The war hero's shadow

After the males ate their soup and warmed up the parents retired to bed and a butler showed Cecil to his room. That morning Cecil ate breakfast with the royal family and then headed home. Shining sent letters to Alex and through the week more detailed arrangements had been made for Flurry's stay in Ponyville over winter break. While the time for winter vacation grew closer and closer Cecil was stressing about his Job. He wasn't allowed to take a break but he wanted desperately to visit home. He brought his concerns up to Flurry who of course brought them up to her parents.

Shining solved the problem with a wave of his hoof. Cecil was offered a job as a janitor in the barracks and would have his own room to sleep in. It was a awkward change for the young man. the guards welcomed him with mixed emotions of weary to outright jealousy. Cecil spent a month being avoided or hazed. After the guard had their fun and started paying attention to how hard Cecil worked to make their barracks a polished jem they started opening up to him. What really made them draw close was in the small window of free time he had for himself he practiced his martial arts in their combat training area.

Cecil met with a group of guards wanting to spar with him. Not wanting to turn down a fine opportunity to show off his skills Cecil agreed. It was a fast victory for Cecil and a good bonding moment for them as he showed them more advanced ways to fight. In return, the guards grabbed Cecil and took him to a bar where they spent most of the night drinking. That was the start of the longest 36 hours of his life.

Cecil sat at the bar downing the rest of his shot as the stallions cheered him on in drunken excitement.

"Damn kid I've never seen somepony your age keep up with adults."

Quarts said as Cecil finished chugging his tenth 32oz mug of beer followed by a double shot chaser of whiskey. Cecil slammed the shot glass down on the table. The guard ponies brought him there hours ago and it started out as a casual get together but soon Cecil was feeling the atmosphere and once they found out he was raised in a bar the chugging challenges began and Cecil went down a slippery slope of bets out drinking all the challengers.

"We're just getting started! Bartender another shot and a beer!"

The bartender sighed with a knowing smile as he gave Cecil the drinks he ordered. Cecil slammed another shot down to the amazement of the guards, quarts smirked with a idea quickly forming in his head.

"Hey Cecil you think your tough enough to really party with the guard?"

Cecil arched an eyebrow at him while he tipped his beer back. Setting it down with a satisfying sigh a large grin formed at the tips of his lips.

"Bring it on Quarts."

This made the guards around him cheer. They brought Cecil to the back where a dart board was set up. Other guards were playing but when they saw Cecil they instantly smiled devilishly. The guards took Cecil's shirt off and with a permanent marker drew a bullseye on his back.

"You scream and you lose." Quarts said as he stepped back. "Survive all six and we pay for the tap. You scream and you pay for our tab."

Cecil winked at him with a cheeky grin. "I'm tougher then I look so better get those bits ready."

The guards laughed already liking his spirit. The darts went fast and stuck into Cecil's back. The first few didn't hurt the anticipation was honestly worse but then they started throwing them harder and by the last two a unicorn was useing magic to shoot them into his back burying the metal tips. Cecil had clenched his fists but after the last one he smiled and turned.

"I'd kick all your asses if you weren't about to go into bankruptcy. Now pull these damn darts out."

Once the darts were pulled out and the shock of the guards wore off Cecil was treated almost like a hero. Only a few had ever lasted to the final two and now he just proved his manhood to them. Unfortunately when he went to the bar he watched as their faces turned to white once the bar tab came. He drank enough for four stallions. They paid it with grumbles and slowly the five ponies left the bar, Cecil barely able to stand.

The group said goodbyes most ready to leave considering Cecil drained their wallets. Cecil started walking around and at one point he passed out. When he woke up the sun was glaring at him through the window of a jail cell. He shot up and laid back down clutching his head as he groaned.

A light chuckle was heard and he cracked open one eye to see a stallion recovering from the same hangover.

"Rise and shine scrapper, you must have several questions."

Cecil sat up, against his own body's protest of pain. Once up he noticed a bowl of water at his feet. He greedily scooped it up downing the contents causing the stallion to chuckle. Cecil didn't care and once he was done he tried to catch his breath.

"So….so what happened? And why…why did you call me scraper?" Cecil asked as he held his head.

"Well firstly my name is rolling pin, I'm a champion bowler, and secondly I saw you fight like your life depended on it last night. I don't know where you came from but you were on a different planet and asked for more alcohol. You puked on the bar and that pissed a bunch off. You mouthed off to them and then I tried to interrupt it but I suppose my tone could have been kinder because before I could blink your mean left hook caught me in the ear and I was gone for a few seconds. When I came to you had two more on the floor fighting off two more."

He took a breath and let what he said sink into Cecil's brain. "I remember leaving the Salt Lick saloon and then I woke up here."

The stallion laughed "Son you are going to be in a lot of trouble then if you can't explain your actions."

Cecil sighed and looked out the jail door. One good note was Cecil had been in the Ponyville sheriff's cell enough times that he was in a drunk tank. So obviously whatever happened it wasn't too serious.

"So who broke up the fight"

The stallion laughed and laid down throwing a forehoof over his eyes.

"Two off duty cops, one gave you an electric shock and to her surprise, you stood back up and grinned then one of the stallions you sent to the ground got up and hit you in the back of the head with a chair and you folded like a wet napkin."

Cecil didn't make a sound as he laid on the bed mirroring the stallion's motion. He laid there lightly mulling over the stallion's words and trying to fight off his hangover. A soft door clicking shut and the jingle jangle of keys filled the jail. Seconds later the smell of fresh coffee made Cecil turn his head as he saw a officer walk to the doors taking a sip and letting out a soft sigh. The first thing Cecil noticed was the badge reading M.C.P.D. his brain moved slower then he liked but the dots connected and he shot up in a blind panic.

"How the hell did I end up in Manehattan!?" He yelled as the stallion groaned

"Would you shut up."

Cecil gave him an apologetic look as his own head began to throb. The officer smirked and set his cup down on his desk.

"You could tell me the same thing, but either way you had a hell of a rough night."

He opened the cell door and stepped to the side. "You two are free to go, your stay courtesy of the Manehattan police is over."

Cecil dragged his body off the bed and stood up finally checking to see that everything was in place. Thankfully he had left his gun at the barracks and just kept his coat. Placing his hat on his head he nodded to the officer and walked out. To his surprise he wasn't actually in the city but a small town considering the City itself could be seen clearly over a few hills. Disregarding the city he checked his wallet and to no one's surprise he was flat out of money. Sighing he started to walk.

Hours went by as he walked catching rides where he could and sleeping when the opportunity arose. Given the chance he would have stayed in that jail cell with no quarry and slept this hangover off. The sun felt like nails being driven in his eyes while his headache nearly brought him to his knees at every step. His body ached and worse was the feeling of no cure in sight. Cecil glanced at a clock tower in the distance and noted that it was noon. It would take him all day and part of the night to get back to the crystal empire but then his hopes began to rise as he heard the loud scream of the train horn.

Ignoring the pain as much as possible he ran in the direction and after crossing a hill he saw the train approaching. Sucking in a breath of air he took off down the hill holding his hat for dear life. He nearly tripped a few times but his legs kept up and soon he was on a collision course with the train. The train blew past on the rails but Cecil never stopped running and grabbed the caboose in a last ditch effort. His legs gave out and dragged the ground for a second as he kicked them to grab something. He landed a solid kick on the ground and bounced himself on board where he laid on the wooden floor sucking wind as his already hurting body began to hurt more.

He didn't know how long he laid there and at one point had drifted off to sleep. Waking up he realized it has been a few hours. Quickly looking around he could see the outline of the Crystal Empire in the distance but life had other plans. Just as he was standing up the door swung open hard enough to knock him off balance and send him rolling on the ground. Into the snow covered ground. Groaning as he got out of the snow he watched as his hope traveled down the tracks. Cecil cursed under his breath and adjusted his hat.

The walk had been uneventful other then his feet nearly freezing off. When he got back to Ponyville he would ask if Rarity would make him new boots and gloves. It was nearly four am when he finally got to his bunk and in bed. His alarm went off two hours later and begrudgingly he got out of bed with a yawn. After showering and doing his other bathroom routines he got dressed and headed to class. He looked like he felt because everyone gave him space with worried looks. Even Baron was hesitant to speak with him but he still did.

"Chap I have seen horror movies with monsters that look better then you do right now."

Cecil flipped his middle finger up, the meaning was lost to Baron, but he could safely assume it was a crude insult.

"Okay tell me what happened before the princess arrives."

Cecil leaned his head back and explained everything, by the end his friend nearly had bulging eyes as he tried to comprehend how someone was able to suffer through something like that.

"Sweet foust, when you say you are tougher then you look I truly believe you now. Unfortunately, Flurry will want to know what happened and I doubt she will be pleased hearing about your adventure."

Cecil gave him a tired smirk "she won't but it's the truth. You know I ain't a lier Baron but if she don't ask I won't tell."

Baron sighed "I will try to hoof at distracting her. Best of luck old chap, you will certainly need it today."

Cecil gave him a thumbs up and let his head drop. He pulled his hat over his eyes and tried to get a few more minutes of sleep until he felt warm feathers wrap around him whilst arms hugged his torso and a soft fuzzy cheek nuzzled his neck. He didn't have to guess who it was but he lifted his head and saw two big worried eyes staring into his tired and drained ones. Neither said a word as they say there but when the bell for first period rang her horn lit up and held him in place. He was to tired to fight her so he just looked at her with pleading eyes, to his surprise she smiled once everyone was gone.

"Go to the castle Cecil, Baron and I will handle your classes and tell the teachers you have been sick." She told him in a soft sweet voice like a mother would a foal.

He wanted to tell her no but when he tried to walk his legs felt like they were on fire and his arms felt like they had weights on them. His vision was cross eyed and going in and out of focus. He knew he was in no condition to be here and Flurry was going to fight him until he finally agreed. Sighing he nodded and tried to get up but Flurry held him down with her own strength while her horn wrote on a piece of paper. The letter burned up in green fiery magic. Once it was sent she helped him up letting him lean on her as they walked outside the main doors.

They waited only a few minutes when a royal carriage landed. Opening the door was Cadence. She helped Flurry get him in and once he sat down his body shut down. Cecil felt his body being shook and when he opened them he was staring up at Cadence and Shining Armor both of who had concerned looks on their faces. Shining helped Cecil to a guest room and got him to lay down. The whole adventure felt like bits and pieces. Either way when Cecil woke up he didn't feel one hundred percent but he was ten times better off then what he felt previously. His eyes fell on a dim light and once they focused he saw Shining Armor reading a book.

Feeling eyes on him Shining closed his book and looked to Cecil with a mixed look of worry and relief.

"Want to explain what happened?"

Cecil sighed as he rubbed his head. Shining wasn't the one he wanted to explain things to but after everything he deserved the truth.

"I went out drinking, got into a little pissing contest, had to much ended, up in Manehattan, got jumped, ended up in a drunk tank the next morning, walked and hitch hiked my way back coming in at around four am."

Shining had to blink a few times before the story set in. "That….that is some story Cecil I have to be honest it's not what I expected."

He paused for a moment as his thoughts came back.

"Im sure we will all be laughing at this in the future but for now I'm glad you're okay. Take the rest of the day off and if you need anything just let me or my wife know."

Cecil nodded and got out of bed "Thank you but I just need some food. It's been almost 24 hours and I'm pretty sure I puked anything I had on my stomach up."

Shining looked away for a second before turning back to Cecil.

"I'll see about getting you….meat."

Cecil held his hands up "no need, vegetables work just as well. My father needs meat but where I was born with the magic of this world and a little tampering from Princess Celestia my diet is about eighty percent vegan and the rest is meat."

That brought a smile to Shining's face. He gave a quick nod and walked out. Once he was gone Cecil laid back on the bed. Shining had every right to tell at him and truly curse his name but instead, he was shown concern and care a virtue Cecil was struggling to comprehend. Was this how a father actually acted when they knew kids messed up or was this shining treating Cecil as a grown man. He needed to know and while part of him wanted the conversation to be left alone his mind nagged him until he put his hat on and went looking for Shining.

When Cecil found shining the stallion was blissfully reading over documents that needed his attention. A strong coffee filling the air with it's aroma. When he heard Cecil clear his throat he put his paperwork down and stretched.

"What can I help you with Cecil?"

Cecil was a little nervous but he finally looked shining in the eyes after a moment's pause.

"I need to know why you aren't madder, dad would have nailed my butt to the wall after a stunt like that." Cecil admitted.

Shining sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
"Please sit."

Cecil did and shining closed his eyes gathering his thoughts on the matter. When he was ready he opened them with a stern look about him.

"Cecil I know you aren't a bad person, you have proved your worth more then once and while I would like to yell at you one I am not your father, two one hiccup doesn't make you the scum of the earth, three you learned your lesson, I hope, and finally what would Flurry think about it?"

He leaned on his desk with a small smile before continuing.

"It's obvious she cares about you and while things would have been different had she been along with you, I doubt you would have let yourself get that out of hoof if she had been there. You are responsible but you are still very young and part of growing up is making mistakes. Learn from them and do better."

Cecil soaked his words in like a dry sponge to water. It made more sense and while it was considered a set back in Cecil's mind shining was right, it wasn't the end of the world. Cecil sat up with a sad smile and nodded.

"Thanks, I needed this talk."

Shining smiled as he went to pick up his papers

"Anytime, now is there anything else you want to discuss?"

Cecil picked his brain but shook his head. "No honestly I just want to go back to sleep."

Shining nodded as he opened the door with his magic.

"I'm sure. Twenty two hours without sleep and a hangover I think I would have slapped that cop just to have the cell for a day."

Cecil chuckled as he slowly exited the door. "I'll see you later sir."

With that Cecil went back to bed fully immersed in his sleep. His dreams were nothing memorable other than he remembered seeing flurry. When he woke up the first thing he did was stretch and let out a loud yawn. Sleeping hard always made him feel refreshed but instead of a dark and quiet room he noticed the soft glow of a candle and a familiar pink alicorn sitting at a desk with several notebooks open. Seeing Cecil awake she set her quill down smiling at him until her eyes drifted down.

Cecil had no shirt on and for the second time she could fill one part of her curiosity. He wasn't lean or chiseled but his muscles were there in a different way. The arms to the shoulders were defined while his torso was flat and sturdy. If Cecil went to a gym he would have a body cut better then diamonds but Cecil was strong stronger then most stallions because those muscles were made from hard labor intensive work on a farm. She didn't stare long and soon her eyes went back up to his confident smirk and eyes.

"See something you like princess?" He teased.

Flurry felt her cheeks heating up as she quickly tried to think of a response. When one came she closed her eyes calming herself and opened them with a new flirtatious side. She got up and slowly walked over to him. Keeping eye contact she raised up putting both her gives on either side of him as her face got inches from his, so close they could practically feel each other's breaths.

"Maybe I do maybe I don't~" she whispered seductively.

Cecil felt his chest tighten up and now his own face began to heat up. His confidence was faulting as he struggled to keep eye contact. Flurry knew this was a opportunity to push her own curiosity and finally find out if they could be more then just friends. Using the tip of her wing she traced along his chest and shoulder.

"What would you do if I did?" She whispered.

It took Cecil's brain a minute but finally, he put his hands on her shoulders and slowly pushed her back much to her surprise.

"Sneaky, but Flurry…" he paused as a lump seemed to get stuck in his throat and that alone made a million thoughts of worried questions run through her head. Waiting on him to answer was like waiting for a doctor to deliver the news in a serious situation.

" I can't right now. Not yet."

Flurry felt like a balloon that had all the air let out. She tried to fight the tears pooling in her eyes but the more she looked at his defeated face the more she wanted to cry her heart out.

"Why…why not Cecil? Am I not good enough? Is there another mare or is it my nobility?"

Cecil knew she would take the answer badly but he had his reasoning. He patted the bed and slowly flurry crawled in next to him. His strong arms wrapping around her tightly. Her warm soft body pressing close to his bare chest made him feel safe, while her cotton candy scented shampoo filled his nose with wonderful happy thoughts.

"Flurry it's none of those….you are so amazing and extraordinary it's nearly impossible to think of a better mare in the world but…I…I'm scared."

He took a moment to stare deeply into her eyes full of worry, curiosity, apprehension, and fear.

"Flurry, I'm scared of losing you. I want to be with you as well. I've had many dreams of us with a family or us on dates or even just us going to school. I've thought about you before I go to sleep, while I work, or when I study. You're always on my mind and being with you sounds like a dream come true but a part of me is so scared, so very scared of losing you if things don't work out…."

He started to tear up himself as he thought about losing her again. Flurry didn't need to hear the rest and instead in one quick motion got on top of his chest cupping his cheek with her hooves pressed her lips against his own. The sudden kiss surprised him but slowly he closed his eyes letting his hands rest on her hips. Time seemed to stop as the two laid motionless on the bed just kissing.

When Flurry pulled away her eyes were brimming with happiness as her warm smile shines down on him. She used the tip of her wing to lightly brush away his tears before collapsing down on his chest wrapping him in a tight hug.

"Cecil Steel you are the biggest idiot I know but, you are the idiot I love. I know your scared, I had those same thoughts but my heart has been telling me that you are the one. Please, Cecil, be the brave stallion I know you are."

She looked up at Cecil with a warm smile and hopeful eyes. Cecil felt more tears forming in his eyes and finally he wrapped her tightly in a hug with a big smile of his own.

"Alright flurry…I'll be brave. I'll be your Colt friend."

Flurry nuzzled her head in his chest closing her eyes with all manner of happy giddy emotions running through her.

"Thank you, Cecil."

He kissed the top of her head and laid his head back down closing his own eyes. Not a word was said as the two laid together snuggling close. It was an emotional rollercoaster but they were together finally past their own apprehensions.