//------------------------------//
// Chapter Twelve: Shattering Glass 
// Story: The Tale of One Shadow 
// by RadBunny 
//------------------------------//

Icicle Slate stowed her armor in a wall locker, glancing over to Cold Shoulder as he did the same. In the aftermath of the demon's rule, and the lifting of the stasis spell, plenty of guards had been assigned, or had requested, outside assistance.
Having a demon's spell inside your head alone was more than enough reason for therapy, in Icicle's opinion.
Cold didn't say anything, only followed her into their designated room. Words didn't need to be said to let the mare know that something was wrong.  Cold's steps were too crisp, eyes not meeting hers behind the strands of mane that wisped in front of his eyes.

Once inside the calm room, Icicle shed her guard demeanor like a piece of soiled clothing. The stern expression and piercing eyes faded, her shoulders slumping as a great burden settled upon them. The mare's hoof reached up to fluff up her mane, which usually was slicked to either the side or straight up. She flopped down on the cushion, waiting until Cold Shoulder was settled before moving. It was a simple gesture, but Icicle drew a great deal of comfort from just laying her head on Cold's shoulder.
“You know I didn't mean anything by why I said Colds, right?” The mare finally said softly, hoof reaching over to wrap around Cold's. 
The stallion didn't say anything for a few seconds, instead taking a shaky breath and letting it out slowly. He finally nodded, acknowledging her affections by reaching over to rest his head on hers, just behind Icicle's horn.
“I know.” He said at last, voice soft and caring.
“You know that I can't stay mad at you, especially over something like that. I just, wasn't expecting it. It brings back bad memories.”
Icicle let out a slight huff, Cold's voice prompting her to snuggle closer.
“I've said a lot of things to mess up our relationship, haven't I?” The mare said softly, prompting an eye-roll from Cold.
“And I haven't?”
Cold Shoulder's voice, while soft and genuine, conveyed a power and care that brought a smile to Icicle's face, as it always did.
“We both have our demons to fight, no pun intended.”
Icicle nodded, and even though Cold's voice warmed her heart, tears still edged at her eyes.
“I'm scared Cold. I'm scared that I'll have to fight them alone. I only told you a bit of what-”
Cold Shoulder shifted, wrapping his hooves around the mare beside him. Nuzzling her mane, the stallion then lay his head across the back of her neck.
“You won't have too, we'll fight each others problems head on.”
His words trailed off as Icicle shifted, the mare shedding his hooves to wrap her own around the stallion. The simple action caused the burly stallion to melt, almost literally, which prompted her to shift position again. He sagged to the ground, laying his head on Icicle's forelimbs as she stroked his mane with a free hoof. The stallion didn't respond at first, but after a few moments , the stallions sides began to shake. Cold snuggled against Icicle's side as the mare's eyes softened, her own heart aching at the sight of a pony she cared so deeply for in so much pain.
What did that demon do to you Cold, what did he do?
The door opened, and a mare slowly walked in, staying quiet until Cold had calmed down, but it was Icicle who spoke first.
“So, there are some new developments.” She said softly.

-	

Amber Leaf looked over to Sombra; who was busy staring straight ahead. At least they had made it home.
Barely. 
Doctor Whit had advised to take a break- seeing as how short sessions more often would be more productive if they didn't push things. Sombra had been in a daze, occasionally muttering, and not even responding to Amber's touch. It was starting to get Amber more than a little nervous.
“Amber?” 
Sombra looked around, blinking a few times after shaking his head.	
“Ugh. That was unpleasant.” He muttered, burying his head in his hooves.
“After whatever that was, at the counselors, I couldn't think. Did anything happen? Did I-”
Amber shook her head, coming over to settle down on the couch next to him.
“No, you were just in a daze. The doctor decided to call the appointment there, but we'll come back every other day. Tomorrow, well, Princess Cadence had suggested some activities for you while you get acclimated, and before you start officially working.” Amber suggested, getting up and retrieving a neat yet official letter that stood on the drawers beside the door.
“Let me see. There are a few scenic sights, as well as some housing areas if you wish to live on your own. There are the separate districts that we can check on, oh, and they just finished restoring  a large outdoor gymnasium, after a rather embarrassing debacle of the equestrian games. There wasn't any major damage, but they had to get it all checked out, and added a roof. Now it doubles as a gym for the muscle heads.” Amber deadpanned as she saw Sombra's eyes light up.
“The gym then? I should have known.” The mare chuckled as the stallion managed a slight smile..
“I haven't used my body as myself in centuries. I have a right to be a bit excited to work up a sweat.”
His response caused Amber to chuckle; the stallion having gotten slightly huffy
“Relax. The gym it is then.” The mare then frowned, tapping a hoof in thought.
“I have a few errands to run, will you be alright on your own?”
The stallion nodded, getting up and stretching, the action causing Amber to smirk.
“Somebody is excited. Hmm. I wonder if Icicle or Cold is free to show you the way?”
Her hoof-falls echoed around the living room as Amber walked to their door, opening it and peering outside to where the guards were stationed.
“Hmm. They’re not back yet.” The mare muttered, causing one of the larger guards to look over at her.
“Icicle sends her greeting, but has taken the day off, as has Cold Shoulder. Something came up. My name is Shale, and that’s Basalt, my brother actually. Princess Cadenza assigned us in their absence, if that is alright.” The stallion’s voice was almost as deep as Sombra’s; causing the walls to vibrate.
“Well, it’s good to meet you. And of course that’s alright. I’m rather flattered that she’d take that into consideration. I have some things I need to get done, and I was wondering if either of you could show Sombra to the gymnasium?”
The two stallions glanced to each other, and Shale nodded, stepping forwards.
“I’d be happy to. Basalt will stay with you, also Princess Cadence’s orders.” The stallion muttered.
“She was rather specific on that matter, and mentioned you may object.”
Letting out a huff, Amber shrugged, motioning Sombra forward.
“Well, she was right on that account. Just, stay safe Sombra.” The mare gave the taller pony a playful nudge before walking off towards the marketplace, Basalt in tow.
“Follow me please.” Shale rumbled, leading Sombra in the basic direction of the city center. The silence between the two was thick enough to choke emotion and breath alike. Even the hustle and bustle of the city did little to soften it. 

Sombra couldn’t help but avoid meeting the guard’s gaze. There were only bits and pieces of what the demon had done to the guards, but none of them were pleasant.
“I don’t blame you, you know.” Shale muttered, leading him down a less-populated street.
“That is why Princess Cadence assigned us. We both hold nothing against you, unlike many others. Thanks to the demon, we know what it is like to be controlled. I thought you should be aware of this.”
Letting out a relieved sigh, Sombra glanced over to the guard, nodding briefly.
“I, um, thank you. Every time I see hatred in someone’s eyes, it reminds me that I failed.” The dark pony paused at hearing the guard let out a huff.
“Failed? We were the royal guard. If anyone failed, it was us. You may have brought the demon here, from what I understand, but we were suppose to stop it.” The guard’s tone and gaze bore little room for argument, something that both shocked and reassured Sombra, at least a little.
“Ah, there we are! It was repaired, renovated, and then utilized after the equestrian games.” 
Sombra’s jaw dropped on seeing the massive structure; crystal spires rising into the sky, marking the position of the massive bowl-shaped gymnasium. A slight shimmer hung over the roof; clearly a spell to keep out the rain, or something akin to it.
The bulky stallion led Sombra into the reception area; where different doors led to the separate areas of the gym. Each was clearly marked, indicating the rooms and large workout areas set aside for groups, individuals, classes, and other such activities. All took was a nod from the guard to allow Sombra access. The stallion’s head was on a swivel as he followed the guard, noting how the building appeared to be constructed from both stone and crystal, no doubt reinforcing it beyond normal capacity. 
“Here are the locker rooms. You can just pick one that’s free, and then sign the sheet at the far end of the room, and place a tag to indicate it is in use. The lockers are checked daily for any belongings left over; so no storing stuff overnight. I’ll lead you to whichever area you want; but I can’t leave you alone…hope you understand.”
Sombra nodded, rather surprised at the guard’s concern. He trotted over to a free locker, examining it before affixing the small stone tag to the front of the square box. Inside was a fresh wash cloth, which replaced Sombra’s scarf, the latter piece of clothing being stored gently inside the crystal container.
“Is there a sort of obstacle course? A track?” Sombra requested, looking over to the still-stolid guard.
Basalt grinned, nodding briefly.
“Indeed there is. The gymnasium is open to the public, but we have a section that is frequented by off-duty guards. It’s a bit more specialized. I think you’ll see what I mean. Seeing as how you used to be a guard, I don’t see any reason you can’t use it, since civilians can as well.”
His head bobbing in a grateful nod, the charcoal stallion followed his guard companion out into the gymnasium. The sunlight radiated through the thin crystal roof, and Sombra could sense that magical spells were anchoring a few of the support pillars in place. From the looks of it, even without the magical reinforcement, the ceiling would have no trouble standing. The magical anchors were just another precaution.
There were a good fifty other ponies in the massive gymnasium; but they were so spread out, it may as well have been empty. To their left was a standard weight set, weights for earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi alike. A massive track ran around the middle and outer edge of the arena, leaving the other corners and middle areas between the new support pillars open for different activities. To the two stallion’s right, there were some simple training mats, where a small group of ponies was practicing something. To Sombra’s eyes, it looked like an unnecessary session of contortionists.
“Ah, there we go. The far back left area.” Basalt rumbled, leading Sombra across the large expanse, grass and a few other plants covering a decent portion of it, at least where the track didn’t interfere.
From what Sombra could see, the area indicated by Basalt was where off-duty guard ponies trained; at least their near-identical physique indicated as such. Also, a few trained in their armor. There were a few ponies that seemed out of place; so it clearly wasn’t exclusive, but the equipment appeared much more sturdy, offering a more challenging atmosphere. There were even some pieces of workout machines that appeared to be strictly for enhancing one’s magical strength.
Perfect.

Basalt chuckled, seeing the other stallion eying the equipment and area with an almost hungry gaze.
“I’ve done my workout for today; so I’ll be along the side walls, still have to keep an eye on you, no offense.”
Nodding his head, Sombra retrieved a bottle of water; dispensed for free from a large crystal block that appeared to hold many other such refreshments….
 Free water bottles; how things have changed. We had to freeze or enchant our water to keep it pure, now it is in this what did Amber call it? Plastic? Bah, still useful though. 
He started simple; and while the exercising machines had grown in complexity, the idea remained the same. Instead of a slippery ice platform, a treadmill stood. A harness hooked up to heavy weights; to act as though pulling a plow or other heavy equipment. Sliding it on,  Sombra pulled out the pin, selecting a moderate weight.
The fact he strained to lift it made him more than a little annoyed. A thousand years had gnawed away at his stamina and physical strength.
With a few adjustments, the stallion began off at a steady trot, pulling a lesser weight, but moving more muscles. 
 The first decent workout I’ve had in a thousand years, and it feels rather good! 
A sheen of sweat now adorning his coat, Sombra moved on to a different workout; this one a bit more aggressive. It appeared to be nothing more than a discolored square of crystal on the floor, raised up about a hoof-length. In the center was a mound of broken crystal shards. The stallion grinned; the design and training method not having changed in the slightest. The crystal platform was enchanted; as were the shards. They could mimic the basic shape of various creatures, and were used to test different fighting styles, when other ponies would not suitably complete the task. One couldn’t fire a full-strength spell at a fellow guard, no matter how protected he was, not without many more precautions.
Nudging the shards with a hoof, Sombra jumped backwards as they assembled into a basic pony shape; strange multicolored eyes watching him.
 Good. Let us begin! 
Sombra’s first spell was a simple knock-out one; and the crystal training dummy easily blocked it.
The stallion chuckled, preparing a more advanced salvo of crystal spells. This was going to be fun.
---			-
More than a few ponies had gathered around the crystal dummy area; the stallion in the midst of the crowd locked in combat with two opponents. Red crystals swirled around the dark pony’s body, a few reflecting off invisible walls that kept the miniature battle contained. The remainder blasted towards one of the dummies; severing the creature’s head with a swift slice. The other crystal training pony landed a stinging blow to the real pony’s flank; and the two locked horns briefly.
Turning away from the spectacle, the dark blue pony let out a soft huff, sitting down next to a pillar. The past hour, six other of his fellow accomplices had done a similar action. The instructions were simple; find a pillar that wasn’t marked with a signature spell, and deposit a small package. It was cloaked by multiple levels of invisibility and anti-detection spells, so as long as the specific action of placing the item wasn’t seen, it was undetectable.
The small rectangle, wrapped with canvas cloth, was only visible as a faint outline as it melded with the pillar; the pony’s hoofs pressing it into the side of the crystal support. Small latches released it from the position on the stallion’s leg, leaving him free to walk away. 
Smirking, the pony meandered to a few workout stations, then walked towards the exit.
 Perfect. 
-		-
A few cheers and whoops of admiration reached Sombra’s ears as the training dummy disintegrated, and he let out a tired chuckle. 
 Exhausted, but that felt good!
A few ponies congratulated him; apparently not having seen a decent training battle in some time. Sombra nodded back, making his way over to Basalt.
“I am probably done for now. I’m rather out of shape.”
The guard stallion chuckled, shaking his head.
“Not from what I saw! That was impressive!”
Opening his mouth, Sombra was about to thank him for the remark, but something caught his attention. It wasn’t anything visible, but  something  seemed off.
Basalt walked over to where Sombra was; staring at the nearest pillar, following Sombra’s gaze.
“What is it?”

“Something doesn’t feel right about-“
The explosion that ripped through the air sucked the breath from Sombra’s body. The physical shock threw him off of his hooves, and fire engulfed his vision.
Sombra’s vision darkened, more thundering detonations drowning out everything else.