Once a Shadow

I awoke from my first peaceful sleep in days, and looked to see Rainbow cuddling next to me. Tomorrow will be the greatest day of my life. Hopefully it will be the greatest of hers as well. Well, so long as there aren't any interruptions. Anything that tries to ruin my wedding will have made the greatest mistake humanly, or ponyly...ly possible.

I snuck out of bed, and prepared breakfast. (Weekly hay bacon moment mother f(*squee*)ker. Enjoy it, or I'll come for you. We aint no little b(*squee*)tches in this kitchen. ) When I finished, I laid everything out, and left a note to Rainbow saying I had to leave early, and asked for her to take Solemn to school and training today.

After writing the note, I grabbed a few pieces of hay bacon and left. I sighed and took flight for the San Palamino Desert full speed.

When I arrived at the desert, I flew a few miles in, and came across a familiar fortress. As I neared the fort, I noticed the blood moat was gone, and that there was no shield around the place. Good, maybe I can get a few answers.

I flew over the wall, and landed on one of the towers.

Just then, the apparition of Sorrow Curse appeared, and I activated my hidden blades, but he seemed to just ignore me as he spoke. "Of course, how silly of me. How can I expect you to play along if I don't have any proof of the hostage? One moment please."

Just then, a familiar tan earth pony appeared next to him, also partially see-through. Wait, is this a flashback? It is! This is what happened when we attacked this place. If these two are here, then that means-

"You sick bastard..." My apparition said.

I looked up, and saw myself and the rest of my team outside of the shield.

The see-through ponies started to blur, and faded completely within a few seconds.

I stared at the non-existent apparitions a moment longer before continuing onward. I flew off of the tower, and down to the ground. In front of me were five tunnels.

The apparitions of me and my squad appeared again. They nodded to each other, and went down a path. I followed my apparition into the tunnel as it slowly faded away.

Why am I seeing this? I was here, I know what happened. I only came here to see if I could find something else out about Sorrow Curse.

As I continued down the long, dark path, I got to thinking about my first encounter here. If I remember correctly, it should be the-

I was interrupted by the shrieking of five abominations as they charged in my direction. I readied myself, only to have them pass right through me. I lowered my guard as I watched my apparition kill four of them at once with all four of his hidden blades.

"Now, that was very impressive. Congratulations mister Shadow, you made it to round 2. That wasn't much of a challenge, but the next one will be harder. I promise. Also as promised, you get a five minute break."

"Sick fuck."

"Sick fuck." Me and my apparition thought aloud in unison.

My apparition faded, and I sat down. Five minutes until my next challenge.

What am I doing here? Do I really think I'll find something useful here? I might as well try though. At the least, if I pay attention, I could pick up on something I failed to notice before. The thing is, I don't want to pay attention to what happens at the end...

"Ding! Five minutes are up! Get ready for your next challenge mister Shadow!"

My apparition reappeared, and I watched as the regenerans bestia dragon soared over my head. I watched as I dodged and weaved away from the flames it was spewing forth. I watched as I shoved a dagger in its eye, and then flew inside of it. A moment later, the dragon shrieked, and collapsed on the ground. A few seconds passed, and I saw myself re-emerge from the beast covered in blood and guts.

That was a lot more fun watching than it was doing. Especially getting covered in guts.

The regenerans bestia evaporated, and Sorrow's voice spoke."My my, you actually killed it. Aren't you the special one? Five minutes before your final challenge. This last one's a doozy."

My apparition sighed and faded away once more.

My duty is to protect Equestria and its citizens. What is about to happen proves how I don't deserve to be a member of this group. Spitfire says the mission was a partial success, but I beg to differ. Any mission with a casualty is a failure in my book. I have to work harder, get stronger, and ensure every mission from now on is a success. I promised I'd give my life for Rainbow and Equestria, and maybe I can give more. What if I can-

"Ding! Time's up! If you'll direct your attention to the hole in the roof, your next challenge emerges." Sorrow's voice cut my thoughts off.

I held a tear back as I watched the innocent mare raised up, and strapped to a table.

This is it.

"No, don't do this!" My apparition yelled.

Why did I just stand there?

"I'm afraid it's too late for that. Would you two gentlecolts be so kind as to use the spell?"

"MOVE YOU DUMBASS!" I shouted to my apparition.

My apparition was still unmoving, watching as the necromancers performed their spell. The mare was enveloped in a black aura, and screaming as it happened.

"GODDAMNIT, I SAID MOVE!" I screamed once more, as if I were now able to change the outcome.

My apparition rushed over to the mare, and undid her restraints. The black aura fell to the ground, and a monster appeared where a living creature was just at. The monster I'll never forget. Its pale white coat, black mane and tail, and those lifeless, pupiless eyes that scream for blood.

"This...is my fault." My apparition said, dropping down. "I could have done something, but I was too scared to move..."

I remember that moment. The overwhelming fear of seeing something so innocent converted into a monster.

My apparition got off of the ground. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to you in time. Please forgive me from what I'm about to do."

I watched as my apparition charged the monster, only to get cut by one of the fleshy spikes on its body. I saw its superior agility against my own. When it managed to pierce one of my wings, I saw the fear in my eyes. I knew I was going to die, and there was nothing that could have been done about it. I wasn't afraid of death itself, but rather the thought of being parted from Rainbow forever. That killed me on the inside.

Thankfully, my armor was there to save me. It started to glow, and less than a quarter of a second later, I was behind the monster, and had a dagger in its back.

The monster collapsed on the ground, and I watched as it slowly turned back into that innocent mare.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"Please don't thank me, I'm the one who did this to you."

"You didn't turn me into a monster. You saved me. Please don't blame yourself." Her eyes started to close.

"Don't die on me! Do you hear me?! Hey!

"Thank...you.."

"FUCK! DON'T DIE!"

The mare closed her eyes for good.

My apparition screamed in rage. "COME OUT HERE YOU SORRY SON OF A BITCH, SORROW CURSE!"

"I'm afraid I have to decline. You Fugiens Mones don't dissapoint though. I didn't expect all of you would survive. I'll have to rethink my plans now. Thank you, you were excellent test experiments. Ciao."

"YOU FUCKING COWARD! GET BACK HERE!"

I watched as my apparition let out one final scream before disappearing.

...I understand now. I know why I was so upset about that mare's death. More than the fact she was innocent, I was thinking as if that were Rainbow Dash. I kept imagining if that was Rainbow rather than that other mare. More than just being upset, I was angry. I wasn't angry at Sorrow Curse though, I was angry at myself. I was angry because if I couldn't protect that mare, how was I supposed to protect Rainbow herself?

The ground in front of me started to bubble, and my twisted reflection appeared.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I spat.

"What's with the hostile attitude? You'll never make friends that way." He replied with an evil grin.

"I'm not in the mood to put up with your shit, I've got enough to worry about tomorrow. I'm pretty sure my wedding is going to get crashed by a bunch of necromancers."

"I know, who do you think sent you that vision?"

"Wait, you gave me that vision? Why would you do that?"

"Like it or not, we're tied together. If you die, I die too. I wouldn't want that to happen. Don't mistake this as compassion, I just did it to protect myself."

"Wait, so how do you know about the necromancers' plans?"

"Oh come on, you can't be that dumb."

"Huh?"

He sighed. "I guess you are. If you paid attention at all, you would have figured it out. Why the hell else would necromancers let themselves be killed so easily? The vision you saw was what I guessed would happen at first."

"Wait, you GUESSED that Rainbow would die?!"

He shrugged. "It isn't my fault you can't save your wife, or even one innocent mare." He finished with a grin.

"Shut up!" I yelled as I charged him. I swung a hoof, and it went right through him.

"I'm not really here, you idiot. You won't get the chance to throw a punch at me until I decide it's time. Don't worry, it'll be sooner than you think." He said as the ground beneah him started to bubble once more. His eyes shot wide, and he gave me his insane look. "And then your body and this world will be mine!" He yelled before disappearing into the ground.

Silence returned to the area, and I sighed. I guess I won't get anything out of this place except bad memories.

I got up, and went back the way I came. When I got to the exit, I noticed a note by it.

"This wasn't here before.." I thought aloud.

I picked up the note and read it.

Shadow,

I've been watching you ever since you first arrived in this world, and I knew from the start you would become one of the Mones. I've been helping you in situations ever since you first started fighting, secretly lending aid whenever possible. I know you're about to go through a tough time, and I wish you luck in your endeavors. Expect to here from me again soon.

-S.S.

"Great, another mystery added to the list." I said as I folded the note up and left the fortress.

When I got ouside, I spread my wings and took flight for Canterlot.

When I arrived, I headed for the royal palace. The guards recognized me, and let me pass. Walking inside, I took notice that wedding décor was starting to get put up. I saw Princess Celestia sitting at her throne.

She saw me and smiled. "Hello Shadow Flash, excited for your wedding?"

"You know it. I can see the preparations are already being made."

"The certainly are."

"Again Princess, I can't thank you enough for letting Rainbow and I have our wedding here at the palace."

"It's the least I could do for Rainbow Dash. She, along with her friends have saved Equestria numerous times. It's the least I could do for you as well, since you also work to protect Equestria."

I was temporarily stunned. "What uh, what do you mean, Princess?"

"I'm not as naïve as you and Luna may think me to be. I am fully aware of the activities you participate in."

"Then why-"

"Because I don't want my sister to worry."

"Funny, that's what your sister said to me."

"I figure if this gives Luna a sense of accomplishment in keeping me in the dark on these matters, then I'll leave her to it."

"There's more to it than that, you're highness. She just doesn't want you to worry, and would rather maintain the illusion of peace for you, than introduce you to these terrible things that are out there."

She sighed. "Perhaps you're right. I'll keep pretending that I know nothing of what is going on in order to keep my sister happy."

"You're a good sister to not even be angry at her keeping you in the dark like that."

She saddened, and her eyes went to the ground. "I'm not, really."

Fuck, me and my big mouth. "You did what was necessary, and your sister knows that. She's already forgiven you, so isn't it time you forgave yourself?"

"It is easier said than done..."

"I know Princess, what you did will always haunt you unless you put it behind you. Luna is here once more, and everything is fine. Trust me, she's doing everything she can for you. The Fugiens Mones are a testament to that."

She smiled a little. "You're right. Thank you Shadow Flash."

"No need to thank me Princess, I'm just helping a pony who's a little down. I'm gonna head to Cloudsdale now, so I'll see you tomorrow." I said as I turned to the exit.

"Alright. One last thing though."

I turned to face her. "Princess?"

"I'd appreciate it if you kept this conversation our little secret."

I nodded. "Consider it done."

She nodded, and I turned away and exited the palace. I then took flight, and headed to Cloudsdale. When I got to the sanctuary, I found Ni and Soarin were the only ones at the table. I raised my eyebrow as I looked at Soarin, because he had a black eye.

"What the hell happened to you?" I asked.

"I took your advice, that's what happened."

"Huh?"

"I asked Spitfire to go out with me, and she gave me a black eye."

"Yikes, that's one hell of a rejection. Sorry dude."

He sighed. "It's okay I guess. I didn't have high hopes for her saying yes anyway."

"Props for trying at least. I'm too scared to even ask her if I can go to the bathroom." I said as I walked over and took the seat across from him, and two seats away from Ni.

"Yeah, you've got a nice trophy for being so bold." Ni joked.

"Alright Ni, you can expect poison in your next meal."

"Too bad it won't work, me being immortal and all."

Soarin gave an evil grin. "It's a special kind of poison."

"That sounds bad, but all jokes aside, how are the preparations for tomorrow coming along?" I asked.

"Pretty well actually. We've notified the medic squad, and they'll be in position during the wedding." Soarin said.

"And I've informed my squad. If there's an attack on Canterlot, we'll be prepared." Ni said.

I nodded. "Alright, thanks you guys. I can't thank you enough."

"Don't worry about it. You're family, and I'll be damned if I can't protect you during your wedding." Soarin said.

Ni nodded. "That's right. We've got your back Shadow. Nothing bad will happen on our watch."

I smiled. "Thank you. By the way, is Solemn here?"

"Yeah, she's training with Spitfire right now actually. They should be done pretty soon now that I think about it." Soarin said.

"Speaking of which." Ni said.

I looked up and saw Spitfire trotting over with a tired Solemn on her back. I trotted over, and let Solemn hop on my back.

"Hey there kiddo, how was your day?" I asked.

"It was pretty good." She said before giving a yawn.

"You look pretty tired. I'll take you home now so you can get some rest."

She didn't say anything, instead, she just gave another adorable yawn, making me smile.

I looked at Spitfire. "I'll be going now."

"Alright Shadow. Go home and get some rest, you've got a big day tomorrow."

"No arguments here. See you tomorrow guys." I said before trotting upstairs, and outside.

I spread my wings and took flight towards Ponyville.

"So, how'd your day go Solemn?" I asked.

"ZzZzzZz."

I gave a light chuckle. I'll let her sleep I guess.

Once we arrived home, I noticed Rainbow reading a book on the couch.

She looked up from her book and smiled. "Hey you two. How was your day Shadow?"

"Oh ya know, same old stuff."

"Right, like I'm supposed to know what the same old stuff is."

"I'm not that different from the average pony, Rainbow."

She raised an eyebrow in response.

"Okay, maybe I am. But that's a good thing, right?"

She chuckled. "I guess it is. I hope you're ready for tomorrow."

"Oh, more than you know."

"Good. Go ahead and take Solemn to her room. I'll wait for you in bed." Rainbow finished in a seductive tone.

I rushed upstairs and put the still sleeping Solemn in bed, then rushed into mine and Rainbow's room to find her seductively staring at me.

Oh thank you God.

Short chapter, I know. Actually, a very short chapter. Apologies, but next chapter will make up for it. The finale chapter is next you guys, and it's gonna be kick ass. I'm out of school for the next two weeks, so I've got nothing but time on my hands. I'm gonna make you guys a promise, and that is the following: the finale chapter will have 12k words or more. (Also, I think this chapter puts me at over 100k words for the story. It does for fanfiction anyway. I edited out a lot of stuff before first submitting my story here. Wow. I couldn't have gotten this far without all of your support, so thanks. Expect another 100k words and beyond from me, because I'm just getting started.)Probably more. I've got LOTS of stuff planned for the finale, so I will most likely go over my quota. Look forward to it, because I do too. I'm going to sleep now, because I can barely see straight now. G'NITE EVEREHPONY!

Chuck Norris fact of the day: If you have $5, and Chuck Norris has $5, Chuck Norris has more money than you. (P.S. I got a Chuck Norris bobblehead for Christmas, and I'm SO happy right now.)