White Shadows

I was astounded. Sure, I had heard rumors of such a being in the world, but so see him here, now? I thought I was going to faint. He created everything before Celestia and Luna were born to the Royal family, which ironically, he created. From the stories I had collected on digs and fossil runs (usually how I got all my History I and History II academia) I had learned about the creator being a very sly creature. He took sides with the most powerful, and when the tides would turn, he would take the side of his previous foe. Along with that, he had many different forms and shapes. Now he was standing before me, just grinning.

“I know, I know. You’re astounded, amazed, genuinely mind-blown, flabbergasted. The list could go on, and on, and on.” Said The Creator, still smirking.

I bowed down to The Creator, and he just chuckled.

“I’m not in a position of power anymore, my friend. I just cause a LOT of mischief, pain, hatred, and other things. You know, the opposite of Celestia and Luna.” Said The Creator, when the brown colored stallion who was cleaning up a spill popped his head in.

“WRONG! Luna causes me a lot of pain with her coffee spills!” shouted Pillows, whom I presumed was the janitor.

“Well, that is correct. Luna did always have a knack for spilling coffee. Well, nonetheless, I do the polar extremes of what the princesses do,” The Creator stated, waving off Pillows.

The Creator turned back to me, and then looked me over. He then walked up to me, focusing on the neck areas and limbs. After about a minute of inspecting my body parts, he sighed, and shook his head.

“Well, I’m going to give you a diagnosis, as the princesses ask I did when you got here. This is a 20,000 year old curse, about the time when Celestia and Luna’s parents were born. Back then the Changelings were the dominant race, and they used the other sentient beings love to feed them. After the original Alicorns completely overthrew the Changeling hierarchy, nearly destroying the entire race, a few of the high-queens princesses escaped to the far reaches of the earth, taking their curse with them. Sure, they’ve produced new curses which aren’t fatal, but I’m guessing you were cursed by a Queen. If I’m correct, there is only one Queen left on this side of Equis, and that is Chrysalis.” Started the creator, cracking his neck.
“I’m guessing your surrogate daughter is that of which part of the curse. You’ll love her until you die unless we kill her. Otherwise, you’re screwed.” Finished the creator.

“No… No, there has to be some other way.” I said, and The Creator sighed.

“Well, there might be something else, but I don’t think you’ll like it. I’ll have to check.” Said the creator.

He suddenly disappeared in a flurry of blue smoke, and appeared just as suddenly. He had a book levitating in front of him, which seemed odd, as he was an earthpony, as well as black case. He was flipping through the book, when he stopped at a page that had little writing on it.

“Ah, here it is, Book five-hundred-ninety-two of ‘Cures for ails’ Volume 94, page 67,891. ‘Cure for Love Vampirism’ is to cause hatred. To kill, murder, and do things completely morally wrong, to reverse effects of curse.” Said the Creator, and Celestia walked up to him.

“What? He can’t just go around murdering ponies and committing crimes!” shouted Celestia angrily, and The Creator shrugged.

“I realize that, Celestia. I’m not as stupid as you. Your only options are to enlist as one of Celestia’s soldiers in the war, or kill your daughter, if you want to live.” Said The Creator, and I recoiled.

“Well, if I joined the military, Daring would be parentless. And if I killed her… well, you already know.” I said, when Luna piped up.

“We need another Dark Guard, sister. The last one was killed in the first battle.” Said Luna, and Celestia shook her head.

“He hasn’t been trained for that. Is there anything else?” asked Celestia, and The Creator gave Celestia a smug smile.

“Do you remember your father at all, Celestia? He used to have what we call a “Syndicate” as a personal bodyguard. An Earthpony that can use certain types of magic, such as short-range teleportation, necromancy, elemental abilities, and wields weapons with such ability I used to see them take on 6 fully trained guards at a time. I’ve watched Steam here, and he seems to be well suited for the task. He will be sent out onto the field, no? He’ll get his fair share of morally wrong descisions on the field, and he can come back time-to-time to see Daring.” Said The Creator, and Celestia grimaced at him.

“I don’t even have the equipment that the Syndicate’s had,” Said Celestia, and The Creator dropped his black case in front of her.

“I got it right here. Sword, mask, coat, everything a Syndicate needs.” Said The Creator.

Celestia and Luna looked at it for a moment, studying the mask and blade. I stood there silently, when Celestia looked at me.

“Are you willing to do such a thing? Kill for your survival?” She asked, walking up to me.

“I already do, your highness. I’m ready for whatever challenges come with the job.” I stated, and Celestia nodded at The Creator.

“Alrighty then. Let me warn you, it will take you a bit to master the magic, but you will notice that your abilities of reaction skills and speed will have increased greatly with this mark.” Said the Creator, pulling out a brand from seemingly nowhere.

“I’m ready for anything. I just lost my eye a day ago, so I’m ready for anything.” I said, and The Creator shrugged.

“Okay.” He said promptly, jamming the brand into my chest.

It burned like hell. I wanted to scream, I wanted to pull away. But I just stood there, letting the iron burn into my skin. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he pulled the brand out, and what was left was a circle with a line through it. On one side of the line, it had a crescent moon; on the other it had a flaming sun. I felt as if I was something special now, when I knew I really wasn’t.

“Well, now that you have the mark, you shall gain your magic from the sun and the moon. Now all that’s left is to give you the armor and blade of the syndicates. Then, I’ll be on my way, and you can go and do whatever the fuck you mortals do.” Said The Creator bluntly.

He levitated the case in front of me, and pulled out the trench coat first. It was lined with enchanted steel on the inside, and had intricate designs on the outside. The edges were lined with yellow, symbolizing the sun, while the designs on the torso of the coat were sparkling white, symbolizing the sun. There was a sheathe for a long blade on the side, which was probably for the sword The Creator was talking about.

The Mask was very much the same. It was plain white, with only eyeholes, nose holes, and a mouth hole. The edge was lined with sparkling yellow, again, and the main part had intricate sparkling black designs on it. It looked too big, but when I put it on, I could see through both of my eyes again, and it fitted onto my face fine.

I moved onto the blade. It was black as midnight with no moon or stars, and had not designs on it this time. Just black, with a white hilt. The guard consisted of a Quillion, a Ricasso, and an écusson. It resembled a Venetian rapier somewhat. I sheathed the blade, put on the coat, and took off the mask, where it simply hung off the side of the coat.

“Wow, you look just like I remember them. Well, cherrio, I have work to do. And by work, I mean I have to go and antagonize someone.” Said The Creator, exploding into blue smoke.

Celestia walked up to me, and sighed.

“I hope you’re ready for a whole different life, Steam. Because you just gave your whole being to me.” Said Celestia, and I nodded.

“Ready for anything.” I said, and Celestia smiled.

“Glad to see you’re optimistic. I’ll set up a quarters for you and your daughter to stay at, but tonight, you’ll have to be away. I’ll make sure that Luna will take care of her.” Said Celestia, and I cocked an eyebrow.

“Why am I going to be out?” I asked, and Celestia sighed.

“I’m sure you’re familiar with Octavia Philamonica? Well, she is having a large concert tonight in Canterlot, and her father, a very high ranking official in the Equestrian Military is going to be there. So, you’ll be heading there tonight, with my Janitor, Pillows. I think he deserves a night off with his girlfriend, after all the hard work he’s done.” Said Celestia, and I nodded.

“Pillows! Get in here!”

Pillows walked in halfheartedly, looking glum.

“Yes, your highness?” asked Pillows.

“You get the night off. Go ahead and see your girlfriends concert.” Said Celestia, and Pillows blushed.

“You know about me and Octavia?” he asked, and Celestia sighed.

“I’m the protector of the day. I know everything that goes on, Pillows. Also, you don’t mind bringing a friend along, do you?” asked Celestia, slightly gesturing towards me.

“I don’t have anyone to bring. Why?” Asked Pillows.

“Because, my newly appointed bodyguard, White Steam, has to be there tonight. You surely wouldn’t mind, right?” asked Celestia, and Pillows slightly grimaced.

“As long as he doesn’t hit on Tavi, I’m fine.” He said, and I chuckled.

“I’m a stallion of honor. I don’t try to get something that already belongs to somepony else.” I said, and Pillows raised his eyes in surprise.

“He’s not a snob? How on Equis did Celestia find you?” asked Pillows, and I laughed again.

“Long story.” I said.

“So, are you willing to take him?” asked Celestia, and Pillows nodded.

“As long as he doesn’t mind swinging by my apartment first.” He said, and I shrugged.

“Just so long as we can hit the store, first. I’m starving.” I said, and Celestia nodded.

“Then it is decided. You may both leave now, if you wish.” Said Celestia, and we both bowed to her.

“Thank you, your highness.” Said Pillows, before walking out.

Outside, a group of ponies awaited out return. Diamond, Shining Armor, Twilight, Daring Do, and the guard stared at me intently.

“Well, I’m going to survive, but I have to stay here, and be Celestia’s personal bodyguard.” I said, and everyone except the guard sighed with relief.

“Well, I guess this is where we part ways again, Shadow. I’ll be heading to Equine to contract for the military there. I’m guessing you’ll be heading that way soon as well.” Said Diamond, hugging me.

“I’ll see you around, Diamond.” I said, as she planted a kiss on my cheek.

I tensed up, my brain trying to load what just happened. By the time I finally realized what happened, Diamond was already out the door.

“Well, I’m going to head back to Ponyville, By Train, mind you. I guess this is goodbye, then.” Said Twilight, holding out her hoof.

“It was a pleasure traveling with you, Twilight. Hopefully we see each other again, someday.” I said, shaking her hoof.
She hugged her brother, and walked off. All that was left was Shining Armor, the guard, a sleeping Daring Do, and myself.

“Alright, I guess I’ll take Daring up to the Princess Luna’s bedchamber, seeing how Celestia said that she would take over for babysitting.” Said Shining Armor, and I cocked an eyebrow.

“How did you hear that?” I asked, and Shining Armor chuckled.

“The door may be soundproof, but the walls ain’t. I’ll see you around, Steam.” Said Shining, picking Daring up gently.
I turned to Pillows, and he nodded. We started down the hall, wondering where this next adventure would take us.

“I can’t believe you bought all this food for my house. I won’t have to buy food for like… a year!” said Pillows ecstatically.

When we had dropped by the store, I had bought enough food to feed a small army, that or two colts. I had kinda figured that Pillows was short on money, so I decided to pay for his rent too. For a guy who’s only hope was to kill and do morally wrong actions, I was acting like a saint.

“So, you’re in a relationship with Octavia? Lucky guy.” I said, and Pillows laughed.

“It was kinda weird the way we met, actually. Same way how you got this weird curse and now have Daring Do as a daughter. Long story.” Said Pillows, and I laughed.

“I’ll tell ya what, after tonight, I’ll buy ya a beer, and we can tell our stories.” I said, and Pillows laughed.

“I don’t drink, but okay.” Said Pillows, when the door opened.

In walked a grey mare, with a black mane and purple eyes. The treble clef on her flank marked her as the pony everypony knew.

“Hello Pillows. Miss me?” asked Octavia, walking over to him, and giving him a hug.

“Hey, Tavi. Ready for your concert tonight?” asked Pillows, and she smiled.

“As long as you’ll be there. You’re home early, why is that?” asked Octavia, still oblivious to me.

“White Steam over there, or Shadow, has to protect some high ranking official there tonight. Could you possibly get him in?” asked Pillows, and she nodded.

“Glad to see you’re making some friends, Pillows.” She said, turning to meet my gaze. “Nice to meet you, White Steam. What do you do as a profession?”

“Bodyguard. I work for Celestia.” I said.

“Celestia has a bodyguard now? Good idea due to the war.” Said Octavia, looking at the groceries.

“Did you spend all this on Pillows?” asked Octavia, and I nodded.

“I kinda figured he was underpayed, so I just bought him a metric shit ton of food.” I said, and Octavia recoiled at my use of language.

“Sorry, picked it up in adventure school.” I said, and Octavia nodded.

“Alright. I have to shower and get ready for the concert tonight. I just came by to see how you were doing.” Said Octavia, kissing Pillows on the cheek.

“I’ll see you later.” He said, and Octavia smiled, walking out the door.

“As I said before, lucky guy,” I said, and Pillows laughed.

I looked out the window, watching all the blimps in the high tech apartment fly slowly towards their destination. For once, I actually liked being on the ground. The apartment was pretty much picture perfect. Grey, stainless carpet, chrome kitchen, large TV, new age furniture. Everything a guy could need.

“Well, after I finish putting away the groceries, I’m gonna hit the hay for a bit, before it’s time to go.” Said Pillows, and I nodded.

“You don’t mind if I use your couch for a little, do ya?” I asked, and Pillows shook his head.

“Go for it, I ain’t using it.” Said Pillows, putting a gallon of milk in the fridge.

I pulled off my coat, and jumped onto the couch. I fell asleep almost immediately, due to my lack of rest after the blimp attack.

“Yo, Shadow, wake up. We’re almost here.” Said Pillows, slapping my face.

I woke up, shaking my head. We were in a small car, padded with leather. There was chilled champagne in a cooler, and we were pulling into a garage. I scratched my head, and then rubbed my eyes.

“How did you get me into the car?” I asked, and Pillows chuckled.

“For some odd reason, I have a stretcher in my closet. We couldn’t wake you up, because you were out cold, so we just carried you in here.” Said Pillows, and I nodded.

I checked for all my weapons, and then my mask. Everything was there, including a set of throwing stars, which wasn’t there before.

“I added a set of throwing stars to your collection. I get them from all the ninjas I get rid of in the royal basement and bathrooms.” Said Pillows, smiling.

We came to a stop in front of the VIP entrance, and we waltzed in like kings. One of the royal guards notified where Pillows and I were sitting, which was right next to Mr. Philamonica, dressed in a high-ranking officers uniform. The room was amazing, with a massive stage, spotlights, balconies, red felt curtains. The Canterlot Theatre never ceased to amaze me. Almost immediately as we sat down, the orchestral band started to play. It was the most beautiful music I had heard. It somewhat reminded me of my short life with my parents. Happy, wonderful… then dark and solemn. I saw the spotlight focus on a spot on the stage, where a mint colored unicorn and Octavia played beautiful music. I was so moved by the music, that I actually started to have a small tear in my eye. The first song ended, and the orchestral band resumed their music. This continued for another hour or so, when I noticed some movement through the VIP lounge. There was 5 ponies of assorted races, with circular multi-lense glasses walking towards Mr. Philamonica. He didn’t even know I was there when I pushed Octavia’s father down.

“Shoot ‘em!” shouted one of the assassins, his thick Equine voice obvious.

Shots rang out through the massive auditorium, pinging off the lounges walls. Since the lounge was soundproof from the outside, but not from the inside, the only ponies who heard it were on the inside of the room. I pulled my blade from its sheathe, lunging at the reloading assassins. No sooner had they noticed me, that I had shoved my blade through one of their throats.

“Holy mother of Aftlan! That bloody Equestrian killed Max!” shouted one of the assassins.

They pulled their cavalry swords, expecting me to attack almost immediately, head on. But even I wasn’t that stupid. I used my superior speed to flank the Equine assassin in the very back. He turned around, only to get stabbed through the chest. He gargled, and I had disappeared again.

“Holy shit, this guy is fast!” shouted one of the assassins.

By now, the guards outside had busted in, which consisted of two royal guards with Lightning rifles, and 6 soldiers with long-bore gunpowder rifles. They busted in, and the Assassins, being cowards, immediately surrendered. Everypony in the room had been shaken up, especially with how I reacted. As the guards took the assassins away, Mr. Philamonica confronted me.

“Hello, lad. I’d like to thank you for savin’ me life.” Said Mr. Philamonica, holding out his hoof.

“My pleasure, Mr. Philamonica. Princess Celestia appointed me to protect you tonight, if you’re wondering who I am.” I said, and Mr. Philamonica’s eye went wide.

“Celestia? You must be that new bodyguard that she appointed earlier today. She had a big board meeting about it. You must be pretty damn good with that blade if you’re Celestia’s personal guard.” Said Mr. Philamonica, shaking my hoof.

I nodded to him, and I went to the massive window overlooking the crowd. Everypony was being ushered out, as the Concert had ended almost immediately after the attack. I turned to the royal guards who were cleaning up the bodies, and they nodded.

“I need you to notify Celestia about this attack. We need to inspect each of the blimps coming into Canterlot Port more carefully. Colonel Philamonica could have died.” I said, trying not to abuse my newfound power.

“Yes sir!” Said one of the guards, and I gestured Pillows to leave with me.

As we walked out into the brisk air, he breathed out deeply.

“One of those bullets whizzed right past my head. I could have died.” Said Pillows, and I nodded.

“Sorry about that. I should have used the ninja stars.” I said, and Pillows nodded.

“I guess. I’m no expert on murdering people,” Said Pillows.

Suddenly, there was a loud BANG! I turned to see Mr. Philamonica roll out of the way, as a Equestrian soldier dropped to the ground, blood spraying through the air. I watched as a assassin tore off, taking to the rooftops.

“Shit! Go and see if Mr. Philamonica is okay! I’ll be back!” I said, running after the assailant.

I didn’t look back to see if Pillows had done as I asked, because I had put on my mask, and I was sprinting full speed towards the climbing area that the assassin had climbed. Within seconds, I had him within my line of vision. That also meant I was within his. He turned around quickly, pulling a second gun out of his trench coat. It gleamed chrome in the moonlight, and I knew that it was a lightning pistol. That gun would fry your outsides, then your insides. If you were lucky, and the gun misfired, it would just char a small part of you. I wasn’t taking any chances, though. I immediately pulled out a throwing star, and flung it at the assassin, hitting the gun as he fired it. It exploded, sending him sprawling, and I charged him.
He acted with almost the same reaction time as I had. He pulled his sword out, and we locked blades.

“A syndicate, huh? I didn’t think Celestia would have one as well.” Said the other assassin, whose own brand mark on his chest showed as well.

He unlocked blades with me, and did a large swing. It was all I could do to block it, and deliver a swing of my own, which bounced off his superior guard. He took another quick jab at me, and I dodged out of the way, the blade whisking past my stomach. I swung around, spinning my sword in such a way that he would have to duck if he wanted to survive. He dropped to the ground, and then kicked my legs out from under me, so we were both on the floor. I tried to jump to my feet, but instead I was slammed back onto the floor, a blade perched over my throat.

It was all I could do to keep the blade from penetrating my skin, when I realized the ninja star lodged in the gun was laying not a hoof-length away from me. I would be taking a massive risk by doing such a thing, but I wrote a book on bad ideas, so this would be a new one.

I redirected the blade so it would cut into my arm, not my throat, giving me enough time to grab the throwing star. I grabbed it quickly, then jammed it into the Equine assassin’s eye. He gagged a bit, as I pushed it in, but within seconds, he dropped dead. I groaned, pulling the sword in my fore-hoof out, ignoring the screaming pain. Almost immediately, two royal guards came onto the rooftop, their wings flapping.

“Good, you’re alive, I suggest you head back down, so you can tell the colonel that its safe.” Said one of the guards, and I nodded.

“Gotcha,” I replied, heading back down.

It was a mess down in the parking lot. A dead soldier was lying in a pool of his own blood, Octavia was crying into Pillows shoulder, and a bunch of angry troopers were standing around. The colonel was praying over the dead soldiers body, when he saw me.

“It’s safe, sir. You can go home, but I suggest you stay under protection from the royal guard, for the time being.” I said, and Mr. Philamonica nodded.

“Aye, thanks again. I’m in debt to you with my life.” Said Philamonica, and I shook my head.

“Just doing my job, sir.” I said, and he nodded.

“Octavia, I want you to go home with Pillows. You’ll be safer together.” Said Colonel Philamonica, getting into his car.

They drove off, and I confronted Pillows and Octavia.

“Sorry for wrecking your concert, Octavia.” I said, and she shook her head.

“You did it to save my daddy… thank you.” She said, and I smiled.

“You’re welcome. Pillows, do you mind if I crash at your place tonight? It’s already too late to even try and get into the castle.” I said, and Pillows nodded.

“Yeah, I could use the extra security. C’mon, let’s get home.” Said Pillows, when I realized I couldn’t feel the pain in my fore-leg anymore.

I looked over where the wound had been, and both the clothing and the skin had healed, only leaving a small bloody spot on the clothing. I guess that was one of the magic perks of being a syndicate. We got into the car, and went back to Pillows. I needed some sleep, after what had happened, and I felt weirdly drained for some odd reason. I couldn’t focus, but I knew something was wrong. I fell asleep before I could even try to think about it.