Author's Note

Hi, this is more a warning than an update.

If you have read the story summarize, that will update later, I added the tag as a warning that can and can not be included. The reason is simple, I don't know how its work. I read the description but I question me if will be entering to that tag. That is because It were not suppose to enter in this book, Shadow is not ready yet, but decided to make this chapter this way to justify it. I guess, sorry first time to write a book.

As for the story, this will be the most important part as well my biggest challenge to piece all my clues and the next part as well. But there will be a special chapter when the book is finished, take as my gift for reading my story.

And, hope nothing happen to me for any kind of delay. The next update may take time but promise to finish this book. *also if your circle of friends may like my story, please share it with them, more feedback as always welcome*

Chapter 17 yet his quest will never end

Chapter 17 yet his quest will never end

At Manehanthan the ponies could see the sunlight again. A roar of victory echoed throughout the city.

"Well, look at that... they made it.", Fort Liberty said as all the ponies in the room began to celebrate at seeing the sun again. "Those fillies really defeated her, although I believe the bards will change history one way or another."

It was 9 in the morning and when the guards and the army could no longer hide the princess's disappearance, the sun came out announcing that the nightmare was over. While the citizens see this as a good sign, the guards and the army actually celebrate their victory in this secret war. They won against the monster that came out of the night, they were able to prevent the criminals from escaping, they won their battle against the Children of the Night, but most of all they survived the threat of Nightmare Moon.

Fort watched as all the ponies who worked so hard to coordinate, help and inform during this long night they won. "Geez. They're celebrating this like the end of the world was averted.", he then turns to his partner, Secret Gadget, who accompanies him all night. "Tell me, you're not going to immediately return to that brothel, are you?"

Secret Gadget took out one of his chocolate cigarettes before answering him. "Come on, do you really think that? First I'm going to go find a cafe to have some hot coffee. Then I think I'll go to the park to rest after all the reports we have to close. And then I'll go to the apartment, write a letter to my mom to tell her everything is fine on my end and get some Z's"

Seeing him with strange eyes, she knows him as a marenizer and thought he will have breakfast at his favorite brothel. Even if Fort was exaggerating, he had proof of how Gadget carried a novice mare who was struggling with her reports and almost suffered a mental breakdown on the spot up to the roof. Fort couldn't hear what he said but the next thing he saw them again was when they were both walking back to their seats. And that the mare's clothes were in disarray as she walked strangely, but with a happy smile that allowed her to concentrate on her work again. What surprised Fort was that Gadget's appearance had not changed, he had no stains on his clothes nor was he sweating, and he returned to work as if nothing had happened.

"Huh. o do you have plans for tonight?", Fort asked as he walked out and began gathering his papers and reporting to his desk. When Gadget answers him.

"Of course I do. I'm going to spend the night with the girls at my favorite brothel.", he took another candy as he said this and Fort gave him a blank look. "It's my way of celebrating, don't judge me."

"Aha. You really need to find your special pony. If you keep this up, you won't be able to fix things.", Fort ignored Gadget's issues so he could finish their and go see his family.

"Well... My favorite mare is in that brothel.", Gadget put away his candy box and did the same as Fort. "When no one wants her anymore, I can take her for myself. But hey, I'm not just thinking about sex all the time. I'll be working on a project all day, so I'll keep working."

Fort stops when he mentions that 'project'. He only took a moment to see his friend's seriousness and see it on Gadget's face. He was also worried about that report that kept bothering them both all night. 'Gadget, just be careful. I know you are in charge of facing those invisible enemies while I do my part on the front lines.'

Then it's back to work as you'll have a busy day putting order after tonight's chaos. 'I'm also worried about what happens to that group.'

Checking Unit #3 status........Online. Signal detected. Unit is available for operation.

Checking order of User 'Twilight'........Completed. Her designation as 'User' of Unit #3 had no change. No update require. Permissions to lift restrictions are now revoked until new application is submitted. Switching 'Combat Mode' to 'Servant Mode'.

Updating Yami system.........Error. Unit #3 is not responding, critical vital levels are being detected. Activating defense mechanisms. Shutting down Unit for repair process.

"...Ugh. What?..", Twilight opens her eyes to a clear night sky. And she felt horrible. She feels that her mind was elevated to reach the sky and then fall to the ground in an instant. She sat up and started looking around. "Ow.... Girls... are you okay?"

"...Yeah... We're here, Twi...", Twilight continues to collect her mind. When she could see without a migraine in her head, she saw an orange hand at her side. She turned and saw Applejack. "Are you okay? That was a nasty experience."

"Tell me about it...", Twilight takes his hand and stands up with some effort. "I am... kinda okay. Ow. And the girls."

"Have some kind of headache? Don't worry, it will pass soon.", Applejack said as she stepped aside. "As for the others, see for yourself."

As Twilight was able to suppress the pain, she scanned the entire room. The new room. Just as he remembers it, the entire ceiling was gone and so was the other wall of the room. The girls have a good view of the night sky and the forest landscape with Ponyville in the distance and the open fields surrounding it. As Twilight takes in the sight, the girls' voices tell her that they are okay.

"Oh my goodness! It's beautiful!", Rarity's cry of joy was heard throughout the room. "Girls! Girls! Girls! Girls! Look at this!"

Pinkie runs to his side and looks at his chest. "Hmm. I think mine is bigger." she said as she lifted her larger chest.

"NOT THAT! This!", Rarity pointed to the necklace with a violet diamond-shaped gem.

"Huh? Yeah, I see it. I have one too. Look!", then grabs her necklace with a blue balloon-shaped gem. "Hmmm. I think I'm wrong, I think our necklaces are the same size... Wait? What were you talking about?"

Rarity stares at Pinkie. "Nothing.", she said while gritting her teeth. "One day I'll take the title of Miss Ponyville from her... Unbelievable that I lost in the swimsuit contest. Stallions these days."

While the two argued, Fluttershy went to Twilight and Applejack. "Are these... The Elements?... They are pretty.", she carefully placed her hand on the necklace with a pink butterfly-shaped gem.

Applejack checks her necklace with an apple-shaped orange gem. "They're pretty, but Ah don't think I'll wear these all the time. What about you, Twilight?", Twilight checked her element, the magical tiara with a purple star-shaped gem.

Twilight grabs it to see it up close. 'So this is the sixth element... The Element of Magic,', she looks at the tiara feeling the power over it.

The shine of the gem told her that she was accepted. Twilight was happy, she also found that her clothes were clean after the magical boost so she had nothing to complain about. But their moment was interrupted with Rainbow flying into the air.

"Oh YEAH! Look at this girls!", Rainbow raises her flat chest where she wears her necklace with a red thunder-shaped gem. "This is awesome! Wait, these things have power, right? Could be that now I can defeat... no, SHADOW!", she screams and flies to the other side alerting all the girls.

Then each one had their eyes with the shock of forgetting the last member of the group. Twilight turned to where she last looked at Shadow, fear filling her at the sight of Shadow's body. Standing motionless at the edge of the room, with no light or sign that he was awake or alive.

"No... Please tell me it's not late.", Twilight was scared to death, all the girls were as they ran.

They run towards where Rainbow flew and they all stop to look at Shadow standing on the other side of the room. Shadow's armor was still in its Combat Mode but it was off, there was no more light or flames, not even the dark sparks were no longer present. He was still standing, however he was leaning on his stomach, as if holding something. The girls could only stare and feel useless without knowing what they should do.

"Shadow... What have I done to you...", Twilight began to lament. That was when the rune spoke to her.

Update complete. Restore of defense mechanisms is complete. Warning. Unknown object is interfering. Activating autopilot mode.

KRRRRK KRRRRK KRRRRK

As it finishes speaking, the girls jump away due to the sudden movement of Shadow's body. With the sound movement of metal bending, the armor flickered for just an instant and began to move leaning on its knees. The girls were stunned so they could barely witness the armor open its arms. To reveal a young, midnight-blue-furred mare with a navy-blue mane and tail, no older than them and almost older than Apple Bloom's age, in his arms.

The young unknown mare was wearing a violet dress that reached her knees with bun edges on her shoulders. Thanks to a tiara and the emblem of Equestria with its crescent moon cutie mark on her chest and silver bands on her waist, she told the girls that she was no ordinary pony. The only thing they could understand was that she was sleeping with a smile on her face, and what caught their attention were her wings and horn. An alicorn.

The girls have their eyes wide open. Rainbow was the first to point out the obvious. "Is that... Nightmare Moon? Does this mean we purify her?"

"I don't know, but..." Fluttershy walks towards them. She could see that the young alicorn was sleeping happily, but most importantly, she was alive. "Hmm. I don't see any injuries on her. I think she's fine."

She then removes her from Shadow's arms and takes her to the side to put her down. The girls come up behind Fluttershy. They watched the young alicorn sleep as Fluttershy took off her sweater and gave it to her as a pillow.

"Who could she be, any ideas girls?" Fluttershy asks.

"Well, if I'm right...she's the younger sister in the story of the two sisters. So that means... she is Princess Celestia's younger sister!", Twilight said as she remembered the story. This revelation shook each pony but a bigger revelation came to them next. "Wait. If we defeat Nightmare Moon... where is Princess Celestia?!"

The girls panicked for a moment. Until a voice announces their answer. "You don't have to look around anymore. Just look back."

The girls follow the instructions, when they turn around they could see from the horizon how the moon was setting and the sun was rising. Thanks to the brightness of the sun, the girls were temporarily blinded, but when their eyes adjusted, they were able to see the Celestial Princess in her white dress with a gold sash and stripes. "You did well. To all of you, thank you for saving Equestria. New Elements of Harmony."

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight runs as the other girls kneel when they notice the princess at first sight. Twilight arrived to give her teacher a big hug. "I'm so sorry for you! I should have found you but I didn't! I'm sorry if we let you down!"

"Oh. My beloved student. There is no reason for me not to trust you." Celestia hugged her back, happy that her student was safe and sound. "I'm the one who should ask for your forgiveness. I couldn't stop Nightmare Moon on my own. I failed you and our country."

"No, princess. You will never fail us. And we, your ponies, know that you will always protect us.", Twilight breaks away from the hug and looks into her eyes. Celestia's heart was moved by Twilight statement. "Beside, we managed to obtain the Elements of Harmony. We were able to stop Nightmare Moon!"

"Hehe. Yes, I...see that?" Celestia started looking around. And he was speechless about the state of the roofless room and half the room disappeared. "I... never thought the power of the Elements could... cause this kind of damage. Was the fight that intense?" Celestia stared in panic and imagined her sister breaking her promise.

But her concerns were misplaced. "Oh... Well, about that.", Twilight separated from her teacher.

"I'm not going to lie. I was scared, things I wasn't prepared for showed up in our final confrontation with Nightmare Moon.", Twilight's mind brings back memories of how close she almost died, in all of them, but not too much of the revelation of her life. "Fortunately... no, I can't say it was luck. I can say we had fateful help in stopping her."

"A fateful help? What are you taking about Twi-KRRRRK-...light?", Celestia asking when a sound was heard, the sound of metal.

Then, all the ponies turn their gaze to the other side of the room. Shadow's armor began to shrink reducing his size to his normal height of a normal adult pony. The deadly claws were withdrawn and returned to normal fingers. The dragon's legs morph backwards, also removing any claws on its feet. His helmet retracts and he once again has the same flat face that everypony knew, but his eyes haven't lit up. All the girls were waiting for him to wake up, but when they saw that he did not move from his kneeling position, they began to believe that he was really dead.

"Shadow...!", Twilight was about to run towards him, but a thought passed through her and stopped her. 'Wait! The rune said that it was activating the defense mechanisms. Does that mean it's healing him?'

Twilight turned her hand and could see the rune manifest in response to her will. For a moment she looked at him showing proof that what had just happened in the fight was real. A moment to allow a pony to freak out.

“Shadow... HE'S HERE!”, at the sudden outburst, Twilight and the others turn towards Princess Celestia, with murderous eyes. "Why... WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"

"Princess-?!" Before Twilight could explain, Celestia took flight and went towards Shadow. She reaches out to him and manifests a magical lasso to envelop Shadow. Once Shadow's body was wrapped, Celestia bound his entire body while releasing the lasso.

Twilight panics when she sees this, as does the other girls. "Wait! Princess Celestia!"

Twilight ran towards her but was stopped by a magical barrier surrounding Celestia and Shadow, keeping the girls outside. After ensuring that her barrier will hold, Celestia turns to Shadow.

"I don't know why you showed up.", she then controls the lasso to lift it into the air. Celestia adds venom to the next words as she summons her solar sword. "But I know I will stop you here... and forever."

"NO! Princess Celestia, you have to stop!", Twilight and the girls try to get Celestia's attention. But only Twilight panics to a new level when a message from the rune passes through her mind.

Danger. Threats have been detected. Error. Unit #3 is not responding. Activating defense mechanisms. Autopilot mode is now operating. Warning. Unit #3 energy level have reach the lowest levels.

Shadow's armor flickered for an instant and he tried to fight against the restraints. But having exhausted all his energy, he could only move Shadow's head and hands. It wasn't enough to break free, however it was enough for Celestia to take it as a bad sign.

"It's no use. This time, I'll make sure you don't hurt my ponies anymore.", she said as she tightened the bonds. Celestia paid no attention to anything other than Shadow's next move. But the truth is, in addition to her anger at him, she was afraid to take her eyes off him. 'I won't let you hurt my sister again!'

The girls couldn't believe what they were seeing and what they imagined was about to happen. Twilight was having a hard time. She didn't want to go against her teacher but she can't let her hurt Shadow. Not after what she did to him.

"No! Please stop!"

"Tia... is enough."

"I will said when is enough L-?!"

Celestia stops and freezes all her thoughts. She wasn't the only one. Twilight and the girls were also stopped from trying to get past the barrier, as were their voices. Only one voice Celestia wanted to hear, so she couldn't resist and turned around. "...Luna?..."

Twilight turned back, as did all the ponies, and saw the young alicorn finally awake. All the ponies, especially Celestia, watched as she sat up and tried to get up. "... Tia... is enough... please... stop."

"Luna...", not believing her eyes after not seeing her real sister in thousands of years, touched Celestia's heart. But it hurt when Luna almost fell when she got up. "Luna!"

Celestia turns and runs towards her sister, undoing her barrier and dropping her sword on the ground. But it didn't undo Shadow's magical bindings. When she reaches her, Celestia hugs and helps her long-awaited missing sister, she first mourns her feelings.

"Luna! I miss you so much! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for failing you! I couldn't save you!" Celestia continues crying holding Luna close.

As Celestia let out her grief, the girls stood on the sidelines watching this touching moment. "I said I wouldn't cry..." Pinkie held a napkin with teary eyes. "But I didn't promise, WAAAWAHHH!!!" she explodes as her tears cascade down her face.

Rainbow make sure that the tear didn't bath her, she move and talked her concerns. "Jeez... So this means that all this time was the princess lost younger sister. But who is Luna?"

Rainbow made sure the tears didn't wash over her, she moved and talked about her worries with the others. "Jeez... So this means that all this time the lost princess was her little sister. But who is Luna?"

Rarity speaks up to correct her. ""Rainbow Dash! She is the younger sister of our Princess Celestia so she is part of the Royal Family. For us she is Princess Luna, please call her with all the respect she deserves.", she then addresses Twilight. "But seriously, who is she?"

Twilight heard Rarity's question as she meditated. "Princess Luna... I read some books on the history of Equestria and if I add the story of the two sisters, she is the princess of the night. Just like Princess Celestia, princess of the day, was supposed to rule Equestria when The King and the Queen stepped down from the throne. They were going to hand over to their daughters the task of keeping Equestria united and safe."

She then moves her eyes to his hand, the rune. 'Until the younger sister had a jealous attack towards the older sister... but was it really that or does that 'Dark Magic' thing have anything to do with it in this story? What happens to Princess Luna being victims of the 'True Self'? And how does this thing have that information?'

Twilight continues to ask about the rune, only to be called out by Applejack from behind.

"Twilight! We need ya help!", Twilight and the girls turn to see Applejack and Fluttershy trying to wake up Shadow who was still suspended in the air by the restraints. And the autopilot has not stopped fighting. "Can ya see anythin Shy?!"

"No. I can't find his pulse or a way to check it.", Fluttershy missed the sister's reunion as she noticed that Shadow's armor was still struggling to free him. "I'm not sure if he's awake but his body won't stop moving. If we don't do something, his injuries could get worse!"

"Tarnation! Twilight!". Applejack shouted, getting everypony's attention. "Can ya use that thin again? We need to help him! NOW!"

Applejack's outburst alerts all the ponies, including Celestia. "What?!", she released Luna from her hug to talk to the girls. "Help him? What thing? Twilight, what's going on?"

"Well... what can I say?", Twilight hesitates on what she should say to her tutor. Since time was valuable to Shadow's life, she decided to simply tell him that Shadow was no threat.

"Okay... Princess Celestia! Shadow is not the threat we think he is. Who I believe in.", she couldn't resist turning to Shadow with the last part, but then returns to Celestia. "That is why it is necessary to release him. He's injured from the fight with Nightmare Moon because of me... So I need to save him! Please! Can you free Shadow?"

Celestia stares at Twilight for a couple of seconds. For a moment she believed Twilight's words, but then she remembered Twilight's obsession with him and how he led her to dark magic, just like her sister did in the past.

"No!" Celestia burst out, scaring Twilight into backing away.

Celestia closed her eyes as she didn't want to face Twilight's sadness, but opened them anyway to signal her concern as she faced everypony. "Even if the Shadow Blade helped you is true, I can't take the risk and ignore the potential threat it may be. I'm sorry Twilight, but I'm arresting -Tia- Shadow-!", but she stops when a hand grabs her wrist.

"Stop... Tia... is enough.", Celestia turns to her sister. Luna was still weak but she had a strong conviction, rather she pleaded with all her strength. "Sister... he had suffered enough."

Against all odds and being weak to return to her normal state, Luna walks leaving Celestia behind towards Shadow. On her way, she, with the little magic she had, chanted a dissipation of magic to undo the bonds that were on him. Shadow was in the air for a moment, only to be caught again by Luna's magic and lower his body to the ground where he could rest. When she lay him down, the autopilot mode went off and his body stopped moving. Luna kept walking while doing this so she couldn't concentrate enough and was about to fall.

But Fluttershy caught her. When Luna realizes that she is caught, she turns to Fluttershy's eyes. "Princess... thank you."

Luna didn't know why she was being thanks to, she believe she was far to be forgiven for her sins. But that do not stop her. "You are too kind, of course you are the Kindness holder... but please, can you can take me to him."

"Of course.", Fluttershy smiles at Luna. They both walk as the others and Celestia gather behind them.

Once Fluttershy and Luna reach Shadow, they both kneel next to him. Fluttershy frees Luna so she can examine her condition. Now that Fluttershy was close and free to check him, she could see all the damage to his armor, but the hole in his chest was nowhere to be found. "His wound... disappeared! He's fine?"

With her scream she alerted the girls to his injuries but did not quell the idea that he was dead. The answer came when Luna moved her hand and used a spell on his head, or rather his mind. Luna smiled when she received her confirmation. "He is still with us, he has just lost consciousness. But his life is no longer in danger."

Twilight finally let out her fear and anxiety. "Really?! Thanks to Mother Faust.", but for Celestia it wasn't enough.

"I'm sorry, but could somepony explain to me what happened and why The Shadow Blade is here?", Celestia turns to the rest of the girls.

"Do you want the long story or the short one?", Pinkie asks. When the princess tells her to cut it, she responds with a sentence.

"We find out that Twilight is his master and came to save her in the final battle, but he was stabbed with a large scythe that went through his entire chest and causing a large gush of blood to come out of his wound, but then Twilight released him from his shackles only for Nightmare Moon to do the same where the most epic monster fight I've ever seen here took place, only for us to use the Elements on them and save the day.", Pinkie smiles with her fist on her waist, proud of her story.

Celestia looks blankly at Pinkie. "I don't want to insult anypony... but there are a lot of holes in that story."

"Oh! Okay, so the whole story, well- HMM?!", Pinkie started to speak again, but Rainbow's hand silenced her.

"NOPE! You don't have to tell your 'whole' story, Pinkie.", Rainbow stops Pinkie's life story that she tells a few times. "The princess has no time now."

While Rainbow held Pinkie, it was up to Rarity and Applejack to tell the story. Rarity began. "In that case, let me tell you that I was the one who brought Shadow here. I met him on the route from Canterlot to Ponyville when I couldn't take the train to transport the materials I bought. He saved me from some ruffians who almost scammed and raped me."

Celestia and Twilight widen their eyes hearing this. But Rarity didn't care, even that ugly experience gave her a new view of the world. She only cares about her debt to Shadow. "I could avoid it, if it weren't for the curfew set in the city on the day I was supposed to leave. But by fate, I found him and as payment for saving me and for his generous help, he told me that I needed to come here, to the Everfree Forest. So I offered to bring him here without knowing why. Now I know the real reason."

Celestia and Twilight were stunned by Rarity's story, as well as the attempted rape that hurt Celestia upon learning what was happening on their lands. However, it was the fact of how her story connects to the assault on the castle. The same day Shadow's fight ended with him falling into the city's water system. Now they both know that he ended up off the mountain and never returned.

All of this makes Twilight speak her mind when she realizes what Rarity means by the last part. "It was the day after he showed up at the library... the day I looked up the story and he heard my dreams... about to stop Nightmare Moon.", the last part was said to herself as Twilight raised her hand. With the rune glowing.

Celestia was also surprised, but her mind was on the strange rune in Twilight's hand. 'That rune... is the same one I saw a moment ago... Wait! Discord also had that thing when I caught him talking with his hand. I thought he was just playing. He hid it from me and... I got it at some point when he was sealed by the Elements? Then on Twilight exam day-'

"That is proof of Twilight's right to be his 'Master'.", as Celestia questioned the rune, Applejack began to voice her thoughts.

"That's what that thing told you, right Twilight?", Twilight nods to her. "Ah think that thing can be transferred to another pony, I just don't know how or when Twilight ended up gainin that. But he must take Twilight's dreams as his 'orders' that day. And Ah guess after hearing Twilight's dreams, he must come here to find the Elements of Harmony to complete his 'order'."

Every time she mentioned that word, there was venom in her voice. "What kind of curse can a pony do, someone who goes to the end of the world and carries on with a broken leg just because of a silly dream."

"What?" Both Celestia and Twilight were shocked by her comment. Applejack seeing this, continues with her thoughts.

"Ah don't know what happened in Canterlot, but here in Ponyville we are beginning to know that Shadow is not dangerous to us.", she then stops for a moment to look at her necklace and her Element. "And to that Ah put ma title of Element of Honesty. Plus, we have a few more ponies who can testify to his exploits, includin how he saved my little sister from a Lumberwolf. He broke his leg while fendin off that beast and preventin it from going to town."

Once again, Celestia and Twilight were learning things about Shadow that they didn't expect or believe were possible. Both mares had the idea of Shadow Blade, the immortal demon who has death following wherever he goes. At that time, his image of him being a national threat was changing to that of a nameless savior.

And Luna puts one last nail on that. "She's telling the truth, Tia."

Celestia and Twilight were turning to Luna, who had her back turned to them as she continued to keep an eye on Shadow. "Shadow was never the real threat. He never had any intention of harming anypony, nor wishing death on anyone without a reason. No, the real danger is in... the 'curse' that the Honesty holder speaks of."

Just then she turned and looked at her sister to allow Celestia to see the determination of what she was about to say.

"What we should truly fear is what our world, our ponies, and all the beings of Terra... may do with him, and the promise that 'he' made to us." SWOOSH, giving meaning to her words, a cold breeze came to them.

As 'he' entered the room through the stairs behind them.

Suddenly, Celestia could feel something moving behind her, what she feared was not knowing what it was and how tempting it was to find out. When Luna mentions 'Him', the room instantly turns cold, as the mere mention of the pony Luna speaks of brought his presence to this place. Every pony in the room, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and even Fluttershy could feel the same sensation as Celestia. For Twilight this was not the case.

"Promise? What are you talking about Princess Luna?" Twilight asked as nothing happened a moment ago, but this allowed the others to wake up and soon everyone forgot about that strange moment as if it were nothing. But not Luna.

Luna stares at Twilight for a moment, she debates what to make of her. 'I don't know if she is a pony resilient to the promise... or maybe she will receive his blessing... I hope it's not the latter.', Luna stares at the rune in her hand, then turns her back on Twilight and returns to monitor Shadow.

With a deep sigh she decides to leave it later. "Unfortunately, this is not the place or time to talk about Shadow and the Yami Legion. For now, we must focus on restoring the peace I disturbed as Nightmare Moon."

Without looking at her sister, Luna continues speaking, waking up all the ponies with her statement. "Sister, you should return to your subjects. I'm sure they will need your guidance."

"But Luna, I can't leave you here and- Is okay Tia.", Celestia argues but Luna wasn't going to change her mind.

"They don't need the princess of the night for now. I really... want to stay here a little longer. But.", then she turns and gives a happy smile to her long missing sister. "I promise to have time for us, to talk and make up for all the time we lost."

Celestia moved her hand to her chest, her soul filled with joy as she heard her lost sister's cheerful tone once again. "Luna... Okay. Girls, I'll go to Canterlot and check that everything is in order.", then I turn to Shadow where Luna hasn't left his side. "And I'll bring a squad of guards just in case."

Seeing Luna nod her head, Celestia prepares her teleportation spell. "I'll be back soon. Please be careful my little ponies. Be careful... Luna.", with a bright light, Celestia disappears.

Sending her off, Luna turns to Shadow. She could see that he had not woken up or responded to any commotion. Luna already checked it, but her mind made her move her hand and use the dream verification spell she used to verify her ponies' dreams again. But like the first time, including this and the last time, Luna couldn't feel any dream. It was empty and emotionless as always. And he hasn't changed since they met. Luna could see the same dream, he was standing in a dark void with nothing, just him and the darkness where he belongs. The only thing she could gain from this was that she could see his true face.

'He hasn't changed at all.', Luna takes her hand back and stares at his helmet, already knowing what he looks like underneath it. 'I wish your role as Tool Yami had ended when you were free from your stone prison... but now I see that those shackles are stronger than I thought. He even makes sure that not even the Elements of Harmony can free you.'

"Princess Luna..." Luna snaps out of her thoughts and turns to Fluttershy on her side. "He's fine?"

Luna looks at her for a moment, she smiles not knowing if she should be happy to see that she wasn't the only mare worried about him. "What is your name, Kindness holder?"

"Huh?!...uhm. Flutter...shy.", Fluttershy responds as she retreats into her mane, not having her sweater to hide. "Is that okay...with you...", as she played with her fingertips.

"Fluttershy.", upon learning her name, Luna returns to Shadow. "Well, just so you know, he is no longer in danger of losing his life, the repair-healing process has already begun. If you look closely, his armor has already started healing him."

Not only Fluttershy, all the girls approached the two of them from behind, paying attention to the damage of the armor. It was invisible to the naked eye, but with a little attention, a dark aura spread over the blade marks and dents in the armor plates. The edges of the blade marks were closing and the dents in the metal plates were returning to their original shape. The girls were left without saying a word, but when the large hole in his chest was nowhere to be seen, they were able to ask.

"Hold on. How does the wound on his chest go away?", Rainbow asks. "We just watched him get impaled by that giant scythe."

"Ah don't know.", Applejack said as she grabbed her necklace. "Could it be that the magic of the Elements heals him?"

Rarity add as she also took a look to her necklace. "I think so. But didn't that nightmarish voice warn us that the Elements could turn him into stone-!", realizing her mistake, Rarity panicked and decided to correct it. "Sorry! I mean, you didn't warn us, Princess Luna! Hehe."

Rarity smiled because of her mistake, it wasn't necessary. Luna didn't take it personally. "It's okay, Generous holder, I wasn't myself during that time."

Luna then addresses all the girls, especially Twilight. "So I want to say... that I'm sorry for all my bad intentions I had towards all of you, as well as the intentions of taking your lives."

Then Luna bows before them while still kneeling on the ground. "I'm sorry. To all of you.", and she was serious, her bow of respect almost made Luna kiss the ground.

"Princess Luna! You don't need to bow to us." Twilight stirred, knowing the last part was for her. "We understand that you were under an unknown influence and were not yourself. There is no need to apologize."

"PFFTS! Hehehehe!"

The girls shuddered at the sudden laughter Luna let out, a sad laugh directed at herself. "Hehe... ha. No, I knew exactly what I was getting into. But, as Chosen by the Elements, I can say that they will respond to your wishes."

She then straightens up and turns to Shadow and sees that his armor has almost been restored. "Back on topic, the Elements respond to all your wishes to not harm him, including healing his mortal wound. I guess it all depends on the pony using them. Just like him."

Luna looks at Shadow sleeping, but there is something in her gaze that catches Rarity's attention. 'Hang on a minute. Did Princess Luna and Shadow have something between them before? Is this... like the story of my novel? And maybe I'm the aristocrat interfering in their romance! Just like in history!', while Rarity tries to discover the nature of the relationship, of the three including her, Twilight decides to ask.

"Princess Luna..." Luna turns to her, paying full attention to what she wants to say.

"How do you know about him? And what do you know about its power? I haven't seen or read anything about him other than the short stories and the story of 'The Shadow Blade'. First there is that strange armor and weapons, how do they work? Besides that, what is this?" Twilight raises her hand as the rune appears. "And... what does it have to do with me?"

Luna notes that the last question was more important to her, so she decides to share at least what she needs to know. "What is your name, Magic holder?"

Twilight calmed down enough to answer her. "Twilight... Twilight Spark."

"Twilight... I have to admit that you are stronger than my sister and me, no wonder you win the title. In both.", ignoring Twilight's shocked face at her comment, Luna continues as she once again returns to Shadow. Seeing that his armor was 95% restored. "The first thing you need to know is that he is alive, under this helmet there is a colt... Hmm. I think he is your age, and since the Elements frozen him as a statue, he hasn't changed at all."

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!", Pinkie jumped raising her hand to get Luna's attention. "I have a question! Is he a demon under his helmet? Is it tremendously ugly? Is it an abomination of nature? Does he have a scar on his face or something like a blind eye? Or is it a beautiful masterpiece for our mares' eyes? Or is it just plain?"

Luna, think about it, she didn't ask herself those kinds of questions, but she said it simply. "Ehehe... Well, I'll leave it to you once you've seen it for yourself. But don't worry, the armor is part of him, just as he is part of it. With the correct "order" he should be able to remove his armor."

"Really!" Rainbow was the first to react to that idea. "Then I still have a chance to defeat him without that! Finally! Ah! But will it feel the same to win by fighting him with his full power? After all, he turned into a monster during the fight."

"If your question is where his power comes from, then I can tell you that it all comes from his armor.", Luna turns not only to Rainbow but to all the girls, again to Twilight. "But when I say it's part of him, I mean it. It's not just a piece of metal or cloth that you can take off. Think of it as a magic cloth that can disappear and reappear whenever you're ordered to equip it and take it off."

"So his armor is magic-based armor! That's impossible!", Twilight shouted with this discovery. But only Luna knew where she was going as Twilight continued. "I know the castle blacksmith is capable of making basic magic-based armor pieces, Captain Iron Wing wears one. But Shadow wears a full set of completely magic-based armor that had properties like regeneration and healing even for mortal wounds. That is far from what our technology can do! So how did that type of armor exist in the past?! Even worse, how does it work today?!"

"Heh... Hehehehehehe!"

Luna laughed once again, the expression Twilight made was the same expression she made in her days. "Ha... That's what I said when I found out. I didn't think it would be so fun to hear from another pony... Discord was right, madness can be fun when it's shared. Ha... For that there's a simple answer."

Luna leave all foolishness behind. She never and will not take this matter as a joke. "The Yami Legion corps. They made The Shadow Blade as the Yami Tool he is today."

The girls didn't say a word at the mention of the Yami Legion. But Applejack had no problem commenting on it, anger in her voice. "Were they the varmints that put the curse on him?"

Luna didn't need to turn around to see Applejack's anger, she also had her own anger towards them. But as time went by she began to not keep it to herself. "Yes, The Yami Legion corps made Shadow to follow their commandments. They trained him and molded him into the Yami Tool they wanted to be. But I never got the right answer as to why, at least from the creators or founders, I believe those who founded the corps are no longer with us."

"What do you mean 'why' princess?" Applejack's fury melted away as Luna turned and looked her in the eyes.

"Because whatever we want to see it as. As a curse or a blessing, or a promise to us. It's all up to us how we can use its power, am I right, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight reacts when she is mentioned, but didn't get the chance to ask as Luna holds her head. "Ugh. I'm sorry. I know you have more questions, but besides I need to get some rest, my sister better be present for the rest of what I need to share about Shadow. Besides that, there are some things I need to do later."

"Is okay!", Luna didn't see that when her headache appeared, Fluttershy quickly flew to pick up her sweater and came back. "Here you can use it to have a good rest."

"Thanks. But first there is something important we need to do.", Luna turns to Applejack and Rainbow. "You two have some strength in you, right? Can you help me put his swords back into his armor?"

Without asking, the girls went to pick up Shadow's swords while Applejack and Rainbow helped him sit up. When Pinkie returned with the swords, she passed them to Luna while holding the swords in front of her. And her reflection was in the white blade. There was a time when she feared these swords, she was happy to no longer have to fear them.

'If we can take the right path, these swords can be used to protect our ponies... I really wish they would only protect me, but I have to let it go. I no longer have the right to be your master... Neither a User.' Luna returns them to Pinkie and with Rarity the girls put the swords back in the sheath on his back.

It was at that moment that they discovered another fascinating detail of Shadow's armor. The scabbard was too short but the girls did not notice this fact when they inserted the swords. They noticed that when the tip of the sword entered the sheath, the metal of the blade began to melt and liquefy, compressing into the sword's sheath. Only the handle remains normal as part of your armor once sheathed.

This catches Pinkie's attention so she stops when Rarity finishes her part. To check if her sword also did the same, she pulled out and reinserted the sword many times. This is how the girls discover that the scabbard was so small and they could still hold the sword on his back.

"This is amazing.", Twilight moved closer to get a better look. "The scabbard must have a feature that resonates with the swords. When it is inside the scabbard it becomes liquid, but once unsheathed it solidifies and recovers its original shape. Only skilled blacksmiths, with the help of many magicians, can produce a small amount of liquid metal from tons of metal. But this is on a small scale with the fact that it is faster and can revert the metal of the sword to any state at any time- Pinkie, don't you think that's enough?"

"In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. Girls it's amazing! It's like watching the sword and box magic trick without the pony dying!", Pinkie continues playing until Rainbow tells her to stop.

"Pinkie. Finish it already, this guy is heavy. Besides, you're doing it look bad. And don't ask what it is.", Rainbow and Applejack were able to leave Shadow after Pinkie finally stopped playing.

"Now we just have to wait for my sister..." Luna said as the girls gathered around her.

Once they got Shadow down, they could see that his armor was fully restored and complete with his swords. The girls were able to see Shadow better and remember everything they went through with him. He came and changed some ponies lives for the better. For others they wanted to save his life. Others to teach him how persistent he is can be good or bad. And others think they will finally be able to play with him. As for two mares who couldn't get him out of their minds in the past, they will now be able to know more about him. Luna and Twilight couldn't take their eyes off Shadow.

He couldn't take his eyes off Shadow either.

His eyes were fixed on the tower, observing silently.

Deep in the forest, a group of trees at the height of the tower were located not far from the Castle of the Two Sisters. The tree branches were the perfect place to see the castle and what was happening in the tower from afar, even so, a pony would still need a spyglass to see that far away. It was here, on one of the tree branches, hidden in the darkest part of the forest, a being covered by multiple heavy coats was standing without problem.

This being was looking in the direction of the castle. The branch provided a clear view of the tower and, without a roof, he could see what was happening on the top floor with a spyglass. This was not the case for him. He could see and feel all the auras of the ponies on the upper floor with his own eyes. He was completely focused on observing the group and his attention could not be disturbed.

But he was not alone. "...Please..."

The being did not forget about her, it took its time to return back to her. He wasn't interested in anything about her, but he needed what she had. So he didn't care to see how she was hanging from the rope he made from the forest vines. And how she was slowly bleeding from her wounds.

This mare was part of the group of spies in charge to cover Ponyville. They were hidden in the public ready to help the guards and help the girls reach the Elements of Harmony. It was at the Summer Sun Celebration event with the appearance of Nightmare Moon that their group came into action. While Nightmare Moon took care of the city hall guards, she and her fellow spies move on to carry out their tasks. It was at this moment that their fate was sealed as this being pursued them.

First it was their captain, they lose contact with him before Nightmare Moon appears after reconnaissance in the forest. Later, one of its members lost an arm when he detected a shadow moving behind the girls when they entered the forest. Unfortunately he did not see the second shadow coming and lost his head when it was too late. Seeing the danger, she and the other 3 members split into two and headed in the opposite direction away from the group of girls.

She and her companion had no problem facing the danger of the forest, but they were unprepared when the heads of their comrades were thrown in their path. Fearful but without losing hope, she and the stallion who was her friend face the strange being. The next and last part she knew was that she was now hanging from the tree as the being finished processing her friend.

And her nightmare began. "...Please..."

Now, the mare was hanging upside down, naked, with her legs tied and limp. His injuries were the reason he couldn't fight back.

First he broke her fingers, which were hanging like pieces of meat. Then she lost her horn when the being cut it off her head, but that wasn't the only thing it took from her body. She was skinned like an animal in the cruelest butchery all over her upper body. The being skillfully removed the skin with the fur from her thighs, stomach, chest, chest, nipples, even her cutie mark from her chest as a trophy, but he did not keep them. However, the worst thing, besides the muscles on her upper body being exposed and bleeding, was that this being also took what made her a mare and now has a hand-made hole between her legs.

Because he was skilled at what he was doing, the mare was not dying fast enough as blood slowly dripped from her wounds. And all the meat he took from her, he let fall into the darkness below, where the hungry beasts could be heard.

The only consolation this poor soul had was that his nightmare was almost over. "...Please... kill me... you promised..."

The being remains silent. He did not respond in any way to the mare's despair and suffering. There was no joy, no desire, no sadness, no frustration, no anger, no disappointment and no emotion or disgust at his suffering and horrible condition. He just stares at her because of the promise he made her when this nightmare started.

He promised that she would live, with all the scars he left on her. With the scar of being the only survivor of her team. With her upper body muscles exposed. With the scar that she can no longer grant life. With the suffering that she will not use her magic again. He promised that he will make sure she stays alive with all these scars. But he can grant her a quick death once he gets what he seeks.

Information. SLASH

"Ah..." the mare's expression froze as an instant flash between them and a red line began to appear on her neck. Slowly that red line surrounded her entire neck. And her head was separated from her body.

The being watched as the head and arms fell towards the darkness below. He soon heard the joy of the beast eating some more meat after they were done with her stallion friend. He estimates that she will stop feeling before she reaches the ground, out of reach of the beasts below. A mercy that he does not grant to all his targets, not even to innocent victims.

Then he turns his gaze to the body with the bloodstream of the neck and arms. Without a head and without arms, the body was useless to him. So he decided to feed it to the beasts.

SLASH

With another flash, the vines on the legs were cut off and the body falls where the head and the other pony end. Again he felt nothing as he saw the body fall and heard the beast feasting on it. He was simply concentrating on his mission and his three current objectives. He then returned to the tower on the horizon and could see that the top floor had changed thanks to his distraction.

He could see how the Princess of the Day returned with a large squad of her guards. He could go there and complete his two original objectives where he could only find them here and now, but the third was somewhere else. And if it is not addressed soon, its mission could be exposed. Unacceptable to him.

Regretting having to wait to complete his original objective, he turns his red eyes away from the tower and leaves the forest. He makes the decision to go where this third objective can be found. In the city of Manehanthan.