Once a Shadow

by Shadow Brony

When young NASCAR driver has a ferocious wreck and dies, he gets the opportunity to go to Equestria as a pegasus. Since he is obsessed with speed, he will inevitably want in the wonderbolts, and he finds out a secret about them long thought to have been legend. And as it turns out, he isn't the only one interested in joining.

36. New Problems

Once A Shadow 2nd Saga: Mortality

I gave a yawn as I awoke next to my beautiful wife, Rainbow Dash. Looking over, I saw she was still asleep. I stroked her greyed mane as I lay in bed, thinking of my past. It has been fifty years since my fight with Sorrow Curse, and time quickly flew by. About a year or so after the battle, and still with no right foreleg, Princess Luna came through for me. Implementing new magi-technology, a special replacement limb was forged for me. It's made of the same material that my armor is made of, which means my leg got its own enchantment. I asked for a special enchantment of my own devising. Princess Luna thought it was rather odd, but thankfully it was within range of her powers.

Solemn Justice became a full-fledged member of the Mones about twenty years ago. It looked like she stopped aging after she hit twenty or so. I personally trained Pureheart, and we planted him in the Royal Guard when he finished his training thirty years ago. When Shining Armor retired ten years ago, Pureheart was promoted to Captain. Nesral still keeps failing at assassinating me, which is getting pretty ridiculous. I mean, the guy has to be at least seventy now, but he keeps going at it just like he did fifty years ago.

About twenty five years ago, it came time for me, Spitfire, Soarin, Blaze, and Ni to go underground. Being a Wonderbolt was fun while it lasted, but I guess that time is over. Now, for the time being, we're all going to lay low for another thirty years until everypony forgets about us before getting back out. Rainbow Dash was immediately offered the position of Captain of the Wonderbolts when we went underground, which made her unbelievably ecstatic. She retired around ten years ago, though. We still live in our same old place, but when I go out, I have to wear a disguise like a coat or something to remain incognito. Solemn doesn't live with us anymore. She moved into the Sanctuary about the time she turned thirty.

When Blaze turned around forty or so, Soarin asked her out. He said that since she would always look like she was twenty, that it was a pretty nice win for him. He promptly got punched in his gems, which was hilarious at the moment. Blaze helped him up, however, and surprised him by planting him a huge kiss. They never officially got married, because they would rather not have to have a ceremony in a dark sanctuary. I guess I can't blame them, though. About a year after Rainbow and I got married, Ni tied the knot with Derpy. He moved in with her at her place in Ponyville, and they've lived here ever since.

Over the years, I've completed various missions in foreign lands. My first mission, which was the one in the Griffin Kingdoms, was a total letdown. I was only there for a few days, and all of the sudden the rebel faction surrendered. On top of that, I didn't get to see the captain of the archer squad. Spitfire wanted him to remain in the dragons' territory to help maintain order. He's still there, I'm pretty sure. Not long after my wedding with Rainbow, Twilight became an alicorn princess, and was informed of the details of the Fugiens Mones. Since Twilight became a princess, that meant that her husband became a prince. Yep, Barry is a prince now. At least it didn't go to his head. Then again, Barry isn't like that. My dad is also still living in Ponyville with Mayor Mare. They're ridiculously old, but still kicking.

Now for the sad part. Granny Smith died about forty years ago. The same goes for Applejack, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Rarity, Thunder, and Silver. Applejack had family from far away come in and take over as per her request before she passed. The twin Cakes moved off somewhere long ago, Pinkie Pie still watches over the bakery, Rarity spent her last years in Canterlot as a dressmaker for the princesses themselves, Fluttershy still lives in her cottage tending to her animals, and Thunder and Silver ran the bar until they passed. They actually left the Silver Thunder Bar to me in their will. I swear when I attended Thunder's funeral, a wrench hit me in the face just before they buried him. Rainbow thought I was crazy, but got freaked out when I developed a black eye a few minutes later. Every now and then when I do something stupid, it feels like a wrench smacks the hell out of me. The old bastard tortures me even after he's dead.

Rainbow is getting up in her years, and it has become increasingly difficult to accept that she'll die soon. I've secretly been looking for ways to prevent that, but I've been unsuccessful so far. I'll find a way, though. I won't let her die. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I can't help myself. If there's a way to save her, I'll do anything.

For the last ten years, I've been having these weird flashes. By flashes, I mean images. Images of my mirrored self. At first I thought I'd get over it, but the flashes progressively got worse. At first, it was just images of me fighting him. As time went on, he would talk to me. He'd say that my time is almost up, and soon he'd be in control. Probably the freakiest part is that when I see him talk to me, he's exactly how I left him; bloody and scarred, with half of his neck cut clean through, making his head tilt back.

I haven't told anypony about these occurrences; namely for two reasons: First, I'd sound insane. Thinking about it, if I told anypony that, they'd put me in a mental institution. Second, I don't want to worry anyone. Even if somebody did believe me, they'd freak out. No, I have to solve this on my own. I'll figure this out.

Well, I guess I'll sneak out and head on over to the Sanctuary. I slowly slid out of bed, so I didn't wake Rainbow, put a robe on to remain incognito, and snuck out of the house. When I got outside, I spread my wings and flew towards Cloudsdale. The route had grown all too familiar with me. So familiar, in fact, that I could close my eyes and know exactly what to maneuver around. After daydreaming for thirty minutes or so, I opened my eyes as I trotted inside the Wonderbolt HQ. The receptionist nodded to me as I went into the locker room. I went through the secret entrance, and trotted down to the Round Table, where Ni and Soarin were hanging out.

Soarin looked over, "Hey Shadow, how's it going?" He asked as he reclined back in his chair. I trotted over and took the seat across from him, "Pretty well, I suppose. How are things on your end?" I responded before giving a yawn.

Soarin let out a yawn as well, "Ugh, don't do that. I'm tired enough as it is. Anyway, things are pretty good I guess." Soarin looked over at Ni, "Hey, didn't you have something you wanted to tell Shadow, Ni?"

Ni nodded, "Yeah, I did. I wanted to talk to you about this." Ni said as he pulled out a note. I raised my eyebrow, "Something about the note, I take it? Lemme see." I said before reaching over to Ni, who handed me the sheet of paper. I read the note aloud, "Shadow Flash, it has been some time since I last contacted you. You may not remember, but I left you a note a while back before your battle with Sorrow Curse. I'm glad you survived, because now I must speak to you of something most urgent. Whenever you get a chance, please meet me at the Everfree Ruins and we'll discuss a few things. I'll be there every night at midnight for the next seven days. I hope I'll see you there. Signed, S.S...who the hell is S.S.?" I finished, looking at Ni.

He shrugged, "'Dunno, I was hoping you did. This guy said he left you another note before. Do you remember anything like that?" Ni replied as he took the note back. I thought for a moment, "Come to think of it, yeah, I do. He left me a note of encouragement a few days before I fought Sorrow. I couldn't think about it much at the time, with so much on my mind."

Ni nodded, "I understand. Do you have any idea as to who our mysterious pony might be?" He asked, hoping for something. I shook my head, however, "Your guess is as good as mine. I figured you might know more than me, seeing as how this guy is obviously something else, since he's still kicking after fifty years."

Ni thought for a moment, but finally shrugged, "I've got no clue. So what are you going to do about this?" Ni asked, curious for my answer. I grinned, "Go meet him, of course." I said before kicking my rear legs up onto the table. Ni leaned forward, "Just like that? You're not even worried?"

"Why would I be? Even if this guy has hostile intentions, I'm pretty sure I could handle myself." I said before giving another yawn. Ni nodded, "That's true, I guess. Well, I guess today is your last chance to meet him then. I held onto this letter for six days, so tonight is your last chance to meet him."

"Why would you keep this from me, Ni? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, more curious than angry. He calmly looked at me, "Because, when I found this note, it was sitting right in the middle of the table."

That shocked me a little, "Wait, so you're saying somebody got into the Sanctuary even though it has a protection spell, walked in and put a note on the table, and then walked right back out without even being seen? How the hell is that even possible?"

Ni looked down, "I don't know. There's an enchantment on this place to keep any non-authorized ponies out of this place. The only ponies allowed in are fellow Mones, or the princesses. The only thing I can think of is that this guy has some powerful magic with him. So after hearing all of this, do you still want to go meet him?"

I wasted no time in responding, "Hell yeah I do! I'm more interested than ever now! Besides, doesn't that Nesral guy get in here sometimes anyway?" I finished with a grin on my face.

Ni and Soarin looked at each other, then back at me, then sighed, "Yeah, but that's different!...alright, Shadow. Well at least let one of us go with you when you meet this guy." Ni said as he reclined in his chair.

I shook my head, "Nah, I'll be fine. The guy said for me to come, and that's what will happen. I, and I alone will go. So what if the guy can get into our base? All that really says is that he's sneaky, so I'll be on my guard at all times. Nobody will get the drop on me."

Ni was about to protest, but was interrupted by a voice that was new to the conversation, "My dad's right, Ni. He can handle himself, and doesn't need anypony going with him." Solemn Justice said as she trotted in with Blaze. The latter of the two nodded her head in agreement, "She's right, Ni. Shadow has proven himself more than capable." Blaze said before taking a seat with Solemn.

Ni looked around, and ultimately sighed in defeat, "Looks like I'm outnumbered here. Alright, fine. You can go by yourself Shadow. Just do me a favor and be careful. You don't know what this guy is capable of."

I waved my hoof, "You worry more than my daughter does, Ni. Speaking of whom," I said as I turned my head to Solemn, "how's your day been so far?" I said, hoping for a change of subject. Having Ni worry about me is nice of him, but unnecessary

Solemn opened her mouth, but looked down and blushed. I raised my brow in response, "Okay, I was feigning curiosity at first. Now I'm genuinely curious. What happened?" I said, waiting for a response. Solemn continued her fit of silence, making Blaze roll her eyes and speak for her, "Either you tell him or I do, Solemn. It'll be easier if you get this out of the way now."

Solemn glared at Blaze, but sighed and looked back at me, "Okay, fine. Dad, I wanted to tell you that I had a pretty awesome day yesterday. I met a stallion, and-"

"Nope." I said flatly, making everyone in the room look at me curiously. Solemn raised a brow, "What do you mean, 'Nope'?"

"Nope."

"Bu-"

"Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope." I said as I got out of my chair and headed for the stairs.

That struck a nerve in Solemn, "Quit being such a jackass, Dad! I'm fifty-seven years old! I think I can-wait, why are you laughing?"

It was true, I was laughing my ass off. I just couldn't hold it in anymore, "I'm sorry Solemn." I said before wiping a tear and trotting back to my seat, "I've been waiting to do that for fifty years just to screw with you. I would've kept it going longer, but you were already getting pretty steamed."

Everypony, excluding myself, then literally fell out of their chair in response. Solemn climbed her way back up to her chair, "I even rehearsed an entire defense against you..." She said before finally getting back to her seat.

I chuckled, "You honestly thought I'd be upset? Quite the contrary, actually. It's your life, Solemn. What's his name?" I said with a smile on my face.

Solemn smiled in response, happy to hear that I was so accepting, "His name is Lunar Storm, and he's a pegasus. He's got a dark purple coat, with an even darker shade of purple, almost black mane and tail. His cutie mark is a storm cloud over a full moon, and-"

"Easy there, Solemn." I cut in, "I get the picture, and I'll have to meet him sometime soon." I said, honestly a little eager to meet this guy. I'm interested in what he's like, but the main reason I want to meet him is so I can fuck with his mind.

Solemn looked at me with a questioning look, "How are you going to meet him, Dad? You're supposed to be laying low for a while, remember?" She said, thinking I had forgotten that I was supposed to remain hidden for many years to come.

"Have you mentioned anything at all about a father? Have you told him I'm dead or anything else pertaining to such?" I asked, hoping the answer was a no. If it was, I'd have to come up with another way to meet him.

She shook her head, "I haven't. Why? What do you have up your sleeve?" She asked, now curious as to what was going on in my head.

I grinned, "Oh, nothing. I want you to tell him your father is interested in meeting him. Tell him that we'll go to a nice restaurant here in Cloudsdale, my treat. Don't worry about my appearance, because I'll have a disguise."

Solemn raised her eyebrow, "A disguise, huh? I'm not sure if I should be reassured or worried about that. Please don't do anything to creep him out or scare him Dad." Solemn said while looking at me with a worried expression.

I raised my hoof, "Relax, Solemn. I wouldn't do anything to embarrass you in front of a pony you like." It took everything in me not to burst out laughing again, because that was the most blatant lie I've ever told. There's no way I'm not going to screw with this guy. I may be around seventy years old, but I don't look like it, and sure as hell don't act it. Why start now?

Solemn breathed a sigh of relief, "Good. Thanks for that." She said before turning to Blaze to talk to her, leaving just me, Ni, and Soarin once more.

I stood up and gave a stretch, followed by a yawn, "I'll see you guys later. I guess I'll go home now and rest up before I meet our mysterious pony." I said before heading towards the exit.

"Alright. Be careful, Shadow. Fill us all in on what happens in the morning." Ni said after turning around in his chair.

I nodded as I trotted out. When I was outside, I spread my wings and flew towards Canterlot. I'm not ready to go home just yet; I need to look into something. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for, and if I don't, I'll look elsewhere.

As I entered Canterlot, I headed for the Royal Palace. I didn't catch too much attention, thanks to the robe I was wearing. I kept my head down under my hood, looking up only every now and then to make sure I wasn't going to bump into anything or anyone. I eventually came across the palace, and was stopped by a couple of guards.

They used their spears to block my path, "Halt! State your business!" The one on my left commanded. I reached for my saddlebag, making them raise their spears at me. I then calmly removed a badge very slowly so I didn't provoke them further. The one on my right quickly realized what it was that I was holding, and quickly stood attention. He looked at his companion, "What are you doing?! Stand at attention, you moron! He's holding the Royal Seal of Princess Luna! That means he's to be treated the same way we'd treat the Princess herself!"

His companion gulped, and swiftly followed his partner's example by standing at attention, "Sorry about that, sir. You're clear to enter. Please enjoy your stay here." The guard had a few noticeable beads of sweat going down his face. I just grinned under my hood and patted him on the back before trotting forward.

Before I entered the castle itself, I pinned the Royal Seal on my robe to make sure I wouldn't be bothered by any more guards. After doing so, I went inside the castle, and took a left. After weaving my way through the castle, I finally found what I was looking for: The Royal Library. I looked around, and came across the classified section of the library. The guard saw the Royal Seal on my cloak, and stood at attention. I paid him no mind as I trotted passed.

Once I was where I wanted to be, I started looking through the titles of the books. Many of the things I went through were important documents. Things such as secret wars or a list of names of Equestrian Spies. These weren't what I was looking for, however, and continued my search. As I looked, I spotted something that caught my attention; a book titled Forbidden Magic of the Ancients by Sorrow Curse: Volume 1.

"The fuck..." I quietly said to myself before removing the dusty tome from the shelf. I blew on it, removing a thick layer of dust. I looked around to make sure nobody was looking, and opened the book. The first page was blank, so I turned it. The second page was blank as well. I flipped through the book only to find that the whole damn thing was completely blank!

In my frustration, I threw the book at the ground, only to have it levitate before touching the floor. Before I could say anything, the world around me melted away into the same yellow-brownish color of the pages of the book. As for the book itself, it began to glow, eventually getting so bright I had to shield my eyes. When the light faded, I looked in awe and horror at what was in front of me, "Sorrow Curse..."

Sorrow Curse grinned, "Hello, Shadow Flash. How have you been?" He said as he gave a stretch. When I recovered, I drew one of my daggers, but he simply sighed, "There's no need for that, Shadow. I'm dead, and hitting me with that dagger won't make it any more true."

I eyed Sorrow cautiously, "And how do I know you aren't lying? How do I know you aren't just trying to drop my guard and kill me?" I said, still holding onto my dagger.

Sorrow Curse eyed me as if I were stupid, and spoke, "If you truly believe me to still be alive, then you are admitting your own insanity. What you see before you is the result of one of the many 'forbidden' spells in this tome. Now it's my turn to ask you a question, Shadow Flash; why are you here?" Sorrow Curse finished with an evil grin.

I thought about it, then spoke, "I need the recipe for the immortality potion."

Sorrow looked at me, and it sounded like he was saying something. Upon listening further, I discovered he was laughing, "HAHAHAHA! This is too much! Just how long has it been since my death? Ten years? Twenty? Forty?"

"Fifty." I answered for him in an annoyed tone. I'm starting to think that opening this book was a big mistake.

Sorrow quieted down, but kept a grin, "Ah, so your dear wife must be coming close to her end, and you want old Sorrow Curse to help you make an immortality potion. I've got it all figured out now." Sorrow Curse finished smugly.

"Shut up. All I want to know is if you'll tell me how to make the potion or not." I said, getting impatient with this asshole.

"I will. Not because I want to, mind you, but because I'm part of the book, and it's my duty to give information to the reader. There is something else you should know, however: this potion is not the potion that is used by you Fugiens Mones. This is a potion of my own devising, and will require different...ingredients than the potion you are used to."

"I don't care, I just want to keep Rainbow alive at any cost." I said, more to assure myself than Sorrow Curse.

Sorrow Curse smiled evilly "Very well then. There are three ingredients for my potion. I will only tell you one ingredient after you have found the other, however. The first thing required for this potion is the heart of a regenerans bestia. Not just any regenerans bestia, however. You will need to acquire the heart of a top tier bestia. The only place I know where you can find one is beneath the Crystal Empire. That's all I have for you now. I'll speak to you again when you acquire the essence. Good luck." Sorrow Curse finished with an evil grin before melting away.

The world around me melted away once more, but this time it returned to the library. I looked at the ground, and spotted the tome. I looked around to make sure nobody was watching, and then picked the book up and placed it in my saddlebag. I trotted back out the way I came, and before I knew it, I was flying away from Canterlot.

"Well, I wanted the immortality potion, and it looks like I'm about to get it. I just hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass. This business with Sorrow Curse aside; it's getting late. I suppose I should head to the Everfree and meet this mysterious person. This ought to be interesting." I said aloud before changing my course from Ponyville to the Everfree Ruins.

By the time I got to the edge of the Everfree Forest, daytime had long since been gone, and I figured it must be pretty close to midnight. I flew deeper into the forest, getting the uneasy feeling of being watched as I continued on my way. A bit more time went by, and I finally saw the Everfree Ruins in the distance. I picked up my pace a bit, and the ruins soon came into full view. I figured the most likely meeting place would be the highest point, so I glided over to a still standing tower that was slightly taller than the trees belonging to the forest.

I touched down on the top of the tower, and looked around to see if anyone else was around. The top of the tower itself was fairly large, but it was flat. Once I concluded that nobody else was here yet, I trotted over to the edge. I took a seat, leaning up against a parapet, and buried my face in my forelegs. I figured I might as well get some rest while I wait, so I shut my eyes, and let sleep take hold.

Before I even had time to dream, it seemed, I felt something poking my metal foreleg. I groggily looked up, and came face-to-face with a crimson face, "Gah!" I yelled, jumping into the air, "Who the hell are you?!" I demanded, still shocked from that encounter. It was like something Pinkie Pie would've done.

"So Maelstrom wasn't lying when she said your right foreleg was metal..." The pony mused aloud, ignoring my question. He swept his silver mane out of his eye and looked up at me, "How's it goin', Shadow Flash?"

I calmed down, and landed in front of him, "I take it you're the one who sent the note?" I asked, now fully composed.

The crimson pegasus nodded, "I am indeed. I have to admit, I was starting to think that you wouldn't come. I almost didn't come this time. I don't care much for this place, but it is nice and secluded; perfect for a secret meeting, wouldn't you agree?"

"I would've come sooner, had the letter not been withheld from me until earlier today. So what is it that you wanted? You left me a note fifty years ago, yet you haven't left me a single form of communication since then. Well, until now. So what gives? What do you want from me?"

"Easy. I'll explain what I can. I've been watching you ever since you got here. I know that you're from another universe. I also know a great deal more about you. That isn't relevant, however. The first thing I'd like to ask you is why you have that book with you." The crimson pony finished, pointing at my saddlebag.

My eyes shot wide, "How-how do you know about that? I just got it..." I said, instinctively placing a hoof on my bag.

The pony smiled, "I have multitudes of spies, Shadow Flash. An ant wouldn't get around without me knowing about it. Now why don't you answer my question?"

"If you have so many spies, then you should know what I'm doing with it." I said, glaring at him.

He stared at me intently, before finally bursting into laughter, "Yes, I suppose you're right, aren't you? Well said. Now then, are you just naïve or insanely desperate?"

I looked at him questioningly, "What do you mean?" I said before taking a seat. I was still pretty tired, so I just decided to relax a little.

"Do you honestly believe that Sorrow Curse will hold up to his end of the bargain? He slaughtered countless ponies, performed insane rituals, and tried to kill you. For some reason or another though, you think that he'll actually do what you want. You clearly have less wisdom than I initially thought."

"It's not like I have a fucking choice! You have absolutely no idea what this means to me, so don't condescend when you're completely ignorant on the matter!" I snapped at him, jumping up, "You have no idea-" I froze, feeling my sanity swiftly begin to wane away. A voice spoke to me in my head, "Yes, keep it up, Landon. Fuel me with your anger. Hahahahaha!" I noticed the crimson pegasus giving me a strange look. It was also then that I realized the pegasus had a large sheath on his back.

He reached behind him, and pulled out a very large sword that emitted a gold aura. What the hell is he doing? Does he think I might attack?! I started to say something, but my mirrored self prevented me from doing so, bombarding my mind in an attempt to assume control of me. I collapsed on the ground, holding my head and screaming in agony. The crimson pegasus just stood there, glowing blade at the ready.

I spoke inwardly to my twisted reflection, "Get. The. Fuck. Out of. My mind!" And just like that, my massive headache was gone, and my thoughts were my own again. I looked up at the pegasus, "You're welcome to put that big ass sword away at any time, you know."

He was about to say something, but silently nodded and sheathed his sword strapped to his back once more. Neither of us spoke for a while, as we just sat there in the darkness. He finally decided to break the silence, "So...what just happened to you? I felt another presence, but it was coming directly from you."

"I have an insane side of me that wants to take over my body and kill a bunch of innocent people, to sum it up." I answered flatly.

My response didn't seem to phase him much, however, "I see." Was all he said on the matter. He sighed, and turned around, "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I'm needed elsewhere. I'll be going now. We'll meet again in the near future, Shadow Flash. Remember what I said about Sorrow Curse not being able to be trusted. Farewell." He said before spreading his wings.

"Wait!" I called out, making him stop. He didn't turn around or speak. He waited to hear what I had to say, "What's your name?" I asked.

"Another time." He said before lifting into the air. He took off to the east, and quickly disappeared in the moonless night.

I sighed and picked myself up, "Just another day..." I said to myself before taking off myself. I flew home and crept inside. I trotted upstairs and walked into the bedroom, where Rainbow was already asleep. I got in bed next to her, and she unconsciously wrapped a wrinkled hoof around my chest. I softly grabbed her hoof with my own, and shut my eyes, "Goodnight, Rainbow."

And there is chapter one for the saga, Mortality. It has been fifty years, so yes, some of the ponies had to be dead. Sorry if I picked your favorite one to bite the dust. And don't worry, Thunder won't be completely gone from this story ;). So we saw some old faces and a new face. There's more new faces to come, so keep reading. One last thing. Do you like facebook groups? Of course you do. Now do you like bronies? Obviously. Comedy? If not, then go to hell. Now go like the page B-Comedy or I'll find you, and do a sales presentation on why you should like the page. Either that, or call a friend to send a Jehovah Witness to your house everyday for as long as you live. NOU GET TO IT :l

Chuck Norris fact of the day: When chuck norris uses a porta potty, he not only fills it up, but flushes it when he's done.