White Shadows

“We attack now. Gather as many soldiers as you can, we attack now,” I said, and Sinner nodded, but Walker objected.

“We risk defeat with only a few soldiers, and with only a few, many may die,” Said Walker, and I sighed.

“We will not fail, Walker. We are trained, and a few mercs will not be a problem. I doubt any of us will fall to the blade of some sword-for-hire. Gather your forces, and meet at the factory tonight, 6:00,” I said, and the 2 of them nodded.

“Understood,”

“Aye. I have a few friends who will be willin’ to help us on such short notice.

I nodded, and the two of them walked off.

Cherry Bomb Factory, The Pit, 6:05…

I sat there, completely alone. None of the allies I had called to arms with had accompanied me, as it was on too much of a short notice. On the horizon I saw a few Equestrian soldiers, and they were being followed by Sinner and his soldiers. They approached, and I took a head count.

“Ten of us. I think we have good odds,” I said, and Walker shook his head.

“I doubt it. I got my rookies, and Sinner was scrapping the bottom of the barrel. We’re the only good soldiers here,” Said Walker, and I nodded.

“Well, lets get to it. I want the men to go in through the back, and we’ll take the front,” I said, unsheathing my black blade.

The factory was covered in ash, and was rundown. Bullet holes were strewn across the sides of the building, and a few strip bar posters were pasted on the side of it. The front door was chained, so I had to improvise. I pulled out a flintlock pistol, and blew off the lock.

“Well, that won’t alert them,” Said Sinner, and I sighed.

“It’s not like we’re trying to be stealthy,” Said Walker, his musket in hoof.

“Whatever,” Said Sinner, opening the door.

Bullets flew through the doorway, pinging off the concrete. I reloaded my flintlock, and then peered in, my vision getting blue on the outline. I blinked, and I teleported inside, appearing beside a merc. I swiftly cut through his throat, and grabbed his body, using it as a shield against the incoming bullets from the mercs. I then picked up the rifle from the dead merc, and shot out a chain connecting the rafter to the ceiling. They fell, when I realized that the ground was replaced by lava.
I took a better look of my surroundings. There was a slim pathway on the ground between pitfalls of lava, and most of the living space seemed to take place on the rafters, supported thoroughly by heavy chains.

“Guys, watch your step when you come in, it’s dangerous!” I shouted, and the two of them walked in.

“Thanks for dealing with them!” Shouted Walker, who started to make his way across the pitfall.

“Yeah, thanks much mate!” Shouted Sinner, who was following Walker.

I started to run across the rafters, jumping from metal pathway to metal pathway, until I reached the inner sanctum of the factory. There was a door with a window connecting, and I looked inside sanctum.

There was an elevator in the middle, large enough to have a small operations base. Surrounding it was what looked to be a large drug trade post. Everypony was gathering what they could as soon as possible, as they had heard the shots. The soldiers busted in, aiming muskets at the smugglers, and they shot immediately. A small war broke out, between mercs and soldiers. I kicked open the door, and my two allies did the same below me. Multiple mercs were firing from the top, and I ran towards them, my blade in hoof. I immediately came upon them, but they were quick. One turned around, and hit me out of the air, as I was about to stab one through the throat. I hit the ground, and they both jabbed at me. I jumped up, countering their move, and then I cut ones stomach open. His stomach fell through the tear and I turned to the other merc, shooting him through the head.

I then jumped down below, jamming my blade into a mercs back as I fell. The battle was almost over, as the soldiers had taken out most of the smugglers. Sure, there may have been only 4 left, but they at least had some training. Sinner walked up to me, smiling behind his goggles.

“Good job! I didn’t realize that we’d have this large of an advantage!” Said Sinner.

Suddenly, the soldiers dropped dead, blood pouring through their open chests, as if a cannon had hit them. At least 10 Equine mercs walked in, dropping blunderbusses on the ground, and pulling out their blades. Walker walked over to us, and he drew his machete.

“Let’s kick some ass,” He said, and I nodded.

We jumped at the Equine mercs, our blades gleaming with blood. I took on three at one time, parrying their attacks one at a time. One came down upon me with his saber, and I dodge out of the way, running him through with my blade. I grabbed his pistol, and I shot the one behind him, leaving only one to contend with. He was quick, but not smart. He jabbed at me, and I quickly pulled out my own reloaded pistol, and smiled.

“Surprise, Mothafucka!” I shouted, shooting him.

He fell backwards, the back of his head missing. I then turned to see Sinner holding his own against 5. His claws were pinging against sabers, and he seemed to rip out his enemies throats when he got the chance. I decided to leave him be.
I turned to Walker, and he was already finishing his final enemy, cutting his head clean off. Blood sprayed over him. He turned to me, and his eyes widened. I turned myself, and I say a merc, a gun at Sinner’s head. Blood was pouring out of an open wound on his forehead, and the merc was smiling. I pulled out my second flintlock, aiming at the merc.

“Your move, Royal!” Shouted the merc.

I then did something heartless.

I shot through Sinner, straight through his chest, and into the mercs chest. Sinner was instantly killed, but so was the merc. They fell down together, and I pulled down the gun, gritting my teeth. I felt super regenerated, and I noticed my fur become fuller. I felt a whole lot better, but I had just killed one of my friends. An ally. Demoralizing act.

“You killed him!” Shouted Walker, and I looked at him angrily.

“You don’t think I already know that!” I shouted, and Walker sighed.

“Well, sadly, he had it coming,” He said, and I walked over to Sinner’s body.

I pulled off his eyes, and closed his eyes, placing his hoofs on his chest. I had ran out of Ball, so I looked around for a new gun. A double barrel pistol was laying on a stall, and I grabbed it, checking it for ammunition. It was full, and I walked over to the elevator, kicking in the door.

There stood Lavender, a blade in his hoof, with Pillows tied to a chair. His face was bruised and bloody, and he was bleeding severely from his leg. I raised my gun, and shot Lavender through the head.

“Well, that is that.”

I ran over to Pillows, untying him. He smiled at me, doubling over.

“About fuckin’ time,” He said, coughing.

“You’re welcome, you ungrateful asshole,” I said, picking him up.

“Thanks…” He said, slightly in a trance.

I walked outside the elevator, and the whole place was stormed with Equestrian soldiers. They ran over to me, helping Pillows over to the medics. Among the soldiers was Shining Armor, kneeling over a dead soldiers body, he turned to me, his eyes filled with rage.

“Explain yourself!” He shouted, and I shrugged.

“Missions come with risk, Captain. They followed Walker into this mess, knowing they may not come out,” I said, and Shining Armor snarled.

“Usually, there is some survivors,” He said, and I narrowed my eyes.

“Are you challenging me?” I asked, and he sighed.

“No, I’m just upset. Celestia’s pissed shit, though. She wants to see you, now. We’ll handle Pillows, and the bodies,” He said, and I nodded.

Royal Castle, Throne Room, 8:03…

“Do you have any idea what you have done! You killed good soldiers, for a single Janitor! We could have waited!” Shouted Celestia, throwing a book at me.

It hit my shoulder, and I stared down. I knew Celestia would be angry, but not disappointed.

“I trusted you! We could have gathered forces, and attacked later! But you killed young stallions! While I’m angry, I’m more disappointed!” Shouted Celestia, sitting down, trying to regain her composure.

“I’m sorry it happened. My judgment was clouded. I wasn’t thinking…” I started, but Celestia waved her hoof at me.

“Do you know what Sinner was like to me? He was like a person who was always there for you, no matter what. And you killed him. You killed him, when we could have just waited a few more days, and adverted this whole mess!” She shouted angrily, and launched another book at me, this time landing in my chest.

“Note taken. It will not happen again,” I said, and she nodded, rubbing her forehead.

“Just… Just go. We shall not speak of this ever again. Just say that the mission was a success, even though there were heavy casualties. I… I’m just thoroughly disappointed,” Said Celestia, and I bowed, leaving the room.

I walked back to my flat, where Luna had already put Daring Do to bed. I walked in, angry with myself, and I opened up a keg of cold ale. I filled up a mug, and I sat down, drinking the whole thing within seconds. It was refreshing, so I decided to have another. Then another. Then another after that. All things in moderation, and moderation is the first to go. By the time I had been home 20 minutes, I was dead drunk, and the keg was empty. I grabbed any type of alcohol I could get my hoofs on, and passed out cold on the floor.

“Come on now, wake up…”

I opened my eyes, and saw Lyra over me, holding a cold rag to my head. Daring stared at me, her head cocked. Lyra smiled, at me, and sighed.

“When I came in, you were dead to the world,” She said, helping me up.

Weirdly enough, I didn’t have a hangover. I groggily walked over the mirror, and saw my eye was bloodshot. My fur was matted down on the side of my face, and my clothes were stained with alcohol. I looked at Lyra, and she sighed.
“If you’re wondering why you don’t have a hangover, its because you’re still drunk,” She said, and I sat on the floor, grabbing my head.

“Damn. Why are you here?” I asked, and Lyra smiled.

“I was in the area, and I decided to pay you a little visit. Only a couple days until the gala!” She said, and I smiled.
Lyra was dressed in a light golden gown that suited her eyes well. She had a flower in her hair, and was carrying a small case. Her mane was styled in such a way that she looked like she was going someplace special.

I walked over to the cabinet, and pulled out a small vial, with a syringe in it. I filled the syringe, and placed it over my eye, dropping a small drop of the pale orange liquid onto my pupil.

“Daddy, what is that?” Asked Daring, and I sighed.

“Something that will make sure Daddy doesn’t get sick because he drank too much last night,” I said, putting the vial away. Lyra smiled, looking around.

“I heard that the Bearers of Harmony are coming today. You should probably go and check with Celestia, see if she needs any help,” Said Lyra, and I scoffed.

“Is that why you came?”

“No, I’m supposed to be the gift bearer for one of the couples coming. Apparently, a renowned Doctor in PonyVille has taken to courting Twilight. I’m just sure that Celestia might need help,” Said Lyra, and I sighed.

“Alright, I’ll change, bring Daring to Luna, and then head over to the palace,” I said, pulling off the regular fatigues I had on yesterday, revealing the multiple scars and muscles on my body.

I changed into my protector uniform, and put on my eyepatch and holstered my sword. I then led Daring Do to Luna’s tower, where Luna was expecting me. Lyra followed me the whole way until I reached Celestia’s throne room. She waited outside, and I walked in.

Celestia had all her power giving Jewelry with her, as well as a small lock box floating in front of her. She turned to me, and smiled. I did a simply bow, and she put the lockbox down.

“I’m glad you came. I have a present for you,” Said Celestia, gesturing towards a large covered object in the middle of the room.

I walked over to it, and uncovered it. It was a glass box, with two bracers inside of it. They were pure black, with a silver marking of the moon on one, and a golden sun on the other. They had blades in them, and I looked at Celestia.

“An explorer came in with these. I immediately recognized the symbols, and brought them straight to you. I hope you like them,” Said Celestia, and I opened the glass box, putting on the bracers.

“Thank you, Princess. I love them,” I said, looking them over.

“I’m glad you do. We have a job to do, because the elements are going to be here in 45 minutes. We need to get down the royal dock, so we can greet them. Much has changed in the city, so they must be aware,” Said Celestia, and I nodded.
“I will arrive there at once, Princess,” I said, bowing as I walked out.

“Also, you better have a date for the royal dinner tonight. I’d hope a handsome stallion like you would find somepony special by now,” She said, and I scoffed.

“Celestia, the left side of my face is scarred and torn, also I’m missing one of my eyes,” I said, and Celestia just waved me off.

Lyra was waiting for me, and I simply nodded to her.

“We need to get down to the royal docks,” I said, and she nodded.

“I expected as much. We must hurry,” She said, and we both walked quickly.

It was mostly silence as we walked. I pondered if I should put on my mask, but I didn’t feel the need. We came upon a long corridor, and suddenly, Lyra put her hoof on my shoulder.

“What is it?” I asked, and she looked my uniform over.

“I just think there is something foul in the air. I can feel it. It’s like… something bad is going to happen,” Said Lyra, and I narrowed my eye.

“I know what you mean.”

“No, I mean like, my husband. Ever since we’ve finally agreed to get a divorce, he’s been acting erratic. Like… he’s planning something. I don’t feel safe with him,” Said Lyra, and I nodded.

“If you ever need any place to stay, you can always come to me,” I said, and Lyra smiled.

“Thanks, Steam. That means a lot to me,” She said, and we kept on walking.

It took us about 5 more minutes to reach the royal docks, and I saw the massive ship floating in the distance. We were looking from the observation deck, used by tourists and soldiers alike. Lyra smiled, and saw Celestia walking out of her small private door.

“You better go and meet her. I’ll still be here, don’t worry,” Said Lyra, and I smiled.

“You better be. You’re my date for the dinner tonight,” I said, and Lyra blushed.

“Wh-What?” She asked, and I just walked off smiling.

I walked next to Celestia, admiring the dock. It was made of sandstone, to reflect the sun’s magnificent rays. There was confetti and strings hanging everywhere, showing banners of the sun, and Celestia nudged me.

“Now, Twilight’s suitor is a bit of a hardhead. I don’t want you challenging him, but if he challenges you, try your best not to kill him,” Said Celestia, and I smiled.

“I’ll try my best, Princess. I’ll be too busy dealing with things that actually matter,” I said, and suddenly my vision went blank.

I was in the middle of the castle, in the massive throne room. I saw a figure sitting upon the throne, but something wasn’t right. The whole room was in black and white, with multiple symbols, including pentagrams and flipped crosses. The figure stood up, and I realized he was a mirror image of me. His eye was blood red, and he was smiling at me, his eye fixated on me.

“So, you think that you can just that easily walk away from a curse like that, huh?” He asked, and I instinctively drew my sword.

“Who the hell are you?” I asked, and he just smiled.

“I’m you, silly. Heed my words, child: You have no easy way out of this. You will either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain,” Said the figure, throwing off his coat.

He drew his sword, and lunged at me. As he was the same skill as I was, It was quite a challenge to fight him. My blade pinged off his, and I went into fighting stance. He lunged at me, and I quickly parried. I swung, and he kicked me, trying to jam his blade through my chest. I rolled out of the way, and slashed at him, cutting off his eye patch. A triangle with an eye in it was glowing red, and he smiled even wider. He started going berserk, slashing at me quickly and powerfully. I blocked every one, and then finally unsheathed the knife in my bracers, jamming it into the mimic’s throat.

The blood was red. It poured out, and he just cackled, which wasn’t possible, as I had just cut out his throat. He looked at me, and I was thrown back into reality.

“Shadow, are you okay? You’ve just been sitting there for 30 minutes,” Said Celestia, and I looked at her.

“Your eye is blood red! What happened?” She asked, and I blinked.

“Oh, it went back to normal. What is wrong?” She asked, and I shook my head.

“Nothing, Princess. Here comes the elements,” I said, as the boat docked.

8 figures walked off the boat, 7 ponies, one dragon. They were all dressed brilliantly, but two stood out. There was a tall, brown, muscular unicorn accompanying Twilight, and he looked about as cocky as a rooster. He held his chin high, and looked around in distaste. I narrowed my eyes, when I saw Lyra push out of the croud, holding her box. I followed her, leading right up next to her.

“What’s your impression?” I asked, and she shook her head.

“He looks like a snob,” She replied.

“More like a dick.”

Lyra smiled, as we approached the group. I bowed, and Lyra curtsied.

“A gift, from the Princess to you,” Said Lyra, levitating the box over to the couple.

Twilight smiled at me, but the other unicorn scoffed.

“I dare say, this is a warming welcome. A young, musically talented mare, and a sloppy looking body guard. Not the best I’ve had, certainly not the worst,” He said.

He’s been here 30 seconds, and I already want to chop his balls off with a rusty blade.

I smirked, as Celestia came down upon us.

“Welcome to Canterlot, ladies and gentlecolts. I hope you find your stay welcoming and happy. Your wellbeing will be undertaken by two of my most trusted employees, Pillows, and Shadow,” Said Celestia, smiling.

“You mean this slob? He’s in charge of our wellbeing?” Asked the Unicorn angrily, and Twilight nudged him. She didn’t need to.

“Watch your tongue. I’m capable of much more than you think,” I said, feeling something twitch in my eye.

From the reflective lenses on the sunglasses one of the soldiers was wearing, I could vagely see that the unicorn had a pistol. He didn’t bother reaching for it though.

“Oh, really? I guess we’ll have to discuss this over dinner then. Take our bags in to our rooms, ‘Shadow’,” He said, as they walked past us.

Twilight didn’t even say hi. I was angered, but Lyra put a hoof on my shoulder.

“Calm down. Let’s just take these bags in, and we’ll go out for lunch, or something,” She said, and I nodded.

“Thank you, you two. I expect to see you at dinner?” Asked Celestia, as the celebrations around us started to go into full swing.

“Of course,” I said, and Lyra nodded as well.

We went for lunch at the ice cream parlor, bringing along Luna and Daring. They kept eachother occupied, leaving Lyra and I to our own.

“So, I’m your ‘date’?” Asked Lyra, and I nodded.

“Why not?” I asked, and Lyra smiled.

“Just asking. This doesn’t mean that we’re-,” She started, and I scoffed.

“It doesn’t mean anything you don’t want it to mean, lets put it that way,” I said, and Lyra blushed.

“O-oh, alright…” She said, and I turned to see Luna balancing a spoon on her nose, while Daring jumped around her.

“They make a good pair, don’t they?” Said Lyra, and I nodded.

“So do we,”

I turned to her, and she was just simply smiling. While we had only known one another for a few days, and occasionally ran into one another, I thought I was the only one with feelings towards the other.

“You think so?” I asked, and Lyra nodded, leaning across the table.

“Absolutely. We have a regenerating, buff, strong Earthpony, and the delicate, beautiful, young unicorn mare. It sounds like one of those cheesy romance novels, doesn’t it?” She asked, and I smiled.

“It does, doesn’t it? The one where the cover is both of them out in the field, the stallion holding the mare?” I asked, leaning in myself.

“Yeah, it does…” Lyra, fading off.

We grew closer, and closer, when suddenly…

“DADDY! Look, Luna has two horns!” Shouted Daring, pointing at Luna.

Both Lyra and I pulled back immediately, our cheeks blood red from blushing. Luna had put her cone on her head, and was laughing.

“Cockblock…” I muttered under my breathe, when I looked at the time.

“We need to get ready for dinner. Meet me back at my place at 5:00, okay?” I asked Lyra, and she smiled.
“Of course, Steam,” She said, standing up.

I turned back to Luna and Daring, watching them happily goof around, and I smiled silently. I silently stood up, and walked out the door, Luna and Daring following me.

Celestia shook her head, her eyes full of fear.

“What do you mean, ‘It’s back’!” She asked, and the unicorn shook his head.

“The remains of Stalliongrad are crawling with the infected. I suggest you test your protector, and see if he can deal with this problem. The Bleeding Heart Virus is not an easy one to conquer, Princess. Many will die, including you if you’re not careful,” Said the unicorn, and Celestia sighed, falling back into her chair.

“May the gods help us…” She said, silently.

A/N: Okay, so, based on your decisions, there will be an RPG element added to the book. The worse your actions, the more Chaos will build up, adding more Chaotic characters to your group, therefor minimizing the amount of order and peace there is in the world around Shadow. Orderly actions will do the same, but vice versa. You will have a group, and depending on the characters you keep, that will affect the outcome of missions or chapters. The more chaotic things you do, the more strength and power Shadow will have, but the less order will be around, and the Bleeding Heart Virus infectees will increase. The more orderly you act, the more peaceful it will be, but Shadow will be weakened down to the point where he has to do something terrible to revive his energy and power. I will keep a list of all these things at the end of each chapter.

Chaos= 1
Order= 1

Group:
~~Sinner~~
Walker
Lyra

Shadows Strength: Maximum

Fun Fact: Had you waited longer, you would have not been able to greet the Elements of Harmony, or add Lyra to your group. Pillows would have been severely wounded, and both Octavia and Colonel Philamonica would have lost trust in you. Also, Sinner would not have died, and you Order would have gone up, but your strength would be only at 75%.