Who you promised? To her, my world

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1 The desires tickets

Prologue

Prologue of a Promise

That's when I knew they were right.

At the dawn of Terra, Lady Faust, the goddess of Harmony and Light, and Lord Erebus, the god of Chaos and Darkness, united their powers to stabilize the nascent universe. Upon completing their task, Terra emerged as a unique planet, capable of supporting life like no other, thanks to its magical mantle and core.

As Terra flourished with diverse species, the descendants of Faust established the Alicorn Kingdom, with King Solaris and Queen Polaris reigning from the throne. Meanwhile, the descendants of Erebus, the Draconequus, chose to live independently, indifferent to the structured ways of the Alicorns.

Soon, a conflict erupted, known as the Ancient Alicorn War.

Both Lady Faust and Lord Erebus observed the growing friction between their descendants and feared that their war would destroy the world they had created. To prevent this, they bestowed gifts upon the inhabitants of Terra.

Lady Faust created the Elements of Harmony, powerful artifacts designed to ensure that everyone could live in Harmony. These elements; Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, and Loyalty; combined to enhance the Element of Magic, which our mother goddess called the Magic of Friendship.

We, the Alicorns and our allies, harnessed the potential of these gifts. By adhering to the path of Harmony and embracing the teachings of coexistence, we were able to thwart the followers of Chaos. Their vision of so called freedom, which we saw as selfishness and destructive disorder, was ultimately defeated.

That's how the history books tell it. But I, Solaris, when I was heir to the throne, just a young prince and soldier, never considered it a war. To me, it was a judgment of the gods.

When I woke up that day, I could never have imagined that I would be staring into the eyes of a female Draconequus. I was breathing frenetically beneath her. Her lion head was sweating, and I could feel the drops on my face, forgetting how close our faces were. We were just staring at each other, her eagle wings covering the two of us without energy after the struggle we had together.

We spent a significant amount of time together. Now that I think about it, I truly wonder if our paths could have taken different routes. If things had been different, could we have been friends as our beliefs claim? Could we have known each other better? And as that friend told me, could she have been my better half, my soulmate? Well, I do not know. Those answers will never be discovered, and of course, Polaris wouldn't want to know.

I couldn't ask anything about it, as I could feel her lion's claws on my neck. After leaving a piercing wound, my spear on her chest finally finished her off. This is a war, after all.

I couldn't bear to hold it any longer. Pushing her to the side only drove my spear deeper into her. Her blood flowed from the wound, soaking through her war armor and bathing mine. The next thing I knew, we had changed places, but nothing changed between us.

The lioness Draconequus kept her gaze of hatred fixed on me, penetrating my soul. I must admit, her will was stronger than mine; she never let go of my neck. She tried with all her might to continue, but even with her heart pierced, she couldn't. And I looked at her, never taking my eyes off her.

I could see how she never lost the will to finish me. I never knew when her arms gave way. Her conviction impressed me so much that I didn't notice her lying limply on her back, her wings drooping on the ground. For a moment, I thought she might do something at the last second. I knew her race had snake-shaped tails, but she had already lost hers before seeing me. I remembered it when it was all over.

She, a true warrior, wearing what my friend called Mughal leather armor, stared at me. While I, a prince in my Roman armor according to him, trembled as I held the spear. It wasn't until that moment that I realized how cowardly I was.

My friend was right. The children of a world of peace will never understand those born from war.

I never believed in those words. But how could I? I was born in a different world than the one they grew up in. They constantly fought to survive in their world, while I never had to. If I had listened and learned better, I might have avoided this so-called war.

We were not at war with the Draconequus. I didn't feel it when that Draconequus attacked me because I never fought her from the beginning. War requires two sides, not one.

I was not at war with her, nor with her people, nor were my people at war with them. It was the Alicorn High Court and the Draconequus Primes that were at war. It pained me when the light in her eyes went out.

No matter how long I remember standing there, I can't recall how long I stood over her body, still holding the spear to her chest while my blood dripped from my neck and chest. I didn't want to let go of my weapon. Although it wasn't my first time taking a life, her death had a greater impact than I imagined. It showed me how different we were, and also how similar we didn't realize.

In that moment, I understood the true cost of this conflict. We were not them. We were merely caught in the crossfire of their war. They were not fighting for us, but for themselves.

On this battlefield, amidst their battle, I realized I wasn't doing anything meaningful. When it dawned on me that I couldn't save anyone there, I fell to my knees and cried.

I was supposed to be doing what a prince would do for his kingdom, but I never asked what the kingdom truly wanted. I arrived hoping to prevent the conflict, unaware that the Alicorn High Court had convinced the Elements of Harmony to use their magic for a spell.

They called it land reclamation, but for the Draconequus, it was confinement and gathering. Although the Elements of Harmony offered us a better option than fighting, it didn't mean the Draconequus agreed to be turned to stone.

Naturally, they were going to respond. This lioness Draconequus was trying to save those she could, and all who accompanied her clashed swords with us.

That is when they— "Luna."

"Eep!", I exclaimed, quickly closing my father's diary when I realized I had been caught. But I knew I was in trouble; it was his voice, after all. I turned to him. "Father! Hi! Well, this is not what it seems."

"If you mean that you didn't come into my study, make a mess, and that you're not reading my diary... well, it's not what it seems. But what do you think?", my old father said, entering with his cane.

At his words, I looked around and saw that I had indeed made a mess in his study in our castle. Feeling guilty, I realized that continuing to hide the book behind me was unnecessary. "Okay. I admit that I was caught red-handed. But I was doing some research when something crossed my mind. And—"

"And didn't you think to ask me first?", he continued, walking around with his cane, using his magic to pick up and rearrange his books while reading some of them, checking what I was researching. For being an old white-furred Alicorn stallion with a greyish-red mane, he was still magically strong. "You are not trying to take shortcuts to increase your magical core, are you?"

"What?! DAD!", I couldn't believe he said that. "Just because Celestia had her ascension party doesn't mean I'm desperate.", I was angry because he thought about that topic like the rest.

But he saw more than that. "Hehehe~ I'm sorry, my daughter. I was joking to make you comfortable with me. Can you tell me now why you are really desperate?"

I was surprised that he knew. But I was an Alicorn filly at the time, while he was around 60, according to our subjects. Apart from his leg wound, it didn't show that he was an old king with nearly a thousand years of age. He was still a wise king. I wished I hadn't fought with my sister and wasted his last years with us.

At that time, I was not myself. No, I was a different 'I' altogether. Even in his last days with us, my eyes were on my sister. I was focused on what I wanted and lost sight of what my father wanted. He had hopes for Discord's redemption, and he was devastated when we brought Discord back in stone that day. And with what I read up that day, I should have known.

In the end, all this is just an old memory. All I can do now is remember what happened next.

Embarrassed, I pondered what to say. It was something I still couldn't say out loud, even today. "Don't take this the wrong way— It's not that I'm thinking about it, but... I'm curious about a pony we've met. But it's not that I have any weird motives and........ I am interested in having my own Knight. There, I said it. Happy?"

My father refrained from laughing at me. Between us, he was supposed to have been my Knight when I was little. Admitting this in front of him felt too much like confessing that I was in love with somepony. Would he be happy knowing who I'm in love with now?

That's why it was strange when he said he didn't know. "Okay, I'll accept that my little Lulu is in love. But does this interest in your 'Knight' have anything to do with Discord's servant? The same one who appeared at Celestia's party? The same friend who played with you, Celestia, and Discord?"

"Yes. Since that day, Discord has abused his servant and has been bothering us for weeks with his jokes, pranks, and—why did you say it like that?", I stopped dead when I noticed my father's tone.

"Because those two announced themselves to the entire castle with Celestia chasing them.", he said, having already arranged the room and put all the books back in their places. "I don't know if you want to join them. I think your sister will appreciate your help, especially since she can't control her new alicorn magic."

BOOM. Only when I was out of his diary could I hear the chaos those three were causing.

"Hmm. That was heard near here... Are they in the garden?", my father went to the nearby window to check. "If you hurry, maybe you can stop them from destroying your mom's garden. And with that, stop your mom from destroying the castle."

I knew he was smiling while I was complaining. "SIGH... If only those two could freely admit their stupid love. I'm on my way.", that's what I said, but I stopped at the door.

I was irritated with my sister and her clown, and that clown's clown, not realizing I had the diary with me. But it stopped me when I raised it to my face and thought about what I had read. I could finish reading it later, or I could ask to borrow it, but I chose to leave it behind.

And then I asked him, "Father... you once told us that you knew many cultures that no longer exist today. Where did you hear the word 'Yami'?... Do you know what a Yami Tool is?"

While I went back inside and left his journal on a nearby table, my father continued to turn his back to me as he checked the garden. From that moment until now, I never knew what kind of face he had when I mentioned the Yami Tools, or what he thought when he didn't answer me.

All I knew was that it triggered something in his mind. But I was a filly who obeyed her father, so I didn't ask why the silence or why his face was the same every time he replied.

The same happy eyes and smile turned to me, as if my question didn't affect him. "Sorry, my daughter. I can't tell you anything about the Yami Tools."

"Princess?"

"Hmm?!", Luna woke up from her daytime sleep and turned to her Captain of the Royal Night.

"Princess, although I'm impressed that you're an expert at sleeping standing up with your eyes open, this is not the time for a recovery nap.", Captain Azure Breeze, formerly Wind, pointed out while standing next to her.

"Sorry. SIGH... I let my mind wander back to an old memory.", she said, rubbing her eyes to shake off the little insomnia she had. "Please, tell me that nopony noticed."

Luna had not yet gotten used to her new life since being purified by the Elements. While she had already recovered some of her magical strength, her physical body and mind still needed to adjust to her new home. She might have taken a nap after some pending work with her night guard force last night, but she wasted time instead of using a teleportation spell to try to memorize her sister's castle, now their castle. On this moment, she paid for her mistake by attending the funeral scheduled for that day.

Along with her Captain of the Royal Night, Captain Star Gazer of her magic squad, and Sergeant Glade, Luna stood not far from the funeral as a coffin was placed in the Canterlot Cemetery's Memorial Garden.

All the ponies who attended the funeral were saying goodbye to the empty coffin. They were accepting that the Chief of Espionage, Secret Gadget, was dead and lost forever.

Unknown to everyone, Gadget had a subordinate who followed his activities, including his living status. This agent was not in the records of the militia, the princess's army, or the royal guard system. This agent had only one mission, help Gadget to report his disappearance. And with it, his death.

This agent appeared at the castle gate with a letter of confirmation and Gadget's last reported mission. When the conditions were met, and the agent, who knew Gadget well, delivered the news. Princess Celestia and all those close to him finally got an answer to their question. Today, all these ponies gather to say goodbye to Gadget, a friend, ally, and son.

Wearing a simple black dress and a black sun hat, Luna came to show her respect, even though she had never met Gadget. Luna watched from behind as a mother and her pregnant daughter cried over the coffin where Gadget's body was supposed to be. It hurt Luna to see this; it reminded her of her father.

Seeing the grieving family, Luna felt a pang of empathy. She was understanding their pain very well. Her father's absence was becoming a constant shadow over her life. Now, having recovered, she knew well what she had missed. She often wondered what he would think of her now, how he would advise her after she had failed to avoid becoming prey to her desires.

As the ceremony continued, Luna silently vowed to honor her father's memory by being the leader he had always believed she could be. She would carry his teachings with her, striving to make him proud. Not the monster she had become when she was infected during his final years.

Her captain, dressed for the occasion along with Star and Glade, stood behind her. "Don't worry. Anypony who hasn't seen a good example of sleeping with their eyes open won't notice. Also, your hat hides the expression you just made a moment ago."

"Uh... Is that so?", was all she said as she lowered her hat further. She wasn't ignoring her sister's speech or any of the other guests, including Fort, who refused to sit with his wife like everypony else.

Luna didn't want anypony to see her expression as she thought about Gadget's disappearance and death.

'I already checked my cult, even the reports that Gadget was handling before his disappearance. I even used my fog clones to check his latest whereabouts and still got nothing... Heh. Like last time. I have no proof, but I will never doubt it.'

Under her sun hat, Luna wore a serious expression, her eyes showing determination. She wasn't content to show it with just a small grimace. She wasn't angry with her thoughts; rather, she was motivated not to fail this time.

'With the disappearance of Fire, one leader of my cult, it is proof enough for me that the two of them being out of this world is not a mere coincidence. I may not know Stellar Spell's past, but I know that what he did as Fire and with Gadget makes sense to me. Both were targets of the Yami System. But why? And how to prevent it happen again?'

Luna managed to relax her face before adjust her sun hat as she returned to the funeral. She saw that her sister had finished her speech, and it was time to bury the coffin with photos and personal items from Gadget's relatives.

As the funeral progressed, Luna and her group remained in the background. She wasn't surprised when her sister began walking towards her. Celestia, also wearing a simple black dress, had finished her duties for the moment and joined her.

Both sisters stood side by side, paying their respects at the funeral. Only when it was over and the ponies began to leave did Celestia finally speak to Luna. "Luna, be careful in your next move. I wish I could do it myself, but I think you are the most qualified pony to handle this."

"Thank you, sister. I hope I can bring justice, but our justice may mean nothing to them," Luna replied, turning to leave so Celestia could attend to the remaining guests.

Before departing, she made a solemn vow. "The Yami Legion has made their move... now it is our turn to respond."

Author's Note

Hello to all my wonderful readers from the first book, and a warm welcome to new readers joining us on this journey! As a new writer, I am thrilled to share that the story is finally taking shape. Although time is tight, I am dedicated to bringing you a compelling narrative.

I hope you enjoyed my first book and are excited for what's to come. The second book is currently in progress, and I am using a new method to ensure that each chapter is complete before uploading.

Thank you for your support and patience. I can't wait for you to dive into the next part of this adventure!

Chapter 1 The desires tickets

It was a new day for the ponies in Ponyville, and the dawn was perfect for them to begin their daily lives.

The town's street activities began as usual. Each pony prepared at home to go to their respective jobs. Luckily for the foals, it was the weekend, so there was no school for them and for the only teacher in town. Shops began to open their doors while merchants set up their stalls in the street market.

Everypony started going out to do their chores, jobs, or whatever they had promised to do. A certain young adult purple mare and her dark metal servant started their day at the farm of one of their friends.

"I have to admit... working in the open field feels nice.", Twilight, the nearly 20-year-old purple unicorn wearing a white shirt underneath a brown vest and a dark green skirt with black shorts underneath, breathed in her first day at her new home on her friend Applejack's farm. "Coming here often wouldn't be so bad."

"If you mean making me work here, then don't count on me!", her brother Spike, the baby dragon with purple scales and green fins, wearing a green shirt with a purple flame design and brown shorts, said at her side. "I could be helping my princess right now! I need to take advantage while he's occupied."

Sweet Apple Acres, the farm owned by Applejack and her family, was a sprawling expanse of lush green fields and orchards filled with apple trees. The scent of fresh apples filled the air, and the sound of birds chirping added to the serene atmosphere. Rows of apple trees stretched as far as the eye could see, their branches heavy with ripe, red apples ready for harvest. The farmhouse, a cozy wooden structure with a red roof, stood proudly in the center of the farm, surrounded by various barns and sheds.

The two of them check the great farm of their new friends. And in the farm, they observe how one of their new 'friend' is occupied.

Shadow, the human Yami Tool, stood in the middle of the farm.

Clothed in dark black armor with streaks of dark red blood across some of the plates on his armor and helmet, and between the joints of his legs and arms, he cut an imposing figure. His head was round and without a snout, and his red eyes shone with power. His armor glinted in the sunlight as the foals pranced around him.

"Show us your strength, mighty knight!", one earth filly exclaimed.

"Yeah, lift that boulder over there!", another earth colt chimed in.

"Can you swing your sword and make the wind howl?", an unicorn colt asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Bet you can jump over that fence in a single bound!", a particularly energetic pegasus filly suggested, bouncing on her hooves.

"Do you have a dragon? Can you call it here?", another filly inquired, looking around expectantly. This made Spike's eyes widen.

"Can you make the ground shake with a stomp?", a thin and small earth colt wondered aloud, trying to mimic a powerful stomp with his tiny hooves.

"How about a magic trick? Can you make us fly?", an unicorn filly with a vivid imagination asked, flapping her little arms as if they were wings.

The foals giggled and continued to pester him, their tiny voices echoing around the farm. Shadow's friends couldn't help but be impressed upon seeing him like this.

"Looks like he's got his hands full.", Spike teased. "Still can't believe he's a mortal weapon or whatever a Yami Tool is. Doesn't seem like it if his orders would be enduring the requests of tiny, unbearable foals."

"Spike, don't make fun of him.", Twilight said, trying to defend him. "I told him not to accept any more requests from them, so all he can do is put up with it. I should have known better when Apple Bloom asked him to launch her into the sky... SIGH. It'll take another afternoon to think again the list of orders I gave him. I can't believe I didn't see this coming from Apple Bloom."

The creator of this rare event was none other than Apple Bloom, the same earth filly with a mane of red hair and yellow fur, wearing her blue farm overalls with an orange shirt tucked in and a red bow on her head. She stood with her arms crossed, looking down at the other foals.

Sitting on top of Shadow's left shoulder with a smile of superiority, Apple Bloom was clearly enjoying her newfound popularity.

When the real owner felt like she was being taken for a fool. "I thought she wanted to see again Shadow, not to use him as a throne chair."

"Well, I don't blame her. I'd like to see the world from up there too... But I have to admit, Shadow is doing a good job of distracting those foals.", Spike said, placing his hand on his waist while his sister stood beside him with her arms crossed. "If it were me, I would've exploded by now."

While both of them could only watch from afar, Apple Bloom, with her newfound popularity, began her speech that she had practiced the whole night before.

"Ahem.", all eyes of every foal fell on Apple Bloom. "Ah want to thank all the ponies who came today. Ah ma sure that no pony believed me before. They called me little liar, story spinner, mischief foal, and worse, blank flank bluff. For days, Ah have been carryin' these insults... but also buildin' up ma resilience and patience not to tell them they are wrong."

Every foal, even Twilight and Spike, had their eyes on her. Even the two fillies who were watching from afar were part of the group that Apple Bloom glanced at during the last part.

Apple Bloom smiled and raised her chin, showing those two before continuing. "Since then, Ah set ma determination to stay honest and true to what Ah said. Ma inner strength never wavered in the face of accusations. And... and... what do ya call it again?"

Raising his head, Shadow turned to her. "Integrity."

"Oh! Yeah, integitea.", Apple Bloom went back to her speech. "Ah stayed integaty —Integrity— yeah, whatever, to promote ma principles and values. And here we are. As promised, ma best friend Shadow, the same Shadow Blade of the Everfree Forest, came today at ma request. To tell all of ya... HA! Ah told ya!"

Leaving behind her mask, Apple Bloom finally was able to say all this to every pony. She even turned to the two fillies and stuck her tongue out at them. Everypony was not surprised, since Shadow's 'Welcome to Ponyville' party made them believe her. They just came to see if he would show up.

"Ah told all of ya Ah was friends with Shadow! And he is a friend of mine!", Apple Bloom continued in her moment. "And as a friend, Ah will be the only filly he will pay attention to! So if any of ya wish or even dream to become his friend, you will need my approval! Because we cover each other's backs. And Ah will not let any pony harm him just as he will stop any pony from harming me."

"But will he protect ya from ya chores?", a very familiar voice with a distinct accent asked.

"Chores? Ha!", Apple Bloom crossed her arms and raised her head with her eyes closed. "What are chores with The Shadow Blade at ma side! Ah know he'll come to ma rescue with my barn chores, my school homework, and... the scolds... of ma sister."

Applejack, who had been listening with a proud smile behind her, couldn't resist adding. "Well, if The Shadow Blade can handle all that, maybe he can help me with my apple buckin' too! Like his original purpose for being here. But Ah reckon even a mighty warrior like him might need protection from ya endless list of evil chores."

Apple Bloom opened her eyes and grinned sheepishly. "Uh, maybe ah should handle that one myself... and maybe ma homework too..."

Applejack chuckled. "Hehehe. That's what Ah thought. Now, how about ya start with cleanin' ya room, Miss 'friend of the Shadow Blade'? Ah don't think Shadow signed up to deal with ya clothes monster plague."

"Okay! Ah will do it, just stop, please!", Apple Bloom realized her popularity was at risk. She couldn't bear the thought of being called a baby for not picking up her clothes, especially with the other foals laughing at Applejack's joke.

When it was over, Applejack declared that the reunion to see The Shadow Blade had ended and guided the foals back to the entrance where their parents were waiting, with Granny Smith selling apple pies. After making sure everypony was taken care of and sending Apple Bloom to clean her room and finish her homework, Applejack was able to work on her chores while talking to Twilight.

"Sorry about ma sister, Twilight.", Applejack exclaimed as she carried a bucket of apples. "When Ah asked for ya help to win a bet Ah had with Big McIntosh that ah would get all these golden delicious in the barn by lunchtime, Ah never thought ma sister would pull a convention to see Shadow."

"It's okay. I believe all the foals had fun with Shadow.", Twilight responded, with some buckets of apples following them with her magic. "Besides not having anything planned for today, it was refreshing to have this new experience working on your farm. By the way, what did you bet with your brother?"

"He said that one pony can't harvest all the apples this season. We made a bet that Ah would have this section done by lunchtime.", both mares walked to the farm wagon, where Applejack placed her part. "But he never said it had to be one pony for this section. And if I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles. Hehehe."

"Big Mac in one of Granny's girdles? Hehehe. Then it was a good thing we showed up.", Twilight said, placing her three buckets down.

The two mares checked their part and turned around to see the rest that was missing. Where Shadow who had already filled 7 buckets with apples, carrying 4 on his arms in perfect balance, with two more in his hands and the last one on his head.

Even though Twilight, Spike, and Shadow arrived late, and despite the hours spent ensuring the foals brought by Apple Bloom didn't get into trouble or get injured after her stunt worried their parents, they managed to finish in time. This was possible thanks to Shadow's speed in cutting all the apples from the trees, allowing Twilight to use her magic to pick them up and place them into the buckets.

"I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.", Twilight exclaimed as her Yami Tool finished the rest of the task. She was starting to feel the effects of all the hard work.

Sensing that his master needed more help, Shadow turned to her after completing his last order. "Order complete, Twilight. Is there anything else I should help you with?"

"Eager for more, partner?", Applejack teased, approaching Shadow and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe Ah should hire ya? Would ya like to stay here, sugarcube?"

Shadow turned to Applejack with his serious eyes meeting her playful smile. Even though she was joking, and thankfully her sister wasn't around, there was nothing between them than she was playing with him. But Twilight didn't see it that way.

Applejack's friendly but playful approach, with calling him 'sugarcube', a term she used affectionately for friends and family alike, made Twilight look at her with suspicion. Twilight's mind raced with questions, even though she wasn't doing it on purpose. Question appears on her mind as: What could Applejack be planning by saying that? Should she respond or intervene? And most importantly, was she aiming for Shadow?

Twilight was not the type to think badly or suspect other ponies, especially now that she had real friends. It was these new experiences and emotions she haven't experienced, ones she hadn't had before in her lonely life, that made her feel this way. And because she still hadn't built a shield from her 'True Self'.

'!!! What am I doing?!', Twilight shook her head, finally noticing what she was doing. 'Really, Twilight! You would suspect Applejack now!... SIGH. Hopefully, Twily doesn't show up.'

She felt a pang of guilt for even harboring such suspicions, but she couldn't suppress the influence of Twily's words in her mind. Twilight knew she had to trust her friends, but the fear of being hurt or betrayed was a demon she couldn't easily dispel. More if this demon freely exposed her recently discovered inner desires and emotions, ones she wasn't proud of.

Like the fear of loss. 'Easy, Twilight, the girls are also helping to protect Shadow... But it's difficult to ignore the rules.', she thought, trying to calm herself.

Twilight massaged her forehead between her eyes, attempting to relieve the stress that had built up since the morning and her hunger. "Something wrong?", she then heard Spike ask.

She turned to see him eating the only apple he had helped pick during the harvest. And the must juice one when a loud CHOMP of his last bite only added to her stress. "Are you hungry or something-! BURP"

"Spike! Even if you didn't help, don't eat Applejack's apples.", Twilight exclaimed, drawing the attention of both Shadow and Applejack. "Besides, don't you think it's improper to talk and burp at the same time?"

"Relax, Twilight.", Applejack said as she entered. "We couldn't have sped up our annual harvest without ya help. So, Ah won't be charging ya. But, Spike, just that one apple, okay?"

Even though Applejack's tone became serious, Spike was having trouble with his stomach. "BURP! Sorry, I BURP can't control BURP it."

The group started to worry, but with a loud BURP, Spike burped out green flames. The magic from Spike's connection with Princess Celestia was taking effect as the green flames transformed into a letter.

"A letter from Princess Celestia!", Twilight exclaimed finally able to put back her insecurities. "I wonder what could it be?"

Sensing its importance, Shadow moved to grab the letter. Spike was faster, snatching it before it could hit the floor. It was possible just because he was the closest, not because he saw Shadow coming and wanted to prevent him from taking one of his tasks. His eyes flashed with determination, clearly not eyeing Shadow, telling him: 'Stay back, this is my job!'

Spike open the letter and read it for everypony. "Hear ye, hear ye, Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot on the 21st day of yadda yadda yadda... cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest."

"EEK!!!", the boys flinched at the girls' excitement. "The Grand Galloping Gala! The Grand Galloping Gala! The Grand Galloping Gala! EEK!!!"

After cleaning their ears, the two boys stared as Twilight and Applejack joined hands, started jumping together, and spinning around. Spike and Shadow watched the girls, Spike feeling grossed out by their girly antics. Shadow, on the other hand, was worried because he had no idea.

Not wanting to risk further confusion, Shadow turned to Spike for advice. "Spike, what is 'The Grand Galloping Gala' event? I have no record of it."

"Huh? Are you living in a- Oh, I forgot you were living in a cave... Well, a week ago you did.", Spike said, scratching his head at the literal truth of Shadow's life. "About the gala, it's the annual party that important ponies hold at Canterlot Castle. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."

Twilight, still spinning, replied. "Oh, Spike, it's the biggest event in all of Equestria! Everypony who's anypony will be there!"

Applejack added, "And it's a great opportunity to sell some of Sweet Apple Acres' finest treats!"

Spike frowned as he wasn't excited about it. "Whatever you say. I haven't gone, and I plan to keep it that way—BURP."

Before he could defend himself, Spike burped again, this time producing two golden tickets from the flames. This time Shadow grabs it to assure them as he sees that Twilight was interested in the gala. Out of curiosity, he checked the tickets.

The tickets were nothing short of regal, shimmering with a resplendent golden hue that caught the light magnificently. Elegant calligraphy, reminiscent of ancient royal decrees, adorned the surface, proclaiming the event's name: "The Grand Galloping Gala." Intricate designs of stars and swirls, reminiscent of the finest courtly tapestries, framed the text, imbuing the tickets with an air of majesty and grandeur.

Twilight's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Are those... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?"

Shadow approached her, Twilight still holding hands with Applejack. He showed her the two tickets, the paper shimmered, reflecting its great value to Twilight. Her eyes were fixed on them, imagining what the gala would be like and what to expect. It was at that moment that somepony objected.

Hey, egghead, are you not seeing something, I don't know, that is out of place?

'HMM!!!', Twilight's eyes widened at the sound of her inner voice. 'Twily?! How are you—'

First, your girly excitement woke me from my beautiful dream with Shadow. Do you remember it? I am your 'inner filly' and everything that makes you happy makes me happy. But thanks anyways, I've already started planning what we can do with him on that night, hehehe~

But back to the subject. I'm just warning you that you're not the only one thinking about a great night. Didn't an apple farmer also say it was her ticket?

Twilight arched an eyebrow, trying to piece together what she meant. As the gears in her head started to turn, she was brought back to reality by a strong grip on her hands. She turned her head and was caught by surprise. Just as Twily had said, Applejack, whom Twilight had momentarily forgotten, was staring at the tickets with a big grin she hadn't seen on her friend before.

Giggling at her own thoughts. "The Grand Galloping Gala~ Ah was hopin' to sell some of ma apple treats there. The money could really help fix up the farm and take care of Granny Smith.", Applejack said. As she spoke, she began to imagine everything in her mind.

"There Ah can see it, at Equestria's most prestigious event, a long line of ponies just to get to ma food stand. With so many ponies and customers, Ah can sell tons of ma apple products. With the extra bits, we can finally fix the barn. It won't look old anymore but like a new barn. We can finally get rid of that old rusty scrap and buy a new plow for Big Mac. And with enough bits, we can finally fix Granny Smith's hip. She'll be dancing again like there's no tomorrow!"

As Applejack continued on and on, Twilight began to understand Twily's words. She looked back at the tickets and noticed there were only two. Only two ponies could go. While she was sure that Shadow was going with her, without a doubt, she wondered if that plus one could be another pony. But for now, she had no choice but to check with the first pony she had in front of her.

"Mmm, Applejack. Are you interest in- Of course Ah am!", Applejack interrupted, her enthusiasm cutting Twilight off. Twilight was taken aback, literally pulled back by a dark hand.

"How can Ah let such a golden apple escape from ma hands! Ah am the luckiest pony in the —Wait!— world UGH!!!", Applejack exclaimed, just as a blue object fell on her.

Sensing the imminent danger, Shadow quickly moved Twilight out of the way. It took Twilight a moment to realize what had happened until she opened her eyes. She noticed her hand was on him, but more importantly, she heard Twily's excited "YESYESYESYES.", Twilight's face heated up, and she couldn't bring herself to look up. Instead, she turned to see the blue object that had fallen on Applejack. When the dust settled, she could see what it was.

"Rainbow Dash?!", Twilight exclaimed, as the mare in question lay on her back, looking around.

"Ow... Hey! Did I hear somepony say tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?", Rainbow said, not noticing Applejack glaring at her with anger under her.

Twilight stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say. She separated from Shadow. "Well, yes. I have tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala... Are you- Yes! I finally have a chance!"

Twilight again interrupted, Rainbow Dash exclaimed out loud, taking off from Applejack and flying around excitedly. "I've always wanted to go! The Wonderbolts perform there every year, and if I could show them my moves, they'd definitely invite me to join their team!"

"Oh... I see.", Twilight said, standing up on her own and turning to look at the two tickets. Meanwhile, Rainbow continued to chant her dreams in the background.

"I've got it all planned out. First, I'll do a few loops and barrel rolls to catch their attention. You know, just to show off my agility and control. Then, I'll climb higher and higher, until I'm at the highest point in the sky. Just when it seems like I'm about to crash, I'll stop at the last second, grabbing the audience and captivating them with my bravery. They'll be so impressed by my daring and skill, they'll have no choice but to ask me to join the Wonderbolts."

Rainbow continued floating in the air, lost in her dream. "It's going to be the most epic performance ever—Hold on there!—OW!", she exclaimed, brought back to reality.

Applejack had pulled her down by her tail and had something to say. "Rainbow, where have ya been in the first place? Ah remember asking for ya help, but ya never showed up."

"Oh! About that, I came by but saw you all having a party with the foals, so I decided to take a nap!", Rainbow replied, pointing upwards. Everypony looked up and saw a blanket and pillow on the tree above them.

"Ha, figures.", Applejack said, turning back to the group. "You're lucky we're done, but not lucky enough. You can forget about the ticket since Twilight already asked me."

"What?!", Rainbow Dash, one to not accept defeat without a fight, went face to face with Applejack. "Well, I was asked too! Are you going to lie about it in my face, Appliejack?"

A vein burst show up in Applejack's front, much that she returned while inflate her chest. "Big words with a big ego for a 'crash' pony. Unlike you, I'm not small in that department!"

Gasping, Rainbow Dash stepped back, but her big ego wouldn't let her retreat. Instead, she bumped her chest against Applejack's. The two mares stood chest to chest, neither backing down. To an onlooker, they might seem evenly matched. But to others, *ahem* stallions, it looked like a Chihuahua squaring off against a Great Dane based on their 'attributes.'

The two were ramming their 'attributes' until Twilight stopped them from escalating.

"Girls! Stop! I don't want anypony to fight. I haven't decided anything yet, so we can still talk, okay?", Twilight got in between them and separated them.

Seeing that both had stopped to listen to her, Twilight continued, "All right. I haven't promised anything, so let's talk. First, I need to think about who needs the ticket more to finally decide, and seeing you two fighting is not helping... Besides this headache. I just need to see who needs the ticket more."

Taking what Twilight said to heart, the two mares started launching their arguments, not giving Twilight a moment to calm down.

Applejack took the first turn. "If Ah could go and sell ma apples there, Ah would be able to fix ma barn—Whoa!"

Rainbow Dash, not wanting to lose, jumped in. "It's the party where I can meet my heroes and become one of them—Hey!"

Applejack pushed her way to the front, using her hip. "We could help my brother by buying a new plow. He won't get hurt with that old SCRAP!"

Rainbow Dash retaliated by hitting Applejack on the knee. "I can join the Wonderbolts and complete my dream—UF!"

Applejack then pushed Rainbow with her, hmm, chest. "Cure Granny Smith's hip—SLAP—EEEK!!!"

Rainbow Dash slapped away what had pushed her. "MY DREAMS!"

Twilight just stared at the two as they butted in between each other. When the stress and hunger from missing lunch reached her limit, and seeing Applejack kick Rainbow while holding her chest was the final straw, she decided she couldn't decide at all.

"Enough! You're both acting like foals!", Twilight sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's hard to decide, and this is not helping.", she said, holding her stomach.

"Twilight.", a voice interrupted, calming her somewhat.

Twilight was not surprised as she turned to see Shadow. "Both ponies have equal or almost equivalent reasons to go. Therefore, it's best to decide when you are at your optimal state to think about it. Suggestion. The gala isn't for a couple of months, so you can eat first and decide later during the rest of the day."

"I vote for that.", Spike added, entering a conversation he liked. "I want to check the restaurant to see what I can pick there. I hope they serve rubies!"

With a bit of peace restored, Twilight took the advice. "Both of you are right. I can think about it later, and we can check out Ponyville's restaurants.... All right, let's go eat something."

The three of them turned around to leave the farm, leaving the two mares arm-wrestling, oblivious to Twilight's decision.

Walking through the streets of Ponyville, Twilight, Shadow, and Spike headed directly to the most visited restaurant for their first meal in their new hometown. All the while, Twilight couldn't think of anything but the tickets.

"What should I do?", Twilight wondered aloud, her tone filled with worry as she held the tickets. "I can check with Princess Celestia about Shadow, but what do I do with my plus one? I can only take one pony with me."

"Are you still thinking about that?", Spike asked from right behind her. "I'm with Shadow. You have plenty of time to think about it."

"Yeah, but you just saw how they were fighting over this.", she replied, turning the corner at Sugarcube Corner. "I have to think carefully about how to respond so they won't be sad if they don't get a ticket."

"But have you really made sure that one isn't for Shadow?", Twilight stopped as a carriage wheel creaked to a halt in the background. She turned to Spike to see what he meant. "The letter said that you are invited, and this guy will follow you anywhere. Better he has a ticket to avoid a commotion."

At Spike's words, Twilight turned to Shadow. Shadow, standing by Spike's side, just stood there when she stopped, also waiting for what she wanted. So, she asked herself.

Do you want to go too, oh dear Twilight? By the way, heads up, you are about to kiss the floor.

"Yeah. It could be... a good night with— Heads up?", was all Twilight could say.

She was surprised to see Shadow moving towards her, but he was just going to her side. BANG BOOM!

Spike, who was on the sidelines, saw a black object get hit by a pink mass falling on a purple bulk. After that, he saw Twilight under Shadow, and both of them under Pinkie. He shook his head, not believing the chaos continued, while missing the tickets falling through the air onto the pile of ponies.

Unfortunately for Twily, she didn't laugh since Twilight didn't kiss the floor. But to her amusement, she realized what was Twilight's current position. Shadow, using himself as a shield, took the impact and ended up on the floor on top of Twilight. And, one of Twilight's hands was on his butt.

When the two of them regained their senses, they opened their eyes and found themselves staring at each other. Twilight, despite only feeling something metallic, was acutely aware of where her hand was gripping. Her face turned a shade of red that even Shadow's light couldn't hide.

Thanks to Pinkie's shout, both snapped back to reality. "BATS!"

Feeling the weight lift off him, Shadow moved away from Twilight and, kneeling on the floor, offered her a hand. Twilight, still processing the situation, saw his hand and felt even more embarrassed about where her hand had been. Adding to her embarrassment was Twily's laughter, making it impossible for her to find peace.

But at the end Twilight grabbed, receiving Shadow help to stand up. "Are you okay?", he asked, his voice gentle.

Not seeing at him on the eyes, Twilight take a breath in and exhale, she nodded, though her cheeks were still flushed. "Yes, thank you.", she replied, avoiding his gaze.

Twilight felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of gratitude and something she couldn’t quite identify. The way Shadow had shielded her and then offered his hand made her feel both embarrassed and oddly comforted. She was still learning to navigate her emotions, and this moment was no exception.

"BATS!", both return back to the world with Pinkie running around them. "BATS! BATS! EEK!!! Oh! These are not bats. This are- GASP! Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!!!"

Pinkie bounced around excitedly while Twilight and Shadow watched her. Spike joined them after picking up the tickets, with another pony observing the group from behind. When Pinkie Pie found out about the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, she was ecstatic. She immediately started singing a song about how wonderful the gala would be and how much fun they would have.

Twilight managed to push aside her embarrassment to talk to her bouncing friend. "Let me guess, you also want to go to the gala, Pinkie?"

"Well, DUH!", Pinkie replied, calming down and standing on her hooves, extending her arms to show her excitement. "Didn't you hear my song? There will be games, piñatas, and so much more fun at the gala! Isn't that right, Rarity?"

Twilight was confused, having no idea what Pinkie was talking about, and even more confused when she heard Rarity's voice. "While we have different types of fun, I do agree that The Grand Galloping Gala is one of the most prestigious events in all of Equestria."

The three of them turned to the voice, as did Pinkie. They all saw Rarity examining the ticket in Spike's hands. "So these are really tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala! Oh my goodness!"

Seeing what was coming, Twilight knew she would regret asking. "Rarity, are you also... eh... interested in the gala?"

Rarity's face lit up even more, and she clasped her hands together in delight. "Interested? Darling, the Grand Galloping Gala is the most prestigious event in all of Equestria! It's a chance to mingle with the elite, showcase my latest fashion designs, and perhaps even meet my prince charming!"

Rarity sighed dreamily, her eyes glazing over as she imagined the possibilities.

"I see.", Twilight said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Well, it looks like we have some more decisions to make."

"YEAH!", Pinkie screamed very close to Twilight's ear. "We have to plan what desserts to eat, the games we should check out, and all the fun I'll have with Twilight!"

"HUH?!", Rarity, feeling somewhat insulted, walked over to Pinkie. "Pinkie, I don't want to be rude, but somepony like me should be going to such an event as the gala. It could be my chance to meet my Prince Charming!"

"What?", Twilight and Spike blurted out simultaneously, though Spike's reaction was more pronounced. In his surprise, Spike didn't notice a little devil that Shadow did.

"And why is that?", Pinkie asked innocently, not feeling insulted at all. "I heard the gala is an amazing event where everypony has fun. I want to go!"

Unfortunately, Rarity was not amused by Pinkie's childlike enthusiasm. "Pinkie, the gala is an event where ponies with great reputations show up. It's the perfect time for me to mingle with the elite of Equestria, showcase my latest fashion designs, and potentially meet my prince charming, specifically Prince Blueblood."

"Prince Blueblood?", both Twilight and Spike exclaimed, surprised that Rarity was aiming for him. They didn't notice Shadow holding a little devil while talking to somepony in the background.

"Aha.", Rarity began to dreamily explain her vision. "At the gala, where every important pony will be present, I will walk through the grand hallways. There, Princess Celestia will see me as a pony of worth. Worthy enough to be introduced to her nephew, Prince Blueblood. My fated prince... well, until Shadow showed up, but I am destined to go or —Excuse me, girls?— otherwise I— huh?"

Everypony turned around to the new member of the conversation.

Fluttershy timidly approached the group, speaking softly but loud enough to be heard. Everypony was questioning why she was there, except for Twilight, who noticed that Shadow was by her side. Somehow, Twilight had the feeling that Shadow was having a silent dispute with Fluttershy's pet, Angel, who was making a boxing posture with an aura of 'Bring it on'.

Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "I couldn't help but overhear, and, um, I would also like to go to the Grand Galloping Gala. I always dream to be on the castle sanctuary."

Now the third wheel become five. Are you sure you don't want to send them off? I could if you let me~

While Fluttershy talk how she wanted to visit the Royal Garden, Rainbow show up on a roof follow by Applejack running all the way to the group to stop any other pony from taking their ticket. All the girls were talking and shouting some times that only give Twilight more stress.

And her stomach rubble reminder her lunch.

"Trying to make a decision when you're hungry is the worst. It's like, impossible to think straight.", Twilight said, tired and waiting for the waitress at the restaurant they wanted to go to.

"Relax, Twi. The food will get here when it gets here. Meanwhile, let's just enjoy the ambiance... or, you know, the breadsticks.", said Spike, checking the menu.

"Like the ones you ate. All the breadsticks on the table. Without the decency to leave me one!", Twilight fumed in her seat.

Twilight leaned back in her seat, trying to think while waiting for somepony to take her order. She could have immersed herself in her anger, but a glance to her side quickly reduced to stay angry. Shadow, sitting in his seat eager to comply, looked somewhat uneasy. Both siblings noticed this and decided to talk to distract themselves before Shadow exploded.

Spike put down the menu and started a conversation. "So, hmm, Shadow, do you have any idea... well, if... we can help Twilight with... her decision?", he tried to bring up any topic but ended up returning to what Twilight was struggling with.

However, it worked since Shadow was able to address her issue. "Suggestion. Whatever Twilight decides, it's impossible to make everypony happy with the current circumstances. It's inevitable that some ponies will be sad in the end."

"Wah! I know!", she exclaimed, though it didn't make things any easier as she dropped her head onto the table. "Ha... After hearing everypony, each one has a good reason to go. But we only have two tickets."

While lying down, she turned her head and noticed the flower pot on the table. Using her magic, she picked up the flower and began explaining. "I've already thought about it, but I still can't decide. If I choose to go, I must pick who can come with me. But if I give away my tickets, three ponies will still be left out."

As she explained, she plucked five petals from the flower, letting them fall near her face. "It's just impossible. There are only two tickets and five ponies... And I'm hungry.", unable to resist, she licked and swallowed the petals.

"Ahem.", and straight up after being catch by the waitress.

Twilight straightened up quickly, cheeks turning pink. "Uh, sorry about that. Guess I was just... really hungry. Hehehe."

"Please, don't eat the decoration of the restaurant. Now, what can I get you to eat?", the stallion waitress started write down their orders.

The group was finally able to place their order. Spike, upset that there was nothing on the menu that made him happy, settled for hay fries, while Twilight just asked for a daisy sandwich. As for Shadow, he only requested an apple and a glass of water. After the waitress took their orders and prevented Shadow from fetching the food himself, the three were alone again.

And Spike was able to bring up a topic more than just their current problems. "Shadow, relax. Why are you so obsessed with bringing everything to Twilight?"

But it wasn't Shadow who answered; it was Twilight. "Actually, I have a hypothesis. I believe he was created to be like that. To bring what I want from what this world have for me."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?", Spike asked, prompting Twilight to adjust in her seat.

"After the battle with Nightmare Moon, it became clear to me that Shadow will do everything I want, but what exactly do I want?", Twilight began a speech that piqued Spike's interest, while Shadow remained still, listening intently.

While they were waiting for their food, Twilight saw it as the perfect moment to explain what she had discovered about Shadow during their time together.

"Let's start by thinking about what I want and what he can do. From everything everypony has said about... eh, his kind (Yami Tools), they are supposed to make our wishes come true. But then I wondered, what kind of wishes are the rules talking about? At this point, we all know that Shadow cannot grant wishes magically. That's when I started focusing more on the wishes of our soul... what I truly desire."

With both Spike and Shadow's attention, Twilight continued, momentarily forgetting her stress about the tickets and her hunger.

"Soul desires are the deepest, most intrinsic longings that reside within an individual's core being. These desires go beyond superficial wants and touch upon the essence of who a pony is and what they truly seek in life. However, I believe Shadow's powers delve even deeper than that. I think, or rather, I believe, Shadow is here to fulfill my soul desires. But not the fake ones... my true self desires."

Spike raised an eyebrow, confused. "Eh, what's the difference? Soul desires, self desires, what do they have to do with Shadow in the end?"

Twilight looked at him, then at Shadow. She had the same questions. But after encountering Nightmare Moon, the Three Yami Commandments, Twily, and reading a specific book, she understood.

Twilight said what she believe. "My self desires... are what I want for myself from the world."

Ignoring Spike, Twilight closed her eyes and meditated on what 'self' could be for her. "The origins of self desires can be traced to two primary sources: the individual self (ego) and societal influences."

"We all know that our conscience, what makes us who we are, has an origin in the natural self (id). This encompasses basic needs like breath, water, and food. But how do we explain the other needs? The need to be recognized, to be loved, to achieve, desires for things simply for the sake of having them? Why do these kinds of needs appear in our lives and become part of our individual self (ego)? When the real question is, how and where are these desires born?"

Twilight opened her eyes and saw the answer. "Because we live with others, in society."

Spike widened his eyes. He still didn't fully understand, but he knew what she was talking about. He turned around and saw the answer, a tiny fragment of it, Ponyville and their residents. Spike was surveying the area while Twilight took her bit wallet out of her shirt pocket.

CLICK With the sound of a bit hitting the table, Twilight continued as Spike returned to her.

"It's better to show than explain.", she said, crossing her arms as the boys stared at the bit. "Shadow, I want a bit, please."

Spike stared at her with a puzzled expression. That didn't stop Shadow from grabbing the bit, holding it near Twilight, who took it. And placed it back on the table.

"Thanks.", Twilight smiled and crossed her arms again. "Shadow, I want a bit, but one that doesn't come from me, please."

Spike was getting annoyed. The prank wasn't interesting or funny to him. Everything changed when Shadow stood up, and Spike watched in fear as he walked towards him. Before Spike could complain. or scream for him to stay away, Shadow grabbed him by the shirt on the air to keep him still and reached into his pockets.

Where Shadow pulled out a bit and showed it to Twilight. "Thanks, Shadow. Please put down Spike. And Spike, just lend me this bit, please."

At her words, Shadow placed Spike back in his seat and returned to his own. Spike did the same, remaining silent with a gaze that showed he was not pleased with the prank. However, the show continued despite that. Twilight placed the bits back on the table, hers farther away than Spike's bit from her but close to Shadow.

And here is where Twilight wanted to prove her point. "Shadow, I want you to give me a bit, the closest bit to me that I don't know about."

Spike instantly raised his hand to protect his remaining bits. Twilight simply observed what her order would do. As for Shadow, he processed the order, staring at the table and the two bits. When he was done, Shadow stood up again and turned in Spike's direction.

Spike braced himself to defend his bits, watching nervously from his seat. He was shocked when Shadow simply walked past him, ignoring him completely. Spike froze for a moment, trying to understand what had just happened, until he realized there was more than just his bits.

Spike turned to see Shadow walking towards a nearby table where a mare pony had her back to them, with her purse on display.

"I changed my mind.", Twilight said, and Shadow stopped. "I want you to give me a bit, the closest bit... to you."

As the loyal servant he was, Shadow turned around and returned to the table. The closest bit to him was Twilight's bit, just as she had placed it on the table. Shadow grabbed the bit and handed it back to Twilight. Spike just stared at the duo, processing everything he had just seen. Twilight then continued with the next part.

"Thanks.", she said, taking the bit, while Spike's bit remained on the table. "Now I want you to bring me an Aurium."

"I'm sorry, Twilight, but I have no records of what an 'Aurium' is. Can you be more specific?", Shadow answered without a second's delay.

Twilight responded just as quickly. "But I asked for an Aurium. Show me an Aurium, please."

Spike continued watching, unsure of what kind of expression to make at the comedic duo. He narrowed his eyes and turned to Shadow, then widened them a second later. Shadow was trembling in his seat, but in reality, his armor was vibrating due to the intense processing happening in his mind. His light stripes were brighter than usual, without mention his helmet even started to emit smoke.

Realizing what she had done, Twilight quickly retracted. "Sorry! Sorry! This is what I mean by Aurium!", she said, showing her bit.

FLOOSH Both brothers stare amused at how fast Shadow took the bit on the tablet. His armor returning back to normal and cooling off.

Twilight exhaled in surprise that was even greater than she suspected. "I knew he couldn't do imaginary or non-real things, but I never thought he could explode over something like this."

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Can you explain what just happened? I have an idea, but... I don't know what to say.", Spike exclaimed, eyeing Shadow as if he were a ticking time bomb.

Taking the bit from Shadow, Twilight resumed her speech. "The point is, Shadow isn't here to grant wishes but to do the things we want in society. Just like getting me a bit.", she returned the bit to Spike before continuing.

"I want to highlight the last example I made, the word 'Aurium.' It's a word I invented out of nowhere, yet Shadow couldn't understand what it was until I showed him what I meant. Also, he didn't magically create or bring a bit. However, if he were a unicorn like me, he would use his magic to take a bit from that table. This proves that he can only do things based on the world we live in, which is why I think he was created to do things I can't do."

"Like for example?", Spike replied. Twilight then told him to turn to the table.

Both of them saw the mare's purse. "I wanted a bit that isn't mine, or rather, that I don't possess. But I wouldn't— no, I can't steal it. Shadow had nothing to stop him."

They both turned back and stared at Shadow, his red eyes showing his commitment to comply with Twilight's orders. "Shadow can steal for me because he will do what I can't. And that bring again the second part, society."

Spike stared at Shadow for a while. Then he glanced around Ponyville, just as Twilight did while she continued.

"My desire to have a bit comes from its value in Equestria. Just like other desires a pony gets from living with others: fame, wealth, power, acceptance, status, honor, love... fear. All these desires only come from living with other ponies. And society makes rules so everypony behaves properly to live together, creating a self that is molded by society. While not all are the same, we can say that some ponies have already accepted this self. But for those who don't want to follow, Shadow was created for them."

Spike and Twilight returned to their table. Spike was thinking and processing all this, even though he still didn't fully understand. But Twilight was deeply meditating on it. She recalled all those moments she felt useless, the despair against her bullies, and all the negative thoughts she had when she became aware of herself.

However, she knew she couldn't do anything about it. She knew she was weak, scared, and never confident enough to act. But only for herself, so what about some pony help her.

"A pony who wants wealth will need to work for it or find a way, like stealing. A pony who wants to rule will need recognition, or the power to impose their will on others. A pony who wants to be loved and accepted can either change themselves to fit society's view, or change others' perceptions to align with their own."

Twilight then turned her gaze to Shadow. "Shadow, and his kind (the Yami Tools), will fulfill the desires that society forbids us. They will empower us to achieve what we are not capable or strong enough to do on our own. They can help us break free from a world that demands conformity."

Twilight paused to calm herself. She closed her eyes, feeling Twily's ghostly embrace around her head. Whispering 'sweet' words to her.

"They can create a world where 'I' can be happy, where our self desires are fulfilled, because that makes our 'True Self' happy."

There was a silence among the three. While Twilight couldn't prove all of this, she believed that her concept and belief were not far from the true reason for Shadow's role. That is why she felt both happy and afraid of having Shadow's power. If she didn't control herself, she might fall prey to her own desires (ego), and worse, to her primitive desires (id).

Luckily, Twilight still has her moral compass intact (super ego), knowing what's right and wrong. "Hah... For now, it's better to make sure that Shadow's power doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

"Yeah, if those ponies want to steal all the emerald cupcakes, it might be my end.", Spike added, giving an example he could understand. "But I know you wouldn't use Shadow's powers that way, even to make order him to put me to work, hehehe."

"Spike just because I can order him-", as Twilight and Spike continue talking about Shadow and his orders, one was about to be fulfill.

A mare waitress, dressed in a white shirt and brown skirt, was on her first day carrying a tray of food and beverages. Lacking practice, the tray was too much for her, and she had placed more plates and drinks on it than she could manage. Unbalanced and inexperienced, the tray wobbled from side to side, making it difficult for her to walk. And they were in the green area outside the restaurant.

Where the ground was uneven and full of holes. "!!! KYAA!"

With a misstep, her left hoof sank into a hole, twisting her leg. The sudden pain and sensation of falling caused her to lose control of the tray, and she began to fall to her side as the plates and food tumbled toward her.

But it all happened in a nanosecond. FLOOSH

'Please, no! I can't lose this job! I don't want to work again in Sugarcube Corner with that crazy-!.. Why is everything... eh?', diving in and preparing her mind, the waitress let go of her fears and opened her eyes.

What she saw left her speechless. Every other customer at the nearby tables, and even those inside who could see, were equally stunned. Twilight and Spike, who shouldn't have been surprised, were also at a loss for words.

Shadow, due the orders Twilight made, saved the waitress. Holding her on one hand and the tray perfectly balanced with the order.

Without his helmet. "Are you okay?", he said with a tone and eyes that show concern for the mare.

"...I... I... please, be gentle.", the mare stammered, overwhelmed by his unexpected kindness and strength in the critical final moment of her rescue.

Shadow, without responding to her words, helped her to stand and allowed her to sit in a chair that a customer had brought for her. Meanwhile, the other customers watched in stunned silence. Shadow, still balancing the tray perfectly, asked and delivered the food to the correct table. Once he was done, he returned to the waitress.

No pony said anything, not even the waitress, as he approached her. Even when he knelt down and began to touch and massage her twisted leg, no pony spoke. While no one knew what he was doing, Shadow was trying to alleviate her pain in any way he could. He continued his work, using his pressure point skills on her leg, without any pony saying anything to him, even his master.

The mare waitress stayed there, watching how this strange creature was making her feel. 'I am not a furry... but I won't mind to be banged by this monkey...'

While all this was happening, Spike was with Twilight, watching the same show. "Tell me you're allowing him to do this?"

"Unfortunately... yes, I did.", Twilight replied, her arms crossed. She tried her best not to think badly of it. "Thanks to Rarity's 'suggestion', we allowed Shadow to help and save any pony... And if it's a mare like her, he needs to take off his helmet... no wonder she 'fall' the next moment after that.", the last part was said on a lower voice.

But the rest was loud enough for Spike. "Really? Then what kind of orders have you given him?"

By the time Spike asked, Shadow finished and returned to the table, with the waitress was left wanting to immerse herself in the ponies furry community, specifically the gorilla fan base in a possible future. To her dismay and Twilight's relief, Shadow had gone into standby mode, his helmet already back in place at the moment he return.

Twilight stared at him. After a moment of silence, she decided to review it now. "Hmm, I wanted to wait until later, but... why not? Let's review it."

Still hesitant, Twilight raised her dominant right hand to activate it. At her will, the rune of the Yami System, The Third Commandment from The Three Yami Commandments, shone in response.

She remembered the three main rules that supervised Units and Users alike. While she feared the power and terror of The First Commandment and make her feel guilt and doubt from The Second Commandment, The Third Commandment was almost neutral to her, but still kept her alert.

Thinking carefully about her words, Twilight watched as the rune disappeared from her hand. "Shadow, please list all the orders you have."

"Order received.", Shadow replied, closing his eyes.

Don't kill anyone for any reason. (This order can be nulled)
Don't respond to any provocation or engage in unnecessary fights. (This order can be nulled)
Don't take out my swords. Passive Order. Allowed when requirements are met.
Substitute the keywords 'User', 'Master' with 'My savior' or base name when referring to 'Twilight Sparkle'.
Substitute the keywords 'Yami Tool', 'Unit #3' with 'Fallen Knight' or 'Curse Knight' when referring to myself.
Speak what's on my mind or express my opinion when talking to anypony about anything. Passive order. Information related to Yami Tools, Yami System, The Three Yami Commandments, and User's role is prohibited.
Accepting requests from recognized allies and friends is allowed. New Passive Order. Deny any requests involving dangerous actions, specifically Apple Bloom's requests. (This order can be nulled if Twilight is in danger)
Prohibited from using full power, always use the minimum in any physical activity, specifically in fighting and self-defense. (This order can be nulled)
Helping any pony is allowed when needed. Passive order. Even enemies and none friendly when requirements are met. Rarity's Suggestion. Deactivate helmet when saving and use a gentle but strong tone with 'mare in need', specifically and for example 'Rarity', and make sure they are treated on a Princess level.
I am allowed to act as long as it does not have any ill or harmful intent towards others. Passive Order. This excludes actions that disrupt any pony when they are in the bathroom. (This order can be nulled if Twilight is in danger)
Don't eat any source of meat, specifically ponies, only meat sources served by 'Fluttershy', 'Twilight Sparkle', or any approved sources of meat. (This order can be nulled)

After checking his current orders, both old and new, Shadow opened his eyes and looked back at the two brothers. Twilight was confirming that the important ones were correct while shaking her head at her friend's request. This proved that he could accept them, and she would need to ensure they didn't contradict what they had already discussed.

This was to control Shadow and mitigate the potential damage he could cause.

Spike was just interested in protecting what he valued. "I don't like one of them (Rarity's Suggestion), but other than that, I think it's okay... Hey, can we add not eating my gems and... GULP, dragon meat?"

"Spike, he is not going to eat you...!", Twilight reply and at bad moment for her food had arrived with a questionable stare from her waitress. "Uhm, is not what is seen. Hehehe."

After trying to explain the misunderstanding to their waitress, the food for the three of them was served. Spike wasted no time devouring all his hay fries, leaving nothing behind. As for Shadow, no pony saw him, ate his apple and drank his water through his helmet mouth. Twilight's daisy sandwich remained untouched as she continued explaining the incident to the mare waitress of Shadow saving her.

Once she was done and had paid for the food, the boys had already finished eating, leaving only Twilight. "Ha... What a day. But I can finally— Eh, excuse me?", she said, just as she was about to take a bite, only to be interrupted by the waitress again.

Who had an umbrella. "We know you want to eat outside, but are you okay with it since it's raining?"

"Raining?", Twilight put down the sandwich on the table to address the waitress. "How can be raining if there is no... Oh, I see."

Twilight look around and saw that was raining on Ponyville. She also check that all the other customers, including the mare with the purse and the mare waitress where already inside. The streets and on the restaurant was falling a heavy raining.

All except on her table. "Why... What is happing?"

"Hey, Twilight!", at the sound of a familiar voice, Twilight raised her head. Above her table, a hole in the sky appeared, revealing Rainbow Dash. "What's up?! I was working nearby and saw you guys. Thought you might want to eat in peace. So, I move some clouds for you. Are you enjoying your lunch?!"

Twilight stared at her, unfazed by the obvious question. "Are you doing this to earn my favoritism for the ticket?"

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed, feigning shock. "Of course not! I would do it for any pony!"

An earth mare, running to save herself from the heavy rain, cried by their side. "Not my mane! Not my mane!", having a bad day to visit the salon.

Both Rainbow and Twilight, along with the boys and the waitress, saw the mare running. Twilight addressed it. "Then why aren't you helping her? You know what, don't answer. Just get back to work. I don't need you to clear the sky for me."

Rainbow flinched at her comment, unsure how to respond. "Ah... well, I could but... Okay, I'll stop. But are you sure you don't want to keep the sky clear— No."

Convinced of her decision, Twilight continued, "I don't need you to keep the sky clear for me. So, return to your work and wait until I make my final decision."

Rainbow stayed quiet for a moment before finally accepting. Twilight smiled at her decision, her expression quickly changed to a frown as the rain began to fall on her. She got completely soaked while the boys and the table remained dry under the waitress's umbrella. Just as Twilight was about to explode in frustration, a friendly voice called her attention.

"Oh, my goodness! Twilight!", Rarity, who was nearby with her umbrella, ran to cover her. "What are you doing out here in this awful rain? Quick, come with me!"

What a coincidence! We should be grateful to Rarity. I wonder what we could give her for her help~ Rainy bookworm! Hahahaha!

Without waiting for an answer, Rarity pulled Twilight along, leaving her to frown as she heard Twily's 'sweet' words echoing in her mind, adding more stress than she could handle. Seeing Rarity again, Spike wasted no time in joining them. As they left, the waitress watched them go before starting to clean the table and then put a rain protector.

But he stopped, noticing one still remained. Shadow was still seated at the table. Before he could follow them, he hesitated, contemplating his next move while his gaze remained fixed on the table.

Canterlot, the capital of Equestria, was bustling with activity, especially within the castle of the princesses.

Cadance was busy in the throne room. "Hmm, we already have the curtains and the banners... With this, I can schedule when the maids can start changing the theme of the room for Auntie Luna."

And that auntie Luna, who was standing beside her, replied. "Thank you for your consideration in preparing my night courts. But you don't have to do it. My dear niece, this doesn't need to be a priority on your agenda."

"Hehehe~ Unfortunately, sister, once our niece has something planned, she doesn't stop.", Celestia said, joining them.

With the return of Princess Luna, the castle began planning her night courts days ago. Although Luna insisted she was content with overseeing patrols and the night watch in both the physical world and the Dream Realm, Cadance objected. She argued that Luna, as a co-ruler of Equestria, should have her own courts. Cadance believed that ponies should have the opportunity to see their Night Princess during the night, just as they see Celestia during the day.

This way, Luna could hear and speak to her subjects, including those ponies who don't attend during the day and some in the morning. Not to mention, Celestia was okay with it, as it would lighten her burden without saying it.

Luna chuckled softly about it. "You know, Celestia, sometimes I think Cadance gets her determination to help from you. You didn't tell her to do this, did you?"

"Perhaps, but she certainly has her own agenda. So, don't be surprised if you fall into one of her mischievous plans. Hehehe.", Celestia replied, causing Cadance to stop watching the maids at work.

"If you two are talking about that strange hidden portal to the kitchen pastry, I have no idea.", Cadance said, joining them after noting the maids' shift changes. "Besides, I wanted to do all this for Auntie Luna before I leave for Las Pegasus. I want our subjects to start knowing Auntie Luna and to love her night."

Luna recognized the name of the city after being told about it. "Las Pegasus... It's one of the cities where our citizens celebrate events like award ceremonies, theater plays, and... what do you call it?"

"Music concerts!", Cadance exclaimed happily, hoping to bring her aunt to one of them. "Las Pegasus is one of the best places to go out at night! Besides the academy institutes, there are also bars, dance clubs, and the best restaurants ponies can visit at night! It's one of my top five recommendations for a date!"

"Date?... Huh...", Luna then thought of a certain pony and what Celestia had told her. "Hmm, the Grand Galloping Gala is coming... Could I... see him there?"

Celestia saw her sister drifting off in thought and spoke quietly to Cadance. "Are you sure about what you see in her? I believe Luna wants to repay Shadow, but to think she is in... love.", she said, narrowing her eyes at the idea.

"Yes! I know! And I hate that I need to go to that stupid ceremony!", Cadance exclaimed, biting her notebook in frustration. "If the dates didn't clash, I could be here for the Gala to help Auntie Luna! But no, I have to go to whatever we are rewarding."

Celestia stared at Cadance, unfazed by her choice of priorities. "Cadance, we are honoring the doctor who cured Giggleitis with their new medical spell."

"And?", Cadance replied, raising an eyebrow. "It's curable now, so it's not like anypony will be laughing at my absence!"

While the three princesses were preoccupied with their own concerns, the door of the throne room opened. This caught their attention, and they saw two important ponies entering. The current Captain of the Royal Guards, Iron Wing, and the Head of the Health System program and Chief Doctor of the castle, Pink Heart. Iron Wing was being carried by Pink Heart.

Celestia set aside her concerns and went to meet them halfway across the throne room. "Iron! Pink! It's good to see you, but why come here? Pink, you could have sent a letter or a maid to call me."

"The answer is this idiot.", Pink replied, her words sharp but her actions gentle. "As part of his physical therapy, he decided to come all the way here from his room."

"Hehehe. Sorry, but this needed to be done face to face.", Iron laughed, addressing Celestia. "It's about our response to the invitation. The four of us are coming to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"I see. Well, I've already secured the four tickets for all of you. I'll send them with a maid so your whole family can—! Eh, Pink, is something wrong?", Celestia asks after saying all four of them.

Pink had her eyes narrowed at the mention of the tickets, including the tickets for their two daughters. "Miracle was insistent about asking for them. Somehow, she found out you invited your student, so she made her answer clear without waiting for her ticket. I just wish she were more like Scarlet, hiding her excitement rather than screaming it in my face."

"In other words, our daughters are eager to attend the gala.", Iron clarified, more for his wife's sake. "With Scarlet free that night and Miracle clearing her schedule, both of them are now planning their agenda until the day comes. The last thing they were talking about was dresses, and that their mother was going to—UFF!... help them..."

Celestia flinched at Pink's jab at her husband's side. "Okay... I think I should mention it. Yes, I invited my student with a plus one. Luna recommended... bringing him. So, I also sent him a ticket."

While Celestia was talking with Iron and Pink, Cadance was jotting down important notes for her current notebook. 'Okay, I just add the days I'm free to check on those two and make a report for Twilight and Auntie Luna... But then I must choose who to help and— I'll leave it to my future self!'

Cadance closed her book, noting her Auntie Celestia was still talking with Iron and Pink about Shining's performance in training the new recruits, while Luna was discussing her thoughts on her new throne chair with the maids on the other side of the room. Clearly, Luna not knowing that those two sisters were coming to the gala for she was focusing what she would do that night.

With the two princesses occupied with their own matters, Cadance found herself with a moment to think. 'So, Auntie Luna is coming to the gala if Twilight brings him. What surprises me is that she has already made a move, but it seems she has no idea about her rivals. Wonder what Twilight have thought about it, but I am sure she have that on her mind.'

Cadance walked to one side of the room and gazed out the window, her eyes fixed on the horizon. 'Twilight has started living her life now... but I fear for her if she doesn't learn to control her emotions. If the curse of Shadow affects her, I'm afraid something like her sleep might happen again.'

She clutched her notebook as if it were a sacred item, a talisman for her prayers. 'Twilight, I hope you are enjoying your new home... and your time with Shadow. I hope he can protect you from everything... even from yourself.'

"KEEP RUNNING! THEY'RE STILL AFTER US!", Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs.

"WATCH OUT! WATCH OUT! WATCH OUT!", Spike screamed right beside her.

"EEK! WHY IS EVERY PONY SO OBSESSED?!", with his warning, Twilight made a sharp turn, nearly stumbling as she ran.

After lunch, Twilight was invited by Rarity to her boutique to take shelter from the rain, for Rarity tried to bribe her with dresses in exchange for the tickets. Escaping by mentioning she hadn't had lunch yet, Twilight then encountered Applejack at the entrance, offering an all-you-can-eat feast from her apple cart. Ignoring the tempting food, Twilight hurried to her library to make her own lunch, only to find her home being cleaned by Fluttershy's animals, a favor for a ticket. With no other option, she turned around, only for Pinkie to blow confetti in her face with her 'ticket appreciation' party.

Twilight felt the urge to send her friends away since she hadn't decided about the ticket yet. She clutched it tightly on her as she ran away from the party learning about her tickets.

"IS THIS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE POPULAR?! THEN I DON'T WANT TO BE ANYMORE!", Twilight shouted, making another sharp turn as another mob of ponies appeared in front of her.

After another turn, Spike, panting and struggling to keep up, shouted. "Twilight, I think we lost them!", just as he said that, a group of ponies rounded the corner, each holding signs that read 'Pick me, Twilight!'

"I just wanted a quiet lunch!", Twilight cried, tears in her eyes, as she dashed down another street.

Once word got out that Twilight had an extra ticket to the gala, every pony, even those from outside Ponyville, started chasing her, hoping to win the ticket. The news spread like wildfire. For the remaining hours of the afternoon, Twilight had been running away from all these strangers who had turned into a frenzied mob.

After a few more turns, the mob continued to chase her and her group until they were all just running aimlessly. One mare, who had been following the mob, noticed that they had lost sight of Twilight. She stopped to think and checked her surroundings, her back to a clothing store with some very suspicious-looking mannequins.

Twilight, disguised as a mannequin golfer, stood frozen, hoping the mare wouldn't turn around. Beside her, Spike, also disguised as a mannequin caddie, held his breath as they watched the mare walk away. Once she was out of sight, both mannequins exhaled in relief. With a flick of Twilight's magic, they were outside the store, back in their normal clothes, trying to catch their breath.

Twilight leaned against the wall, her chest heaving. "That was way too close.", she panted, wiping sweat from her forehead.

Spike nodded, equally out of breath. "I thought my heart was going to explode.", he said, clutching his chest dramatically.

Twilight managed a weak smile. "At least we managed to lose them for now."

Spike looked around cautiously. "Do you think it's safe to move?... Hold on where is Shadow? -Here.- *********!!! Don't scare me like that!"

Making sure his heart didn't actually explode, Spike clutched his chest as Shadow reappeared from the shadows of the street. The two brothers, out of breath and exhausted, stared at him in disbelief, as if he hadn't just run a marathon. What they didn't know was that he had already lost the mob seconds after the chase started.

All because of the second rule of not responding to them he haven't done something, yet Shadow could still help her. "Twilight, I went ahead and gave the mob a false lead in the opposite direction. Suggestion. If we stick to the shadows, we can elude them until we return to the library."

"Okay... Ha. Sounds... Ha. Like a good plan.", Twilight said, taking a deep breath and straightening her back to continue. "Lead the way... and don't vent anypony against the wall, please."

Knowing that it could come true her fears, Twilight followed Shadow with Spike close behind, determined not to be caught again. With calm and patience, the three moved from street to street, avoiding the numerous ponies roaming the streets and skies. They hugged the shadows, slipping through narrow alleys and ducking behind market stalls, their footsteps barely making a sound.

As time passed, fewer ponies were searching for Twilight, leaving the coast clear. With enough trust in their safety, the group could finally speak out loud.

"The mob should be searching in the false direction I gave them. It looks like the streets are getting clearer the closer we get to the library.", Shadow said, his voice low but confident.

Twilight nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Shadow. I don't know what we would have done without you."

Spike, still catching his breath, added. "I still can't believe ponies are going crazy over going to that gala. Look at me, I'm holding the tickets and I'm not a crazy pony tackling a baby dragon!"

Spike took the tickets out of his pocket, showing that he still had both of them. His complaint wasn't loud, but it caught Twilight's attention. She stared at the tickets, her mind becoming more and more distracted until they were the only thing she could see. Her gaze was unbroken as she remembered all the chaos they had caused. Even the negative emotions.

When she first saw the tickets, she was delighted at the thought of going to the gala. But then her new friends kept bothering her to get the plus one, as if her opinion didn't matter. Her stress grew with each passing second, and she clenched her hand in anger, struggling to decide who should go with her.

When we know who 'I' want to go with~

'Who 'I' want to go with?...', Twilight's thoughts raced as she recalled the events of the day.

Rainbow helping her only to get her attention. Rarity's boutique, where she was almost bribed with dresses. Applejack's tempting offer of an all-you-can-eat apple feast. Fluttershy's animals cleaning her library to win her favor. And Pinkie's confetti explosion before her party cause the mob that chased her. Each attempt to win her favor felt like a betrayal of their friendship, making her feel more isolated and pressured.

The pressure was so intense that her hand started to bleed.

Twilight was on edge. "Why... Why don't they understand me? Why... should I have to decide between them if all 'I' -Hide.- want iisssSS?!", her mumbling was abruptly cut off by the sound of approaching hoofsteps.

A group of ponies passed by in front of their route back to the library. At Shadow's warning, the three hid just in time as the ponies stopped for a moment to peer into the dark alley thinking they heard something. They didn't see Spike, who was holding his mouth with the tickets in hand, hiding behind a trash can, the only available hiding place in the alley.

In that narrow alley, there was no room for someone as large as Shadow and Twilight to hide. However, there was a reason why Shadow was never discovered in Ponyville.

His armor blended well in the dark with his red stripes off. So well, in fact, that he could hide Twilight by covering her with his body, pinning her against the wall. She stood frozen, her hands on her chest, as Shadow covered her, his arms raised to the sides of her head, pressing against the wall with his forearms.

Back to the wall. Face to face with him. And almost no space between them.

Twilight soon forgot about everything. Her mind only had one thing to think about.

She wanted to order him to remove his helmet. "Twilight?", that became true.

Twilight's eyes widened as the helmet, the only thing between them, disappeared, revealing his eyes. Eyes that had concern for her... but also, a hint of desire for her.

The two were staring into each other's eyes. The warmth of his breath mingled with hers, creating a heady mix that made her heart race. His eyes, deep and searching, locked onto hers, and she felt a magnetic pull that was impossible to resist.

The world around them faded into a blur, leaving only the two of them in sharp focus. Every sound, every movement seemed amplified. She could hear the rapid beating of her own heart, feel the slight tremor in her lips. The air between them crackled with unspoken words and unfulfilled promises.

Twilight's thoughts were a whirlwind, but one thing was clear. This moment was all that mattered. She leaned in closer, closing the minuscule gap between them, and let herself be swept away by the tide of emotions that surged within her closing her eyes on it.

She grabbed his face, that beautiful and unique face. Those red lips were irresistible to her. And Twilight... she kissed him, pfftss! Those metallic PFTSSS!!! I CAN'T HOLD IT! HAHAHAHA!!!

'!!!', Twilight's eyes snapped open.

Twilight saw that nothing had changed in their situation. The ponies still checking the alley were debating whether to continue looking for the ticket or if they were wasting their time. Spike was still hiding with his head down, clutching those tickets in his hand. And Shadow was still hiding her, using his body to blend with the darkness.

For that, his helmet had to remain on, the same helmet Twilight had been holding and kissing.

Twilight, realizing what she was doing, quickly pulled her lips away from the helmet. Seconds later, Shadow's red eyes flickered on as the ponies outside the alley finally left.

They continued to stare at each other, not saying a word. The world was back to normal, but those two definitely were not. Twilight's mind was racing uncontrollably, her face heating up with embarrassment over what she had done.

As for Shadow, he seemed unaffected and had nothing on his mind about what had happened. "I don't detect any more ponies. We can move out."

Spike, still hiding with his head down, muttered, "Really? OH, sweet Faust. I just want to get home, fall into my bean chair, and maybe finish my new comic with some cupcakes!"

As Spike got up, Shadow was about to follow him. He took a moment to check on Twilight. She was still staring at him, not saying a word. They could have stayed like that for another moment, but he just... turned around. He separated from her and the wall, then walked to check the streets.

Twilight just stood there, hands still in the air where she had been holding his head. She was left with her thoughts. Even those that weren't hers.

HAHAHAHA!!! Look at you! You look like one of those nerds who's about to have sex for the first time! Wait! You are a nerd! And this is your first kiss ever! HAHAHAHA!!!

"...Twily?", she lowered her hands, her eyes filled with disbelief and sadness at what had just happened.

WHO ELSE?! HAHAHAHA!!! I was just planning to mess with you, but I never thought I could do this! I knew I could play with your mind, AND if I had known you'd believe it, I would have added even more! You looked like a scared mouse staring at a feral cat, when it was the opposite! HAHAHAHA!!!

'... please stop...', Twilight look down, unable to keep up with her.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO! After seeing your shitty day, how could I not take this opportunity to buck you up even more!... Still, I knew you wanted to. You didn't hesitate to go for it. You were like grabbing him by the head to kiss him. Poor Shadow just stood there, letting you do whatever you were thinking of doing to him. He didn't even say anything or react while you were in dreamland. But that isn't the funniest part~

"I said... stop it... you...", Twilight kept listening, her anger rising as her hands clenched and her mouth formed a furious frown.

The fun part was that GOOFY NERD FACE YOU MADE!!! HAHAHAHA!!! Those fish-like lips were absolutely priceless! You were all "glob glob" and Shadow was just standing there like "ehh." He must have felt so embarrassed, not knowing what to do! HAHA— wait a second! Don't tell me you were about to use your tongue! Or even stick it out like "Gahh"! Were you going to lick his helmet?! Because I should have brought popcorn to watch that spectacle! HAHAHAHA!!!

Twilight, just explode right there. "BUCK IT!!!"

BANG CRASH

"Ha... Ha... Buck... Ha... I just... Ha... HMM! BUCK ALL THIS!!!"

Twilight screamed into the air at the top of her lungs after kicking the metal trash can. The hunger, exhaustion, headache, the annoying mob that had chased her, and all the stress that had built up during the day exploded in a burst by the laughter of her devil filly. Twilight was fuming, her breath releasing all the pent-up anger. She looked up with a furious expression at the ponies staring at her.

There was Spike, looking at her with fear, holding the tickets that she now just wanted to tear up.

Then there was Shadow, who turned as well, he remained neutral, but his eyes showed he was ready to listen to her, even if she ordered him to destroy the next pony that made her mad.

And a young colt, his eyes filled with disbelief at what he was seeing. "MOM! Here is Twilight! Can I get my ice cream like you promised?!"

"Listen you little... Hold on?", Twilight snapped on time seeing what she has done.

She and the boys look at the alley exit hearing the stumble of many ponies coming to them. They started to think in escaping where they came but also another stamped was coming that way. The boys retreat where Twilight was when ponies started to show up.

Twilight look both way with despair that there is no way out. She then freak out not knowing what to do. She just could do was to scream what she truly wanted at that moment.

"AHH!!! I can't take it anymore! I don't want to go to the gala! I just want to be at my home- Order receive."

FLOOSH BANG The mob of ponies stop on their track. With a red flash, Twilight and Spike disappear from thin air.

Twilight had her eyes closed, her hand shielding her face from reality. But as the sudden chaos and sensations subsided, she slowly opened her eyes. Her heart began to open as well when she saw the one place where she felt safe. She was back at her home, the Golden Oak Library.

"Are we...", she looked around in disbelief. "Are we really at... home?"

"Affirmative.", the voice calmed her, she turned to him with relief. "We are at home."

Twilight, carried by him in a princess style, let Shadow put her down. Spike, who had been clinging to Shadow's neck by Shadow's instruction, fell to the ground unconscious from the sudden movement of their escape. The sun was already setting, and the afternoon light bathed them through one of the windows.

Twilight's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the familiar shelves lined with books. She felt a profound sense of gratitude and relief to be back in this safe haven. However, she had something still in her mind to address.

Twilight glanced at Shadow, his expression neutral but his red artificial eyes filled with concern and readiness for her. She felt a wave of calm wash over her, mixed with a sense of guilt rather than shame about the kiss. She wondered what he might have thought in that moment, but she decided she needed to apologize.

She took a deep breath and opened her mouth to speak. But it wasn't her words that were heard. "I already said this, but do we interrupt them or give them some time alone?", Pinkie's voice broke the silence.

"!!!" Twilight quickly closed her mouth and turned to her side.

Somehow, she had missed Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie, who were sitting at a table nearby with some cards. It appeared that the girls had been waiting for hours for them to return. Spike, now recovered from his blackout, stood up with a slight daze in his eyes. But his hands were firm, holding the two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

In less than a second, all eyes were on them, except for Spike, who was still trying to regain his sight. Twilight suddenly remembered that her friends were also looking for her, and she couldn't take it anymore.

"AHHH!!!", Twilight snapped, grabbing the tickets and slamming them on the table in front of her friends. "Just take them! Take them away! I don't want to go to the gala anymore! WAH!!!"

Her friends, along with the now-recovered Spike and Shadow, stared at her as Twilight collapsed onto the table, crying.

"I just can't decide!", she wailed, her voice cracking with emotion. "Everypony has a reason to go, but there are only two tickets! I've been trying so hard to make everypony happy, but it's impossible! I give up mine, so take it! BUT PLEASE-E-E-E! Don't ask me anymore! I don't want to decide anymore! WAH!!!"

Twilight's frustration was palpable. She had been carrying the burden of making a decision that would inevitably disappoint somepony. The stress of the day, combined with the pressure of choosing who would go to the gala, and many other things on her mind had pushed her to her breaking point.

Her friends watched in stunned silence, realizing just how much this had been weighing on her.

"Twilight.", just as her Yami Tool.

She stopped crying and looked up at him. Rarity's suggestion would always activate when a 'mare in need' showed up. Twilight had no more complaints, seeing that Shadow applied the rule even to her. When her purple eyes met his black ones, she felt such relief that, for a second, she thought she saw him smile at her with his human face, something she knew Twily could never replicate.

"You don't have to carry this burden alone. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. We're all here to support you. I am here to support you.", gratitude and a wave of relief washed over her at his words.

The warmth of his hand on her shoulder and the sincerity in his voice helped to ease the tension that had been building inside her. His presence had always been a source of strength for her. From their battle with Nightmare Moon, to his comforting words in the hospital, to the confrontation with her bullies, and now in this moment, their bond deepened each time. The connection they shared was unspoken but powerful, a mutual understanding and trust that had grown over time and continued to grow.

Shadow remained by her side, his hand still on her shoulder, a silent promise that he would always be there for her. This helped Twilight take a deep breath, feeling the weight of her frustration begin to lift. She smiled at him, grateful for his support in lightening her heavy burden.

Just like that of the others. "Suggestion. You may not want to talk to them, but they want to talk with you. Maybe this time you can allow them."

Twilight's eyes showed confusion at his words. She soon understood as she turned to her friends, seeing the various expressions on their faces.

Applejack looked concerned, Rainbow Dash seemed frustrated, Pinkie Pie appeared sad, Rarity showed sympathy, and Fluttershy looked deeply distressed. As Twilight's gaze met each of theirs, their faces turned downward, demonstrating just how sorry they were for making her carry such a heavy burden.

Applejack was the first to speak, her voice filled with sincerity. "Twilight, Ah ma real sorry. Ah didn't mean to put so much pressure on ya. Ah just got caught up in the excitement to be able get some bits."

Rainbow Dash followed, her usual bravado replaced with genuine regret. "Yeah, Twi, I'm sorry too. I didn't think about how hard this was for you. I should know that I can met with my heroes on other events, like their race in the next month."

Pinkie Pie's eyes were filled with tears as she spoke. "I'm super-duper sorry, Twilight. I never wanted to make you feel this way. I knew that planning to foalnap you was my turning point!"

Rarity stepped forward, her tone gentle and understanding. "Darling, I apologize for my part in this. I should have been more considerate of your feelings. That was so unladylike of me... But I really wanted—! Never mind. Hehehe~"

As everypony stared at her, Fluttershy, her voice barely above a whisper, added. "I'm so sorry, Twilight. I never wanted to cause you any stress. That's why I, uhm, I mean, we came here to apologize."

Twilight looked at each of her friends, their heartfelt apologies easing the burden she had been carrying. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her frustration begin to lift even more. "Okay. So, no pony came here for the ticket?"

Applejack was the one to respond. "Actually, we came here to tell ya that ya should keep your plus one. And it could be used for somepony who really deserves it. Like a pony who has always been helpin' and protectin' ya all this time."

Twilight, seated on a chair that had been brought over moments ago, stared and processed those words in her mind. She naturally turned to the pony her friends were suggesting. The same pony who brought that chair, helped her with farm chores, protected her from being hit more than one time, and just brought her home safe and sound just as she asked.

Shadow looked at her, just as Twilight looked at him. She smiled, having finally made her decision. "You are right... but still, I am not going."

"HUH?!", everypony except Shadow exclaimed in the room as Twilight brought out a quill and a clean scroll and continued.

"Shadow already told me, I just didn't listen. It's impossible to make everypony happy with the current circumstances; two tickets are not enough for eight ponies. So, I am writing to the Princess that if everypony can't go, I can't go either. No pony should be left behind, not even Spike, so returning the tickets is the best resolution for everypony."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. Her friends exchanged uneasy glances, the realization of the situation dawning on them. As their friends, they also decided to give up the tickets, letting Twilight fold the scroll with the two tickets inside.

They only erupted after Spike used his magic flames to send the letter. The girls stood up and went to hug Twilight for making such a hard decision, without lamenting the loss of the tickets. Rarity had the hardest time trying to hold back her tears. Shadow and Spike stayed on the sidelines, with Shadow remaining neutral while Spike looked grossed out by the girly stuff.

"Gala this, gala that. Ugh! I don't know why everypony is so obsessed with going... But looking at it this way... Naw, it was impossible for everypony to go. You agree, right, Shadow?", Spike asked him.

"Affirmative. With just two tickets, eight ponies couldn't go. That is my opinion on it. Suggestion. This may have ended all the fighting, however, it isn't the best solution. The best solution would be to ask for more tickets.", everypony turned to him. "No pony asked how to fix the situation."

The girls stared at Shadow, their jaws dropping. And just like magic, Spike burped out a new letter from Princess Celestia. In the next moment, Spike read it aloud, letting everypony know that the plus one was really for Shadow so both can go together, but Celestia had no problem providing eight tickets, even for Spike, for The Grand Galloping Gala.

Twilight's eyes were glued to the eight tickets hold by Spike. "All this time... I could have just asked... for more?"

In defense of Shadow, you didn't ask him how to solve the issue. I guess we've learned a valuable lesson.

At Twily's words, Twilight gave up and fell to her knees, slipping out of her friends' group hug. "Ugh! I just... give up. All I want is to eat something."

"Suggestion. I kept your daisy sandwich.", Shadow said. Twilight raised her eyes to see Shadow kneeling down with the sandwich from the restaurant. "This may help to ease your hunger, Twilight."

Again, Twilight felt immense gratitude for having him. Still, she hesitated to take it. Twily's voice rang in her head, madly for it for a reason. "Uh, just asking... Where did you keep this sandwich?"

"...I ate it to keep it inside of me.", he answered after a long pause, his face unfazed.

Everypony laughed at the situation with Twilight and her Yami Tool. Despite having a bad day, Twilight realized that not everything was the end of the world. She smiled, rejecting the sandwich in the process, and thought happily about her day in Ponyville.

With her Yami Tool, the Unit #3, The Shadow Blade.

Unit #2, the anti-Yami Tool, observed the reunion of the User's friends with keen interest, particularly in the new User of Unit #3.

After completing his errand in Canterlot, he traveled to Ponyville to verify his suspicions about Unit #3 being back online. Just like in the aftermath of his brother's encounter with Nightmare Moon, he had no trouble watching from a distance at the edge of the forest. His sensors picked up every detail, ensuring he remained undetected while gathering crucial information.

As he watched, he noted the interactions and dynamics among the group, analyzing their behavior and communication patterns. The reunion seemed joyous, but Unit #2 remained vigilant, ready to act if any threat to his orders or violations of the Three Yami Commandments occurred.

Luckily, none have met his requirements. "User shows that is blessed and no irregularities are present... Unit #3 also shows no errors in his performance... Update complete. Upload report to the Yami System."

Processing.............Update Complete. Thank you for your hard work, Unit #2.

"... Hard work?", amused by the choice of words from the Yami System, Unit #2 freely talked out loud. "First, I receive that Unit #3 is back online and now you talk more than ever before... No surprise, with his awakening, things can escalate more than ever before."

Suggestion. Focus on your mission. The Yami System will continue operating as usual.

"A Suggestion, eh? Then let me say something.", Unit #2's artificial eyes detected that the group was leaving the library to eat. "Interrogative. Why did you change his status from 'Online' to 'Offline'? That is basically—"

Negative. User 'Twilight Sparkle' exhibited irregular behavior. Records indicate the same anomaly that affected Unit #3... It was a countermeasure.

"For whom?", Unit #2 dared to ask, watching the group discuss where to take Twilight after Pinkie ate the sandwich she had rejected. Unit #3 followed closely behind. "For The Shadow Blade? Or was it to protect the compromised program involving Unit #3?"

Suggestion: Focus on your mission. New orders are active. A unit's status has been changed to 'Defective'.

Unit #2 remained calm on the outside, even as he kept his eyes on the group from a tall tree, blending into the darkness with his heavy coat. He watched Unit #3, who was distracted, talking with Spike about plans for the Gala. He took a long moment to reply.

"Very well. I will focus on my own... You can do the same. What are the details of the unit?", Unit #2 turned around and disappeared into the darkness.

Unit #200859 has violated The Third Commandment. Current location. A mountain near Rock Bottom outpost town. Equestria and Griffon Realms borders. Orders. Eliminate the Unit and all those who have been contaminated by it.

Before leaving, the red eyes of Unit #2 flashed back at the town. He wondered if Ponyville would end up like Rock Bottom. All for Unit #3, Shadow, is back online. For now, he could only update his status as he vanished from sight.

"Unit #3... Online, heh. So be it. Order received."

Author's Note

Welcome to the first chapter of the second book! This book is inspired by Season One of My Little Pony (MLP). Continuing from the first book, I am excited to bring you a fresh take on the beloved characters and their adventures in this new alternate universe I've created.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Equestria, I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I enjoyed writing it. Comments and feedback on the story are always welcome. (Please let me know if there is any part that is poorly edited or doesn't make sense so I can correct it ASAP.)