> My Little Shadow > by DarkSigma > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Waking in the morning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- You know how Equestria is a peaceful place? Well you imagine shit. Today I woke up after my curse was lifted and my deep slumber broken, unaware of so many things that happened in past so many years. Of course this would be for one reason: I was cursed with an eternal sleeping spell by that all loving bitch of a princess. You probably wonder who I am. Well hi. I’m known as Shadow Gloom. By history forgotten and by ponies unknown. … Shit! Did I just introduce myself to myself? That has got to be classed as insane. But god am i numb or am i numb. i will be laying here for a while so lets sing a happy song. When the numbness has somewhat passed i opened my eyes. “Hmm. My tomb, as dark as always.” I mumble to myself as I lead my hazy sight around the room. Being able to move my hooves I located the ground underneath me and pushed myself up, standing for the first time in ages. “Gee, moving around like this will be interesting.” I said to myself as I was stumbling towards the corridor leading out of this pit of darkness. “Great! I really am insane. Not only do I talk to myself but I narrate my actions as well.” I said rather sarcastically. Insanity, it’s good for you. No, seriously, I feel like a complete moron. Anyways, let’s resume my quest to the surface. Away!!! Going down the corridor of my tomb I remembered just how confusing this maze really is. I could kill the guy who fucking made it. Oh wait, that would be me. I spent what seemed like hours of kissing and hugging the walls as well as mopping the floor of the corridors. Seriously I collected so much dirt in my coat that I could put a professional cleaner to shame. Finally I arrived to what looked like it could be the entrance. It seems like there was just a little cave in, that’s all. “Let’s just push this humongous rock right here.” I said while placing my hooves on the big rock that was blocking my way out. With one shove the rock rolled backwards exposing my really sensitive eyes to the sunlight of Everfree Forest. I don’t care that it’s as dark as night, still bloody burns. After ages of sleeping in complete darkness I want to see you bathing your eyes in the sunlight. Anyways, as the rock rolled over it left me standing there blinded and without support of my front hooves. Naturally I fell over. Laying on the damp ground that was the entrance to my tomb I felt a touch of wind on my face. God I forgot that feeling. I basked in the feeling as I opened my eyes just enough for me to see through the light and look around. After a while my eyes became finally adjusted but I did not dear to open them fully. I started to get up when I noticed a strange creature standing in front of me. A creature that look equine but it had transparent wings, a horn and fangs. It had coat of solid black colour and its hooves had holes. “So Equestria suffers a changeling infestation? Seriously, Celestia?” I mumbled under breath whilst carefully observing the changeling. As I stepped forward the changeling hissed and readied itself to jump on me. But before it had a time to react, the creature was shrouded in a cloud of pure darkness. As the cloud completely closes around the changeling it disperses into the air leaving nothing but empty space where just a moment ago stood the creature. “Glad that still works.” I said to myself smugly as I just confirmed that I still have my magic. Feeling the breeze pass me by I decided to follow it. Trying to figure out my way around the trees I notice a chicken poking its head out of a bush. A chicken in Everfree forest… its head turned towards me and IT’S A COCATRICE! I wonder if whoever named this creature had a one-track mind. I suddenly felt that my body started to turn into stone, but before I completely turned a dark cloud surrounded the beast. When the cloud lifted the cockatrice was gone and I could return to getting out of this forest.Sadly being turned half to stone and being half numb is apparently a bad mix. I tried to walk without kicking the back of my own head. It took so much concentration that I forgot to keep my eyes opened and without noticing I started to walk down hill. Losing what little balance I had I fell over and started to roll face first. I rolled to the bottom of the hill planting my face into the ground. I think this is the first time I have seen my hind hooves up close as they were literary standing next to my head. As I flipped myself of the ground I noticed that I was on the edge of the forest. There was a town short distance away. Hmm. Maybe the ponies of today are more civilized. I somehow doubted that alicorns became a common sight and so I decided to use my magic to hide my wings and horn before I dragged myself towards the town. The town was almost empty. Suddenly, a pink pony, right in my face. “Hi! You must be new around. I’m Pinkie Pie.” said the pink mare, excitement oozing from her. Trying to ignore this wild character I try to move past her but then she says something that leaves me standing. “Say, why do you look so dirty?” She asks as if just noticing coat. I am stunned at the fact that she didn’t even notice how wobbly my legs are but the question stunned me even more as I did not expect it and I didn’t have a good answer either. All I could do is stand there, frozen in terror as the pink mare looked at me puzzlingly. But I felt my luck improve as the pink mare noticed some other poor sod that found his way into this village and she ran towards him. I sighted in relief and as I was about to continue on I overheard the pink mare as for the strangers name and the answer he gave made my heart jump. “Hmm, pretty pony I’m known throughout the Equestria as the famous and wondrous. The one and only, Lucky Pop.” The ever-so familiar voice rang in my head, making me almost jump for the nearby haystack. “Uhh, this is soooo exciting. I get to make two new friends in the same day.” That is exactly when the new stranger noticed me and I him. The sight only confirmed my fear. But at the sight of me the other pony gasped. “I don’t believe this! Is that really you?” he asked, I could see the shock in his eyes even through his sunglasses. “Well I did not expect to see you. Nor did I wish to see you.” I said rather annoyed. I had an idea of what was to come but nothing could prepare me for the way it was going to be delivered. You’ll get that one later. “Aw come on. Don’t give me that. I bet you are happy to see me again.” says the voice of my doom. “I’ll be ‘lucky’ to get out of this encounter with just a few scratches.” sarcasm much. I’ll be lucky to get out of this situation alive. “Come on. Don’t be so grim. I mean we finally meet again after ages and this is how you treat me?” he sounded a bit annoyed. Ok, maybe I’m being a bit too harsh but it doesn’t hurt to keep my distance from him. “Wait, you two know each other?” asked the pink pony. I feel like I should remember her name coz I get the feeling that this is not our last encounter even though I don’t like the idea of meeting this hyperactive ball of pink fur again. It seemed like Lucky was waiting for my response to that question. He had his hooves crossed and a serious look on his face. “Yes.” I said quietly. Suddenly a smile appeared on Lucky’s face. “Hmm, of course we are, miss Pinkie Pie.” Lucky said trying to be as cool as ever. Pinkie! So that was her name, it makes perfect sense now that I think about it. I feel stupid for not remembering her name. Suddenly I feel a bit happier and that is never a good sign but I like this feel. “So what’s your name?” Pinkie asked as she turned towards me. “It’s Shadow. Shadow Gloom. Nice to meet you, Pinkie.” I answered back. “Can we be friend?” another question from Pinkie. I have a feeling she talks a lot. “Hmm, ‘course we can, miss Pinkie Pie.” immediately replied Lucky. As I was about to answer her question, not really sure if I wanted to answer that, something happened that would change my whole day. Pinkies tail started to twitch. “Oh no, my tails twitching.” she sounded like it was something serious. “So?” I asked, unaware of the misfortune that was to befall me. “It means that something is going to fall.” she said it like it was actually going to happen. She might be crazier that I first thought. DUUUN- I don’t really know the sound effect for a crushing piano is. I don’t know where the piano came from either but I know that taking it head-on is not good for me. When I realised I was crushed by the piano I found myself under the rubble that was left of it. From the outside I could hear the gasp of shock from several ponies. I guess a small crowd gathered. You got to be fucking kidding me. “Hmm, you all right under there?” asked my totally dumb friend. I wanted to reply but I felt a faint coming on and all the strength I had gathered up since I woke up has left me and I couldn’t move my mouth. “I pity the fool.” I heard somepony just before i fainted. Just a quick thanks to linch_lord666 for proofing and providing some info and ideas. > Meet the Elements > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- So I was knocked the fuck out. I am starting to feel like I’m spending more time unconscious then awake. But this time I had dreams. I dreamt of the past. I dreamt of myself and who I was. To tell the truth I don’t know who I am, even the name that I carry was given to me by ponies. I don’t even know where I came from, or who my parents are. And I don’t care. All I care about is Celestia and how I will exact my revenge on her. Suddenly I felt something breathe on my face. I slowly opened my eyes. My sight was really hazy and my head was ringing. My sight quickly adjusted to the dim light and I realized that Lucky was standing on top of me with his face just an inch away from mine. I shoved him of before noticing that there was a change in scenery. Also there was a group of ponies standing around the room, all looking at me. “See, I told you he would be ok.” said one of the ponies. It was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow coloured main. “Rainbow Dash, he could have died.” said a concerned looking purple unicorn. In fact all except one of the ponies looked distressed. “Did someone die?” I asked. "No." replied Lucky as he was getting up. "But we thought you might have." "So what happened? And where the hell am I?" I was curious as to what happened. "Well you kind of got hit by a piano." Really Lucky, I did not know that. "You don't say." Sarcasm, one of the many languages that I can speak. “I’m sorry.” said the purple mare. “It was kind of my fault.” “Kind of?” I said a bit confused. She looked as if she was taking it really badly. In fact she wasn’t even looking at me. “Well you see, she was helping to move the piano but ‘somepony’ distracted her and she dropt it on top of you.” This time it was a unicorn of pale white that spoke. “Hey it wasn’t all my fault.” Said the cyan pegasus defensively. “What do you mean it wasn’t your fault?!” this time it was a light orange earth pony raising her voice. “Was the piano that expensive?!” I shouted out. I was getting annoyed. The group halted their heating argument and all of them looked at me. They were shocked by my outburst. “No.” replied one of the ponies. “If that is the case then there is nothing to argue about. I’m alive after all and the piano can be replaced.” I said firmly. Everypony suddenly looked down, except one cyan pegasus. “As I said, everything would be fine.” Said the pegasus with a bit of a smug face. “Well then you must be the certain ‘somepony’.” I said as I looked at the pegasus. Her expression quickly changed. The pegasus was standing frozen. I might have taken it too far. “Anyway I think that if I take some rest I will be completely fine. Just one think, where the hell am I?” I asked, realizing that I haven’t yet received the answer to this question. “Well this would be my new home, hmm.” That awfully familiar voice again, I’m guessing he finally got off the floor. “Your home, Lucky?” I asked a bit unsure of what to think. “Yeah. It’s a bit empty at the moment as there is still some furniture to be delivered but it’s not so bad.” He replied. Well done Lucky. Buying a house in some village. I guess you are the only one of us that can do such a thing. “Well now that we know you are alright I think we are going to take our leave and let you rest.” said the white unicorn as she moved towards what I figured was the front door. As the group was gathering I noticed a yellow pegasus climbing from underneath a writing table. Only now that all the ponies were standing in front of the door I noticed that there were actually six of them, all mares. All of a sudden I had a funny feeling. Something was telling me that I should stick around this bunch a bit. “Well before you all go I just wanted to at least introduce myself. The name is Shadow Gloom.” As I said my name the group looked at me a bit surprised. “Weird name huh?” “No.” replied Pinkie who was the only one that wasn’t bothered. “But I’m going to call you Gloomy.” Aw shit. I swallowed, really hard. Actually I felt like I just swallowed my tongue. That is got to be the worst name I received, like ever. “Well, I don’t yet know all of you but would very much like to. After all it’s not every day you get to meet a group of ponies that crush you with piano. And since I’m going to live it this village I might as well get to know ponies that live here.” I said, totally faking the sincerity of it all. “Well we could show you two ‘round tomorrow.” Said the said the orange earth pony. “And maybe than we could throw you a welcoming party.” suggested Pinkie whilst hopping in one spot. “That wouldn’t be so bad.” I replied as I smiled at the group, remembering how much I hate fake smiles. “Well we will see you tomorrow than.” said Lucky from behind my back. The ponies excused themselves and left. As the door closed Lucky dropped the nice guy act and looked at me rather sternly. “What the hell, man?! Have you lost your mind!” he sounded angry. “I just had a funny feeling that I should keep close to them. Something wrong with that?” I replied a bit confused to Luckys reaction. “Well I guess you would feel that way. They are the Elements of Harmony after all.” he said as he turned away from me. “Them? Hah, this is certainly interesting. What else has changed while I was gone?” I asked out of curiosity. I was really curious now, I mean it’s not every day you hear that Celestia has let somepony else wield one of the most powerful kind of magic in Equestria. “You have been gone for a millennium. A lot has changed even ponies, but we’ll discuss that later. We should get some sleep. I have a guest room that you can use.” he said as he was walking towards the stairs. The way he delivered the answer just impacted. I stood in the middle of the room completely frozen. This is the first time I have seen Lucky act so cold. And another hit just landed as I realized what he said. I was gone for a whole thousand years? I expected it to be long but that was even longer than I expected. “Oh and also I feel like I should mention that you are totally forgotten. Only Celestia and the rest of us remember you. After all you were never meant to wake up again.” He added waiting for me by the staircase. I figured as much. Celestia wouldn’t want ponies to know of the darkness that exists in her ‘peaceful’ Equestria. After I recovered from the shock Lucky showed me to the guest room and I went to sleep, though not feeling like it at all. It was getting rather dark outside. I was pretty certain that she already knew that I might have awakened. I cloud only wonder of the exploits that awaited me as I was slowly falling asleep. The ruler of this land, a magnificent white pony, standing on a balcony of a beautiful castle, was looking worryingly into the distance. She had a feeling something was wrong. From behind her came a different pony, one of dark blue colour and smaller size. Standing next to her sister made her realize just how worried she was. “Do you really think he came back, sister?” asked the younger princess. “I know he woke up. I allowed it.” She replied, still looking into distance. “But why? Is he not an enemy of Equestria?” she asked, she was shocked by what she just heard. “I had no other choice but to break the spell. He is the least of our worries.” The princess replied still looking into distance, as if unable to look somewhere else. The look on younger sisters’ face quickly became more worried. “What do you mean, sister?” she asked worriedly. “They might all come back. And we might not be able to stop them this time.” She said, finally turning to face her younger sister. The news of this threat approaching Equestria has shocked Luna. She was more than concerned now. She was not sure how to react. Her sister was looking only a bit more worried than usually but if she is right this might as well be the end of Equestria. But the only thing she could do was to look into the distance and notice the change in the land as she stood there with her sister, not uttering a word. The pieces are slowly moving into place and the game is almost ready to start, a game that I won’t lose. > Some Things > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The night was long and being unable to sleep I spent it watching the horizon. As I watch the sunrise I recalled the good old days, even though there weren't any. All I remembered was how I felt back then and all the injustice and hate that was thrown my way. I was now determined just like before to conquer Equestria with fear and tyranny to destroy this delusion that ponies have. There is no justice, no freedom or peace. I understood what I was going to do next. I got of the bed and decided to head downstairs. As I was approaching the stairs, I caught a whiff of what smelled like breakfast. I noticed that the smell was increasing in its flavor as I was heading down the stairs. When I touched the bottom of the stairs I realized that my balance was almost restored and it was not hard to walk anymore. I looked around the entrance room in search of the source of the smell. I noticed an open doorway that I guessed would lead me to the kitchen. I wondered what produced this kind of scent. Just as I started to walk towards the doorway Lucky came from around the corner. “Morning.” He said with a smile on his face. “Please sit down. I will serve you breakfast soon enough.” He was looking at me all happy, as if something good happened to him during the night. It might be just a case of a good night sleep. Or maybe he was always like this. I sat down on the big sofa as Lucky disappeared again. I waited until finally Lucky made his way back with a tray on his back. He placed the tray on the coffee table that was in front of the sofa. He sat down on another sofa. I looked at him cautiously then I looked at the food and then back at Lucky. He smiled again. “Don’t worry it’s just how you like it.” He said in response to my reaction. “Tuck in, I’ll explain what happened when you were gone while you eat.” Not really hungry I reluctantly reached for the food. “I’m not really sure how to start. After all you have been gone for over thousand years. Guess with more recent developments?” he asked but all he got for a reply was my loud munching. Usually I have more table manners then even Lucky has, but I have not tasted anything at all for past millennium. “So as you know the elements of harmony are wielded by six mares.” So the elements were split. Maybe ponies have changed to worse while I was gone, or maybe Celestia did not want a single pony to wield that much power. I swallowed the food in my mouth. “So how did that happen?” I asked. I was interested to find out what forced Celestia to do such thing as to give elements to some ordinary ponies. “You probably think that they are just ordinary ponies but you should meet them. Then you would understand.” He replied. ‘Oh, but that is what I’m planning.’ I thought to myself as I resumed my munching. “Anyway, I will let you find out what is so special about them for yourself.” Lucky said trying to move the conversation away from the subject. “But really I should tell you it was mostly nice and peaceful before the elements were handed out.” “So why were they given to this bunch?” I asked with my mouth still full. “Well that is a funny little story. To put it simply Nightmare Moon came back.” When I heard Lucky say it, I almost spat out the food that was in my mouth. “Guess you would be surprised.” He said in response to my reaction. “So … what happened?” I asked a bit nervous, unsure of whether I wanted to know. “The elements faced her, she was defeated and now she is back to her old self.” He said whilst watching me closely. No way. So she is in Equestria? My heart started to race. Guess some things really did change. “Also Discord came to visit. But he was turned to stone eventually.” He continued the news update. “Guess he caused a bit of a stir.” I said thinking back to all the times I had to put up with him. “Good old Discord.” I felt like I almost missed him. That reminded me of better times. The times when I was not so desperate to get revenge. But, I’m afraid those times are gone for good. “Oh he almost won but there was not that much of a stir.” Lucky still watched me closely. “Hell I’d rather he lost than having to deal with him again.” True as it may be that we were allies he was annoying and if he got his hand on Equestria it would be troublesome. “And after that the changelings came. That was just two days ago and of course they were dealt with swiftly.” Lucky delivered his final addition to the news. “Swiftly?! Changelings don’t come and go in one day.” I knew there might have been more to this story then Lucky was letting on. “They take their time to integrate into society.” “Well I might have spotted them earlier but to put it simply they were discovered and defeated two days ago.” Well that explained something. “And I bet that when you ‘spotted’ there was a changing or two you, of course totally anonymously, informed Celestia of the invasion.” Like hitting a nail on its head, Lucky looked a bit uncomfortable with my deduction. “Well it would be a pain if they took over Equestria.” Fair enough reply. “Yup.” I agreed to his statement. He looked at me a bit shocked, probably did not expect that. “And that brings us to you waking up.” He said after a bit. Now he looked at me seriously “Do you still plan on conquering Equestria?” “I don’t know.” I replied sincerely. I had no idea what I would do. After all everything went to shit when I got put under, Discord petrified and Nightmare turned back to being Luna. Suddenly I feel a bit more desperate. “Hey don’t worry. You still got me.” Lucky reassured me as if he could read my mind. “Yeah I guess it’s not all that bad. But will you help me if I chose to destroy Equestria?” a simple question that I already knew the answer to. “Only if you decide to do it. After all I have a grudge as well.” He replied just as I expected. Some things never change after all. I finished my breakfast and I just noticed how dirty I am. “Got a bath here somewhere?” I asked Lucky. “Of course I do. Up the stairs, second door to left.” He replied but it looked like he had more to add. “You really need it.” Thanks, I wouldn't notice. I headed up the stairs and into the bathroom. I spend a good hour in the bath it felt better than I remember it. As I got out a white towel hit me in the face. “Use that to dry yourself up.” said the oh-so-familiar voice. “By the way I still have some of your things.” Did he hold on to my things for a whole millennium? He probably never gave up on me. As I tried to walk out of the bathroom he stopped me with his hoof and looked right into my face. “I really missed you.” Oh God. I hate getting emotional but I think a little tear escaped my eye. I was gone for a thousand years and I probably am still the only pony he thinks he can trust. “Well I’m glad I’m back.” I said as I walked past him. Things really haven’t change that much. Now to get to meet the Elements. Meanwhile somewhere in Equestria, in a glacier is a frozen pony. Suddenly the ice surrounding this pony shatters. Now free this pony stands up on his four hoofs. “Good morning Equestria. Your dearly beloved Havoc is back.” The dark brown pony announces his return with a sinister smile