The war hero's shadow

Hours passed by with them cuddled together laying blissfully in the bed until a knock came at the door. Flurry got off the bed quickly going to the door while Cecil put a shirt on. Standing at the door was both Cadence and Shining. The parents had a slight concern on their faces, still worried about Cecil but seeing him out his hat on and most of the color returned to his face relieved them.

"You are looking like your old self again Cecil."

Shining pointed out as the adults walked in.

"Honestly, Cecil how are you feeling?"

Cadence asked like the concerned mother she was.

Cecil rubbed the back of his neck giving them both a smile.

"Honestly probably the worst hangover I've ever had but I feel back to my old self with some news."

Both parents smiled at his announcement to news but Flurry seemed to pale. It was wonderful Cecil was honest but he could almost be to honest like this situation.

When Cecil announced Flurry and him were officially a couple she was expecting her father to chase Cecil out of the country instead Shining walked up slapping Cecil on the back with nothing but smiles.

"Well it's about time. I was wondering if you would ever start dating her?"

Cecil just laughed nervously.

" I had to have a heart to heart with her and finally open up. Flurry is actually the one who made the first move though. My thick head was still worrying about the what ifs."

Shining just laughed as he looked at Flurry "that's my baby filly, always one to take charge."

Cadence walked over to Flurry who was still in a mix of shock and confusion. Candace pulled Flurry into a loving embrace kissing her cheek.

"I know I was just as surprised but your father and I talked it over and we think Cecil would be a wonderful Colt friend." She leaned closer to whisper in Flurrys ear. "Just please no grand babies yet. We barley have you to adulthood."

Flurry beamed bright red as her mother calmly pulled away. Flurry had thought about children but not even she wanted to be a mother this early plus her mother's statement was beyond embarrassing.

Shining pulled away from Cecil standing next to his wife. He wasn't worried at all about Cecil simply due to the deep respect Cecil has shown his family so far and Shining would be the first one to stab the boy if he did get flurry pregnant.

"Alright, we'll get out of your hair and give you young adults some privacy."

Shining said in a sarcastic tone as he turned with Cadence to leave much to Flurry's embarrassment.

"Daaaad." She whined as she tried to push him out the door. She loved that stallion to death but he knew exactly how to embarrass her. The parents giggled on their way out and finally the young adults had their privacy.

Cecil and Flurry shared in more passionate kissing and cuddling once they were left alone again. Cecil stayed until dinner where after he ate and had some good conversation with Shining and Cadance he went to his room in the barracks. What fallowed was his normal routine. Cecil and Flurry had agreed to keep their relationship a secret till after winter break just to make things a lot easier when they had to explain to their friends.

The days turned into weeks and soon the day winter break was a few days away. Cecil had spent most of the day with Flurry and finally, after dropping her off at the castle with a soft kiss, he could make his way to Barron. Cecil had finally talked Barron into going to a bar bar and not some party or high class bar. He had taken all the spare time he could hunting down a local common bar and tonight he was going to kidnap the high roller pony.

Knocking on his dorm door dressed in his normal duster that was all buttoned up and hat snuggly pressed against his head with a pair of black winter gloves Cecil waited for Barron to answer the door. The elite prince opened the door swishing his main and flashing a brilliant perfect white smile.

"By Joe, ole chap it's exhilarating to see you this fine night."

Cecil chuckled softly "if you think it's already fun wait till you see where we're going."

Barron wrapped a bird egg blue scarf around his neck along with a pair of matching ear muffs.

"Tally ho then, let's not dally any longer then necessary."

Once again his excitement caught Cecil off guard as he watched the pony lock his door.

"I thought you would be dreading this just from how you acted when I brought the idea up you seemed to dread every second."

Barron held his head high with another cheeky smile to Cecil

"Well you did call me a pompous bastard who hated common folk."

Cecil rubbed the back of his neck but Barron laughed a little as he stood next to Cecil.

"Do not freat friend, you were correct. I was acting a little pompous and thus I started pondering. This commoner's bar would have no rules like the elite and maybe for once I could sit sit and have a beer or two without worrying what others would think if I had just a little more."

Cecil couldn't help but laugh as he nudged Baron's shoulder.

"So I guess I did talk some sense in you. Don't worry I'm sure you will be a cheap date if you want to get a little losened up, but I will cut you off if you start getting to out of hoof."

Baron nodded with a confident smile.

"As one should but I warn you, I have never been drunk in my life. I was taught to enjoy a nice buzz along with a expensive cigar."

Cecil shrugged as the two began walking out into the cold night.

"Eh hell Baron, I'm sure you can't be that bad besides I've got news for you when we get there."

Baron arched one of his near perfectly groomed eyebrow wanting Cecil to elaborate. Cecil responded with a smirk as to say his lips were sealed. When Barron realized he wasn't going to get the information he shook his head whispering

"You can be such a brat."

Cecil burst out laughing and walked on with his best friend. The two made light conversation as they walked through the lightly snow covered streets. The bar was far off from the school nearly an hour and a half wall for the two. When they finally arrived Baron was breathing a little heavy but other wise he was fine. Turns out all the sports he plays in and added that he visits the gym regularly, the elite stallion was in rather good shape but that's where Cecil and Baron's physical side stopped. Barron had trained his muscles to be used at full speed in short periods while Cecil's were built for endurance.

The two young adults stood In front of the bar which looked nearly like all the homes. Made out of crystal with a sign hanging off the door reading 'chip block'. Going inside Cecil could smell the smoke hit his nose and cheaper alcohol in all the ponies hooves. The bar had four pool tables, darts, and plenty of tables to sit at some of which were being used to deal cards. While gambling was outlawed on a commercial level. Private games were completely legal. At the back was the actual bar that ran the entire length of the room with four bar maids all with their sweet innocent smiles and dolled up for the patrons.

The two walked in and it was like a wave as conversation slowly got quieter and quieter until it was just all eyes on Cecil and Baron. Cecil was about to fix the problem but Baron took the lead by stepping forward clearing his throat.

"Hello everypony, having a grand time I hope. Listen up chaps I'm here to get as you say sloshed and for a night cut the ties of nobility." He walked over setting bits in a table and taking a beer. Holding it up he chugged the entire thing and slammed it down on a table "woohoo! That is a damn fine beer!"

Cecil was ready to face palm when ponies smirked or gave him a nod of approval. The pony he took the beer from even laughed at the sight. Once the intial ice was broke Cecil walked up to Baron slack jawed that actually worked and as if Barron could sense his confusion he chuckled patting Cecil's back.

"Dear chap, my hot poker isn't so far up my flank that I can't read a room. Now close your mouth or you'll catch flies."

Cecil blinked a few times before undoing his duster and folding the collar down.

"Your full of surprises Baron, that's all I have to say."

Baron laughed this time nudging Cecil with his elbow.

"Now you know how everypony feels about you."

Cecil shook his head as he started to the bar.

"Come on, let's grab some drinks. After all I can't have you one ahead of me."

Baron laughed as the two made it to the bar.

"Oh no the legendary human with the tolerance of dragons would be afraid of little ol me getting one ahead."

The sarcasm was dripping with every word Baron spoke but it was all in good fun as the two took a seat at the bar and ordered two draft ales. They clinged beers and tilted their mugs back to start the night. For a hour the two simply sipped until a pool table opened up and Cecil decided to challenge the white stallion. Baron only hummed with a smirk before downing his beer.

"Oh what the hell, I'll go a few rounds."

Cecil grinned and ordered two more mugs. Once he was served the two walked over to the table. While Cecil racked Baron grabbed the cue's. Baron took the first shot, useing his hooves instead of his horn, breaking the balls and sinking the one ball. He lined up for the three and missed. Cecil watched figuring this was his first time. To be a fair sport Cecil just walked up to the table taking a second and let his shot go. The 11 bounced off the wall but Cecil wore a smile, not mad at all considering he wasn't serious. Baron walked up to the table and took a shot barely missing his pocket. Cecil went up to the table after a quick exchange of encouraging words. He saw the 13 and took his shot sinking it with precision. The cue ball rolled over lining up with the 11. He took his shot sinking it and on his third shot he purposefully missed the 14.

Baron went up and mirrored Cecil in balls sunk except for the fourth shot he missed. Cecil decided to test something and he sank two more before missing his third again. Baron once again sank sank two balls and missed his third shot. Cecil took a long sip of his beer smiling at Baron.

"You cheeky stallion, you've played before."

Baron chuckled as he used magic to grab the chalk and rub it on his cue tip.

"And seems you have as well. I was fooling around thinking you were just bad."

Cecil chuckled as he stood up grabbing his pool cue.

"Well guess playtime is over now that I know I have a real challenge."

Baron grinned as he grabbed his beer toasting in the air.

"Don't be to sour when I win."

Cecil rolled his eyes looking at the table Cecil had two balls to go while Baron had one before either could go after the eight ball which never moved from it's original spot on the table. Cecil lined up his shot and this time he took his time. The cue rushed out knocking his target in with a backspin. The cue rolled over lining up on his final shot. He sank the ball with ease before looking back at Baron who only wore a smug grin calmly watching. Cecil called the pocket and sent the cue ball but even with his careful calculating the eight ball hit the edge of the pocket rolling out. Cecil sucked his lips in as he watched Baron take a long swig of his drink. He went over lining his shot up calmly sending his last ball in and then turned to the eight ball calling his pocket. It was going to be a hard bank shot but the stallion cool as the ice on the ground lined up and let the cue go. The balls connected with a soft clank and Cecil watched as the eight ball slowly rolled to the pocket and dropped in with a thunk.

"Well old chap seems this stallion still has it."

Cecil shook his head and held his hand out to bump. Baron bumped his hoof to Cecil's fist. Cecil racked the balls and the two went back to playing another round except this time they played a little more seriously. They were running the table so fast that their last game felt like it took ages and they were quickly catching the attention of the bar as they played round after round each one no more than five or six minutes. They didn't keep score but Baron had definitely won more then Cecil. The human had made Baron earn those wins though but all was in good fun. After another hour of playing pool the two decided to go back to the bar and relax grabbing more mugs. They had barely started their first sips when a burly earth pony stallion with Aquarius colors for his mane, tail, and coat came up to them.

"You two are fine shooters. What do you say about putting your bits in a game or two against my partner and me?"

He nodded back to his table where the young adults saw a fine looking cherry red coated pegasus mare with strawberry pink main and tail. Baron was about to decline when when Cecil answered.

"Sure I'll take you up on that. What do you say Barron a little friendly competition never hurt no pony?"

Baron was a little skeptical about it but reluctantly he agreed.

"Just please don't sob when two young adults win."

The stallion laughed as they made it back.

"Seems that booze is giving you a little extra confidence."

Baron grabbed his pool cue sighing.

"Liquid courage I suppose." He turned to Cecil "you ready ole chap?"

Cecil grinned "hell yeah I am."

The mare already had the table racked with a smile. The bet was a small one and they were even kind enough to let the young adults go first. The two young adults were fighting for their lives. These ponies knew how to play and it seemed like there wasn't a trick they didn't know. The boys lost when Cecil botched the eight ball shot and the mare calmly walked up and sank it effortlessly. She walked up to Cecil smirking at him.

"You gentlecolts did well considering we are professional players."

Cecil glared at the stallion "you didn't say nothing about you being professional pool players."

The stallion leaned on his cue stick with a grin.

"You didn't ask, but don't get all knotted up. You boys did a damn fine job. I have to say out of everypony we have ever faced off in this place you are one of the few that made us get serious."

Cecil scrunched his nose but Baron put his arm up over Cecil's chest. He had a soft smile on his mouth and a new light in his eyes.

"Well lads certainly that was a bit underhoof of you but I suppose lesson learned from us. But how serious were you really?"

The stallion stood up straight while his mare racked the balls.

"I'd say we were both at about eighty percent."

Baron reached in his satchel and set 1000 rolled stacks worth of bits on the pool table. He smugly looked at the stallion.

"Excellent because we woukd like a rematch with some real stakes. Five hundred bits to play."

The mare, stallion and Cecil all watched with bugged eyes as Baron casually set the bits down. The mood had changed almost instantly as the adults looked nervously at each other.

"Can we talk about this…privately?"

Baron smiled confidently as he held his forehoof up nodding for them to leave.

"Certainly."

When they left Cecil stood next to Baron with his own nervous look. Baron looked up at Cecil with a wink.

"Do not fret. This is pocket change to me. If we lose we lose. But that's a lot to gamble on for them. When they play they will constantly keep looking at it and have their minds on that instead of the game. I believe they were lieing when they said eighty percent. We played them just as hard as they played us. The only difference is they know a few more trick shots."

He looked at the bits and then back to Cecil.

"If they do agree, just think of this as no more then the twenty bits they won earlier."

Cecil was astonished at how petty Baron was willing to be but then again he remembered what Shining had done to him their first night meeting so it wasn't really a surprise. Cecil took a deep inhale before letting it out in a sigh.

"Alright but if we lose you'll have to give me time to pay you back."

Baron rolled his eyes swishing his hair.

"Fouast Cecil how does Flurry Heart put up with your thick skull. I would never ask you to pay me back."

Cecil grinned as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah she is special for that ain't she? Sorry guess when I saw them boys I was ready to put my bits where my mouth is considering I got us into this."

Baron held his hoof up to bump which Cecil happily connected

"Relax ole chap, squirming like a filly doesn't suit you. Besides I plan to use my horn."

Cecil was a out to say something when the stallion and mare came back with a weary look on the mare and new confidence from the stallion. He set the bits on the table to which Baron smiled and the game began. Baron let them take the first shot and as predicted they were good but they were off from last game as their eyes would flick to the bits. Like moths to a flame ever since Barron laid out the bits A crowd had gathered around the table to watch this match and see who would win the massive pot.

Playing was hard for Cecil mostly because he wasn't used to a crowd but when he felt his nerves start to rattle he looked to Baron who gave him a small nod and encouraging smile. Baron was his best friend to the point Cecil would consider him a brother and their close friendship was helped relax Cecil when he saw Baron give him that encouraging smile. The two teams fought almost evenly on the long table blocking and sinking balls one stroke at a time. The stallion had the final shot with the eight ball. He botched the shot and bounced the eight out of the corner pocket it rolled against the back wall stopping in the middle between the two back pockets, whereas the cue ball rolled all the way to the opposite end of the table perfectly in line with the eight ball. This was going to be a particularly hard shot for Baron, but the elite Stallion only smiled with everything resting on his shoulders. Like before he was as calm as pond water even being so bold as to slowly close his eyes and shoot his shot. The eight ball slowly rolled across the green up to his called pocket and for a second looked like it was going to stop. Everypony in the room held their breath but then it tipped over falling into the pocket.

The patrons cheered and celebrated patting the young adult's back. Cecil nor Baron were paying much attention as the pool players slowly went out of the bar slipping away when the crowd was roaring. The two got a little carried away and since they had all the bits everypony wanted to be their friend trying to be their friend. Even the mares at the counter were trying extra hard to get the young adult's attention. It was certainly a memorable party as the two downed drink after drink eventually moving into shots. Once the excitement calmed down about two hours later Baron was feeling the effects and a quick trip to the bathroom to empty his stomach he was ready to leave. Cecil was doing just fine barely a buzz. The two left the bar as Barron stumbled out laughing and smiling like a goofy drunk but something wasn't right.

When they left the bar Cecil felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. His eyes narrowed and started looking around at all the potential hiding spots. Baron stopped quizzically looking at Cecil. He was ready to head home but now his best friend was just standing out front like a dolt.

"C-come on ol chap."

As he said the words Cecil stepped In front of Baron as the Stallion from before as two of his friends followed. Baron was still lost but Cecil knew what this was about and he was already clenching his hands. Baron looked down to the balled fists and then back to the stallions. He was drunk but he wasn't that drunk yet. Cecil and the stallion stared each other down as the tension grew between them until once again Baron cut in.

"Let us go you degenerate. The game was fair."

"Not till we get those bits back." The stallion huffed.

Cecil put his hands up and set his feet.

"Then why don't you just come and take 'em."

The stallion smirked thinking he had the odds in his favor as he walked forward. Cecil cracked his neck and then he felt a sudden presence next to him. Baron in the flesh was in his own ready stance horn glowing with a determined look in his eye. He glanced up to Cecil with a drunk smile.

The stallions rushed with the lead one throwing a large hay maker. Cecil ducked and sent a upper cut into the stallions chest. He stepped to the side and drove his knee into the stallions ribs where he heard ribs crack. The stallion moved away and Cecil had to throw a block up as one of his buddies rushed stopping on the ice and spinning to send a double buck his way. The human managed to put most of the stallions buck into his arms but it still hurt like hell. Baron rushed the other stallion tackling him to the ground and this being his first fight he made the mistake of stepping back to wait for the stallion to get up but instead the downed stallion kicked at Baron's legs. Baron fell as the stallion got up. He raised up on his hind legs ready to drop his front hooves on Baron's head but Cecil wrapped an arm around the stallions neck and hip tossed him to the ground.

Cecil was helping Baron back up when the first stallion and his last friend both rushed Cecil. Baron saw it and he used his magic to grab their hooves. The two stallions fell as Cecil finally got Baron back to his feet. The three stallions all stood up and this time when Baron looked at Cecil his eyes had that steely gaze of anger. Cecil turned to the stallions and once he got his footing so did Baron. The stallions all three rushed but before Baron could do anything Cecil was already meeting them halfway and this time he showed Baron why every creature who knew the name Steel feared it.

The first stallion to meet Cecil had his throat slammed with a punch. The second with the broken ribs managed to get a punch across Cecil's face but Cecil spit a little blood out and grinned at him. He kicked the stallions legs out and turned to the last one who was trying to rush from behind. Cecil stepped to the side and the stallion went past but the human grabbed the stallion by the tail yanking it while his foot went flying into the stallions family jewels. He left that one going back to the pool player with the broken ribs. Cecil punched the stallion in the face with a right hook, then a left jab, and finally sent a right upper cut into the bottom of the stallions jaw. His eyes rolled back and like a cut down tree in a forest fell to the ground with thud.

Baron was in shock at the talent Cecil had. Most would have been in a dire situation with three against one but Cecil had proved how capable he was. He walked over to Baron with a concerned look.

"You okay bud?"

Baron waved him off with a chuckle

"As you say, I'm tougher then I look."

Cecil chuckled and the two walked home. The walk was quiet but the two young adults had a understanding. They had won and what a tale this would be to look back on. For Cecil a fight like this was nothing new but Barron was thinking about it constantly. This was his first real fight and he was one of the few who got to witness Cecil at his true potential and was it a sight. Cecil made sure Baron got in his bed first but before he walked away he made sure to tell Barron the news about him and Flurry.

"Well it's about time! I was beginning to think I was going to have to spell it out for you."

Cecil chuckled as he stood at the door.

"Did everypony expect us to start dateing?"

"YEEEES." Barron said as he put a forleg over his eyes " Oh my faust you and Flurry are dreadfully terrible at being discreet."

Cecil only shook his head with a chuckle.

"Alright well Baron I'll see you in the morning."

Baron nodded as he shut his door. Cecil quickly made his way to the barracks and laid down. once he was comfortable, sleep took him like a gentle wind in the night.