadow insisted while patiently sitting down to wait for Rarity to be ready for her.

"Oh… Ok…! So…what do think was going on with Apple Bloom back there? Other then some super amazing powers!"Sweetie showed herself to be a more open and ambitious pony as well, something that set her and Rarity apart.

"I don't know for certain. But she's special… Perhaps in our way,"Shadow felt a peculiar feeling towards the immense strength hidden within Apple Bloom,"Don't be too excited, the world as it stands today has no need for new recruits to the warrior's. The most that could happen is that we'll request to help your friend learn full control over her gift…"

"I didn't know super powers could be considered a gift?"Sweetie assumed while Shadow only chuckled at the naive nature of a child.

"They can…! So long as they're used for the right cause. A gift is never to be abused for any reason."Shadow decided to share a small lesson about the abilities one is born with or given.

"You really think Apple Bloom couldn't be like one of you in some way?"Sweetie asked as Shadow closed her eyes to know the proper answer to that.

"None of you want to be like one of us…."She responded just in time for Rarity and her parents to exit the kitchen, and into the boutique area.

"We really appreciate this, Rarity. Sweetie Belle has been desperate to spend quality time with you."The mother of the family made her peace about the girls spending time together.

"And make sure to save some of that breakfast she made. Loved the orange juice!"The father said while oddly eating a piece of charred hay bacon.

"Of course mother… Father… And one more time. You mean seven days when you say a week?"Rarity asked as the parents looked to each other with a bit of confusion.

"Yes Rarity…? We thought you understood that the first three times?"Cookie thought as Rarity only chuckled nervously, not looking the least bit confident to be watching over her sister.

"Oh yes…! Of course, mother and father! I must have had a slight miscommunication,"Rarity made a more than noticeable excuse before she had spotted Shadow Swirl waiting for her,"Ah! Shadow Swirl! You came early, darling! So sorry for the delay. Just had to say hello to the folks and take my sister off their hooves…!"

"Oh, it's alright. Family does come first after all. You can never turn your back to-"Shadow was silenced with a hoof over her mouth while Rarity went about getting her folks on their way.

"I'll get Sweetie settled in while I help get this one measured out for some special garbs…!"Rarity instilled her plan of showing off a busy schedule to get her parents going.

"Oh gee. I suppose we better go. It's looking to be a very busy week for Rarity."The mother fell for it and passed on the thought to her husband.

"Yeah… So! We'll just be on our way. You two adorable ladies have fun while we're gone,"The father decided to offer some sweet talk as they slowly made their way to the door,"Please be sure to get along, and have fun with each other. It's been a while since you both spent some real quality time."

"of course, father. Ta ta…! Enjoy your vacation!"Rarity chirped and waved off her parents as they finally left the building for their vacation.

She waited until the parents had finally shut the door behind them. Leaving Rarity to sigh with relief, before Shadow finally grew irritated by the sudden secrecy, including a hoof over her mouth. So with a swift grip and a twist that buckled Rarity's hoof and upper forearm. She got Rarity to fall to her belly while her forearm was tightly pinned against her back. She let out a yelp before Shadow finally released her, allowing the fashionista to collect herself, leaving Shadow with questions.

"What was all that about? You acted like you weren't the least bit comfortable around your parents,"Shadow felt the need to comment on Rarity's odd behavior towards her family,"They both seemed like endearing and fun loving ponies…!"

"Well…! You could say that they can be a BIT embarrassing. Sorry for the sudden actions. I suppose I deserved that,"Rarity rubbed her forearm and sighed before explaining herself,"And this is the first week of the summer. Ponies are going to be crazy for swim suits all through the summer!"

"You could have said no to my request if you were going to be so busy. I don't want to make more work for you."Shadow asked a interesting question behind Rarity's invitation on a busy week.

"Non sense! You have been wearing nothing but those garments since you moved here,"Rarity exclaimed her concern for Shadow wearing only one set of clothes on her body,"You may be a warrior, but you got all the potential beauty of a lady! I must measure you and craft some fine garments to match who you are…!"

"Rarity, I don't just wear these clothes because they're my only means of clothing,"Shadow sighed and needed to clarify herself a bit to this fashionable mare,"These clothes are a remnants to my past, and they're all that I have to remember my-"

"Rarity! Aren't you gonna have YOUR share of breakfast in here?!"Sweetie Belle noticed some breakfast still around, and recalled that Rarity had yet to eat anything.

"Uh…pardon me for a moment. Well now, Sweetie Belle. I appreciate the gesture,"Rarity put a pin on the conversation she was having with Shadow and rushed into the kitchen with Sweetie Belle,"But we simply can't eat this breakfast. It's burnt!"

"It's not THAT burnt!"Sweetie Belle showed skepticism in her sister's idea of burnt food.

The relationship between Rarity and Sweetie Belle was starting to become more apparent. Sweetie was open minded, ambitious, and likes to try and do whatever she could for others. While Rarity may have been an element of harmony, she was more independent, her mind was more narrow. Whatever was not up to her complex standards would immediately get shut out. And as Shadow patiently waited and saw the sister's operate together, it was looking like Sweetie was such a thing.

After failing to garnish and wash the plates in the kitchen, Sweetie exited the kitchen. Letting a piece of the plate fell out of her mane, Rarity pointed from the kitchen to the laundry room. Where Sweetie was now going with towels on her back to put in the washer to clean. They appeared to be less than amused with each other, which was proving a bit worrisome for Shadow to be watching. Sweetie had a bit of defeat in her look as she disappeared into the laundry room to do the towels.

Thirty moments later, Shadow appeared to be coming down from the awkward moment. She hoped for no further drama, but her hopes were crushed as Rarity exited the kitchen. And once she had entered the laundry room to check on Sweetie Belle, the drama had then unfolded.

"I told you I's make myself useful…! Surprised?"Sweetie asked from within the room to a dramatically displeased Rarity.

"Am I? You washed my one of a kind designer crocheted wool sweater,"Rarity's upset exclaim worried Shadow as she peeked in to see the argument," Do you know how hard these things are to come by?!"

"What's the big deal?"Sweetie asked, completely unaware of the hidden problem.

"The big deal is that in the heat of the sun, wool… Shrinks…!"Rarity explained as her sweater did just that in her hooves.

"Oh… Sorry…!"Sweetie tried to apologize.

"Nnngh! Well, back to work! I must create."Rarity strained to contain her anger and frustration for Sweetie.

"Sorry?"Sweetie worried about how bad she appeared to have messed up.

"Huh…! Stay out of trouble, please?"Rarity begged before she was finally leaving the laundry room and able to finally work with Shadow Swirl.

"I just wanted to do something nice for my sister…"Sweetie sighed while slowly exiting the laundry room.

"Now then! We can finally get to work, Ms Shadow Swirl. Care to stand up for a moment,"Rarity asked nicely as the warrior stood up to prepare for the measurements,"And care if I take off the robe and boots. They'll be right on the chair. I promise nothing will happen to them."

After saying that, Rarity shot a look of disapproval and warning to Sweetie. Shadow was willing to disrobe, but now she couldn't help but feel a burning scorn for how Rarity was treating her sister. She was slow to undo the straps and buttons to her robe before letting it fall back on the chair. Unveiling her slender purple body that appeared a bit sweaty from past over use of the robe. She easily slipped her hooves out of her boots, kicking them behind her while not taking her eyes off Rarity.

"Excellent…! And might I say. I don't run in to many mares of your body type."Rarity clarified her interest in the shape Shadow was in while studying the legs.

"I can't imagine..."Shadow responded blankly while seeing Sweetie walking towards the stairs in defeat.

It was pulling at Shadow's heart to see a child feel like a burden to an older sibling. She couldn't stand to see such a distraught child, and she could feel her urge to help screaming at her. So as Rarity measured her tail and flank, Shadow saw her opportunity to sneak some paper off a shelf. The shadows she summoned coiled around the paper and yank it down to the floor. Like a snail carrying in it's shell, the paper was dragged across the floor as fast as it could.

Until she manage to move the papers under Sweetie Belle and drop them in front of Sweetie. Where she then discovered the papers before her, along with some crayons the shadows spat out at the last moment. Leaving Sweetie Belle with a new idea to occupy her time while Rarity worked.

"I guess I never got in trouble for drawing…!"Sweetie thought and came up with an idea for some real creative drawing.

While Sweetie Belle went over to a secluded spot to draw and make some art. Rarity had just finished all the measurements around Shadow's neck and back. As she drew in Shadow's slightly different body tone and shape, strong, slender, but her curves masked her muscle definition. Rarity already had some padded outfit with a skirt for flare, as well as some simple, but stylish dresses. However her outfit designs made her wanna feel sick if they were to be purple and black.

"Hmmm…. Perhaps a light magenta may work, but I'm thinking blue would be a stylish and strong look for you,"Rarity thought as she went over the designs and thought of colors that went well with Shadow and the garments,"Yes…! Magenta, and blue, maybe ocean blue…! Oh! May extremely rare baby blue sapphires! Those would look wonderful with the dresses!"

"Um… If you feel that's what's most important, I suppose that could work, I just need a dress of any sorts for tomorrow,"Shadow didn't care too much for her outfits and dresses after seeing how Rarity was with her sister,"Don't you think you were being too hard on Sweetie? She was only trying to help her big sister."

"Well the only help Sweetie Belle can offer will completely interrupt my work around here,"Rarity retorted her resentment of her sister's helpful but seemingly misguided desires,"I just wish she wouldn't cause so much trouble, and think more clearly about what she does."

"Well that's what an older sibling is suppose to help the younger one with,"Shadow argued with the unicorn on what it meant to be siblings,"She can't just know everything and understand how you operate…! She has her own mind that just needs guidance. YOUR guidance."

"Hold on…! I have to go retrieve the sapphires, and then I will get started on the dresses…!"Rarity decided to defuse and simply move away to find some gems and put a pin on the conversation.

This at least gave Shadow a chance to let out some steam from the workaholic. She was finding it hard to believe there was a pony this complex that would put work before her family. Suddenly, the quick thought was interrupted by what she could easily tell was another burst of drama.

"Hi, Rarity! I made a special drawing for yo-"Sweetie was just finishing her drawing and ready to show it to her sister.

"Oh no! Did you use these gems?!"Rarity interrupted as her sister presented her drawings to Rarity.

"Well, yes, but I know you have more in your work room."Sweetie thought she had stayed out of the way, but it was clear that she wasn't, no matter what she did.

"But these are extremely rare baby blue sapphires! I need them for Shadow Swirl's dresses and outfits!"Rarity exclaimed while Shadow sighed for the moment they exited the room with the drawings.

"Sorry…!"Sweetie Belle tried to apologize for the inconvenience.

"Sweetie Belle… What am I going to do with you…?!"Rarity wondered and groaned with stress for her little sister.

"Oh! We could paint together! Or we could ride bikes! Play chess, sing a song, catch frogs, pillow fight!"Sweetie went down the list of things that they could do together as sisters.

"That's not what I meant…!"Rarity argued as she sighed and looked to what sapphires she had left.

"Oh…"That was Sweetie's only response.

"Now I have to go and find more of these gems…!"Rarity stressed at what came next for her to do.

"Oh! I'll go with you and help!"Sweetie suggested a way she could make it up to Rarity, but was quickly shot down.

"No! No thank you. You can help by picking up these papers and stacking them, NEATLY,"Rarity was quick to negate Sweetie's offer by handing her some papers, pens and pencils to put away,"Put the pens and pencils back exactly where you found them, and please find something to do that doesn't create a large mess for me to clean up!"

Geez louise…! Can't I do anything right?"Sweetie waited to get hard on herself when Rarity had departed on a journey to find more sapphires.

"You can, child… You are a special young filly with a big heart,"Shadow manage to stop Sweetie as she went to exit the main room and move into the inspiration room,"I honestly can't say the same for your sister. It deeply shocks me to see how she thinks so little of family…"

"Thanks… I just wanna have fun with my sister…!"Sweetie Belle said before walking out of one room and into another where a new idea came to mind.

"I know…"Shadow quietly responded and went back to waiting patiently for Rarity.

After what felt like almost an hour, Rarity had finally returned from her trip. A bucket of rare baby blue sapphires were on her back, and she was cautious not to go to fast. For she didn't want the gems to spill or get any damage on them, damage on gems was gravely horrific to look at. With the gems at her side, Rarity was ready to get started on the dress and outfits. First she needed to check up on her client, who was waiting patiently, but did not appear the least bit amused with Rarity.

"Sorry for yet another delay. I don't understand my sister's instinct for trouble,"Rarity groaned as she set walked pass Shadow Swirl to go into the inspiration room,"I will get to you right away! There will be no more distractions to stop me from making you shine through town…!"

"The outfits are officially the least of my concern to be honest…"Shadow admitted her displeasure with how this trip to the boutique has turned out so far.

"Sweetie Belle, I'm back! Sweetie Belle?"Rarity called out to her sister upon entry to the next room to get a great gasping surprise.

"Surprise!"Sweetie Belle shouted out as Shadow stretched out her shadow imbued neck to see what was happening now.

"My…ee…bleh…! My inspiration room! What did you do? What did you do?!"Rarity rapidly exclaimed with shock at Sweetie's actions to her inspiration room.

"When I saw the big mess in your room, I thought I would clean it up for you…!"Sweetie explained to an irritated and mentally snapped Rarity.

"This wasn't a mess…! It was organized chaos! I was just about finished planning my new fashion line,"Rarity exclaimed while Sweetie's face of hope to please her sister faded away,"And, and, you… you…went and… And you…! And you…put everything away!"

"But every time I make a mess, you get upset!"Sweetie exclaimed in confusion for her sister's outrage.

"But this was MY mess in MY house! And now I have to start from scratch!"Rarity dramatically groaned and grieved for her apparent set back.

"But I thought this would make you happy…"Sweetie finally appeared to be giving up on trying to bond with her sister.

"Happy…?! Happy?! I,"Rarity seethed and gritted her teeth to bottle up her anger momentarily,"I need to be left alone…! Hm!"

Shadow Swirl almost felt as shattered by such a shunning sight as Sweetie was. As the filly finally left the room in shame and slowly walked all the way to the door to leave for a bit. Her walk of shame did not settle well with Shadow, and the moment Sweetie had left the room. Shadow was done holding her tongue and outrage from the dysfunctions between the sisters. The moment Rarity entered sewing in some threads, Shadow got off her chair and approached Rarity with some choice words.

"I am truly sorry for the inconvenience. There's going to be another delay Shadow,"Rarity apologized for how slow her work with outfits was going to be,"I promise it won't take too long, I just have to fi-"

Shadow responded by suddenly slapping the threads out of Rarity's hooves. Her fur went pitch black and her eyes went red while Rarity was feeling a chill in her spine.

"Of all the ponies I've come to know, I've gotten to know a lot of scummy ponies before casting them into the darkest pits,"Shadow decided to go on a big rant about the behavior she witnessed today,"But I have honestly never seen a big sister shun her little sister and kick her out just because she was desperate to bond with her big sister!"

"I'm…sorry? Oh, I know that seemed bad, but you simply must understand my sister,"Rarity begged and tried to insist that the trouble in the relationship was all on Sweetie Belle,"My sister is quite the complicated mess…! She does not understand that I need to have complete focus on my work-"

"If you really think that it's all her fault, and you value work more than your family. Then you certainly have a lot to learn,"Shadow Swirl turned around in a huff and slowly came down from her partial change,"You can just deliver the clothes to the library for all I care, but I'm not staying in this place any longer with a pony who treats her sister like a tiny menace!"

"Wait! Please, just a moment! I may need to make a few adjustments and measurements!"Rarity called out, but Shadow had already stormed out and slammed the door behind her.

Once she was finally out of the building, Shadow was able to let out her steam. It all came out in a growl. She was almost ready to start sweating with the stress Rarity brought out of her. She stormed off, wanting to search around and catch up with Sweetie Belle to check on her. However something else had just hit her, there was another event on her schedule to keep on track. It involved prepping for a sleep over with Applejack, and the always curious Apple Bloom.

"To think there's ponies like that out there…! To think they would neglect what it means to have a baby sibling,"Shadow's skin physically crawled and bubbled to restrain her irritated demon within,"I knew there was a reason I wanted to spend the day with Apple Bloom and her sister. I need to be around a less irritable family right now…!"

Shadow decided on her next move, first go back to the library for some reading and a shower, then head off towards Sweet Apple Acres. Only to freeze in place once her mind had suddenly warned that she had forgotten something in the heat of conversation. It clicked for her once she looked down, noticing she was bearing an exposed body and hooves. She sighed, realizing that she forgot her robe and horse shoes in the boutique. Now she needed to go back in, deal with Rarity, and calmly retrieve her garments once again.

"Shut up! I forgot my clothes!"Shadow yelled upon entry before getting her clothes back quickly before leaving again.

---

At last she was slowly getting out of the town, and her head was finally cooling down. The dark queen walked casually and peacefully upon the dirt road towards the Apple farm. Where she was able to indulge in a fun over night activity with two strong ponies from a comrade's former family. One of which she now knew held a great power within herself that summons immeasurable strength. She had to see how far Apple Bloom's strength could go as she grew up normal like.

Upon her arrival to the farm, the blissful serenity hit her almost immediately. The smell of the natural land along with the sweet crisp apples growing in the orchards was a refreshing scent. The barn appeared to be opened up, and that meant that there was work being done in it. She looked to the cute little farm house, where she could just barely see Granny Smith napping away on the porch. This farm property seemed up to code and a fun place for a family of hard working ponies to live.

Suddenly, in the distance, she could see Applejack and Apple Bloom in a field of apples. They were a treat to see, especially when they were together as smiling and happy sisters. The very sight of what siblings should be to each other, happy and working together. It beckoned the dark mare to approach and perhaps even assist them with their current chore. Which appeared to be picking up battered and bruised apples, making room for ripe ones to fall from the trees.

She decided to go about her arrival by assisting them with the chore. As her shadows sprouted from under the trees that cast shadows all around them, giving the Apple sisters a small shock. Thankfully the shadow tendrils showed their friendly side by getting to work and collecting apples. They raked in the old apples by the dozens like clock work, there was barely a struggle. As the dark tentacles dropped all the apples in the medium and small buckets the sisters had on their backs.

"Need a hoof or twelve over there ladies?"Shadow called out upon her approach to the Apple sisters.

"Well the help is always appreciated, it could be one or a hundred if you like?"Applejack greeted with a joke to compliment Shadow's greeting.

"So what are you two fine apples up to today? It looks like bad apple collecting."Shadow investigated what their activity appeared to be from the looks of it.

"That's exactly what we're doing. We can't sell bruised apples. So we collect and crush them into food for the pigs!"Apple Bloom replied and explained the means of collecting the bad and battered apples.

"You don't mind me joining in do you? I need a little distraction from today,"Shadow decided Applejack was more than the perfect pony to let out some steam to,"I've had a bit of a heated run in with that one friend of yours, Rarity."

"Oh boy… What did little Ms prissy priss do this time?"Applejack offered an apple to her sister to eat as they talked and worked.

"I go there to get measured and fitted for some new clothes, and I'm forced to watch as she constantly berates and shuts down Sweetie Belle,"Shadow let out her old irritation from the encounter at the boutique,"All she tried to do is help and bond with her sister. And Rarity just shut her out like she was a trouble making stranger…!"

"Ooh… That sounds a little bit like Rarity, but I never pictured her to be that kind of pony."Applejack showed a bit of understanding and a bit of skepticism.

"You kidding, that sounds like a normal day from what Sweetie talks about in school...!"Apple Bloom shed some personal light on the subject.

"I felt horrible for Sweetie Belle. Rarity is her older sister, and she should be there to guide Sweetie towards a better life,"Shadow professed her opinion on what it meant to be an older sibling,"How could one survive with some pony so self centered and soaked up in work, rather than her family?"

"Rarity is just a complicated type of pony, but she means well. She ain't all bad."Applejack was still willing to give Rarity the benefit of the doubt.

"Sorry if I find that hard to believe, especially after what I witnessed between those two…"Shadow was a bit riled up as she nearly started swinging and slamming apples into the buckets.

"Dang… You act as if you've had some experience yourself in handling a little sibling."Applejack took notice of Shadow's heart felt opinion about what makes a good older sibling.

"Well… I did…! At one point. But…that's a story for another time."Shadow did not want to dive into her past, not while she was working on positive things with the two Apples.

"I got a fun sorry to tell if that will help lighten the mood a bit,"Apple Bloom offered an interesting story to tell before she then noticed some pony in the distance,"So it was all raining and the barn was sink-… Hey! Sweetie Belle's back!"

The mares derailed from their interest in Apple Bloom's story to look on. As they all did in fact see Sweetie Belle arriving back through the orchards to hang out with Apple Bloom. However a closer inspection warned that Sweetie looked less than happy, she looked almost furious. If it was what Shadow thought it was, she knew this was going to be a long day for her and the filly. So she took a deep breath, and immediately put on her brave and motherly like attitude for kids.

"You look… Upset. Did something else happen with your sister?"Shadow asked as Sweetie gave out a heated sigh of anger that showed signs of stress from a fight.

"She said we couldn't go…!"Sweetie belle spat out some of her anger.

"You can't go to the Sisterhooves Social?"Applejack and Apple Bloom questioned, speaking of an event coming up in front of the oblivious Shadow.

"No…! She said it was…uncouth…!"Sweetie ranted of her sister's disinterest in the apparent event.

"Uncouth? She thinks the Sisterhooves Social is uncouth?"Applejack asked while her sister casually knocked down and apple to eat from a tree.

"Yeah! Uncouth,"Apple Bloom explained well belching from one bite of an apple,"Uh… What's uncouth?"

"It's not just the social. She thinks I'M uncouth…!"Sweetie Belle added to her rant about Rarity's opinions.

"Honey, Rarity thinks everything is uncouth."Applejack explained a little secret that wasn't much of a secret about Rarity.

"What's uncouth?"Apple Bloom asked while munching and crunching on an apple.

"It means to have no manners, no cleanliness or civil behavior."Shadow explained the definition of uncouth while containing her anger for Rarity.

"Exactly. Sweetie Belle, just give Rarity some time. She'll come around. Sisters always do."Applejack continued playing the peace keeper when it came to Rarity.

"Not sisters like Rarity…!"Sweetie Belle didn't buy the idea that Rarity would change her thoughts.

"I'll be honest. I have little faith in ponies of Rarity's stature, but I can withhold judgment,"Shadow admitted that she still had doubts about Rarity's ability to change,"But enough about that, why don't you spend some time with us? Get away from home troubles for a bit?"

"Yeah! You could even help us finish up our chore for this here orchard."Applejack offered Sweetie Belle a place at their side, picking up bruised up apples.

"You sure you want me to help? I just mess everything up!"Sweetie worried that she was going to ruin their chores with how she works.

"Awe, come on now. That's stinking thinking. Look!"Applejack tried to fill Sweetie with some enthusiasm by giving her a taste of her and Apple Bloom's relationship.

This was demonstrated by Applejack kicking up and apple from the ground. Allowing Apple Bloom to jump, hop and run to catch the apple in her bucket like a basket ball game. Shadow even decided to get in on the action and collected a dozen apples to use for scoring some points. Her tendrils flung and tossed the apples into the bucket, Apple Bloom had the impressive moves to keep up with Shadow. Sweeping and jumping to collect the straight shots and bank shots.

The real impressive part of this game was how Apple Bloom could keep up with the whole game. Her moves and jumps for one thing, but she was able to stay at the peak of her physical potential. She never appeared to be getting tired or wavering as the game went on for five non stop moments. No breaks, no slowing down, just full skill and concentration to catch all the apples. Shadow needed to applaud Apple Bloom for her proficient skill and activity in this little game.

"Good catch there, Apple Bloom! Whoo!"Applejack cheered and shared a mixture of pride and laughter with her sister.

"That was a chore?"Sweetie Belle couldn't believe that a chore was turned into something fun.

"These apples are damaged and bruised. They can't sell them to the ponies in town, so they use them for pig food."Shadow explained the new found knowledge she collected from the two Apples.

"It's a lot of work, so we make a game of it, wanna try?"Apple Bloom asked and offered Sweetie a go with the bucket and the task of catching them.

Sweetie decided to give it a world, and place the bucket on her back to play. She prepared to go for the apples that Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Shadow tossed her way. Only for Sweetie to get a swift and rough pelting of apples at every turn, her moves were rusty and slow. She jumped, but she could not go high enough to catch the high flying apples or the ones that were over shot. So she simply gave up after tripping, and taking a small knock from an apple that fell from the tree.

"Ow! You're right, this is hard work…!"Sweetie admitted while putting the bucket down to rest her back.

"That's why we do it…"Apple Bloom and Applejack hugged before finishing the sentence together.

"Together!"They both exclaimed with pride and happiness to be sisters.

"Huh, Rarity never wants to do chores together."Sweetie thought as they all continued on with their day.

As they continued on, Shadow could not help but indulge in such a day. Rarity may have started it off sour, but now that she was seeing two siblings turning work into a day of fun. This felt like what she really needed, and it looked like Sweetie needed it as well after her sister issue. And so they embraced the experience together, going about the day helping the Apple sisters with their chores. After collecting the bruised up apples around the apple tree orchards, then came the next chore.

This chore involved a giant wooden vat of grapes and a whole lot of stomping. The siblings now had to make grape juice out of the bunches of grapes that filled the vat to the brim. Applejack had just finished filling the last wooden vat before they were ready to start getting crushed, and that's where Apple Bloom came in.

"Apple Bloom, you're up!"Applejack called to her sister.

Apple Bloom responded by hopping and skipping to the wooden vat to work her magic. A good strong leap hoisted her up and over, giving her momentum for a strong slam into the berries. She then got to work, slamming and crushing the berries to juice under her hooves.

"You're…making…grape juice…? Rarity would call the fashion police on me if I got grape juice anywhere near her precious outfits…!"Sweetie thought of the unimaginable panic Rarity would go through seeing grape juice near her designs.

"Well you're not with your sister right now. You're with friends and their family,"Shadow decided to be the one to snap Sweetie back into the proper reality,"And from the looks of it, they certainly know how to put the importance of family before anything else."

"Yeah! That prissy stuff is just silly!"Apple Bloom agreed while tossing a hoof full of mashed grapes right into Applejack's face.

"Apple Bloom…!"Applejack appeared a bit upset for her sister's playful conduct with grapes.

"Please Applejack! She didn't mean it-"Sweetie wanted to defend Apple Bloom, but was then surprised by Applejack's next response.

That response was in the form of Applejack leaping into the vat with Apple Bloom. And that's when she went about wrestling the filly and playing around in the big mess of berries. They laughed and played, what started out as trouble slowly turned into simple fun between the two apples.

"Awe… How sweet…! They can't even be mad at each other when they're trying to make work fun,"Shadow had to marvel and feel the warm flutter of butterflies in her chest for such a sight,"This is what being siblings is all about. Making each other smile, happy… And confident in any situation."

"I wish Rarity could find time to play with me…"Sweetie thought before they jumped in to help finish up the grape juice.

This allowed the mares and fillies to move on to yet another chore before getting to the sleep over. It all revolved around the simple job of herding sheep back to their pen, where they belong. The Apple sisters did not hesitate to get to work immediately by speaking the sheep's language. While Sweetie Belle and Shadow watched in awe at the display of team work between the two. As much as Shadow wanted to help, her dark magic was not going to interfere with the animal's tranquility.

Her darkness had always kept creatures away, no matter how gentle she was. This was one of the costs of being a being of dark magic, a being that could control and use such vile power. It came with many costs, but that did not mean one could not enjoy all things joyful and beautiful in the world.

"Apple Bloom!"Applejack signaled Apple Bloom to go one way and block off any means of escape for the sheep.

"Got it, sis!"Apple Bloom called back while getting to her spot while Applejack corralled the sheep towards their pen.

"Wow, it's as if they're one pony…!"Sweetie Belle felt fascinated by the team work the two sisters displayed.

"Indeed…! They know how to work in sync and operate at each other's speed,"Shadow admitted while she felt a connection to how her and her own little brother operated as fighters,"They're like me and Dusty. Working side by side. Fighting for what's right, and fighting for each other no matter what."

"Who's Dusty?"Sweetie Belle took notice of the unknown name and pryed for some inside knowledge on Shadow.

"He's…my little brother…"Shadow sighed and finally answered, almost feeling foolish for letting it slip.

"So you had a little sibling too? You had to have been a good big sister too, right?!"Sweetie Belle exclaimed as the Apples thankfully got the sheep into their pen before the loud shout drew their attention.

"Yes… I had a little brother… But... I'm not so sure if i can call myself a good sister. Not when he didn't even live a full life…"Shadow said before she twitched her head, not wanting to think about such an old memory.

"What's that mean?"Sweetie Belle couldn't help her curiosity after learning such a personal secret about the warrior.

"Nothing…! I…better get wood for the camp fire. Applejack asked that we do a little outdoors sleep over…!"Shadow decided to quickly change the subject and take off to find some wood.

"So what was it we were hearing about some pony having a brother…?"Apple Bloom asked only for the group to watch Shadow vanish into the shadows.

"She had a little brother…"Sweetie responded and stood there, worrying for the story behind Shadow's brother.

Night was finally falling, the hot weather was cooling down to a nightly cold. Though in the place of birds chirping and the sounds of the towns ponies conversing among themselves. There was only crickets and owls sounding out through the apple tree orchards with shiny apples glimmering. Thankfully, there was now a warm glowing fire to bring warmth and light to the orchard. It's light shed away the darkness, allowing the Apples, Sweetie Belle, and Shadow to be at ease.

So they were able to finally sit down and relax from a day of hard work and chores. Together, the group now sat around the fire to take in the gentle warmth and light of the flames. While they told each other some light hearted stories and fun memories from the past. Though one story was immediately buzzing for Shadow, after hearing about an occurrence regarding Apple Bloom. One that involved the further potential of the power she once revealed within a dark prison.

"So you used your powers to rescue your dog from the sinking barn?"Shadow asked Apple Bloom out of desire to hear a tale of the filly's powers rising to the surface once more.

"Yeah…! Poor Winona was trapped under the barn and it was starting to sink in from the rain,"Applejack decided to tell the rest of the story while Apple Bloom held a nervous smile and a bit of blush,"We would have lost her if Apple Bloom hadn't suddenly done a whole glowy deal and suddenly almost flipped the barn onto it's side to free her!"

"It was nothing really… I just kind of panicked cause I thought she was gonna get crushed."Apple Bloom admitted that she was deeply afraid when her powers awoke once again.

"So you thought with your heart and it awoke your true strength… That's to be expected,"Shadow closed her eyes and decided to let them in on a secret that may help Apple Bloom control her strength,"After all, true strength comes from the heart. You're only as strong as your heart is. And if you have a heart that won't allow your family to be harmed… Then that sounds like the big strong heart of an Apple to me."

"Well she is an Apple! We Apples are all about having heart in everything we do!"Applejack tousled Apple Bloom's mane while Shadow only sat there chuckling at the sisters.

"I wish my sister actually cared about me like that… No matter what happened…"Sweetie couldn't help but feel a bit hurt inside now that she saw what a real sister was like.

The others felt a bit worried, Sweetie appeared to still be dealing with the fight her and Rarity had. And now it seems that seeing the two sisters work together only created envy and regret. Two combinations Shadow never wanted to see a child fill themselves with, for it lead to tragic and regrettable things.

"You're sister clearly does not understand what it means to be a big sister, but some pony can surely teach her,"Shadow decided to pull Sweetie in so she could sit next to her in comfort,"I could do that first thing tomorrow if you like? Perhaps a trip to the Social tomorrow? Regardless of what your sister says. Till then, try to keep your chin up. Don't lose hope."

"If you say so… You had to have been a good big sister to your little brother, right,"Sweetie decided to try and go for a bit more knowledge on Shadow's apparent brother,"I mean… You must have the patience of a saint to deal with me… And you got it all from taking care of him, right?"

Shadow went silent for a moment, her eyes gazed into the fire with conflict. She worried about telling the story of her and Dusty, she did not wish to burden the children with a tragic tale. However, her mood began to change once she felt the approaching shadow of a familiar unicorn. Her eyes then sharpened for a moment, and a bit of relent flourished in her heart. Rarity was coming, and she feared more fighting would occur, but not if Rarity learned what could become of Sweetie is her relationship with Sweetie remained sour.

"Very well… Suppose it was going to come out sooner or later. Dusty was surprisingly easy for me to care for,"Shadow admitted while making sure that Rarity was listening in on the conversation,"He started out kind of weak and almost fearful of everything. I had to start toughening him up after… We lost our mother to a monster."

Shadow looked up from the fire, and noticed the Apple sisters sitting right next to her. They appeared to be interested in the story, but also deeply worried for what they were about to hear. As much as she didn't want to go deeper into the tale, she was in a corner, and she needed to come clean.

"You ok with sharing this…? Sounds like it's going to be a heavy story."Applejack showed that her concerns were more for Shadow than themselves, it was almost flattering.

"Yes… I feel you all deserve to know my little tale…"Shadow admitted and placed a hoof to the side of her head, before she then began to let the memories arise.

She sighed, letting her collection of memories between her and Dusty come to mind. Her hoof then blackened and slowly went into her head like a phantom's frail touch. Grasping and suddenly pulling a tangible and crystal clear purple bubble out of her head, letting it juggle in her hoof. She took one long look of great solemness into the center of the bubble, where she could see his smiling face. Before she then finally tossed the bubble into the fire, and began her story.

"Long ago… In Old Equestria. A land consumed by violence, evil, greed, and hatred,"Shadow felt her heart starting to pick up in strong and fast heart beats of worry,"Me and my brother lived among it all, fighting for survival and life with our mother… She was a doctor, and one of so few good ponies that were out there."

The fire suddenly began to rapidly flare and crackle from the magic tossed into it. Allowing the flames to grow larger, causing images to start appearing within the great flames. The flames first showed off images of young Shadow Swirl and her brother, just now leaving for school.

"She took me in… Made me her own when I was but a foal cursed with great dark powers,"Shadow explained while letting her blackened hoof be shown to every pony before it would revert to normal,"She saved me from the influence that the power dared to infect me with. By showing me love, compassion, respect, and a strong will."

"Is that what gave you the power to control dark magic?"Apple Bloom needed to ask the big question regarding the mare's dark powers.

"Not entirely… But it certainly planted the seeds towards my destiny as a warrior,"Shadow replied and sighed before continuing on withe her story,"Unfortunately, a disaster and a great demon from Tartarus itself not only destroyed our home, but it…devoured our mother as well."

"And That just left the two of you…"Applejack decided to finish that part for Shadow, much to the mare's relief.

"Yes… Thankfully me and my brother were able to stay with a friend, a strong stallion that taught me how to fight,"Shadow went on as the fire changed it's image to reveal her old friend Brick,"I trained, got stronger. Brawled with other ponies to make a living, and I'd pass down what I learned to Dusty."

"You're brother looks kind of cute. I like his messy mane."Sweetie admitted a personal side note of hers when it came to the young colt.

"Thank you… We had a couple serious moments, but we never forgot to play and smile. No matter how cruel the world was,"Shadow continued as she noticed every pony inching closer to her with anticipation,"Two years after what happened to our mother. Dusty was finally starting to make progress. He no longer let fear control him, and he could keep fighting till I was nearly exhausted."

As she spun her story, she could feel Rarity watching from the bushes, her shadow was easy to define. With her full attention grasped, Shadow was ready to continue on with the story. Even when her heart was starting to ache from the next memory, causing the fire to shrink and flicker with irritation.

"But… One day… After a day of drama and all kinds of relaxing from hectic battles,"Shadow sighed, And Applejack could see some physical struggles ensnaring her,"I slept in one morning instead of taking him to school like I always do. And… They…took him…"

After the final three words, the fire immediately surged high and large. Showing the group images of wicked and old looking mares, wrapped in ragged cloaks and deep shadows. Their rigid and rusty laughter of evil made the spines within the fillies go cold and tremble with fear. While Shadow and Applejack immediately picked up a sense of anger towards such dark ponies.

"Witches… Dark witches of the infamous Loubrim clan. Dark magic gamblers and blood crazed animals,"Shadow explained the dark witches that cackled while grabbing and casting a strange spell upon her brother,"They wanted me to become their demon queen. A Monster that would slay the royal family, and shroud the land in eternal darkness."

"And they took your brother to do it…?"Sweetie Belle asked as the flames turned to a cold and stormy night.

"Yes… I awoke and was told what happened by some kids. I went after them in the night,"Shadow explained and grasped her hooves that trembled from what was coming next,"I found them luring me into the center of the city's district. They used him as bait to lure me into a cage match."

The image in the fire showed them a grisly sight, ponies dead all around Shadow. And her brother was standing before all of them, quiet and twitching with unknown rage. Once he had slowly turned to face Shadow, his eyes were full of nothing but darkness and purple static.

"Wha…what's wrong with him? Why did his cute eyes suddenly turn to black?"Sweetie asked before they all got the scare of their life the minute Shadow approached her brother.

"A terrible… And fatal curse was cast upon him…"

Suddenly they all bear witnessed as the brother ran at Shadow with a knife at the ready. A fight then ensued, Shadow appeared to be doing everything she could to keep him back. Again and again she was calling out to her brother and begging him to stop, but there was no stopping him. The mares and two fillies watched with horror, while Shadow lowered her eyes from the flame, feeling the fillies tremble against her. She did not want to witness what happened that faithful night once more, and the girls certainly didn't want to either.

Their hearts were going a mile a minute as Shadow struggled to hold off the knife. As they rolled through the blood and fought for control, it was then that they locked into their final struggle. With tears streaming down her face, they watched as young Shadow pinned her brother to a wall. She then slowly took the knife and started forcing it away from her and towards her brother. The tip of the knife was aimed straight to his chest, the quickest way to end it for her brother.

"With his heart ensnared by the dark curse known as the black graver, I had no choice,"Shadow spoke through the scene as her younger self finally ended the struggle,"His hear t was corrupted by the dark curse. I needed to cast it down… And set him free…"

"Black graver… the fourth curse…!"Apple Bloom had a great realization after remembering the four curses that Orion spoke of.

It was at that same moment that they all fell silent, the moment that the knife plunged into Dusty's chest. Letting the two siblings touch their foreheads together, as everything went quiet. The rain from the image could be heard as the darkness faded away from the colt's weakened eyes. His labored breaths warned of the inevitable as the fillies hugged Shadow's trembling forearms. They all watched as the colt fell before her eyes, cold, quiet, and dead before her hooves.

"I let him out of my sight for the longest time… I wasn't there for him… I let that colt walk a stray for one minute and,"Shadow stopped for a moment and stared solemnly to the stares with a heavy sigh,"And he was gone… Taken away into the darkness. Forced to fight a losing battle because I was not there to guide him…"

At last the fire relented on it's massive flaring blaze of images, and shortened. It's blaze turned to mere flames, but the dimmer flame lights were enough to outline a tear escaping Shadow's eye. With one more sigh, she saw the two fillies resting their heads on her lap, watching the flame.

"Where did I get off complaining about me and my sister…? You didn't even get much of a chance with him,"Sweetie Belle was struggling not to cry after the story she was told,"Who am I to complain about my sister's problems…? That wasn't fair of me to do…"

"Don't blame yourself… You're doing what I wanted children to do from that day on,"Shadow slowly reached and brushed Sweetie's mane to ease the filly's guilt,"The life we lived was not the life I wanted for children… They shouldn't have to learn how to fight or steal or take so much pain… They deserve to play and smile, and worry about kid things…!"

"I wish… You had little sibling again…"Sweetie Belle responded with a yawn while Apple Bloom was already asleep.

Shadow only continued to brush both of their manes and slowly watch them fall asleep. Once the fillies were asleep, all was silent in the night once again, only the mares were left. Applejack sat by her side, trying to think of the right words to say after what they had seen and heard. It was hard to piece the right words together, for Apples found difficulty admitting and letting out their softer emotions. But the thought of losing a little sibling was certainly helping her case.

"I… Don't honestly know what to say to all that. Other than I understand your anger about Rarity."Applejack admitted that Shadow's irritation from this morning was now more understandable.

"No pony should neglect their family like that. Having a little sibling to help guide to a promising life,"Shadow responded with what she believed what an older sibling should do for their younger ones,"That's a gift…! And no pony should ever treat such a gift like a curse. Hope you got all of that, Rarity…!"

"Rarity…?"Applejack was unaware that her friend had been here the whole time.

"I have…"Rarity called back and finally revealed herself.

She was slow to walkout of the bushes and into the gloomy light of the fading flames. They could just barely see Rarity using a handkerchief to wipe the tears and make up from her eyes. She then made the handkerchief disappear in a flash and thought for a moment to say the right words.

"And I want to start by saying I'm terribly sorry for how I behaved this morning,"Rarity started out with an apology, it raised Shadow's eye brow a bit taking notice of the sincerity,"I have done some really deep thinking since me and Sweetie Belle had our falling out. And I can't bare the thought of being without my sister, I never want to lose her…!"

"Then why did you treat her like she was some sort of nuisance? Like she was simply some curse in your life?"Shadow demanded an answer to Rarity's issue when it came to Sweetie Belle.

"Well… She wasn't born until I already had my mark. I was concerned about making my career a reality at the time,"Rarity explained her complications when it came to both her career and her family,"My parents gave me so much space to work with my fashion talent, and then once Sweetie was older. They just always left her with me every time they were on vacation…!"

"Well didn't you try to at least get to know her and give playing with Sweetie a chance,"Applejack asked and caused Rarity to blush with embarrassment,"You need to give a little and just do things with your sister, regardless of how different they are from your prettying up fashion career."

"But… How do I do that? It's all I know how to do? How do I change for her?"Rarity begged for a serious answer and guidance towards being a better sister.

"If you want to change for Sweetie Belle. Then you're going to have to drop the walls,"Shadow gave her the answer while taking caution to not wake the kids up,"Drop these walls of fashion and cleanliness and be willing to do fun and exciting things with her. And do it for her, no matter how dirty you may get!"

"I can try…for her…! But how can I go about it? The Sisterhooves Social?"Rarity continued to fire questions, desperate to learn how to be a better sister.

"Yes… The social is tomorrow, it would be a good start. Along with other things,"Shadow suddenly pulled Rarity in nice and close so her words would not be misheard,"And you won't try… You'll do it…! Now how about I explain the plan for you and Sweetie tomorrow? Applejack? You and I talked about a little plan that was thought to be a joke, right?"

"Yeah…? It was only a joke. You really thinking that would work?"Applejack asked as the fire made their faces glow with anticipation

"Yeah. Hope you're up for this, Rarity. Here's how it's going down…"Shadow began to spin the plan into motion as Rarity listened and nodded to her words.

---

The night went on, and everything was in place for the mares to fix this sibling issue. For now, they all slept soundly and prepared for the day that was soon to arrive for them all. The sun raised valiantly, and stirred up the town as it gleamed over the great old Equestrian mountains. It roused the ponies from their homes, bringing another wave of life and excitement to the whole town. Especially for a grand event that was taking place not too far from the center of town.

The great event known as the Sisterhooves Social was being put together. A lovely get together for all big and little sisters to come together, taking part in a collage of games. Fun games that demanded full teamwork between the sisters as well as trust and skill between the two. It was a can't miss event for all too see, especially Shadow Swirl and her friends. They wasted no time after the sleep over to go to the social to witness such an event that brought out the love between sisters.

Shadow was currently walking Sweetie Belle around the event as it was being set up. While Applejack and Apple Bloom decided to help build the event, and then attend it. Rarity on the other hoof was nowhere to be seen, something that Sweetie Belle expected to be the case. This caused the filly to hang her head low in shame and defeat, as games were being set up all around them. Once Shadow was done marveling at the work that went into the event, that's when she saw Sweetie with her head down.

"Still not feeling well after yesterday? I hope I did not make it worse after last night."Shadow worried for the filly as she pondered through her thoughts.

"No, it's not about last night. I just can't believe my sister doesn't even wanna come and see the Social games,"Sweetie Belle once again found comfort in talking with Shadow,"I was thinking that she would come and we could just watch the Sisterhooves game, and support Apple Bloom and Applejack."

"Watch? Didn't you want to be a part of the games?"Shadow asked out of sly curiosity for the filly's desires, while slowly redirecting her towards a nearby registration.

"I was lucky enough to get a chance to watch the games, plus I don't have a sister that wants to play the games with me."Sweetie Belle reminded Shadow that Rarity was not around to join the Social.

"Actually you do… And she is signing us both up at this very moment…!"Shadow spoke the moment that they met up with a registration mare that was managing the contestants.

"What? I don't see Rarity anywhere! Where do you see another sister?"Sweetie asked as Shadow took out a quill pen.

"Hello, I'd like to sign my little sister here and myself up for the Sisterhooves Social games."Shadow answered by asking to sign herself and the filly up for the games.

"What?!"Sweetie exclaimed after hearing Shadow pass herself off as the filly's sister.

"I'll be wearing weights, and Sweetie Belle comes first before victory so we will be going at her pace,"Shadow signed herself and Sweetie Belle up and made the quill pen disappear,'Thank you for your time. WE really appreciate your time."

"You're going to…pass yourself off as my sister?"Sweetie Belle asked as Shadow and her walked around the social once again.

"Of course! I know you really wanted to do this Social ever since you learned about it,"Shadow explained and ruffled up Sweetie's mane while giggling,"And you deserve to have a sister that will be willing to spend plenty of time with you, and show you how to shine…!"

"Really? You…wanna be a big sister for a big pain in the neck like me?"Sweetie asked her next question while seeing the Apples look at some pigs.

"No… I wanna be a big sister for you…"Shadow responded oddly affectionate like as she booped the filly's nose with a gentle tap of her hoof tip.

"Ok. How did she know about me wanting to go to the Social before I told her about the Social Apple Bloom's place…?"Sweetie Belle wondered as they met up with the Apple sisters.

While the filly pondered over the mystery of Shadow's knowledge on her. They finally caught up with Applejack and Apple Bloom, as they finally stopped gawking at the little pigs. The two Apples had then decided to do some repairs and improvements to the fences.

"Shouldn't you two be getting ready for the Social games?"Shadow asked to get their attentions away from the fence.

"Well nothing can give us more good luck than helping to set the place up,"Applejack answered while noticing Sweetie standing at her side a bit confused, but looking a bit happy,"So I take you two are gonna play in the games? Bout time something was put together so every pony could have fun!"

"Indeed. How about you both take her to the starting line to prepare for the games,"Shadow suddenly requested that the Apples took Sweetie Belle off her hooves for a moment,"I just got some new clothes in, including something I think will be appropriate to handle the rough and tumble terrain I'm seeing here."

"Sounds good! You ready to get started there, Sugar cube?"Applejack asked while taking Sweetie Belle with them to the starting line while Shadow walked away to change.

"Yes…? I just couldn't believe Shadow decided to sign up as my sister,"Sweetie Belle admitted her shock for such an old warrior to indulge in being her sister for the games,"She must have better things to do than play games with me…! She's a warrior after all."

"Well I reckon she feels like you deserve to know what it means to have a sister that will spend time with you,"Applejack tried to explain one of Shadow's potential reasons for wanting to be her sister for this,"After all, she did not like how Rarity was acting in that boutique."

"I guess, but does she really have to go that far. I mean…me and Rarity aren't THAT bad."Sweetie Belle could not help but feel as if her relationship with Rarity was not as bad as it seemed.

"Maybe she does it for more personal reasons. You never know with Shadow. Especially since that story we heard last night."Apple Bloom gave them the idea of Shadow's intentions as they met up near the starting line with the other contestants.

"Now lets not go dwelling on stuff like that. We gotta stay positive here girls,"Applejack insisted that they do not think of upsetting things when they were about to participate in fun games,"Now stretch it out a bit. This is gonna require team work and your full physical prowess."

And so the mare and the two fillies wasted no time getting in some warm up stretches. As the games were getting set up all around them, so many check points to the appeared to be many challenges revolving around teamwork and physical speed as well as strength. Though Sweetie was more nervous to be playing the games with Shadow of all ponies. This game looked like it was not going to be fair to the others, she was worried that they would dust the other ponies in seconds.

If that was the case, then what would be the point of trying to bond with one another. However, Shadow seemed bent on making these Social games count for something upon her return. And when she returned, she returned with a mild but flashy new outfit that was snug against her body. It was a sparkly deep purple outfit that fit her curvy body neck to hooves with magenta sparkles. A short skirt was the only accessory to go with the outfit, plenty of room, and good for a work out.

Her fur could breath and it was simple, so there wasn't much to complain about. She was still able to wear her horse shoes with the purple stockings that were finely stitched to the main body of the outfit. Her choice of wares for a small game seemed excessive, almost like something to expect from Rarity.

"Sorry, didn't want to mess up my robe. You ready for this, Sweetie Belle?"Shadow asked as she stood at Sweetie's side while stretching out her legs forward and backwards.

"I guess… You sure this won't be considered cheating? With you being a warrior and all?'Sweetie asked while trying to mirror Shadow's stretches.

"Trust me… You will have fun in these games, Sweetie."Shadow promised before she was finished warming up for the games.

"If you say so… Sis."Sweetie hugged the side of Shadow's leg before the announcements finally sounded off.

"Is this thing on? I don't think this thing is on. Hello! What is the eh…Oh! You have to say so? Confangled modern doohickey,"Granny Smith was the judge and announcer along side Big Macintosh, but they were having technical difficulties with the mega phone,"Now, the event you've all been waiting for! The Sistersocia- The Social Hooves… Oh dabnabbit, you know, the big race!"

"Is your grandmother ok to be handling the megaphones?"Shadow asked out of concern for the senile behavior that was being noticed.

"Yeah, just give her a bit to figure things out."Applejack insisted that there needs to be patience.

"We have six teams this year for the event. So y'all head on up to the finish line, ya hear,"Smith announced before Big Mac quickly began explaining some flaws with the announcements,"Eh…the starting line! That's what I said."

"That's us…! This is it…!"Sweetie Belle suddenly came alive with excitement and thrill for competing alongside her sister.

"Good luck, Sweetie Belle, Shadow Swirl. Hope to see you at the finish line…!"Apple Bloom wished them the best as they all prepared to get the games underway.

"And may the best sisters win,"Smith announced as the teams all prepared to take off at full speed,"On your marks…! Get set…! GOOOOO!"

The older mare's final announcement set all six teams off like trained dogs. They all took off towards the mud pool that needed to either be jumped or crossed using teamwork. Shadow, Sweetie, and the Apple sisters had made it up to an early lead over all the others. The older sisters had the same plan in mind, as they grabbed and hoisted their little sisters onto their backs. Before jumping in the mud and serving as boats through the mud, while the little sisters guided them to the other side.

After a moment of struggling to traverse through the dense and sticky mud. Both teams manage to crawl their way out, just as the rest of the teams of sisters got started in the mud. Applejack was fully covered in mud, while Shadow was easily able to ring herself clean of muck. They were quick to be on their way again to stay ahead of the other teams, relentlessly achieving victory. As they quickly displayed fast and flexible hoof work across deep half barrels deep in the ground.

Soon they were on approach to some simple crates that needed to be climbed or vaulted over. Applejack simply let her back go to work, and hoist Apple Bloom up to the next crate. While Shadow jumped first and turning back to reach for Sweetie Belle after a struggle. This slowed them down, giving Applejack and Apple Bloom the lead, as the contestants were approaching.

"I'm sorry! I'm too small…!"Sweetie apologized for stumping them for a few seconds.

"Don't worry about it! This is about us, not the competition!"Shadow reassured as she got Sweetie up and jumped from the top crate with the filly and got on their way.

They were then catching up to the Apple sisters that devour their pies within seconds. Sweetie and Shadow were quick to mimic their technique and simply kick up the pie tins on their approach to the tables. They flipped the pies into the air and swallowed them whole before taking off again. Shadow kicked it into high gear, which was shockingly not as much as Sweetie expected. But they were able to catch up with the Apples and start pushing their hay stacks till they passed the dirt trail finish line.

Once they were done, they wasted no time rushing to the all too familiar grape vat. While Shadow grounded her head into the dirt to vault the entire pile of berries into the wood vat. Sweetie Belle bounced onto her back just as Apple Bloom did with Applejack, they both quickly got to work. The fillies happily crushed their grapes to juice that gushed out of the spouts near the vats bottom. Once the jars lying under the vats were filled with grape juice, the big sisters helped their little sisters out of the vats.

They were then off to the nearest stool to set their grape juice jars up to finish. Th two teams were quick to do so and be on their way while the other contestants were just starting to make their own juice. The fillies were quick to run pass their seesaws packed with apples at the ready. Picking up their barrels for collection as Applejack four hoof stomped down on the seesaw. While Shadow swung a downward punch down on the seesaw, both moves sent their apples flying towards the fillies.

With the training they all done yesterday at Sweet Apple Acres, the fillies were ready. They moved fast and fluently to catch the rain of apples that showered down from the skies. Their buckets were quick to fill up with the fresh and shiny fruits, their backs stayed strong under the weight. The fillies were quick to then rush to the proper spot with their bucket of apples. Before their two big sisters caught up with them and made a dash for the last little challenge.

Their final challenge was a simple trip into a hen house and carrying an egg to it's cluster of other eggs. One that solely relied more on teamwork than anything else, something they were ready for. And so they ran right into the hen house, and collected their eggs from the hens. They then exited the other side of the hen house with their eggs resting between the muzzles of both mare and filly. Together the two teams carried their eggs over to the small group of other eggs to finish the final challenge.

With that, there was one more thing to do, rush all the way to the finish. The two teams of mares and fillies looked to each other, the fire of competition burned in their hearts. They were ready to end this, both teams were ready to win this competition, just as the rest of the competitors finally just got out of the hen house.

"We got this! Lets go!"Sweetie believed in herself and Shadow before they all immediately bolted for the finish line.

The two teams were neck and neck, but their early lead took a small toll on them. They were slower than how they started out, and the other competitors were finally catching up. But the two team of friends were ready to seal this win as they zeroed in on the finish line. Shadow and Applejack were pushing themselves, but they did their best to make sure their sisters could keep up. They could basically taste the approaching victory as the teams made a desperate leap for the finish line.

Their mighty leaps carried them far, and it seemed like a very close match. Upon landing, they kicked up a small cloud of dirt that covered themselves and the finish line. The crowds that watched held their breaths in suspense, waiting for the dirt to clear so they could see the winners. But rather than one team of winners, there was two teams laying across the finish line. Sweetie and Shadow were still neck and neck with the Apples, as they laid over the finish line at the same time.

Silence remained for only a moment more before the crowd then exploded with cheer. Closer inspection would officially verify that this race had ended in a tie between the two teams. The cheers shook the two teams from their desperate leap for victory, just as the rest of the teams finally arrived to the finish line. The Apples were first to open their eyes and raise to their hooves. Before Shadow and Sweetie did the same to witness the impending tie between them and their friends.

"Did we win…?"Sweetie Belle asked as the crowd of ponies surrounded the team teams to give a cheer.

"I think we all did, Sweetie Belle."Applejack decided to be the one to respond as she patted her sister's head.

"Looks like it was a draw. Gotta say, you and Rarity were a really amazing team!"Apple Bloom suddenly complimented Sweetie Belle and her real sister, oddly enough.

"Thanks! You and Applejack were amazing too, I can't believe me an… Wait what,"Sweetie Belle suddenly got stumped by the reveal that Apple Bloom called Shadow Rarity,"I…think you mean Shadow. Rarity didn't even come to the Sisterhooves Social."

"No… She meant Rarity, and I wouldn't miss a chance to spend time with my sister for the world,"Shadow spoke, but her voice was not her own, it was a far more elegant and lady like voice,"And I'm sorry I was fighting with you so much. I deeply regretted putting my work before you, Sweetie Belle."

"Shadow…? What are you talking about…? Rarity?"Sweetie finally noticed that Shadow's eyes were very blue rather than purple, it was becoming so much more obvious.

"Yes… It's me… My dear Sweetie Belle…"Shadow suddenly revealed herself to only be a fake shell, and now it was time to reveal her true self.

Her face and body bubbled, turning pitch black before slowly peeling away. Revealing the face of Rarity the was held snug like under a shell made of magic and darkness. The dark magic leaked out of her outfit and puddled upon the dirt around her before disappearing into the ground. Leaving Rarity to reveal that she was at Sweetie Belle's side the whole time.

"What are you doing here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with this Social or me?"Sweetie Belle was bewildered with confusion to see her sister smiling and covered in dirt in place of Shadow.

"I did too… But Shadow made something very clear to me. I have treated the gift of having a little sister like a curse,"Rarity began to explain herself as the shadows slowly leaked through the crowd to find their owner,"It scared me to think that if I kept up my attitude. I was going to lose you as Shadow lost her brother. I couldn't bare to let that happen…"

"Rarity…"Sweetie Belle felt her heart sink with emotion that was pouring forth for her sister.

"So Shadow passed Rarity off as herself. Just to prove to you that she had a change of heart."Applejack explained and admitted that her and Apple Bloom knew about the plan.

"You were all in on it… You did all this… For me…?"Sweetie Belle asked around before her confusion was fading away to emotion.

"No, I did it for us, Sweetie Belle. The way it should have been at the start…"Rarity proclaimed and slowly hugged Sweetie Belle tightly with new found happiness.

"Oh…Rarity…! Thank you…! I'm sorry I tried to unsister you…!"Sweetie Belle finally expressed her happiness and regret for what happened before with their small fight.

"All is forgiven… I feel this requires a celebration."Rarity suggested as a means of celebrating her tie for first place with the Apples.

"Ok… Where too…?"Sweetie asked as she finally spotted Shadow Swirl watching them from a hill outside of the social.

"The spa, of course!"Rarity exclaimed what should have been the obvious.

"That's… That sounds like a great idea…"Sweetie Belle agreed to a trip to the spa, after the Social concluded for the year.

---

Hours later, Sweetie Belle and Rarity were finally done with the Sisterhooves Social. It was long, and at one point, some pony tried to challenge the idea that the Apples and Belle sisters cheated. But those thoughts were crushed by the fact that Rarity was Sweetie's biological sister. And she was smart to sign her own name on the paper, rather than sign herself up as Shadow Swirl. No further trouble came after that, and they were officially at the spa enjoying some rest and relaxation.

But not without bringing Spike the dragon along for the enjoyable spa day. For they officially had a lesson to give to princess Celestia, and they needed the dragon to write it down for them. Though they only wish that Shadow was there to be a part of it, for their new found relationship was made possible thanks to her.

"Very well then. What shall we write to the princess?"Rarity asked as the sisters enjoyed their spa day and readied to speak of their lesson.

I'll start. Having a sister is just about the bestest thing in the world. But it sure isn't easiest.

I agree that being sisters is a wonderful thing. But it takes teamwork, sometimes it's about compromising. Some times it's about accepting each others' differences. But mostly, it's about having fun together. Even if it means getting your hooves a little dirty.

Spike was able to jot down their lesson with ease and was quick to send it off. Blowing it away to the wind in a cloud of purple smoke and green flames that carried the message off to the princess. Leaving the sisters to enjoy their whole day together at the spa, happy and relaxed. While Shadow Swirl herself sat a top of that very same hill, using her keen eyes to watch the sisters. Her heart felt warm inside to watch the mare and filly embracing each other as siblings, so much love was now between them.

She sat down, and took out her locket to twiddle it in her hoof out of respect. Respect and memory that never wavered, especially since she had now told her story, regarding her brother. Slowly she turned away to a tree, for there was something more special about today than just a Sisterhooves Social. Shadow was looking at a nicely placed tree at the top of the hill, the spot was perfect. As she slowly lifted her necklace and locket off her neck and slowly laid it at the base of the tree.

She then made two candles of purple and blue appear side by side with the locket. The instantly a lit at the spark of her regular magic, illuminating the area she slowly dropped to her belly for. She sighed, letting her magic do one last piece of work before she was ready to get on with this special moment. She made her robe disappear and soon a simple purple dress, sparkling with \with baby blue sapphires around the collar appeared on her body. Black lacing lined up around the bottoms of her dress, while a deep purple ribbon was tied around her waist.

"Sorry I was late… Two sisters needed some help. But I wasn't about to forget about you,"Shadow apologized and slowly opened up the locket to gaze upon the picture of her and her brother,"Happy birthday, Dusty… Sigh… I wish you could see how much this world has changed. You could have played and messed around in this town for the longest time…"

Shadow's words grew heavy, as she thought about her brother's smiling face. Only to be snuffed out by the vile and wicked laughter of the witches that forced her to kill him in cold blood. Her heart beats brought a strong force of pain that immediately shook up some tears in her eyes. There was no fighting her sorrow, almost two thousand years, and the pain of her lost brother never faded. After all, the memory of her brother is part what helped her keep corruption from entering her heart.

"If only I had been there… I should have been there more for you… It's my fault,"Shadow professed her guilt and allowed her tears to stream freely down her face,"I'm sorry…! No matter what, I'll always keep my promise to you. And no pony else will suffer like you did…!"

(When You're Gone- Avril Lavigne)

Slowly, Shadow began to sing, something she always did during her brother's birthday. Something she wished she had done more often back when they were still together. Singing however proved a bit difficult to do when she was also weeping and struggling with her voice. Yet she continued to sing regardless, so she could pay her respects to her family. The tears never stopped flowing and sparkling as she sung the song, all the way into the night.

Ok, not my best work, and I apologize for being absent for a while on updates. There was some troubling issues between me and my family, and there might be more on the way. But I'll try my best to try and keep updates coming, I promise you all this. Also, if you're interested in learning a bit more about the story of Shadow and Dusty and you have not seen the Origin story of Shadow, feel free to check that out for a more broad and thorough explanation about Shadow and her yourselves, and thank you for your patience in these troubling times. Thank you, and stay pony everyone.