Chapter 4, now go and complete your orders

Twilight Sparkle, a young unicorn mare of about 19 years old, got the position of the Princess's personal student. She was gifted with a talent for magic, so she could master all kinds of spells, but if it weren't for the incident involving a rainbow sonic boom, she might not be found in her early foalhood.

She also liked to acquire knowledge, she was always with a new book every week. She was only interested in educational or research studies so novels, gossip books and fiction were not included on her wish list. She was also responsible for every assignment and study she received.

That is why she was a bookworm and antisocial pony. His brother keep reminding her that.

"Come on Twilight, you should be out there and get ready for the Summer Sun Celebration coming in the next few weeks. You can't be here and put your head in books. It's not healthy and that's coming from somepony as lazy as me.", Spike said as he held up a stack of books that his 'sister' asked him to hold.

"Spike, I am Princess Celestia's #1 student. I have duties and studies, if I want to prove my worth I can't waste seconds on trivial things.", Twilight said as she looked for more books. "Going out will reduce my time on unproductive things that won't help my studies. So no, I won't go out that day."

"But it's no fun being shut-in. You don't even have friends, Twilight.", Spike blurted out. "At this rate you will feel alone for the rest of your life."

SIGH Twilight was tired of hearing the same advice she always received from everypony.

Until now, her life is mainly focused on her studies to become a student at the prestigious School for Gifted Unicorns, almost losing hope when she fails the exam to open Spike's egg. Only because her magic becomes frantic making her scared of herself and her magic. If it weren't for Princess Celestia appearing at that moment, she wouldn't be able to control her own emotions and magic.

It could harm her and others. 'That's right, I need to prove to Princess Celestia that she wasn't wrong in choosing me.'

After finding the book she was looking for, she placed it on the stack of books Spike was holding. "Friends are not going to help me with my studies. I have a duty to fulfill and they will only distract me.", she turns around to find the nearest desk. "I also have my parents, Shining, Cadance, Princess Celestia, and you. I don't need any more ponies in my life. I'm fine the way I am now."

"How about a colt-friend?", Spike responds by following Twilight. Now that they have enough books, she was able to start while Spike was behind. "Cadance always asks me if a colt has been flirting with you or if you finally put down the books to find him."

"As if need one. I already told Cadance that I don't need a stallion in my life.", Twilight respond to his little assistance.

They soon reach a desk and both began to unload the books on it. Just as she was sitting in the chair, Twilight began to open the books. Spike who finally freed himself from being a portable book loader, also began to go through the books she was carrying this time. And he was surprised by what he is reading.

"'Pony tales of the past', 'Myth, legends and tales of Equestria', 'Folklore and Tradition of Terra'? What are these books and why are most of them books for foals?", he said at loud when he pick up a book for bed for foals.

Spike didn't believe what Twilight got this time. "Are you telling me you're studying bedtime stories instead of going out and having fun? Come on Twilight, I know you don't have friends but the Summer Sun Celebration is coming up.", he said to his sister, where he begin to get worry for her.

Twilight was also not happy with her choice of topic to study. But it was necessary for what she discovered. "To be honest, Spike, I ran into an old Legend. And I think that's more than just a story, it's almost a warning of what's about to happen.", she answered him while remembering the history she discovered when she was studying Equestrian History in her free time.

"I don't believe in legends, but they must come from somewhere and I'm determined to discover the secret before it's too late.", she returned to her book without knowing that she had a visitor. "Besides, friends are just a burden. They can't help you at all.", she smiled to herself until a voice in the background answered her.

"I don't think that's true. They can give you support and power that you can't get alone.", says a mature female voice.

"Really? And how can they..?" she responds as she turns to look at her visitor, unaware that it was none other than her teacher, Princess Celestia. With her arms crossed under her big chest. "...help me?"

Twilight began to panic at her poor choice of tone, but she didn't get the chance to correct her mistake. Celestia smiles and takes the opportunity to lecture her. The importance of friendship.

"Well, for starters, they can be loyal to you and have your back. Some will be generous to help you with any problems you face. When you feel sad they will try to make you happy with a laugh. Also, if they are true friends they will be honest with you. And, with kindness, they can listen your concerns and offer helpful advice. That is the magic of friendship that I wish you could learn.", after finishing her speech, she went to her student's side to check what this time was where she decided to get stuck.

"The magic of Friendship?" Twilight put aside her embarrassment how she responded to her teacher, she was now curious what she was talking about now.

"Yes, Friendship is Magic. So Twilight, I wish you could try it, who knows. That magic can be beautiful for you once you have them.", once she got to the desk, she could see the topic of the day. And she was surprised to see the book with the story of her and her sister, The Mare on the Moon.

'So she finally found my clue.', Celestia had to freeze to show any emotion. After all, she put that story on her desk.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Celestia was actually looking for new holders of the Elements of Harmony currently. In the past, she and her sister were enough to be starters. But due to her mistakes and the pain she faces, her right to be the holder was weakened and she can no longer use them after a couple of hundred years ago.

She was part of the holders generation during her first years of ruling Equestria. Her time representing them ended after she lost his friends. Including her sister, she could not represent even one of the six in the present.

'But now the new generation is ready. And at a good time since my sister's return is approaching. With that demon.', hiding the truth from her student, she returns to her and does everything she can to guide Twilight to her destiny.

"So, do you have a new discovery you want to share with me?", she smiles with the same face she created and trains herself not to show her plans. Only a few didn't work on them.

Twilight was one that fell on it. "Yes, please don't get me wrong, but I found this legend that caught my attention... Princess Celestia, what do you know about legends?", Twilight ask her with the hope that she could be wrong. Her teacher had nothing against giving her opinion.

"Legends exist because somepony did the impossible at some point in history. Their story is marked by those who accompanied them or were those who faced them on their journey, sharing the story of what they achieved and archived in their lives in stories. Of course, some fables can be edited to capture the audience's attention. But what all legends have in common is that they have some origin that existed in the past.", Celestia answer her thanks to her experiences.

'So the tale can't be false at all. Better tell her sooner rather than later.', after letting her teacher's words sink into her mind, Twilight prepares her resolution. "Well, I found this legend. Is about an evil princess that become a tyrant and wanted to send Equestria, and possible Terra, to an eternal night. Sending us to our doom."

'I knew I needed to stop those bards before they altered history too much. Even if they forgot who my sister is, why choose that poor choice of words?', Celestia was lost in thought because anger had built up years ago. She, too, was angry because her subjects did not give her the love her sister sought when she inherited her mother's night.

'But I learned that you can't stop your subjects' imagination. It even scares me what they can think and write with that kind of imagination. I can believe that someponies want their story of having sex with me to be true, but why would they want to be reborn and become me? We will never know.', she remembers finding a book in a local store in the cities far from Canterlot that surprised her and was a hit.

'There were also those stories about me being his mother. But the scenarios they have given me if I get a foal now are really interesting. I wonder what it will be like to have a foal... or adopt one.', she return to reality when her student ask her another question.

Twilight asked, hoping that her teacher could give her the answer she wanted to find. "I reviewed the background of the story, some folklore notes and studied historical books of that time to discover its veracity. And I believe that this is a true legend and that the mare on the moon really existed. Do you believe me?"

Celestia returns to her and gives her a motherly smile to ease her worry. "Yes, I believe you. But I also think you're too worried that it's eating away at your health."

"What makes you say that?" Twilight did not want to confirm that from the moment she found Celestia's clue, she had been studying the subject for 24 hours straight.

"Because you have the book upside down.", Twilight turns around to see that the book she picked up is indeed upside down. Celestia also points to her tired eyes. "Your dark circles are blacker than before, when was the last time you slept well?"

"Ehhh... Last Friday?", she even ask herself if is true.

Celestia doesn't believe her and turns to Spike. "It was last Wednesday and today is Monday. You get the idea.", he confirmed her concerns. Maybe her exam was too much for her student alone.

"Twilight...", Celestia was worried, even to add her on her plans. She couldn't finish what she was about to say, Twilight's fear wouldn't let her.

"But it's because I want to show you my dignity! I will prove that I really deserve to be your student. I want you to be... proud of me.", Twilight responded with the last part softer so she couldn't hear her. But Celestia was already looking at her with pity in her eyes, because she had already recognized her.

'You have no idea you're better than me, Twilight. When my suspicions that you were my substitute to be the Holder of the Element of Magic were confirmed, fate wanted me to step aside and let you go towards your destiny. So, I recognize you now, Twilight.', she couldn't let those words out, she will have to prepare her when the time comes.

So Celestia decided to end her visit for now. "Well, I'm not going to stop you, but please think about when you should slow down and get a good rest, okay?", she turns around and prepares to leave as she continues.

"I will have the morning courts soon. But seeing how tired you are, we can leave today's teachings for another day. When you have rested enough.", she then turn to Spike. "Spike. How about you help her by asking the chef for a nutritious soup for Twilight? That might help her feel more comfortable falling asleep."

"OH! Good idea and I can ask the chef one of her new cupcake for me. On it!!!", Spike run but was stop by her sister.

"WAIT!", Spike turns around and his happy face turns to ashes as Twilight levitates a large stack of books and scrolls upon him. "If you go, take these books. I don't need it anymore, so please return them to the public library.", almost crushing the little guy in the process.

"Ugh... Of course. SIGH...", having already experienced the weight, Spike turned to leave the room. But not being asked by Celestia in the middle of the way.

"So Spike, could you tell me-", she couldn't finish because he was already used to those questions.

"She decide to stick in her books. No, she do not have plans. No, she will not go out. And no, she has no interest in meeting a special-pony.", he answer back without a delay. "I am also worry for her, most ponies call her weirdo, nerd and bookworm on her back. I just wish they could take the time to get to know her.", he soon leaves the room.

"I know Spike. I know.", Celestia turn to see her student. She was already in the book with her back to them. Without delay, she soon followed Spike and left the room. "I hope she meet a pony or someone who will change her life for the better."

When Celestia was leaving, her student listened as they left her alone. Now that Twilight has space to herself, she can finally focus on the book, turn it over, and begin her studies. But unbeknownst to her teacher and her brother Spike, she hears their every word. And a tear fell on her open book.

"SOB... I know they want the best for me... SOB... and I know what ponies call me on my back...", Twilight could not fight back the sadness she have pile up.

Throughout her life, the ponies could not understand her tastes and her way of life. Unfortunately, as a foal she was treated like a freak for her love of books, so she was unable to connect with other foals. Without mention her relationship experience were none to exist. However, she was still a young mare, so her feelings were still important to her.

"...SOB... And how many times I need to tell them, I do not need a colt in my life... But it could be nice to have one... Heh, who am I kidding, nopony will be interested in me....", she returned to her book wearily as her emotions took away some of her strengths.

She tries to concentrate and put her feelings aside. However, Celestia and Spike were right when they said she was tired. She resisted, but before she knew it, after a couple of minutes, she began to enter dreamland. Still struggling and mumbling her feelings.

"I... just wish that some... YAWN... could help me... need help... ZZZ...", with her eyes closed, she lowers her head onto the desk and lets her dreams embrace her.

Unaware that an invisible red thread has finally connected to his soul, and sends the wake-up call to a being that has been long enough asleep.

Now, 'Shadow' was watching the mare as she slept. And Twilight hasn't noticed it yet.

Some might say he was enjoying watching a friend or loved one sleep or someone with concern not to disturb their sleep. He could even be considered a degenerate stalking her. But none of these scenarios apply to him. No, he was trying to get the answer to his crusade, and he got it.

He could feel, through the magic of the Commandments, that his soul was connected to her. It will soon be able to prove its usefulness. You will soon be free of your fears about which path to take. It will soon fulfill its sole purpose. With that in mind, he approached her and raised a hand to wake her up.

But stop when she sleep talked again.

"...need.. to stop... Nightmare moon...", Twilight let out her concerns, but it were strong enough for him to hear.

His mind click knowing that was an order, or better call his master wishes. Making sure he heard correctly, he looked through the books she had placed in front of her. There were many books but only one stood out. It had a picture of a mare on the moon.

He took it and started reading it. It was the tale of the two sisters. It was said that the older sister was more loved and admired than the younger one, soon they quarreled between them and the younger sister was banished to the moon. The story also mentions the return of this cursed princess, as she was called by her new title, and how to stop her.

'Nightmare Moon, Elements of Harmony, Castle of the two princess...', he continue reading the notes of the mare on the desk.

Regardless of what she was doing, he got the idea that his new master wanted to stop or defeat this entity. He returned the notes, started thinking about this Nightmare Moon. Recognize the similarity of the story based on Celestia and Luna. But he couldn't understand what happened to them when he was imprisoned.

He began to remember Luna. He could only remember her from the few interactions he had, he didn't forget their final fight when he clashed swords with her. He entered that memory and began to analyze the information he had about Luna.

But when he gets to the point where he was 'defeated', he stops checking. He didn't know why, but during that moment he was conflicted with his actions and feelings. Something he had already gotten used to, yet he didn't know why he needed to apologize to her. Maybe, pity for her. The reason, unknown to him. He left that memory when they caught his attention.

"... must stop...her...", Twilight continue sleep talking, but for him was no difference than an order.

He did not continue remembering the past since it was no longer important to him. The important thing was to let his master know that he was here for her now. He turned to look at her, she was still dreaming and muttered a few words, but her worry was present on her face. He also notice the tiredness in her. He promises himself that he won't let her face the world alone.

And with that motivation he decides to wake her up. Only to receive a shield bash on his face.

"DON"T YOU DARE TO TOUCH MY BABY SISTER!!!", that was all he heard as he was sent flying to the other side.

CRASH

He went to crash a bookshelf and destroy it in the process. From the rubble he tries to get up and look up to see his new annoyance. He was able to recognize them immediately. And he already posed them as threats to eliminate.

One was the same purple dragon he helped before, Spike. The other, a guard with shields made of blueish magic. But looking closer he recognize that was the leader of the squad he meet on the garden, Shining. Who had murder eyes on him.

"What the?", Twilight woke up from the sudden explosion and looked around once she stood up. The first thing she detected were his brothers. "Shining! Spike! What is-" RUMBLE, she stopped when she heard debris moving on the other side.

There she turned and saw 'Shadow' get up as if nothing had happened.

"...What... what is happening!?", she screamed and got her answer when Spike grabbed her hand. He started dragging her out of the room.

"There's no time Twilight! We need to get out! Now!", he yelled and took her to a safe place.

Being dragged away by Spike, Twilight could only see 'Shadow's' figure and her red eyes for a moment. It was enough for them both to look into each other's eyes. Without knowing it, for no reason, they feel a connection as soon as their eyes meet. Time and space stop for both of them.

'Shadow' sees Twilight running away and makes him act like a little boy trying to reach his mother. As for Twilight, she realized that he was a threatening being and for some reason she felt safer with him than with Spike.

His entire appearance exuded danger, but she felt that she was safe and would be protected by this unknown dark being, as he was there for her. She didn't even know why she felt sad when he raised his hand to try to reach her. Later to receive another shield hit.

"You're not going to get her!!!", Shining Armor strike 'Shadow' and push him away from Twilight.

"Eh..?", finally free from her dream, she only could see his brother facing the dark warrior. "Hold on!", she tried to stop them, but Spike was able to get her out of the room where the shadow and the guard were engaged in battle.

Shining, furious, hits 'Shadow's' head with his magical shields, managing to get him away from his sister. His anger at witnessing how he was about to lay his hand on Twilight caused him to lose control and he wanted nothing more than to bash 'Shadow' out of the castle. And he does this by concentrating more magic on his shield. Make them bigger and send them flying towards him.

"Pray that you can FLY!!!", Shining sends his large shield at the still stunned 'Shadow'. Still in the dream, he was sent out of the room through the window.

As the glass shattered and his body floated in the air, 'Shadow's' mind was able to escape the dream. He couldn't believe how close and at the same time far away he was from his teacher. As his body began to fall, anger began to build up. When he finally realizes that he is being denied his purpose, he has the desire to pulverize and crush any fool who stands in his way.

And so, he decides to throw away all worries about collateral damage and decides to fight back.

With a twist of his body, 'Shadow' could tell that he was about to crash into a tower. With his skill, he dodged the tower while in the air and took out his right sword. He nails it to the wall of the tower, without letting go, to stop its fall.

Soon he was level with the lower roof of the castle. From there, jump towards the ceiling while rolling to soften the impact of the fall. As soon as he stood up on the roof, he turned his head to look towards the window where he came from. While Shining observed his skill from afar.

"Is this guy for real?", he said, thinking out loud as he prepared a teleportation spell to go towards him. 'No, I must consider everything everypony told me about him.'

When he opened his eyes, Shining was now standing on the same roof as 'Shadow'. Before reaching the tower, he was thinking not only about the warnings of his comrades but also those of his master, Iron Wing.

'The intruder is known as The Shadow Blade, a legendary being of unknown origins. All we know is that his skills as a warrior are superior to mine.', Shining still couldn't believe those words but he had no options when he discovered that 'Shadow' was in the tower where his sister studied.

"And now that I've seen him in action, I won't let him go", he said when he was on the roof in front of 'Shadow'. "I do not know what you want with my sister, but Tartarus I will let you be near her!", Shining manifest his magic shields on his shoulders and vital parts. He also create two more in his hands, ready to bash his head.

'Shadow', tired of so much interference, took out his other sword and prepared to fight Shining. He was about to attack him and let him know what true pain really is. WHIZZ Until the sound of flapping wings was heard with the sound of something piercing the air.

As soon as he realized it, he jumped backwards with a somersault, avoiding the spear that was about to put a hole in his back. Afraid of a counterattack, Iron Wing flew past and did not stop until he reached where Shining was. He stops on Shining's right side as he turns around to stand next to him.

"So the legends are correct, you are a top-level warrior.", Iron smiled as 'Shadow' stood up without wasting a second. Iron watched his movement and was impressed that there were no weak points in his stance to exploit. "That was a good dodge, I expected my speed to be the best. But I see that there will always be someone better than you."

The latter was not said to him or Shadow but to Shining. He turns to see his master about to ask what he means, but stops when Iron deploys his left wing upside down. There, on its wing, you could see how it was well protected by wing armor with plates to protect the bones and muscles of the wings.

Furthermore, a small scratch, a sword cut, could be seen. With wide eyes, Shining looks at his master and he responds with a nod.

Iron nodded in response seeing that his message was received. "This may be the final battle I was looking for. Shining, you better prepare yourself and don't dare think this will be easy. After all, your prey will always bite you when cornered.", Iron turns to give his full attention to 'Shadow'.

Shining did the same and could not denied what he just witness. "Or it could be we are the preys.", he answer with all his willpower to not back down from the killing instinct he perceived.

'Shadow' studies the new enemy that enters his crusade, it was a pegasus stallion with silver fur and cobalt mane. His armor design was better than that of Shining, who was a squad leader, so the idea that he is an elite guard or someone with a higher rank came to mind. It had the same type of armor but with better material. While Shining had leather pants, Iron wore his full battle armor, so he had metal lower armor.

Iron's armor was still white like his companions and had an alloy that was lighter but stronger for Pegasus. But 'Shadow' also notices the golden magical runes and stripes that run across the plates on his top, making him look like a white and gold counterpart to himself. As he is a pegasus, he also has armor for his wings, there were covering plates to protect the forearm section of his wings, as well as chain mail armor on the joints of his wings.

'How annoying.', that's why 'Shadow' was more irritated since his counterattack to Iron's airstrike was ineffective.

His goal was more than just a scratch on the armor plate. He hoped to sever nerves or a muscle so that the wings would be unable to fly. The second type of enemy he is bothered to fight are the winged types. They always preferred to stay away from him in the air. But once their wings are clipped, they are easy prey for him.

His rage was rising to new levels and he let out his aura, wanting to pulverize them. However, he was controlling himself when he saw Iron throwing his spear.

Puzzled, he began to analyze Iron's equipment. He had the same set: a spear, a shield and a spare sword. But Iron decides to get rid of all that and take out his personal weapon. A two-handed double-sided warhammer. Now 'Shadow' knew he had to take this fight seriously.

Iron noticed 'Shadow's change in altitude, so he smiled and mocked him. "It's good to see that you're taking me seriously. Because I'm putting all my strength into this fight. I hope your fragile swords can withstand my warhammer."

When he received no response, but seeing 'Shadow' preparing to fight him, his blood boiled for an epic fight. "Well, I hope you don't die so easily.", and a fight was about to start.

The castle was in crisis mode, all civilians were evacuated or placed in safe rooms where guards were ready to defend them. An alarm that disturbed the peace of her home sounded as her messenger shouted throughout the castle. And all her available guards were moving from one place to another to try to find him.

Just like old times, Celestia was still not happy about it. "I hate it when Discord sends him to steal my panties. But now, I'm afraid of what he might want this time."

Celestia, the moment she dispatched her guards from the throne room, went straight to her room. Unfortunately for her, this situation has happened before, like 6 times. Her assumption was to check if anything had been stolen from her room, that's what she expected. When she finished her search spell and found no missing items or underwear, she feared that Discord was no longer the mastermind this time.

"I want to believe that they both escaped together, but if it's just 'Shadow Blade' that escaped then... what does he want?", she closes her closet as soon as she confirms that none of her dresses, not even the one she no longer liked, have come out. "Could it be that he is now free of his shackles? Now he can do whatever he wants... but... what does 'Shadow' want to start with?"

Even if she didn't want to admit it, she had no idea who or what 'The Shadow Blade' really is. She only names him because of the way her subject sees him. He never spoke to anypony since Discord spoke for him, and only responded when his master asked a question, and it didn't help if they were meaningless questions.

"I'd better abandon my memories. Discord didn't know much about him either. But I do know something about him.", she closes her eyes and focuses on the last place she left it.

With a determination she didn't want to set, Celestia used a teleportation spell and went to a section of her tower where her room was located. Hidden from the castle staff and only accessible to her was her secret room, where she hid the most important magical items, records, travels, and her personal chest. A chest she hadn't opened in a long time.

Once she teleported in front of that chest, Celestia stared at it for a long time. She mentally debated whether it was necessary or not. But she knowing that there were a few, only capable of defeating the 'Shadow Blade', she knew. She had no choice.

She looked behind her back where the brooch on her dress was. She undid the knot and her dress fell to the floor leaving her naked body exposed in just her panties. As an alicorn, once he reached adulthood, he received a model body that all the mares and stallions wanted to see. She had the classic hourglass figure, her breasts were large but not too large for her figure (DD), and she stood almost 7 feet tall with pure white fur and wings while her bright multicolored auroral astral mane fell over her body.

All the ponies who admire her could tell her that she was the representation of beauty and sensuality. But she replied 'does that also include my scars?'.

Over time, Equestria has faced multiple dangers and wars. Some leave a mark on her. Even if there were magical methods to heal wounds and with her magical regeneration trait of the alicorn species, Celestia was in the group to leave them and heal over time. Because she wanted to take them and remember the times she spent alone and with her old friends. With the naked eye, the scars could not be seen, but upon getting closer, anypony could feel and see the wounds she received long ago. Many times.

Between her breast and her ribs were some stab scars from multiple murders, from assassins from many forces of dark and enemy nations who were lucky to reach her, but were ineffective and unable to do the job. However, she keeps it to remind her not to trust first impressions.

She had scars on her shoulders and arms, even her thighs, from past wars. She keeps them as a reminder that not all fighters will accept defeat, even at death's door. They were mistakes he made in the past and each one marks his life.

Not to mention the burn mark on the left side of her chest, a burn from a spell she received the last time she saw her sister.

Without thinking, Celestia runs her right hand over that burn mark. 'I know you didn't mean it, Luna.' Celestia had already forgiven her sister. 'But I will never let your demon get away.'

She was not going to allow her sister and her subjects to come to harm in any way. Without wasting any more time, she opened the chest and was greeted by a reflected light. Telling her that it's magic still works.

'And that goes for you too, 'Shadow'.', she thought as her reflection appeared on the red sword she pulled out.

"Spike, stop! What was that thing and what's going on?", Twilight asks as they exit the tower and are now heading to the dining hall where the guards are stationed to protect the civilians.

"I do not... know what... HUFF I need to exercise more!", Spike quickly became breathless as his body was in worse shape than his sister's. "Should I stop eating emerald cupcakes? Noooo, eating something green must be healthy for you. Hahaha."

"First, they're not healthy. Second, you do need to exercise. And third, WHAT IN TARTARUS IS GOING ON!!!", Twilight yells in his face.

Before answering her, Spike turned his head to make sure they were safe, once he confirmed that he did everything he could to inform her. "Okay, first the guards are evacuating all the ponies because a dangerous intruder has infiltrated the castle.", after that he started moving again.

"What do you mean?" Twilight, still confused, had no choice but to follow Spike as he continued to explain.

"All I know is that a strange dark being enters the castle. Leaf was the first to see him, but nopony believed her until he appeared in the throne room. The guards call him 'The Shadow Blade.'", he stops at a corner of the hallway and looks for any danger. "The next thing that happened was he went towards Princess Celestia but she and her guards were able to repel him."

"A dark being?... Wait, you mean that thing that was in the study room?", realizing that a strange pony was watching her while she slept gave her goosebumps. "But what is he looking for?"

"I... I don't know?", he stopped and was lost in thought. Spike wasn't convinced he posed any danger, after all he was saved from that vase by him. "I actually met him and he didn't seem to want to hurt anypony, he looks threatening but seems friendly once you get used to it."

Twilight was surprised by his statement. "Wait, you met him? When?"

Spike check and turn to the next hallway while talking to her. "I almost drop a vase on myself, but he appears out of nowhere and catches it. I almost ran out of there, however, I tried to talk to him, but I got no response. The strange thing is that he disappeared and I was dragged from where I found him before I could look for him. The next thing I know, Princess Celestia alerts the entire castle that we are under attack."

"And then? Princess Celestia was injured?!", almost getting the idea that 'Shadow' appears to take her life.

But her concern only gained another mystery from what Spike later told. "Not as far as I know. I was on my way in the middle to alert you until I ran into Shining saying that he was after him, in the end we both decided to pick you up from the tower where I left you. From what Shining told me, we don't know what he's looking for, but he might miss his chance to reach Princess Celestia and maybe went to look for another target."

Soon Spike realizes why Shining was desperate to stop him. "Could it be that he is after your life?!"

Twilight was also freaking out at the thought, but soon remembers the moment her eyes met his. "I... I think so?", she can't deny her fear and the shock she got, but somehow, she was sure that he had no bad intentions or was hostile towards her.

She was then confused why somepony appeared behind her.

CRASH Unfortunately her thoughts were interrupted when something fell from the ceiling.

"What the?", from a nearby window in the hallway, she could see something terrifying. Shining fell from the roof and crashed into the water inside a nearby fountain in one of the castle's courtyards.

"BROTHER!!!", she teleports to the courtyard. She was about to dive into the water but Shining surfaced on the other side. There she turned around and helped her brother up to the edge.

BLEURGH COUGH COUGH

Shining took his time to spill out the water, Twilight only helps him to his feet, but soon discovers the bruises he had on most of his armor and body, and mainly on his face. "Shining, what happened to you? Who did this?!"

Before she got the answer from him, or rather, got the answer another way, another body fell from the ceiling right next to her.

BANG Unfortunately, it did not fall into the water and a strong impact destroyed most of the floor tiles. When that collides, she closes her eyes as Shining rushes in to protect her.

To protect his sister, Shining set up a last-minute magic shield so the debris wouldn't hurt them. When Twilight opened her eyes she could see nothing but a large cloud of dust, and a large dark figure standing within it.

"Twilight, get out of here, NOW!!!", Shining let go of her and started running with his magic shield in front towards it.

Soon the dark figure threw something at him and he prepared to bash it. But he stops and deactivates his spell when he discovers out what it is. Opening his arms he prepared to catch it, even so, the force of the throw was greater than he could sustain. As a result, Shining was also dragged along with him. The impact sent him and the object in front of Twilight back towards her, who could now see what it was. It was Iron Wing and he was also injured with multiple wounds. But a large cut on his chest made her think he was dead.

Twilight is about to ask what was going on, then she hears loud footsteps. She turns to see 'Shadow' come out of the dust cloud. His red stripes and red eyes were brighter than before and she could see him clearly now. And she was scared of what she feels.

When 'Shadow' stopped in front of them, only anger was present in his bloody red eyes.

Author's Note

Another quick notice. I plan to do my version of the characters. Some may be slightly different but I will do my best to capture their personalities, still they are my versions just keep that in mind.