Author's Note

Special news. I redraft and update a new chapter 1. The contents is the same but better to be friendly to read. When you leave a comment, tell me if you feel better the first chapter so I can check the others chapter.

PS So sorry! I didn't know how simple and ugly was to read the first chapter was! Now I know why the dislike.

Thanks

Special Thanks

Hi, this is Shadowroad. I write this chapter as a letter of gratitude for ready my first story. As well some thoughts while I was making, the terms I add and what they are, and some secrets of the story. So let start with how I started this story and my fandom in MLP.

First, I confess that I became a brony in 2012 near my first year in university. Also I need to add that I am not a hardcore fan so was not my first show priority choice. Yet when I see the second episode, I was catch by their animation, how neat and well the show was made, but overall the story and the characters. Specially the main 6.

I see a part in youtube, and seeing how was I was interesting in the show, I give it a chance and started to see all the seasons available on that time. It hurt me when I came to season 3 and see was shorted than the others and make me ask why. Just to know that Lauren, the master mind of this great show, was leaving and the producer were deciding to end the show on that season. Good thing the show not only provided a new season 4 but as well season 5 until season 9. But was at the premier of season 5 that I got disconnected, almost. Yet I get more interest in the fandom and find this webpage, were a lot of Fimfiction material provide me a good time reading with all kind the stories I could find. And yes that include mature contents.

During my brony initiation period, I watch and read all MLP contents. Even I follow, without an account, many writers and their stories. First is Tatsurou, I think he is active but don't write more, his adopt stories are really good including his 'Fortresshy: The Nine Fathers'. Next I like to thanks to Onomonopia for creating really amazing crossover with DC, MARVEL, Nintendo and others universe, but I haven't see any new chapters. I only hope he is okay. And I wanted to mention to Alejin and jl7895, both make good slice life stories as well version of a pony and human adopted by Celestia. I want to say that their stories inspired me to make my own version, if I make them and upload them hope they don't get mad with me using their stories as bases of mine. For I have two human adopts stories thanks to them.

All of their stories provide me a good time as well views and interest stories I desire to read and ended. That is why I see a few of them never were completed and some writers have not upload any new chapter. And it is a pain for I will never see the ending of their stories, but life is unpredictable and I only can pray that this amazing people are safe and sound.

Now about the story, during the first years, I kinda had in mind my stories for the FIM universe. And yes I had a self insert story as well a few crossover with other series. But was not until 2023 I decide to write and make real this story, of the Shadow Blade and the Yami Tools universe.

All started when my current job provide me a back office job, had free time during the day and no way to kill it. They even took all the things that help to pass the time, as a music app I installed on the computer killing all my playlists I was keeping in it. So rather than finding other ways, including to continue reading more MLP stories, yes I still read when I have time, I decide to write 'Who Are You? A Shadow'.

There is a few things about when I started writing. First, I had many stories in mind but choose this one since all started with the episode that make me enter into the fandom. Second, this story was not meant to be 4 books, that is what I planned for this story now. The reason was that I planned only to write the important parts but then I ask myself, how my readers will piece the in-between. An example was that I original wanted to skip the introduction of Shadow to the rest of the main 6 and only Twilight meeting him.

These in-between chapter make me to think, chose and make the events so the story make sense and fluid. With it, make me to create more OC characters such as the two sister, Scarlet and Miracle, as potential rivals for Twilight and Luna, the originals love interest. And yes this may be a spoiler, and I think some have already guest who will win. Yet this help me to set better for future main events, for this give me the ideal role for this OC in the story.

As for the events, the fights and characters personality were all in what I know and had in mind. I want to bring with the fight of the Lumberwolf, I wanted to make the fight as not a one side slaughter. That is why I took inspiration in my life, I twist my ankle in this year as well.

Also, some parts and phrase were inspired as well, if some noticed where they came from all I have to said that I think were cool and that is why I incorporate but at the same time to make my version. Who doesn't scream with Seele and her ultimate in Honkia Star Rail each time she disappear in the sea of butterflies XD.

The only thing I am not sure is the characters personality. I was kinda thinking the way of speaking as well for the words. When Applejack and her family introduction came I was 100% unsure what was the dialect of specking of her character. I only thought to make it the closest I imagine but in the case you didn't like or think is better to use the original as the show, I will change it on a later time. Please leave on the comments what you think, for I fear when Zecora come. (Do I try the rhymes or just make an exception?)

Now for the funny facts. Shadow Blade was not the name I original had in mind, in the past I only think to name each Yami Tool by their weapons but adding real names help to separate from the generic Units. So the original was only 'Blade' and the part 'Shadow' was added for my brony name ShadowRoad. When the castle arc ended I make it official name him 'The Shadow Blade', but stay with Shadow for Blade was already taken, *Ahem* HSR. Later on I make the rest for the other Units Twilight and friends will meet.

About the Yami Legion and the system they were already part but not as complex I make it at the end, and will continue evolving that is for sure. The Three Yami Commandments also were not set in stone but had them already for the hospital arc. Had to create from zero the human race story part, this was not on the original draft, it ended well for I already set the full story in the revealing arc.

The next I want to bring is the User part. They were suppose to be masters titles, but when I added the Yami System, why not to make it more spicy that it is so the term was evolved to 'User' to reflect that technological part. And if you had wondering, yes is human advance technology, but how it worked, well put your theories on the comment section.

What else... Oh! That bring me the 'True Self'. These term was modified to, let said, make more sense on the battle with Nightmare Moon. First, no, Nightmare Moon is not a True Self, I considered as an alter ego of Luna yet I need a reason for Shadow enter in Combat Mode to show the true power of the Yami Tools. I don't know if you notice but on the edit process of the story I will update the first chapters for I didn't have it until it came the EOH arc. Yet I am happy with it for True Self will be the reason, answer and important detail in the story. For you have not see yet the real form of the True Self.

To end this letter, I wanted to share my plans for this story. The same reason the other writers I followed in the past leave or couldn't complete their stories can happen to me. If that happen, I may just spoilers the ending yet I promised myself to complete this story no matter what.

I want to add that I took this opportunity to take this experience as my first work as an aspiring writer. In the past I had so many stories, even write some chapters that my family say to me that were interest. And if I can not find a suitable job I can take this as the basics to take that career. So if you share your opinion, like/dislike this story and comment what you think of my work, I will really appreciated no matter if is good or bad. All feedback are welcome.

So here are my notes I want to share with you.

*The main 6 and any pony to their age will be young adults. This is to valid the mature part.
Twilight 19 years, Rarity 20 years, Fluttershy 19 years, Pinkamena Diane Pie 19 years, Rainbow 20 years, Applejack 23 years, Candance (Mi Amore Candeza) 24 years, Shinning 25 years, Luna 2000 years and Celestia 2900 years (maybe I don't know what is best for alicorns lifespans)

OC
*Shadow 22 (or not) years, Night Glade 27 years, Star Gazer 24 years, Scarlet Wind 21 years, Red Miracle 19 years, Iron Wing 58 years, Pink Heart 46 years, Strong Shield (Shinning ex roommate) 24 years, Solution (Scarlet roommate) 21 years

Terms

Terra, the name of the planet where this MLP universe was set. (if there is an official name please let me know, I never search for it XD)

Yami Tool/Unit, ponies/beings that were process to become tool and weapons to carry Lord Erebus promise to this world. They were stripped of their own personalities to be the perfect beings to carry out his plan, and his power.

Master/Users, ponies that were recognize by the system and are allow to use the Yami Tools as pawns on their personal plans

Yami System, the system that monitor Units and Users, orders and request on the system for information, actions and use of the promise of Lord Erebus

The Three Yami Commandments, the rules that Units, Users and the system must follow, to avoid misuse of the power they posses, including releasing the Yami Tool.

First Commandment. Who are you?

1 The Yami Tools. 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.

Second Commandment. Who you serve?

2 The Users. 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.

Third Commandment. Who you promised?

3 The Yami System. 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. For I failed on it, my existence, is worthless.

The promise, the pact that the gods make to the habitants to these universe as they give a part of their power to them. (The first one is the original as I imagine, second drafted version)

The Promise (Erebus, chaos)
Why we need to live in Harmony? Why do we need to coexist with others? My children, you do not have to live in the world of others. Take my gift, use it power, use it for yourself, use it for your dreams, wishes and desires. And take all for yourself, for your world, to create as your own world.

2

Why do we live in harmony? Why is it necessary to connect with others? My children, you do not belong in the world of others. Take my gift, use it with power, use it for yourself, use it for your dreams, wishes and desires. Create the whole world for you, for a world as your own.

The hope (Faust, harmony)
Why we need to live in Chaos? Why do we need to fight with others? My children, you can have a life in a world with others. Take my gift, use it power, use it for all of you, use it for your ideals, goals and beliefs. And give it to all of you, for a world, to create a world for all.

2

What is necessary to live Chaos? Why do we need to fight with others? My children, you can have a life with others. Accept my gift, use this power, use it for everyone, use it for your goals and beliefs. Give yourself to all for the world, to create a world for all.

True Self, is the concept and form of the true desires of the pony. This can considered as the shadows and personas in Persona series yet in here is a type of corruption that free the pony to do what it truly desire. Even if they know that is not the correct thing yet can't deny it.

'The true in our souls' is the book of the True realm and Erebus gift that was recognize, yes he wrote the book.

*Chronology of the main events

1. Discord win against Shadow first master and he fight for him on the war against Celestia. He is seal by the elements cutting his connection to the system. He sleep until the effect on the EOH were leaving from him and the Three Yami Commandments were restored.

2. Discord was still Shadow's master until his time to be seal by the EOH came. Passing the role of User to Celestia without telling. Luna was more focus on saving Shadow, until she discover the promise giving birth to Nightmare Moon's conquest ambition. With the intention to win Shadow's power and accept her jealousy from Celestia.

3.On the test of Twilight to open Spike's egg, Celestia recognize her activating the Second Commandment. When Twilight had enough and ask for real help, she activate the Commandments awaking Shadow from his sleep yet the master system was not working. This make Unit #2 be aware of the error.

1. After the castle arc, Shadow make a name on Ponyville making Fire started to study the Yami Legion. When the Nightmare Moon arc arrive, he theorize there are more Units, including the hunting orders of Unit #2. Following Shadow's trace, Unit #2 came to Everfree Forest but to late to prevent the spy team to send the report on Fire's notes. His targets soon were Gadget, Fire and Shadow, and any pony that was close to his real mission.

2. Twilight and Luna have recognize their feelings yet they know that will not be able to reach Shadow, neither he will be able to receive them. But both have decide to face the dangers and the obstacle, personals included, that will be coming in the future. Including Shadow's curse and their True Self.

Well that is all I can share at the moment. Again, thanks for ready my work and reaching so far. Also, if you like this type of narrative, the description narrative as I called, I can keep going for the second book. First update, I will need time to check the Season 1 content to have a draft for the second book, and will take time. Need to check again each chapter so can match the first season and make no mistake to change something from the first book.

So with this will end of my first book. Thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter.

Who are you?

Awake, your master call you, your new master waits. Now go and complete your orders, do no let any one oppose in your way, no matter what happen to you. A servant don't need generosity, nor need kindness and laugher, he only need to be honest and loyalty to his orders. For his master, he will do everything, for he will be there for his master, even if she don't need him. For she can trust him and he will face any danger, to make the world she desire, for his purpose is to complete it, yet his quest will never end. Because her world will change, since he is obliged to fulfill it or shall pay the price against the code. For every one will understand to recognize his role and the dangers that brings with it.

To be forever a shadow of the world.

Next, Who you promised? To her, my world

So, how are you been with Shadow?

Please! I need him to impress my old friend!

Greeting Shadow. I have to said... you look handsome on that outfit.

I am... an annoyance... to everypony... will be okay if I... disappear from your life?

For Trixie came from a far land to prove Trixie is the best! So Trixie challenge you!

We are weapons and tools for the children of this world... Shadow, isn't it, remember this words.

Beware of what is in your future to come, for fail is on your way for not overcome.

Even if I fight him at Combat Mode, the fight is still uncertain... and I may lose against it.

Shadow is our friend! He will protect us!

MUAJAJAJAJAJAJA!!! DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOU COULD JUST ASK FOR IT!!! YOU ARE REALLY JUST A FILLY!!! IN THIS DOG-EAT-DOG WORLD!!!

Shadow... no, Unit #3... are you... defective?

Who.. was she? Why... I am crying for?