Author's Note

Hello guys, here is the part 3 so this update will be short. I debate if I upload the full part because now or one chapter since I am working on part 4 and is more like the climax so you know what part is. But better to show that this story is more that working in process, if possible, and if I am happy, this story will be complete next month. Again a warning, I am working as possible to complete this story so some phrases of the show I may not be the same or I cant remember correctly and without much access to the episode summary I maybe leave the edit process at the end. So will be incomplete status until I edit it until I am satisfy but if you like this version I may leave it like that.

Also these chapter may be longer because I want to put all the details on the same chapter. But I believe this length may be to your liking. This is because I am practicing to write my stories if I quit and want to be a writer.

Chapter 10 for his master he will do everything

Chapter 10 for his master he will do everything

'So, the day has come.'

After weeks of torture, anxiety and stress, her day finally came. Her subjects were preparing the holiday for her efforts to conserve the Sun and Moon, making the cycle of day and night part of their routine life. The day of the Summer Sun Celebration. She was happy with the peace that her subjects have, because for them she will go to war to keep it that way.

Princess Celestia watched from the war room as the night and the moon ended their turn so that her Sun and its daylight could begin this glorious day. But she knew that the night would return, just as her sister would return to her at the end of this day.

'Luna, we will be together soon. I only hope that our reunion is not in the afterlife.', after finding her resolve, she turns to her generals and ministers for the 'welcome' plan of the Princess of the Night, as well as the demon who accompanies her.

"Gentlecolts and ladies, the day has come. This day puts an end to the thousand years of imprisonment of the seal under which Princess Luna is found by the magic of the Elements.", she narrows her eyes showing her resolve. "So I just want to ask, are we ready?"

The General of the Equestrian army rises from his seat. "We have prepared our soldiers in all key cities in case of invasion. We have trained and equipped all available soldiers and guards for large-scale battles. Our soldiers will fight to the end to maintain the peace and safety of our ponies."

The Chief of Espionage of the army reported his findings. "We have located clues to the Children of the Night's key strongholds. Unfortunately, we couldn't get all the details of their plans once their queen arrives, but we are ready to counter their interference once night falls. We also received information and captured some information, thanks to an anonymous informant. We are ready for small and close-quarters battles, as well as any assassins they send."

The mare in charge of the position of Equestria Ambassador and Equestria Public Relations Chancellor gives her report. "We notified the other nations of the possible civil war in our country, but I cannot guarantee that they will not interfere or risk attacking us. We know that the minotaur and dragon nation don't care. The nations of Saddle Arabia and Zebra Savannah ask if it is possible to allow their army to enter the border to help us or prepare a line of defense for their country. As for the Changelings Empire and the Griffon Realms, we have nothing. In conclusion, we know that we only have tonight to avoid a world-wide war."

The Minister of Economy and Education mare informed them about the status of the cities in her report. "Thanks to the holidays, all civilians will be celebrating in the main cities, so there will be a high risk of multiple casualties if the battle begins on the main roads or meeting points when the celebration parties begin. As for the smaller towns and border cities, we can only hope that they will be ignored and that their local forces will be enough to get all civilians to safety."

Pink Heart, Head of the Health System program and Chief doctor of the castle, was in charge of planning care for the injured. "We have distributed healing potions, equipment and medical personnel to each group and key battle points. But I think that won't be enough to prevent the death of our ponies. We can only do everything we can to preserve the lives we can save."

As Pink finishes her report, Princess Celestia reflects on the information of her sister's arrival and the possible threats upon her arrival. A civil war with her sister followers. 'The Children of the Night, even her past haunts me.'

The Children of the Night was the cult born of the hope and hatred of the few ponies who truly cared for their sister. If it weren't for the demon that possessed her at that moment, they could provide her with what her sister wants most.

The love of her subjects. 'I remember she was taking care of some orphan foals that she visited on her night shift. To believe that that little filly, Moonlight, will become the founder of not only the only group that treats my sister as their goddess, but also the most dangerous dark magic cult in our lands.'

When her sister was banished, Celestia made sure to explain why, but she couldn't convince the innocent foals who considered her sister as their mother. And the flame of hatred towards Celesta did not go out, not even after death. Because the chain of hate continues itself, even over its thousand descendants, the cult's purposes were twisted over time and they were now a dangerous group with access to the dark realm and its forbidden magic.

'I just hope we can end the tyranny of your demon, Nightmare Moon.', she inhales and exhales to give her speech.

"I know it's just a small wish of mine, but I want to save all lives from the threat of Nightmare Moon. For years I prepared for this day and now that it is approaching, I will not lose my sister or my subjects to this evil. I oath to not let this demon get the better of me and let her have her way with our families and friends. I promised our mother Goddess Faust that I will prevail over the darkness that infected my family. And return the Princess of the Night to her true destiny, Princess Luna will return to us!"

"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!", all her generals and ministers respond to her speech.

She was happy for the support they have given her throughout this year. But she had to move on, this was the beginning and it will only end until her sister is truly freed. "Any other question? No? Alright, everypony go back to your post and update all your groups that the operation had begun."

Soon all the generals and ministers began to pack their bags and leave the war room, except for four ponies who wanted to hear their true thoughts and concerns. One was Pink waiting to hear Celestia's true plan. The next pony was Princess Cadance, who decided not to interrupt her aunt's conviction and reunion. The other was Shining as one of the guards who would be present at the meeting. And the last one was the Captain of the Royal Guard who has not yet given his report, Iron Wing.

"Let me guess princess, you want to hear my true thoughts about your real concern, right?", Iron asked as soon as it was his turn to speak.

With a tired sigh, Celestia was impressed that Iron could still read her. "As always, you can see right through me, Iron."

"So let me summarize the plan so far. Our army is ready to fight any force that wishes to invade us. Our spies are ready to stop the plans of the Children of the Night. And you have already sent your student to the town where he will meet the other holders to defeat Nightmare Moon. Well, I see everything is covered up... except the one thing we didn't prepare for.", Iron said as he relaxed into his seat.

Pink decided to voice her opinion now before her husband decides something radical. "Could you blame us? He appears and disappears like a ghost. We haven't found anything about his whereabouts. And we haven't found who will take it, so don't you dare say you'll take that job."

"Don't worry, I have no intention, nor even the will, to look for him.", Iron responds to his wife's death threat. "You know... you look adorable when you make that face, maybe I should do it?"

Shining, wanting to help and have a chance to redeem himself as well as get his pay back, shouts. "I offer to fight-".

But he was stopped by Cadance. "Oh no, you wouldn't fight him, Bubu! If anypony needs to do it, then I offer myself"

"But Cadance, you don't know or have any warfare experiences. He is literally a complete military force.", he said at the same time that he already accepted that he even lost in tactics the last time.

"Oh, really, and what about you? How worth your "experience" last time? I'm better at magic power, so I have a better chance of turning him into dust. And all I have to do is throw a mountain on him and the job will be done.", Cadance responded with a mocking smile at Shining, but the one who refuted her statement was Celestia herself.

"Only if dropping a mountain on him was enough, you may be right. But you will need more than that, my little niece.", Celestia walks towards an old painting she saved from her past on the room wall.

Celestia took it out of the hidden place where she left it and she placed it in the room to remember her motivation. It was a painting where she, her sister and her best friend (himself included) appear posing in a garden. Where the supposed friend dragged his servant to his side to include him too.

"Shadow Blade.", Celestia mentions the pony they were talking about. And how silly he looks with this paint. 'I really wish I could save a better painting, but this was the only one available with Luna and Discord. The only one who remembers the good times.', she let out a sigh as she returned to the present.

Iron decides to be honest with her. "I'm sorry, your highness, but I have nothing to offer and no idea how to stop him. None of our guards, not even in the military, are capable of fighting him."

"Same here.", Pink added.

"Well... I can try throwing him into the ocean. Maybe... he'll drown.", her niece tries again.

"Are you trying to stop him or end his life? But he's a living being to begin with?", Shining began to think, not noticing his marefriend's gaze.

Celestia couldn't be angry with their responses, she was only worried about what could really happen if Shadow interfered with Twilight's destiny. "Well, as long as Twilight follows my instructions, she should be able to complete her destiny."

Cadance decides to punish Shining later, she returns to her aunt. "And what did you tell him to do?"

"And make some friends.", Spike said as he looked over the list of tasks Princess Celestia gave them to do. "Well, it seems pretty simple to me. What do you think?"

"I think it's a waste of time.", Twilight responded with a frustrated face. "I should be in Canterlot and continue my studies when Nightmare Moon returns. But noooo, they sent me to do housework. Why did Princess Celestia send me to this town out of nowhere? And why does he insist that I meet new ponies!?"

"Well, I think you could get some fresh air. You know, not being cooped up in the library for the past few weeks. You haven't planned anything for this day, nor do you make any kind of plan to meet up with friends. So I agree with the princess's suggestion. Who knows, we might get something out of this trip. Aren't you excited?"

"If you mean visiting a town, called Ponyville, the only interesting thing is the fact that it was chosen to be the place where the princess will go out into the sun. So yeah, I'm really excited.", Twilight responds to her brother Spike's idea.

As the day of the Summer Sun Celebration approached, Twilight increased her efforts to learn more about Nightmare Moon's arrival. In the end she got nothing from the public library and Celestia denied her access to the advanced section of the castle's collection, making her research fruitless. She could reach an agreement by presenting her findings to her teacher to change his mind. But she is ordered, with Spike, to complete the preparation where the Princess will raise the Sun.

At that moment, she was riding one of the castle's flying chariot towards Ponyville. Where she must complete the tasks she receive from her teacher. "Why does the princess send me to this town? I could do better things like study, write theses on my magical discoveries and theories, as well as research the legend of Nightmare Moon and how to stop her."

"But could you focus on that?" She turned to Spike, who had a teasing smile knowing her true concern as well. "Were you able to get him out of your mind? That Shadow guy?"

"...No.", Twilight couldn't deny that she hadn't forgotten about Shadow.

A normal pony would make fun of her, but Spike knew how she really felt about him. "Are you still afraid of him? He hasn't shown up again so he can't hurt you. Heck! He'll have to go through me!"

Happy that Spike could understand her, she laughed a little at his attempt to lighten her mood. "Hehehe~ I know, Spike, it's just... what or who is he? And why do I care?"

"Well, it's not like you're chained to him by fate.", Spike spoke his mind just in time to see that they could see the town. "Come on, let's focus on the princess's chores so we can rest for the rest of the day."

"The rest of the day...", Twilight still in her mind, a thought comes to her as she realizes a new plan. "That is! We just need to finish them on time and we can return to the town library. It didn't say in the letter that we could stay there! I hope I have all the books I need! GASP! Better yet, there might be books you haven't read!"

"Yeah... I just hope this trip doesn't end with me burying a big pile of books on me.", Spike said with all his emotions dying.

With a new resolve and a new complaint, both brother and sister wait for their chariot to land on the park stretch of the main road. Once they arrive, they immediately go down with their backpack and begin to decide what to do.

The mare, who wanted to finish her task, took the list and looked at it again while the little dragon became excited about what she could find in Ponyville and what it could offer. He could see that the town was super alive as the ponies prepared it for the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. He was able to see how the stalls were prepared, especially the food stalls. But he got distracted when a group of colts were running. With a suspicious balloon.

He could let it go, if it weren't for the fact that it was shaped like a black demon head with red eyes and a V-shaped spike at the front of the head. "Eh, weird, for a moment I thought-", but he didn't finish thinking about it when Twilight started to move.

"Come on Spike, one of the tasks is to review the food for the event. And here it says that a farm on the outskirts of town is in charge of it. We need to move so we can finish the list early.", she said as she put the list in her bag.

"Okay... Maybe we could ask somepony- Oh!", Spike came up with an idea to help Twilight and distract her at the same time. "You know, you can practice talking to the ponies in town."

"Why do you say that?", she replies, trying to get an idea.

"Well, the list says you need to make friends. Why not talk to locals like her?", Spike points out to one of the ponies who were already selling their merchandise. It was a pink mare who had a vendor's box and a mustache as she walked down the road towards them.

"Hmm. Okay, if you say so. I might as well ask where the library is.", the two went to meet the mare he was selling on the road. When they got closer, they could hear her advertisement.

"COME AND GET YOU CHIBI DOLLS, STICKERS, BALLONS AND COOKIES FROM THE CURSED KNIGHT OF PONYVILLE!!! DOLLS AT 10 BITS!!! STICKERS, BALLONS FOR ONLY 5 BITS! YOU CAN ONLY GET YOUR CURSED KNIGHT COOKIES HERE FOR ONLY 3 BITS! Wedon'tguranteepossibemeetings,visitsandthechancetobecomeacquaintedwiththecursedknight."

"Excuse me?" the pink mare stopped once she saw Twilight. "Hello, we are new here and we-" GASP

Only for the mare to jump into the air, surprise somehow, and disappear into thin air. Leaving Twilight confused and Spike amazed with pink smoke in his shape. The two were stunned for a long moment after the smoke cleared.

"Well, isn't that bad for the first try? It could go wrong otherwise.", Spike said as he noticed that one of the dolls fell due to the mare's outburst.

"Really? See, I don't have time to make friends.", Twilight roll her eyes and starts walking towards the farm for her first task. "Let's finish this day, I want to get back to my studies.", she just missed that Spike was holding a black knight doll. With eyes that said 'I don't believe this'.

The doll in his hands had a terrible and uncanny resemblance to Shadow, but the only thing was. "I don't remember him having a mouth? Or that it looked this way? Could it be that this is another of its kind or-"

"Spike!", at Twilight's shout, Spike couldn't finish his thoughts.

"I'm coming!", he put the doll in his backpack and ran to his sister. Once he reached her, he let out a worry that would linger throughout the day.

"I wonder what he's doing?"

"WHY DID YOU DO IT! SHE HAD NOTHING TO DO- UGH!"

The young adult colt tied on the ground could not finish his curses, as he received a kick in the stomach. He tried to suppress the pain, but he focused more on his hatred against the pony that came to his cult. And destroy everything he knew and try to protect. While the red eyes bathed him.

Night Glade, if his luck wasn't so bad his future could be something else, besides being a new member of The Children of the Night. Being a blue pegasus orphan foal with a black mane, he had no chance on Terra. He was lucky to survive Manehattan's gangster and criminal wars with the guards. However, continuing to be a simple thief in a small pond with big fish was too much for him as the small fish he was.

That was until The Children of the Night recruited his foalhood friend, Star Gazer, a grayish unicorn filly with a light blue mane.

Star, wanting to protect her only friend, drags Glade to join the cult where they were both raised to become soldiers for the return of their queen, Nightmare Moon. They both didn't care much about what happened to Equestria or the rest of Terra, so neither had any problems joining the cult. They were just happy to still be together, looking out for each other. Even Glade began to notice Star's feelings towards him.

He was deciding if he had the same feelings so he could respond to his old foalhood friend. Unfortunately for him, the night he was about to perform was the same night before the cult moved for the arrival of his queen, as well as an uninvited guest.

"Star! Stop what you're doing and go to the main chamber, NOW!", Glade shouted as we passed through the Star room.

"What?! We just finished our meeting for the upcoming tasks in the Everfree Forest. And the ritual shouldn't start until sunset tomorrow, why does our leader want to start moving now?", Star trying to understand the reason, she didn't wait until Glade explained.

"It's not like we're just getting started, trouble found us. Our last scouts have disappeared and some of the guards returned to the main hall to warn about an intruder who has infiltrated our camp. And some of them were injured and couldn't fight anymore.", Glade was in the doorway, but the message was well received.

Star noticed Glade's fear and immediately understood his concerns. She put the boxes she was carrying on the floor and left the room with Glade. "Okay, let's go."

The two run through the hallways of the ruins where their group decides to hide and await the arrival of their queen the night before. The plan was simple: The Children of the Night would send groups of followers willing to fight the guards of the tyrannical solar princess in many main locations to distract them. While its leaders and important members prepare the arrival of Nightmare Moon in order to help her against the holders chosen to stop her, The Elements of Harmony. But the plan was sabotaged when a dark intruder stalked them since their arrival in the Everfree Forest.

Glade and Star meet up with other followers and went together to the main hall, where the four cult leaders, along with the supreme leader, were leading the cult to repel the intruder. Upon arrival, Star went with the leader in charge of the magical group to which she belongs, while Glade went with the second guard's group formed by pegasus for aerial combat. Having taken his place, Glade began to prepare his mind for the fight, but could not as his morale was weakening due to the atmosphere in the room. All the followers, including the Leaders, trembled in fear and Glade soon discovers why.

Of the 187 followers that consisted of the best fighters, magicians, spellcasters, strategists, assassins, and VIP members selected for their achievements and efforts in aiding the arrival of their Queen came to the Everfree Forest. Only 36 members were present that night.

To avoid being detected by the guards, they divided into 6 groups to reach the forest, 1 of the groups did not appear. They thought they were lost or temporarily relocated, so they sent several of their scouts to look for them, but none returned. To prevent the holders from unleashing their potential, they send their assassins to infiltrate the town so they can act when the time comes, but no one manages to reach the town. And what made them feel real danger was the fact that members disappeared during the week, the worst thing was that they were entire squads of at least 10 members.

Glade didn't know what to say, what the intruder's goal or objective could be. He even feared what it could be as he looked at the only member who could see him and returned alive to warn the remaining members. While that same member mutters with his bloody face while holding his broken arm and crying on the floor in the corner of the room.

"I don't know anything...SOB... I really don't...", a dark red earth stallion with a dark silver mane, the size of a Big Mac, was muttering not far from the group.

'Is that Titan?! He's supposed to be the wickedest and strongest of our fighters! Even he wanted to play with the holders in his own way, so what could it be- No, what is chasing us?', realizing that the intruder was no ordinary pony, he fears for Star's well-being if she were about to confront him. But I didn't have time to think about it, as a new sound was heard.

THUNK And he approached the room. The sound of metal steps. THUNK

"EEEEEP!!! NO!!! HE COMES! WE ARE DEAD! "WE ARE DEAD!", Titan shouted and crawled away from the sound that was heard coming from the main hallway where he came.

"Do not let your fears overcome you! Remember that our mother watches over us. With her blessing, nothing can stop us!", shouts the Supreme Leader to save the morale of his cult. He and the other leaders prepare to punish the intruder and his audacity against the Children of the Night.

Phantom Shade was the current main whitish-gray unicorn of the cult. His devotion to the Queen of the Night was that of a completely blind believer that his family deserves to rule Equestria with their Queen. And by that it means ruling with an iron fist and without mercy. His mastery of magic could not be compared except to Celestia herself and her superior magic users of her magic guild. Despite his 60 years, his dark eyes have not lost the will to complete his cult mission. And now his soul will be tested tonight.

All members were free to choose how to wear the official blue evening robe. They could modify it with personal armor or their personal equipment, such as small knife belts and potion holders. As for Phantom Shade and the other leaders, they were wearing blue-black with different colored stripes and jewel necklaces. For Phantom, his black robe was decorated with white.

Why Glade was now thinking about the uniforms of his cult, well, he wondered who would be motivated by his speech and who, or rather, how many, trembled in their legs like Titan. Thanks to the robes he couldn't get the right answer. He wanted to check on Star but the metal footsteps were getting closer and closer every second, until it stopped.

All the members head to the hallway expecting the worst. They strengthen the grip on their swords, spears, and crossbows while magic users prepare their minds, scrolls, and potions. The tension worsened as the seconds passed and there was no sign of the intruder.

Having enough, Phantom taunts him. "You fool! Don't you know who you're messing with? We are The Children of the Night. The Followers of the true Queen of Equestria! Nightmare Moon!", but he almost backed away and got his answer.

"Affirmative. That's why I'm here.", the voice responds as its red eyes open in the darkest part of the hallway. And it continues its way towards them with its red stripes lighting up.

In the middle of the night, the room they were in was a nearby underground room, so the only source of light available was the torches that some members carried and the magic stones on the walls. But since they were only on the side of the cult members, the intruder's entrance seemed to come from true darkness itself.

The stronger members were impressed only before standing guard again. While they were the weakest members, they fought against the fear that crawled on their backs. As for two members, they were concerned about the other's well-being. And the last soul that reacted to his entrance was fuel for his hatred.

"And who do you think you are?!", Phantom was about to lose his patience. "Were you the one who sabotaged our efforts all this time?! Were you the one who followed us since we entered this forest?!", and Shadow didn't help with his response.

"Affirmative. I was the one who intercepted one of your groups, hunted down your scouts, disabled your assassins, and interrogated your members.", all the members couldn't believe his words.

It wasn't what he said, but how impassive he was when he said it. There was no pleasure or guilt, no happiness or sadness, no worry or doubt. Just the cruel fact that Shadow dismantled their cult effortlessly and showed no joy in doing so. But one of the leaders caught an important key word.

"Interrogate? What do you mean by interrogate our members?" The red leader of the magic section, Fire, to which Star belongs, was more curious as to what the intruder's goal was. Soon realization came to him. "Wait! A metal knight dark as darkness itself, could it be?... ARE YOU THE SHADOW BLADE THAT THE PRINCESS FEARS?!"

Shadow turn to him. "I don't have all the details right. I can assure you that I am not an ally of Princess Celestia. Whether she fears me or not, I don't have the right answer. But... I am in fact The Shadow Blade that the ponies refer to, and I only serve my current master."

Some members had no idea who Shadow was, so Fire continued to speak for the group. "I heard that you are an ancient warrior who fought against princesses in the past. Legends say that you are immortal and that you come from the dark realm."

"Negative. I am a Yami Tool for my master. Like other tools, I have a useful life and not an immortal one, following the commandments of the Yami System."

Phantom now knows who he was fighting, but he still couldn't answer his question. "And what does your master or this Yami thing have to do with us? The Children of the Night!", but the answer was not what he expected.

"None. I have not received any orders regarding your cult.", Shadow responded to his concern without delay. This only confuses the Children of the Night but scares them to the core. "You're all just in my way."

All the members didn't know what to think about that response, and that made them fear Shadow even more. The reason was simple, they didn't know why they were being punished, but they knew that if Shadow was serious, they could all already be dead if he was ordered to do so. So far, they have not been able to stop him or do anything against him. Shadow was simply hunting them, and they didn't even realize it until now.

So, neither Phantom nor the other leaders wanted to ask the real question, but the only mare of the four leaders dared to do so. To ask: What was he order to do?

She swallows her hesitation as she speaks. "You said earlier that you 'interrogated' our members. There are two things I want to know. Did you kill any of our ponies?"

"Negative. Nobody dared to answer me. Of the 151 members, none broke their oath of silence or provided me with information for my objective. Even my multiple attempts, none worked without risking their lives.", for some, they were words of relief that confirmed that their lives were not in danger. But only the smartest members knew the true threat.

Phantom decides that enough was enough and asks the second concern that all the members, including his sister, were thinking about. The only question he fears asking him. "So that means... you are after our mother and queen, Nightmare Moon?"

"Affirmative," Shadow responded to Phantom, but paid no attention to him or the other members who were preparing their weapons as he scanned the room, nor to his murderous eyes as he continued. "My orders and objectives are based on locating the Elements of Harmony and how to stop Nightmare Moon."

It's all it takes to reignite your resolve. Phantom and his cult now know that Shadow is an enemy of their queen. The only question was whether they could stop him. This concern crossed the minds of the 36 members, but Shadow was not worried about that. He was looking for an opportunity and found it when two members showed a different reaction. A feeling that was not present in the 151 subjects when he questioned them.

'Finally, the clue I was looking for.', Shadow began to walk, only to be stopped by a spell blast as he stepped to the side to avoid it.

"If you think we're going to let you have your way with our mother! Then you're a fool to think you're going to escape from us!", Phantom shouted telling his followers to prepare for battle. "None of our members and neither will I, Phantom Shade, betray our mother, the true Ruler of Equestria, the queen of the night, Night-"

"I don't need you to betray her."

Phantom Shade stops his speech as Shadow's image disappears. But, instead of disappearing, he didn't see him run. Some members with better combat sense were able to follow him, including Glade. But Phantom had no idea that Shadow was already in front of him, ready to strike.

"I just need the correct pony to talk." BAM

With a palm strike, Phantom was sent flying to the other side of the room and crashed into the wall. With the impact he almost lost consciousness but it was enough to make him lose air in his lungs. And since he was a spellcaster, it wasn't good to suppress pain like a warrior does, nor was Shadow's second target.

With the element of surprises, Shadow went towards the second caster he needed to take down. Soon, the leader of the Star group, Fire, receives a strong blow to the stomach. As he crouches, Shadow steps to the side and lowers his arm toward him to elbow him in the back of the head. Shadow made sure the force wasn't deadly but enough to knock him out. With the two strongest casters out, he was able to begin his hunt, as the members finally reacted in time.

"Kill him! Don't let him-" POW, another leader, Earth, tried to give an order, but didn't finish because he was hit with a hook and then thrown to the nearby group of casters.

But it was enough for the guards and warriors to move, including Glade's group. It might be a good start for them, if it weren't for the fact that Shadow is running in the other direction. Contrary to them.

'What is he doing?! Now he decide to run away from us?!', Glade with his group moved to intercept Shadow so that their magic casters could move to a safe place for their spell chants.

But if Shadow was opening distance between them, then what could he gain by doing so? The answer came through the harsh reality of their situation as Shadow ran up the wall, and into the wall. To destroy one of the stone light crystals in the room with his fist. One of the only three light sources in the place.

"Damn it! He wants to destroy our light sources! Don't let him get away with it!", one of the pegasus captains shouted in response to Glade's concern.

Shadow's decision to remove the main primary caster had the purpose of allowing him to prevent them for large-scale spells and teleportation escape. Thanks to one of the strategists he captured, he learned that only a few were capable of performing those spells. And one of them were permanent illumination spells that could illuminate for a long period of time even if the caster stopped focusing once the magical orb was able to stand on its own. With Phantom and the leader of the magical group fallen, fighting in the dark was the worst for them since they are ponies of the night, not true darkness like Shadow.

Having the upper hand, Shadow jumps off the wall to meet the pegasus captain. To punch him in the face and kick him, sending the captain to the ground. Still in the air, Shadow takes momentum from his kick to cross the room, only for another pegasus to intercept him. He grabbed his left sword to repel the member's sword, but the clash stopped him and his journey in the air ended as he fell to the ground, in the middle of three other members.

"You're dead!", soon Shadow was attacked by the warrior members but they were nothing to him.

Shadow uses his sword to repel some of the strikes as he steps to the side and counterattacks with his free hand. Moving between each attack and between the members as he dances moving through their formation.

"Move! I can't use my spells!", as the warriors stood in front, all the casters tried to find a chance to hit Shadow. But just like his fight with Shining and Iron, Shadow was dancing in the space between them, never staying in one place.

"I just need a second and- AH!", the mare trying to find the right angle, was close enough for Shadow to hit and throw one of the remaining assassins towards her. Taking down both members.

Their efforts to coordinate were not bearing fruit. The room was big enough to hold everypony, but too small to hold a pony as fast as Shadow, who could move from place to place between them. The disadvantage of friendly fire made all members hesitant to use strong and wide attacks so the battle was not going well for them.

And it gets worse when Shadow again punches and knocks the air out of another member and sends him crashing into another stone light crystal in the room, shattering it as his magic escapes, extinguishing it.

'That leaves us with only one!', Glade turned to the one magic stone that prevents the room from falling into darkness. Additionally, a magical barrier is shown around it.

"Everyone concentrated, we will maintain the barrier! Whoever can fight, stop him by all means! The rest of us try to find a way to keep the light on or a way to send the message to the rest of our brothers and sisters that we are under attack!", the leading group's mare, Water, as well as other casters, including Star, set up the barrier while the other leader, Wind, was figuring out how to win.

'Yeah! There's still hope, we just have to hold him back long enough and- NOW WHAT IS HE DOING?!', Glade began to panic as Shadow began to crouch as if preparing to run, but heading towards the wall behind him.

When the thought of some members escaping came to him, Shadow came to the conclusion that he needed to end this now. But with at least 29 members still between him and the last stone, it was not possible to rush directly towards it in time. So, with enough preparations, you just need to run around them. Taking out his other sword, Shadow was ready. And with BANG he got up from the floor and started running up the wall to move around the room.

"Is he for real?!", Glade shouts when he sees Shadow running up the wall without any complications. Even when the corner didn't stop him or slow him down, he simply jumped from wall to wall and continued running. With each step closer to the wall with the last stone.

"Stop him! Now!", the leader Wind shouted, his order was useless in the end.

Soon the launcher and crossbow users try to hit Shadow. He didn't make it easy for him as his speed left his spells behind and his arrow hitting the wall behind his trail. And it was in vain that his fastest runners overtook him. Only Glade decides the correct move.

"OH NO! I'm not going to let you destroy her only chance of survival!", it was useless to catch him from behind, so Glade decided to go to the front.

Flying in front of the stone and waiting for Shadow was the only hope to stop him. Once Shadow jumped over the wall and started running towards the stone, Glade went with all his might to knock him down. 'By Star! You are going down!'

Glade never had any interest in this cult. All his attention was only for the pony he cared about. His concerns were not easy as she demonstrated a talent for magic and was selected to become one of their elite frontline casters. He only wanted a good life for her, even if her fate could destroy other lives. Glade's determination was strong, but not enough as Shadow dodged by jumping from the wall to the ceiling. And Shadow jumped from there to the stone behind the barrier, a barrier that was nothing against the Shadow's swords as he cut the last stone light crystal.

When the remains of the magic stone fell to the ground and Shadow rolled on the ground, all the members were shocked and unable to respond. Silence filled the room, but in addition to silence, darkness also covered them. Soon the light went out and all the members could only watch in fear as Shadow stood up and walked backwards, while merging with the darkness he came from. From that moment on, they could not see him anymore, even his red eyes and stripes disappeared into the pitch-black void.

The member didn't know it but the darkness was already upon them, it was right behind them. The fight didn't let them realize it until it was too late. "Torches! Somepony light torches! Casters activate your lighting spells! Best you know, NOW!"

Soon small light sources illuminated part of the room, but being underground and in the middle of the night was too much for the weak. Some casters were unable to concentrate, so only a few safe points were generated in the dark room. Spells of light and torches fought against the dark void only to provide some comfort, but the Children of the Night never knew the true shape of the dark realm and how threatening the unknown could be. When they hear steps approaching them, they almost lose their minds.

A mare warrior was alerted by the steps. "Be ready! He is coming- Wait!"

One of the male members stopped his sister before she could kill anypony by accident. "Is that Titan? Hey, can we-" POW, but was silenced by a fist.

"MOVE!", Titan, who had already lost his mind, pushed his brothers out of his way as he desperately ran towards one of the members holding a torch.

"W-w-w-wait! What-UGH!", the mare couldn't finish as Titan punched her and snatched the torch she was holding.

With the torch in his good hand, Titan moves around trying to find something. "BUCK WITH THIS CULT! IF I KNEW ABOUT DEMONS LIKE HIM I NEVER AGREED TO BE PART OF THIS! BUCK NIGHTMARE MOON! THERE IS NO WAY I WILL FIGHT FOR HER!", it was difficult if he was trying to find his way out. Or trying to know where the demon is within the darkness.

"Blasphemy! How dare you talk to our mother like that!", one of the loyal male members shouted but he couldn't stop Titan.

"I DON'T CARE IF I DIE! NO MATTER WHAT SHE OFFER ME OR THE MARES I CAN TAKE!", Titan turns around and tries to escape to one of the hallways he knew. "IT'S NOT WORTHY IF I FIGHT WITH THAT DEMON!"

'That idiot...!', Glade wasn't surprised how Titan shows his true colors now, he should thank him.

As a Titan, Glade began to think about escaping with Star and leaving the cult. But he and all the members knew the consequences of trying. In the form of a red trail in the dark.

Titan shouted as he ran. "BUCK ALL OF THIS! BUCK THE CULT! BUCK NIGHTMARE MOON! AND BUCK YOU!", just as the red trail soon caught him. Extinguishing his torch the moment it reach him. "AHHHH!"

The members are waiting for the worst. They thought Titan was already dead, but it was much worse than they could imagine, as his screams continue.

"NNNOOOOOOO!!! STAY AWAY FROM ME! I WILL TAL- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! NOOO! STOOPPP IIITTT! PLEASEEEEE! I WILL-GAHHHH!"

All the members did not move to help their brother. And even if they go, Titan was already in his realm and they might not even find Titan's body once he's done with it. For a full minute, Titan's voice screamed his pain and fear into the darkness, until he was allowed to fall silent. The Children of the Night only wait for Titan to run towards them, some wishing that he would show a sign of life, in the end they learned that he will not return.

So they ask themselves, who will be next?

"...no...", one of the mare casters was scared to death. So much so that she backed away from the group. The others didn't notice her or her light spell disappear, as two dark hands approached her from behind. And with that, chaos reigns.

"Huh?", a male member noticed a flash next to him. "Wait, where's Sunshine-HM!", only for his voice to disappear as well.

"Buck! He is here! Quick back-to-back formation... wait... WHERE'S STONE-UGH?!", a captain shouts his orders as a dark hand smacks him in the face.

"You! Demon! Come to me! I don't fear you- AHHH!", a male warrior's war cry soon died away as the dark shape fell upon him.

"Huh? OWW!... NO! HELP! HEEELPPPPpppp...", but no one helped her as she fell to the ground and a dark claw dragged her by her leg. Leaving the marks of her nails on the floor.

"Wait! Wait! If you want something, we can talk, please spare me- no... NOOOO!!!", his pleas were ignored as soon as he saw the red trail upon him.

"JUST DIE! DIE! DIE!- GAHHHHHH!!!", a frantic mare casts her spell in all directions, ignoring the friendly fire. But her madness was stopped when a dark hand grabbed her arm.

"SOMEPONY! SAVE ME!", but no one could reach her

"JUST RUN! I will fight him- GUH!", but he failed.

"Please let me live, let me live, le- Oh no... no please nnoOOOOO!!!", but her prayer did not work.

"Oh please mother, please save us from this monster... SOB... I pray you fo- HMMM! HHMMMM!!!", but his mouth was closed.

The cries for help and prayers were fading as members disappeared every second. Soon it was enough for the remaining light to also go out, and the few members lost sight of each other. And when his brothers and sisters were lost in the darkness, their fates were sealed. This vision hurt Phantom of how his family disappears in front of him.

"Why... why is this happening...", Phantom couldn't believe with sad eyes the misfortune before him as he finally recovers, standing on the wall. "We were so close... so close to our mother's return... where did we go wrong..."

Over years of devotion, he had thousands of followers who accepted the night and its queen. During weeks of preparation, he plans everything to dethrone the false solar ruler for his mother. After days of waiting, he was able to feel the blessings that his mother will give him for being a good son. Just for one more night, so that this dark demon would appear out of nowhere to take everything. As he saw the demon red eyes on the way towards him.

"Damn it... DAMN IT ALLLLLL!!!", Phantom shouted as he cast all his spells, but like the others, only to fail and become another victim of the dark demon. And disappear into his dark world.

.

.

.

.

.

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"Star?...."

.

.

.

"Please tell me you are there?"

"Yes...I am here..."

"...Don't move...I will reach you..."

"...Glade...I am scare..."

"I now...I promise you...I will take us out of this mess..."

.

.

.

.

.

"I know..."
.
.
.
.
"...but..."
.
.
.
.
.
...is too late..."

Glade knew where Star was when this all started and was on her way to her. But when he saw Star shining a light on his location, he wanted to punish her for her actions. Only to fall into despair that Shadow was in front of her.

"No... NOT HER!!!", Glade jumps and flies towards her, but to no avail.

Star simply turns to him and, before the worst can happen, smiles at him as she tries to say a few words. But they fade like her when Shadow's hand moves towards her, hitting her in the neck, taking her away and with the light she casts.

"NOOOO!!!", when Glade thought he would reach them, he found nothing. When he thought he was flying towards where they were, he arrived madly at the place.

"Where! Are! You! Star!", only when he was lost in the darkness did he know the answer. Star disappears wherever Shadow took her.

"Where did you take her! Answer me!", but he got no answer.

Mad, Glade swings his sword in all directions. When he was tired enough, his sword slipped from his weak grip and moved away from his hands. When he loses hope, he falls to his knees and screams his despair into the void.

"WHERE! ARE! YOU! DEMON!"

"Behind you."

Glade did nothing because he had no chance against him. Glade was already tired, his hope no longer existed, his will to fight was extinguished. So Glade simply turns around and looks into the void of darkness in front of him. With red eyes he came to hate. The same eyes he saw when he woke up.

"...What?"

Confused, Glade didn't know what happened to him. All he knew was that, the next moment he regained consciousness, Shadow was sitting in front of a bonfire.

"You are already awake. Now we can start your interrogation."

"YOU! What did you do?! What... what are you planning?"

Glade realizes some facts. One, they were no longer in the hall of ruins that the Children of the Night were hiding. They were in a kind of cave, but as dark as the ruins, and there was no light except for the bonfire in the middle. Second, he was on the ground with his hand on his back, but when he tries to move, he realizes that he was tied up. He tried to move his hands but couldn't because of the rope that surrounded them, but it wasn't just his hands. His arms, legs, and everything around his body were bound with a full-length rope bondage.

He could defend himself fiercely, but the last and third fact prevents him from making any stupid moves. They were not alone.

"Glade! You're awake!", Star shouts happily. Just like him, wrapped in a full-body rope bondage, there was Star on the other side of the bonfire. Next to Shadow.

"Star! Are you OK? Did he do something to you-"

"No, don't worry about me. It hasn't hurt me, but..."

"But?! What?!"

"I...we...just finished my interview.", Glade didn't need to ask what he meant, but he couldn't pinpoint what happened during the time he was knocked out and why they were together. Glade continues to wonder this as she turns to Shadow. "And we were waiting for you to wake up."

"Waiting for me? Hey! You freak! What did she mean by that?", before Glade could guess, Shadow spoke.

"Affirmative. Let me summarize it. It's only been 17 hours, 48 minutes and 53 seconds since I captured you and Star. I already verified the other members and processed them, unfortunately I couldn't get the information about my orders.", he then turn to Star. "And like Star, none of the members who possess the information I'm looking for have broken their oath of silence."

Star, even tied up, responded fiercely. "I will not speak. I dare not betray the Children of the Night and reveal the secret of the Elements of Harmony. We may fall but soon our mother will arrive, you will be punished for raising your hand against our queen!"

Shadow simply looked back at Star's speech, somehow contemplating her determination for her master. But they were enemies, since Nightmare Moon was a threat to his master, he had no choice but to continue.

"I understand and like I said before, I have nothing against your cult. And I don't need you to betray it.", he then turns to Glade. "I just need the correct pony to talk."

Both Star and Glade didn't like Shadow's tone. So they were afraid of how he was looking at Glade. "So without wasting any time. Let's start your interrogation."

"My... interrogation? What do you mean? I don't know anything!", Glade shouted trying to show Shadow that he won't get anything, but it didn't work.

"Negative. You have that information. I have confirmed this thanks to my previous interrogation. Let me point out the facts I get from my research.", Shadow waits until Glade gives him his full attention. Star couldn't do anything because she was starting to regret the one mistake she made.

"Firstly, only high-level members can receive classified information about the cult's movements and findings. I understand the fact that Star Gazer is one of the direct students of the Magic Leader section of the cult, codename Fire, which is why she was able to learn the secret of The Elements of Harmony. Secondly, the lower members do not need to be notified of any findings until the time comes, so they are not trusted with any secrets. Additionally, they do not receive the oath of silence because most of them do not have a high loyalty to the cause and can easily betray the group."

'I don't like this.', Glade was impressed with how correct Shadow was.

All of his findings regarding the cult's classification system and hierarchy were correct. The lower members like Glade were made up of bandits and thugs to which he belongs. While Star, who had talents, belongs to the highest ranks, so he should already receive the information for the plan on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. However, he feared what Shadow was going for in all of this, only for Star to confirm it.

"He knows, Glade... SOB... I'm sorry...", Start cried over the spot where she put Glade.

Swallowing his fears, Glade admits that he no longer has to hide it. "Don't worry about me... it's my fault you tell me everything..."

"Affirmative.", Shadow continues his speech. "I have questioned all the members about your relationship. I am sure that 86% sure that you two are close enough to share that information. That means, Glade, you possess the secret that the cult discovered about the Elements of Harmony. So I'll ask."

"How do the Elements work and how can they be used to stop Nightmare Moon?"

Soon the place fell silent and only the dance of the flames of the bonfire was the only sound in the place. Star continues to cry, worrying about the fate of Glade. Glade simply stares back at the demon who came to ruin his peace and endanger Star. As for Shadow, he too continues to stare, waiting for Glade's response. While he laughs.

"Heh...Hehe...HAHAHAHA! YOU REALLY ARE A DUMB AFTER ALL!", Glade because he couldn't believe that Shadow was waiting for him to get his way.

"Did you think I'd talk?! That I will be an exception?! Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Even if you threaten our lives, I know you will eliminate us as soon as I speak. That part about you not killing, I wouldn't believe it. It won't work on me. I'm sorry Star, the only thing I can't do is stop him from killing us. But I'm pretty sure I'll make sure he doesn't win.", he rests trying to look into her eyes.

"It's okay, Glade... I know you won't put me in any real danger...", Star smiles, showing that she always believes him. "As long as I know you're having my back, I'll always be-"

"Unfortunately, I need to interrupt you, I must mention that you are correct and incorrect at the same time."

"Huh?!", both ponies didn't know what the black demon meant, but something told them to be afraid for what was to come. For what Shadow really planned for them.

"Just as you mention. I think you are an exception, so the interrogation method I chose is different. The only flaw in your argument is that if you refuse to cooperate, I will not threaten your life.", Shadow responded as he began to search beside him. It was an angle that neither Glade nor Star could see, behind Star. "But rather the opposite."

"What?", Glade was now scared. He couldn't understand Shadow, but he soon realized something. Why Star was on his side. "W-w-w-wait, what are you planning? Star has to do what you just said?! Answer me!"

"Affirmative. She's going to participate.", Shadow found what he needed and stood up. "That's why I'm leaving you last and keeping her with us."

"What are you going to do to me?", Star asks as Shadow rolls her onto her back on the ground. And she lost her colors when he unsheathed his sword. But what scared them the most was the object in his hand. A bottle filled with a brown nectar.

"Simple.", Shadow replied as he placed the bottle next to her and grabbed her by her robe. "I'm about to prepare you."

"DON'T YOU DARE LAY A HAND ON HER!", Glade ferociously began to break free, but his bonds were too strong to break with his own strength.

Star didn't resist, she just kept her eyes closed waiting for the worst to come and end. Shadow skillfully removes his robe, but as they fear, he continues to remove all the clothes under the robe as well. Before long, Star was naked in just her panties and bra. For Glade's torture, he didn't need to ask what was about to happen to Star when Shadow cut the restraints on her legs as well. Just to get the wrong idea.

"The liquid may be cold, so wait until the end," Shadow said as he took the bottle and removed the cork.

"Huh?! What is going to- EEEEWWWW!", Star finally decides to open her eyes but screams as Shadow spills the liquid on her. He was making sure his neck, chest and legs were bathed in it. Glade thought this was hurting her, but her worries were once again misplaced. "I-i-is cold! Please don't purr it- EEEEPP!!!"

"...What are you doing?", Glade was worried. His anger did not allow him to think clearly. But as his fear returned, an idea soon occurred to him. "You said to prepare... to prepare for what?... What will you do to her?"

Shadow ignores him until he is satisfied with his work. And he continues to ignore them as he makes Star stand up. Only when he makes Star walk with him a few steps away from the bonfire, making her turn around and grab her arm. Shadow turns to him. "Their food."

Glade didn't know what was about to happen, but Star did. "What... is that...", when she turned around she could hear the sound of insects moving on the ceiling of the cave. Only then did she see the thousands of eyes on them, waiting in anticipation. "I see...that's why there's a hole behind me...haha.", she soon realizes her destination. Like Glade.

"No... please tell me you're not going to...", Glade watches desperately from the ground. "Please don't...I'll talk, please believe I will. -Negative- !"

"You have already given your answer. It is too late to change your resolve.", Shadow responds coldly and emotionlessly. He simply turned to Star ignoring his tears. "Is there anything you want to say before I let you go?"

"Yes...", with teary eyes, Star smiles at Glade. "...I'm sorry...for loving you...Glade..."

With no regret on his face, Shadow dropped her. "Eat.", Shadow said and turned around as the swarm on the ceiling flew down to eat their meal.

"GGGYYYYYAAAAHHHHH! NOOOO! JA! STOPPPP! GAGA! PLEAASSEEE NOOO-EEEEEEWWW! GAAAGAGAA! GEEE! GEEE! GAA! GEEeeeee.... pleaseeeee..."

Glade stares at where Star faded into the darkness. He could only imagine what could be happening to her. But his mind rejects it. He refuses to let the only pony he cared for, protect and love disappear like that. Yes, he finally had the answer to his feelings. And he did nothing to avoid this fate. But it wasn't his fault, a little lie to himself, as the culprit came to his side.

"WHY DID YOU DO IT! SHE HAD NOTHING TO DO- UGH!", Glade was silenced with a kick to the stomach. When his anger could no longer be suppressed, he let it all out. "*SOB* WHY! WHY! *SOB* SHE DID NOTHING! SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THAT! *SOB* WHY DID THIS HAPPEN!"

"You know the answer."

"SHUT UP!!! BUCK YOU! BUCK THE CULT! BUCK TERRA AND THIS BUCKING WORLD! BUCK ALL OF YOU! *SOB*SOB*!"

"Was her life worth dying for you?"

"OF COURSE NOT! SHE HAD A FUTURE! I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO DIE! NOT HER!"

"Did you love her?"

"OF COURSE I DO! SHE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO! I AM NOTHING BUT A SCUM! *SOB* WHY DID THIS HAPPEN!"

"Then do you want to see her?"

"!"...........

There was no response as time passed, only the wailing of a scumbag. But the demon didn't mind giving him time.

"I will repeat myself. Do you want to see her?"

Glade was angry but at himself. He really underestimates him. Shadow wasn't playing with him. Shadow was controlling him before he knew it. When Glade was able to calm down, he was able to think. Why he wasn't killed, why Star was there, why Shadow was menacing to the core. It's because he knows how fear works, worse yet, he knows how love works. He was truly facing a demon.

Once he calms down enough, Glade moves his gaze to those red eyes. Just like he saw him for the first time, how he hurt Star and how he was looking at him now. There was no emotion at all. In fact, he was an emotionless demon. There is no soul in those eyes. With this in mind, he decides to stop resisting.

"What are you offering?", Glade asks, already tired of fighting back.

"As I mentioned a few moments ago. I wasn't going to threaten your life, on the off chance that you didn't talk, death can't scare ponies like you. It's the opposite. You'll want it once you've lost the only thing that matters to you. Your interrogation has two routes to follow; either refuse or cooperate with me."

Without caring at all for his well-being, Glade asks him to continue. "In case you refuse, I will abandon you here and now. Time will be a punishment as you continue living knowing you will never see her again. Your mind will break down thinking about what you could have done to avoid it. Also, don't you dare think that you can die on your own, I should add that I can make sure to eliminate all forms of suicide before leaving you to your cursed fate.", Glade was impressed, Shadow thought of all possible ways to torture him. The physical was expected, but the psychological, that was new to him.

"As for cooperating with me. You will be rewarded in a way you accept. With the fact you will be able to see her again.", Glade didn't need to ask when he saw Shadow's sword in his hand. In other words, Glade assumed he would end his life and that would end his misery.

And if fate allows, he could see Star in the afterlife. "I will repeat myself. Do you want to see her?", as Shadow's sword reflects Glade's eyes.

Glade didn't take his time to think about it. "You really are a demon... go ahead... I really don't care anymore...", defeat in his eyes, he shifts so he can be on his back facing up for comfort. "...Ask away..."

"I will repeat myself. How do the Elements work and how can they be used to stop Nightmare Moon?"

Glade couldn't believe how he repeated the same question in the same way. Now he knew he wasn't a living being, no one could act emotionless like Shadow did. And that's why he was sure of his answer. "It's useless... it won't work for you... at least for your kind."

"How so?", Shadow concentrated so as not to miss any words.

"Relax, I'm not lying. Star told me that Elements aren't a thing so no one can use them however they want.", Glade turned to look into Shadow's eyes as he began to reveal the true forms. "The Elements you need are actually 6 ponies. Well, 5 mares since the last one hasn't been determined yet."

"The Elements of Harmony... are ponies alive?", Shadow kneels to listen well.

"Yes, well in a way. Our researchers reviewed the history of Terra and discovered that the Elements are divine forces from our mother Faust, given to the inhabitants of Terra."

"Continue."

"Okay... I'm not an intellectual but Star told me that the elements represent a quality, that they are necessary in all types of life to live in harmony but not everyone can represent them. Its secret is that destiny, nature or whatever decides the champions, the holders who will then wield. If the pony in question becomes unworthy of such items, or something happens to it at that time, it can be transferred to a new host to "represent" it. Star's words. That is where our cult places 5 mares in the nearby town that fulfill the five known elements. I'm not 100% sure they are real, and we were missing the sixth. If you want to get their souls, do it, but the Elements will jump to a new pony."

Shadow analyzes what Glade told him and, in essence, it was true, and with that he begins to associate it with 5 mares he knows. He then reviewed his memories of how Celestia used them in the past, he almost thought he recognized the power in their last fight but he didn't pay much attention to it. With this and all the information he gathered he was able to understand the forms of the Elements.

However, one thing was missing. "And how can they be used against Nightmare Moon?"

Glade took his time before telling what he knows. "Well, they're a form of forces, so I guess once all the holders are present... I don't know. Say something like "taste the rainbow." I really don't know and Star wasn't told either."

"That doesn't answer my question.", somehow, Shadow's sword shone in response to his words.

Something Glade wasn't surprised by. "You think I care... but if we think about it. It can purge the dark force from Nightmare Moon or whatever is moving it. The legends said that Celestia used them, but since she was not worthy at the time, it did not work out well and she could only seal her. Is that good enough?"

"...Yes, that will do, since this is the last day, I have no choice but to process it.", Shadow then moved and began to gather the things around the bonfire.

'...Asshole.', Glade just waits watching the demon. I couldn't pinpoint what Shadow is and whether he was more dangerous than Nightmare Moon or Celestia herself, or both combined. He gave up because he couldn't hurt him anymore and he couldn't make Shadow pay. 'Star, I'm sorry... I'll see you soon, if Faust allows it.'

Shadow walked once he finished packing and had a robe with him, for what, he didn't know. "As a reward, you will see her."

"Okay... just do it before I want to pul- GUEH! HEY! WHAT THE HECK!? ", before he could finish his last words, he was dragged by the collar of his back robe. "OUCH! HEY WATCH THE WINGS! WHERE ARE YOu-AAAUUCH! BUCk yo..... What in Tartarus did you do to her?"

Glade was dragged into the pit where Shadow dropped his friend. When they arrive, Glade falls to the ground but his head hangs inside the well. He was ready to see his friend's remains, but he wasn't ready to see a bundle of multi-colored fluffy balls with... insect wings?

In fact, the center of the well was filled, it could be, with a swarm of round insects struggling to reach the bottom. When one didn't make it, he turned to the two where Glade could see that it was, he assumed, a round, fluffy insect with big eyes. Eyes that find it. Then the insect flew towards his face where he could see it better. This one was a bright red color but in the dark it could make them look like something else.

"Parasprites.", Glade then raises her head with the 'Parasprite', who then notices the open bottle in Shadow's hand. Then, it flies towards the bottle by entering the head and licks the remaining liquid inside. "A pest that can wipe out crops, farms, and small towns of their food sources. They are also crazy for any source of sugar, including honey.", he then snapped his fingers with his other hand, alerting the swarm in the hole.

SNAP Glade then turned towards the well and watched as the thousands of Parasprites looked at Shadow as he pulled out a stick of honey. "You want it. Go get it.", and throw it into the cave where the swarm flies in anticipation. Coming out of an empty well... with a fainted mare with a happy but tortured smile.

"...plea...tickl...ga...ga...", Star let out her voice pleading for him to stop them. Furthermore, its entire body seemed to have been licked and sucked with no sign of the nectar on its fur.

"...What happen... here?", Glade asks as Shadow falls into the well. She only sees him using his sword to cut any remaining bonds and cover her with the robe he brought.

He just realizes that he was fooled. "Dude! What in Tartarus is wrong with you! I thought... I really thought we were done for!", he should have known better than anypony how Star laughed.

"As I mentioned before. I have no orders regarding the cult.", Shadow replied once he covered Star and put her over his shoulder. "Killing is not part of my orders, and I never said you were going to die. I repeat everything during this conversation, all I need to do is make you, the correct pony, talk. But I had no choice but to improvise before taking a no-return option."

Shadow then came out and took Glade under his arm with the backpack with all the things he brought to the cave. "Besides, I didn't lie to you. I only told parts of the truth."

Once it was ready, Shadow took both ponies out, where Glade discovered that the cave was in an abyss, and in the distance she could see the two sisters' castle at the top. Where Shadow is still walking and talking. "You're really the last member I haven't interrogated yet, and the one I wanted to leave last."

With nothing else to do, Glade decides to humor him. "And why?...Wait. Is it because Star told me the secret and no other high-ranking member could spill the beans?"

"Affirmative. Like Star, all the members preferred to die rather than give away the secret information, including Star. She won't even say if I threatened your life or hers. And that even after death. But she did share it with you, and with your type of relationship, you are my best chance before choosing options of no return."

"I imagine those options are real torture or murder, huh. Yeah, that makes sense, but I didn't expect you to be serious about the no-kill part."

"Affirmative. For now, all I did with my previous interrogations was lock them in the darkness with the Parasprites. Some were about dropping them from high places or from the abyss to catch them before they hit the ground at the last second. The only situation where their lives were in danger was the situation of hanging them from a tree with a pack of Timberwolves below them... And no, I wasn't going to let them eat the members. Somehow I tamed them."

Glade wasn't surprised, he expected these tortures for him and it wasn't going to work, which is why he was more disconcerted. "And why me, how did you know your trick would work on me? It's because I'm scum and a coward, with no sense of life.", he didn't really care about his life, so once Star was no longer in this world, he could sell Terra to see her again. So how did Shadow find out?

"Negative. You had something that the others didn't have, including Star. It will never work with her, even if she cares about you, since her loyalty to the cult was as strong as her love for you. The reason is because your feelings for her were real. That you really love her.", a fact Shadow discovered that night.

'He knew I'd rather see the world burn than put her in danger...', Glade was surprised at how Shadow could read him, and he didn't like it. "Hey... uhm, could you not tell her? I need to protect my image from her. You know... try to be cool."

Shadow stops and moves his eyes towards him. "If you want to continue hiding it, I have nothing against it. But I recommend that you stop, at least tonight, since it could be your last chance.", he then refocused on the path back to the castle.

Glade just stares at him. From a moment on he fears him. He hates him to the core. And now he respects him in some way. 'He came to destroy the most dangerous cult in Equestria, then he tortures us with tricks and now he gives us love advice. I can't stand this guy anymore... but see Star safe. I just want to punch him.'

Then Glade tried to rest since he couldn't, and damn he didn't want to ask for it, to free himself. He didn't expect that Star could be more in danger, but it's better not to take the risk.

After a couple of hours, they arrived at the castle and from there they headed to the dungeons. Fortunately the dungeons were not flooded by rain or submerged by water and Shadow cleared them of uninvited guests or new residents who would like to take the place as their new home.

A perfect place to place cult members. 'He really captured the entire cult... well, something, I guess he sent the lower ranks with nothing worthy of him to the town guards.', he thought as they descended to the cells.

All the cells were occupied by one or more cult members. Shadow put most of the mares in the same cells, it could be for reasons of comfort between them as most of them backed off when Shadow passed by. What Glade tries to believe is that when she passes by the male members' cells, they... move away from the cell door and hug each other like the mares did. Even Titan was hugging and crying with an unfortunate bastard who was crushed almost to death by him.

When they reach the only empty cell, Shadow drops Glade to the ground. "UFF! Just because... oh, I'm not a lady, you should still treat me better, buddy.", and he placed Star gently on the bed. "So what are you going to do to us now?"

"Nothing.", Shadow then started to unpack things from his bag. Leaving a set of clothes for Star at her side as well as a medicine cabinet in case she was sick due to the Parasprites' assault. He also put a box of food for both of them.

Glade manages to sit up and turn around to check the others' cells. Like his, each cell had food and water, as well as some medicines. But he could tell they were cult supplies so all he had to ask was- "Are you going to leave us here? At least leave us -CLICK- the... key?"

At his hooves, a rusty black key and a knife were thrown at him as Shadow left the cells. "I have what I need. You are free. But... my recommendation if you want to escape. Do it after the fight or you'll face me again.", and with that Shadow leave the dungeons. Not without leaving a trail of tears and prayers to never see him again.

"Noted.", Glade got the message right, as did all the members.

Once he was free of the restraints while she cut him with the knife, Glade sat on the ground where he could see Star resting. In fact, she was not injured and simply passed out from the licking attack, he should have known when she screams like that. He remembers how weak and sensitive she was about their pillow fights when they were little, and how rarely she laughed. But he was glad the nightmare was just a bad dream after tonight. But what will others think?

"Aren't you going to ask?", Glade suddenly shouts to the cellmate in front of his cells with Star. Where Star's teacher and one of the leaders were imprisoned. "If Star or I betray the cult?"

"No. Just tell me, is she okay?", the red-striped leader, codename Fuego, looked towards them.

"Yeah, no harm, just passed out... Are we in trouble?"

"No. Well, for my part, you have nothing to worry about."

"...Because the cult was almost, no, destroyed by him. Isn't it?"

"Yeah... I don't think we have the strength to stand up and fight him again. Only... if our mother stops him. That's what I think. As for the others... Well, let's leave it to our imagination for now..."

Glade knew what he was talking about. He remembers that he was able to locate the other three leaders. Two were scared to death and tried to hide from Shadow when he passed by their cells. The other was locked up with a group of members who lost their minds from fear and was doing everything he could to comfort them and restore hope. As for Phantom, he was tied to a makeshift straitjacket with strange dark rocks in the last cell. His mouth was also stuck but his sad and terrified eyes said it all.

'I suppose the supreme leader was also under special interrogation, what could have happened to him?', Glade then ignored the thought and focused on cleaning Star's face, but decided to ask.

"Tell me, what is the fearsome punishment for breaking the oath of silence? I guess you already found out that Star told me everything.", Glade spoke without fear, there was only one soul who was going to listen to him.

"Hehehe.", Fire let out a sarcastic laugh, but Glade couldn't tell if it was because of Glade's fears or because of himself, already a defeated leader. "Usually the punishment is taking away what matters most to you. Guess what Star's consequence is, I know you already have the answer."

'So if Star talks I'll die... incredible. Even if I'm out of Star's life, I'll continue to slow her down.', cursing himself for being a burden to her, Glade returns thinking about Shadow and how Fire knows him. Then he asks his last question. "Do you have any idea what that demon is?"

"A tool.", Glade did not turn around or show any sign of surprise as Fire continued. "A tool forge in the dark realm, a servant with a mind to obey, and a weapon in the form of a puppet."

"...Is that really it? A simple puppet? I didn't see it as a simple 'Tool'.", Glade also thought the same, but he just couldn't believe it.

"...Well... I could be wrong, but... he may be an exception from the others, or his master is a novice and didn't make the correct order.", Fire sighs as he was tired of all this. "I just can't decide if it was luck or fate that we came across this one. And yes, there are others, that's what I found in multiple tales around Terra."

Fire didn't need to see his reaction. Glade had her eyes wide open at the thought of 'others' like Shadow crossing her mind. 'Can they just be tales?'

"No.", reading Glade's mind, Fire continues to recount his findings.

"The Griffon Realms was reunited under the same clan banner thanks to the efforts of a black griffon, who defeats all other clans alone. Rumors circulate across the wastelands of a strange diamond dog wearing dark armor, a black dog capable of hunting down deadly creatures and continuing until it is satisfied. Minotaurs have not entered war for a long time, due to fear of the black ax that appears in times of war, a fearless minotaur warrior who cut off all the heads of an entire army in the last war. And legends say that within the Changeling Empire, a rare dark changeling hides within the queen's hall, ready to fight or defend the queen to the death. Making it impossible to assassinate the queen, even for her own kind."

If there was a group that was only made up of individuals of his level, it was truly impossible to believe. Glade didn't know what to think about it. His mind could not and could not imagine if such a group existed. And if it were an order to destroy a country, even worse an entire army of them. What could stop such strength, but it was the other part that confused him, the only weakness.

'Master?...He...they follow a master right? Are your kind bonded to one or more masters? So what would happen if this master died? Does it stop moving or fall like a stringless puppet?', Glade wonders as he calms down and goes back to caring for Star until she wakes up.

Fire continues to observe Glade's reaction, he couldn't stop smiling knowing that this was the same reaction he had when he found out about the existence of The Yami Legion and their supposed master. 'I asked the same question, boy, but it's useless to think about their capabilities. Since the real danger of these 'tools' lies in the desire of the 'master'. Would you believe that due to jealousy between brothers, they made their tools fight to the death?'

He looked away and began to observe the state of the cells, or rather, the Castle of the Two Sisters. 'Only to kill each other and lead their nation to destruction, while the tools fight to the end, even if their masters were no longer with them.'

Fire didn't know the order but he could guess that they were very specific, or the masters didn't think through what they asked for. He only knows that a black metal dragon sleeps in the center of an abyss in the dragon nation. Waiting for new orders.

"Hmm... I wonder. What his 'master' is doing now... and what wishes would make..."

"Please... I wish this... would -BLUERG- end...", Twilight murmurs, as her 63rd plate is placed on her tablet

"Nonsense sweetheart, we're nowhere near the end. So what do you think of my apple-roaster pie.", a farmer mare said as she put the piece of pie into Twilight's mouth.

"Wait I-HMMM-!", making the effort to swallow. "GULP Oh... delicious? Hehe -BLUERG-... oh my, I need a bucket..."