//------------------------------// // Introduction // Story: The Man of The Shadows // by KamikazeKawaii //------------------------------// Location-Limbo Time -???? At least a year had passed after the pillars of Equestria were freed from the place. Limbo. Where The Shadows stayed for eternity. This, “eternity” The Pillars and The Mane 6 had trapped it was only temporary. Even though losing its host proved inconvenient, it still had a lot of power. It took some energy left by the two teams and siphoned it into magic.This magic, he intended to use to create a rift into Equestria, and take over from the inside. “It seems to be time to create the rift.” It talked to itself. It normally talked to its host, but ever since its last ones turn to the other side, and it’s sudden surge of power, it was unlikely it would require or trust another host. Perhaps one to use as a body to gather supplies?Or one to sneak into the Royal Guard? Either way, his objective was clear, Get out of here. It paused. It slowly transformed into a pony like shape. From the black smoke, came a large structure, that became some part of the body. The first time it did this, it went too fast and each part swiftly collapsed. This time, however it slowly rose. You couldn’t tell which parts were taking shape, and if you guessed it turned out to be something else. Hoof by hoof, Molecule by molecule, Atom by atom. It took its form. Now all that was left to do was get out. Location- Manhattan Time- 17:09 Military time. The convoy neared closer into the war zone. “All right ladies, stay sharp. The SPEKTERS are close.Keep your weapons primed at all times. We are the dominating force here.” Cyrus Miller looked at the battlefield. He could see five different positions where they could be ambushed, blown up by a land mine, sniped, trapped or have an entire building blown on them. But he kept quiet. He didn’t want to argue with his Leading Officer. That would get him into trouble. “Miller! Do you have more of your ‘tactical plans’ as you always do?” “No, Sir.” “Good, move in on my mark.” “One, Two, Three, GO!” The convoy split up. The split part Cyrus was a part of was with the commanding Officer. They searched everywhere for a sign, a glimpse of The SPEKTERS so they could be found and apprehended. As Cyrus thought, they were ambushed. By all the things he had thought of. “Ambush!” “Land Mines!” “Get down, Snipers!” And the building. A chunk of concrete fell to the ground. “AAhhhHHHaH!” Private Green yelled as he could do nothing but wait for the cold swift death. Cyrus ran over to attempt to save him. “I’m coming!” Cyrus grabbed the chunk. “Nnnggrrhhh.” He collapsed, the concrete trapping them. “SPEKTERS INBOUND!” The Officer was shot. The SPEKTER walked over to him. “Good night, Private.” He said, a pistol in Cyrus’ direction. “Deactivate Training Simulation.” It was the Commanding Officer. Location- Classified. Time- 12:09. “On your feet, Miller.” He commanded. “Yes sir!” “Green! Off your ass. Move it.” “Sure thing, Sir!” “Miller. Follow me.” They walked through the military base. Dawn Base. Thousands of people joining up to serve their country. Cyrus Miller was one of those people. Physically, he was not what they had in mind. The 17 year old was only 5’6 and weighed 130 pounds. Not much muscle at all.He could barely carry a gun and the armour put on them during training. He had light blue eyes, bland grey skin and frost white hair. He joined the Dawn Program 1 year ago. 1 year offered a chance for him to work out, become more muscular. That 1 year wasn’t used in the way he thought. He had very bad asthma. 5 pull ups and he could be having an asthma attack. 3 weight lifts he could’ve stopped breathing. You get the picture. There were a couple of things he brought to the table, though. Tactical knowledge. Courage. Bravery. And the will to do whatever it takes. Like risking his own life to save a friend. But it remained clear to Officer Northwood he couldn’t let him go into battle. “Miller, you know why you can’t remain here.You’ve got some great talent, but your physique lets you down. Your dismissed.” “Please. Give me a chance. A chance to save lives a chance to…………” “A Chance to die. That’s it. You got a promising future. Don’t let what could be go because you think you should be something more. Now get out.” He walked through the gates. He was on his own now.