Chapter 20 or shall pay the price

In the Dream realm, Luna, The Princess of the Night, walked in the only place she owns and that the Great Mother Faust gave her. Realizing how bad this place would get without her.

"SIGH... I missed this place so much... How can I be so stupid to forget the duty assigned to me.", she said this while holding a sleep bubble with a dark cloud inside, removing it so that the foal inside would sleep well as it cleared up and turned into a happy dream.

While she needs to rest in her physical body, Luna can still use some of her magic to detach her mind to her astral form and enter her domain. When she got there she could see the damage her other self was doing to her subjects. She could classify them into good dreams, bad dreams and nightmares. While the good dream bubbles didn't need much attention, she was focusing more on the light bad dreams, especially those of the foals. Unfortunately she will have to save the nightmares for another day because she was weak to even endure one.

Luna's magic was still a far cry from what it used to be in her glorious past, she was still able to ease the dreams of foals. She should do this once her magic was stronger, but this was her personal reform punishment. After this day, she vowed to never let this place and its inhabitants, her ponies, come to harm. And not to abuse this gift since it was here where she had that idea.

All this coming to a special bubble dream, she knew it well and could not confuse it with any other. "Shadow..."

A clear bubble floated in her path, as if testing her. Usually, a bubble had things inside it, like snowballs. Shadow was special, his bubble was a clear, clean bubble with nothing in it, just him standing in a void. Luna knew she wasn't supposed to see him, at least not this day. However, she was very tempted to hold him when he extended her hand.

POP Just for the bubble to burst.

Luna stayed still, she knew what that meant, but she couldn't check if she was happy or sad. Then she hugs herself and holds her chest, she could feel her heart beating hard and fast through her hand. She never knew what to do with these feelings in the past, only now does she discover what she really wanted for him. However, his love will never reach him.

"Shadow... I'm sorry... I should try asking for help... but I let my feelings hurt you... again..."

Luna let the tears fall from her eyes. She made many mistakes, but the one she regrets most is letting desire take over her. That day she enters his dreams, with the innocent desire to go deeper that day.

The day Luna was blessed by the Three Yami Commandments.

"Master... Are you sure? Do you want me to take off my helmet?"

'YES!!!', everypony was patiently waiting for this big moment. Shadow's true face was about to be revealed. The only thing they needed to witness such a discovery was the intrusion of Twilight's shame.

Twilight didn't really do anything because of the pressure of all the ponies on her, even she was putting pressure on herself. She was so ashamed of herself that she thought she was about to confess to a colt, in front of all the ponies. And she wasn't far from that stage. If we recap, there was a time when she was obsessed with him, almost in the same way as a filly in love with a colt.

On the outside she didn't seem like it, in her mind it was that case.

'No, nononono, that's not what I'm doing! I'm just asking for his helmet to be removed. This has nothing to do with love or whatever Cadance is talking about! It's not that I want to know what he looks like.... Yes. I just want to know what's under that armor, it's not like I'm going to ask him to take off his clothes and- NO! That's not what I'm doing! I'll just ask to show his face and that's it! Am I not interested in knowing how cute he looks-WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! This is just to find out if he... looks... like that place.'

While she was in her cloud of thoughts, a memory not long ago soon occurred to her.

In her weakest and most difficult moment against True Nightmare, she was taken to that mystical place. Where she was comfortable and calm in that intense moment. Where she meets a strange creature that she thought was just her imagination. In that Ocean of Stars, she was able to meet a Shadow without his helmet.

Thinking about the place melted her anxiety and hesitation. She might be lost trying to remember what she felt in that place but she hadn't forgotten that everypony was waiting for her. Everypony, even Shadow, was waiting for her response. And since Pinkie was giving me dirty looks if I didn't speed up the story, Twilight's shame, worries, and fear are pushed aside by her resolve.

"Shadow. Take off your helmet, please."

Everypony heard her and shifted their attention to Shadow. He was watching silently. Nopony could guess what he was thinking, but the answer was obvious. He was going to obey.

"Order Receive. Helmet, Offline.", they all let out the breath they didn't know they were holding, only to hold it again.

Shadow's armor soon goes dark, disabling his eyes as well. When they thought he was about to move his hands they saw how wrong they were. They began to hear air pressure escaping from the helmet. Those who were close enough could see a white gas expelled from the base of his neck. Then clicking sounds began around his faceplates, separating as it tried to open them. Everyone thought that he would move his hands now, but they didn't expect what followed.

"KKKYYYYAAAAAA!", all the ponies were scared and disturbed as they saw Shadow's head start to melt.

The girls and Spike stood up from their seats and backed away while the guards and Iron stood in front to protect them. Celestia, Pink, and the girls began to panic as they believed they were witnessing Shadow's death. However, while everyone was causing a commotion, Twilight simply stayed still in her chair. Ignoring everything around her, she waited patiently to see him again.

As Pink was about to jump down to check on Shadow, she was able to notice something that made all the ponies freeze in place. "Is that hair?!"

Her shouting wakes up the rest and makes them focus more on the view. They discovered that the metal did not melt, but rather retracted. The helmet was transforming into some sort of metallic liquid that was receding into the armor and in the process, as Pink discovered, black hair began to appear on the top of the head.

Soon part of the helmet disappeared and skin began to appear. Iron and the guards back away, but did nothing as the girls and Spike move them away so they can see. Celestia was also walking in front and like everyone else, she was left speechless once again. The helmet was no longer on his head, retracted in an abnormal way that nopony expected, and its place left a face that nopony could imagine.

With a large black mane on the top of its head reaching to its shoulders and a hairless face with no snout, was a creature with a cone-like nose with round ears on the side of its face and two round eyes with dark eyebrows. , just like his dark, round eyes. Not lastly, the big metal mouth that somepony feared was just a small but normal mouth with pink lips.

If anypony asks what it looks like, it will be- "Is it a hairless monkey?"

"PINKIE!", the girls shout at her comment.

"What?", Pinkie, with the girls facing the bed, asks if she wasn't right. "He looks kinda like the one Fluttershy babysat last year. Hmm... No! I was expecting something more and amazing... but it's a bit simple if you ask me. It's a bit disappointing."

Rarity was angry with her, but when she was about to speak, she opened her mouth and no words came out. She turns to Shadow and his passable face. "I think it's... okay, I also think it's simple. I never expected it to look like a monkey. I expected... something else."

"And what did ya expect?", Applejack said. "It didn't have a snout this whole time, and I'm not really surprised that it's not an ape-like creature. Ah am even glad he's not some kind of demon or a pony with a disfigured face, it just means he's a normal... good bein?"

"He doesn't seem so threatening anymore.", Rainbow said with her arms crossed. "What I imagined was a demon or a dragon, not a monkey boy. He doesn't even have fangs or those demon eyes or anything that could make him dangerous. Heck! I can even defeat him without problems if I want."

"Well..." Fluttershy also expected a monster under the metal face. "It looks like a monkey but I don't think he is. The mouth is flatter and the nose smaller, not like the Equestrian monkeys. Perhaps it is a subspecies or a close member of another family kingdom or species of apes. However, I like this Shadow better than the metal one. He seems... normal to me. That's what I think."

'I think he is kinda cute.', Twilight thought as she listened to the girls' opinion but never let it out.

It wasn't if they would hear her or if Shadow was looking in her direction and it definitely wasn't the flushed face she had. She was satisfied that it was the same face she saw in that place.

The rest of the mares, even the stallion guards, thought he looked plain too and their expectations were dashed. Only a few ponies share the same appreciation Twilight has for Shadow's real face. Celestia and Pink were the ones who approached him.

Pink was the first to approach him. "Awesome. The yellow filly is right. Their facials are smaller than those of an ape and a monkey in the jungles and forests of Equestria. This is also demonstrated by the shape of their feet, as they are long for running rather than grasping and holding like apes. And with your diet information... I can't put my finger on what he is- Human?"

All ponies turn to Celestia when she walk to the bed front. She was staring to Shadow empty black iris eyes. "Shadow are you... a human?"

Shadow stares at her. "Yes.", without lying to her.

No one knew, but that answer made her stop. Celestia timidly repeats the word. "Human... all this time... were you a human?"

Shadow responded, without his helmet there were no artificial sounds but he was still emotionless as always. "Homo sapiens. Humans are classified under the genus Homo (man) and under the species sapiens (wise). That is my species."

"Human..." Twilight murmurs softly after hearing it.

However, not only her, the girls and Spike with Iron and his guards could not identify the word 'Human'. Only Celestia knew it and the reason behind it.

"Shadow... are you... the last human?", Celestia asks with her hand pressed to her chest.

"That information is neither available nor permitted to me."

"Even that... they took it away from you... your destiny...", Celestia couldn't take it anymore. She cries as tears fall from her face. "I'm sorry... if I had known... I could have done something... something to convince Discord to free you...I'm sorry..."

"Princess!", Iron and Pink help her sit on one of the chairs.

As each pony saw how close she was to bursting into tears, Celestia breathed in and out to calm herself. Nopony knew why or how she came to this state, but before anypony could question it, Celestia asked something nopony ever expected.

"Iron...", Celestia breathed again, but when she opened her eyes she showed a resolve that Iron could not deny her. "Relocate the guards in this room outside and make sure nopony enters or interferes until I say otherwise. And nopony can hear anything from this room, understood."

Iron freezes, making sure he heard correctly before playing his part. "...Understood, Your Highness."

Iron then moves his guards outside. It took him five minutes to secure the hallway and the door. Once he returned and closed the door, he went to the window where he could see his pegasus guards floating in the air while the unicorn guards launched an anti-sound barrier.

As he closes the windows and curtains, he turns to his princess. "The room is safe, Your Highness! But. Is it okay for the girls to stay here?"

"Yes captain.", even sitting with her hands in her lap, she never took her eyes off Shadow. "The new Elements of Harmony have the right. Also, I have nothing against Spike knowing what I'm going to talk about and I want Pink Heart to become Shadow's doctor for a medical exam after this and while Shadow is under my and Luna's protection. But. Nopony can share any of this. Understood."

Pink nods knowing what he means, Spike and the girls also nod and remain silent. Twilight was still sitting in her chair worried about what would happen. And Shadow, he was just waiting without changing or showing any fear.

Seeing that everypony understood, Celestia began. "Shadow... When were you born? And where do you come from?"

"I do not have any records nor do I have that information available.", Shadow deadpans back. And she wasn't done yet.

Celestia also showed no emotion or concern, as she expected and continued. "How old are you?"

"I do not have any records nor do I have that information available."

"Do you know when you become a Yami tool?"

"That information is neither available nor permitted to me."

"Who was your first User and when were you deployed?"

"That information is neither available nor permitted to you."

"...Have you met my father, The King Solaris, Old Ruler of the Alicorn Kingdom?"

"Negative. I have no record or memory of the User 'King Solaris'."

"...Do you know about the Alicorn war with the Draconequus race?"

"That information is neither available nor permitted to me."

"...SIGH...What about the reign of the Human Kingdom... and its fall?"

"........I only have records that the Human realm no longer exists."

"I was afraid that was the case." Celestia relaxed, she was waiting for that answer. No, she was hopeful, even for a small chance that she could be wrong. When she saw the looks on her ponies she decided it was time to explain. "I know you have questions, so let me start from the beginning."

Celestia calms down and takes a deep breath. "First, as Shadow said a moment ago, Humans are just a myth in a long-forgotten past. Even I had never met a human before... but my Father has... and he blames himself for their demise."

All the ponies stare at her, not knowing what to say. Twilight could only ask her. "Can you tell us more? What were the Humans to King Solaris?"

"I'm sorry my student," Celestia turns to her. "It was a time when I was a little filly and my memories are not clear to remember those moments. So the only thing I can say about it is what my father saw... how he met them before the Alicorn war.....and how he wanted to save them and change the fate of their end.", she then turns to Shadow.

The girls were able to believe what they heard, while Twilight tries to confirm it. "Are you saying that... Shadow's species was destroyed?"

"Something like that. They, like other civilizations, couldn't defeat a common enemy. Time and evolution. My father only told me... their time came, they ran out like anyone else.", Celestia closes her eyes.

"My father said that before Equestria was born. When the first Terra civilization began to emerge. The Alicorn race, children of Lady Faust, ruled the world with our mother when Chaos and the Draconequus race competed for world supremacy. However, what was important was the secret alliance that our gods had with the Human race of that time."

At this moment, everypony, including Iron and Pink, had their eyes wide open. Twilight couldn't believe where this was going. "Princess... are you saying that-"

"No. I can't prove that Shadow was part of the Human realm and what really happened to them.", She opens her eyes and stares into Shadow's emotionless black eyes.

"Maybe my Father could tell us more, but he is no longer with us. However, one night, when I caught him off guard, he remembered his past, letting out his sorrows for his past mistakes. I approached him and he told me that he wanted to save his human friends. He also asked me to promise him that if I had the opportunity and if I could and wanted to fulfill his last wish. In saving the remaining humans."

GASP The girls and Spike were surprised. If they look the same way Celestia sees Shadow, that means he is the last of his people and could be under the protection of the Royal Family. Fluttershy thought that too.
"Does that mean... Shadow is endangered?"

PST! Celestia wasn't expecting that and almost laughed out loud. Shadow as an animal that needs protection. "I'm sorry, my little Fluttershy. While the term is close, Humans have proven to be rational beings just like us. But yes, we can say that humans are extinct. That's what I thought, until now.", she let out a deep sigh.

Celestia then returned to her mind to check that memory with her father. "He even told me that he once went to their realm with our mother Faust. He was able to see its culture, history and discoveries. And he could also see the terrible things they were capable of doing, even within themselves. But that did not prevent him, nor Mother Faust, from establishing an alliance and friendly contact with the last humans. The last ones who were trying to survive their disability to sustain a new life."

The girls didn't understand what their princess was saying, Pink translated what it meant. "So the last humans couldn't give birth to healthy babies. Is that what your father told you, Princess Celestia?"

"Yes.", Celestia brought her gaze to the window, where through a small gap she could see foals playing.

"As their society evolved, it also brought new technologies and ideals that changed not only their minds but also their bodies, whether artificial or biological. These continuous movements altered their natural way of life and soon, 80% of the human population was no longer able to sustain the stability of the human species. And even if a countermeasure plan could be executed, their world would also be on the brink of a world war. With all this, in the end their ratio of babies who can survive birth reached 3 out of 10. With the danger that one of those three will have body deformities for life."

The girls let that sink in their minds, but turn to Pink to see if she adds anything too. Seeing that they were waiting for her, Pink continued.

"It means that their birth rate was so low that it was almost impossible to give a strong generation when the previous one was about to die.", she saw that some did not understand it. "When their grandparents retired from work, there were no new young people to take their places. Especially when they were killing each other. Correct?"

"Correct.", Celestia then took up where she was.

"Even if they tried to provide support to their young people, economically or politically, they were fighting all the time over anything. To the point of taking advantage or killing the competition between them. While their so-called leaders were trying to bring about a peaceful world, in reality they were constantly trying to find ways to destroy the opposing side. In the end, humans could not stand under the same flag."

"This is what happens in all societies, Your Highness.", Iron added. "Wasn't it the same with us, during that time when unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies fought each other before Equestria was founded?"

"Yes. However, humans still couldn't put aside their differences. They were greedier and more arrogant than our ponies. And it didn't help that their only common enemy was themselves.", Now that she brought all this up, Celestia also found her pity for Shadow, next to her father.

"It was during the Alicorn War that he lost all contact with the group of humans he had a strong friendship with. And while I was growing up after the war, my father spent decades trying to find out what was wrong with them. Only to fail and become one of the biggest worries you will carry for the rest of your life."

Celestia turns to Shadow. "And now you show up that night, and you came back after I set you in stone, only for this day to come to not only help my student in her mission, but also to save my sister. That's why..."

She closes her eyes only to open them and let the tears come out.

"I need to apologize *SOB* I was wishing for your downfall, Shadow. *SOB* I wanted your defeat. Your misery. Even your DEATH! *SOB* Just to find out... you were the answer my father was looking for in his last moments and you were even a key to saving Luna. *SOB* I really want your forgiveness for all this time I hurt you, for how I was treating you. *SOB* I'm sorry."

The girls and even Spike were crying now knowing why their princess was sad. Iron and Pink could understand her too, after all they accompanied Celestia for all these years planning a way to defeat Nightmare Moon and save the Princess of the Night, Luna. Twilight was the one who had the biggest impact, being his student and Shadow's new master. However, the only pony that Celestia wanted to give her message, was unable to reach him.

"Thanks, but your concern is misplaced.", Shadow finally responds and breaks the mood. "There is no reason to care for a tool like me."

"Pst. Hehehe.", all the ponies were about to scold Shadow, only for Celestia to speak up ending his tears. "Of course they are out of place. I just... I thought I could apologize to you, but as long as you are under their control you will act like this. This is how the real culprits wanted to make you respond."

Celestia wipes away her tears and shows new resolve for Shadow. "The Yami Legion. They are the ones I need to bring retribution to them. So we can free you from this evil that took away your free will."

Everypony could hear the venom in her voice, however, after hearing the humans' story, they were also on the same side as their Princess. While the true reason for the end of the human race was still a mystery, they could not forgive those who transformed Shadow into who he is now. Twilight followed them and Celestia changed her mind to free Shadow from what they had done to him.

That's why an idea occurred to Twilight. Not knowing that the rune could hear her, even in her thoughts.

'Hmm. Shadow obeys me and I am able to tell him how to react, no, rather I can tell him how to live, even a free life?... Yes! That could be the way to free him. Even we can try.', Twilight then turns to Shadow. "Shadow, I want to ask you. Are you able to take off all your armor?"

Ignoring all the questioning looks the girls gave Twilight, Shadow turned to his master. "...Although I don't recommend it since my battle power may be reduced... I can deactivate and retract the full armor at any time."

"Okay, that means there's a way for you to have a free life without acting like Yami's Tool. So I can order you how to -Master!- live?"

Due to her excitement she couldn't stop giving her solution to everyone. She couldn't notice the rune materializing on her hand. And of course, she couldn't understand the mistake she had just made. It was only when Shadow finally showed emotion in his face and voice, that she stopped.

And she watched as his eyes came to life, frightening at what Twilight was trying to say. "I a-a-am sorry! M-m-master. I-i-i-i wasn't tr-y-y-y-ying to interrupt y-y-you!"

Shadow was trying to correct as his face twisted and he sweated while his voice cracked due to fear. "I a-a-a-am sorry! Di-i-i-d I fail y-you?! Hasn't m-m-my work sa-a-a-atisfied you?! I-i-i-i promise you! I'll d-o-o-o a better job next t-t-time! I w-w-will obey a-a-a-anything you order!"

Confusing everypony, Shadow for the first time panicked, but the question was "why." Twilight was scared, but then she thought that might be the only thing he knew and he didn't want to stop being a servant. She put aside her doubts and decided to explain herself.

"Shadow, it's okay.", she approached him and took his hand. The gesture calmed him but not enough as his heavy breathing. "Shadow. I'm not angry about your help or performance."

Twilight eases the tension between them. Shadow was fixated on her purple eyes. If Cadance was there or her brother saw this, they could both be interrupting this moment. But with the girls and the rest they didn't intervene and let Twilight continue. They were also curious to know what she was trying to do.

"Are not y-y-you... mad a-a-at my work?", Shadow continues to break, still scared. "Was I-I-I...worthy of y-y-you?"

"Shadow, you were useful all this time. Until now I found out that you were a good pony, er, human. And you have helped us, not only me, but my friends and family. I thought you were a pony-killing monster, but I found out that you are a life-saving protector. Believe me, everyone here is happy for what you have done and achieved. No pony hates you anymore and we all want the best for you."

Everypony just saw the tender moment of how Twilight calms down poor Shadow, they smile at how Twilight was able to put aside her fear to help him. Even Rarity admits that she was doing the best job she could imagine. Fluttershy, who was motivated, wanted a chance at a good life for Shadow so she would help him in whatever way she could. While Applejack and Rainbow plan to help him in any battles they would face in the future. And Pinkie made a secret promise to herself to throw the best party to cheer everyone up while she was on the verge of tears while wiping herself with a tissue. Lastly, Celestia was happy for her student, she was definitely better than her and she hoped the best for both of them.

But in the end, it is just an innocent wish, which will never come true.

"I-i-i see...", Shadow calms down to the point where he almost shows a real smile as he relaxes and looks down. "So... am I still of use... to you?..."

"That's the thing, Shadow.", he looked back into Twilight's eyes. "I want you as a friend. Not as a servant."

"...Huh?", he freezes at what she just said. "M-m-master...what did you say?"

"I mean I don't want you to be my servant. While I'm happy to have somepony listen to me like you do, it's really something I don't need. I wish you to be free and live your life! If I can order you to be released, I would definitely do it! Because I don't want you or a Yami Tool to follow me... But, I wish you to be my friend-"

User Twilight Sparkle

Even if it's just an innocent wish, it will never come true. Seeking the best for everyone, even a poor soul. Sometimes good intentions can do more harm than anyone imagines. It was at this moment that everything fell apart. That the ponies soon discovered what the Yami System can really do. Twilight, not knowing what she was doing, forgetting that The Third Commandment existed, raised her right hand as the rune lit up like never before.

We are sorry if your Yami Tool does not perform to your expectations and you wish to discard it. Due to the Third Commandment, we will have to analyze your Yami Tool and perform a maintenance check, please wait until finished.

"...What?", Twilight was perplexed, everypony was when they heard the message. "W-w-w-wait! The Third Commandment?...! We?"

"PLEASE A MOMENT!" he snapped at all the ponies, Shadow shouting into the air, filled with desperation because he knew what was coming. "I CAN PROVE THAT I CAN COMPLETE MY MASTER WISHES AND DESIRES! PLEASE JUST GIVE ME THE CHANCE TO SHOW MY MASTER THAT I AM WORTHY OF HER! PLEASE BELIEVE THAT I CAN COMPLETE MY ROLE AS HER TOOL YAMI!"

"Shadow...", Twilight mutters, not knowing what happened. "W-w-what's wrong? I-!", she then stopped.

UNIT #3

For they spoke.

Twilight wanted to know what was going on. The girls, Spike, Iron, Celestia, and even Pink wanted to ask what could scare Shadow to this point. They wanted to know so much, they didn't know what they were asking when a deep, dark male voice froze them in place.

SINCE WHEN CAN YOU SPEAK AGAINST THE CODE?

In a moment, the atmosphere of the room changes radically. Where there was a friendly and bright atmosphere, it became dark and oppressive. Nopony knew what happened. They only knew that something appeared in the room with them. Nopony dared to speak, nor could Celestia, Iron, and Pink gather their courage as the girls and Spike fought the urge to flee. And Twilight, she could only watch as Shadow begged.

"No... please... I... have not failed... I can... show... my worthy...", Shadow's voice was getting smaller and smaller. The terrifying voice he once wielded that scared the intrepid bastards was now that of a weak, small, cowardly colt. A litter foal in front of its father. "...I didn't break the code-"

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN YOUR ROLE?

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Without warning, Shadow's armor lit up and began releasing a powerful and painful electrical discharge into his body. This makes all the ponies to stay back as Shadow screams into the air, this causes Twilight to get up and move to Celestia's side. The electric shock was so intense that Shadow's armor began to heat up, this melted the chains and burned the bed. Instinctively, Shadow fought the pain but it was too much that he thrashed and he fell onto his left side with the bed.

HAVE YOU ABANDONED YOUR PURPOSE?

"No.... I don't...", Shadow was able to move once he got used to the pain, but it was still stronger than he could handle. He tried to speak even as he gritted his teeth and dragged himself heavily on the ground. The electric shocks from his armor were getting stronger, forcing him to stay still on his knees and hands.

Nopony tried to help him, they could see and know that they were useless in helping him, even in easing his pain. It didn't matter how much the girls wanted to help him, how Celestia wanted to fix things with Shadow, or how Twilight wanted to fix her mistake. Nopony could respond to the voice.

OR ARE YOU AGAINST THE REASON YOU WERE CREATED?

Soon the electric shocks stop, giving a respite to Shadow who was breathing as his life was slipping away from him. However, no pony came to his side. Everyone knew that was just the beginning as the room lit up with a blood red aura. When Shadow was able to calm his heart, he looked up to respond.

"...no... I haven't... forgotten... I haven't... gone against... the commandments...", Shadow responds to the 3 red runes around him. To receive them.

The room illuminates with red light thanks to 3 different runes materializing out of nowhere, each one was different from the other. The Three Yami Commandments.

The First Commandment had a red demon eye in the center with a circle surrounded by axes, swords, spears and shields, there were also small tools but they were insignificant in changing the meaning of the rune.

The Second Commandment had a large tree with multiple branches that had fruits, small figures underneath trying to reach the very tempting fruits.

The Third Commandment was a circular rune made of constantly changing numbers and symbols, but everypony knew it was the same rune on Twilight's hand.

Each rune was different, it was only the same size, 2m in diameter as tall, as Celestia but the power they held was more than she could handle. The Three Yami Commandments have appear in front of everypony to judge Shadow.

The First Commandment with the deep, dark male voice speaks first.

UNIT #3. YOUR RECORDS SHOW AN ERROR IN YOUR PERFORMANCE AND THE THIRD COMMANDMENT WAS COMPROMISED. NOT FILLING YOUR ROLE GOES AGAINST THE COMMANDMENTS. YOU WERE CREATED FOR ONE PURPOSE ONLY. ARE YOU DENYING YOUR ONLY ROLE?

"Ha... I haven't... forgotten my role...", Shadow still weak and in pain, speaks to defend himself. The Second Commandment, in a motherly feminine voice, ask him.

THEN WHY DID YOUR USER WANT TO DISCARD YOU? HAVE YOU FAILED IN YOUR ROLE? HAVE YOU NOT REACHED HER EXPECTATIONS? SHE IS NOT PLEASED TO HAVE YOU AS HER TOOL YAMI? OR IS IT NO LONGER WORTHY OF OUR GIFT?

"Ha... ha... no... ha.... I have obeyed her... and fulfilled her wishes... she has not... lost my worthy...", Shadow tried to get up but could only stand on his right foot and his knee on his left. The Third Commandment, with the same young female voice that everyone knew, came its turn.

Error. The record of Unit #3 receives the order (desire) to release or dispose of the role or existence of the Unit. This goes against The Third Commandment. The fate and role of a Yami Tool cannot be changed. Even with a request from a User.

"...ha... I know... but... I wanted to... ha... explain to her...", Shadow was now standing on his legs, but the pain made him hold his chest with his right arm while his left arm hung limply. "Hah... she is still my master... and I am her Yami Tool..."

Nopony tries to speak, everyone just watches the scene of Shadow talking to the three runes. The power of the runes was so intense that even if they had nothing with them, it was obvious that they should not mess with those voices. Twilight knew better than anypony, she was the one who started it. However, Shadow's goal was to convince them that she had done nothing wrong, even if fear was reflected in her eyes and voice.

Shadow, trying not to look in the direction of the ponies, stared at the runes. "...Ha...my master...she just wanted to talk to me-"

SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK FOR HER?

Shadow freezes as he looks down, he knew he shouldn't speak but he wanted to show that everything was okay. "She just... wanted to be friends..."

STRANGE. 'BEING A FRIEND' IS NOT PART OF YOUR CODE. WAS IT A USER ORDER? WAS SHE DISHAPPY WITH THE ROLE OF THE UNIT?

Processing.............Analysis Complete. User 'Twilight Sparkle' has entered some orders. Upon checking the status, all orders were completed and there was no indication that the user was discontented, frustrated, or showing other negative emotions.

YET, THE THIRD COMMANDENT WAS COMPROMISED. THE USER AND THE YAMI TOOL CANNOT CHANGE THIS RULE. WHERE DOES THE ERROR COME FROM?

Processing.............Analysis Complete. Reviewing the records of User 'Twilight Sparkle', the User was trying to place an order or wish to have a friend with the Unit. Error. User records show sympathy and mercy for Unit #3's status or role. Reasons are unknown.

WHY SHOULD A USER SHOW EMPATHY WITH THEIR YAMI TOOLS? THEY ARE TOOLS AND WEAPONS GIFTED BY OUR LORD. THE USER SHOULD NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE UNIT. THIS UNITY IS FOR EVERYONE, AND EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE IT, NOT JUST ONE. HAS SHE RECOGNIZED HER SUCCESSOR?

Processing.................... Error. Reasons are unknown. The User has not found or transferred his right to another User, there are no reasons to make such a request. A deeper analysis is required.

WAS THE UNIT MALFUNCTION? IS THE UNIT DEFECTIVE?

"...no...", Shadow kept his eyes down. "...I...haven't...failed-"

IT IS NOT YOU WHO CAN DECIDE THAT. UNIT #3.

"Ugh!", Shadow froze again and shut up instantly by gritting his teeth, making sure not to let any more sounds escape.

If old Celestia was watching this, she would be somewhat pleased to witness the terrible Shadow behaving like a small foal. Now Celestia wouldn't do it, she was scared to death by the runes, at the same time worried like the others about Shadow's judgment by them. Somehow, everyone knew that they could end Shadow's life at any moment. What they feared was finding out if the runes could also decide theirs, a verdict on their existence.

For a long moment, the room was silent without any sound. Soon the runes began to work.

CHECK UNIT RECORDS. FIND THE ANOMALY THAT AFFECTS THE UNIT'S OPERATING SYSTEM. CHECK USER RECORDS. FIND NEGATIVE ANSWERS THAT CAUSE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UNIT.

Processing.............Analysis Complete. The records of Unit #3 show that he was under the influence of the magic of 'Elements of Harmony'. The Unit status does not show any errors in the Unit #3 code, however, it affects the User program and the User's connection to the Yami system. User recognition was updated after restarting the program. A deeper analysis is required.

Twilight was about to boot in. She knew they were talking about how the Master program was not operating when she accept the role. And she recognize she didn't investigate the rules due the battle aftermath. She was not going to let Shadow carry the punishment after see him how much he was scared of their judgment. Yet her bravery to help him and accept her mistake were taken away when The Second Commandment appear in front of her. She didn't see it coming to her or even knew was there.

Twilight was about to muster the willpower to intervene. She knew they were talking about the User program not working when she accepted the role. And she admits that she didn't research the rules because of the events after the battle. She wasn't going to let Shadow take the punishment after seeing how much his trial scared him.

Her courage to help him and accept her mistake disappeared when The Second Commandment appeared in front of her. She didn't see it coming towards her or even know it was there.

USER TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Twilight freezes at that motherly voice. She could feel, behind that voice, the power that told her that she was wrong and that the voice was right. She could only compare it to Celestia's voice, but Celestia didn't have as much authority to overwhelm her as the rune.

MY DAUGHTER, WHY DO YOU DISCARD OUR GIFT? HAS THIS UNIT FAILED YOU? HAS THIS UNIT NOT FULFILLED THE ROLE FOR WHICH IT WAS CREATED? IS THERE ANOTHER ONE YOU ARE WILLING TO PASS OUR GIFT TO?

Twilight on the outside was still, but in her mind she was scared and desperate for not knowing what to say. She could feel the same judgment Shadow was receiving, so she knew why Shadow was so afraid of her. The only problem was that Twilight couldn't stand it. She was about to collapse until she felt her hand being grabbed. She didn't need to look at what Celestia was, but she knew she had to face him soon before The Second Commandment made its final decision.

"N-n-n-no.", Twilight swallowed the non existent saliva in her throat to speak. "H-h-he didn't f-f-fail me-me."

THEN WHY WERE YOU ABOUT TO THROW IT AWAY? ARE YOU NOT HAPPY TO HAVE OUR GIFT?

"I-t i-is n-n-not t-t-tha-at I amamamam no-o-o-o-t hap-p-p-py. I-I j-j-just want-ed-ed t-t-to ma-ke-ke him a-a-a f-friend.", Twilight decides to tell the reason before things get worse "I-I want-t-t-ted a n-n-normal life f-f-f-for him."

OH. MY POOR INNOCENT CHILD. NOW I SEE YOUR DESIRE. A GOOD BUT NOBLE WISH FOR YOUR WORLD.

For a moment the ponies relax thinking that this was settled. They were wrong.

YOU WERE WISHING FOR SOMETHING THAT WOULD NEVER COME. THIS IS THE ERROR.

Twilight, like the others, widens her eyes. They didn't understand what it means, but they were actually trying not to believe what it really means.

MY DEAR CHILD, IT IS NOT YOU WHO CAN DECIDE THE ROLE OF HIS GIFT. IT WAS NEVER BEING YOU OR ANYONE ELSE. THIS IS HIS PROMISE FOR THIS WORLD AND ITS CHILDREN. AND THE COMMANDMENTS WILL MAKE SURE OF THAT. THE RULES ARE ABSOLUTE.

Disappearing and reappearing again in the same place, Shadow was once again surrounded by The Three Commandments. They found what they were looking for. Now they were about to decide.

SUGGESTION. USER TWILIGHT SPARKLE PLACED AN INVALID ORDER. THE CHILD ONLY NEEDS TO REVIEW THE RULES. THE UNIT HAS NOT FAILED ITS PURPOSE.

DENIED. IF THE UNIT HAS NOT ACT ON ITS OWN, THE USER WILL NEVER MAKE SUCH WISH. USERS CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT DECIDE THE PURPOSE OF THE UNIT. THIS UNIT HAS INFLUENCED ITS USER, THE UNITS ARE NOT AND DO NOT HAVE SUCH A FEATURE. IF THE UNIT IS DEFECTIVE, TERMINATION IS REQUIRED.

A panicking Twilight didn't like where the runes were going. When he saw Shadow clench his fist he knew they weren't joking and were really considering finishing him off. But in the face of all this, still no one has found the courage to speak out against the runes. Nopony, not even Celestia, feels they can change the situation in this room. Only another presence with the same power could say anything about it.

Suggestion.

Everyone, even Shadow and the other two runes, looks at where the voice came from. The Third Commandment, the same rune on Twilight's hand. The Yami System.

Records show that the Unit was affected by the Elements of Harmony. Their magic interfered with the operating system of the User program and the Unit, nor could the User form the link or be trained to use the Yami System. No record shows or confirms the oath and the rules to User 'Twilight Sparkle'. It is recommended to restore all programs and system to prevent this error from occurring.

Once it finished speaking, the other two did not respond. For a moment, during a very intense silence, the ponies wondered if Shadow's 'termination' was about to happen. Twilight and Celestia continue thinking about doing something. They almost jump in fear when the runes speak again as The Second Commandment and The Third Commandment reappear in front the two of them.

USER TWILIGHT SPARKLE. IT IS TRUE, DID YOU NOT RECEIVE THE RULES BEFORE YOU START USING OUR GIFT?

Twilight pressed herself to respond. "Y-y-yes! I-I-I really d-d-didn't know!", she responded quickly and easily, and it was all they needed.

Processing.............Analysis Complete. User 'Twilight Sparkle' was defending her right against User 'Nightmare Moon' when she was assigned her role. The Unit was left inactive due to the subsequent repair process. User 'Twilight Sparkle' did not receive the vote or the introduction of the rules system with the events during and after.

Update new information. Processing...........Update Complete. The User's incorrect use of their Unit was a simple error due to not receiving The Oath.

I CAN SEE THAT. IT WAS JUST AN INNOCENT MISTAKE.

After getting what they needed, the runes return to Shadow and the first rune. The Three Commandments are silent for a moment. Twilight with Celestia and the rest said nothing, not risking making Shadow's situation worse. It was another painful and intense moment until The First Commandment spoke again.

IS THIS UNIT DEFECTIVE?

Shadow raises his head and his resolve shows in his eyes. "No. I'm not a failure... I'm not a defective unit..." Even without eyes, the ponies knew that The First Commandment was staring deathly at Shadow.

SO BE IT

Shadow relaxed for a moment before releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding. Everypony did the same, hoping this was the end. Another innocent wish that would not come true.

START THE REBOOT PROCESS. RESTART MAIN PROGRAMS. RESTART SUPPORT PROGRAMS. RESTART INTRODUCTION AND OATH TO USER 'TWILIGHT SPARKLE'. AND RESET THE UNIT AND COMMANDMENTS.

Shadow's calm and relief could be seen on his face. It was just a moment of weakness, as he noticed with horror in his eyes that he unconsciously took a step back. A step, a mistake that the commandments did not let escape.

UNIT #3. ARE YOU REJECTING THE COMMANDMENTS?

Shadow began to sweat and his eyes reflected true terror. But then he remembers his training and fights his emotions. He forces himself to remember the reason for all this, the best he can do to fulfill the commandments. There was no need to think about anything other than accepting the code. Exhale and stand firm against The First Commandment.

"No.", Shadow responds as he turns to Twilight, his vacant eyes meeting her worried eyes. "I'm not against it. There is no reason to care for a tool like me."

SO BE IT

Twilight could not understand it.

Why was all this happening? Why was she chosen out of all the ponies and other beings on Terra for this? Why was having Yami Tool so special that Nightmare Moon wanted to kill her for it? Why did The Three Yami Commandments have this kind of power over Shadow's life and destiny? Why did Shadow have to pay for her mistake?

But above all, why did Shadow tell her that, with that defeated face and eyes as the helmet manifests and seals him back into his metal prison? And why did it hurt her so much to see him like that?

She got the answer when The Three Yami Commandments launched their spark at him.

SSSSSHHHHHHRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

"Sha...dow?...", Twilight let out her thoughts wondering if that cry was Shadow's or a poor animal suffering.

The Three Yami Commandments shoot a red electrical spark at him in the shape of a snake, only this time they were not to empower him like in his fight, but to reinforce his shackles and oppress him.

SSSSSHHHHHHRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

Shadow could feel their power coursing through his body, rewriting his mind and strengthening the chains of his soul. But the pain was too intense that his training was not enough to handle it, or rather, it was useless in suppressing the pain.

SSSSSHHHHHHRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

His body could not withstand the punishment, it was no surprise that his body began to dance uncontrollably. And no matter how the ponies wanted to help him, they couldn't. No pony or god could help him, he was at the mercy of those chains. They knew it as they saw Shadow's body twist, his arms and legs writhing more and more uncontrollably in pain, as he hung in the air like a puppet with the strings controlling him.

SSSSSHHHHHHRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII............................................................!!!

The process took long minutes that were days for him and the ponies, it was no surprise that he lost his voice after screaming for so long. Even his body got tired of resisting and turned into a ragdoll in the air. But The Three Yami Commandments wasn't done with him yet. Not until they finished their work. Not until Shadow never makes this mistake again. Not until the message was sent to Twilight and the rest. This vision was eternal and did not show that it was ending.

It was only until The Three Yami Commandments finished their job and truly done with him.

Update complete. Unit #3 is fully rebooted and ready for operations.

The sparks and Shadow's body stop moving after that statement. Shadow's body could rest as he continued to hang in the air with the chains as a thread, while his body burned the air. His armor began to light up and when his eyes opened, the eyes of The Shadow Blade of legends, spoke.

"Unit #3.", the chains slowly lower him without releasing as he stands up. "Status: Online."

USER TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Twilight, who had never let go of Celestia's hand, did not respond to the call. She was traumatized to think that she was next. But the The Three Yami Commandments had something more for her. Tearing her gaze away from The Shadow Blade's glowing red eyes, she could see The First Commandment behind him.

YOUR YAMI TOOL IS READY FOR USE. YOU MAY USE IT AS YOU WISH AND DESIRE.

'No... I don't want this...', she was shaking, but it wasn't from fear.

Twilight wanted so badly to reject this, but she couldn't muster the courage to say it, because that was one of the reasons. She stared at The Three Yami Commandments and The Shadow Blade, the aura and power they emanated was formidable, but at the same time attractive. It was thanks to this display of power that she finally knew that she was afraid of Shadow. She was wrong and corrected all this time.

It was not a power to encourage her, nor to save her. It was an irresistible and attractive power, granting any wish, even the most twisted ones. That her soul could not deny the tempting fruit it was giving her.

No matter how rotten it was. 'I don't want... this gift.'

YOU CAN NOT DENY IT, MY DAUGHTER. YOU SHOULD NOT LIE TO YOUR TRUE SELF.

Twilight woke up and stopped shaking. Everypony in the room did. Everyone wakes up just in time for the next part.

UNIT #3 AND USER TWILIGHT SPARKLE ROLES ARE UPDATED. IT IS TIME FOR THE SACRED OATH.

"Order Receive.", Shadow replied because he knew what had to be done. He walks towards Twilight.

All the ponies stand still, no pony daring to interfere with The Three Yami Commandments as they moved behind Shadow with him. The girls and Spike stayed back and out of their way. Iron and Pink forgot their training, frozen by the mere pressure of the rune presences. For Celestia it was worse, she couldn't raise her voice, it's like she was once again a small, weak filly in front of a giant adult. She didn't know if the reason she didn't let go of Twilight's hand was because her student couldn't let go or because she was the one who couldn't.

However, in the end nothing matters when Shadow finally arrives at Twilight. Shadow stops right in front of her. The Shadow Blade, the same one Twilight was afraid of before and now, were upon her.

Twilight wanted to stop this, she desperately wanted to scream at them to tell them to stay away, that she rejected it, she rejected such a gift, she rejected this forbidden power. But a voice that came from her soul said otherwise. Similar, at the same time not, her voice.

IWANTIT

SO BE IT

With that confirmation, Shadow knelt with his arms crossed over his chest, to bless and swear his power. The Oath of the Yami Tool.

UNIT #3. RECITE THE OATH. RECITE THE THREE YAMI COMMANDMENTS. WHO ARE YOU?

"First commandment. I am their tool, their weapon, their arms and legs. My will is to serve the world wishes, commands, and desires. The will of the world is my reason of existence as I am a shadow. As a blade and tool, I will continue serving, my master, until my body become dust and my existence reach its true end."

The First Commandment was pleased, they no longer needed it, turned into a spark and returned to Shadow's body. It was The Second Commandment turn that reappeared behind him.

RECITE THE OATH. RECITE THE THREE YAMI COMMANDMENTS. WHO YOU SERVE?

"Second commandment. As a tool, any being can earn my ownership, but the Yami Tool will only recognize true proprietorship if the User recognize inferiority and is convinced that is not worthy, for the one who beat it, have been acknowledge their superiority that have won over my master."

Thus, The Second Commandment becomes a spark and returns to Shadow. The Third Commandment came later. The one who told everypony that Shadow will ever be, nothing more, Twilight's Yami tool.

Recite the oath. Recite The Three Yami Commandments. Who you promised?

"Third commandment. As a tool, nothing will free me from my role. Love, Grief, Fear, Envy, and Anger are not require or need it on my soul. Desire, craving, longing, or yearning anything is useless in my purpose. For a life is not part of my destiny. Not even death can reclaim me. For I am a tool, weapon, an object bound to the world, not myself. Such is his promise to this world, and for I, to accomplish it, for all eternity."

The message was clear. The ponies now understood that no matter what they do or try, they will not change anything. Twilight understood as Shadow raised his head and his red eyes pierced her soul.

"For I failed on it, my existence, is worthless."

Twilight.

Twilight obediently turns to the Third Commandment. Unlike the other two, it did not disappear. It had a message for her. As in her hand was the Yami System Rune.

Please remember the rules. Keep them in your soul. Not for you. For his sake.

With it, The Third Commandment, leave the room. The oath was complete.

Twilight was speechless, all the ponies were. They were in a room where a presence they could not defy appeared to give them a message and then returned to a normal hospital room. The entire event came out of nowhere and disappeared into thin air.

It was a dream? Was it even real? Was it just the ponies' imagination? They asked this question in their minds, but their souls told them that it was real. The evidence was there.

The burnt bed, the melted chains, the marks and the burnt sparks on the floor were the proof. Even Shadow himself, kneeling in his heated armor and vaporizing the air around him, was proof enough. If that didn't wake them from their sleep, then they would react when Shadow swings to his side and falls.

BANG The commotion was enough to make everypony look down. They saw an exhausted Shadow on the ground as his armor began to fade. This brings out some ponies.

"SHADOW!", Fluttershy was the first to act, she put aside all her fear and went to help him. "Are you okay?! Please say-AHHH!", when she put her hand on him, she immediately took it away.

She didn't need to see the dark red burn on her palm that Shadow's armor was overheated. Fluttershy's pain wakes up the rest. Applejack and Rainbow approach her.

"Fluttershy!", Rainbow grabs her and sees the damage. "Don't close it! Let's get some ice- No."

"You don't need to help me. Ah... We have to help him.", Fluttershy suppressed her pain with tears, her concern for Shadow greater than that. "He needs help".

Applejack believes the same. "Tarnation! Twilight! Princess! Are ya able to use your magic?!"

Applejack saw that touching him was out of the question, but when nopony responded, she decided to run to the door for help. She didn't need to see Twilight and Rarity frozen in fear, even Celestia was lost in her mind processing the power of The Three Yami Commandments.

'We need help! Please somepony -CLICK- !', and her players were answered as the door to the room opened.

"Step aside, Honesty holder.", Applejack stop just to move to her side when a frost beam came in her way. Straight to Shadow.

The attack surprises everypony. Rainbow removes Fluttershy in time while the ray of frost covers Shadow. With the heat of the armor and the cold of the frost, the room fills with steam in no time. Everypony coughs from the sudden steam so Iron, without any difficulty, went and opened the windows. When all the steam escapes and everyone can see again. They discovered that Luna was inside with them.

*Cough* "Thanks. Princess Luna." *Cough*, Applejack said trying to breathe at the same time. "Ya really help us there..."

Luna didn't respond to her, she just scanned the room while everypony tried to control their breathing. She scanned the room until she found what she was looking for. She then walks ignoring the girls and Spike as she passes them. Iron and Pink stay out of her way, whatever she was about to do, they couldn't stop her. As for Celestia, her eyes widened when she saw her sister wake up, but she couldn't even say anything since Luna had her gaze fixed on her objective.

It was when Luna stopped in front of Twilight, her breathing already recovered, and she realized that Luna was there, not being able to believe what happened next.

SLAP Luna slapped Twilight.

Twilight was barely waking up from the Oath. When she moves her hand over his cheek as the burning sensation spreads, he looks at Luna with a fire of anger at her.

What everyone didn't know was that the moment The Three Yami Commandments began to work, they sent out a magical pulse that destroyed all the barriers around them. So it was no mystery that the hospital, even the whole town of Ponyville, heard Shadow's suffering. Something that made Luna angry at Twilight, since her slap was also heard throughout the town.

All the ponies, even Celestia, stare at her. Luna was still in her filly form and was smaller than Twilight, however, Luna's display and anger reversed the roles. Luna was about to let it all out, but then she took a breath and closed her eyes to control herself. Before giving her message, with eyes of years of experience.

"Twilight Sparkle.", Luna said to her and everypony as she opened her eyes. "This is my only and last warning. Don't take this game lightly, don't think you can overcome the rules. No matter what your good intentions are, it won't change your role. I tried."

Luna said it as she turned to Shadow. "And fail at it. The rules are absolute."

No pony question her, they saw what the Three Yami Commandments. Shadow will be a Yami tool. Nothing will change that.
Nopony questioned her, they saw what The Three Yami Commandments were. Shadow will be a Yami Tool. Nothing will change that.

"But.. I..." Twilight recovered but couldn't speak. Luna didn't need to listen to her.

"I know. I made the same mistake," she turns to Twilight. "But you can't just wish for it and ask for it just like that. You will understand once 'he' blesses you before you. And listen to the promise. Then you will know that Shadow is not just your Yami Tool.", Luna then turned around and headed for the door. She was still tired and couldn't bear it now.

Not after giving his message. "It's the Yami Tool of the world."

Twilight stares at the Moon as she disappears through the door. As she will never forget her role. Not a friend. Not a lover. Not family. Not a stranger.

She is Shadow's Master. A Yami Tool User.

Author's Note

What would you do with such power. No matter your good intentions. Somethings, even good, cause more damage than evil itself. Yet all depends on our choices.

I am not philosophic but I always believe the choices make the person. This is the part were climax is develop, and I had fun with it. It took me time arrange the things yet I am happy with the result. Hope you guys are fine and had fun until now. See ya in the next chapter.