//------------------------------//
// Who I Am 
// Story: Project Ultimate Life 
// by chaoswisp1000 
//------------------------------//

	"Your highness!" the call came from one of Celestia's guards.  His urgent expression caught her attention and drew her away from the window, from where she looked out upon the carnage that had once been a beautiful land of harmony, now divided by war and plague.  

"Yes, what is it?" she asked, even in a time when Equestria was at war with itself she still was as calm and graceful as before it had started.  

"Report from the science team princess, they say that the cure has been completed.  And that its alive" the guard reported.  

The last bit of information shocked Celestia, but she did not let her shock keep her in one place.  

"Tell them that I am on my way, and while your at it try to find the whereabouts of the Elements of Harmony" Celestia instructed.  Spreading her wings and flying off towards the lab.  


***


After the brief greeting by the lab workers, the princess was led inside the laboratory.   When She saw the "cure" she was shocked.  

"So your the ruler of this land.  The one they call "Princess Celestia?" The pony asked, studying Celestia's figure.

"Yes, and your the Pony that says he has no name?" the princess questioned.  Looking over the unicorn's odd frame with much interest.  

The red and black pony rubbed his chin in thought.  

"You can call me Shadow" the pony said after a few moments of thought.  

"Okay then Shadow.  I should probably explain the situation to you" Celestia said, beginning the tale of how the corruption started as the product of a spell gone wrong, and how it had spread from its origin and began taking control of ponies like a parasite.  Turning them into creatures who wanted to conquer the world and consume its magic energy.  

When she was finished Shadow still held the same expression as before: Blank.  Except for a small frown on his lips.

"So, I can combat this corruption by destroying its source?" He asked, his back to Celestia.  

"That is correct Shadow.  Will you help us?" the Princess asked.  

Shadow closed his eyes in thought, his hoof rubbing his chin once again as he thought the idea over.  Finally he opend his eyes and looked towards Celestia.  

"Alright, I'll help you combat this corruption" He said, his expression still not hinting, even slightly, as to what he was thinking about.  

"I am glad to hear that Shadow, you will not be alone though.  My prize student and her friends will accompany you" Celestia said, taking in every detail of how Shadow reacted.  

"I don't need any help, I can manage on my own" the unicorn said defiantly.  His scowl deepening as he turned to Celestia.  

"Even so, you should let them accompany you.  They know this world better than you do" Celestia stated with finality.  

"Fine, they'd better not get in my way though.  They may be your student's friends but if they slow me down too much i wont hesitate to tell them off, forcefully" Shadow said, his voice now a growl.  Which surprised even Celestia, nopony had ever truly made a threat like the one Shadow had just now; A threat to harm the Elements if they impeded his progress.  

Before things could get worse one of Celestia's guards entered the room.  

"Your highness, princess Twilight and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony have arrived" He said, bowing as he did so.  

"Ah, very good" the ivory alicorn said, turning to leave.  She turned to shadow and beckoned for him to follow.  

"It's time for you to meet my student: Twilight Sparkle" she said as they headed for the exit