Shadow...........?

Shadow......?

Shadow..?

"Shadow?"

"Huh..?" Shadow's eyes slowly opened, he felt, strange. His body was sore, but he could feel a soft mattress instead of the hard floor beneath him. He was in a room, a big one, a beautiful one, but, that was not the most beautiful thing in here.

Beside his bed stood none other than Rainbow Dash, smiling at him, but with red eyes, telling him she had been crying. He could not help but smile, and so he reached out for her. "Rainbow.." His voice was a little weak, but he was coming around nicely.

"I'm here..." She said gently, moving close to him, held his hoof in hers. There was some silence between them, and he could tell she wanted to cry, which was not like her, which in turn told him how scared she had been. "I thought I would be used to see you covered in blood.." She said silently, giving a dry chuckle.

Shadow frowned. "I'm sorry... I never meant for any of this to happen.."

"Shhhhh, I know.." She said, leaning over and kissed him. "But it's over now.."

"What happened..?"

Rainbow sighed, getting into the bed, being careful not to let her body rest on his. "We found you in one of the hallways, bleeding to dead.. Shining was quick to get you out of there with a few trusted guards... They brought you here, to the palace.."

"And the stallion?"

"Iron Blade.."

"What?"

"That was his name, Iron Blade.. Well, he's dead.. From what I am told, you flew into him, plunging the blade into his chest.." She said, moving her hoof up and down his chest, as if making sure he was really there. "Shining said the guards you knocked out confessed everything, even knocking out the bailiff, Gold Shield.."

There was another silence between them, not because they had nothing to say, but they simply just wanted to enjoy each other. Then, after a while, Shadow asked. "So, what happens to me now..?"

"You go free.." A voice suddenly said. Looking over, Shadow spotted none other than his lawyer.

"Silver.. Hey.."

Silver smirked. "Don't get up.."

"Wasn't planning on it.."

Chuckling, Silver trotted closer. "Took some time, but after the full story of the events at the courthouse got leaked, there was a massive public outcry, demanding your release.. A lot of witnesses stepped forward, telling about how you saved them. You're a hero to them.."

Shadow sighed. "But?"

"But, your pardon means you can never be the Ranger again.. Princess Celestia was very clear about that. While she appreciate everything you have done, it's time for it to end before other ponies get hurt.."

"I see.." Shadow leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling. This was the end, but, if this was the chance at a new life, then there was no question about it. "I don't see how I could refuse such a fair condition.."

"Indeed.. At any rate, you're free.. Congratulations." Silver smiled, and turned to leave.

Shadow sat up. "Hey, Silver.."

"Hm?"

"Why did you help me? I mean, I know it's your job, but.. You seemed very invested.." Rainbow had noticed that as well. Silver had seemed more invested in the case than any normal lawyer would.

Silver smiled a little. "You.. You saved my sister once.. It was the least I could do.." With that, he opened the door. "Anyway, take care of yourself.." He left Rainbow and Shadow alone, but the peace did not last, because as soon as he left, a group of five ponies stepped in, Rainbow Dash's friends.

"Howdy Shadow, how are you feeling?" Applejack asked.

Shadow smiled a little. "I've been better, but now that I'm officially free, I'm going to be fine.."

Twilight then stepped forward, her ears and head hanging low. She did not even dare to look at him. "Shadow.. I'm.. I'm so sorry for what happened to you.. It's my fault they guards ever learned about you, that you got arrested, that you got abused and nearly killed.. I'm just..."

"Twilight.."

"I know you may never forgive me, but I.."

"Hey, Twilight!" Shadow called, gaining her attention. "It's fine, we're okay.. I forgive you.." Shadow simply did not care anymore, the fact was that it was all over, he was free, the Ranger was gone, and everything was as it should be.. Well almost..

Rainbow looked to her friend, then sighed. Hopping down from the bed, Rainbow trotted over to Twilight. The room went silent, nopony daring to speak, not even Pinkie, who seemed to be holding her breath.

"Rainbow, I.." Twilight started, but Rainbow held up a hoof.

"Twilight.. What you did, it was not cool.." Rainbow stated. "But, after all that has happened, you never once left, or lost faith in Shadow.. It made me understand you didn't think he was a criminal.." Sighing, she looked her friend in the eyes. "While I still think what you did sucked... You did everything you could to make it right.. So.. I forgive you too.."

Twilight's eyes watered, and so did Rainbow's. Both of them embraced one another, and soon enough they were joined by all their friends. Shadow smiled, kept silent as he did not want to ruin the moment, the six friends were back together.

Pinkie shot up in the air, her mane suddenly poofy again. "Alright! This require a PAAAATYYYY!!" She cheered.

"Wait, Pinkie!" Shadow called, and Pinkie stopped in mid air. How she did it, he had no idea. They all looked at him, but he only looked at one of the mares. "Rainbow.. Last time, I didn't get to say it.. But.." Rainbow put a hoof to her mouth. "But after everything we have been through.. Would you marry me..?"

The girls gasped, and Rainbow stood frozen in place for a few seconds before her wings shot out, and she launched herself into his bed, kissing him all over. "Ow, fuck, my ribs! Ow ow ow ow ow!" He said in a mix of pain and laughter.

"Shut up, you can take it!" Rainbow said and planted her lips on his. The kiss lasted for a few seconds, and Rainbow's friends all just gave them their moment, while Pinkie's eyes were as big as dinner plates and filled with sparkly stars. When the kiss broke, Rainbow looked at him with tears of joy. "Somepony has to keep you out of trouble you big idiot.."

Shadow chuckled and kissed her. "Rainbow, I love you.."

Rainbow smiled, kissed him again and whispered. "I love you too..."

Author's Note

Aaaaandf that's a wrap. ^^

Did not plan on making this, but people's reactions was so nice and supportive for the short story I could not help myself, so this one is for you guys. I hope you enjoyed it!