//------------------------------// // Shade Takes Canterlot // Story: Shades Of The Past // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// Flashback... Black was rushing about Belle's home, eagerly preparing for something special. "Candles, check." He nodded. "Food, check. Flowers, check..." Black heard the sound of the front door opening. "There she is." He grinned. "Time to take my position..." School Belle came in, having returned from a day of teaching. Things had been going quite well between her and Black. Black had often helped out around the house, and even provided a sympathetic ear. The repair work he had done to the schoolhouse had made quite a difference; Even the students were impressive at how much better it looked. It felt so good to have a stallion around the house. Belle had never had much of a way with the opposite sex, to the point where her friends joked she might end up as an old maid. Simply seeing Black every day as she returned home did wonders for her mood. "Black, I'm home!" School Belle declared as she glanced around. "Black? Where are you?" "In the dining room!" "Dining room?" School Belle repeated, as she went into said room. "What are you doing-" She stopped abruptly, as she took in the sight: her entire dining room was lined with candlelight, as two plates of tumbleweed stew lay on the table, with a vase filled with desert roses placed as a centerpiece. Black was simply standing there, with a warm smile on his face. "Welcome home, Belle." Black smiled. "Well now, what's all this?" Belle asked. "Well, today is kinda special..." Black rubbed his head. "It marks the second month since you had rescued me and took me into your home. I figure I could do something special for you, so I took the liberty of making dinner." "Black..." Belle whispered, taking in the romantic setting. "This is... you didn't have to..." "Let's not get into that again." Black rolled his eyes. Or rather his one good eye, "You saved my life, Belle. I can never thank you enough for that, ever. Now, come on. We don't want the stew to get cold." As they approached the table, Black pulled out Belle's chair. "Ladies first." He grinned. "Why, thank you." Belle blushed. "Such a gentlestallion." "Anything for a lady." Black smiled as he sat down also. "Go ahead, dig in." Belle had a spoonful. "Hmm..." She mused. "Sorry if it's not that great." Black shrugged. "Never was a four-star chef." "It's fine, Black." Belle assured him. "Really good. Besides, the gesture's what matters." "I hope so." Black chuckled, as he started eating his own. "I did put a lot of work into it." "I can tell." Belle smiled, taking another bite. Another they finished their stew, Belle stood up. "Where are you going?" Black asked. "You made the dinner, so it's only fair that I clean up." Belle declared. "Fair, schmair." Black snorted. "It's my mess. Besides, this whole evening's for you. You don't have to lift a hoof." "Oh, you're so sweet." Belle admitted. "I've never known a stallion as kind and considerate as you." "Lucky for me..." Black grinned. "Black, thank you so much for coming into my life." Belle smiled, placing her hoof on his. "Having you here has really livened up my life. I feel like I should be the one thanking you." "Aw, it was nothing." Black smiled, adding another hoof to hers. The glow of the candlelight illuminated both their faces in a warm, orange light. "I've really come to enjoy having you here with me." Belle admitted. "And seeing you everyday has given me more reason to get out of bed in the morning." Black confessed. "It's pretty much why I'm still sticking around." "Oh, really?" Belle blushed. "Yeah..." Black smiled. "I'll admit, at first, I was planning on getting out of here the moment my bones healed. I had obligations elsewhere... but... you showed me kindness and tenderness that I hadn't seen for most of my life... and... I think I might have bumped my head at one point, but I think... I'm starting to fall for you." "You... you are?" Belle blushed even more deeply. "Don't act so surprised." Black grinned. "You are a very beautiful mare. And don't forget sweet and kind." "You're sweet too." Belle returned. "And admittedly, I do think you're quite... handsome." "Really?" Black smirked. "But I still barely know anything about you." Belle sighed. "It's better you don't know." Black admitted. "Trust me. My past is... not for the faint of heart. I know if you knew the real me, you might not think I was so nice." "I know the real you, Black." Belle placed a hoof on his cheek. "He's right here in front of me. You can't hide the kind of good stallion you are." "Thanks, Belle." Black smiled, placing his hoof on hers once more. "But still, I can't afford to act on my feelings." He lowered her hoof. "We can't be together." "I understand." Belle sighed. Suddenly, the two leaned forward, kissing each other deeply. Then they pulled apart, surprised at themselves. "Did we just..." Black asked. "Yes, we did." Belle nodded. "Wow." Black snorted. "I know." Belle declared. "Me and a mysterious stallion? Could you imagine how scandalous that would sound?" "...Yeah..." Black murmured, before giving a wry smirk. "So... would you wanna go at it again?" "Definitely." Belle grinned. Bathed in the glow of the candlelight, they embraced each other in another kiss. It was a long, slow, passionate kiss, an outlet for all the feelings both ponies had been holding inside their hearts. Black always had this fear of getting too close to ponies, knowing that in his walk of life, they could easily get hurt or worse. It was for that reason he had pushed away the one pony who he had loved most of all before now... but for the first time, ever since meeting this other pony who he cherished as much as his own brother... he no longer cared. He was no longer letting that fear control him. 'Screw it.' He thought. 'I'm doing what feels right. And boy, does this feel right. For the first time... I'm happy... and it's not like anypony is actually looking for me... it has been two months... 'he' would understand, right? ...Right?' The Present... Shade awoke in the guest room, irritated by how the rising sunlight seemed to glance off all the glimmering surfaces. "How does anypony get a lie-in around here?" He growled, rubbing his eyes. The door opened, and Shine emerged. "Hey, sleepyhead." He declared. "Breakfast is in ten." "Yeah, yeah, coming..." Shade yawned. Taking a moment to wash up, Shade joined the others at the breakfast table. "Good morning, Shade." Celestia said flatly. "Your highness." Shade muttered. "Anypony mind telling me what's on the menu for today?" "Some cinnamon crepes, made by our chef from Prance." Constell announced. "Fancy." Shade smirked. "Guess every meal's a banquet with you guys... Must be nice, being able to afford stuff like that, when there are ponies starving out there..." "Ponies whom we make a point of helping whenever we can." Celestia retorted. "Make no mistake, we do not take the suffering of our subjects lightly." "Could've fooled me." Shade snorted. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" Celestia frowned. "What do you think I mean?" Shade asked. "Come on, guys." Shine sighed. "Let's just try and enjoy breakfast together, okay?" "Of course." Celestia said flatly. "Yeah, whatever." Shine shrugged. "Good." Shine smiled. For a few moments, they ate in silence. "So, er... how are you enjoying your stay so far?" Dusty asked. "Eh, not bad." Shade shrugged. "Little more opulent than I'm used to. How did you manage to adjust?" "Oh, you know who I am?" Dusty asked. "Sure I do, Miss former-Napoleon." Shade nodded. "I'm actually a big fan of what your family does. Steal from the rich, give to the poor... It's right up my alley." "Well... thank you." Dusty smiled. "I wouldn't say that's quite what we do anymore, but I appreciate the compliment." "No problem." Shade smiled. "Though I was a little surprised to hear that you're Blueball's girl." "Excuse me?!" Blueblood spluttered. "No offense." Shade shrugged. "Just doesn't seem like a down-to-earth gal like her would want anything to do with a foppish pretty boy like you." "How exactly am I not supposed to take offense?" Blueblood growled. "Well, technically, it's true, right?" Shade shrugged. "He's got you there, dad." Pureblood admitted. "I assure you, there's more to Blueblood than ponies think." Dusty declared. "Inside, he is a perfectly sweet, kind and thoughtful stallion." "I'll believe that when I see it..." Shade snorted. He took a bite out of his breakfast. "You do know these crepes are just glorified pancakes? We could get regular pancakes from any corner store..." "You're free to make your own breakfast." Celestia frowned. "Of course, then you'd have to explain to poor Chef Creme about how you don't enjoy the food he worked so hard on to earn a living for his family." "I didn't say that." Shade muttered, taking another bite. "So, what are you up for today?" Shine asked. "I could show you more of the gardens." "Maybe later." Shade declared. "Right now, I feel like stretching the old legs. That is, if you don't mind me going into town for a while... unsupervised?" "Of course not." Shine nodded. "I trust you, Shade." 'Somehow, I find that hard to believe...' Shade thought, recalling him placing Fletcher and Caboose on guard outside his room. After breakfast, Shade walked off into Canterlot, seeking to learn more about the place. What he was seeing so far wasn't very impressive; There were high society ponies all around, going about their self-important business. Everywhere he looked, those snobs were lording it over less fortunate ponies, or worse, treating other species like they were nothing. "Yes, it's the latest model." Golden Gavel boasted to some friends over a golden carriage. "That's 24-karat gold, with seat cushions of the finest silk. Cost a pretty penny, but it was worth it to ride in style." 'Big deal.' Shade thought contemptuously. 'I'd like to see you put all those Bits to actual good use, moneybags...' "Spare some change?" A homeless pony asked Jet Set as he passed by. "Don't touch me, you filthy beggar!" Jet Set scowled, quickly moving away. 'Why, that lousy...' Shade thought. 'Time for a little karma...' Shade made a beeline for Jet Set, intentionally bumping into him. "Oops, sorry." He apologised. "Watch where you're going, peasant!" Jet Set snarled, walking away. "I always do." Shine grinned, lifting up some Bits he had picked from Jet Set's pocket. He returned to the beggar, giving him the coins. "Hey, buddy. Looks like you need these more than me." "Faust bless you, sir." The beggar smiled gratefully. Around the corner, Upper Crust was having her hooves polished by a short Griffon. "Watch those talons!" She suddenly kicked out. "I don't need you scraping my precious hooves with those filthy things!" 'Nice gratitude, lady...' Shade scowled. Unable to take any more, Shade slipped into Blazin' Blues. The place was packed, with Mist, Tempest and Blue at the bar. "Oh... hello." Mist smiled. "Shay!" Tempest gurgled. "Hey." Shade sighed, as he sat down at a stool. "What's with the long face?" Blue asked. "Oh, just all the stuck-up richies in this town, who treat anypony else like garbage!" Shade spat. "Seriously, how can you guys stand living here? You know they have low opinions of other races of ponies here, right?" "It's not as bad as you think, Shade." Mist declared. "Sure, there are more than a few who think having more Bits than most ponies make them better, but Canterlot is full of ponies who don't think that way." "Well, I have yet to see any." Shade scowled. "Sheesh, you've only been here like, a day." Blue snorted. "Give the place a chance, will ya?" "I'm not even sure I'll be around long enough." Shade shrugged. "Why, do you have someplace better to be?" Mist asked. "Let's just say I have... commitments back home." Shade told her. "Home, where we don't have to worry about bumping into rich snobs around every corner." "You can't tell us there's nothing you don't like about this place?" Blue frowned. "Shay!" Tempest suddenly fluttered out of his seat, and toward Shade. "Mobile little guy, isn't he?" Shade caught him in his hooves. "Takes after his father." Mist smiled lovingly. "Shay!" Tempest hugged him. Shade had never been around foals much, but something about Tempest just got to him. Holding the young one in his hooves gave Shade a warm and caring feeling. "...Okay, maybe there is one thing about this town I like." Shade admitted. "I know Tempest is glad to hear that." Mist beamed. "And I'm sure there are more things about this place you'd like, if you'd give it a chance." "Like some home-grown apple cider." Blue poured a glass. "On the house." Shade drank the amber liquid. "Not bad." He shrugged. "I was half-expecting little flecks of gold in it..." "Not everything here is super-fancy, you know." Mist giggled. "Doesn't that alienate your customers?" Shade asked. "Hey, this bar of mine caters to everypony." Blue declared. "It's a place where ponies from all walks of life can just relax and wet their whistles." "Just look around." Mist told Shade. "There are rich and common ponies here. But they're getting along just fine. Not all rich ponies are snobs, after all." Shade looked over the bar. He couldn't deny that all the ponies within were sharing their drinks peacefully, with no sign of arrogance among the rich. "Take our pal Luxury, for instance." Blue nodded. "He's loaded, but he's one of the nicest ponies I know." "Maybe you two should meet some time." Mist suggested. "Yeah... some time." Shade passed Tempest back to Mist. "Well, guess I'd better head back..." "Try and stick with it, Shade." Mist urged. "You never know, this town might just surprise you." Blue added. "Bye, Shay!" Tempest waved. "See ya, kiddo." Shade smiled, as he exited the bar. Shade returned to the castle in slightly better spirits. Thought those spirits were dampened somewhat when an arrow suddenly whizzed past him. "Hey!" He yelped. "Sorry!" Hurricane, Caboose's daughter, emerged from the bushes. "Kinda got away from me there..." "Who the-?" Shade frowned. "Hey there, Mr. Paladin!" Hurricane smiled. "I'm Hurricane Napoleon, Junior Guardspony." "Napoleon?" Shade raised a brow. "Which one's your dad?" "Oh, that's Caboose!" Hurricane smirked, "He's the Lieutenant! He told me a little bit about you!" "Oh, really?" Shade asked worriedly. "How little, exactly?" "Just that you're Prince Shine's cousin." Hurricane shrugged. 'Phew...' Shade thought. 'Guess the goofball can keep a secret after all...' "So you're one of those junior Guards, huh?" Shade asked. "Following in daddy's hoofsteps?" "Oh, yeah." Hurricane nodded. "Not exactly my preferred vocation, to be honest..." Shade shrugged. "Are you kidding?" Hurricane grinned. "It's the best! Defending Equestria, protecting the innocent, kicking butts, getting to pilot weapons of mass destruction..." She shivered. "Who wouldn't want a piece of that action?!" Shade was tempted to point out just what he thought of the Royal Guards, but he could see the vibrant light in her eyes. He couldn't bring himself to knock her dreams down. "I guess it does sound good when you say it like that." He smiled. "So go ahead. Be the best Royal Guard you be, kiddo." "Oh, I will." Hurricane grinned. "Thanks!" "No problem..." Shade sighed. "Darn it, Shade. You big softie..." As Shade returned to his room, he heard some noises inside. 'Some royal busybody, sticking his nose in my stuff?' He frowned. 'Not for long...' Shade jumped into his room, finding Vito and Pureblood inside. "What are you two doing here?" He asked. "It was his idea!" Pureblood pointed to Vito. "Nice, PB." Vito scowled. "We were just looking." He drew one of Shade's muskets. "And we liked what we found." "I see you found my muskets..." Shade gulped. 'Knew I should've left those at home...' "Yeah, these things are pretty cool." Pureblood held up another. "Where'd you get them?" "Oh, I... picked them up from some guy." Shade shrugged. "I guess they are pretty cool..." "I'll bet you look totally badflank when you use 'em." Vito smirked. "I do, actually." Shade smirked. "But you really shouldn't be playing around with them." "My thoughts exactly." Dusty declared, standing in the doorway. "Mom!" Vito and Pureblood gulped. "Boys, I am very disappointed in you." Dusty frowned. "Snooping in another pony's room?" "It was his idea!" Pureblood pointed at Vito. "Stop saying that!" Vito cringed. "Out of here, you two." Dusty said firmly. "Yes, mom..." The twins sighed, as they left the room, dropping the muskets on the bed as they went. "Sorry about that." Dusty apologized. "No problem." Shade shrugged. "Hey... mind not telling anypony else about... those?" He pointed to the muskets. "I really don't want 'you-know-who' finding out about these." "Don't worry, I know how to keep a secret." Dusty smiled. "I am a Napoleon, after all. And I'll make sure the boys do the same." "Thanks, Dusty." Shade smiled. "Besides..." Dusty picked up a musket and pretend to aim it. "I'm kinda into firearms myself. Saw ones like these at an expo I went to with my family a little while back, thought they were the coolest thing." "Ah, nice to know becoming royalty hasn't dulled that fire you have." Shade smirked. "Well, let's say my fire is what warms Blueblood's log." Dusty purred, as she set down the musket. "Oh, and by the way, Shine wanted you to come down for dinner..." "I'll be there." Shade smiled, "And... thanks again." "No problem." Dusty nodded. Shortly afterward, Shade joined the others for lunch. "Welcome back, Shade." Luna smiled. "How was the walk?" Shine asked. "Eh, not bad." Shade shrugged. "I'm sure it was perfectly pleasant." Dusty smiled. "With no real surprises... right, boys?" "Right, mom." Vito and Pureblood chorused. "So... what's for lunch?" Shade asked. "Some orchid paninis." Celestia declared. "If that's not too fancy for you..." "I can live with it." Shade shrugged. "Good." Blueblood snorted. "Makes it easier for the rest of us to eat." The meal was served, and the diners began to eat. "Hey Shade, how about I show you around the castle after lunch?" Shine asked. "Sounds good." Shade nodded. "I wouldn't mind seeing all the stuff you've packed into this big place. Is it true you've got an olympic-size swimming pool?" "Regretfully, no." Blueblood admitted. "I asked Aunt Celestia about putting one in, but she said it was 'frivolous'." "Which it was." Celestia frowned. "Back home, we'd kill for a decent pool." Shade mused. "We have to make do with the creek nearby." "Poor fellows..." Blueblood sighed, "I heard those waters can be awfully dirty... no offense." "Hey, when you're living in a rather poor town, you learn to make do." Shade shrugged. "I know a little about that." Shine smiled. "We had this little creek of our own over in Dodge Junction. It was just heaven on a warm summer's day..." "We do have a swimming pool in town, though." Luna added. "Yeah, because there's nothing like sitting in a moist tub with strangers." Shade rolled his eyes. "So, you're still up for the grand tour?" Shine asked. "I warn you, it's a little long..." "Eh, why not?" Shade shrugged. "I got nothing better to do. Better to spend time looking around this fancy place then doing nothing at all." "Glad to hear it." Shine smiled. "I even wouldn't mind taking a look at that fancy vault of yours." Shade admitted. "I hear you got a ton of glittery baubles in there." "I can't help but wonder why that would be so interesting for you..." Celestia frowned suspiciously. "No reason." Shade shrugged. "Just curious." "So you say." Celestia frowned. "Anyway, certain areas of the castle aren't... available to visitors." "You mean, 'not available to the common muck', right?" Shade grunted. "Shade..." Shine growled. "It is not about 'common' folk." Celestia growled. "It is simply a security precaution. We wouldn't want our vault being ransacked by some unscrupulous thief." "Yeah, wouldn't that be a shame?" Shade smirked. "Thankfully, our Royal Guards on hoof to prevent that from happening." Luna declared. "Good for you..." Shade mused, as he ate his food. "So, Shade, tell us a little more about yourself." Celestia urged. "We're eager to know more about you." "Not much to tell, really." Shade shrugged. "Spent my whole life in Prairieville. My mom was a teacher, and my dad... left before I was even born." "Oh, that's too bad." Constell frowned. "Did you ever see him again?" "Never." Shade shook his head, his mood dampening. "I know how you feel." Dusty sighed. "My mother died when I was a filly. It's a pain that never truly goes away." "But at least you knew her a while." Shade pointed out. "According to my mother, dad left when she was still pregnant with me." "A shame." Luna admitted. "To grow up without a father. It must have been hard." "It was." Shade nodded. "I had to be the stallion of the house. It wasn't easy, but I had to make sure my mother was taken care of." "I'm sure you did a good job." Shine smiled. "Yeah, I did." Shade nodded. "Mom never complained at least." "The way I hear it, growing up in such an environment has an adverse affect on a colt." Celestia frowned. "It's a pity your father abandoned you." "Celestia..." Shine groaned. "Hold on a minute." Shade growled, "I didn't say he abandoned us. He just left." "With all due respect, Shade." Celestia frowned, not liking his attitude. "Any self-respecting father wouldn't just 'leave' the mother of their child, especially if they're pregnant." "Except this one did." Shade glared. "I thought the same thing at first, but mom told me that he probably had a good reason for leaving." "I'm sure she was only trying to spare your feelings." Celestia remarked. "It isn't easy for a colt to learn his father is a spineless deadbeat..." "Hey!" Shade slammed his hoof on the table. "Don't you dare talk about things you don't understand!" "Oh no..." Shine frowned. "You'd be surprised what I understand, Shade." Celestia glared. "For example, I understand being abandoned didn't do your personality any favors." "HE DID NOT ABANDON ME!" Shade snarled, shocking everypony. "You have no right to talk, you preachy, stuck-up-" "Watch your tone!" Celestia snarled. "No, you watch me leaving!" Shade stood up. "I don't have to take this!" "Shade!" Shine stood up, going after him, as he then glared at Celestia, "Real nice, Celestia. He gets left behind by his father, and you had to go there!" "I was only making a point." Celestia said, chastised. "I didn't think-" "No, you didn't." Shine glared at her. "How do you expect me to show Shade royalty isn't as bad as he thinks when you keep talking down to him like that?" "I..." Celestia mumbled. "I'm going to go talk to him... Try and fix the damage you caused." Shine stormed off after Shade. Celestia bowed her head, ashamed. Shine caught up to Shade in the corridor outside. "Come on Shade, calm down!" He urged. "You know, hanging out in a cave is starting to look better and better!" Shade snorted. "Especially when it comes to the company..." "Seriously?" Shine sighed. "What is it you find so agreeable about a bunch of crooks and thieves?" "Well, for starters, they're my friends!" Shade growled. "They took me in, gave me a way to raise money for mom's treatments, they taught me everything I know about fighting. They accepted me like nopony has." "That doesn't change the fact that they're a bunch of rotten cutthroats." Shine pointed out. "Again with acting like you know them!" Shade growled in frustration. "...I know they're not the nicest guys. I know their morals are askew... but honestly, I've been working hard to change that." "How so?" Shine asked. "Well, ever since I became their leader, I had been trying to steer them in the right direction. Going after only the rich folks, never causing trouble in town, and no unnecessary kills. It hasn't been easy... but we reached a point where had we have an understanding for one another. I steal so I can keep my mother healthy. They steal so they can have money to line their pockets. No matter what, we're in this together..." "I see." Shine smiled. "Guess there is such a thing as honor among thieves. Maybe you have had an affect on those guys..." "Of course." Shade scowled. "I'm not a scumbag... not matter what your wife thinks." "Shade..." Shine sighed. "Just give me some space, cuz..." Shade walked away. "I need some air." Shade stepped outside, walking through the gardens. 'Lousy smug sun-butt...' He thought to himself. 'Princess or no Princess, she doesn't have the right to talk about my dad like that...' In the course of his wandering, Shade found himself at the Guards' training grounds. 'Smooth move, Shade.' He frowned. 'Better get going, before I'm spotted...' "Hey!" Dull Blade rushed over. 'Too late.' Shade rolled his eyes. "It's you again." Dull smiled. "Yeah, it's me." Shade nodded. "I just wanna say thanks again for helping me out yesterday." Dull declared. "Don't read too much into it." Shade shrugged modestly, trying his best to not sound rude. "That other guy needed a beatdown, and I specialise in that. End of story." "But I learned so much from watching you." Dull smiled. "Plus, nopony's ever stuck up for me like that before." "I wasn't really sticking up for anypony." Shade frowned, "I just needed somepony to hit-" "Hey, it's that guy again!" Another Guard noticed. "It is him!" A third smiled. "Ah, geez..." Shade groaned, as more Guards gathered around him. "You were incredible yesterday, pal!" Quillblade grinned. "..You think so too, huh?" Shade mused. "Yep." Quillblade chuckled. "'Bout time somepony put Call in his place. And you did it perfectly." "Yeah, that jerk really ate crow." Another Guard smirked. "You got some killer moves, there." "Eh, I do okay." Shade shrugged. "More than okay." Elite marched over, joined by Caboose and Fletcher. "Hello again, my young friend." "Yeah, hi." Shade frowned. "Something tells me you didn't come here to accept my offer." Elite mused. "Nah, just went to get some air." Shade declared. "Trust me, I am not Royal Guard material." "But you are one of the best fighters I've ever seen." Elite smiled. "He could give us a run for our money... almost." Fletcher noted. "Or he could totally kick our butts." Caboose added. "Please." Call sneered as he approached. "He got lucky last time." "Oh, you want a rematch, old timer?" Shade smirked. "I'd be happy to school you again." "...I'm not in the mood right now." Call snorted. "That's what I thought." Shade declared. "Guy needs to learn not to pick fights he can't win." "Even if you don't think yourself Royal Guard material, you'd make a fine fighting instructor." Elite declared. "You think so?" Shade smiled, flattered. "I know so." Elite nodded. "Know-how like yours could make warriors out of the biggest wimps!" "Think you could give me some pointers?" Quillblade asked. "I've having trouble with my parries." "...Sure, why not?" Shade shrugged. "Not like I got anything better to do..." "Thanks." Quillblade smiled. "I could use a hoof too." Dull grinned. "Like I had to say it." Before long, there was a crowd of Guards watching as Shade sparred with one at a time. As Quillblade lunged at Shade, he caught his hoof, and put him in a armlock. "Nice swing." Shade smiled. "Just remember to be a little quicker next time." "I will." Quillblade nodded, as Shade let go. He then noticed his head was bare. "Hey, where'd my helmet go?" "Oh, is this yours?" Shade held it up. "I slipped it off your head just now. You really need to be more aware of your surroundings, mister." "Duly noted." Quillblade chuckled. Meanwhile, Caboose, Call, and Fletcher were working another obstacle course, one with spinning logs, retracting platforms and rising and lowering poles. This was an advanced course, which Elite reserved for the most promising candidates. They both did well, though Caboose tried to tone down his performance for Fletcher's sake. "Very impressive, Lieutenant." Elite smiled. "You were a full two seconds ahead of the Captain." "I was?" Caboose frowned, shooting Shine an apologetic look. "Indeed." Elite nodded. "Keep this up, and the position will be all yours." "Him?!" Call spluttered. "Wait until you get a load of me!" Call ran the course himself. However, his advanced years only served to slow him down. By the time he crossed the finish line, he was exhausted. "Sorry, Duty." Elite checked his stopwatch. "You had the slowest time out of the three." "What?" Call frowned. "No way..." "The watch doesn't lie." Elite declared, before noting the setting sun. "Anyway, I think that'll do for today." "Sorry, pal." Caboose told Fletcher. "Didn't mean to upstage you." "It's not your fault, Caboose." Fletcher admitted. "Finding out about Shade has put me off my game a little." "Well, I'll try and slow down even more next time, okay?" Caboose smiled. "I won't be winning. Not if I can help it." "Thanks, Caboose." Fletcher smiled. At the same time, Shade tickled another sparring partner under his legpit. As the Guard chuckled, Shade pinned him. "Okay, that's enough for today." Shade smirked. "Gettin' kinda tired of kickin' all your butts..." The Guards chuckled good-naturedly. "Drop by again, sometime." Dull urged. "We'd love to learn more from you." "I'll keep that in mind." Shade nodded. As Shade returned to the castle, he ran into Shine. "Hey." Shine said solemnly. "Feeling better?" "A little." Shade shrugged. "Actually had some fun out there." "Well, you'll be glad to know Celestia has an emergency meeting, so she won't be joining us for dinner." Shine announced. "Good." Shade declared. "Hate to ruin my newly good mood..." That evening, Shade lay in his bed again. He was unable to sleep, but not because his bed covers were too fluffy. 'What are you doing, Shade?' He frowned. 'Getting chummy with the Guards? These are the guys you have to deal with when robbing ponies! Have you lost it?! What would the others say if they saw me doing this? Don't forget why you're here, Shade. You gotta crack that vault, and soon...' More indecision building in his mind, Shade tried his best to focus on the task at hoof. But his doubts were gaining ground...