Once A Shadow - From the other side

Act II - S.S.D.D

Oh god, where do I start. Well first things first, it's about fifty or so years after the attack on Canterlot, and a lot has changed since then. First the good news. Shadow's friend Barry married a now allicorn princess Twilight, which makes him a prince (at least I can call him a royal bastard now, he HATES it). Shadow got himself a prosthetic leg, which represents a step forward in what's called 'magi-technology'. Shining armor retired and was replaced by some guy called Pureheart, who Shadow apparently trained personally. Solemn became an official (unofficial) member of the Mones, and apparently Soarin and Blaze fell for each other. Not like I didn't really see that coming. Ni and Derpy got married though, and that was something I didn't see coming. I also met up with with Providence's old merc group, and they agreed to help us with our mission into Griffon territory. They weren't much help though, as within a few days of Shadow and co. arriving the rebels surrendered completely, making me feel like a complete waste of time and effort. My old time friend Buck Shot moved in with the Apple family a few weeks after the big ordeal, and he's been decently happy.

Now the bad news. First off, Applejack and rarity died, which rather upset Buck Shot. Thunder and Silver also died, to which they left the bar to Shadow. About twenty five years ago Soarin, Shadow, Spitz and Ni went underground, to draw attention away from the fact that they were immortal assassins, not just Wonderbolts. Rainbow got promoted to Captain of the Wonderbolts and happily retired ten years ago, so I guess things weren't all bad but still, I just can't get to terms with the fact that everything's changed so much.

I sighed. I was standing with Crystal next to her father's grave, out near the Apple family's ranch. "Sometimes I wonder if Immortality is really worth the price you pay." I said to myself, playing around with the dogtags Spitfire fashioned for me about 40 years ago.

"So do I boy, so do I." Buck Shot said as he walked up behind me. Buck Shot was one of the few who stayed with me over the years, watching as the world around us slowly changed; while we still remained the same. "Spitfire's been wonderin' where you've been lately, care to enlighten me?"

"No, not really." I replied "To be honest I've really just been wandering around the streets of a night, wondering what'll happen next in our 'unique' lives."

"Really? Well okay then, good to see you haven't lost sight on the big picture of things."

"So, how's things over at the ranch?" I asked.

"Not as well as hoped, Big Mac's never been the same since Applejack and Granny Smith died, and Applebloom's growing up; just not in the way the family had planned."

"What do you mean?"

"Ever since Applejack died, Applebloom became depressed. She barely talks to anyone at the ranch except when she needs something, and I swear sometimes I can hear crying from her room. The relatives that moved in here to take care of the ranch haven't really helped the situation, but I'm hoping that her mood will pass over time."

"Jeez, sounds bad. I never thought things would go like this, but now that they have, I just can't seem to get over it." I turned to Crystal. "At least things aren't all bad, aren't they?"

She nodded."Princess Luna has agreed to tutor me in advanced magic, which not many get the privelege of. Dad would've been proud, I know it."

Buck Shot nodded. "Well, nice to see that things aren't all bad. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go back and get some work done." I simply smiled as he turned and left.

"So Crystal, how have things been? I know I haven't talked to you too much, but I've been busy doing other things. I'm sure you understand." I said.

"Of course I do, just make sure that you have time for lil' old me every once in a while okay?" she replied with a smile.

"You know I will. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be. Catch ya later." I took off towards Cloudsdale. After a nice and peaceful flight I arrived at the HQ and headed down into the Sanctuary, finding Solemn, Ni and Soarin lounging about. "That boring huh?" I said, turning their attention to me.

"Oh, hey. Yeah, it's that boring. Shadow was here earlier today, but that's about as lively as it got. So, what's up with you?" Soarin asked.

"Nothing really, just contemplating." I replied.

"Well, don't go wandering too far, Spitfire's been wondering where you've been going of a night. Care to tell?"

"Nowhere really, just walking the streets, thinking of what's gonna happen next."

"Really?" Soarin said questioningly. "Well I've been reading the papers lately and there seems to be a drop in crime around here. Care to tell me what that's about?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I said with a horrible poker face.

"Riight. I'm watching you, just so we're clear. I'll find out what you're doing, eventually."

"Uh huh, you do that. I'll let you know when that actually means something. Wait a minute, you actually read?" I said mockingly.

"Yeah, very funny. Go bother somepony else will you? I'm tired, and the last thing I need is you having a go at me." He replied. I gave a smirk as I turned to go upstairs to my room. He's going to find out eventually, but then again what is he going to do when he finds out? I walked upstairs to find Spitfire reading a book, one of the Forelock Holmes series I think it was. I walked up to her and she looked up, marked her book and put it down.

"Hey Hornet. I'm guessing Buck Shot found you?" She asked.

"Yep. And before you ask, yes I've been going out of a night. Nothing to be concerned about, trust me." I replied.

"Okay then, I believe you. If you say it's not important, then it's not."

"By the way, have you seen Blaze? I didn't see her with Soarin downstairs." I said, changing subject.

"Come to think of it, no I haven't. I'm sure she'll turn up, she always does. You look a bit beat, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, just need a nap I guess. In fact, I'll have one right now. Wake me If anything interesting happens." I joked. I went to my room before crashing on the bed, sighing in relief. Same Shit, Different Day.