Shadow Colt The Series

You would think a 2 year nap would leave you refreshed but that’s not how it works apparently. I awoke from a coma only a few days ago and I've already started to feel the pressure of responsibility.

“I’m here now Shield, you want to take a look at some possible guards?”

“Sure, Luna gave me some files, I'll have to grab them real quick.” He pulled out a large stack of manilla folders.

“I haven't actually looked at any of them yet.” He pulled the first file off the top, setting the rest on the table in front of us. The name on the file was well worn but still visible it read Prince Eclipse.

“Hah yeah sure I’ll bring that back to her I doubt that was supposed to get here.”

“Who is it?”

“Prince Eclipse.”

“I’ve never heard of him.”

“That’s because he doesn’t hang around much.”

“Oh.”

“Did you separate these files between Pony and Griffon?”

“Yeah I left the griffon stack in there.”

“Get it, start with them. They don’t mind being around a pony but some ponies might not want a griffon in their group.”

“Ok, oh wait, look at this.”

“Hah that’s my file. I wonder what’s in it.”

“What should I do with it?”

“Do you want me in your group?”

“Do you want to be in my group?”

“That’s not my decision.”

“Do you want a group of your own?”

“No, I don't like the paperwork.” He looked at me unamused. I couldn't help but laugh at this.

“Ok seriously though.”

“No, I'm not wanting a group of my own.”

“Ok then.” he put the file aside and we started looking through the griffon files. We pulled out files for Govend, Garring, and Goring putting them aside as they were definitely wanted.

“I don’t want a guard full of griffons so I think one more griffon is good and I think this guy will be a good fit.” he handed me a file for a familiar looking griffon. The top of his head was brown but it turned to a orange-red below that and yellow at his neck the rest of him was white as snow.

“He’s familiar but I don’t know where from.”

“I guess you can find out when he gets here because I think he’s a good fit.”

“Alright well since you don’t want anymore Griffons which is probably a good idea we need to go through the other stack.” He had half the stack and I had the other as we were going through we pulled out files for some pretty hardy looking guards.

“Whoa! hold on, I'll be right back.” I got up and headed for Flash’s quarters but they were empty, not a single thing in there. It was night so I knew where I could find Luna.

“Sir, I don't remember Princess Luna calling for anypony.” I showed him the pass I was given by Luna but he didn’t know what that meant.

“Will my name work?”

“She did give me some names to look out for.”

“Shadow Colt.”

“Yep, you’re good, sorry for not knowing the card I’m new just started this morning.”

“You’re alright, you're just doing your job.”

“Luna!”

“I’m a bit busy whoever you are.”

“It’s-” I was cut off by an excruciating pain in my head and chest. I fell over hitting a small table on my left.

“What is happening?” I heard her say as she walked over.

“Shadow! Are you ok?”

“Do I look ok?” She helped me to my hooves and I sat down in one of the chairs at her desk.

“What happened? Well first it’s nice to have you back.”

“I walked in and called for you then pain happened.”

“Do you feel any better?”

“A lot better now.”

“What did you need?”

“Well one I wanted to say hello, then I had a question.”

“It’s nice to see you back on your hooves. What was your question?”

“I actually have two now that I think about it.” I put Flash’s folder on the desk.

“He’s a captain not a recruit.”

“He resigned from being a captain after the war. It was too much for him.”

“At least he didn’t quit speaking of quitting. What the hell happened to shining?”

“According to him you happened.”

“Yeah I get that but that couldn’t have been the only thing.”

“I had it out for Copper after what happened between you and him and he ruined the relationship with his son when he ruined the relationship with your son.”

“So he ruined relationships and walked away?”

“Well it’s not all his fault we didn’t really give him the time of day when he tried to fix it.”

“Well at least he’s not a full idiot. My second question was about Prince Eclipse since when did he become a recruit?”

“That was your second question?”

“Yeah the one about shining wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“He wanted to be home more but he didn’t want to be a captain.”

“That’s weird but ok.”

“He did have a request though he asked to be in your group.”

“I’m not going to be a captain this time around.”

“So what should I tell him?”

“Tell him he’ll be in a group with me.”

“Who is the captain?”

“Shield.” Her eyes went wide.

“Don't worry everyone in the group as of right now knows each other, we'll watch out for Shield and each other.”

“He’s too young for the position. I only did it because I thought he would get Shinings group but they split and went separate ways.”

“It’s ok we’ve got it covered and if something happens where he doesn’t want to do it anymore there are plenty of us that can take his place.”

“I just don’t want him getting hurt.”

“I‘ll do my best to keep him safe. Shining may hate me but I don’t hate him. He saved my kid. I'll save his if need be.” I left her room and headed back to the Barracks.

“I got a group together while you were gone.”

“Well hold on there are some ponies you need to have in your group.”

“Flash I already planned on having in it. I left a spot for that Eclipse guy.”

“Good, take this stuff to Luna. I'll probably be asleep by the time you get back. I have to be up early tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“I have to go figure out what happened to your father.”

“Don’t! He went home and that’s where he can stay.”

“One of these days you’ll regret acting like this, trust me I do.” He walked out and I hit the sack. I woke up to Shield.

“You’re late for being up early. Guards are already arriving and you set a bad example for my group.” he laughed, thankfully

“Damn fine boss, don't worry about the coma guy.”

“I’m joking, I just figured you’d want to be up. Your son is here as well.”

“Oh crap where did he stay?”

“In the extra bed in Twilight’s quarters.”

“I’ll have to thank her later.”

“Hey dad.”

“What ya got kiddo?”

“How do I become a guard?”

“Hah you’re a bit too young, maybe Luna will let you into the academy early though.”

“Yeah, I think I can work that out.” Luna said as she walked in.

“You’re just everywhere aren’t you?”

“He came to me.”

“Figures.”

“We have no head teacher though. Shining had that role.”

“Don’t give it away yet I'm not letting him escape that easily.”

“I know.”

“We need to meet these recruits, Shadow.”

“Give the cripple a second Shield!” I said as I got up from my slumber. I made the bed because I didn't want to be a ‘bad example’. Then we headed out to the courtyard in front of the castle. The weather this time of year was perfect. The fall leaves, the breeze, the slight but not overwhelming chill in the air, the smells it was all amazing.

“I already see a couple walking up. Is that Eclipse?”

“That is! Eclipse!”

“Shadow?” he ran over, stopping only a few feet in front of me. I saluted him and he did the same.

“They told me you died.”

“I didn’t die but I came close. It's been quite a few years.”

“Its good to know you didn’t.” he paused looking at me closely.

“You just don’t know when to stop, do you?”

“No, not really, I have a few parts on me that aren’t original.” I uncamouflaged myself showing my scars.

“What have you done to yourself?”

“I owe it to Canterot to protect it. I was bad, now I’ll pay the price until I die.”

“I think you’ve paid the price, haven't you saved Canterlot twice?”

“The first one was a flop.”

“The second time?”

“That one worked, I hope.”

“Wait, is that who I think it is?” I took a closer look. It was Rapid Storm. I killed his brother when I was a part of the red mane. He tried to kill me when I first arrived back in Canterlot 50 years after the incident.

“Who is it?”

“Do you remember Rapid Storm, Eclipse?”

“Yeah and that’s definitely him.”

“Shadow.”

“Storm.”

“I’m looking for an Unyielding Shield.” I switched places with Shield.

“You're standing in front of him.”

“You can call me Shield.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“I see you and Shadow have already met.”

“Yeah, not in a good way either.”

“It’s a long story.”

“Well yall better figure it out I won’t have any fights.”

“I won’t instigate. I have no issues with Storm.” Storm just grumbled at this.

“We’re only waiting on one Griffon, the others will be here tomorrow.”

“What about Govend, Garring, and Goring?” I asked.

“They’re here already.”

“Oh there he is.”

“Yeah that’s him.” The still unnamed Griffon walked toward us when the group of us caught his eye and he started heading straight for us.

“You guys might be where I need to be.”

“Yep you made it.” I said.

“I know you.”

“I know you but I can’t put a name to the face.” he turned around where a blue patch of feathers sat on his back

“Haha! Blue Patch!”

“How do you still remember that dumb nickname!”

“How are you still around? It's been forever.”

“I found a few friends and one of them gave me some help. Do you remember my real name though?”

“Great Heed.”

“I remember yours but you’ve changed it doesn’t fit you now.”

“Yeah i don’t go by RedMane and the other name you know they don’t know.”

“Will you tell them?”

“Nope.”

“Come on, we're not strangers.” Shield said.

“I know but you don’t need to know that about me.”

“Come on, Shadow, tell the guys.” Eclipse said

“Look you were all fine before you knew I had another name just drop it!”

“Just like him to keep secrets.” Storm said.

“I have nothing against you, don't make me come up with something!”

“Hey! You both know what I said!”

“Dang Shadow he’s getting on to you!” Shield turned to Storm.

“If you want to start trouble I'll start giving you extra work! How's that sound!”

“I’ll stop sir.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I’ve got some work to tend to. I'll be back by morning.”

“Hold on, Shadow, I want to talk to you.” we stepped off to the side.

“You’ve got precedence over Storm if you don’t want him in the group you tell me.”

“No, keep him in the group like I said I have nothing against him.”

“I’m Fine with Shard staying in the Barracks and going on scouting trips but he can't fight when we go out.”

“Trust me I know I wouldn’t let him go either.”

“You don’t want your other name known, I get that, but can I ask why?”

“You’ll get to know everything about me soon enough.” I had to catch a train or I was going to have to wait until tomorrow to get to the crystal palace. The ride on the train was absolutely horrifying. I was never afraid of trains until one day in the redmane group we were after a pony of high power. I got thrown from the top of the train in between two cars. I had pulled myself up for all but my left hind leg. The two train cars came together and crushed my leg between them, hence the prosthetic. I should probably try to sleep before I get there so that way I can actually have a conversation.

“Hold! Do you have a reason for being here?”

“I’m not sure if any pony will remember me but-”

“Shadow!” it was Flurry

“And I’m proven wrong.”

“Don’t let him in!” A yell from across the yard brought my attention to an orange pegasus.

“Matter of fact we’ve been told to arrest him if we see him!” Upon hearing this I went into protection of myself. The earth pony in front of me stepped forward.

“I wouldn’t if I were you, you'll regret it.” revealing my scars stopped him in his tracks and it stopped the orange pegasus too.

“Get him!” the earth pony lunged forward only to get tossed back maybe 20 feet. I made myself normal again, covering my scars. I didn’t want to scare Flurry as she had never seen them.

“I’m not here to cause trouble! I’m here to talk to Shining!” In the corner of my eye I caught an earth pony taking aim.

“I don’t appreciate being targeted!”

“Shadow Just comply, I'll talk to you as soon as I can.” Flurry said

“Fine but they better not touch me.” I followed Flurry who talked to the orange pegasus. The earth pony was still on the ground so I helped him up by dropping my guard for a second. His forearm was burned by my magic.

“Can you trust me enough to help you?” he nodded so I healed his burn.

“Like I said he’s not a threat!”

“Flurry, don't try, your father gave them orders, they're just following them.”

“I’m sorry Shadow.”

“This is your father, don’t be sorry.”

“I’ll be honest I don’t know why he wants us to do this-”

“What’s the commotion out here!” It was Cadance.

“We’re only doing what we were told ma’am.”

“Told by who? He’s a safe pony, there is no need for this!”

“They were told by Shining Cadance!” I said she looked at me with sorrow on her face.

“Bring him to me.” They guided me to her room where we sat down and talked about shining.

“So he left the guard not because he was overwhelmed but because he was scared of a pony that was in a coma?”

“Hah yes ma’am.”

“I think I hear him coming. I'm going to hide. I want to hear his reaction to seeing you.”

“Works for me. You don’t need to move, I'll keep him from seeing you.”

“I don’t know how that’s possible but ok.” the door opened and his eyes beelined to me.

“How?”

“You underestimate me.”

“Get out of here before I call the guards!”

“You made your son hate you, ya know. He didn’t want me to come here. He said you were a lost cause and that you were a failure to your family.”

“I didn’t want to hurt him! I just wanted to get away!”

“What did my brother tell you?”

“He said you’re a master at deception.”

“If I’m a master of deception then why aren’t you on my side right now? If I'm the master of deception then you would’ve never had doubts about me.”

“Sounds like something a master of deception would say.”

“No it sounds like something a friend would say when trying to get his friend back.” He charged me and pinned me to the wall. I feel like I get into this situation a lot.

“You got them killed! You killed them!”

“I wasn’t the one that did it, it was my brother!”

“Your brother wouldn’t have come to us if not for you!”

“Do you want me dead?”

“Yes!”

“Then kill me.” his horn lit.

“But before you do, You want to fix your relationship with your son but what about my son? Think about your son, how I saved him, how he would feel if you killed me. Think about Cadance would she look at you the same? And don’t forget about your status would the people look at you the same? Shining, you're a kind, brave, and strong pony but you’ve been lied to.” his eyes changed, the anger melted away and I saw fear in his eyes. His hold on me went away, he stepped back and just collapsed into a ball sobbing. I unhide Cadance who rushed to his side.

“I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

“Stay in the castle tonight, don't go back.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure.” I left and Flurry was right outside the door.

“Shadow!” I realized I never made myself look normal again so I did so.

“Sorry.” I walked past her.

“Wait, why do you hide them?”

“They scare ponies.”

“Then that’s their problem. Those scars are what make you, you don’t hide them, they prove you're tough.”

“A scar proves you can’t defend yourself.”

“A scar proves you fight for what you think is right and you can’t be stopped. My father hides his. I wish he wouldn’t. Hearing this i unhid mine i figured she was right and it may make her feel better.

“You put up a good argument. I’m going to get some food. Would you like to join?”

“Sure.” We walked past a few guards on our way to food but I stopped when I saw the orange pegasus.

“Can I help you sir?” he asked.

“I wanted to tell you that I don’t blame you for what happened and I don't dislike you either. You were doing your job.”

“Thank you. I'm sorry it happened”

“Where is the other pony?”

“He’s getting food. If that's where you two are going you’ll see him.”

“Thank you.” he nodded and we headed to the dining hall. We got our food and I looked for that one pony. When I found him I walked over and he noticed me and grabbed his food.

“You can sit here, I'll move.”

“No no that’s not why I came over. I wanted to make sure you were still ok.”

“Oh yeah I'm fine.”

“Ease up guy I’m not mad I don’t have anything against you.” he eased up some.

“Do you two want to join me?”

“That’s up to Flurry.”

“Sure we’ll join you.”

“I’ll be honest this is the fanciest dining hall i’ve ever seen.”

“I like to eat here. The atmosphere is nice and it doesn’t look bad.”

“Let me see your arm, kid.”

“It’s fine, trust me.”

“Let me see it.” He stuck his arm out.

“I figured I put too much into that, Sorry kid. It’ll go away, don't worry. What’s your name?”

“Orange Tides.”

“I like that.”

“Thank you.”

“Ease up kid, why are you so tense?”

“That guy behind the bar he’s just staring at me.'' I turned around to see a red earth pony when I looked over he looked away.

“You’re bigger than him, don't worry. Go see what the issue is.”

“What?”

“Go on you’ll be fine.” he got up and walked away towards the bar.

“Do you know him much Flurry?”

“No not really he doesn’t talk much and he’s shy but he’ll follow orders from anypony who gains his trust.”

“Hmm…” I heard a loud slap so I turned around. Tides was on the floor in a daze and the red pony was walking up to him.

“I’ll be right back.” I walked up to the red pony stopping him before he could hit Tides anymore.

“Step back old man.”

“You want to run that by me again?”

“I said step back, old man!” I pinned his head to the bar.

“I’m stronger than you on any level, get your act together before I really show you!” I let him go and helped Tides to his feet.

“Shadow!” Flurry yelled a sharp pain flared through my back. I whipped around to look at the red pony. He held a knife at his ready. He swung but I caught his swing making his knife fall. I used his arm to pin him to the floor.

“Some pony get a guard!”

“We're here already!” The pony swung his hind leg at me, hitting me in the face. I lost my grip on him long enough for him to grab his knife and get up. Without hesitation I turned and back kicked his arm making him scream as he hit the floor.

“You guards do a great job!” I said as I walked away toward Flurry.

“We should go.” I said to her,

“Your back.”

“Don’t worry about me, let's get you away from here.” She got up and we walked back to her parent’s room. It had been about an hour so I assumed Shining would be at least a little better.

“Quiet Shadow, he's asleep.”

“Oh nevermind then there was a fight in the dining hall, it's been taken care of don’t worry the guards got it.”

“Oh my your back.”

“Yeah.”

“Come in, I'll take care of it.”

“No no, that's not your job, I'll find a doctor to take care of it.”

“You’re pale, you have blood running down your sides and you’ve started a trail. I'm afraid you won't make it to a doctor in time.”

“I’ll be fine, Cadance, don't worry about me.” I tried to hide my heavy breathing. I didn't want her to take care of me, it's not her job.

“You're breathing heavily.” She put a hoof around my neck.

“It’s not your job Cadance!” I shook her off.

“Please Shadow.” Flurry said

“Ugh! Fine!” I can't say no to Flurry. I don't know why I just can’t say no. Cadance went to grab a few things and I finally got a chance to look at the room. The floor was a rather ugly green, the rest of the room was complimentary colors like blue and some pale yellow. The drapes were yellow, they caught your attention when you walked in and the bed and side tables were all different shades of blue.

“This might hurt but it shouldn’t be too much.” I brushed it off. I didn't think anything she used would really hurt. I was wrong when she wiped the cloth over the wound. It was more painful than what caused the wound. I yelled in pain lurching forward.

“That hurt more than what caused the wound!”

“Quiet quiet!” I writhed in pain but tried to stay quiet.

“It couldn’t have hurt that bad.”

“What are you using?”

“I’m using regular… oh this was a cleaning grade.”

“Cadance! It just keeps burning!”

“Ok come back over let me wipe it off.”

“I need to sit somewhere I'm about to collapse.” Flurry pulled out a chair but it was no use. I just sat down where I stood.

“Ok just lay down don’t move.”

“Do you have to be so loud?” I heard shining say from my left.

“Sorry honey, we'll be quieter.” I heard him shuffle around and Cadance came closer to me.

“What? Is he ok?” Shining asked.

“Kind of.” Cadance said. I heard him moving again his hooves hit the floor and cadence told him to go back to bed that she had it covered.

“I treated him like crap, let me at least try to not look like an asshole.”

“Shining, go back to bed you need it.” I said. He ignored me

“What did you use on him? I feel like he’s bleeding more than he should be.”

“I grabbed the cleaning version of the alcohol.”

“What! How! Shadow slow down your breathing deep breaths.” Shining said

“I can’t.” I said in between breaths.

“Flurry keep him from passing out. You normally don’t have an issue when you get hurt like this, why is it doing this to you now?” Shining said

“I’m weak.”

“Here, look at me.” Flurry said

“I can’t.” She moved so I could see her.

“Can you see me now?”

“Barely.”

“Where do I need to be?”

“You’re just blurry there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Cadance go get Doc Pristine.” She ran out I could hear her running down the hallway.

“This isn’t working shining.” I said over the span of probably 2 minutes.

“Shut up!”

“Do me a favor and take care of my son.”