(*Shadow walks in to see that Jordan is still missing from the studio before he lets out a sad sigh.*)

(Shadowlight9743: *sigh* This is just not as fun without player one. Especially if I'm player two in this one.)

(*He walks over to the desk and sits before addressing the audience*)

(Shadowlight9743: Sorry, everyone. Jordan's...still recovering from his... well, I'd rather not go into full detail. I'm... I'm not sure when he'll come back but, hopefully he-)

(*He's cut off when the door to the studio opens revealing Jordan who's holding a large red dog collar in his grasp and gazing at it with a slightly sorrowful look on his face. He then walks over and places it on a nearby table.)

(Shadowlight9743: Um... do you still need time to...recover, dude?)

(Jordanwolfboy9743: *sigh* No... I'm fine now, bud. Besides, this story needs to be finished and it's up to us to do so.)

(Shadowlight9743: Are... are you sure? I don't want you to force yourself into doing this if your mental state isn't well enough.)

(Jordanwolfboy9743: No, no. It's alright, Shad. I'm feeling better now. It's not something I'm completely over, but hey, it's not like it's something I haven't dealt with before.)

(*He walks over and takes a seat next to Shadow.*)

(Shadowlight9743: Well... if you insist. *slides over a box of tissues* I left these here in case you needed them.)

(Jordanwolfboy9743: Thanks. *turns to the audience* Hello, folks. It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, I'm sure most of you are already aware of what I've been through for the past couple of weeks regarding... well... if you've seen my latest announcements, I'm sure you know who I'm referring to.)

(Shadowlight9743: All that truly matters, Jordan, is that you're doing better and I'm sure everyone is willing to give you all the support and time you need. *turns to audience* Press 'F' to pay your respects to Jordan in the comments.)

(Jordanwolfboy9743: It's been a hard time, but I think I'm at a point where I can continue with the story now.)

(Shadowlight9743: Even if you can't continue this, I will still be working on it the best I can, so long as you can upload it.)

(*Jordan nods with a smile.*)

(Jordanwolfboy9743: Thanks, Shad. And thanks to you folks as well for being so understanding. So, without further ado, let's get back to it.)

(Shadowlight9743: Alright! Let's hop to it!)

At the Sweet Shoppe, you and your human counterpart are busy discussing a few personal things. You didn't tell O/N about your initial idea to propose since you had some feeling he'd find a way to ruin it somehow. He is you except that he's a bit more perverted. Though, like Shadow mentioned, it's hard not to blame him from being isolated for most of his life. You took a sip of your beverage before giving your human self a more serious look.

(Y/N): O/N, I need you to promise me not to tell anyone else this, okay? Especially Shadow. God knows what he'd do if he found out what my plan is. You're the only person I can trust with this since you're...well, me. By all means, you have to promise me not to tell anyone about what I'm gonna tell you alright?

(O/N): My lips are sealed, dude.

(Y/N): Okay, you know how I told you that me and Shadow were best friends up until he went back to the past with that Time Stone in order to make me friends with Patriot?

(O/N): Uhhh...maybe?

(Y/N): *sigh* No, you don't. Well, anyway, I plan to find the Time Stone, so I can get my best friend back.

He raised his eyebrow while cocking his head to the side in confusion.

(O/N): What's wrong with your best friend now? Patriot doesn't seem all that bad to me.

(Y/N): Because think about it, O/N. How would you feel knowing that you had a best friend that threw every good thing he ever had away just because he wanted to give you a quote unquote "better life?" You'd want him back too.

(O/N): I mean, yeah, I understand where you're coming from but, reverting things back to the way they were is like giving back a Christmas or birthday gift. I'm sure this must be very difficult for you to adapt to but, he's made so many beneficial changes. You and Patriot aren't enemies anymore, you get more girls, Shadow gets his parents, and you still get to be buddies regardless. Sure, he doesn't remember everything you and him have been through but, come on! You gotta stop thinking about what you don't have and more about what you do have.

(Y/N): *sigh* It's easier said than actually done, O/N. I can't just steal everything he earned for himself over the years.

(O/N): But it's not stealing, Y/N. He willingly gave it all up for you.

(Y/N): And that's exactly my point. He didn't need to do that. He shouldn't have done that! I was the one that drove him into changing his past. I was selfish during the Starswirled Music Festival by taking him for granted and that resulted in him getting the idea into his head that he was somehow mostly responsible. He might have been the one that made me miss PostCrush, but I'm the one who chose to lash out at him so harshly. He only wanted to hang out with his best friend... and I had to let my own desires take bigger precedence.

You looked off to the side sadly. Tears were already starting to form in your eyes from remembering the incident like it was yesterday. Meanwhile, O/N remained silent while staring back at you. After another moment or two, you turned your head back over at O/N.

(Y/N): I just don't get why you think he did the right thing, O/N. He altered his whole life in the blink of an eye and expected me to somehow be okay with it. So why? Why don't you understand where I'm getting at?

O/N sighed and shook his head.

(O/N): No, I do understand your point, Y/N. I just want you to understand mine. Shadow wanted to give you the perfect life and now you do. Isn't what you have now enough?

You stood from your chair and gave him a hard glare.

(Y/N): No... no, it isn't. Not without my original Shadow.

You turned and started walking towards the entrance causing O/N to stand and put a hand out towards you.

(O/N): Dude, come on! Don't be like that.

You stopped at the door and gave him a sideways glare.

(Y/N): Just leave me alone, O/N. I should have known you wouldn't understand. No one else does.

With that, you stepped out the door leaving O/N by himself.

Mrs. Cake: Is everything alright, dear?

She asked concerningly from behind the counter prompting O/N to sigh.

(O/N): I-It's nothing, Mrs. Cake. *sigh* Just Y/N being stubborn. Let me ask you something, Mrs. Cake. Let's say a friend did everything they could to make you happy and it ended up taking them away in the process, how would you go about it?

Mrs. Cake cocked her head to the side in confusion before giving it a moment to think about it.

Mrs. Cake: Well, if it were a close friend of mine, I'd say that they probably didn't need to do that. In fact... I'd probably be beyond saddened if they did. So much so that I'd want them back. Is something like that happening to Y/N?

(O/N): Eh, sort of. But, say that you had the chance to prevent it, would you go back and change what they did for you?

She thought about that again before coming up with an answer.

Mrs. Cake: Hmm, I suppose I would. If it meant that I got to see them again.

(O/N): Really? Even after they bent over backwards to make your life better?

Mrs. Cake: Well, my life would be incomplete without them. So, if I had the chance to give up all that I had to bring them back, then so be it.

(O/N): Okay, but let's say they do come back but with no memory of you, yet you still become friends, regardless. Would you still go back there?

Mrs. Cake: This is an... oddly specific hypothetical situation, O/N.

(O/N): Maybe, but just humor me for a moment.

Mrs. Cake: Hmm... it might be a bit uncomfortable for me, to be honest. It might be them physically, but it's not the person that I knew of emotionally.

(O/N): I guess that makes sense. Even still, don't you think it'd be a little self-centered to go back and change everything they worked for to make you happy just so you can be with them again? I mean, suppose they turned someone else's life around while doing this for you, you'd be taking away their happiness.

Mrs. Cake: Well, then that would mean it'd be selfish of me to just act like they never existed at all. Especially, since they had such a profound impact on me. Is... Y/N going through something like this by chance?

(O/N): *sigh* I wouldn't have thought this hypothetical situation off the top of my head. Look, it's... complicated, what Y/N's going through. Let's just say that... he's having trouble accepting the loss of a friend.

A look of worry was shown on Mrs. Cake's face after hearing his answer.

Mrs. Cake: Oh dear... well... it's none of my business, so... I won't pry on it any longer.

(O/N): *sigh* Don't worry about it. Like with the hypothetical situation, he's not dead but... he's not necessarily the same guy Y/N knew him as.

He then stood up from his chair and stretched his arms.

(O/N): I better go after him before he completely loses his sh-

He cuts himself off mid way after seeing the raised eyebrow from Mrs. Cake before clearing his throat.

(O/N): Ahem. Composure. That's what I meant.

Mrs. Cake: Well, I do hope that he recovers soon, dearie. I'd hate to think of what that sweet young man might be going through.

(O/N): Like I said, it's complicated and he's just having a hard time adapting to these changes. I'll see you around, Mrs. Cake.

O/N waved to Mrs. Cake as he walked out of Sweet Shoppe with Mrs. Cake just watched him quizzically before shrugging it off and resumed what she was doing prior to their confrontation.

Meanwhile, you were atop one of the mountains, kneeling down at the waterfall that flowed into Canterlot as you stared at your reflection in the water.

(Y/N): *thinking* Is it really selfish for me to want my friend back? I get that Shadow worked hard to make things better for my life but I didn't want him to just take away his own life. Sure, it's nice having more girls to love but, it just doesn't feel right. I can't just take away what he's worked so hard for.

???: Dearie? Is that you?

A soft female voice came from behind, surprising you as you quickly spun around to see Sunny Flare approaching you.

(Y/N): Sunny? How did you get here?

Sunny Flare: I saw you walking through Canterlot. You looked like you were upset about something. I was worried, so... I decided to follow you up here.

She wraps an arm around you and pulls you in close.

Sunny Flare: Tell me what's wrong, dear. I'm not sure how much I can help but, I want to do the best I can to make you feel better. I don't want you to run away again. I love you too much to lose someone like you.

She gives you a peck on the cheek causing you to blush heavily from it due to never being kissed by her before. Sunny, without warning, throws her other arm around you and then pulls you in for a hug.

Sunny Flare: Please... talk to me. I hate to see you suffer from all this stress.

You remained motionless by all this. You weren't really sure how to feel about Sunny being this sentimental with you. On one hand, it did feel nice to have her like you but at the same time, you felt like you were stealing Shadow's girlfriend. Although, she was technically his sister so, you might just be doing him a favor. You then think back to what he said in your subconscious.

Shadow Moonlight: *flashback* At least, you'll finally have the Shadowbolts and...Sunny to love. She deserves someone like you.

That last part echoes through your mind as you look back at Sunny. Her eyes were closed, her lips were puckered out and her face was slowly inching closer to yours. For a moment, you debated over whether you wanted to return the kiss or not. Technically, she was your girlfriend now, but it still felt wrong in a sense. You then decided to see just how it felt to kiss her, for curiosity's sake. Who knows? Maybe you would be okay with this after all if you gave Sunny a chance.

So, with much reluctance, you slowly leaned in and softly started kissing Sunny Flare. She smiled and moaned into the kiss before wrapping her arms around your neck and running her fingers through your (H/C) colored hair. Her scent fills you, giving you a sense of an aroma of berry.

Eventually, the two of you part from each other's mouths which was followed by a small trail of saliva. The both of you stared into each other's eyes as blood rushed to your cheeks.

(Y/N): Wow that... that was great.

Sunny Flare: I'm glad to hear that, dear. Now, please, tell me what's going on.

(Y/N): *sigh* Okay.

You took her hands into your own and stared into her eyes sadly.

(Y/N): Sunny... you remember me telling you about how you were originally with Shadow in my original timeline?

Sunny gave you a nod.

Sunny Flare: Are... you still on about that?

She asked before you gave her a nod of your own.

(Y/N): I am. No offense, Sunny, as much as I like you, I can't just accept this. You were head over heels for Shadow in my original timeline and I just feel like I'm stealing you away from him. I mean, I know that the both of you were technically siblings, but you still had such a wonderful relationship with him.

Sunny Flare: But dearie, Shadow and I aren't siblings here.

(Y/N): I know that, but you were back in my original timeline. You were crazy for each other, but you couldn't make it work since you were adoptive siblings. It wasn't until he moved back in with his parents that the two of you finally got together. I just don't wanna take away every good thing he ever had. Sure, he has his parents, but he spent most of his life being lonely as a result. He never got to experience the magic of friendship.

Sunny Flare: Y/N, please. I get that you miss the old Shadow but he's made so many improvements for all of us. His "death" wasn't in vain if you can call it that. Look, nobody likes losing a friend, I think many can agree on that but, it's exactly what Shadow has been trying to tell you. You've just got to move forward.

(Y/N): But I can't, Sunny! You were Shadow's girlfriend, not mine! I can't just act like he never existed, especially since I can still remember him.

Sunny's eyes then started to water with sadness.

Sunny Flare: S-So... are you saying that you want to break us off? Y/N, I love you. I really don't want to lose you. You mean everything to me.

You sighed again before putting your forehead against hers and looking into her eyes.

(Y/N): Sunny, don't get me wrong. This is really hard for me to do. Ever since you changed yourself, you were someone really special to me, and I mean that with every fiber of my being. I'd absolutely love to be with you... if it weren't for the fact that Shadow was already there before me.

Sunny Flare: Well, he's not anymore! Everything's different now! *sobs* Please... I don't want to be alone again.

She broke down and started crying on your chest prompting you to hold her close. You softly petted her hair while laying your head on top of hers. You then thought about what she said before raising an eyebrow at her.

(Y/N): What do you mean alone? I'm sure there's tons of guys that would love to be with you.

Sunny Flare: *sniffs* There are... but it's only for popularity points or because they like my body. You though, you're the only guy who liked me for who I am. Despite my cruelty back at the Friendship Games.

(Y/N): I know...

You took her face into your hands and stared into her eyes.

(Y/N): As much as I like you, Sunny, heck, I can argue and say that I'll go as far as saying that I love you... I don't want to do this to Shadow no matter how much I want this.

You gave her another passionate kiss before separating and turning away from her with a sad look.

(Y/N): I'm sorry, Sunny, but... I just can't be your boyfriend. I'd be a horrible person if I stole you from my best friend. I promise you that... that you'll thank me later for this.

You walked ahead a few feet as Sunny tried to stop you.

Sunny Flare: W-Wait! Y-Y/N, please! I love you!

She tried to say, but you didn't listen as you snapped your fingers and teleported away. Sunny started to break down and cry to herself while on her hands and knees. She calmed herself down as best as she could before pulling out her phone and dialing a number. After a few seconds of waiting, someone on the other end of the call finally picked up revealing themselves to be Shadow.

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): Talk to Shad.

Sunny Flare: *sniff* I'm sorry, dearie. I did the best I could but, he still hasn't accepted this reality that your counterpart created.

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): Did you tell him about your loneliness?

Sunny Flare: I told him everything and despite all that, he still wants to go back and change things.

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): Damn. He is stubborn.*sigh* Alright, well, you did the best you can do, Sunny. Just regroup with the others and we'll come up with another plan.

Sunny Flare: Shadow?

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): What's up?

Sunny Flare: I... I really hope we can convince him otherwise. I love him so much and... *sob* I don't want to... lose him.

Her eyes started to water once more.

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): Don't worry, Sunny. We'll find a way to convince him. He can't stay stuck on the other Shadow Moonlight forever. Unless of course, he wants his stress to consume his life. Point being, I'll make sure you and the rest of the other girls stay with him.

Sunny Flare: I hope so... he just dumped me because he thought he was stealing from the other you.

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): *groans* See, this is why I was mad at him. All he cares about is just having the old me come back even though he did it willingly! And now, he's breaking the hearts of his harem and abandoning his new best friend who was once an enemy just because he wants things to be the way they were! He acts like it's not selfish because he wants his friend back but, he's taking away the happy lives of all of us just for the old me to come back! For God's sake, I'm so sick and tired of him whining about the old me not being here! *sigh* If only that Memory Stone Wallflower had been still intact, we could've made him forget about it. Wait...that's it!

Sunny Flare: What? What is it, Shadow?

Shadow Moonlight (Over Phone): Call everyone to my house! I just got a brilliant idea!

Sunny Flare: U-Uhh... okay?

She hung up before pocketing her phone and turning to look in the direction of where you disappeared.

Sunny Flare: *thinking* I sure hope that Shadow's plan can get Y/N to think straight. I love him more than anything in the world and I don't want that to change.

She thought before she started walking back to Canterlot. Back with you, you were walking by yourself down the busy streets of Canterlot towards CHS in order to meet up with the girls for graduation practice. Your head was hung low and a shadow covered your eyes.

(Y/N): That... was probably the cruelest thing I ever did to Sunny, but... it had to be done. She's Shadow's girlfriend, not mine. Once I find the Time Stone, I'm going to make things right by bringing the old him back. I don't care if he says he doesn't deserve a happy ending, to me, he does.

You sighed soon after.

(Y/N): Until then, I guess I should be worrying about graduation... as well as V/N attacking at any moment.

After much walking, you finally reached the school where your eyes shot open when you saw the music room's wall had been blasted to pieces thanks to Applejack smashing V/N through it, although you didn't know this at the time. You ran over and examined the wreckage.

(Y/N): The heck happened here? Looks like a rhino ran through here.

You stepped through the wreckage and into the music room while looking for your girls.

(Y/N): Girls? You here?

You called out only for none of them to respond.

(Y/N): Sunset? Sci-Twi?

You then went over to the door and opened it before looking from left to right in the hallway.

(Y/N): Pinkie? Fluttershy? Rainbow Dash? Rarity? Applejack? Glori? Trixie? ...Anybody?

You continued to call out, but still no voices rang from anywhere in the school. You went back to the music room and noticed something glowing on the ground. You walked over and saw what it was. It was a small, black crystal with green and purple magic flowing off of it. You looked down at it curiously before slowly reaching down in order to pick it up. However, before your fingers could so much as graze it, the crystal flashed and a light shined above it. The holographic light began to convulse and form into that of a figure. Soon enough, the figure became apparent, making you gasp in alarm. It was a holographic projection... of V/N!

(V/N): Nice seeing you again, Savior of CHS.

(Y/N): V-V/N?!

You shouted in shock before a look of anger replaced your look of surprise.

(Y/N): Where are they?! Where are my girlfriends, you psycho!?

He put up a hand to stop you.

(V/N): Just calm down for a moment, will you? I can assure you that they're not in any form of danger... well... at least, not yet anyway.

(Y/N): The heck's that supposed to mean? I show up to find the place in complete disarray as well as my girlfriends missing and you expect me to just take your word for it?!

He chuckled.

(V/N): I think you should, unless... you don't wanna see your girls ever again, that is.

You clenched your fists in anger.

(Y/N): What do you want?

(V/N): Oh... I think you know what I want.

He grinned sinisterly when he said that before grabbing the Infinity Amulet and showing you. Your heart dropped to the pit of your stomach when you saw that he had five of the Disharmony Stones.

(V/N): That's right, Y/N. It's nearly complete and I only have just one more to retrieve and a dear friend of ours told us that it just so happens to be in this world. Which is why I'm contacting you right now.

(Y/N): What... what are you getting at?

He crossed his arms and gave you a serious stare.

(V/N): If you ever wanna see your precious girls again, you will find the Time Stone for me. Do that, and no harm will come to your girlfriends. Also, don't try to do anything smart. I've got eyes and ears everywhere and they will let me know the instant you find the stone or if you decide to back out.

(Y/N): If what you say is true and that you have lots of support, why not just use them to find the stone?

(V/N): Because, this way... I can finally get you to cooperate with me on something for once.

(Y/N): Really? You went through all this trouble just to get me to cooperate with you? Sounds like you're getting desperate.

(V/N): Coming from the one who is willing to erase everyone's lives just to get his best friend back.

You looked down to the ground when he said that until you heard the hologram began to fade away.

(V/N): You only have a week to find the Time Stone, Y/N, so make haste and don't dawdle! Your friends' lives depend on it!

The transmission soon cut out before the crystal hovered a few inches in the air and disappeared. You stared into space for what seemed like forever while you were having a hard time breathing due to panic settling in.

(Y/N): H-He... he got to them. I... I turned my back for one moment... and he stole them away. This... this is all my fault! I... I've gotta find the Time Stone! It's the only way to save them!

You said out loud and snapped your fingers before teleporting away. You reappeared on the outskirts of Canterlot where the Starswirled Music Festival took place and immediately got to searching.

After another few minutes, you managed to find the Time Twirler from underneath that little trail of rocks under the bridge that you saw Supernova Zap and Kiwi Lollipop cross in their memories when giving themselves a pep talk. You then used your magic to disassemble bits and pieces of the Time Twirler until it was all completely torn apart. However, you were unable to find any traces of the time stone at all.

(Y/N): *thinking* What the? It's not here?! How is it not here?! That's how Shadow was able to get it before he altered time!

Before you could analyze it or come up with an explanation, you detected something coming at you from behind as you quickly ducked out of the way and saw a teal beam blast at you. You turned around and saw a figure wearing a black cloak.

???: I'm sorry, Y/N, but this is for your own good.

The voice was hard to make out but it sounded almost feminine. The figure reaches underneath her cloak and pulls out a familiar stone with some symbols on it that were highlighted in teal.

The stone began to glow which meant only one thing; It was about to take your memories away! You quickly dodged out of the way as a beam shot from the stone and hit the ground where you once stood. The figure tried shooting at you again and again, but you still were able to narrowly dodge each and every shot.

???: Just hold still, Y/N! Don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be!

(Y/N): No way! Who are you and why are you trying to erase my memories?! I thought that thing was destroyed, by the way!

???: It was never destroyed. Wallflower didn't need it after befriending you.

(Y/N): Then why are you using it?!

???: To ensure the safety of myself and others from being erased from existence.

(Y/N): What are you talking about?!

???: Don't pretend. Everyone is well aware of your grieving over the old Shadow Moonlight. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what you're going to do with the Time Stone. Especially since you said your plan out loud.

She pocketed the stone before pulling her hood down revealing their features to you.

(Y/N): S-Sunny?

Sunny Flare: I didn't want to be inconsiderate of you, Y/N. I know it must've been rough to lose a friend but now that you're planning to take our lives just to get him back, I have no choice but to step in.

(Y/N): Sunny, he's my best friend! I can't just steal all that he worked for and act like he never existed!

Sunny Flare: And what about me, Y/N?! What about me, Indigo, Lemon, Sour, Sugarcoat, Moondancer, Sunlight, Juniper, and Wallflower?! Are you just gonna willingly dispose of us just for that?

(Y/N): You were never meant to be with me to begin with! You were all Shadow's girlfriends, not mine!

Sunny Flare: That's where you're wrong! Shadow gave his life up to ensure that we would all live peacefully and you're just going to take that away?! These memories of this other timeline have been messing with your head for far too long and I'm not going to let you be burdened with them any further!

She aimed the Memory Stone at you again.

(Y/N): Sunny, wait!

Sunny Flare: I'm sorry, my love, but this has to be done! It's clear you can't get over him, so this is the only option left!

You could only stand helplessly as the Memory Stone charged up more and more, ready to wipe your memories of the old Shadow clean from your mind. For a moment, you were about ready to dodge again... only for another thought to rise up. Maybe... maybe this was for the best. Maybe having her erase your memory could finally allow you to move on. Maybe... you should just let go already.

With that in mind, you put your arms to the side and stared back at Sunny.

(Y/N): Sunny... you're right.

She stopped for a moment and raised an eyebrow at you.

Sunny Flare: What?

(Y/N): I said... *sigh* you're right. Shadow did all of this for me. I... I might not agree to it, but it's not like I can do much about it. I just... *sniff* I just feel like I failed him.

Your eyes started to water with tears.

(Y/N): I... I just can't handle this, Sunny. I failed him when he needed me the most. I failed him as a brother and I failed him as a friend and this... is his way of forgiving me. I wanted to make things right with him... but now... he's gone.

You dropped to your knees.

(Y/N): Sunny... I know that you think it's best to erase my memories of him, but... can I make a deal with you?

Sunny thought about that for a moment before nodding.

(Y/N): If... If I agree to move on and let you and the other Shadowbolt girls be my girlfriends... can you please not erase my memories of the old Shadow? It's... it's the only thing I have left of him... and the only thing I ask for.

Sunny Flare: *sigh* Y/N... those memories are taking a toll on your mental health and it's clearly showing from how you've been reacting toward it. I want to ensure that you won't have to endure any sort of pain like this anymore. It's more than just being a part of your harem, I really care about you and... I hate seeing my Y/N miserable.

She then sighed afterwards.

Sunny Flare: But... I can also see how much he means to you. If... if you really want to keep your memories of him, then... I guess I'll be willing to comply.

She put away the Memory Stone and then walks over to you, kneeling in front of you.

Sunny Flare: I know you want him back, but you know that you'll just be taking our lives away. I'll never be with you and my friends, Wallflower, and Juniper won't even get the opportunity to be with you.

She pulled you into a hug and rested her head on your shoulder.

Sunny Flare: All that matters to me is that I get to be with you. I love you more than anything in the world, Y/N dearie.

You stayed silent for the next moment or so before speaking.

(Y/N): I... I love you, Sunny. I'm really sorry for earlier today.

Sunny Flare: I love you too, Y/N. I just want you to be happy but, the old Shadow is just... gone. I'm sorry but that's just how it is.

She pulled back before staring into your tear filled eyes. She presses her thumb under your eye and wipes your tears away before grabbing your cheeks and pulling you in for another kiss. For a second, a part of you wanted to pull away, but you soon started warming into the kiss more and more. Sunny moaned into the kiss before she suddenly straddled your lap in order to intensify it.

However, the sweet moment came to an abrupt end when you suddenly remembered today's earlier events. You pulled away from the kiss resulting in another string of saliva that connected your lips.

(Y/N): Sunny, I just remembered that we've got a major problem on our hands!

Sunny Flare: What's wrong, dearie?

(Y/N): It's V/N! He kidnapped Sunset and the rest of the Rainbooms as well as Patriot!

Sunny Flare gasped in horror for a moment before grabbing your hand as she started to pull you away.

Sunny Flare: Come on! We gotta go tell the others!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shadow Moonlight: Hmmm... that is quite the predicament. I was certain Edge had it under control.

He said as you, Sunny, and the rest of the Shadowbolt girls as well as Wallflower and Juniper stood in his living room.

Wallflower Blush: What did he say to you, Y/N?

She asked you.

(Y/N): He... he asked me... no, forced me to start looking for the Time Stone, otherwise, I... I think he'll do something horrible to them.

Shadow raised an eyebrow when you brought up the subject of the Time Stone.

Shadow Moonlight: You know, that's been on my mind lately. What exactly is this Time Stone you're trying to look for?

(Y/N): It's one of the six Disharmony Stones that he's after. He already has five of them, so that makes him more formidable than any foe we've faced before. If he gets his hands on all six, he could easily wipe out all of free will itself.

Shadow Moonlight: And supposedly, this Time Stone, hence the name has control over time itself?

(Y/N): It does. I've been trying to find it for some time now, but to no avail.

Shadow Moonlight: Well, if you do find it, couldn't you just go back in time and stop him from collecting the Disharmony Stones? Or just collect them before he gets the opportunity?

(Y/N): It's not that simple, Shadow. I don't know when and where exactly he got each and every stone, so it'd be pointless.

Shadow Moonlight: Then just find a point in time where V/N is visible and then follow him from there. Oh! How about when he was released at the Friendship Games? You can find him there and then follow him and the rest of his organization for the search.

(Y/N): Well, I'd have to find the stone first before I could pull that off, and even then, how will I know that he won't end up killing Sunset or the others? Or worse, turn them into mindless zombies for eternity?

Shadow Moonlight: If he took away his only leverage of getting you to cooperate with him, you wouldn't have a reason to be doing this. Since he seems to have the desire for you to side with him, I don't think he'd do something drastic to them. Plus, you're going back in time, it's not like it really matters what he does with them since you can just prevent it.

(Y/N): *sigh* If only we knew where the stone was. I tried looking for it at where the Starswirled Music Festival was, but the Time Twirler didn't have it. Almost as if someone had already gotten to it first.

Shadow Moonlight: You said that PostCrush was responsible for that time loop phenomenon. You think they might have something to do with it?

(Y/N): I don't think so. After the festival was over, they swore to never dabble in that sort of thing ever again.

Shadow Moonlight: But was that before or after my counterpart altered the past?

(Y/N): Before. Why?

Shadow Moonlight: Well...if I wasn't there at the music festival with you to ruin things, how were you able to figure out that it was PostCrush?

(Y/N): I'm... I'm not sure, to be honest.

Shadow Moonlight: Still think they're not suspicious?

(Y/N): *sigh* I guess they are, but... you wouldn't happen to have their contact info, right? Because I don't see another way of getting a hold of them.

Shadow Moonlight: Unfortunately, I don't... although, I could see if I could find another way to get through to them. I'll be right back.

He left the room leaving the rest of you to think about what to do next.

Lemon Zest: Do you have any enemies, Y/N? Aside from V/N?

(Y/N): None that I'm aware of, Lem.

Indigo Zap: Maybe somebody mistook it for a priceless jewel and it's somewhere in a shop?

(Y/N): *gasps* No... no, not them!

Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Oh, were you able to figure it out, hon? *sourly* About freggin time!

(Y/N): Okay, there's a high chance it's not them but, if Indigo's theory is correct then... I think the guys we're after are the Flim Flam brothers.

Indigo Zap: What?! Not those idiots!

Sugarcoat: What makes you think it's them?

(Y/N): If the culprit considered it to be a priceless jewel, it'd only make sense that those two would take it to sell for an unfair price.

Sunny Flare: Hang on and slow down for a moment, Y/N. If they really were the culprits, where would we even find them? From last I heard, their shop closed down some time ago.

(Y/N): I don't know but, we'd have to track them down somehow.

You thought before an idea bulb came above your head.

(Y/N): And I think I know just who can help! *whisper* Please still be around! Please still be around!

You brought two fingers to your mouth and loudly whistled before a hellish portal opened up and out jumped Fenrir, the wolf you conjured back during your training with Shadowlight.

Fenrir: You called, master?

You knelt down and hugged the fiery wolf close to you.

(Y/N): Fenrir! I almost completely forgot about you! I'm really sorry for not calling on you more often.

Fenrir: That's alright, master. At least you remembered now. Anyway, what can I do for you?

You ended the hug.

(Y/N): Right! Fenrir, since you're a wolf, you're really good at tracking people and objects down, right?

Fenrir: Of course I am, master.

(Y/N): Well, I don't suppose you'd be able to track down a couple of no good hooligans, would you?

Fenrir: Nobody can escape my nose, master.

(Y/N): Oh, good! Let me see if I've got something that belongs to them.

Fenrir: There's no need to, master. I can easily track them down by just saying their names.

(Y/N): Really? Well, their names are Flim and Flam.

Fenrir: Got it!

He started sniffing the air while trying to get a bead on them. Seconds later, his head shoots up.

Fenrir: I've got them! Follow me!

He ran towards the door and phazed through it and continued running down the sidewalk as you followed closely behind him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(V/N's Void Realm Castle)

In V/N's castle, the camera pans towards one particular window before going through it revealing what was inside. It's revealed to be a prison cell with large black bars stopping anyone from getting in or out. We see the Rainbooms as well as Patriot and Shadowlight locked inside while a certain spunky athlete tried slamming against the bars in some vain attempt at breaking them down much like she did back during the Battle of the bands. Applejack sighed in annoyance before speaking.

Applejack: Rainbow, this is just like when the Dazzlings trapped us underneath the amphitheater! Just give it up, already! We're not gettin' out!

Rainbow Dash: With that kind of attitude, we aren't!

Shadowlight: Besides, the only reason you girls couldn't get out was because the door swung inwards.

Rainbow Dash: You're not helping, Shadowlight!

He sighed at that.

Shadowlight: But Applejack does have a point. We're not getting out so easily since Tirek took our magic away. We're pretty much screwed.

Rainbow Dash: But we can't just give up and do nothing!

Rarity: Well, it's not like we can do much, Rainbow darling. From how it seems, V/N made this prison cell specifically for us, so he anticipated every possible means of escape for us and put a stop to it.

Sci-Twi: I'm with Rarity on this. I'm looking everywhere in the place and even I'm having a hard time finding a solution. This place is well built.

Trixie Lulamoon: The great and powerful Trixie agrees with her statement.

Gloriosa Daisy: Same here.

Everyone heard a sigh as they looked to see a depressed looking Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie: S-So... is... is this the end? Did we lose?

Sunset Shimmer: I wouldn't go that far, Pinkie. Y/N is still out there. I'm sure he'll find a way to save us.

Fluttershy: But... but what if he doesn't?

Shadowlight: Then he'll just go back in time and stop it when he finds the Time Stone. That is... if he can fight the one who possesses it.

He looked off to the side and rubbed the back of his neck when he said that.

Sci-Twi: What's that supposed to mean?

Shadowlight: Nothing. Just saying that he may not like whoever's gotten ahold of the Time Stone.

Sunset Shimmer: Do you...do you think the Dazzlings have the Time Stone?

Shadowlight: No. If they did, V/N would've had it by now. It can't be Juniper, Wallflower, or Gloriosa since they're already on good terms with us and I believe PostCrush is head over heels for Y/N and while they certainly were responsible for that time loop, I don't think they'd have the stone. That narrows it down to only one person.

Patriot: No... NO! Not her!

Shadowlight: Yup. Vignette Valencia.

Applejack: How would she even know about the stone? She wasn't at the Starswirl Music Festival!

Shadowlight: Are you sure, Applejack? Need I remind you that PostCrush was out of commission for years and then they finally got together again for a performance. That's bound to grab the attention of millions and I think we all know how much Vignette thrives on attention. I could almost say that even Adagio wouldn't go that far.

Sunset Shimmer: I'd hate to say it, but he's got a point there, girls. The only one we'd know that could have taken the stone would be someone like Vignette.

Rainbow Dash: Well... we DID destroy her phone with the rainbow lasers, so it kinda adds up but, I thought she learned something after we did. I mean, it happened with everyone else, us included, so why would she try to find more Equestrian magic?

Shadowlight: I wouldn't know but, if I had to guess, it'd probably be to stop her phone from getting destroyed.

Sci-Twi: Why would she need to go all the way back there just to stop a phone from getting broken when she can just buy a new one? SnapGap accounts aren't saved on devices, so it's not like she needs it to restore her account or something.

Patriot: *sigh* Well, when it comes to internet stars like her, it honestly wouldn' surprise me if she was so obsessed with it that she'd alter the fabric of time itself just to get an old phone back.

Gloriosa Daisy: It's girls like her that make me more fond of the outdoors rather than technology or the city for that matter.

They all nodded in understanding of her words.

???: *groans* Would you all just shut up already?!

A high pitched voice startled the group causing them to turn their heads to the source. It's revealed that Cozy Glow is sitting just outside the cell with an annoyed glare on her face.

Cozy Glow: V/N put me in charge here to keep watch over you all, not to listen to you yap for hours on end.

Shadowlight: *sarcasm* Oh, excuuuuuuse me! Sorry to bore you to death with our panic attacks! *speaking* And FYI, V/N didn't read us our Miranda rights when he locked us up here.

Cozy Glow: Well, the way he sees it, you're prisoners of war and when it comes to that, you don't get any rights.

Shadowlight: Tch. And yet he claimed he wanted world order. How can you have that without giving people their rights?

Cozy Glow: Did you not hear him before? He said he doesn't care about world order anymore.

Shadowlight: I'm just saying. If you're gonna lie about your intentions, at least make it convincing.

Cozy Glow: Tell that to him, not me.

Shadowlight: Yeah, yeah.

He groans as he turns back to your harem and then suddenly, he gets an idea.

Shadowlight: Hey, Trixie.

He called to her as he walked over to her and leaned down next to her.

Shadowlight: *whispering* You still got those smoke bombs?

Trixie Lulamoon: *whispering* The Great and Powerful Trixie always has a handful of smoke bombs!

Shadowlight: *whispering* Perfect. That'll be our ticket out of here.

He then turned to the rest of the girls.

Shadowlight: *whispering* We have to get Cozy away from our cell.

Rainbow Dash: *whispering* And how are we supposed to do that?

Shadowlight: *whispering* I don't know. We've got to find someway to get her away from it or this cell will be our grave. Well, your graves at least. I can't die since I'm an umbrum.

Applejack: *whispering* Even without yer magic?

Shadowlight: *whispering* Even without my magic. Look, Trixie can smoke bomb one of us out of here, take down Cozy Glow and then they can unlock the cage.

Pinkie Pie: *whispering* Ohhhhhh, I got it! So, who's gonna go out there?

Fluttershy: *whispering* I-I don't want to get a worse punishment.

Rainbow Dash: *whispering* I'd rather not go out there without my speed.

Shadowlight: *whispering* *sigh* Fine, I'll do it.

He then walked back over to Trixie and gave her a nod. She pulls out one of the smoke bombs from her pocket and hands it to Shadowlight. He slammed it down on the floor as the cell filled up with smoke. Cozy didn't sense anything and didn't bother to look around since all she really cared about was their silence.

Eventually the smoke cleared and right outside the cell door stood Shadowlight himself. He spots Cozy Glow and slowly tiptoed towards her and right when he was mere inches away he threw a hard jab to her face, knocking her out along with some of her teeth. He then grabs the keys from her hand and walks back to the cell door and unlocks it. Your harem just stared at him with shocked and mildly horrified expressions.

Shadowlight: What?

Gloriosa Daisy: Y-Y-You just punched a kid!

Shadowlight: Pffft. Who cares? She had it coming. Besides, she's a relentless sociopath who's pretty much equivalent to Shallow Moonshine.

Fluttershy: Um... who's Shallow Moonshine?

Shadowlight: Shoot. That's right I forgot this is an alternate timeline. Uh, did Shadow tell you about his toxic side?

He asked as they all nod simultaneously in response.

Shadowlight: That's Shallow Moonshine. He's the literal definition of toxic and it got so bad that even V/N couldn't stand him. Personally, while it sucks my Shadow got dusted, at least Shallow's out of the picture. Anywho, let's say we get out of here and talk about this later?

The girls and Patriot all voiced their agreements as the eleven of them rushed out of the cell and turned down a corridor, leaving an unconscious Cozy Glow right next to the now empty cell.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Back with Y/N)

You, Shadow, Juniper, Wallflower, and the Crystal Prep Girls were occupied with following Fenrir who was getting close to finding Flim and Flam. Fenrir was up ahead with his nose sniffing the air while the rest of you followed close behind.

Shadow Moonlight: Are we getting closer to finding them?

Fenrir: Yes. They're very close now! Right this way!

He ran ahead prompting you all to speed up. You all continued running until Fenrir had stopped just outside a familiar looking building that always managed to bring a cringe to your face every time; The Flim Flam Brothers' Everything Under The Sun Emporium.

(Y/N): *sigh* I should have known they'd be here. This place is the epicenter for crime and villainy after all.

Shadow Moonlight: Hey, at least we know their exact location instead of mindlessly searching.

Sunny Flare: *sigh* I was really hoping I wouldn't have to come here again.

(Y/N): Well, we have no other choice, Sunny. If anyone would know where to get and find precious valuables, it'd be these two.

Sunny Flare: Well, I hope it isn't more precious than me, dearie~

She winks as she clings on to your shoulder as your face turns a bright red. Shadow smirks at this and gives you a playful punch.

Shadow Moonlight: Seems like somebody's swimming in a pool of ecstasy today.

He joked as Sunny snuggled closer to you causing you to blush even more.

(Y/N): A-Anyways! L-Let's just... head inside.

You stuttered with your words before walking inside. You were greeted by the same interior you were met with the day you met these clowns while said clowns were just behind the counter restocking their shelves with items that were most likely of bad quality. They turned around once they heard you come in and stopped to glare at you.

Flim: Well, well, well. Look who decided to waltz right into our store, brother.

Flam: Those meddling kids again.

Indigo Zap: Cut the crap, you guys! We wouldn't come here on our own terms!

She slammed her hands on the counter in a fit of anger causing the twins to jump slightly. They straightened themselves out and spoke again afterwards.

Flim: Then why did you all come?

Flam: Probably to file a lawsuit, I assume?

(Y/N): Oh, how much I'd love to do that, but sadly, that's not why we're here.

You walked over and stood in front of the counter.

(Y/N): So, have either of you come across anything that looked like a small, green colored diamond gemstone of sorts? A stone that was potentially glowing perhaps?

Flam: Oh, you mean this?

He asks as he pulls out a small black box and then opens it up. Inside the box was none other than a bright green emerald that shined throughout the colorless darkness of the box.

Flim: I'd be willing to give you a reasonable price of this diamond for ten million dollars.

(Y/N): Yeah... no. That's not what we're looking for and even if it was, I'd still say no to such a ridiculous price.

Flam: Well, we have to cover the transportation costs, the polishing refinements, the compacted styrofoam softness of the internal side of the box, the-

Sugarcoat: None of those would even make a difference and even if they did, they wouldn't be anywhere over a grand.

(Y/N): Besides, the gem we're looking for is smaller than that and it's triangular shaped.

Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Maybe we weren't clear enough. *sourly* Did you find a green diamond shaped gem or are you just purposely screwing with us?!

She shouted at them while Lemon had to hold her back.

Lemon Zest: Just walk away, Sour. Just walk away. It's not worth it.

Sour sighed and sat down on a nearby bench to calm herself.

Flim: Look, this is the only gem we have that's close to your description.

Flam: Nothing else we have matches, so it'd be pointless to stay here.

(Y/N): Well, surely, you must know someone else who would have it, right?

Flim: Trust me, and I know you wouldn't but, if we had something like that, we would definitely have it here to sca- I mean, sell to you.

You looked back at the group for a second and sighed sadly a few seconds later.

(Y/N): Well, it seems like we're out of luck with these two, you guys.

Shadow Moonlight: Well, I guess our hope now is PostCrush.

(Y/N): And that means we'll have to leave Canterlot for this one.

Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* Lemon, if you please?

Lemon Zest: ROAD TRIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPP!!!!

She squealed before sprinting out the door in excitement. You all could only stare at her with amused faces and stares.

(Y/N): Is... there no end to her peppiness?

Shadow Moonlight: Nope. Never a dull moment with her around. Pretty much CPA's Pinkie Pie equivalent.

You all turned and headed out the door with the exception of you as you stood in the doorway for a few seconds before turning to look at Flim and Flam one last time.

(Y/N): Oh, and hey, you know that diamond that you've got in your possession. You wanna know what that is?

You asked the swindling twins, causing them to raise their eyebrows in curiosity.

Flim: Oh? And what would it be?

He asked. That's when you gave them a hard glare and your eyes turned into a pair of slitted ones. You then pulled out your phone and showed them the recording you took of them the day they tried to swindle more money out of Applejack for her bass.

(Y/N): That's... the last... straw.

You clicked the send button which forwarded the recording to your father. The scene then cuts to the Flim Flam brothers being forced into a police car as your dad leaned into the passenger window to give them a smug smirk.

(F/N): You know, we've been trying to get some dirt on you bozos for quite a while now.

Flim: Tch. Took you long enough.

Flam: Brother!

Flim: What? This isn't the first time we've been in this situation, brother.

(F/N): Oh, we're very much aware of that. But don't worry. We've made sure that you two won't be leaving the station for a very, very long time.

Your father said which brought an angry scowl from the brothers before he got into the car they were in and drove away towards the police station. You dusted your hands off with Shadow, the Shadow Five, Juniper, and Wallflower just watching the car drive off.

(Y/N): And that finally takes care of those idiots.

Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* Well, that makes two less swindlers to worry about.

Sugarcoat: Unfortunately, there's hundreds of thousands more still getting away with their crimes globally.

She killed the mood while adjusting her glasses.

Indigo Zap: *sigh* At least we won't need to worry about them ever again.

Shadow suddenly got an idea as he turned to you with a wide smirk. You noticed his smirk out of the corner of your eye and you turned to look at him.

(Y/N): What?

Shadow Moonlight: Oh, nothing.

He shrugs as he then turns to the girls.

Shadow Moonlight: I think he deserves a kiss for putting those two away, don't you girls think?

(Y/N): Oh, you son of a-

You couldn't finish that sentence due to being tackled by the Shadow 5 and being kissed all over. Once the kissing marathon was over, they finally let you go revealing your face to be once again covered in kiss marks. You shook them away and sighed afterwards.

(Y/N): Well, those two were a bust.

Shadow Moonlight: Yeah, but those smooches certainly weren't.

He joked while the girls all collectively giggled. Your earlier blush returned and you rubbed the back of your head in embarrassment.

Shadow Moonlight: Honestly, I'm having a lot more fun having a stud for a friend than being one myself.

(Y/N): A-Anyways. Where can we find PostCrush? Do any of you know where they'll be performing?

Shadow Moonlight: Well, I did my research and it seems that their next concert is in Fillydelphia about a few days from now.

(Y/N): Fillydelphia, huh? *sigh* Why couldn't it have been a place I've been to?

Indigo Zap: It'll be fine, babe. We can just use Lemon's family RV to get us there.

Shadow Moonlight: Besides, it gives you the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with these girls. You've spent more of your time on the Rainbooms and they've been CRAVING for your attention.

(Y/N): *whisper* Cravings I shouldn't have to begin with.

Shadow Moonlight: You say something?

(Y/N): U-Uh, n-nothing, Shadow! Let's just... find PostCrush and see if they have the stone.

Shadow Moonlight: Alright, alright. Come on.

With that said, you, Shadow, and the Shadow Five walked down the sidewalk towards Lemon's home. However, you were unaware that Shadow was whispering something to Lemon who then got a widened smirk as she caught up to you. Without warning, you were suddenly given a peck from the lime-haired rocker herself as she let out an adorable giggle while you blushed a bright red.

(Y/N): Wh-What's that about?!

Lemon Zest: Just wanted to remind ya that I love you, babe.

She then stepped back toward Shadow as she and him snicked, leading you to turn around and glare at Shadow who gave you a playful shrug. You rolled your eyes before continuing your journey down the sidewalk.

(Y/N): *voiceover* *sigh* This... this is just too weird for me. I... I know that I should move on, but... I still can't shake the feeling of this being wrong. They were his girlfriends, not mine. At... at this point... I'm not even so sure of what I want anymore.

Shadow Moonlight: Y/N, we talked about this. Things have changed for the better, so it's best to just roll with it.

You turned to him with a horrifyingly shocked expression.

(Y/N): H-How did you hear that?!

Shadow Moonlight: You said it out loud, bud.

You sweatdropped and laughed nervously.

(Y/N): D-Did I?

Sugarcoat: Yeah, we all heard you. Shadow's not really that attractive, anyway. No offense.

Shadow Moonlight: Eh. I've heard worse. I'm cool being talked down to, it doesn't bother me.

Sour Sweet: Masochistic much?

Shadow Moonlight: At this point, it probably is. Either that or I just don't care about myself enough to really argue about it.

(Y/N): Look, we'll discuss this some other time. Right now, we've gotta focus on getting a hold of the Time Stone.

Shadow Moonlight: Hold on, since you brought up the previous timeline, you're still not gonna try to use it to turn things back, right? You promised that, Y/N.

(Y/N): *sigh* Yes, Shadow. I did promise that, didn't I?

Shadow Moonlight: Yeah and you could just as easily break it as you did make it. All I'm saying is, don't try to fix what's not broken.

(Y/N): Okay, okay. I've already come to terms with it, Shadow, so you don't need to keep forcing it on me.

You replied. Shadow seemed a little unconvinced by your answer until he nodded.

Shadow Moonlight: Good. Now then, let's go get Lemon's RV.

He rubs his hands together as you all continue walking down the sidewalk with Wallflower sighing internally.

Wallflower Blush: *thinking* I knew I should've stayed home today.