
Chapter 60: Scourge Vs. Savior Pt. 5
(Shadowlight9743: Alright, guys. This chapter's gonna be a special one.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: That's right. This chapter will be the longest one in the entire book due to how much we're putting into it. You'll all see once you get into it.)
(Shadowlight9743: In fact, it was so long that we were already working on it a while beforehand. We pretty much have about a third of it done at the time of us starting this.)
(TheNintegaGuy: So get ready as you're about to experience a long rollercoaster ride with this one chapter.)
(Shadowlight9743: A nearly four hour long coaster.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: So sit back, grab your favorite drink, and prepare for a true spectacle! A 40,688 word long spectacle, might I add... my god, that's so much.)
The Rainbooms are greeted with the disheartened Shadowbolts as they sit down on the couch opposed to the one their former rivals sat at. You walked inside and sat next to your harem and looked up at the five emotionally damaged girls in front of you.
(Y/N): So... how did it go down?
Sunny Flare: *sniff* Well, I was at home just watching some tv when I suddenly heard a knock at my door. I opened it to see Shadow standing there with a serious expression. I asked him what was up and he told me that he needed to talk to me. I invited him in and we got to talking. One thing led to another and... and...
She trailed off when her tears returned to her eyes. You put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
(Y/N): If it's too much for you, Sunny, you don't have to continue.
You reassured her, but she wipes away her tears and shakes her head.
Sunny Flare: No, you need to hear the whole thing. He... he said that... that it was better off if we were just friends.
Indigo Zap: He did the same thing with the rest of us.
She added as the rest of the Shadowbolts nodded. You run your hand through your hair in frustration.
(Y/N): *sigh* I'm really sorry he did that, girls. I really tried stopping him, but he wouldn't listen.
Lemon Zest: I just wanna know why he did it. Were... were we not good enough to him or something?
(Y/N): No, no, of course not. You girls were more than good enough. He's... he's just going through somewhat of an internal crisis right now.
Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Does he... not love us anymore? *sourly* Because if that's the case, I'll beat the crap out of him until he does!
You put up a hand to halt her.
(Y/N): Sour, calm down! He loves you girls more than anything in the world. Like I said, he feels a little lost right now and it's causing him to do a lot of regrettable things. It's got nothing to do with all of you, I promise.
Sugarcoat: Then please tell us, Y/N... what's happened to our Shadow?
She asked in a pleading voice which was a stark contrast to her usual blunt attitude. You sighed once again and sat down just in front of them.
(Y/N): Girls... it's partially my fault for why he's acting like this.
Sunny Flare: Did... did something happen between you two?
(Y/N): Yeah, kinda. Do you all remember what happened to me at the Starswirled Music Festival involving the time loop possibly?
Indigo Zap: You said that you kept trying to see PostCrush, but couldn't for some reason.
(Y/N): Yeah. Here's what happened. PostCrush was using this device called the Time Twirler which allowed them to loop the same day over and over again in order to perfect their performance. I was outside of its range, so I wasn't affected by it, but the rest of you were. Every time I tried seeing them, Shadow always did something to screw up my chances at seeing them perform and because of it, I massively took him for granted and got overly angry at him. I made things right with him on the final repeat and we managed to convince PostCrush to stop using the Time Twirler by destroying it. What we didn't know was that one of the Disharmony Stones was sealed inside it and Shadow happened to find it. It showed him all the repeats including... all the times I snapped at him and took him for granted. And so, as a result, he got so saddened by him supposedly being the one mainly at fault that he felt that it was necessary to change the timeline itself in order to make it up to me by giving me... well, you girls.
Sunny Flare: He... he gave us away?
You nodded in confirmation.
(Y/N): Yes. He became a recluse in his own home and he never experienced friendship. I eventually got a hold of the Time Stone and went back to stop him from changing the timeline. He agreed reluctantly under the condition that when V/N's finally defeated that... he'd still alter time.
Lemon Zest: You mean he... he still wants to give us to you?
(Y/N): *sigh* Yeah. I'm really sorry that you're going through this, girls. This whole thing is my fault. If I hadn't been so mean to him, he wouldn't have wanted to go back in time and he'd still probably be his old self.
Sugarcoat is the first to react as she glared daggers at you.
Sugarcoat: You're a terrible friend, Y/N.
slump even more at her choice of words.
(Y/N): I... I know. I realize that I was awful to him, but... I'm trying to set things right.
Sour Sweet: *sweetly* You are? *sourly* Well, you're not doing a good job at it!
Rainbow Dash: Hey, lay off him, will ya?! It's not like he asked for any of this to happen!
Rainbow stepped in.
Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Oh, I'm sorry. *sourly* Is your boyfriend giving you up to some other guy who has enough girls already?!
Pinkie Pie: Y/N would never do that! He loves us way too much for that to happen!
Sour Sweet: Exactly!
Indigo Zap: How are you even defending him after hearing what he did to Shadow?!
Sugarcoat: Because they love Y/N too much to see past their own biases, obviously.
Lemon Zest: In fact, really ask yourselves this! How do you all know that you truly love him?! For all you know, he could be using his magic to manipulate how you feel about him! Why else would he be a total chick magnet?!
Rarity: *exasperated gasp* Well, I never! Y/N isn't a "chick magnet"! If that were true, then how is it that you five have fallen for Shadow instead of him?
Indigo Zap: To make it less obvious, of course! If he did it too much, then it'd be really suspicious!
Sunset Shimmer: How dare all of you!? Y/N saved me from a life of self loathing and endless hatred from others! There's no way a person with ulterior motives would ever do that much for a single person!
Sour Sweet: Only so that he could add you as a tally! He doesn't care how others feel, only about how much popularity he can score and what better way to do it than by having a harem of his own!
Lemon Zest: *groans* Sunny, tell them that they're so full of crap!
She asked her friend who hadn't said a word the whole time. The CPA fashionista turns back to her friend with an uncertain look on her face. She wanted to believe that you could still be trusted, but after really taking in everything her friends said, she was now at a loss for words.
Sunny Flare: W-Well... I... I don't think Y/N is a bad guy. He just made a mistake. Like Rainbow Dash said, it's not like he wanted this to happen, but... I don't know what to think. All I know is that... I want my Shadow back.
Indigo Zap: Seriously?! Aren't you the least bit pissed off at Y/N considering that you were the closest to Shadow?!
Sunny Flare: I won't lie, I am a little agitated at him for being the cause of this, but... I also am aware that it isn't entirely his fault. Shadow always had a hatred for himself, evidenced by how he behaves towards Shallow than the rest of us. On top of that, he's very loyal to Y/N, so I believe that having him find out that he caused a lot of problems for Y/N must have completely broken him.
She then turns to you.
Sunny Flare: I can also see in his eyes that he's really hurt by this. Believe me, girls, I feel just as frustrated as you do, but you can't pin all of this on Y/N. The last thing we want is to demonize him and turn him into another V/N.
She stands up and walks over to you before taking a seat next to you.
Sunny Flare: After the Friendship Games were over, we promised that we'd try to be better people and one of those factors is to stop being so pessimistic to people especially if it involves things that they didn't mean for to happen.
Indigo Zap: B-But... but Sun-
Sunny Flare: But nothing, Indigo! I've already made my decision. I'm taking Y/N's side and that's that. And if none of you like it, then tough!
She smiled at you when she said that leading to you smiling back.
Sunny Flare: Y/N... if it's not too much trouble, could you call Shadow? I... we need to talk to him.
You nod before pulling out your phone and dialing Shadow's number.
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(Shadowlight's Void Realm)
In Shadowlight's Void Realm, we find Shadow, Edge, Hollow, and O/N just relaxing on a couch watching some TV in silence. At least, it would've been silent until O/N broke the ice with a sigh.
(O/N): Is he gonna show up yet?
Shadow Moonlight: I don't know. He did say to meet up in the void realm I'm pretty sure.
Hollow Moonshine: He's probably giving his harem a pep talk or something.
Shadowlight: Yeah, that definitely sounds like a Y/N thing.
(O/N): *sigh* You guys sure that he looks like me? Yeah, he's got my name, but my name isn't that distinctive, so finding someone else with my name isn't too surprising.
Shadow Moonlight: Trust me, O/N. I've known this guy for years and you and him look exactly alike.
(O/N): If he somehow has better looks than me, I will freak out.
Shadowlight: Twenty bucks says that'll happen?
Hollow Moonshine: Forty.
Shadow Moonlight: Sixty.
(O/N): You're on!
Suddenly, Shadow feels his phone vibrate in his pocket as he pulls it out and checks the caller ID, revealing it to be you.
Shadow Moonlight: Oh, that's him. I better take this.
He stood up from the couch and then pressed the green call button, right as the ringing stopped on the other end.
Shadow Moonlight: Hey, Y/N. You guys coming? We're all in the void waiting for you.
(Y/N) (Over Phone): Shad... we need to talk.
Shadow Moonlight: Um...
He looked over at the other three for a moment and then pressed the phone back up to his ear.
Shadow Moonlight: *softly* ...did something happen?
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Dude... I think you definitely know what happened.
Shadow Moonlight: Um, no, dude, I don't. I've been with O/N, Hollow, and Edge this whole time waiting for you.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Well, then how do you explain Sunny and the other Shadowbolts coming to my doorstep with tears in their eyes?
A moment of silence is shared between the both of you before...
Shadow Moonlight: Wait... WHAT?!
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Your "girlfriends" came to my house bawling their eyes out because apparently you ended things with them.
Shadow Moonlight: Dude, I haven't even seen them. I was with O/N the whole time while getting ahold of Edge and Hollow. Isn't that what you said we needed to do?
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Seriously? Then how can they... wait a minute. Have you been keeping an eye on Shallow by any chance?
Shadow Moonlight: I thought you were in charge of that.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) I left him with you, remember?
Shadow Moonlight: Hold on a moment...
He looks over at Edge, Hollow, and O/N.
Shadow Moonlight: Hey, guys? Do you know where Shallow is?
(O/N): Oh yeah. He's right over-
He looked off to the side to where a big cage was placed and saw that it was empty. He sweat drops before chuckling nervously.
(O/N): I uh... I think we have a bit of a problem.
Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* Okay.
He then holds the phone up to his ear.
Shadow Moonlight: Yeah, he's not here, dude.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Oh come on! Seriously?! First the Shadowbolts come crying at my house and now this?! We needed him! *groans* Do you know where he could have potentially gone?
Shadow Moonlight: Well, if he's posing as me, he might just be trying to completely destroy all of my friendships right now. Wait... is Wallflower there with you?
(Y/N): (Over Phone) No, just the Shadowbolts.
Shadow Moonlight: Are... are they mad at me?
(Y/N): (Over Phone) *sigh* No... it's quite the opposite really.
Shadow Moonlight: I'm sure... I'm sure they don't wanna talk to me though. I'm sure whatever Shallow told them must've completely destroyed them.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Shad, they weren't angry at you. In fact, they were angry at me.
Shadow Moonlight: Wh-WHAT?! Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! I'm heading over there, Y/N! We have to settle this!
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Shadow, don't! Stay there with Edge and the others.
Shadow Moonlight: No, Y/N! I have to fix Shallow's mess. I won't let you take the brunt for anything! Especially, not for a problem he caused! I'm going over there right now!
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Shadow, as team leader, I forbid you from doing this!
Shadow Moonlight: But, Y/N-
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Shadow, just listen to me, okay?! You need to stay there with Edge and the others. I'll see if I can go find Shallow and get him under control.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) Y/N? Is that him?
Sunny's voice can be heard in the background making Shadow sweat a little.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) Yeah, it is. You wanna talk to him?
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) Yes... please?
The sounds of you handing the phone over to her can be heard until her voice came through loud and clear.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) S-Shadow?
Shadow Moonlight: O-Oh, uh... heeeey, Sunny.
He answered uneasily.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) Shadow, Y/N told me everything. About... about why you're doing this. Is... Is what he said true? Do you really plan to change the past?
Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* I... I know it must be difficult for you, Sunny, but... this is what I need to do. I'm... I'm not allowed to have you.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) Says who? Isn't... isn't what you and I had special?
Shadow Moonlight: It was and I'm happy it turned out the way it did, but... everyone wants you five to be with Y/N.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) Everyone? But CPA was fine with us being together, Shadow.
Shadow Moonlight: I don't mean everyone at CPA, Sunny, I mean... *sigh* look, it's not important. I was never meant to be with you to begin with. There was even a time where we were adoptive siblings, so that's basically incest which is highly frowned upon by society!
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) B-But... we're not anymore, so... we were finally able to be together.
Shadow Moonlight: It still doesn't change the fact that we shared a childhood together, Sunny! I'm technically still your brother, so by definition, I am a disgusting degenerate that should've never been given birth!
Shadow stopped and breathed in slowly before exhaling to calm himself.
Shadow Moonlight: But... I don't want to leave you all on a bad note.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) What... what are you getting at, Shadow?
Shadow Moonlight: Look, even though I'm gonna change the past, I don't want you or the others to be miserable because in all honesty, I don't think anyone really "dies" from altering the past. They just get sent to their own alternate universe and I don't want you to live in said universe with a broken heart, so I'm still your boyfriend, and until you say otherwise, I'll always be yours.
Silence overtook the scene as Shadow waited for her reply. Eventually, she gives one.
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) W-Well, as long as you still love me, then... that's fine by me.
Shadow smiled a little.
Shadow Moonlight: Good. We'll talk later, Sunny. Could you please put Y/N back on?
Sunny Flare: (Over Phone) O-Okay.
The phone being passed again can be heard before Sunny's voice was replaced with yours.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) So, what'd you say to her?
Shadow Moonlight: Well, I reminded her that I still love her and that seemed to brighten her spirits up.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) I can tell by the look on her face that you brightened her spirits.
Shadow Moonlight: Yeah, but anyways, Y/N, listen carefully. If I'm not mistaken, Shallow will be going after Wallflower next, probably to say that he hasn't forgiven her for erasing memories. You have to find her because I'm certain she's where he's headed to.
(Y/N): (Over Phone) *sigh* Okay. I'll see if I can find him. I'll call you if I need backup.
Shadow Moonlight: Alright. Talk to you then, dude.
He hangs up and turns to the rest of the group.
Shadow Moonlight: Okay... we might actually be screwed now. Unless Y/N can track him down, we'll be unable to beat V/N when he strikes.
Hollow Moonshine: You think we should just go and help him anyways? I know he said that he'd call in case he needs help, but this is Shallow we're talking about. If he's accidentally set off, he could make Y/N's life a living hell.
Shadow Moonlight: Yeah, probably a good idea. Let's go.
Shadow snaps his fingers and creates a red colored portal before he and the others step through it.
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When we cut back to you, you could be seen hurriedly walking through Canterlot towards Wallflower's home in order to warn her of what's coming to her. It didn't take too long for you to make it to her front door and you knocked on it, hoping that Shallow hadn't arrived before you did. A few seconds passed before she answered it.
Wallflower Blush: Oh, hi Y/N.
She greets you with a smile. You sigh in relief at Shallow not being here first before addressing her.
(Y/N): Hey, Wall. Do you mind if I come in?
Wallflower Blush: Not at all. Come in.
She steps aside allowing you to enter.
Wallflower Blush: What brings you here, Y/N?
(Y/N): *sigh* Okay, look, I need to ask you something. Has Shadow paid you a visit lately?
Wallflower tilted her head in confusion before shaking it.
Wallflower Blush: I don't think so. Why?
(Y/N): Well, let's just say that-
Your sentence is stopped by a knock at Wallflower's door.
Wallflower Blush: Oh, let me get that.
(Y/N): Wall, wait!
You stop her dead in her tracks. You go over to the door and gaze through the peephole and see Shadow standing on the other side. However, you knew better that he wasn't really your best friend. You turn your head back to Wallflower and give her a serious look.
(Y/N): Wallflower, go to your room and don't come out until I say so.
Wallflower Blush: *gasps* Am I being robbed?
(Y/N): In a sense, yes. You'll be robbed of your heart if you hear what they have to say.
Wallflower Blush: Uhh... okay then.
She raised an eyebrow as she walked upstairs. Once she was completely upstairs, you turned back to the door where "Shadow" was. You open it and glare at him through the gap.
(Y/N): Hello, "Shadow." What brings you here?
Shadow Moonlight?: Hey, bud. Is Wallflower here? I need to see her.
You narrow your eyes at him.
(Y/N): Why do you wanna see her?
Shadow Moonlight?: I want to talk to her.
(Y/N): Can I ask why?
Shadow Moonlight?: Just some personal stuff between us.
You step out and close the door behind you.
(Y/N): Okay... but before you do, let me test something out.
You pulled out your phone, brought out your contacts, and started a call with Shadow. The dial tone can be heard for a few seconds before its stopped by the recipient answering.
Shadow Moonlight: (Over Phone) Hey, what's up, dude?
"Shadow's" eyes widen slightly upon hearing this.
(Y/N): Shad, I found him.
You hung up and in an instant, you grabbed "Shadow" and pinned him against the wall.
(Y/N): Nice try, you prick!
"Shadow" sees that you weren't being fooled and he sighs in annoyance. His appearance changed back into Shallow soon after.
Shallow Moonshine: Well, I'd be glad to revert things back to the way they were if you don't want me here, Y/N. Just give me the Time Stone and it'll all be back to the way it was.
(Y/N): *sarcasm* Oh yeah. That's such a great idea. Give the sociopath the means to change time itself. *speaking* Like that'll ever happen.
Shallow Moonshine: Then why the hell did you bring me here? I wouldn't even exist if you allowed Shadow to go through with it.
(Y/N): Oh, trust me, I want you gone as much as the next guy. But, unfortunately, I need your help even more.
Shallow Moonshine: Wow, you truly must be desperate if you need MY help.
He pushed you off of him and glared.
Shallow Moonshine: Well, you can piss off and forget it! I don't help anyone who's part of V/N.
He walks past you and towards the street, but you say something that makes him stop dead in his tracks.
(Y/N): Not even for a chance to get rid of him permanently?
He stood for another few seconds before chuckling and turning back to face you.
Shallow Moonshine: I know what you're trying to do and it won't work. Don't get me wrong, I'd gladly get rid of that pompous jackass any day, but if I have to work with you to do it, then count me out.
(Y/N): *sigh* Shallow, for once, just shut up and listen. I don't want this as much as you do, but we don't have any other choice here. V/N can only be defeated with the Concinnity Amulet and one of the other two amulet wielders has to have a heart of stone, that being you. If you don't, V/N will turn everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, into brain dead husks.
Shallow Moonshine: Tch. You didn't need us and you know you didn't!
(Y/N): My personal desires are none of your damn business! Unless you wanna end up as a free will deprived servant, I suggest you change your attitude.
Shallow Moonshine: Hey, it's not my fault you decided to be a stubborn idiot at the Friendship Games which by the way is the only reason V/N is out here to begin with! All of this wouldn't be happening if you weren't brought into this world in the first place! All you've done is play the pity game ever since day one. "Oh look at me! Look at the sad, whiny little prick who tries to act as everyone's savior even though I'm the one who brought this all on them!" Well, let me drop a truth bomb on you, Y/N. YOU'RE THE FURTHEST THING FROM A SAVIOR!!!
You flinched at his tone of voice as his words really got to you.
Shallow Moonshine: You are no different from the edgy prick you spawned from! The way I see it, you shouldn't have those girlfriends of yours as well as the idiots at CHS who bow and kiss your feet every single day! You brought this all on yourself, Y/N L/N, and there's only one person to blame and that is YOU! You made the mess, so YOU clean it up! No one else!
He then turns to the camera everything except for him reduces it's color to black and white.
Shallow Moonshine: And as for you. This isn't a message to everyone, but to those of you that are getting all pissed off at me, you can sit there and say that I'm a prick or I'm "wrong" because I'm yelling at Y/N all you want, but it just goes to show how privileged you people are from being so comfortable with your face behind a screen 24/7! If you people are that desperate for a soulmate, get out of your room and do something about it instead of living a goddamn fantasy! It's not my fault you social outcasts can't find somebody! Get a life!
(Shadowlight9743: Disclaimer: These aren't our actual thoughts. This is just for the sake of storytelling. We don't call him Shallow for nothing.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: So please, don't send us hate comments.)
Shallow turns back to you.
Shallow Moonshine: You aren't the glorified hero you claim to be. And you. NEVER. WILL BE!!
Your eyes drifted to the ground as a shadow covered them, obscuring your current expression.
(Y/N): *silence*
Shallow Moonshine: Yeah, the truth bites, doesn't it? Well, tough crap, but I'll tell you something else! Shadow is even more pathetic than you! He's so pitiful that he can't even take one insult without completely falling apart! He's a wimp, who acts so pitiful because he just cries for attention! He's more of a nobody than Wallflower and that says a whole lot! If there's one thing V/N was right about is that you both are the most pathetic pair of friends in existence! You're equally corny, annoying, you both have edgy backstories which is more than a traditional cliche at this point, and you're both equally dysfunctional! V/N may be a jackass, but at least he doesn't wallow over people the way you do! On top of that, he actually thinks with his head rather than quickly jumping to conclusions! I still hate him with a passion, but that's the one thing he has over the both of you that makes him more tolerable. You're as impulsive as Shadow is wimpy!
He turns away from you.
Shallow Moonshine: You really wanna do something actually worthwhile, Y/N? Then take down V/N and his idiot underlings!
You turned your eyes up slowly towards him.
(Y/N): *whisper* How can I?
Shallow Moonshine: If you're so smart, figure it out yourself.
Thoughts raced through your head as you wordlessly argued with yourself over how you would defeat V/N and his minions. Unfortunately, no matter how much thought you put into it, you couldn't come up with a good idea. Maybe... maybe Shallow had a point there. Maybe you really were more incompetent than you thought. A disheartening sigh escapes you as you slump in defeat.
(Y/N): You're... you're right.
Shallow Moonshine: *groans* Why do you have to always disagree with me? Am I the only one who... Wait, what?
He asked, legitimately confused.
(Y/N): I said you're right. I guess I was only kidding myself by believing I could be some kind of "savior." I rely too much on those around me for support when... when I should be fighting my own battles. I've endangered those I cared for more than actually protecting them and... and this is my inevitable punishment. It was coming and I should have seen it sooner. As much of a pessimist you are Shallow... for once... you're actually right about me.
Shallow blinks a few times before sighing.
Shallow Moonshine: Geez, you really would compete with Shadow over who self loathes the most. Guess it shows that you two were destined to meet with each other.
He chuckles before turning and suddenly smacking right into someone. He looks and sees Hollow, O/N, and Shadow standing and glaring back at him.
Hollow Moonshine: And just where the hell do you think YOU'RE going?
Shallow Moonshine: *sarcasm* Oh fantastic! The rest of the suicide squad showed up!
Shadowlight then comes out of Shadow's pendant and walks up and stares straight into Shallow's eyes with the angriest frown he could muster.
Shadowlight: You really love being a pessimistic little twat, don't you?
Shallow Moonshine: No shit! That's kind of my thing! I'm just being real with Y/N!
Hollow Moonshine: There's a huge difference between being real and being a pessimistic downer such as yourself! It's no wonder why Shadow wanted to get rid of you!
Shallow Moonshine: Oh, that's rich coming from V/N's clone of me who wanted to sadistically slaughter Shadow the moment he was born!
Shadowlight: He didn't know any better at the time! Meanwhile, you know for a fact that your words sting others and you could care less about how they feel! Are you seriously THAT pessimistic that you'd rather let the world become V/N's personal puppet show?! You do realize that if everyone's controlled, that'll include you too, right?
Shallow Moonshine: First off, other people's *mockingly* feelings and emotions *speaking* are not my problem. If they want to get all emotional or pissed off because I say something they disagree with, that's on them! Second, I could care less what V/N does, everyone is just as equally incompetent anyway. He's just making it more obvious.
(O/N): *groans* Now, I know why he's the perfect candidate for the Dark Amulet. He really doesn't care about others!
That last sentence really got on Shallow's nerves as he gives Shallow an enraged look.
Shallow Moonshine: Oh, I don't care?! I. Don't. Care?! Do you think it's fun being this apathetic to people?! Do you think I enjoy it?! Well, short answer, I don't, but the only reason why I'm like this and why Shadow's like this is because of Patriot! Shadow's lost every bit of confidence he had for himself which is what I am, but I don't have compassion! I can't feel anything for people, I can't feel or understand what others go through because I don't have those attributes that he has! But you know what? Patriot's not the main reason I'm like this. As much as I despise him, he's only a tiny chapter in my long story of despair. You wanna know who's the main theme of it all?
He points to you.
Shallow Moonshine: That. Jackass. Right. There! He's a goddamn joke! Do you have ANY idea what I've been through because of him?! He couldn't muster even the slightest bit of courage to say the word "bye" and when I finally see him again, it's all just so he could explain that he was too much of a coward to do it! I KNOW that he was too much of a coward to do it; I just wanted to see if he regretted it, and it took all the way up until the end of the Friendship Games just for him to apologize! Then, when we're on the Spring Dance trip, he sneaks into my room, steals the pendant with Shadow in it, and then right after that fight with the skeletal shark, he smashes it to pieces which would have actually killed him by the way! It's a miracle Shadow is even alive right now! Then, during the second yacht trip, he cared more about that trip than Edge's well-being! He almost died because Y/N didn't make an effort to care about his own friend that was in grave danger! And then there's the Starswirled Music Festival! He neglected him, he screamed at him, he insulted him straight to his face, and then pretended to act like it never happened the next day of the time loop!
He turns back and gets in your face.
Shallow Moonshine: And yet despite all of this crap that you caused, you still wonder why the hell Shadow would do all of this! Frankly, I do too, but the one thing he did do right was keep you the hell away from him! You're the worst excuse for a friend, Y/N! Tell me, was there ever a time where you actually did something for us, huh?! Was there a sacrifice YOU made for us?! And don't tell me it was to go back in time to stop Shadow from changing the past because that doesn't count!
You stayed silent as a result of not being able to say yes to this answer.
Shallow Moonshine: Exactly! You can't think of any because there was never any! You never made a sacrifice to help us, it was only to help you, but nobody else ever bothered to really analyze the whole thing and Shadow couldn't address it because he was afraid all the one-sided idiots over there would've scolded him for it!
He turns back to the rest of the group.
Shallow Moonshine: Which really begs the question. Why?! Why do you all still back him up after everything he's done?! Isn't there anyone here who actually sees that he's not as good of a friend as everyone thinks?! You can say that he means well and all that rot, but he hasn't done ANYTHING to prove that! If it were up to me, I'd have this sad sack of crap BEATEN to a bloody pulp for all his transgressions!
He looks back over at you.
Shallow Moonshine: Although, if you really wanna prove me wrong Y/N, then do as I said and take on V/N. This time, by yourself! No harem, no friends! Completely. Utterly. BY YOURSELF!! Do that, and you might, and this is only a miniscule MIGHT, actually gain my respect.
You, meanwhile, stared at the ground with a shadow over your eyes the whole time. Your body had seemingly lost all color and life as if it had been sucked out of you by a straw. Then, without so much as any buildup, you finally said something.
(Y/N): *whisper* ...Fine.
Shadow, O/N, Shadowlight, and Hollow's bottom jaws fall to the ground in shock.
Shadow, Shadowlight, O/N, & Hollow: WHAT?!?!
Shadow Moonlight: Y-Y/N, no! You can't! You'll die if you take him on alone!
(Y/N): *whisper* ...then that's my form of redemption.
Hollow Moonshine: Dude, you can't sacrifice yourself! Shallow's just screwing around with your head like he does to everyone!
Shadowlight: *groans* Now do you see what you've done to him, Shallow?! He now believes that this is a form of repentance thanks to you!
Shallow Moonshine: Y/N has to truly understand what it means to take people for granted. See how well he does without the people that he relies on in battle the most. In fact, since you have the capability, why don't you have him battle a clone of V/N? Would that keep me off your ass?
Shadowlight: In his current condition?! Hell no! Y/N doesn't need to prove anything to you, especially by doing something that'll surely cut his life short!
Shadow goes up to you and tilts your head up to look back at him.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N, this is a terrible idea. If you die, the Rainbooms will lose their will to fight and we can't handle V/N without the Elements of Harmony.
(Y/N): *saddened sigh* *whisper* Which mostly consists of Twilight and the rest of the Rainbooms. Me on the other hand? I don't represent anything. Not Laughter, not Generosity, not even Loyalty. I'm just... nothing.
Shadow shakes his head.
Shadow Moonlight: You know deep down that that's not true, pal. The more I've seen you in our adventures, the more I realized exactly what you were meant to be. Sure, you don't represent any of the other elements, but you know what else that means? You represent a new element. You represent the Element of Courage.
You slowly tilted your eyes up to him.
(Y/N): *whisper* ...Courage?
Shadow Moonlight: Yeah, dude, courage. Remember when you jumped into the middle of the ocean just to save my life? You were so afraid to even swim before, but yet you put that aside just to save my life. And all the villains you've faced, anyone without powers would have easily fled in fear, but you? You stood your ground and defended those you cared for. Time and time again, you've faced your fears head on and didn't care about how they made you feel. See? Shallow is wrong because there were times where you made a sacrifice for us. Where... you made a sacrifice for me. It's why I not only call you my best friend, but also my brother in arms.
Unbeknownst to most of you, Shallow listened to every word Shadow was saying as his annoyed expression slowly changed into that of genuine surprise.
Shadow Moonlight: Shallow can say that you don't belong here all he wants, but all he does is spew venom and toxins everywhere he goes.
Hollow Moonshine: I agree with Shadow, don't let someone like him get into your head. I never said anything at the time, but you were one of the main reasons why I defected to your side. I've seen how much you wanted to protect those girls of yours along with all of CHS and Canterlot. The more I saw just how much of a golden heart you've got, the more I realized just how black hearted V/N was.
Shadowlight walked up beside you and wrapped an arm around your shoulders.
Shadowlight: Y/N, before you split from V/N, there was a brief time where I believed that I couldn't trust you. That there was some potential that you would turn out exactly like him. However, you've proved me wrong more times than I can count. I'm extremely grateful that I gave you the chance to be my friend and I was never disappointed with myself for making that choice. I believed that P/N was gone forever, but it turns out... he lives in you, buddy.
Meanwhile, O/N twiddled with his thumbs while trying to find the right words to say.
(O/N): Um... do I have to say something sentimental too or...?
Shadow Moonlight: I-It's fine, dude. You weren't really around for that long, so you don't really know him all that well.
(O/N): Phew, but yeah, I agree with what they said. I might not know you all that well... "me," but I can see that you've had a profound impact on them which suggests that... they're really happy that you're here with them.
He smiles soon after. In fact, the rest of your friends smiled back at you. You looked amongst each of them in silence just taking in the serenity of the scene. Honestly, you really couldn't have asked for a better gang of friends to back you up no matter what happened. Slowly, a smile appears upon your lips and a few happy tears fill your eyes.
(Y/N): *whisper* I-I... I don't... I don't really know... what to say except... thanks, you guys.
Their smiles grew in size and they nod in approval. Shadow then turns to glare at Shallow who was facing away from them.
Shadow Moonlight: Now do you see, Shallow? Despite how much Y/N's screwed up, he's done a lot of good for a lot of people and you making him feel worse will not do him any justice.
Shallow didn't give a reply at first as he was too busy thinking to himself.
Shadow Moonlight: Shallow?
He called out again, only this time, Shallow let out a long sigh and finally turned his body around, facing the rest of you.
Shallow Moonshine: You guys have gotta be the biggest idiots to ever live... but... you clearly respect him an awful lot despite what he has done before, so... I guess that would make you a bunch of caring idiots.
He lets out another sigh and looks directly at you.
Shallow Moonshine: What do you want me to do?
Your eyes widened in shock at Shallow, SHALLOW of all people, agreeing to help. You cleared your throat and replied.
(Y/N): I... I just need you to wield the Dark Amulet, Shallow. That's the only thing I'm asking from you.
Shallow Moonshine: You swear?
You nod.
(Y/N): I swear.
Shallow remains silent for a moment before speaking.
Shallow Moonshine: Well... do you have it?
Shadowlight: As a matter of fact, we do, as well as the Light Amulet.
Shallow Moonshine: Then what are you waiting for? Let's get this over with.
Shadowlight nods before opening a small portal to the right of him, reaching into it, and pulling out both the Dark and Light Amulets. He handed the Dark Amulet to Shallow who took it from him and donned it around his neck. It glows as soon as it latches into place meaning that it has chosen it's wielder. Shadowlight then hands you the Light Amulet and you gaze down at it in your hand. You then turned to Shadow and offered it to him.
(Y/N): Shad, are you sure you don't wanna test it out to see if it would accept you?
Shadow Moonlight: Well... I'm not exactly worthy of it anymore.
Hollow Moonshine: There's only one way to know for sure, Shadow. It wouldn't hurt to try.
Shadow Moonlight: I... I guess so.
With some slight hesitation, Shadow slowly takes the Light Amulet from you and wraps it around his neck. Once it was in place, it glowed much like the Dark Amulet did with Shallow which meant only one thing.
Shadowlight: Heh, so you really are still worthy. I never doubted it for a moment.
He smirked as Shadow turned back to you and smiled widely. You returned it in full until he spun and faced Shallow who did the same. Suddenly, both amulets began to glow brighter and brighter to the point where it was almost blinding. A few seconds later, a beam of light shot from both amulets and towards each other, creating what looked like a power struggle at first. This is soon changed by the beams absorbing into each other, becoming one whole beam of energy. The next surprise came in the form of both amulets detaching themselves from their wielders and floating closer to each other while rising higher into the air, spinning around slowly until they picked up speed the more time progressed. When it seemed like they would spin around in circles forever, they suddenly stopped. In a flash, they flew and collided with each other resulting in an even brighter light which did manage to blind all of you this time. The light remained for another moment or so before it dimmed down enough to where you were able to make out one particular shape in the very middle of the glow. When the light finally died out, what stood in place of both the Dark and Light Amulets was now a golden colored amulet with a blue gem in the middle. The one thing you needed to ensure your victory against V/N. The all powerful Concinnity Amulet.
Your eyes along with everyone else's sparkled with amazement and awe as the amulet slowly descended back down to the ground until it was at eye level with all of you.
Shadowlight: I-I... I never thought I'd get to see it in person.
Hollow Moonshine: Well... now V/N's definitely screwed.
Shallow Moonshine: Heh, good. Serves the bastard right if you ask me.
(O/N): Can uh... Can I have it afterwards?
You walked forward towards your new salvation in the form of an amulet as it hovered closer to you. You reached a hand out and the amulet softly placed itself in your palm, allowing you to admire it fully.
Shadowlight: Well... there you go, Y/N. You're now prepared to take on V/N.
You continued to stare down at the admittedly beautiful artifact in your hand for a moment until a smirk crossed your lips.
(Y/N): Well... not quite, Edge.
(O/N): Huh? What are you-
You turned around, cutting him off as he was in the middle of talking.
(Y/N): I've still gotta train up as well as my girls. V/N's not the only threat we'll be facing after all.
Hollow Moonshine: Is that really necessary though? I mean, you now have the Concinnity Amulet, so it would seem like you'd automatically win.
Shallow Moonshine: *groans* He knows that already. He just wants to make absolutely sure.
Shadowlight: The Concinnity Amulet is only useful against magic from the Infinity Amulet. Any other magic like mine or V/N's normal magic will easily overpower it.
Shallow Moonshine: Exactly. So, what's our next order of business, Y/N?
He asked, making you glance at him curiously.
(Y/N): You... you wanna join our fight?
Shallow Moonshine: I got nothing better to do and V/N's on the top of my list of people I want dead. I may hate you, but at least you're not edgy and condescending like he is. That I have to give you credit for because unlike him, you still have the capacity to own up for your mistakes. It'll bring me much pleasure to rub just as much salt in the wound towards that incoherent bastard.
Hollow Moonshine: *sigh* Never one to stray from the insults, I see.
Shadowlight: At least he's aiming them towards someone who actually deserves it.
You walk up to Shallow and offer a handshake.
(Y/N): Well, any help is very much appreciated, Shallow. Thanks.
He shakes his head before grabbing your outstretched hand and shaking it.
Shallow Moonshine: Don't give me any form of thanks yet, Y/N. This doesn't make us buddies or anything like that. I'm only joining just to really get on V/N's nerves.
(Y/N): Still though. It'll be great to have the extra help.
You stop shaking hands with him and turn back around towards the rest of the group.
(Y/N): Alright, guys. Let's head back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The scene shifts to your home as you stood in front of your girls along with the Shadowbolts as they gazed in astonishment at seeing that you were able to create the Concinnity Amulet.
Sunset Shimmer: You... you boys really did it!
Applejack: Well, I'll be. That thing's shinin' brighter than a swarm of fireflies.
Rainbow Dash: Heh, V/N's gonna get it now!
Pinkie Pie: Oooooh! Extra Sparkly!
Her eyes sparkled while standing closer to you and gazing at the Concinnity Amulet.
Lemon Zest: Whoa! That's sick!
Sugarcoat: Eh, I've seen better.
Sunny gives her a "really?" kind of look.
Sunny Flare: Come on, Sugarcoat. They worked really hard to get that thing.
The blunt girl shrugs in reply.
Sugarcoat: Just my opinion.
Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Wow! It's so amazing that you finally got it! *sourly* About friggin time if you ask me.
Indigo Zap: So, what happens now, Y/N?
She asks you, making everyone turn their eyes to you. You cleared your throat and spoke.
(Y/N): Well, first things first, I've gotta make sure that my girls are trained up if we wanna stand more of a chance against V/N and his cronies.
Sunny Flare: Sounds like a plan, Y/N, but before you do though...
She gives the rest of the Shadowbolt girls a glare.
Sunny Flare: I believe SOME PEOPLE owe you an apology.
The other Shadowbolt girls looked to their sides while rubbing their arm with a single hand. Shadow raised an eyebrow at that.
Shadow Moonlight: Huh? What do you mean, Sunny?
Sunny Flare: Well, after Y/N told us about what you were going through, they gave him a hard time about being responsible for you acting like this when he wasn't.
Shadow Moonlight: Wait, you girls... blamed Y/N... for making the fake "me" break up with you?
Sugarcoat: Not necessarily. He told us about how you apparently tried to change time in order to make us his girlfriends.
Indigo Zap: W-Well... the word "blame" is kind of a strong word.
Lemon Zest: *sigh* It's no use to sugarcoat it, Indie. It's... it's true, Shadow. We yelled at him.
Sour Sweet: We hated the idea of how much he hurt you and... it got out of hand a little bit.
Sunset Shimmer: A little? You all claimed that he was manipulating everyone with his magic, including me and the rest of his girlfriends, and you call THAT a little bit out of hand?
Sour slumped a little at that.
Sunny Flare: I, however, was the only one to see that Y/N didn't mean for any of this to happen, so I took his side.
Shadow Moonlight: Girls, you know that if I were to leave you, it'd be on my own terms. Not because Y/N persuaded me to or something like that.
Lemon Zest: *sigh* Shad... do you really need to do this? What about us? What about everything else going good for you in this life?
Indigo Zap: Yeah, dude. You had it made here. You got your childhood best friend back, you were student governor at CPA, and you even managed to reunite with your parents. We... we thought you'd be happy to have all that.
Shadow Moonlight: I am, but the problem is... I'm not allowed to be that happy.
Sunny and the rest of the Shadowbolts looked amongst themselves in confusion.
Sunny Flare: What... what do you mean by that?
Shadow Moonlight: Girls... as much as I love you, I have been and will continue to be criticized by people because Y/N doesn't have you in his harem. I know I shouldn't care too much what other people think, but this is a large portion of people and there's only so much I can take.
Lemon Zest: But... you can't just break up with us because of how other people think of you, Shadow.
Sour Sweet: Exactly, Shad. You're the only one we wanna be with. No one else.
Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* I know that you girls love me so much and trust me, I share the same amount of love for you all too, but... I'm tired of how other people attack me for simply being with you girls.
Shallow Moonshine: Y/N represents them and that's the only reason why they're targeting him because they want to be able to have all of you in their harem that's not even theirs.
Sunny Flare: Them? Who's "them?"
Pinkie Pie: Oh! They're talking about the aud-
You slap a hand over her mouth to silence.
(Y/N): Hold it, Pinkie! It's probably a bad idea to let too many people know about that.
Sugarcoat: What's that supposed to mean?
(Y/N): *sigh* It's not important right now. Who these "people" are doesn't really matter, anyway. The only reason Shadow's still here is to help me defeat V/N who, by the way, might strike at any given moment, so we can't afford to lose any more time.
You then turned to face Shadow.
(Y/N): Shad, I don't suppose you'd let me talk to Edge for a moment, would you?
Shadow Moonlight: Of course, dude. Here.
He hands you Edge's pendant before you walk out of the room and into the kitchen as Shadowlight popped out of the pendant and appeared in front of you.
Shadowlight: Hey, dude. What'd you wanna talk to me about?
(Y/N): Edge... something else happened to me in the other timeline. Shadow did mention how I was defeated by V/N to you, right?
Shadowlight: Something along those lines, yeah.
(Y/N): Well, I do believe he left out how it went down. You see, I challenged V/N to one on one combat. He then had the idea of changing it up so that it would be a sword fight and he transformed the Infinity Amulet into something he called the Disharmony Saber. To make a long story short... he decimated me.
His eyes widened a little when you brought up the words "sword fight" and he let out a sigh while placing a hand over his face.
Shadowlight: I don't know why I didn't predict this sooner.
You raise an eyebrow.
(Y/N): Huh?
Shadowlight: I guess you wouldn't remember, so I'll just tell you outright. You know how he wears that blackened knight's armor? Well, that's not just for show. If there was one thing V/N was really proficient at, it was swordplay. Not even I could beat him at it. That was the one thing Grogar praised him for.
(Y/N): *sigh* Yeah, I couldn't land a single hit on him when we fought.
You then turned to face him.
(Y/N): Which is why I need your help, Edge. I can't take V/N on yet since he'll likely use swordplay again and I need to be as prepared as I can get. You've gotta teach me how to better use a sword. I mean, I know that you never beat him, but you must have come close a few times, right?
Shadowlight: To some extent, yes. I'll try to help you the best I can, but I can't promise you'll be able to beat V/N.
(Y/N): At this point, I'll take anything, Edge. Thanks.
Shadowlight: Don't mention it, dude. Just... do the best you can when you face him off.
You nodded in determination.
(Y/N): Right. Anyways, let's head back to the others.
He nodded before the both of you left the room and went back to the others. When you reentered, everyone turned to look at you. Sunny then faced the other Shadowbolt girls and gave them a nod. They each sighed in defeat before standing up and going over to you.
Indigo Zap: Y/N... we wanted to say that... that we're really sorry. You know, for all the mean things we were saying to you not too long ago.
Lemon Zest: It wasn't anything personal against you, Y/N. We were just... we were frustrated.
Sour Sweet: *sweetly* Shadow means more to us than anything in the world. *sourly* And someone hurting him angers us to a great extent.
Sugarcoat: Still though, it wasn't right for us to demonize you the way we did, and for that, we offer you our most sincere apologies.
You stood and stared back at them for a few seconds before shaking your head.
(Y/N): It's fine, girls. You guys really care for him and... I wasn't exactly the best towards him back during the Starswirled Music Festival. *sigh* Look, the last thing we want is to be at each other's throats because it'll not only divide us, but it'll increase V/N's chances of winning. If we wanna stop him, we've gotta work together.
Sunny Flare: You're absolutely right, dearie. V/N can't be defeated if we're all arguing all the time.
(Y/N): Technically, he could, but it'd just be a longer and more tedious process.
Sugarcoat: Not really making anybody more motivated there.
She pointed out. You clear your throat while blushing in embarrassment slightly.
(Y/N): R-Right. Anywho...
You headed off into another room and came back with a soap box before placing it down on the floor and standing on it.
(Y/N): Alright everyone. I might not be the best when it comes to motivational words, but I'll still try nonetheless. V/N won't stop until he achieves total domination over others. I saw first hand how that turns out and trust me, it's not the paradise that he claims it to be. He will not hesitate for a second and neither should we. The fate of both this world and Equestria depend on our success. We cannot let the fear of losing control us or drive us into fleeing. We've gotta stand up and fight for what's right. For our friends, for our families, for Canterlot, for the idea of free will itself. So, let's get ready to do this, shall we? Let's show the real superpower of teamwork and friendship!
...
...
...
Shallow Moonshine: Yeah, definitely not the best motivational speaker.
Hollow Moonshine: *sigh* You just couldn't keep that to yourself, could you?
Shallow Moonshine: No, that's what Shadow does and if you hadn't figured it out, clone, I'm everything Shadow isn't.
Shadowlight: Luckily, it doesn't matter what YOU think now, does it?
He snarked as Shallow rolled his eyes. Meanwhile, your girls along with Shadow and the Shadowbolts were pepped up by your speech so much that they began to cheer. You smile down at them and throw on a determined grin.
(Y/N): Alright girls, let's get ourselves ready!
The crowd cheers again as some montage music kicks in.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
The scene cuts to Sci-Twi's house's basement where you all can be found. Sci-Twi is seen wearing a wide variety of different clothes and mechanics. Her hair was tied up in a jambled, frazzled bun with pencils, both No. 2 and mechanical were lodged in said bun. She wore a headband with a small lens that looked as if it belonged to a telescope, and a dark greyish black part that took the shape of a bolt. She also wore a grey green blue sweater with a white lab coat that had a bunch of gray straps all across the sides. There was also a pair of dark blue gloves that covered each of her light lavender hands on top of a pair of sweats with a unique little lines and dots design patterned around it. Lastly, there were her green teal large socks that could almost pass for leggings with bright white stars decorated around them, purple cuffs that could pass for scarves, and dark blue tap shoes.
She was currently at her computer while typing and bringing up several blueprints for what looked like different sets of armor as you leaned on her desk right next to her. She turns to you a few times as you nod in confirmation. We then see her donning a welders mask and bringing up a blowtorch before she gets to work on several panels of metal. Another jump cut occurs as Sci-Twi is shown to be melding each piece of metal into various pieces of armor. The next cut shows her putting two armored gloves on Pinkie Pie as she gazes down in excitement. We then see her outside in Sci-Twi's backyard where a makeshift dummy stands several feet away from her. She looks off to the side to see you nodding towards the dummy as she gives you a nod of her own. She aims her hand out and a small slot on her wrist opens up and fires several bits of sprinkles towards the dummy as they glowed a bright pink and exploded as expected. However, it's revealed that too many sprinkles were shot out as evidenced by the dummy being totally obliterated... as well as 70% of the fence that stood behind it. Pinkie smiles sheepishly before backing away slowly as you facepalm.
The scene changes again to show Rainbow Dash donning a new set of metal boots as she gets into a running stance and smirks at several more makeshift dummies set a few feet in front of her. Her geode powers kick in as well as her lightning powers and she sprints towards the dummies before rapidly punching and kicking them. She skids to a halt and smiles in a cocky manner before she looks over and sees you giving her a panicked look. You point towards her feet and she looks to see that the metal boots were on fire as she too starts to panic and tries putting it out before Rarity comes in with a fire extinguisher and puts out the flames while also coughing a bit from the smoke trailing off of it.
Fluttershy is then shown to be standing in front of a different form of dummy which was the kind that rocked back into place when punched. She gives you a nervous look as you urged her on. She looks back at the dummy and closes her eyes before raising her fist up and lightly tapping the dummy's face which barely made it move an inch. She looks back at you and you give her a gesture that suggests that she needed to hit with a little more force. She nods before sending her fist straight into the dummy once again, this time, it rocked back a good distance as Fluttershy smiles in victory only for it to be instantly wiped from her face when the dummy came back up and slammed right into her much to yours and everyone else's shock.
Rarity is then shown standing in the middle of several more dummies who were brandishing wooden weapons and shields now. You used your magic to make them move towards her as she summoned her diamond shields and made them stop in place. She then looked at her shields and got a slight idea. She concentrates her magic and in a flash, the diamond shields now had serrated edges rather than the typical dull ones. She sends them out all around her towards the dummies and cuts their heads off in an instant. She grins happily before she sees you with a face of shock. You lowered your hands in order to tell her to maybe dull the serrated edges a little bit.
Up next was Applejack as she was placed in front of a giant boulder as more test dummies were set in a group several feet away from the boulder. She cracks her neck and knuckles before using her geode powers to lift the boulder above her head. She then jumps high in the air before throwing the boulder down onto the group of dummies, crushing them to pieces. She lands as you give her a thumbs up.
Sunset and Sci-Twi were the next ones to go as they were placed amongst several dummies much like Rarity was except there was a much larger quantity of them. They glance at each other before sharing a determined nod as they activate their geodes and fired several beams of red, yellow, and purple colored magic at each of the dummies, destroying them one by one as Sci-Twi uses her telekinesis magic to lift and throw some of them.
(Stop Music For This Next Scene)
Finally, you were the last one up as you stood several feet from Shadowlight who was controlling Shadow much like he did before the both of them separated from each other. You both had wooden swords as you stared one another down before you charged at him and swiped at him from the side. He blocked and parried it easily which caused you to stagger, allowing him a chance to try and hit you. You were quick to react however as you met his blow with your own.
Shadow Moonlight: Ow... you gave me a splinter.
He held the side of his abdomen when he said that as Edge sighed.
Shadowlight: *sigh* Guess I'll have to take over.
Shadow's body morphed into that of Shadowlight as he charged at you again. He goes for a horizontal swipe as you narrowly bent over backwards to avoid the attack. You jumped away as he came charging at you again and went for a leg sweep which managed to knock you onto your back.
This didn't stop you from avoiding a follow-up attack that Shadowlight did, swinging vertically to hit you as you quickly rolled backwards on the ground. You then countered by charging in with a kick to the side of Shadowlight's torso knocking him on the ground.
You then activated your geode to use Rainbow's speed before Shadowlight could react, you quickly zipped behind him before he even noticed which made him look for you while you smirked at his confusion.
(Y/N): Looking for someone?
You tried to swing your wooden sword at Shadowlight, but he was expecting this from you as without looking he blocked the strike which surprised you as you flinched.
(Y/N): What the... How did you know where to position your sword to guard without even knowing where I was?
Shadowlight: Heh, you always need to be prepared for any and every possibility when it comes to swordplay, Y/N. Especially when your opponent appears just behind you.
He then does a roundhouse kick which you didn't see coming and you were knocked to the ground while groaning a little bit in pain. You huff an annoyed grunt and peered back up at him.
Shadowlight: You can't just attack blindly, Y/N. You've gotta wait for the perfect moment. Let your opponent attack first and wait for the right time to strike.
You frowned in frustration especially when you felt like you were more skilled here. You then thought about what he said about being prepared and decided to do something that was rather reckless after getting back up. You just threw your sword straight at Shadowlight who just ducks to avoid it and looks at it on the ground before back at you as if you got an obvious question wrong on a test.
Shadowlight: *sarcasm* Oh, great plan. Disarm yourself so that you don't have a weapon anymore.
You smirk from this as this was the reaction you wanted from him.
(Y/N): Oh, really? Look again.
Shadowlight turns to take a look back at the wooden sword, but before he could, the sword slammed right into his head which nearly made him slip to the ground while the sword came back into your hands. You were using Sci-Twi's telekinesis power to force the sword back into your hand.
Shadowlight: Okay... I'll admit... that was a good diversion.
He says as he rubs his head from the hit he took. He played through the pain however as he got back into a fighting stance.
(Resume Music Here)
The scene cuts once again to the girls as their training skills grew better and better as time progressed. Sci-Twi tinkered with the armor a bit more and worked out some of the kinks they were experiencing. When Pinkie was given the armored gloves from before again, she hesitated a little when she stood in front of yet another dummy. She aimed her arms out and the gauntlets shot out more sprinkles towards the dummy and they exploded upon contact. This time, the surrounding area wasn't charred as before which earned a large smile from the party girl as she jumped up and down in excitement. Rainbow can then be seen running, punching, and kicking more dummies and she looks down and sees that the boots she wore didn't catch fire again which made her sigh in relief. Fluttershy is then seen with the rocking dummy as she was giving it a few hard punches while backing away when she needed to. She got so into it that her geode powers kicked in and her hands were encased in ethereal claws that resembled that of a bear. She swiped at the dummy, cutting it in half and sending stuffing flying everywhere. You all pop out of the stuffing pile and grin at Fluttershy who squeed right back at you. We then cut back to you and Shadowlight as you clashed with each other in the middle with your wooden swords. He tried a few more slashes towards you as you either avoided them or blocked them to the best of your capability. Your moment finally came when he went for a vertical slice and you managed to parry it before jumping right over his head and knocking his sword out of his hand, disarming him. You landed right behind him and aimed your sword right next to his neck. He looks over his shoulder at you and grins proudly. The scene shifted again which showed you all standing in front of Sci-Twi who stood to the side of some tarps that were hung over several objects. She pulled them off one by one as the rest you gasped in awe at what you were all seeing. Moments later, you and your girlfriends came walking towards the camera in slow motion while wearing different sets of finely crafted armor.
(A/N: The first is what you'll be wearing and the other is what the girls will wear, except both won't have helmets and the second will not have the sword and will be in different colors depending on who wears it.)
You turned to face your girls and stretched your hand out to them. Each of them came close and placed their hands on top of yours and you all simultaneously threw them up into the air.
(Stop Music Here)
Clapping sounds can then be heard all of a sudden as you all turned to see a grinning Shadowlight who was the source of the clapping.
Shadowlight: I'd say you guys are ready.
(Y/N): You think so?
Shadowlight: Absolutely, but remember, Y/N. V/N bested me in this sort of thing, so I cannot guarantee your win. Though, I think that from what you've displayed, you have an 80/20 chance of winning. In other words, it's an 80% percent chance of success.
Rainbow Dash: Huh, I kinda like those odds.
Sci-Twi: I do too, but there's also the 20% that we need to take into account which is rather high for me personally.
(Y/N): Well... some people say to never tell us the odds and right now no matter what our chances are, I do believe we'll be able to face V/N head on.
Fluttershy then surprised you by walking up and taking your hand into hers.
Fluttershy: Well, whenever you decide is the time, Y/N, we'll be right there behind you.
(Y/N): That's... really surprising to hear coming from you, Flutters. Heh, I guess that really proves just how much you've changed since we first met.
You pecked her forehead, earning a small giggle from her.
(Y/N): Although, as ready as I feel right now, there's still something I've gotta do in Equestria first.
Shadow Moonlight: Oh, right. You said that you wanted to go there, but what for?
You turned to face him.
(Y/N): I plan to fight fire with fire when it comes to going up against V/N's Disharmony Saber. In the meantime, Shadowlight, you and Shadow mind heading over to city hall and inform Mayor Mare to evacuate the city? I... I wanna make sure no one's around in case... in case the worst happens.
Shadowlight: Copy that, boss. Shadow?
His former counterpart nodded before turning to leave the room when he suddenly stopped and swiveled back towards you.
Shadow Moonlight: Wait, Y/N?
(Y/N): Yeah, pal?
Shadow Moonlight: We'll have to find some sort of substitute to fill in for the crowd. If V/N figures out that the city is completely deserted, I don't think he'd be fighting his way through you just to get to it. We need some sort of decoy to fill in for them, if you plan to have them evacuated.
(Y/N): Hmm, good thinking, Shad. Edge, I don't suppose you could make some of those peons of yours resemble the townsfolk, right?
Shadowlight: Well, it might be a bit challenging, but I'll see what I can do, Y/N.
You gave him a nod as they both turned and left.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Equestria)
The scene fades in on Princess Twilight's friendship map room in her castle as we see her sitting at her throne while reading a book with a bit of an excited smile.
Twilight Sparkle: Oooh, right in the kisser! I'd hate to be her right about now.
She commented before flipping the page to the next one. Suddenly, a flash of light in the other room caught her eye. She stood up and trotted towards the source of the flash as it led her to the Crystal Mirror which was now glowing. Seconds later, you came through in your pony form on your hind legs before getting on all fours.
(Y/N): *dizzy groan* I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to that.
Twilight smiled when she saw you and rushed over to you.
Twilight Sparkle: Y/N!
You heard her call out and you smiled when your eyes landed on her.
(Y/N): Twilight!
The both of you soon embraced each other warmly before letting go and smiling at one another.
Twilight Sparkle: This is a huge surprise. I wasn't expecting any visitors today.
(Y/N): Yeah, I'm sorry if this seemed rather sudden, but it's for a good reason.
Twilight Sparkle: Really? Well, what is it?
(Y/N): *sigh* Well, you might wanna take a seat somewhere because I've got quite a lot to tell you.
As soon as those words left your mouth, Twilight squealed with excitement before pulling you along, seating you in one of her friends' thrones, and zipping back into hers while holding both a quill and some parchment with her magic which earned a raised eyebrow from you.
(Y/N): Uhhh, what are those for, Twi?
Twilight Sparkle: For archiving, of course! I wanna make sure I get all of this down so I can add it to my ever growing collection of stories and historical moments.
Your confusion of the situation was soon replaced with amusement as you chuckled and shook your head.
(Y/N): Of course you would.
With that out of the way, you began explaining everything that happened to you during the last several months to Twilight including the events that you altered. From V/N's blackmail, to being incarcerated in his castle, to changing time itself; every bit of detail came pouring out of you like a waterfall as Twilight did her best to keep up with everything you said by speeding up her writing process all while still maintaining a grin. Some points were a bit harder to talk about than most others which occasionally led to Twilight rubbing your back with a supportive hoof... and still using her magic to write down your story. An hour had passed until you were finished telling your story as Twilight now had more than one parchment from you having so much to tell.
Twilight Sparkle: Wow... that's... quite a lot for somepony to go through, Y/N.
She said, still astonished by how much she had missed while being in Ponyville.
(Y/N): Yeah, it most certainly is, Twi.
Twilight Sparkle: So... V/N gathered all the villains from my world too?
(Y/N): Yep. Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, Tirek, you name it. He plans on not only taking over my world, but yours too.
Twilight Sparkle: I... I see. I don't know how that's possible because they haven't been seen in Equestria for some time now.
(Y/N): Well, V/N somehow managed to find them and on top of that, he revived both Sombra and Grogar too.
Twilight froze before her pupils shrunk to the size of peas.
Twilight Sparkle: G-GROGAR?! T-The father of monsters?! I-I thought he was only part of the storybooks!
(Y/N): Well, legends are sometimes revealed to be true, Twi.
Twilight Sparkle: T-This... this is bad. Like, really, really, bad! V/N not only revived the villains in your world, but in Equestria too!
(Y/N): Uhh, Twilight?
You tried getting her attention, but she still panicked while pacing around the room now.
Twilight Sparkle: I-I mean, what would happen if he makes his way here?! My friends will be in so much danger!
(Y/N): Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: I-I can't stand the idea of being partially responsible for Equestria's ruin because I couldn't defend it! How could I ever live with myself?! How can I-
Her sentence is ended by you delivering a hard slap across her face which managed to make her stop panicking.
(Y/N): TWILIGHT!! Repeat after me. Breathe in...
You take a deep breath and she copies you.
(Y/N): And out...
You both exhale as she slowly calms herself down.
(Y/N): Feeling better now?
Twilight Sparkle: *sigh* A little... but, still... GROGAR IS BA-
You slap a hoof over her muzzle, silencing her indefinitely.
(Y/N): Yeah, I know he's back, Twi. There's no need to remind me through a panic attack.
(Shadowlight9743: It is a Twilight thing though.)
(TheNintegaGuy: You know what they say... Classic Twilighting.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: How is that not a term already?)
(Shadowlight9743: Wait... that's not a term? Well, you know what that means!)
(Nintega, Jordan, Shadow: Trademark.)
Twilight Sparkle: *sigh* You're... you're right. I'm sorry, Y/N.
(Y/N): Don't worry about it. Just take a seat and relax for a bit.
Twilight nodded before trotting over and taking her seat as you took yours as she picked up the quill and parchment once more.
Twilight Sparkle: Anyways, I don't think you ever told me the reason why you came over here.
(Y/N): Right. Twilight, this might be asking a lot from you but... I need the Elements of Harmony.
Right as you made that request, Twilight pushed down a little too hard on her quill resulting in the tip snapping off loudly. There was a brief moment of silence before the brainy alicorn decided to let you know how she felt.
Twilight Sparkle: Are... you... CRAZY?! Y/N, I can't just give the elements away! Equestria needs them!
(Y/N): And I'm not asking you to give them away, I just need to borrow them since I might need them to defeat V/N.
Twilight Sparkle: You are aware that Equestria requires them in order to stand a chance against threats, right?
(Y/N): Trust me, I'm more than aware, Twi, but really think about this. V/N wants to take over both my world and Equestria, so I'm pretty sure that the elements were inevitably going to be used one way or another.
Twilight raises a hoof to try and counter that argument, but no matter what it just ends up justifying why you really need the elements.
Twilight Sparkle: I... suppose that's true, but how do you plan on using them?
(Y/N): Well... V/N seemed to create a weapon using the Disharmony Stones, so I was hoping that something similar could be done with the Elements of Harmony. I don't suppose you know anything about that, right Twilight?
Twilight puts a hoof to her chin and thinks about your question carefully. For a moment, you were expecting her to easily come up with an answer. Unfortunately, her face changed into a disappointed frown which contradicted your expectations.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm sorry, Y/N, I don't know of any other ways the Elements of Harmony could be used.
You pouted dejectedly in reply.
(Y/N): Oh... I see.
Twilight Sparkle: But... I think I might know someone who does.
You perked up when she said that.
(Y/N): Really? Who?
Twilight Sparkle: Starswirl the Bearded.
You freeze at the mere mention of that name. Shadowlight did tell you before that Starswirl and the other Pillars were responsible for sending you and V/N to the human world, so the fact that you had to talk to him was... not a comfortable thought. You rubbed the side of your arm anxiously before sweating profusely.
(Y/N): W-Wait... does it have to be him? Can't it be, like... I don't know, maybe ANYONE else?
Twilight shakes her head.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm afraid not. He, along with the rest of the Pillars, are the ones who created the elements, so they would be the ones who would know more about how they can be used than me. Are... are you afraid to see them because of... you know...
(Y/N): V/N and me being banished by them? *sigh* Yeah, it is.
Twilight Sparkle: Look... I know that it might be difficult for you to see them, but I'm more than certain that they'll have some knowledge on how to better use the Elements of Harmony, and with V/N planning something big that'll affect both worlds, we need all the help we can get.
(Y/N): I don't... I can't exactly just walk up to them without being stared down by them. I know for a fact that all of them, specifically Starswirl, will want a piece of me... and I don't mean that in a good way.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, I can assure you Y/N, that Starswirl likely won't hold anything against you. Do you remember me telling you about him, the Pillars, and Stygian?
(Y/N): Uhhh, maybe? But, just for curiosity's sake, remind me.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, Stygian was an unappreciated member of the Pillars who eventually grew tired of being sidelined by his friends, so he tried calling on the powers of the Pony of Shadows, but was corrupted in the process leading to Starswirl and the other Pillars banishing him. He eventually returned, but thanks to my friends and I, we were able to free Stygian from the Pony of Shadows and Starswirl and the Pillars were willing to give him another chance.
(Y/N): Uhhh... that's an interesting story and all, Twi, but how does that pertain to me exactly?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, you see, Starswirl had a nasty habit of holding grudges against others for so long, but the incident with Stygian taught him to be more forgiving. So, I'm sure that if you explain the situation as well as reason with him, he'll surely be willing to help.
(Y/N): You... really believe that?
She nods.
Twilight Sparkle: I do. And with the fate of Equestria on the line, I very much doubt he'll turn you down.
(Y/N): Well... if you really believe that he'll forgive me then... then I can't really argue with you on that now, can I?
Twilight smiled once you said that.
Twilight Sparkle: In that case, I'm going to send him a message, asking him and the Pillars to join me here for something urgent.
You nodded as she pulled out some parchment and wrote something down on it. Once she was finished writing, she rolled it up and tied it together with a ribbon.
Twilight Sparkle: Spike!
She called out loudly. Within seconds, a familiar looking purple and green baby dragon came... flying in?
Spike: What's up?
He asked as he landed a few feet away from her. You, meanwhile, stared in astonishment at the fact that Spike was now sporting a pair of wings on his back. Twilight hands him the scroll.
Twilight Sparkle: Do you mind sending this to Starswirl for me?
Spike: No problemo, Twi.
He takes a deep breath and exhales as the scroll evaporates into a wisp of magic and floats away and out a nearby window.
Spike: There you go, Twilight. It's on its way. Can I ask why you wanted to send one to him?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, it's for urgent matters, Spike.
Spike: Really? How urgent are we talking?
He asked before he noticed you out of the corner of his eye and he smiled when they both landed upon you.
Spike: Y/N!!
He ran up and hugged your torso as you still stared shocked down at him.
(Y/N): H-Hey, Spike. When... when did you...
Spike: When did I get the wings? It's... kind of a long... embarrassing story.
He responded while rubbing the back of his head and nervously chuckling. He ends the hug and smiles up at you once again.
Spike: So, what's up? How's everything back where you're from?
(Y/N): *sigh* Not good, I'm afraid. I don't know if Twilight's been keeping you up to date with what I've been going through, but let's just say that the current situation I'm in kinda calls for me to have to use the Elements of Harmony.
The tiny dragon went wide eyed from the sheer gravity of your problem.
Spike: That bad, huh?
(Y/N): You have no idea.
Spike: Geez, man. You've got your work cut out for you.
(Y/N): *sigh* It's fine. As a wise blue speedster once said, "An adventure's no fun if it's too easy".
Spike: Huh, that's a nice quote.
Twilight Sparkle: It's more than just bad, Spike. It's so bad that both Equestria and his world are at stake.
Spike: R-Really?! As in... end of days, bad?
(Y/N): You can say that, yeah.
Spike: Oh... must be even harder for you guys since you don't have as much magic there than in Equestria.
(Y/N): Yeah, especially since we're going up against someone with some extremely powerful dark magic. That's why I need the elements. They might be able to help me take down V/N if used properly.
Twilight Sparkle: That's why I called Starswirl and the other Pillars over here, so they can help us figure out more secrets to the elements since they were the ones that created them.
Spike: I see.
Spike then flys up in the air and hovers at eye level with you before smiling and offering a brohoof to you.
Spike: Well, after everything you've been through, pal, I'm sure you and your girls will stand up against V/N much like with every villain you've faced before.
You smiled back and bumped your hoof against his claw.
(Y/N): Heh, thanks, little bud. I'm glad to see that you haven't changed a bit.
Spike: When you're a dragon with a heart of gold, it's quite difficult to.
You three then spent the next hour or so hanging out at Twilight's castle as she showed you some new books that she's acquired over the long passage of time. As you three were busy, you were startled by a loud knocking at Twilight's front door. A wave of anxiety rushed over you and you quivered a little bit. Fortunately, Twilight was there to help you by placing a hoof on your shoulder and rubbing it.
Twilight Sparkle: It'll be okay, Y/N. Just trust me.
She said before going over to the door and answering it. A vaguely familiar sounding voice can be heard on the other side and deep down, you knew who it had to be.
???: We came as soon as you called, Princess. What seems to be the trouble?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, before I tell you all what's wrong, I have somepony to show you, but when I do, try not to be too surprised by them since... you haven't seen them in quite some time.
There was a brief moment of silence before Twilight looked over at you and gestured for you to come closer. You gulped nervously before slowly inching over to her as she threw the door open and revealed who was standing on the other side. Sure enough, it was Starswirl the Bearded himself along with his fellow Pillars: Rockhoof, Mistmane, Mage Meadowbrooke, Somnambula, and Flash Magnus... the Pillars of Equestria.
As soon as they all got a good look at you, a choir of gasps was shared amongst the group as well as a few murmurs which didn't go unheard by you.
Flash Magnus: *murmur* This... this isn't possible. I... I thought we banished him long ago.
Mage Meadowbrooke: *murmur* I... I thought so as well.
Rockhoof: *murmur* By Starswirl's beard, I thought we went and done him in.
Twilight stepped in front of you and put her hooves up in a stopping motion to quiet their murmurs.
Twilight Sparkle: Now, everypony, I know that this is very confusing for all of you considering your... history with him, but listen, he isn't here with any malicious intent in mind, so please... let him speak.
The Pillars all looked to Starswirl to await his response as he thought for a brief moment. He gives a slight nod as Twilight turns to you and gives you a nod of her own. You sigh before stepping closer and stopping just in front of the group that banished you and your evil side so long ago.
(Y/N): Uhh... *clears throat* I... I know what you're all thinking, but before you say anything, let me just... make something really clear here. I'm not who you think I am. The evil alicorn you met all those years ago... isn't me anymore. Shadowlight told me everything. About my past, where I came from, and who I was. And... and I have regretted not stopping what I did sooner for a long time now.
You looked up at Starswirl who stared back emotionless.
(Y/N): Starswirl... your banishment spell worked. I'm not V/N. In the other world I came from, I'm known as Y/N L/N. I am what V/N pushed to the back corners of his mind for he felt that I would hold him back in some way. I know that I can't change what happened before, but... I wanna make things right and one of the things I need to do is... make amends with you as well as the rest of the Pillars.
You then bowed your head respectfully.
(Y/N): If... if you all aren't willing to forgive me now, then... then at the very least please give me another chance to redeem myself. That's all I'm asking from you.
You closed your eyes and waited for a reply from any of them. Silence overtook the entire scene and it reminded you too much of when you revealed your magic to your girlfriends back during the Fall Formal. In fact, it was going rather similarly due to none of the Pillars speaking or uttering a single word. However, your current moment of remembrance is broken when a hoof is placed underneath your chin and pushes it up. You opened your eyes back up to see Starswirl staring back at you still with an emotionless gaze. This is changed by what he says next.
Starswirl the Bearded: Very well... I shall give you another chance.
You perked up and you held your breath in shock.
(Y/N): R-Really?! Just like that? You're not gonna patronize me or anything?
He shakes his head.
Starswirl the Bearded: At first, I wasn't sure if I could trust you, but after seeing how Twilight was willing to defend you along with you seeming genuinely remorseful, I do believe that... that you, in fact, are not the Scourge of Equestria that we encountered so long ago.
Flash Magnus: Hmm, yeah. Now that I think about it, if you were still the pony we knew, you would have surely attacked us by now.
Somnambula: Indeed. I can also see into your eyes that you do not share the same lust for destruction as we saw before.
Mistmane: You most certainly seem sweeter than you were when we first met.
Mage Meadowbrooke: And a lot more level-headed for sure.
Starswirl the Bearded: On top of that, we've learned an important lesson with our friend, Stygian. He needed us more than anything, but we shut him out because we believed that he was insecure enough to turn on us. I refuse to make another mistake like that again.
He walks up closer to you.
Starswirl the Bearded: Young Y/N, if what you say is true and that you were everything V/N locked away, then I shall offer you a hoof in both forgiveness and friendship.
He offered you a hoof much to your surprise until the other Pillars came up and placed their hooves on top of their leader's.
Flash Magnus: Aw, what the hay? I will too.
Rockhoof: Count me in, laddie.
Somnambula: I will as well, young one.
Mistmane: Me included.
Mage Meadowbrooke: I will also, hon.
In this moment, you were truly shocked by just how willing they were to forgive you. You were certain that they'd reject you and toss you aside like you believed you deserved. So, seeing them standing here and not only letting you prove yourself, but also offering their friendship too was... relieving. A smile slowly crosses your lips along with tears forming in your eyes. You placed your hoof on top of theirs.
(Y/N): T-Thank you! I-I thought for sure that you wouldn't be willing to give me a chance!
Starswirl the Bearded: Like I stated, I won't make the same mistake I made with Stygian. Plus, I know you're being genuine.
You took a moment to recompose yourself by wiping your tears and regaining your confidence. You then turned back to Starswirl and the Pillars.
(Y/N): I... I don't really have much memory of what happened to me, so if it's not too much trouble, would you tell me exactly how you beat V/N?
Mistmane: Well... from what I remember, we received an urgent S.O.S. from several ponies claiming to have been threatened by what they described as an evil pony of sorts.
Starswirl the Bearded: So, we decided to investigate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Flashback)
Cutting back to millennia ago, the camera fades to the Pillars lounging around in the main foyer of their castle when the set of front doors swing inward before them. They looked to find a small dark grey pony with a dark turquoise green mane and tail, sky blue eyes. and a brown shortened cloak.
???: Pillars! I've received an S.O.S from some fillies that there's an Ursa Major in the Crystal Mountains!
Mistmane: But... I thought Ursa Majors don't live that far north.
???: They don't, that's the thing! Someone must have sent it up there to attack that home. There's a family up there that's going to get hurt or worse, die! We must do something!
Starswirl the Bearded: We have bigger issues to cover, Stygian. That can wait.
Stygian: No, it cannot! That family needs help and you're the Pillars! You have to do something!
Flash Magnus: Stygian, there's ponies everywhere that have families in danger. We can't just be everywhere at once. That'd be physically impossible.
Stygian: But you all swore to protect Equestria from any threat! That was what you agreed upon forming this group, is it not?
Rockhoof: The laddie does have a point, Starswirl. It is our civic duty to protect those who need our help, no matter where they are in the world.
Somnambula: I agree with Rockhoof. We must investigate the sudden appearance of this Ursa Major. It could lead catastrophe if we do no respond.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Come on now, Starswirl hon. It'll only take us a moment or so. I'm sure of it.
Starswirl the Bearded: *sigh* Very well, but we must be quick about it. I don't want to be away when Equestria suffers a real crisis.
Stygian: Good! Now, we have to leave immediately before it gets worse!
He turns around and waves a hoof forward as he rushes out of the entrance with all of the Pillars with the exception of Starswirl following suit.
Starswirl the Bearded: *narration* When we arrived, we were stunned to see that Stygian was correct.
Somnambula: *narration* The Ursa Major had completely destroyed your home and we hoped to stop it before any more damage could be brought.
We then see Starswirl along with the Pillars fighting the Ursa Major as they struggle to take the burly beast down.
Starswirl the Bearded: Do not falter now, my friends! This beast will not cause more destruction!
Flash Magnus: Argh! This thing's too big to take down!
Rockhoof: We need to lead it away from here! Back into the forest from once it came!
Stygian: It won't be that easy. If you provoke an Ursa Major, it will lock onto you until you are deceased or if you're lucky, out of sight which is a very rare chance considering their size.
Somnambula: We must be swift if we hope to drive this beast away.
They all charged towards the beast and attempted to lure it away. As the battle carried on, Somnambula noticed something out of the corner of her eye and she looked to see a pony flying away very quickly.
Somnambula: *narration* When I saw you fleeing that day, I had no idea of what you would become.
It then cuts to another scene years later where P/N is seen watching all of the chaos from the war between the ponies and sirens unfold with a venomous grin on his face.
(P/N): Well, it's about time that those shrieking seahorses were taken care of.
He looks down at the small, black rock hanging from his neck.
(P/N): Just look, Shadowlight. This right here is the march of progress. If only you saw the bigger picture. *sigh* Unfortunately, you had to turn soft on me.
Rockhoof: *narration* Ironically, it was the Pony of Shadows who warned us of what you were then.
Mage Meadowbrooke: *narration* Admittedly, it took us some time to track you down, but when we did, we weren't expecting just how challenging you'd be.
Starswirl the Bearded: You will not carry out any more violence, P/N!
P/N raised his head at the new voice as he turned his head and peered over his shoulder. Starswirl as well as the rest of the Pillars stood several feet away and glaring at P/N. He sighs before turning and giving them a glare of his own.
(P/N): It's much too late for you, Pillars! The Siren War has already started and there's no stopping it!
Mage Meadowbrooke: How could you do this? We had no quarrels with the sirens until you decided to change that!
Rockhoof: I've seen many shockin' things in my day, but this? *sigh* This utterly takes the cake.
Somnambula: This doesn't need to end in violence, P/N. You can still walk away from this, but only if you help us stop the fighting.
P/N stood silent for another few moments until he started cackling like a madman. When he lifted his head up, the Pillars saw the Alicorn Amulet wrapped around his neck.
Mistmane: The... the Alicorn Amulet? What do you plan to do with that?
(P/N): What else, you old bag? To assemble the most powerful artifact to ever grace Equestria.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Isn't... that one of the most powerful artifacts Equestria has to offer?
(P/N): Oh... then clearly none of you have been doing your homework. Grogar had a backup plan in case his bewitching bell wasn't enough to grant him total dominance over others, so he had plans for a new weapon. Something he called the Infinity Amulet. An artifact so powerful it would render that little tree of yours useless. And this...
He placed a hoof on the Alicorn Amulet.
(P/N): ...is one of the pieces needed to assemble it. So, if you all wish to keep your ability to think for yourselves, then stay out of businesses that don't involve you.
Flash Magnus: To think, we wasted our time trying to save you and your family.
P/N's eyes flashed a dark F/C before he slammed his hoof into the ground, causing a large tremor to occur and throw the Pillars off balance for a moment.
(P/N): Do. Not. DARE. Speak of them! I will achieve my goals with or without your consent!
Mage Meadowbrooke: But, P/N, plea-
(P/N): P/N's dead! He and his family died long ago! Just call me...
His eyes slowly changed into slitted dark F/C colored ones as he grinned sadistically.
(V/N): ...V/N.
His horn glowed before a dark F/C blast of magic shot out of it and towards the Pillars as Starswirl was quick to act by putting up a shield, protecting him and his allies from harm.
Somnambula: P/N, please listen to us! We don't want to hurt another pony, but you can't just create issues like these in Equestria! This will only bring harm to everyone, yourself included!
Starswirl the Bearded: There's no getting through to him, Somnambula! We've gotta stop him, now!
(V/N): *laughs* Wait, wait... you think *laughs hysterically* you think you can actually stop me with your little "friendship magic"?! Please, I'm more powerful than any of you combined and with this amulet, I'm fifteen times greater in strength.
He fires several more blasts at the group as they quickly jump out of the way. Rockhoof tried swinging his famous shovel at V/N, but when he tried to swing at him, V/N ducked out of the way and kicked Rockhoof in the chest, sending him flying back and into a wall. Flash Magnus flew up above as V/N tried blasting him out of the air which was met with Flash either blocking the blasts with his shield or dodging them all together.
(V/N): You are all the sole reason why I'm like this! You could've fought that Ursa Major somewhere else, but NO! You had to do it right where my family and I lived which was secluded from absolutely EVERYTHING if I may add.
Rockhoof: We never meant for you or your family to be hurt, laddie! We were only doing our job!
Flash Magnus: You're the one that's choosing to take it personally!
He commented but was immediately sent to the ground due to V/N flying up and punching him in the face.
(V/N): You put my family in danger! How am I not supposed to take that personally?!
Mage Meadowbrooke: This won't bring them back, hon!
(V/N): You think I don't know that?! I know that this won't bring them back in any way! But, at the very least, I can be at peace knowing that those who wronged me have suffered their dues! If this is my fate, then others will share my pain!
Starswirl the Bearded: Not if we are to do something about it. It doesn't matter what you suffered, you cannot take it out on those who had nothing to do with it to begin with.
(V/N): You wouldn't understand, old man! You've been alone your entire life! You never had a significant other or kids to call your own!
Starswirl the Bearded: You're right, I never did have those things. But...
He gazed at his fellow Pillars and offered them a smile.
Starswirl the Bearded: I do, however, know what it's like to have those to call a family.
The other Pillars smiled back at him as V/N groaned in annoyance.
(V/N): *sarcasm* Uh-huh. Heard that a thousand times before.
Starswirl shook his head and threw on a serious frown. In his head, he knew that V/N couldn't be negotiated with, but he didn't want to kill him outright. He couldn't explain it, but for some reason he felt like there was still some potential good in V/N. If killing or negotiating with him was off the table, that left only just one last thing. With his decision made, he faced the rest of the Pillars once more.
Starswirl the Bearded: Everyone, there's only one way he can be stopped, but first, we must separate him from the Alicorn Amulet.
Flash Magnus: How are we supposed to do that? It's around his neck and there isn't any way we can get to it without him noticing.
Stygian: You'll need a diversion. Someone must be his main target to keep him occupied while everyone else try to get ahold of the amulet and rip it off of him before he gets worse.
Rockhoof: The only question being, who's willin' to volunteer to be the distraction?
Stygian: ... I'll do it.
The Pillars: WHAT?!
Mage Meadowbrooke: Hon, you can't! You'll surely be killed!
Stygian: I'm a lot more capable than you all give me credit for. I may not have special abilities like incredible strength, super speed, etc, but I do have a bigger brain than I let out. I can divert V/N, trust me.
Somnambula: You are, indeed, very brave, young Stygian, but-
Starswirl the Bearded: We need a distraction, Somnambula, and this is the only way we'll be able to separate V/N from the amulet.
Somnambula: Are you... are you sure you want to risk your life like that, Stygian?
Stygian: If it helps all of you, of course I would.
Mistmane: *sigh* Very well.
With a plan in mind, they turned back to V/N who was building up power at the moment. Stygian took this opportunity to teleport himself onto V/N's back and caused the evil alicorn to try and shake him off.
(V/N): Get off, you worthless little cretin!
Stygian: P/N, you must stop this! What you're doing is wrong and you know it!
(V/N): Do not tell me what I should be doing! This world must pay for taking away everything I cared for!
Stygian: Fighting me and my fellow Pillars won't do anything for your cause!
(V/N): Why would you of all ponies be defending them?! Those other Pillars wouldn't care if you had died, so why fight alongside those who'll persecute you later?!
V/N's words actually managed to get Stygian to think about that for a second as he still kept his hold. V/N took this opportunity and threw Stygian off as he landed with a loud thud.
(V/N): You chose the wrong side, Stygian. So now, you can join in on their-
He reached for the Alicorn amulet only to feel nothing, prompting him to look down at his neck in shock.
(V/N): What?!
Stygian got up from the ground and held up the Alicorn Amulet.
Stygian: Looking for this?
V/N's shock instantly changes into rage filled anger. Right before he could blast Stygian with his magic, he's halted in place by Starswirl and Mistmane's magic which acted as restraints. He tries to pull himself free, but to no avail.
(V/N): Argh! Let me go, you insufferable insects!
He screamed at them only for the Pillars to stand in front of him silently at first. Stygian was the first to make a comment.
Stygian: What... what are we going to do with him? I don't know if imprisonment will keep him at bay permanently since he's an alicorn.
Starswirl the Bearded: I... I didn't want it to resort to this, but we must banish him immediately.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Banishment? Will... will that be enough?
Starswirl the Bearded: To cease him? No, but it'll keep all of Equestria safe from his sociopathic demeanor. The only place to send him... would be a different world.
Flash Magnus: But wouldn't that doom the world that he'll be sent to?
Starswirl the Bearded: That is where I have another idea.
He walks ahead of them and makes his horn glow and shoots out some magic towards V/N which entered his chest and disappeared.
(V/N): What... what did you do to me?!
Rockhoof: That's... actually a good question. What did you do to him, Starswirl?
He asked the bearded pony who turned his head to him.
Starswirl the Bearded: That was a special spell that will make sure he won't be a threat to anyone in the new world he finds himself in. He will be reduced to that of an infant and his more... violent side will be repressed. Because of this, he will not have any memory of his old life or where he comes from.
Stygian: But... I thought that spell was outlawed. Isn't... isn't there another way we cou-
Starswirl the Bearded: There is no other way, Stygian! If we hope to keep Equestria safe from a pony such as him then this is the way peace can be restored.
Stygian couldn't help but pout a little at Starswirl turning down another one of his plans which was something he was used to, but at this point, it was starting to get really tiring.
(V/N): See? What did I tell you, Stygian?
The alicorn's voice shook Stygian from his personal thoughts.
(V/N): If they really did respect you, then they would have at the very least considered your idea, but all they do is shut you down. Is that what you want to be known as? The pony who gets rejected and neglected for just trying to help others?
As he spoke, Stygian looked off to the side deep in thought. From how V/N put it, he... he did have a point there. Stygian has tried over and over again to be a meaningful part of the Pillars, but they always act as if his ideas and feelings mean nothing. He couldn't think of that any further due to Starswirl cutting in.
Starswirl the Bearded: Enough! I will not let you blacken the hearts of our companions! V/N, for your crimes against Equestria and all Pony kind, I banish you from this world forever!
With that said, Starswirl summoned a giant portal just behind V/N who looked back at it in shock and anger. He swiveled his head back towards the Pillars as his eyes transformed into his signature slitted ones.
(V/N): You think banishment will get rid of me?! I will return someday! True order will be reinstated and I will be the one who governs it! YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE END OF ME!!
The portal behind V/N started to suck him in before the chains vanished, sending the alicorn through the portal. Once he was out of sight, the portal closed itself slowly before disappearing from sight as if it were never there. As the Pillars collectively drew a sigh of relief, a certain young unicorn decided to say something that was on his mind at the moment.
Stygian: He... wasn't entirely wrong there.
Rockhoof: About what, laddie?
Stygian: About... about how all of you treat me.
Flash Magnus: Stygian, he was just playing mind games with you. You matter to the team just as much as the rest of us.
Stygian gave him a slight glare.
Stygian: Then why is it that everyponys' so familiar with all of you and yet no one knows about me? I'm not powerful like you all, sure, but I'm the one who helps plan our battle strategies, so how come I'm left out of the group whenever ponies come to cheer for us? On that note, I barely get much of a say in this group anymore. The only times when I've been able to talk freely are during the times where you all need a battle strategy. Outside of that, like earlier when I was trying to suggest another way of dealing with V/N, you cut me off, Starswirl.
He pointed to the leader of the group.
Stygian: It's like I don't even exist most of the time! I just wanna help all of you and you won't even acknowledge my accomplishments!
Mage Meadowbrooke decided to walk up to the distressed unicorn and placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Now, Stygian hon, you can't ju-
Her sentence is cut off when Stygian knocks her hoof off his shoulder angrily.
Stygian: No! I'm tired of being second-rate just because I don't have the looks of a Pillar! Everypony always goes by the surface, but they never really care about who's the one planning all of the strategies and tips that guarantee your wins!
He huffed before glaring one final time at the rest of the group.
Stygian: Well, you know what? I'll show all of you that I'm not somepony who should be shoved off to the side and forgotten! I'll show you all that I matter and that I'm just as special as the rest of you!
The now angered pony turned and ran off in a fit. Starswirl and the rest of the Pillars looked at each other with slight faces of regret at just how hurt Stygian was by how much they took him for granted.
Starswirl the Bearded: *narration* Little did any of us know that this one event would spiral Stygian down a path to becoming the Pony of Shadows.
(Flashback Over)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The Present)
When Starswirl was finished with the story, you peered up at him in astonishment at first before slowly gazing down at the floor in guilt.
(Y/N): So... in a way... I was the reason for him turning on all of you.
Mage came up and tilted your head up with a hoof.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Now, now, hon, don't go thinkin' like that. We were the ones who made him feel that way to begin with.
(Y/N): Still though, it was my manipulative efforts that really made him consider it.
Twilight Sparkle: But that wasn't you, Y/N, that was V/N. He pushed you to the back of your mind and completely took over.
Somnambula: She's correct, young Y/N. It was because of us that Stygian had become the Pony of Shadows by never making him feel like a real member of the Pillars.
Flash Magnus: So, when we reunited with him, we decided that we wouldn't treat him that way ever again and the same goes with not holding a grudge against others too.
Rockhoof: He's really gone and turned himself around too and you've clearly come a long way yourself.
He pointed to you when he said that. You smiled a little.
(Y/N): Yeah... I guess I have, haven't I?
Twilight Sparkle: You most certainly have, Y/N.
She smiled while placing a hoof on your shoulder. You smiled back at her before throwing on a face of determination and looking back at Starswirl.
(Y/N): Starswirl, everyone, my world is in danger. V/N has been separated from me and he now plans on turning both my world and Equestria into his own sick form of Utopia by turning everyone into braindead slaves thanks to the Infinity Amulet.
Flash Magnus: The... the Infinity Amulet?! How close is he to assembling that?
(Y/N): Too close for comfort, I'm afraid. He's already assembled a good majority of them. The only ones he's missing are the Space and Time Stones which luckily are back with some friends of mine. All of this is why I need your help.
Mistmane: We'll help in any way we can, Y/N.
Flash Magnus: Yeah, just name it.
(Y/N): Well... I already told Twilight this, but... I need the Elements of Harmony. You see, I believe they can be used as a weapon of sorts since V/N did something similar with the Disharmony Stones. I was hoping that you all knew about different ways the elements can be used.
Starswirl the Bearded: Well, there are, but I don't believe it would matter because from what Twilight has informed us of, that the Infinity Amulet overpowers the Elements of Harmony.
(Y/N): Maybe so, but I just so happen to have the one thing powerful enough to counter it; The Concinnity Amulet. If I were to use both, it should be enough to destroy the Infinity Amulet for good.
Rockhoof: That... might actually work.
Starswirl the Bearded: One problem; the only one who knows how to combine them is V/N and the Pony of Shadows and I doubt either would be willing to cooperate.
???: Guess again, old colt.
Another voice startles the lot of you as you turn around to see Shadowlight in his pony form with a smirk.
(Y/N): Edge?! How long have you been there?
Shadowlight: Long enough to know about your current predicament, pal.
Starswirl the Bearded: Y-You were banished! How did you get here?!
Shadowlight: *sigh* I hate to break it to you, but the Pony of Shadows you THOUGHT you had banished was actually a less powerful clone of me, but don't lose your heads or anything. I'm on your side now.
Rockhoof: How do we know we can trust you?
Shadowlight: Okay, look. Stygian wanted power and I gave it to him, no strings attached. What he chose to do with Shadoo was beyond my control.
(Y/N): Shadoo?
Shadowlight: It's what I decided to name him when offering it to Stygian.
(Y/N): Uh... okay then.
You turned back to the Pillars.
(Y/N): Look, he really is on our side. He's done a lot for me back in my world and he's come a really long way much like I have. He's not the one you remember him to be. In fact, he tried to dissuade V/N from using the Infinity Amulet before V/N sealed him away for several years.
The Pillars' eyes all simultaneously widened before they turned them to look at Shadowlight.
Starswirl the Bearded: Is... is he telling the truth?
Shadowlight: Hey, if that ain't enough for you. I abandoned Grogar centuries ago and even V/N when I saw what he did to the sirens. Plus, the fact that I haven't tried to kill you the first chance I had should prove my allegiance.
Mistmane: He has a point there.
Shadowlight: Look, you guys. I've had a real change of heart over the years and it's thanks to this guy and a couple of his friends that helped me see straight.
He gave your shoulder a light punch, making you chuckle as he smiled at you while you did the same. The Pillars took a moment to think about this before their decision was made.
Starswirl the Bearded: Very well. Much like with Y/N here, we shall give you the chance to prove yourself.
Somnambula: Experience has taught us to accept the hoof of those who offer it, so we shall with you.
The rest nodded in agreement as Shadowlight smiled once again.
Shadowlight: Thanks, guys. So, uh... where's Stygian? I sort of came here for him.
Mage Meadowbrooke: Stygian's off doing his own thing. He's actually well known now for being an author of his very own autobiography.
Shadowlight: Really? Huh. I never pegged him as a writer. Guess I'll have to see him when I have the chance. Right now though, let's focus on the ever looming threat that is V/N. Which by the way, Y/N, why didn't you tell me that you planned to use the Elements of Harmony? I could have told you how to use them.
You rubbed the back of your head while chuckling nervously.
(Y/N): W-Well... I didn't know that you knew, so... the thought never occurred to me.
Shadowlight: *sigh* You know why? Because you were being cryptic about going to Equestria in order to get something from here, that's why.
(Y/N): U-Uh... r-right. Moving on, are you able to merge them with the Concinnity Amulet?
Shadowlight: Yes, but it'll take a bit of time to complete it. I don't suppose you'd be willing to buy me some time by keeping V/N occupied, right Y/N?
You smiled determinedly before nodding.
(Y/N): I'll make sure of it. Just try and get back as soon as possible.
Shadowlight: Copy that, boss.
Flash Magnus: Uhh... boss?
Shadowlight: It's a bit of a long story, Flash. I'll explain on the way to the elements.
He walks ahead with the Pillars who turned and were just about to leave out the front entrance before Shadowlight stopped and peered back at you.
Shadowlight: Oh, and Y/N? One more thing.
(Y/N): Yeah?
Shadowlight: Try not to get yourself killed, alright?
(Y/N): *sigh* You know I can't promise that, right?
Shadowlight: Yeah, I know. I'm just... saying it anyway.
He looked a little glum during that last part before he shook it away and caught up with the Pillars. When the doors to Twilight's castle shut, you turned to face Twilight.
(Y/N): Twi, would it be a little too much... if I asked for your help too?
Twilight Sparkle: Of course it wouldn't be too much, Y/N. In a way, your world has sort of become a home away from home for me. Plus, I have friends there too, so I can't just stand by and do nothing.
(Y/N): Right, right. I just felt that since you're a princess, you may be too busy to deal with this.
Twilight Sparkle: Y/N, I might be busy with a lot of things, but when it comes to helping out a friend, I'm always available.
She smiled at you warmly before bringing you in for a hug. You smiled as well before hugging her back. The hug lasted for another minute or two before you broke it off.
(Y/N): Thanks, Twilight. Do you wanna come now or a little later?
Twilight Sparkle: I wouldn't mind coming with you now. It'd be nice to see everyone again.
(Y/N): In that case, right this way, your highness.
You bowed respectfully, earning a playful eye roll from Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: *jokingly* Oh, shut up.
She retorted before the two of you turned and headed towards the Crystal Mirror.
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(Huquestria)
We see the base of the Wondercolts Statue glow brightly before you and Twilight stepped through in your human forms as Twilight struggled to stand on her two legs as you chuckled a little.
(Y/N): Guess we'll have to teach you to walk like a human again since you haven't been here in a while. Brings back old memories now that I think about it.
Twilight blushed slightly in embarrassment before rubbing her arm.
Twilight Sparkle: No need to remind me of that. Hey, where's everyone else?
She asked when she got a good look at the city all around her which made you do the same. The city was now devoid of people as evidenced by a tumbleweed rolling by thanks to a gust of wind.
(Y/N): Looks like Shadow managed to convince Mayor Mare to evacuate the city.
Twilight Sparkle: Hopefully everyone's safe. Wherever they may be.
(Y/N): I hope so too, Twi. The others should be back at my place, so let's get going.
Twilight nods before you walked down the sidewalk. After a few minutes, your home finally came into view as Twilight stopped and gazed at it in awe.
Twilight Sparkle: Wow, this is a really nice place, Y/N.
(Y/N): Heh, thanks. It wasn't cheap to get, but thanks to the girls pitching in, it was no problem.
You went up to the front door and opened it before stepping inside.
(Y/N): Girls, I'm back! Look who I brought back with me!
You called out as they all came out from the kitchen and froze when their eyes landed in Twilight.
The Rainbooms (Minus Sci-Twi): Twilight!
They ran over and eagerly embraced the pony turned human.
Pinkie Pie: It's so, so, so good to see you again!
Twilight Sparkle: *giggles* It's great to see you too, Pinkie, as well as the rest of you.
The girls ended the group hug and smiled at her.
Sunset Shimmer: What are you doing here?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, Y/N told me about what you guys are going through and he asked me to come help to which I gladly agreed.
Rainbow Dash: Aw yeah! Now our odds of winning have gone up even more!
Sci-Twi walked closer and smiled at her pony self.
Sci-Twi: It's nice seeing you again, "me."
Twilight Sparkle: And "me" as well.
They both giggled before Rarity decided to speak up.
Rarity: Did you get what you needed, Y/N darling?
She asked you.
(Y/N): Well, Edge is actually getting it for me at the moment. Although, he said he needs time to get it for him, so we'll just have to buy him some time until he gets back.
Fluttershy: S-So... does this mean...
(Y/N): Yes, Fluttershy. It's time to take the fight to V/N's front door.
Pinkie Pie: Ooh! Awesome!
Rainbow Dash: Hey, have either of you seen Shadow? He said he was gonna inform Mayor Mare to evacuate everyone, but he hasn't come back yet.
(Y/N): You mean, he hasn't come back yet?
Sunset Shimmer: We haven't seen him walk in. I think all of Canterlot's been evacuated though.
Rarity: You don't think he may have been one of the people that evacuated, do you?
Fluttershy: I could've sworn he said he was coming back here when he was done... right?
Sci-Twi: I don't know.
(Y/N): I'm... I'm gonna go look for him.
You said as you turned and were just about to exit out the door before it opened, revealing a blackened sky as lighting was striking various places far ahead of you, followed by thunderclaps and rain was pouring hard.
Rainbow Dash: Uhh, when did it suddenly get all sto-
*CRASH*
A loud bang can be heard as the ground beneath all of you shook the ground beneath you all.
Sunset Shimmer: W-What's happening?!
Sci-Twi: I-I don't know! And I'm usually on top of when the next earthquake happens!
You ran outside and went towards the source of the boom. You continued to run until you stopped and gazed up at something that made your gut drop. Where CHS used to be now stood V/N's castle as the storm above swirled around it. Your hands balled into fists and an angry frown spread across your face. The girls soon came out and gasped at seeing the castle in place of CHS.
(Y/N): V/N...
Sunset Shimmer: Sweet Celestia...
Fluttershy: O-Oh dear...
Applejack: I don't like the look of this.
Rainbow Dash: This has his name written all over it!
Rarity: That's... that's enormous!
Twilight Sparkle: This... may be a bit more complicated than I would've thought.
Sci-Twi: I... I can't believe he just... destroyed CHS!
(Y/N): *sigh* He'll do anything at this point.
Your anger turned into that of determination before you spun around to look at your girls.
(Y/N): Everyone, now's our chance. V/N decided to come here a little earlier than expected. We've gotta keep him distracted until Edge gets back.
Fluttershy: B-But what about Shadow?
(Y/N): We... we can worry about him later. Right now though, we've gotta keep V/N from enacting his plan.
Sunset Shimmer: Do you have a plan on how to do that, Y/N?
(Y/N): Not exactly, but hey, we've done a lot of things through improvisation, so this one won't be any different.
You took a deep sigh and outstretched your hand to them.
(Y/N): Girls, this may be our last stand against V/N, so... if anything happens, I want you all to know that... that you were the best thing to ever happen to me and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Sci-Twi: Don't... don't do that, Y/N. I know we'll be able to handle him without getting seriously injured or killed. We've been through so many magical adventures before without a scratch.
She walks forward and places her hand on yours.
Sci-Twi: You've saved me from a life of loneliness, Y/N. I'll always stand by you.
Pinkie then came up and placed her hand down as well.
Pinkie Pie: Same with me, Y/N! You make my life so much more happy just by being in it! I'm with you till the end!
One by one, the other girls joined in by placing their hands on yours.
Rarity: Count me in as well, my love!
Rainbow Dash: Me too, Y/N!
Fluttershy: M-Me three!
Applejack: I'm right behind ya, sugarcube!
Sunset Shimmer: I've been with you since the beginning, so of course I'll be there in the end, Y/N!
Twilight Sparkle: So have I!
You looked amongst the girls as a tear filled smile appeared on your face.
(Y/N): Alright girls, the fate of both worlds rests on our shoulders. Let's show V/N that friendship truly is magic!
The Rainbooms: Yeah!!
You all threw your arms up into the air as the camera panned up towards V/N's castle as it zoomed into one of the windows to show him gazing out of it with an angry frown.
(V/N): Change the flow of time on me, Y/N? Well, I do hope it was worth it in the end because this'll be your one and only chance to avoid your fate.
As he spoke to himself, the Dazzlings came walking in.
Adagio Dazzle: You called for us, Lord V/N?
She asked. V/N turned slowly to face them as he smiled a little.
(V/N): Ah, so nice of you three to finally arrive. I was worried that you weren't going to make it.
He said while taking steps closer to them.
(V/N): Do you have him secure?
Sonata Dusk: *sigh* Y-Yes. He's down in the holding cells like you asked.
Aria Blaze: Why do you want him anyways?
(V/N): As extra insurance in case things don't go the way we want them to.
Adagio Dazzle: Are you... are you planning to kill him?
(V/N): No, no, of course not. I'll just turn him into what he SHOULD be.
Sonata Dusk: Y-You mean... as a...
(V/N): An obedient servant? Yes.
He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the three sirens.
(V/N): Why do you seem so concerned for him? I thought the three of you didn't care about anyone else since you've been alone for a good portion of your lives.
Aria Blaze: W-What!? C-Care for him? Pfft! Like we'd ever care for a wimp like him!
She replied while sweating a little while the other two sirens nodded erratically. This only made V/N's eyes narrow even more.
(V/N): Hmm, are you sure? Because your body language suggests otherwise.
Aria Blaze: D-Don't be ridiculous, V/N! Shadow isn't our problem! W-We could give less of a damn what happens to him!
Sonata Dusk: Y-Yeah! H-He could j-jump in a ditch for all we care!
Adagio Dazzle: I-It was only out of curiosity, dear. That's all.
V/N stared back at them for another moment or so before sighing.
(V/N): If you say so.
This earned a collective sigh from the Dazzlings. He walked closer to them until he was right in front of them.
(V/N): Since the three of you are here, do you mind if I ask one little, tiny question?
Aria Blaze: Shoot.
She asked nonchalantly. V/N surprises all three of them by grabbing their pendants and yanking them closer until they were right in V/N's face which was angrily scowling back at them.
(V/N): DO YOU THINK I'M AN IDIOT!?!?
Aria Blaze: N-No, that's Sonata.
Sonata Dusk: Hey!
(V/N): I know all about what you three have been up to! Fraternizing with our mortal enemies and scheming behind my back! I gave you a warning, didn't I?! About what would happen if you three were to betray me!
The three of them looked fearful by his outburst before Aria sighed and glared back at him.
Aria Blaze: Well, we never would've joined you in the first place, had we known that YOU were the one that wiped out our entire species! Our friends, our family, OUR MOM IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!!
V/N shoved them to the floor and glared down at them.
(V/N): Your species was nothing but a bunch of savages who prayed on those lesser than you. If anything, I did everyone else a favor by wiping you all out from the face of Equestria.
Aria Blaze: You... are... such... an ASSHOLE!!
She stood and tried to punch him in the face but was stopped when he dodged and kneed her in the stomach causing her to cough up some spit and drop to her knees while panting.
Aria Blaze: *cough* We lost everything *cough* because of you and yet somehow, you blame us for betraying you? Talk about *cough* hypocrisy.
(V/N): You should have thought twice before joining me. I gave you the option to back out, but you accepted it regardless.
Aria Blaze: Like I said, had we known what you've done to our species, we would've opted out without a second thought.
Sonata Dusk: Yeah, you meanie! The three of us spent so many years sucking up to gullible people just to survive!
Adagio Dazzle: And you don't even have a legitimate reason why you did it! Just because our species feeds off of the negativity of others doesn't mean we deserve to be exterminated! It's not like we were able to make a choice in the matter.
(V/N): *sigh* No matter...
He brought a hand up and all three of the Dazzlings pendants floated up while still around their necks and started cracking, making them nervous.
(V/N): Your species was a nuisance from the very beginning, but now, now I can finally finish what I started so long ago. It's time I made your precious siren race... EXTINCT!!
As the sirens' pendants grew closer to exploding and killing them, they looked at each other with tears streaming down their cheeks. Sonata turns her head to look at Adagio as she grabs her hand and gives it a firm squeeze. Adagio looks over at Sonata who gives her a simple nod. Adagio then turned to Aria and grabbed her hand, following the same notion as Sonata. The three of them close their eyes as the pendants are on the verge of exploding. However, right before the pendants were just about to detonate and kill all three girls, a rumble through the castle caused V/N to stop. The Dazzlings opened their eyes and looked around as another rumble occurred making the chandelier above swing a little along with some dust falling from the ceiling.
(V/N): *sarcasm* Oh, isn't THAT JUST PEACHY?!
He groans while looking up at the crumbling debris falling from above him. Aria took this moment to slam a hard punch to his face with all her might, causing him to fall unconscious as his body slams backward onto the floor. She rubbed her fist to ease some of the pain before she spat at the floor.
Aria Blaze: Tch. Jackass...
She then turns to Adagio and Sonata.
Aria Blaze: Come on, let's go get Shadow and then get the hell out of here.
Sonata Dusk: How are we gonna get him out though?
Aria Blaze: We'll just have to keep searching until we do.
Adagio Dazzle: Come on, then. Let's go find him.
The three of them sprinted off down the hallways and turned the corner. Meanwhile, V/N slowly rose up, groaning as he moved his chin a little and then looked around for the Dazzlings only to discover they're not around.
(V/N): *growls* They won't get far. Not as long as the Reality Stone can keep them busy.
He touched the Reality Stone on the Infinity Amulet and snapped his fingers causing some of the castle's hallways to shift in direction thus to throw off the Dazzlings from finding Shadow. He then teleports himself to the front entrance as he looks to see cracks forming all around it. He took a few steps closer until the entrance exploded to pieces. When V/N looked forwards, he walked through the smoke and peered over the edge towards the ground. Right at the bottom, you, a now armored Twilight, and your girlfriends stood while glaring upwards.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, that's right! It's us again! This time, we've gotten an upgrade!
Pinkie Pie: You said it, Dashie!
You took a few steps forward.
(Y/N): V/N! Your end is coming and it's coming right now! Come down here and face us!
V/N looked at you angrily before changing his expression to that of a smirk.
(V/N): *chuckles* So... these weak little mortals are trying to fight back, huh? Adorable.
He turns around and snaps his fingers, summoning the rest of the Legion of Doom.
(V/N): Comrades! This is your moment of truth! Y/N and his annoying harem have arrived! It's time to put them in their place!
Cozy Glow: Woohoo! Yes! About time!
Midnight Sparkle: Really? Now?! I was just about to beat Gaea in Poker!
Gaea Everfree: Pfft. More like I was about to beat you.
Midnight Sparkle: As if.
(V/N): Enough arguing! You all know what to do.
He raised his hand and gave some magic to his followers who all grinned sadistically while readying themselves for battle. V/N turned back to the edge and pointed towards you and your group.
(V/N): TAKE THEM OUT!!
He commanded as the rest of the Legion of Doom leapt off the edge and landed several feet away from you. A wave of silence overtook the scene as both sides glared at one another.
Midnight Sparkle: Well, well, if it isn't the imbeciles that cost me my magic and my existence?
Demon Shimmer: Not to mention the ones who robbed me from being the new ruler of Equestria and the Dazzlings of their vengeance.
Gaea Everfree: The ones who wanted to destroy my beautiful forest.
Juniper Monstar: And the ones who destroyed my chances of being famous!
(Y/N): Hey, all of you were dependent on the magic you were given! You created those problems with your OWN magic!
Demon Shimmer: That still doesn't excuse what you did to us, most notably me!
Sunset Shimmer: You? You are something I had hoped to put away in my past long ago and are now something I'm forced to deal with yet again.
Demon Shimmer: At least I can handle myself and don't have to hide behind a stud every day of my life.
Sunset Shimmer: Hide? Hide?! I don't hide behind Y/N all the time because I'm able to fight my own battles just like what I'm about to do now.
Demon Shimmer: *sarcasm* Suuuuuurrrrreee. *speaking* Name one battle that you fought by yourself without Y/N.
Sunset Shimmer: Easy! The training session Edge gave us. I stood up against an evil version of myself alone.
Demon Shimmer: Training? *snorts* Wow, so it wasn't even a real battle. I swear, ever since I left, you've grown softer.
She laughed and then sighed as her expression turned more serious.
Demon Shimmer: Though, I'd be a hypocrite to say that I haven't either. I grew a bit... attached to Hollow in the time he was here.
Right when she said that, Hollow emerged from your crowd with a shocked expression.
Hollow Moonshine: You... you have?
She asked the demon girl who blushed in reply.
Demon Shimmer: I-I mean, yeah. Platonically at first, but... it sort of... developed further on when we started to hang out more. *sigh* Until you too had grown soft and betrayed us.
Hollow Moonshine: Shim, you don't know what V/N's been doing. He's kept all of you in the dark about his whole plan. Everything he's told you is just a cover up. Look, at some point, V/N told me that he plans to enslave everyone's minds, including all of you. He's already done it to Grogar if you haven't noticed.
Gaea Everfree: Well, Grogar's the only exception since he intended on killing V/N.
Hollow Moonshine: You really think V/N trusts you all that much after he's had two of his closest friends turn on him? While we're at it, who was the one who stood up for all of us when V/N got out of line? I'll tell you who, me! I may have been born a savage, but I've grown fond of you guys. We were good friends and that made me think about what V/N's been trying to do. The people I'm with now encourage things like friendship, but V/N forbids it.
He then turned to the rest of the villains including Tirek, Chrysalis, and Sombra.
Hollow Moonshine: As for the rest of you, you cannot trust anything V/N's told you. I should know because I was his right hand man. Do you honestly believe that he'll keep his promise of letting you three rule a part of Equestria? I know he may have been cautious of you, Sombra, but trust me, once V/N has what he wants, he'll take your minds along with the hundreds of thousands of others he's already stolen. If that's not the case, he'd kill all of you. He almost killed the Pony of Shadows without a second thought.
His words got the rest of the Legion of Doom thinking the whole situation over.
Hollow Moonshine: Chrysalis, do you really believe that he'll let you and your hive live? After all, he got rid of the entire siren race because he deemed them as a threat and yet he recruited the Dazzlings who are the last three standing, if I may add. Who's to say that he feels the same way about the changelings?
Chrysalis looked to the ground in thought while really considering Hollow's words. You then stepped up.
(Y/N): Sombra, you and V/N have some history, sure, but do you really believe that he still respects you after finding a better rival in Shadowlight?
All Sombra could do was grimace a little before he looked to another direction in thought of that as well.
Hollow Moonshine: Tirek. You were once given the title of Lord Tirek. How do you feel knowing that someone else took that title from you? And finally, Cozy Glow, I'm sure your new leader hasn't really been treating you with a lot of respect, has he?
Tirek's eyes pop open in a little bit of shock and Cozy Glow rubs the back of her head as the two had no words to respond with those questions either.
Cozy Glow: Well... admittedly... I haven't really felt like I was part of the team. I felt more like... well... like a maid rather than a team member.
(Y/N): Look, we're not exactly asking you to be our friends or anything like that, but... we can at least come to a truce of sorts? You don't need to fight us. The one you should be fighting is right up there!
You pointed up to V/N who was now angrily gritting his teeth at you.
(Y/N): If you all work for him any longer, your ties with him will be cut. All you are to him is a means to an end.
(V/N): Do not listen to them! They are only trying to brainwash you! I brought all of you together and gave you so much!
You gave him a look as he was more crazy than he already was. His eye was twitching, his hair was all messed up and he was in a fit of rage.
(Y/N): This coming from the guy who's literally brainwashed hundreds of innocent people.
You turned back towards the Legion of Doom again.
(Y/N): We don't have to be friends, but... can't we be partners at least? If you really value your own ability to think, then please... don't listen to him anymore.
(V/N): Y/N, if you say anything else, I WILL SLAUGHTER YOU!
He screamed in rage but you kept your back turned to him.
(Y/N): See? Is that someone you wanna follow for another second?
The Legion of Doom were all in deep thought while processing yours along with Hollow's words very carefully.
Demon Shimmer: *sigh* I honestly can't believe I'm saying this, but... he has a point. Ever since V/N first summoned me, all I was ever given was guard duty. I never felt like I was doing anything meaningful.
You gave a small smile while V/N growled in annoyance. The rest of the Legion of Doom started to give out their change of opinions as well.
Queen Chrysalis: The more I think about it, the more I realize that I had made quite the mistake. I never had to work with anyone other than my hive, so why would I willingly accept the offer of another such as V/N?
King Sombra: Same here. I don't really do our, I only do mine!
(V/N): Then what is the point of you switching sides?!
King Sombra: To make it easier to kill you of course!
(V/N): Wow! See, this is why the world is against me! Everyone keeps on backstabbing me left and right and somehow, Edge thinks that SHADOW is the world's punching bag! I lost everything that I held dear to me and the whole world laughs at me for it!
He touched the Mind Stone with a single finger and brought his hand up before he made a small dark (F/C) colored orb of magic appear in it.
(V/N): Well, I will say this though. This is the LAST TIME I rely on others to do my work willingly! As the old saying goes, if you want something done right, you just have to DO IT YOURSELF!!
He aims his arm back and chucks the orb directly at the Legion of Doom who were too slow to react in time.
Hollow Moonshine: NO!
He jumped in front of the orb, preventing the Legion of Doom from being attacked. Hollow stood up as his eyes started to glitch between their normal neon green and a dark (F/C). He grabbed his head and shouted in pain as he turned to you with tears streaming down his face.
Hollow Moonshine: Y/N... kill... V/N...
Meanwhile, you and everyone else stared back with the widest eyes you could manage. You ran up to Hollow and placed both hands on his shoulders.
(Y/N): Hollow, stay with us!
Hollow Moonshine: K-Kill... kill V/N... before... before he makes me... kill you...
He whispered in a pained voice before what was left of his free will eroded away. He remained silent for another few seconds before he stood up straight and opened his eyes revealing them to be a dark (F/C) color.
Hollow Moonshine: *monotone* All... hail... V/N...
In that moment, you, your girls, and even the Legion of Doom all simultaneously gasped in shock. V/N looked surprised by Hollow's sudden action before he scoffed annoyed.
(V/N): It's what he gets for being stupid. Hollow.
He points to you.
(V/N): KILL HIM!!
Hollow Moonshine: *monotone* Hail V/N.
He saluted V/N before turning to face you and your girls.
Fluttershy: W-What do we do?! I don't wanna hurt Hollow!
King Sombra: You don't need to.
He spoke up as all of you turned to King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis, Tirek, and even Cozy Glow who wore determined expressions as they got into a fighting stance against Hollow.
Cozy Glow: We'll take this sucker on! Just go beat V/N's edgy butt!
You and the girls nod in response.
(Y/N): Will do. Thank you... really.
Queen Chrysalis: Save your thanks. This is only a temporary truce after all.
Tirek: Exactly. Once V/N's taken care of, we're setting our sights on Equestria.
(Y/N): Well... We'll stop you then, but we won't stop you now.
You turned around and peered up at where V/N was supposed to be only to see him missing. You turned to your group and nodded silently and then all of you took off toward the front entrance of V/N's castle.
???: Wait!
You skidded to a halt and turned towards the sound of the sudden voice. It's revealed to be Demon Shimmer accompanied by your other previous foes as she took a step closer toward you.
Demon Shimmer: I'm... I'm going with you.
Rainbow Dash: Really? YOU wanna come with us?
Sunset Shimmer: What for?
Demon Shimmer: I'm not... I'm not gonna let him do that to Hollow.
Midnight Sparkle: Neither will I.
Gaea Everfree: Mark my words, he will definitely pay for harming him.
Juniper Monstar: Count me in too. My main focus might be on being famous, but I won't let a friend be mind slaved.
Demon Shimmer: He may not have been the best to us at the time of his birthday, but he's matured... and now it's time we do the same.
You stared astonished at the former companions of V/N before slowly smiling and nodding at them.
(Y/N): Well... I can always accept any help given.
Right as you were about to turn and head up to V/N's castle entrance, you heard a portal open nearby as you looked in time to see Shadowlight stepping through. He takes one look at the castle and grimaces.
Shadowlight: Well... this all seems horrible. I swear, why does he feel the need to do it here? He can't just do it on a mountain or somewhere that DOESN'T already have a building?
Applejack: Well, history shows that common courtesy ain't somethin' he really cares about.
Shadowlight: Yeah, because he gave it all up to Y/N. Even still, you'd think he'd at least be considerate of the people he's gonna enslave.
He then turns to you.
Shadowlight: Anyways, I've got something for you, dude.
He grabs your hand and places a small (F/C) colored gem onto your palm. You raised an eyebrow at the odd gift before looking up at him.
(Y/N): Uhhh... what's this?
Shadowlight: The key to your victory, of course. I managed to get a hold of the Elements of Harmony and found another way of how they can be used. That gem your holding contains them. Just focus on it and it'll summon the elements into a weapon that I specifically chose for you. As for the Concinnity Amulet, I was also able to merge it with the weapon itself.
This surprised you as you looked at him with shock.
(Y/N): How did you manage to do that?
Shadowlight: It took a bit of time to do, but after reconfiguring the magic within it, the Concinnity Amulet was able to cooperate with the weapon I gave you.
He then placed a hand on your shoulder and looked you in the eye.
Shadowlight: I'm gonna hang back and see if I can provide support. Kick V/N's teeth in for me, will you?
You smiled and nodded.
(Y/N): With pleasure.
You gave each other a quick fist bump before he looked over at Legion of Doom who were in the middle of a rather brutal battle with a mind controlled Hollow Moonshine. He widens his eyes for a second before sighing.
Shadowlight: Probably shouldn't ask, should I?
He asked as you and your girls shook your heads.
Shadowlight: Guess I should have expected something like this. *groans* Alright, I'm one to adapt, so... I'll give the legion a hand then.
He said before he ran over to where the fight was taking place. You looked back at your girls along with Twilight who nodded back at you as you did the same. You then resumed your ascent up to V/N's castle before you eventually reached the entrance.
(Skip All The Way To 1:28)
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
The entrance to V/N's castle can be seen as several circles of dark (F/C) magic appeared on the ground as creatures of darkness similar to the ones V/N first summoned back at the Friendship Games appeared in their place. The camera then zoomed into the castle and showed V/N sitting in his throne with an angry look before he stands up, does a backflip, and lands on top of his throne. He then tilts his head up as his eyes shimmered a dark (F/C) for a second before he threw his arm out to the side and summoned the Disharmony Saber. He did a few swipes with the saber before he aimed it forwards towards the direction where the entrance was.
(V/N): *thinking* Come on, Y/N. Let's finish this for good.
The camera zooms out again to show the front entrance along with the recently summoned horde of shadow creatures guarding it.
(Stop Video At 2:01)
You and your group got into fighting stances.
(Y/N): Girls... I don't suppose you'd be able to handle them all, right?
The Rainbooms: Do you even have to ask?
(Y/N): Good... because I'm going after V/N by myself.
Sunset Shimmer: By yourself? Are you sure, Y/N?
(Y/N): More than sure, Sunset. V/N's been my problem since the very beginning and now it's time that I put my past behind me... and to do that... V/N's gotta go down by my hands.
As much as Sunset wanted to say otherwise, she knew that once you make a decision like this, you won't be talked out of it so she sighed.
Sunset Shimmer: Alright, go ahead. Just try not to do anything hasty.
You nodded before pecking her lips. She smiled back at you and peered back at the horde of creatures in front of you.
(Y/N): But... just in case...
You grabbed your geode and snapped you fingers, making several beings appear. These ones were a stark contrast to V/N's minions as they appeared to be creatures of light instead of darkness.
(Y/N): Here's some guys that'll help you out. *thinking* I've gotta remember to thank Edge later for this.
The Rainbooms: Thanks, Y/N!
You replied with a smile and a nod before turning your head and facing the castle once again.
(Resume Video)
You stared for another few seconds before you balled your hand into a fist and threw it out to the side of you. You then brought your outstretched hand back and grabbed your geode as a tornado of magic swirled around you. Once it dissipated, you got into a running stance before you sped towards the castle entrance and smashed through the horde, creating a line through it before it filled back up with shadow creatures.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
You sped through V/N's castle thanks to Rainbow's super speed while avoiding fallen debris due to you blasting the front entrance earlier. Every jump, duck, and flip in the air you did got you closer and closer to your main target. You stopped in one particular room that was filled with more shadow creatures. You then summoned the other twin sword you had on you and slashed your way through the horde. Slice by slice, slash by slash, you cut each and every creature you encountered to ribbons before you finally made it to V/N's throne room entrance and smashed through it before landing back on the floor. You gazed up and saw V/N sitting on his throne while giving you a narrow eyed stare.
(V/N): So... you've finally arrived.
You stood up straight and frowned determinedly.
(Y/N): So I have.
(V/N): *sigh* Had I known you'd be this much of an antagonist, I would've annihilated you millenia ago.
(Y/N): Excuse me? You think I'M the antagonist here?! I'm not the one who's going around enslaving minds! I'm at least the one who can learn to move on when I lose those important to me!
(V/N): Coming from the one who couldn't let go of his best friend who changed his life for the better. Speaking of not letting things go, you just couldn't live with your own failure, could you? You and your little friends failed to stop me from enacting my plan which was my rightfully earned victory. All that work to change the fate of this world and where did that lead you? Right back to me.
(Y/N): It wasn't what I even wanted from Shadow in the first place! He did that out of his own free will and I tried to stop him because he was my best friend! As for failing, me and the others may have failed many times, but that doesn't mean that we'll give up hope. If there is even the smallest possibility that we can stop you... we'll take it!
V/N pinches a few particles of dust from one of the armrests of his throne and slowly dissolves it with his finger tips.
(V/N): *sigh* We really could have had something special if you decided to join me back during the Starswirled Music Festival, you know that? My victories would have been yours and you could have had anything you ever wanted.
(Y/N): I hate to break it to you, but I already HAVE everything I could want. You know, if you kept me around, you wouldn't be in this mess! The siren race never would have been eliminated, Edge would've never been as shattered as he is now, and we both would've been happier than we are now!
V/N leaned forwards in his throne with narrowed eyes.
(V/N): Well, no use crying over spilled milk, is there? You remember what I said to you before I left back during the festival, right?
(Y/N): About how there can only be one of us and the other has to go? Yeah, I remember, and I fully agree with that.
(V/N): Then I'm sure you're very well aware what has to be done, correct?
You narrowed your eyes right back at him.
(Y/N): Yeah... I do.
V/N lets out a long sigh as he slowly stands from his throne and cracks his knuckles.
(V/N): You really should have taken my deal, Y/N, for this'll be the last mistake you'll ever make in your life.
(Y/N): Take a deal from my evil, psychotic side? Maybe in another life, but not this one.
(V/N): Regardless of what life you have, it will all end the same way... WITH YOU DEAD!!
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
V/N jumps off of his throne and lands about a few feet away from you. He gets into a fighting stance as you did the same. One glare is shared between the two of you as several seconds of doing nothing occurred. V/N breaks the silence by launching at you at top speed, making you act fast by doing the same. The both of you threw a right hook at each other as your fists collided, creating a large shockwave that shook the entire castle. V/N then kicks you in the chest, pushing you back several feet and he jumps and tries to do an axe kick on you, but you swiftly sidestepped and narrowly avoided his attack which hit the floor, destroying a good portion of it as a large crater sat in its place. He charges at you again and smashes his fist into your face, sending you flying back into a wall. You didn't have time to react to his next attack as he tackled you through the wall and outside the castle with a thunderous crash.
You flew backwards for several kilometers towards downtown Canterlot as you landed on the street and skidded to a halt while also damaging the street. You looked up to see V/N leaping off the tall buildings and he brought his hand back and threw it forwards and fired a magical blast at you. You responded by firing your own blast towards his own, creating a huge explosion and smashing several nearby windows on the skyscrapers as well as sending smoke everywhere. You tried to see your way through the smoke until your eyes landed on the faint form of V/N speeding towards you again while bearing his teeth in anger. His punch was met with you blocking it and countering with a kick to the side of his head and sending him careening away. You flew towards him and delivered several more punches and kicks to his face and body.
When you tried to do one more kick on him, he grabbed it and threw you behind him, causing you to spin out of control in the air. While attempting to correct yourself, V/N appears above you and slams his fists into your torso, launching you to the ground and bouncing off of it as you scream in pain. Right as you got to the highest point in the bounce, V/N appeared right beside you again and aimed his hand at you as his palm glowed a dark (F/C). He fired a blast at you which managed to hit you this time and sent you flying away again. You regained your balance and landed back on the ground with another moment of skidding to a halt. Before V/N could try anything else, you activated Rainbow's super speed and sped towards V/N who couldn't react fast enough, allowing you to hit him some more. Punch after punch was landed before V/N had enough and activated the Reality Stone and changed the structure of the street so that it was made of soap instead of concrete, making you slip and slide. You tried regaining your balance, but to no avail as V/N rocketed at you again, this time with the Power Stone activated. You replied by activating Applejack's super strength and pushing back against him when he collided with you. You glared at one another while trying to push the other back, but your strengths were evenly matched for the moment.
(V/N): Nrgh! It seems the odds are even in this fight!
(Y/N): Then I guess we'll have to uneven the odds!
(V/N): I couldn't agree more!
He shoved you away before tackling you again through a line of buildings with loud bangs and crashes. You then got an idea and activated Applejack's super strength and slammed your hands into V/N's back, forcing him to let go of you and giving you a chance to recover. You then sped off and hid behind another skyscraper to try and catch your breath.
V/N stood back up and peered around him to try and see where you were, but couldn't at first. He then smirked before activating the Soul Stone and his eyes changed into a light silver color. He looked around until he saw where you were hiding due to him seeing your soul. Meanwhile, you leaned yourself against a wall and breathed heavily while also trying to heal some of your wounds with your healing magic. Suddenly, a gut feeling within told you to quickly duck to which you did at just the right moment to avoid a wide blast that cut through the building. The rest of the building slid off and crashed to the side as V/N stood on the other side with a smirk.
(V/N): You can't hide from me! I will hunt you down!
You groaned in reply while holding your side to ease some of the pain. You ignored it and charged at V/N once again as he did so as well. You and him then flew so fast while punching and kicking each other through the air while appearing as blurs in the sky as loud booms exploded in the sky, obliterating the clouds as a result. The clashes carried on throughout all of Canterlot until you both found yourselves back at CHS where everyone else was still fighting. Shadowlight was still helping the Legion of Doom keep a now mind controlled Hollow at bay and at one point he and Sombra backed into each other and peered at one another.
King Sombra: So... the former leader of the Umbrum finally returns after so long... even if he's marked as a traitor by those he once called his brethren.
Shadowlight: I gave up that life, Sombra. After V/N massacred the sirens shamelessly, I quit the "dark" side. That was just... a whole different level.
King Sombra: So, it's true then. He really was responsible for that. Many ponies said it was due to the idiocy of some careless sailors.
Shadowlight: Who wouldn't have been able to find them if not for V/N. He's also the one that led Stygian astray and turned on the rest of the Pillars.
King Sombra: *sigh* Things were a lot simpler back then, weren't they?
Shadowlight: Yeah, they were. But, life wouldn't be interesting if things were simple now, would it?
King Sombra: No, I guess it wouldn't.
Cozy Glow: HEY! Gossip later, fight now!
She shouted to them before getting socked in the face by Hollow. The two umbrum sweatdropped at that before Shadowlight turned to look at Sombra.
Shadowlight: How'd you even put up with someone like her again?
King Sombra: *sigh* Through sheer willpower... and with earplugs.
Shadowlight: *thinking* I don't know who's more annoying, her or Shallow.
He thought with an eyeroll before the camera panned over to where your girls were fending off the horde of shadow creatures V/N conjured earlier. Each of them were using their abilities to fight which included Pinkie blowing them up with her explosive sprinkles, Fluttershy using her ethereal animals to mow them down, Rainbow speeding and slugging them one by one really quickly, Rarity using her serrated diamonds to slice several them to pieces, Applejack picking up large pieces of concrete and using them as battering rams or throwing them, and Sci-Twi and Sunset blasting them away with their magic as they had their backs to each other. After Sci-Twi blasted one away, she let out a tired sigh while also panting.
Sci-Twi: *pant* I don't *pant* I don't know how much *pant* longer we can *pant* keep them at bay, *pant* Sunset. *pant*
Sunset Shimmer: *pant* We've *pant* we've gotta still try, *pant* Twi.
She replied, panting as well from exhaustion before they resumed their assault. Back with you and V/N, you were still speed clashing with each other until you jumped away and hovered a few feet from each other. V/N then placed his whole hand onto the Infinity Amulet and a dark (F/C) smoke covered his body and it grew in size. You stared up in shock as the smoke grew more and more until it was the size of a skyscraper. It cleared away to reveal that V/N had transformed himself into the creature you summoned when you fought alongside the Dazzlings during the Battle of the Bands. He roared down at you as you grabbed your geode and started to transform yourself within a bright light. When the light faded, you were now in your dragon form as you let out a roar of your own. The roars from both of you gained the attention of your girls who looked up for a second.
Rarity: It's... it's Y/N!
Rainbow Dash: Aw yeah! Kick his edgy butt, Y/N!
She shouted to you, but due to your size, you couldn't really hear her all that well. You charged towards V/N and clamped your jaws onto his shoulder, eliciting a pained roar from him. He slammed his fist into your head again and again to detach you from his shoulder which worked after a few more hits. He then grabbed your now long neck and slammed your head into the ground with yet another thunderous crash. He then dragged your body forwards while ripping up the ground beneath you before smashing you into a mountain. He tries punching you again, but you snap your head forwards and latch onto his arm. You then twirled around and let him go, sending him flying away and into another skyscraper making the side of it crumble to pieces in seconds. You then spread your wings and flew towards V/N and crashed into him before wrapping your arms around his torso and flying forwards, smashing him through a few more skyscrapers and reducing them to rubble as well. After giving the city a huge sorry in your head, you pushed V/N forwards and slashed at him with your claws and landing cut after cut on him. He backed away a bit and some light began to shine from his mouth which meant that he was about to blast at you with a beam. You decided to do the same thing as you took a deep breath and started building up a breath of your own. Finally, after much build up, you both unleashed a breath attack at one another resulting in a beam clash. You pushed back as hard as you could before V/N summoned every ounce of power within himself and pushed back against your beam and within seconds, it hit you and sent you hurtling backwards and onto your back. You came to a stop at the entrance to V/N's castle as everyone turned to look at you in shock. You tried getting back up, but the massive pain you sustained stopped you from doing so. Eventually, the pain was so excruciating to the point where you reverted back to your normal form.
As this was going on, Shadowlight was pushing back against Hollow and struggling a bit.
Shadowlight: Nrgh! Come on, Hollow! You've gotta snap out of it! We're your friends, remember?!
Hollow Moonshine: *monotone* Hail V/N. Friends. Mean. Nothing.
Shadowlight: Geez, is that seriously what he's putting through your heads? *sarcasm* Yeah, this would totally achieve world order, V/N.
He tried getting in another word with him before another player entered the ring and hit Shadowlight away. He skidded to a halt and looked up to see Grogar staring back at him with dark (F/C) colored eyes.
Shadowlight: *sarcasm* Oh great, my former father joins the fight too! What PERFECT timing!
He said before focusing his efforts on Grogar. The blue colored ram ran towards him with his horns out and Shadowlight did the only logical thing he could do... he stepped out of the way, making Grogar fly past him. Grogar dragged his feet into the ground and stopped before turning around to look at Shadowlight. He then charged up his horns and fired a beam of yellow and black magic towards his opponent who fired a blast of his own, countering it and creating a large explosion, knocking Shadowlight onto his back with a grunt. Before he could get himself back up, a hoof stepped onto his chest, keeping him from making another attempt. He peered up and unsurprisingly saw Grogar staring back emotionless.
Grogar: *monotone* Hail... V/N...
Shadowlight: *sigh* You guys should really find different words to say other than that. At this point, it's just getting old.
Grogar: *monotone* V/N is our supreme leader and will rule all.
Shadowlight: See? Now, did it take that much brain power to do? Geez, see this is why you don't enslave minds, V/N.
He groaned with an eye roll before a glowing sound caught his attention. He looked up to see Grogar's horns enveloped in his magic which meant that he was about to blast Shadowlight into oblivion. The edgy knight sighs once again.
Shadowlight: So... looks like I'm kicking the bucket yet again. Well, I guess it's better for it to be me rather than one of the others.
Shadowlight shut his eyes and braced for himself to be blasted away once more. However, before Grogar's magic could fully charge, a black colored blur ran up and shoulder slammed right into Grogar's side, sending him flying away and crashing into the ground. Shadowlight reopens his eyes and sees Shallow peering back down at him with an extended hand.
Shallow Moonshine: Are you gonna sit there on your ass or are you gonna KICK some ass?
Shadowlight just smirks at Shallow.
Shadowlight: *thinking* To be honest, I was kind of expecting that. The whole saving others thing... I'm used to seeing it by now.
He shook away his thoughts and answered Shallow's question by grabbing his hand and pulling himself up. He then looked off to the side and saw the crater that you created thanks to your dragon form before sighing once again.
Shadowlight: On second thought, take over for me for a moment, will ya?
He asked and walked away before Shallow could so much as utter the word "no" which made the angsty clone groan in annoyance.
Shallow Moonshine: I instantly regret this decision...
Meanwhile, you laid in the crater for the next few moments or so before Shadowlight hopped down into it and landed beside you and he gave you a quick check to see the amount of damage you sustained.
(End Music here)
Shadowlight: Dude, what are you doing? You're going to get yourself killed handling him like that.
(Y/N): *pained groan* W-What... what do you *cough* mean?
Shadowlight: You know what I mean, dude. It may be risky, but this is V/N you're going up against. You're gonna need all the power you have. I taught you everything I know of, and now it's time for you to use it. Both worlds rely on it.
You gazed up at him, unsure as to if this would work or not. However, you reasoned with yourself that even your dragon form wasn't enough to take him down, so at this point, you had to try something.
Shadowlight: Here.
He raised his hand up and healed some of the wounds you sustained.
Shadowlight: It's not much, but hopefully, it'll help you deal with him a little better.
You gave him a pained smile.
(Y/N): T-Thanks, Edge.
Shadowlight: A little early to say that right now, dude. Save it for when you annihilate V/N with what I gave you.
You nodded before perking up and looking back at him.
(Y/N): I've got a plan.
Before you could explain the plan, we cut to V/N hovering closer to the castle until he morphed back into his normal form. He walked to the edge of the crater you were in and gazed down into it and saw you lying down on your back. He smirks once his eyes land on you.
(V/N): Not even your dragon form was enough to beat me, Y/N. All that training you went through earned only a few lucky hits on me and nothing else. Although, I will say this. You definitely put up a better fight than before.
All you could do is glare up at him at the moment while holding your side with a single hand. He chuckles before reaching his arm out to the side and summoning the Disharmony Saber.
(V/N): Since you've fought with honor, I'll give you a fair death.
(Y/N): Fighting with honor, huh? Seems a little out of character, V/N.
V/N frowned at that before jumping several feet into the air and bringing the Disharmony Saber above his head to ready a vertical slash which would surely end your life. He fell downwards towards you at breakneck speed and right as he got to you, he swung forwards resulting in another smoke cloud obscuring everything and a loud clanging sound occurred. V/N smiles sadistically at the thought of you being dead finally... but... something made him freeze and his eyes shot open.
(V/N): Huh?
Another cut occurs to the outside of the crater as a loud clang can be heard and V/N is seen flying out of it and lands on his back hard a few feet from the crater. He sits up and gazes back at the crater in shock as you jumped out and landed at the edge. You peered up at V/N with a smirk and threw out your arm to the side, revealing you to be holding a sword, but not just any sword. This one was the polar opposite of the Disharmony Saber. This one was composed of all six Elements of Harmony as they all lined up to form the blade of the sword itself while a handle was jutting out from the Element of Magic.
All V/N could do was stare in utter shock as you stood up straight and aimed the sword at him.
(Y/N): Like what I've got, V/N? This little baby is what'll give me more of a chance against you. Since yours is called the Disharmony Saber, we'll call this one... the Harmony Saber.
V/N growls while clenching his fist.
(V/N): So, this is what you've been up to. Unfortunately, for you, it was a waste of time. The Elements of Harmony are powerless against the Infinity Amulet.
(Y/N): That might be true, but... something tells me that I'll still win this battle.
You replied with a smirk.
(V/N): I wouldn't be so cocky. In case you were deaf for the past three seconds, your "Magic of Friendship" is useless against the power the Infinity Amulet holds!
(Y/N): We'll just see about that.
You got into a fighting stance while aiming the Harmony Saber ahead of you.
(Y/N): It's time for us to finish this, V/N.
V/N scoffs and grins.
(V/N): It seems that along with your armor, your impersonation of a knight has improved... somewhat.
(Y/N): I've got you to thank for that.
(V/N): Hmph! Then let's have another look at that unsightly swordsmanship!
He gets into a fighting stance too as Shadowlight comes up behind you.
Shadowlight: You're gonna be sorry you asked.
You turned your head to look at him somewhat solemnly.
(Y/N): This is it, old pal.
He nods.
Shadowlight: Don't hold back, dude. Give him all you got.
You replied with your own nod before turning to face V/N with a furrowed frown.
(Y/N): Then bring it on, V/N!
And with that, the fight began.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
Edge teleports out of the area as V/N charges at you, bringing the Disharmony Sabor over his head, ready to strike you with it. You met it with a horizontal block which parried his strike. V/N instantly gained a look of shock at the fact that the Elements of Harmony were able to stay intact before you zipped around and tried to get a hit on him from behind. You swing your sword towards him, but he brought his sword behind him and blocked your attack, resulting in a large shockwave to occur. You stared in astonishment for a brief moment at him being able to block your attack as he smirks.
(V/N): Hmm, a little better than last time, but still not enough.
He commented. Suddenly, he dug his sword into the ground and somehow created a shockwave that bounced you a couple feet into the air and he sent a kick your way which connected with your torso and launched you away towards his castle's slope. You landed and looked up just in time to see him falling down towards you. He slashes his sword in the air which creates blasts of magic and sends them your way. You hit them all away this time as he lands and tries to do a stab attack on you, but you jump to the side to avoid it. He then tries to follow it up with a horizontal slash, but you were able to block just in time making the impact knock you back a bit.
(V/N): Resilient. But don't even overestimate yourself into thinking that with that blade, you can match me!
(Y/N): Oh, yeah? Well, I think your bark is worse than your bite!
That taunt earns you a kick to the chest which knocks you away quite a distance before V/N comes rushing towards you with a rush attack of sword slashes. However, you were able to see this coming and you positioned your sword in a rather stiff way in front of you to guard and it prevented you from getting overwhelmed. After seeing one more attempt for V/N to try and attack you, you quickly sidestep and V/N tries to block, but you knew that he was going to go for that move, so with a quick burst of speed, you dashed behind V/N to swing your sword at him which almost knocks him away, but he kept his stance.
He pulls off a spin attack as you just barely dodged the attack by ducking below the blade. You then tried to do a flurry attack on him but with the added speed of Rainbow's geode power which sped up your attacks indefinitely. Eventually, you swung so fast that after images of you could be seen. Unfortunately, V/N was able to keep up with your attacks at roughly the same speed as each of your blows was met with one of his own. Little by little however, V/N's strength died down until his arms started to feel a little sore. You took this opportunity to try and get a hit on him which you did by hitting him on the shoulder and causing some of his armor to fall off and disappear into dark (F/C) mist. You slowed down and stopped to catch your breath for a quick second. V/N still stood shocked by you knocking off a piece of his armor before his shock quickly changed to anger as he charged at you again. He swung his sword several times at you as each swing increased in speed which began to overwhelm you. You blocked and parried as best as you could, but V/N's attacks grew stronger and faster by the second. As this occurred, you took several blows which wore you down the more V/N attacked.
Finally, as a finish, V/N swung upwards, knocking the Harmony Saber out of your hands as it sailed and landed blade side down into the ground. V/N kicked you to the ground and swung his sword at you, knocking off and breaking your armor piece by piece until you were left with nothing but your regular clothes as well as a few cuts and bruises.
(Stop Song Here)
You rolled onto your front and tried crawling away from V/N, but he punched you hard in the face, stopping you.
(V/N): You didn't have it in you to stop me, Y/N!
He punches you again.
(V/N): Neither you or your disgusting harem were enough to put my plans out of order!
Another punch to your face occurs.
(V/N): But you just couldn't stay out of it, could you?! All you've done is screw up my plans time after time and annoy me to no end!
He stomped on your ribs, earning a loud scream in pain from you.
(V/N): I thought that bringing order to both worlds would be the most satisfying thing I'll ever experience...
He then grabbed you by the air and lifted your head up and stared into your eyes angrily.
(V/N): But you dying by my hand? Oh, now THAT will be the most satisfying to me. But first...
He dragged you over to the center of all the fighting and held you up to show everyone.
(V/N): Alright, all you worthless maggots! Take a good long look at your "savior!"
His demand earned everyone's attention as they looked and gasped as soon as their eyes landed on you.
Sunset Shimmer: Y-Y/N?
Rainbow Dash: D-Dude... no...
Shallow, who hid himself behind a nearby boulder, gained an angry frown at seeing V/N triumphing over you before he turned his attention towards V/N's castle. The scene abruptly transitioned to the interior of the castle as we see the sirens running around and looking in each room in hopes of finding where Shadow was being kept. However, due to V/N changing the structure of the castle itself by using the Reality Stone, it was made much more difficult.
Sonata Dusk: We've looked everywhere, you guys, but he's not showing up!
Aria Blaze: We can't just give up, Sonata! We've gotta find him!
Adagio Dazzle: This is the last corridor we've yet to search, so he must be here somewhere!
Aria Blaze: Let's hope so. This place is a labyrinth.
The girls resumed their search until it led them to one final door. Aria shoulder barged it down and looked around before grinning widely. In the room sat Shadow, who was trapped in the same cage you were trapped in when V/N had won initially. He was sitting and staring at the floor at first, but Aria's sudden entrance startled him to his feet as he turned and glanced up and saw who came in.
Shadow Moonlight: Oh... hey, girls.
Aria Blaze: Shad! There you are! We're here to get you out!
He blinked a few times before he surprised them with a sigh and looked back at the floor.
Shadow Moonlight: No... You have to be out there helping Y/N take down V/N. You shouldn't have come here.
Sonata Dusk: But... you're in danger, Shady. We didn't wanna just leave you in here.
Adagio Dazzle: She's right, dear. It's best if you came with us instead of spending another moment as V/N's captive.
Shadow Moonlight: No... that's exactly what I should be.
Aria Blaze: What's that supposed to mean?
She asked as Shadow looked away with a few tears in his eyes.
Shadow Moonlight: ... I should've been killed; I should've never existed. Everything I've done since the day of my birth has been nothing but a large set of problems that could've all been avoided if my parents used birth control.
Aria Blaze: *sigh* Shad, come on. You know that you don't mean that.
Shadow Moonlight: Open your eyes, Aria! I've messed up everything! Your lives, the Shadowbolts' lives, the Rainbooms' lives, Y/N's life, and even the story that's supposed to fill the black void in the hearts of idealists! I have done nothing, but screw everyone! I caused the release of V/N, I caused Wallflower to lose her composure, I nearly cost Y/N his life multiple times, and ruined a chance to see a concert... for THREE WEEKS! Is there anything?! Anything at all that I've done that's actually meaningful?! NO!! There is nothing good that I can contribute to this whole project! You wanna know what I really am? Just a blockade that prevents Y/N from having too many girls in his harem! That's my entire purpose! If I was not in the picture, you three, the Shadowbolts, and every other girl out there would be all over Y/N! I can't stay in this world! ... they won't allow me to.
He turned away with tears now streaming down his cheeks.
Shadow Moonlight: I'm... I'm just so tired of it all. I'm tired of getting in the way of others despite whatever intentions I have. All I want is to just erase myself from existence so that Y/N can have you along with every girl that comes his way all to himself. It's what I'm destined to do... I know that now. My entire existence is the only reason why nobody's ever happy, why nobody's truly happy with the way the events of our lives play out. We're just meant to entertain... and the way to do that is to give them everything they want, which is all of the girls or whatever it is they're attracted to.
Sonata then walked closer and gently wrapped her fingers around one of the bars to Shadow's cage.
Sonata Dusk: Shadow... don't you understand that you're not a complete screw up?
Aria did the same thing Sonata did as she got closer to Shadow's cage.
Aria Blaze: She's right, dude. You gave us a home when we lost our pendants and offered us a chance at redemption before anyone else.
Soon, Adagio came closer to the cage as well.
Adagio Dazzle: You were our first friend, Shadow, and for that we couldn't help but feel so much love for you. You're only focusing on the negative aspects, dear, when you need to be focusing on the positive ones.
Sonata Dusk: If you really were an obstacle, why would we have come all this way to save you? Think about that, Shady.
Aria Blaze: I even busted down that door which really hurt by the way. That should show how much we care about you, Shad. You're not an obstacle. You have wants and feelings just like everyone else and yes, you can tend to screw up a few times, but that's just a part of life. We make mistakes, but we try our best to move on and improve ourselves. It's part of life and it does no good to erase yourself from existence.
Shadow Moonlight: If I weren't an obstacle, you wouldn't have needed to risk your lives to get me out of here.
Aria Blaze: *sigh* Stop acting like it's your fault! That was because of V/N, not you. He locked you away in here because he felt that you were important enough to Y/N so that it would get under his skin.
Shadow Moonlight: See? Because I mean that much to Y/N, he'd do something reckless just to get me out of there. I'm putting his life in danger just by being a hostage and it doesn't seem any different with either of you.
Adagio Dazzle: Shadow, what is it gonna take for you to realize that it's not always your fault for everything that's happened? You can't go around acting like you're the main cause for all of this.
Shadow Moonlight: And why not? It's not like any of it matters. I'll be dead before I even know it and nobody's gonna bat an eye.
Sonata Dusk: We would.
Shadow Moonlight: That should be directed at Y/N. It's what everyone wants. Just Y/N to be the cool one. Maybe that's why Shallow was mad at him. In fact, I think it might be the core reason why he exists. Y/N has always been seen in a bright light. He has all of the looks, the charm, and the abilities to make him stand out to everyone. Sure, he has his insecurities here and there, but that doesn't matter to people. Me though, the only thing I'm seen as is nothing, but an emo with more problems than Y/N has benefits. Everyone wants me gone... all because I gave an unpleasant welcome to him at the Friendship Games. And yet that was Shallow, but nobody really bothers to figure that out.
???: Argh! Figures that you'd be like this.
A fifth voice startled everyone as they all looked towards the doorway to see Shallow staring back with his arms crossed and a frown upon his face.
Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* Did you have them come here?
Shallow Moonshine: Hell no. They came here on their own as did I.
Shadow Moonlight: What do you want, Shallow?
Shallow Moonshine: *sigh* As much as I don't want this, I still voluntarily came here to get you out of this hellhole.
Shadow Moonlight: For what? Y/N doesn't need me, okay? He didn't need US! We never should've met him! Is that what you wanted to hear?! You were right! We should've just fought back against Patriot that day! None of this ever would've happened if I just had the courage to stand up for myself, which I don't! I CAUSED ALL OF THIS!!
He shouted towards his angsty side who stood silent for a moment. Shadow recomposed himself and sat back down on the floor.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N doesn't need me. I'm confident that he'll defeat V/N easily. After all, he wouldn't have the title of savior if it were the opposite.
Shallow Moonshine: Defeat him easily, huh? Well, I'm not really seeing that outcome considering what's happening to him right now.
Shadow raised an eyebrow.
Shadow Moonlight: Maybe because you're not out there right now?
Shallow Moonshine: *mock laugh* No, that's not the case.
He walked up and grabbed some of the bars on the cage and ripped them away easily. He then got closer to Shadow, grabbed his shoulder, and teleported all five of them to the front entrance of the castle. Shadow gazed around in shock, wondering why Shallow had brought him out here.
Shadow Moonlight: W-Why did you bring us out here?
Shallow Moonshine: You really think Y/N's untouchable? Well, look right down there.
He waved his arm towards the edge of the cliff, prompting Shadow to walk closer to it. Once he got right up on it, he looked down and gasped at seeing you beaten to a pulp along with V/N holding you up like a ragdoll.
Shadow Moonlight: Y-Y/N?
Shallow walked up next to him before Shadow glanced his way.
Shadow Moonshine: Is... is he...
Shallow Moonshine: About to die? Yes. Are you just gonna sit here like a little pansey and let that happen... or are you gonna go down there, be a man, and save your best friend?
Shadow Moonlight: B-But what can I possibly do?
Shallow Moonshine: Oh, I do believe I see what you can do... and it's jutting out of the ground right there.
He pointed to the Harmony Saber which was still planted into the ground.
Shadow Moonlight: You're right... I see it.
He walks over to the Harmony Saber and yanks it out of the ground. He then rotates it to align the tip of the sword toward his chest.
Shadow Moonlight: The only way to truly put an end to one's misery... is eradicating that very feeling with harmony.
He held the blade out further and was just about to stab himself before he got a good look at you. Your face was turned his way as your eyes were barely open. You tried reaching a hand out to him, but the pain in your body stopped you from doing so. Seeing you like this made Shadow hesitate greatly as his arms quivered and shook. In his heart, he knew that he had to do something to save you, despite how much he wanted to end his own life. As this was going on, it cut back to V/N who was still addressing everyone else.
(V/N): You moronic imbeciles shouldn't have even attempted to stop me in the first place. All I want is for order to be restored. Nothing more, nothing less. But you all couldn't help but stand against me.
He then glares at his former comrades.
(V/N): Even those I once called friends turned their backs on me. Though, it doesn't really come as a shock to me at this point. Since day one, fate has been against me. Everyone I met has betrayed me and those I once held dear to me died because I went against someone evil. This whole time, I've been the little kid who gets bullied any chance he gets and was forced to do what OTHERS wanted.
Shadow then glances back over to you and then toward V/N before nodding. He pulls his hand back and tosses the Harmony Saber in your direction like a javelin as it lands a few inches in front of you. He then walks over to V/N and then opens his mouth.
Shadow Moonlight: Then I guess that's something we have in common, huh?
(V/N): What?
He turned his attention to Shadow who stood next to him while looking down at you.
Shadow Moonlight: We're both hated by the world, even if we don't do anything to deserve it. The world, life, universe, whatever it is, it likes to target certain individuals for its own entertainment. It turns them into what we are now, antagonized, ruthless, savages that are seen as the true predators of the situation. Ones who get in the way of others despite what our intentions are.
(V/N): Heh, I guess we really do have something in common.
Shadow Moonlight: Hey, why don't you do me a favor, V/N? From one victim of the world to another. Take my life... give the world exactly what it wants. They won't stop until we're both erased from existence. Do what Y/N couldn't do at the Friendship Games and kill me. I know you want to do it and you're the only one who has the gall to. I'm right here, out in the open with no defense of any sort.
V/N gives him a look over before gazing back up at him.
Shadow Moonlight: I want to be free from it. I want to be able to just live in peace. A nice warm cottage on top of a mountain secluded from the world with the most special people in my life. Nothing to bother us, nothing to worry us, just... being at peace for once is all I want now. Just... please don't kill Y/N. He's a part of you and while you might not agree with one another, there has to be a way for you both to coexist.
V/N was silent at first before he finally found his voice.
(V/N): All... all I ever wanted was to have my own destiny... to have my own choice in what I wanted... it was a life... I used to have... what I used to be.
Shadow Moonlight: Then, you have it better than I do. I never had that kind of luxury. I was born a mistake and through every aspect of my life, it's remained the same. I've tried to be nice, I stood up for him, I even sacrificed everything I had just to make him and all of them happy, yet... it was all in vain. It wasn't everything I had that stopped them from being happy... It was me alone. I can't help people, I can't make anyone happy, I just ruin it all. Do you know what that's like, V/N? To take away someone's entire happiness just from existing?
V/N thought of that.
(V/N): ...I suppose I do. So... this is what you truly believe to be right for everyone, isn't it?
Shadow Moonlight: It is.
He replied along with giving V/N a nod.
Shadow Moonlight: Take my life, V/N. I'm the embodiment of everyone and everything's despair. Perhaps the reason why you lost everything was so that our paths would cross. If you kill me, right here, right now... then maybe the world won't treat you as badly as it did before. Perhaps if you can get him to do it, Grogar may even be able to bring your family back. Edge did say that he was a necromancer.
(Y/N): *pained whisper* S-S-Shadow...
You called out to him while raising your arm up to try and stop him.
(Y/N): *pained whisper* P-P-Please... d-d-d-don't... do this...
(V/N): Shut up!
He kicks you back down to the ground as it's revealed that he had kicked you closer to the Harmony Saber which went unnoticed by V/N who turned back to Shadow.
(V/N): And what of him? You'd be abandoning him just like he did to you all those years ago.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N will be fine without me. Everyone else was when I took away my own existence.
He glances down toward you.
Shadow Moonlight: The only reason he still cared was because he couldn't let go of the guilt. Had he forgotten me, everything would've been at bay in that new life I gave him. I'm fully confident that once I'm gone, the world will be a much brighter place to be in. Even for you, V/N.
The black knight stood silent for a few seconds before he sinisterly chuckled.
(V/N): Oh... it WILL be a much better place alright... once I bring true order to it that is.
Shadow sighed at that.
Shadow Moonlight: I... I was afraid you'd say that... it's a good thing I gave Y/N just enough time.
(V/N): For what?
(Y/N): FOR THIS!!
*SHANK*
V/N's eyes widened and a look of shock became very much apparent on his face as his body lurched forward a little. A few raspy breaths escaped his lips before he turned his head over his shoulder and saw something that made him truly feel shock. You were back up on your feet while holding the Harmony Saber which was plunged deep into V/N's back.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
You stood for another few seconds before you quickly pulled the Harmony Saber out and swung it upwards, knocking the Disharmony Saber out of V/N's hand and kicking him forwards. The sword twirls in the air before it morphed back into the Infinity Amulet and landed perfectly in your outstretched hand. V/N looked back at you with the widest eyes he could manage.
(V/N): W-WHAT?!
(Y/N): You really shouldn't have turned your back on me, V/N, because that just gave me the perfect moment I needed. Also, ever wondered how the Harmony Saber stood a chance against you? Well...
You turned the Harmony Saber over and revealed it's other side to V/N and he saw that in place of the Element of Magic was instead... the Concinnity Amulet. V/N's jaw slacked as he was at a complete loss for words for not only your sudden attack, but also at the fact that you managed to assemble the one thing that could stop him. V/N then thought about the whole situation a little more closely before realization struck and he swiveled his head to glare at Shadow.
(V/N): YOU DISTRACTED ME!!
Shadow Moonlight: Sorry, V/N, but... like Y/N, you should've killed me when you had the chance.
(Y/N): V/N, you will never, and I repeat, NEVER rule both worlds or any world for that matter. Not as long as I am still around to stop you. Now, it's finally time to be rid of this cursed thing.
With that said, you tossed the Infinity Amulet into the air and swung the Harmony Saber to your side. The magic from the Concinnity Amulet seeped into the sword before the whole blade glowed a bright golden color. After getting a firm grip on the handle with both hands, you leapt towards the now airborne amulet with a loud yell of determination. One slice can be heard as you now appeared on the other side of the amulet and landed on the ground. The Infinity Amulet looked fine at first until it split apart into two pieces and shook violently before exploding, destroying the wretched object for good.
(End Music Here)
The pieces landed just in front of V/N along with the rest of the Disharmony Stones. He picks up a few pieces and gazes as his hair covers his eyes, obscuring them from vision.
(Y/N): Now do you get it, V/N? You can't force people to bend to your will. Admittedly, the world is naturally violent and sometimes, it makes it a bad place to be in. But there are legitimately good people out there and they don't deserve to be reduced to that of slaves. It doesn't deserve to be punished for what we went through. Sure, the world can be better, but this is NOT the way to do it.
You said to him as he remained silent while looking over the remains of the Infinity Amulet. You turned away from him to look back at Shadow with a bit of a smile.
(Y/N): Shadow... thank you... really.
Shadow Moonlight: What? What are you thanking me for?
(Y/N): I saw what you were about to do... to yourself, but... you saw that I was in trouble and gave me exactly what I needed to get the drop on V/N. I honestly had lost all hope before that... but you gave it back to me.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N... you know that wasn't just a diversion, right?
(Y/N): *sigh* I'd be lying if I said I didn't.
Shadow Moonlight: Good. I'm glad we're on the same page here. Now, let's put an end to this.
He reached his hand out to you.
Shadow Moonlight: Don't deny it, Y/N. I already know that you have the Time Stone. I noticed that it, along with the Space Stone, were missing from the Infinity Amulet before it was destroyed.
You shook your head and sighed again.
(Y/N): Shadow, I can't just-
You stopped yourself when you noticed a faint aura coming off of V/N who was still hunched over and staring down at the broken remains of the Infinity Amulet. You pushed past Shadow and got closer to him.
(V/N): *whisper* If I... can't destroy you... from the outside...
He slowly stands up with his hands clenched into fists before he turns his head up to reveal that his eyes had changed to that of a dark (F/C) color and a true look of rage overtook his features.
(V/N): ...then I'll just... destroy you... FROM THE INSIDE!!!
In the blink of an eye, V/N threw the Mind Stone at you as it slapped against your forehead before a bright light shined and blinded everyone for a few seconds. When it finally died down, V/N was nowhere to be found. You stood completely surprised before glancing around you for any signs of V/N.
(Y/N): Did... did anyone see where he went?!
You asked in a panicked voice. Your question was answered in the form of everyone shaking their heads while muttering a few nos here and there. All of a sudden, much like with what happened at the Battle of the Bands, your head began to feel as though someone had taken a rusty nail and shoved it through your brain as you suffered a massive headache, causing you to grab your head with both hands while screaming in pain.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N, what's wrong?!
He asked you, but you were too busy holding your head in agony to offer a reply. The pain continued to wrack through your brain for the next couple of seconds before the pain became so unbearable to the point where your eyes shut and you passed out cold as you faceplant on the floor with a thud. Your girls were quick to action by running over and rolling you onto your back.
Rarity: W-What's wrong with him?!
Rainbow Dash: I-I don't know! I'm not a doctor!
Sci-Twi: I think... I think it might be a migraine.
Sunset Shimmer: Twilight... I don't think this is a normal migraine.
She spoke up which got everyone's attention.
Shadow Moonlight: Hold on...
He spots the Mind Stone at the ground beneath your feet as he walks over to it and scoops it up in his hand. He gave it a quick examination before he stood up and turned to the rest of the group.
Shadow Moonlight: ...V/N's gone back in.
Fluttershy: W-What do you mean?
Shadow Moonlight: You all remember how V/N originated from Y/N's mind? Well, now he's back in there and is probably messing up whatever's left of him in there.
Pinkie Pie: That cheater! We totally won and he changed the rules!
Shadowlight: Pinkie, this is V/N we're talking about. He doesn't fight with honor.
Sunset knelt down and placed a single hand on your forehead, worried over what you might be going through right now.
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(The Mind Realm)
Speaking of you, the scene cuts to showing you lying face down in the middle of the familiar circle of doors in the Mind Realm before you stirred awake and stood up slowly while rubbing your head.
(Y/N): *groans* What... what happened to me?
Before you could get the chance to take in your surroundings, you suddenly felt something kick you in the face, knocking you backward as you slid down the floor on your back. In your former position stood none other than V/N with an enraged look.
(V/N): I am on my last nerve, Y/N! You may have cut my source of power, but that will not stop me from putting an end to your existence! Once I kill you, I'll take back the body that was mine to begin with!
His aura flares up, his eyes turn into a shade of dark (F/C) and he runs up to you and then kicks you in your chin, knocking you upward as you fall onto your stomach. He presses his foot up against your neck, preventing you from getting up.
(V/N): I never needed you. You are nothing but an embodiment of weak emotions that held me back for years. I'd have been able to protect my family better had you never been a part of it.
He takes his foot off of you and grabs you by the neck and starts to slam your face with punches.
(V/N): At the same time, you are no better. You replaced our... my wife with a bunch of teenage girls that have no idea what they want! A relationship like that wouldn't last longer than a year and a half! That's how all high school relationships are! No one can replace my wife! I guess she didn't mean anything to you and the fact that you're supposed to be my weak emotions just makes me sick!
He throws a hard punch to your face, knocking you backward as you slide down the floor once again, leaving a trail of blood that follows it. V/N teleports ahead just as you came sliding in his direction. Just as you were about to slam into him, he kicked you again as you went flying and landed on your stomach once again, facing away from him.
(V/N): I hated Grogar, Shadowlight, and everyone who's turned against me, but you? Oh, hate is just too much of an understatement for how I feel about you. You are more of a waste than anything in existence. You caused your own friend to take his life multiple times and he somehow still wants to defend you and you even put your precious "girlfriends" in danger and almost got them killed. I blame Starswirl for your existence, but you and you alone have been nothing but a pain in my ass. And now, I intend to correct that. You might be powerful out there, Y/N, but here, I'm a god. I bet this isn't exactly the way you pictured all of this ending, but your fate was sealed the moment you challenged me. This was never going to end any other way.
He withdraws a black sword with a (F/C) aura surrounding it as he brings it up and then stabs you straight through the back, causing a loud scream to emit from you.
(V/N): ... you make me ashamed to be myself.
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(Canterlot)
The scream you made caused your body to copy it the same way, startling the rest of the group as they took a few steps back. Each of them were silent as the screaming continued for a few moments and then it stopped. Silence had still overcome all of them until Shadow broke the ice.
Shadow Moonlight: He's in trouble, we have to help him now.
Fluttershy: B-But... How, Shadow? V/N's in Y/N's mind. We'd only be hurting Y/N if we tried to attack him.
Shadow Moonlight: We can help with this, Flutters.
He lifts up the Mind Stone that glowed and floated in his hand. He pinches it with two fingers and then gently places it on top of your forehead before turning to the rest of the group.
Shadow Moonlight: Edge, when we go in, can you free Hollow with this?
Shadowlight: Will do, Shad.
Shadow Moonlight: Thank you and once you do that, go find the Dazzlings and the other villainesses.
Shadowlight: You got it.
Shadow Moonlight: Okay. Girls, each of you grab each other's hands and then one of you grab mine.
The Rainbooms nod as each of them did as Shadow told them and held each other's palms. Once every one of them were holding each other's hands, Shadow used his free hand to grab the Mind Stone and then slam it onto your forehead. As a result, your eyes shoot open and turn a bright orange while Shadow and the Rainbooms all glowed the same color before getting sucked into your forehead. Once it was gone, all that was left was your body and the Mind Stone atop your forehead. Edge picked it up and examined it a little before lightly shaking his head in disappointment.
Shadowlight: *sigh* *sarcasm* What a great time to be alive...
With that, he turned around and flew off, leaving your unconscious body, the shattered Alicorn Amulet, and all of the Disharmony Stones.
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(The Mind Realm)
A faint orange glow began to grow brighter mere inches away from you before it morphed into Shadow and your harem. Each of them looked around until they spotted V/N standing a few feet from them while facing away.
Rainbow Dash: V/N! What did you do to Y/N?!
He stands silent for a few seconds before silently chuckling and rotating himself to face the group.
(V/N): So... you decided to join Y/N as well as the fate that's in store for him. How poetic.
Sunset Shimmer: Where. Is. Y/N?!
(V/N): Hmm... that's a good question, but no need to blow your vocal chords, Sunset. He's not too far from here, that I can assure you.
He points to you with a sword jabbed in your back and a large puddle of blood from underneath you. They began to feel a sense of unease and dread at the potential of you being dead. Silence was the only thing that was heard until V/N decided to speak.
(V/N): I don't mean to be insensitive, but someone should really get a body bag for him. Get some ice, keep the body fresh while he still has the time.
He let out a chuckle as the group gathered around you and examined you.
Rainbow Dash: H-He... he can't be...
A few tears started to form in her eyes. Shadow knelt down and pressed two fingers to your neck.
Shadow Moonlight: He's breathing *thinking* somehow *speaking* but... it's very faint.
Sunset also had a few tears welling up before she wiped them away, threw on an angry face, and peered up at V/N.
Sunset Shimmer: Y-You... you monster! You evil, evil monster! How could you do this to him?!
(V/N): Oh, I'm evil? Who's the one who started all of these problems by bringing an Element of Harmony to this world to begin with? I'll tell you one thing, it wasn't me or him. Besides, it's not like he really mattered that much in the first place. He was an incompent lowlife who is a failure of a friend, a boyfriend, and especially a failure as a savior. I gave him the option to let me leave, but he wouldn't allow it, so I had to do it all by my own hand. And so, I did what had to be done, I punished him for acting out of line.
He shook his head while groaning.
(V/N): I just don't understand it. Why? Why would you throw your lives away for this... thing? He's nothing more than a manifestation. He's not even a real human. If anything, he's an alien. He didn't belong here in this or any world! Because no matter what, he'll always be seen as an outcast by others. That's why I don't have friends. Next thing you know, you're somebody's best man. They want to have the wedding out of town. Like nobody has anything better to do! But then when you least expect it, they're going against everything you stand for. Y/N has always been a freak, even to me, who by the way, is the REAL Y/N here! He's just a sack of pitiful emotions I lodged into him, who now seems to have developed a conscience of his own. Funny how a bunch of useless emotions were capable of doing such a thing. A bunch of emotions I should have destroyed a long time ago.
He turned away from the group and was about to walk away before Fluttershy stopped him by speaking.
Fluttershy: That "alien"... knew more about being human... than you ever will.
V/N stopped and shook his head before spinning around and giving Fluttershy a "oh really?" kind of look.
(V/N): You do realize that that comeback means absolutely nothing, right? A freak is a freak, regardless of what they do in life.
Rainbow stepped up and glared at him.
Rainbow Dash: That's besides the point. We don't care if he wasn't quote unquote "real" to others because he was to us.
(V/N): Tch. All you women are emotionally driven. Of course you'd see him as real. Though, I'll humor you. I'll make sure his death is just as real as you see him, but before I do, answer this for me. What exactly do you see in him that's considered "human?" He's caused more problems than he fixed and the ones he resolved were ones that he created himself. The only reason he and Shadow argued was because he was too much of a wimp to say anything to him. The only reason Wallflower erased your memories of Y/N was because he stole Shadow from her. And to top it all off, the only reason Shadow erased himself just to give Y/N the Shadow Five was because of the countless loops of him taking Shadow for granted. Savior of CHS? More like the Nuisance of CHS.
Shadow clenched his fists in anger as a shadow casted over his eyes.
Shadow Moonlight: You know it's not his fault.
V/N laughed hysterically at Shadow.
(V/N): And as for you. You really are the perfect image of self-loathing. Y/N does a lot to prove that you are somehow "meaningful" and yet you still manage to find a way to take the blame for everything even if it really wasn't your fault. Pitiful. Absolutely pitiful.
Shadow Moonlight: ... you're right. It's exactly what I am and it's why I need to go, but I can't do that if you're still around to hurt others.
(V/N): Oh, and pray tell, what exactly do you plan to do to stop me? All you've done is stand by the sidelines, cheering on your "glorious savior" while he gets all the glory. I'm still completely blown away by the fact that you somehow keep defending Y/N despite all he's done.
Applejack: Ya wanna know why we keep defending Y/N? Because the way we see it, he's the real one while you were the one who took over and blinded him when your family died.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, you meanie! Y/N was so much better without you to ruin it!
Rarity: Y/N only wanted to ensure that those he cared for were safe and happy. Meanwhile, all you wanted was to make everyone a mindless slave.
Sci-Twi: Admittedly, Y/N's not the most perfect person in the world. He has his fair share of problems, but he doesn't need to be perfect because he's already good enough. Perfect enough without you there to muck it all up for him.
Sunset Shimmer: Y/N is and has been ever since I had a change of heart, my savior and that goes for all of us. I love Y/N more than anyone and even if he's not real, he's still my boyfriend.
She looks back and gives you a warm smile while V/N holds a genuine frown for a moment, reminding him of what his wife was like when she was still around.
Sunset Shimmer: His name was Y/N L/N.
Sci-Twi: The Savior of CHS.
Shadow Moonlight: And he's more than just a best friend... he's my brother. And unlike you, V/N, he deserves a happy life.
The girls joined hands with each other and a faint glow started emanating from them. V/N gazed on, concerned as to what was happening.
(V/N): What are you doing?
He asked, but the girls ignored him. He then lets out an annoyed grunt.
(V/N): Fine then. Chant whatever prayers you have. It'll only make it easier for me to annihilate you.
He summons a dark F/C orb of magic and chucks it at the group before it explodes and sends a cloud of dust into the air. V/N cackled sinisterly and was just about to dust his hands off before something caught his eye. When the smoke cleared, Shadow and the girls were revealed to have not been hurt, but rather protected by a large magical pink colored barrier.
(V/N): What the?
His look of shock quickly changed into that of rage.
(V/N): No! NO NO NO NOOO!!!
He fired several more orbs of magic at the group, each of them exploding in a large radius but they still weren't able to hit them due to the barrier staying strong. The girls all simultaneously smirked at V/N.
Rainbow Dash: Sorry V/N, but you ain't getting through.
(V/N): *growls* I told you that your friendship magic doesn't work on me!
Applejack: Whoever said that this was the magic of friendship?
(V/N): What?!
Sunset Shimmer: There's something you never suspected, V/N. As our bonds grew over time, so did our respect and appreciation for Y/N. It grew to the point where we fell for him. It was then that our magic grew more and more until eventually, it wasn't the magic of friendship anymore, it was something else entirely.
Sci-Twi: And it's that very magic that'll finally give us the chance to beat you.
(V/N): If... if it's not friendship... then... it must be...
His eyes shot open in realization.
(V/N): How?! How can you possibly feel any amount of love for him?! Are you all blind?! Have you not seen what he's done to you?! He turned Shadow into exactly what he is now! A masochistic, idealistic, idiot that doesn't even believe he deserves the will to live! On top of that, he cost Sunset, you, the Dazzlings, and everyone else from achieving their goals! Bad or not, he's done nothing but stand in the way of others, myself included!
Rainbow Dash: You'd never understand, V/N, because the more I think about it, the more I realize something. Y/N isn't the fake one, you are.
(V/N): What?!
Rainbow Dash: When he was back in Equestria, he had a wife and children and was a good person overall, but the second he lost them, you took over and pushed him to the back corners of his mind.
Applejack: So, in a way, this is his mind, not yours.
V/N growled once again, angered by their ludicrous way of thinking. It was then that Sunset had turned to the rest of the group and nodded to each of them, gaining nods from all of them as they closed their eyes to focus.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
Sunset Shimmer: Y/N... if you can still hear us, then listen. I love you, we love you and... we still have our whole lives ahead of us, so, for the sake of Equestria, for the sake of our world, for the sake of us, for the sake of me, please... don't die on us.
Rainbow Dash: Keep fighting, Y/N. Like we do for you, always.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah. We wanna be with you longer, sweetie!
Fluttershy: We believe in you, Y/N. Please don't let it end here.
Rarity: The world is at stake, love, and we need you to help us protect it.
Applejack: Ya always were a tough cookie, sugarcube. Don't prove us wrong now.
Sci-Twi: You've made us into who we are now and defended us along the way. Now, it's our turn to protect you.
With each word said, the girls' aura grew in size and some of it slowly leaked from them and into you. Shadow was the last to say something as he was going over the right words to use. Finally, he finds his voice after much consideration.
Shadow Moonlight: I was really looking forward to giving you that life, Y/N but, there's no point in doing so if you're not gonna be around to have it. I know you're a lot stronger than this and I bet even V/N knows that too. Why else would he talk you down so much? He knows what you're capable of, so why don't you give him a proper demonstration? Finish what you started, so I can do the same! Be more than just the Savior of CHS, be the Savior of Dimensions!
The girls gave each other a few glances along with some nods before letting out one final plea.
The Rainbooms: We love you forever, Y/N L/N!
Suddenly, in a flash, your eyes shot open and a powerful surge of magic shot all around you, creating a bright light at which V/N had to shield his eyes. The sword he had embedded into your back along with the blood that followed vaporized into thin air. The girls and Shadow turned around and grinned widely at what they were seeing. You slowly rose to your feet while a powerful looking F/C colored aura surrounded your entire body. Your eyes were closed at first before you opened them, revealing your normally (E/C) colored eyes to have changed into bright F/C colored ones. You had a determined look on your face as you stood silently. Shadow gives you one last smile before addressing you.
Shadow Moonlight: He's all yours, pal.
He, along with your girls, got behind you as you stared V/N down as he did the same.
(Y/N): I think you've got something that belongs to me!
You aim your palm at V/N and magic leaked out of him, making him scream in pain as the magic flowed from him and into you. The (F/C) aura around you transforms into a flame-shaped aura as you glare at V/N dead in the eyes while placing your pendant back on.
(Y/N): This is my power and I'm not using it to bring world order. I'm using it to protect my friends!
V/N gives you another glare while bearing his teeth in anger but then cools himself as he faintly chuckles.
(V/N): You're forgetting something. This is the mind realm. Anything can happen here.
He snaps his fingers as dark (F/C) orbs begin to float behind him and within moments, they all manifest into almost every villain you've ever come across in your time spent with your girls. You responded with your iconic smirk before getting into a running position. Psyching yourself up, concentrating on your opponents, you peered back at V/N and narrowed your eyes as he did the same.
Finally, you took off like a shot towards the swarm of enemies as they charged at you one by one. Demon Shimmer was the first to attack as she tried to slash at you with her claws, but you were able to gracefully dodge each and every attack before charging up a blast and firing it at her, incinerating her to ash.
Next up were the Sirens. They flew up high and vocalized loudly, sending waves of red energy your way. You smirked once again before narrowly avoiding their blasphemous attack. You jumped up high and summoned a golden lasso before flying around and tying up the three seahorse creatures together. You then summoned a huge hammer and smashed it into their heads, hurtling them towards the ground and exploding on impact.
The next opponent was Midnight Sparkle and she responds quickly by trying to blast you with her magic. You, however, didn't give her the satisfaction of hitting you by destroying her magical projectiles with your own, creating a smoke cloud which successfully blinded her. You flew through the smoke with a sword at your side and sliced right through her and landed on the floor seconds after. She splits in half before poofing away into dust.
You didn't have much time to celebrate as you were immediately attacked by your next opponent, Gaea Everfree, who sent several thorn covered roots towards your direction. You respond by hopping on top of the roots and cutting away any that tried to get at you. When you managed to get right in front of her, she tried using another root to try and skewer you from behind. However, you jumped just in the nick of time for Gaea to accidentally stab herself with her own root and disappeared seconds later.
That only left the second to last foe, Juniper Monstar. She runs up and grabs you and attempts to punch you straight in your face only for you to kick her in her own face and she lets you go. You activated Applejack's geode power and lifted Juniper above your head. You spun her around in several circles before throwing her into the air. You then activated Pinkie's geode power and summoned lots of sprinkles and threw them up at the now falling Juniper who exploded into dust the moment the sprinkles touched her.
That meant that there was only one final villain for you to take care of, and that was V/N. He balled his fists before running up and tried punching you with his fists encased within his aura. You quickly dodged and landed a single punch to his face, but something unexpected happened. When your punch landed, some magic leaked out of V/N and went into you. You looked down at your fists and grinned as V/N stared astonished at you.
(V/N): T-This... this can't be possible!
(Y/N): And yet it is! You said it yourself, this is the Mind Realm. Anything can happen here!
You grabbed your geode once again and activated Rainbow's super speed and you also summoned a set of walls all around the two of you. That's when you sped towards one wall and lept onto it before launching yourself off and rocketed towards V/N and landed a kick, this time causing more magic to leak from him and into you. You ran for another wall and did the same thing before landing another hit on V/N. This process sped up more and more until you were nothing but a (F/C) colored blur while landing hundreds of punches and kicks on V/N. The more hits you pulled off, the more magic you took and the more V/N's armor broke and fell off from the sheer force of your attacks. When his armor had been completely knocked off and his was fully drained, he was left wearing the same hood and cloak he wore the night you met him. You stopped just in front of him and winded up another aura powered fist behind you and sent it into V/N's chin, sending him flying through the air and landing on the ground hard. He slowly pushed himself up and lifted his now bruised head up and scowled at you once again.
(V/N): *struggling* Y-You... y-you insignificant... l-low life filth!
(Y/N): Hey, guess what, V/N! I'm not being sealed away forever. You are! Ready, girls?!
You peered over your shoulder at your girls as they all smiled and lifted their hands up. Seven sets of differently covered chains appeared above them as a result.
The Rainbooms: Ready, Y/N!
You then glanced back at V/N before shooting your hand out and making something appear behind him. He looked back and gasped in shock at what it was. It was the same door he was locked behind for several years before you came and set him free during the Battle of the Bands. It was wide open and ready to be closed for good. V/N's blood came to a boil and a true look of rage became apparent on his face as he glared at you once again. He stands up and runs at you again prompting you to sprint at him as well. Charging up your hand one last time, you threw it out in front of you at V/N and another blast came out in slow motion and hit him square in the chest, propelling him backwards through the doors and into the endless darkness beyond.
(V/N): GYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(End Music Here)
He screamed one final time as he disappeared into the darkness and the door slammed shut with a loud bang. The girls sent the chains they had towards the doors and they wrapped themselves around it, ensuring that V/N would never escape again. A large heart shaped lock was placed upon the chains and you turned to face the group as your flamed aura dissipated and you smiled with tears in your eyes.
(Y/N): We... we did it... we finally did it.
Sunset Shimmer: I knew it! I knew you could do it, Y/N!
She exclaimed as she tackled you with a hug, smothering your face with kisses as the rest of the girls followed suit. Shadow stood by and chuckled both happily and sadly at the same time. Happy that you'll always have girls to love, but he won't. Not after what he's going to do.
[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]
Shadow Moonlight: Well... that's the end of him. Now, Y/N...
He gave you a serious look as he held out his hand with his palm facing upwards.
Shadow Moonlight: You've done your part and I believe now, it's time for me to do mine.
You stared back at him with a bit of a frown before sighing.
(Y/N): Okay, but... before I do, can you please just... listen?
Shadow Moonlight: Sure, I can spare a couple moments.
He shoves his hands into his pockets while you clear your throat before speaking.
(Y/N): Shadow... you might not see it in yourself, but you've gotta understand that... that there's people out there that truly do care for and love you. It's why you had a harem of your own and why they loved you so much. You meant more to them than anything in the world and they showed that by choosing to share you just like how my girls did the same with me. Shadow... I know that you won't be able to love yourself as easily as others do, but... you've gotta still try. If you cannot do it for yourself, then do it for them. Think about it, pal. Is this really what you wanna do? Give up every good thing you had just to give someone else a good life? What about you? You deserve to have a happy ending just as much as others do. So, please... don't throw your own life away.
He stared back at you, silent and unable to respond to your speech. His face was emotionless and hard to read. Eventually, he finally does choke out some words.
Shadow Moonlight: ... if you can't handle the bad, you shouldn't have the good, Y/N. In other words, if there's nothing good in my life, nothing bad can come of it either. Perfectly balanced, as Thanos would say.
Fluttershy: Um... no offense, Shadow, but... that doesn't really sound like a straight answer.
Shadow Moonlight: *sigh* Y/N's capable of pushing through the bad times, I am not. Look at you guys. Each of you go on these magical adventures and even when times are tough, you still push further. I can't do that. I couldn't handle Patriot's daily beatings, I couldn't handle losing my parents, and I couldn't handle losing Y/N. I don't help, I just make things worse. That's how it's always been. Patriot never would've been mad at Y/N if he didn't see him beating me up. Wallflower never would've tried to erase your memories if I wasn't there to get in the way. And worst of all, Y/N would've been able to see PostCrush the first time if I didn't screw everything up for him. I'm a pushover, just someone you don't need to deal with.
He looked to the floor when he said that.
Shadow Moonlight: Like I said before, while Shallow may have been all of my pent up anger, he also took my self-esteem, so... there's that too.
You put a hand on his shoulder causing him to look up at you.
(Y/N): You seem to forget, pal. You say that we're the only ones on those adventures, but you were there as much as us. And I think you're looking at this the wrong way. I willingly saved you from Patriot, Wallflower only wanted to take everyone's memories because she thought I was trying to take you away from her, and I got overly pissed off at not seeing PostCrush because of my selfishness when I should have been hanging with my best friend.
Sunset Shimmer: Plus, let's not forget the times you've helped us. Like when you helped Y/N fight against Midnight Sparkle.
Sci-Twi: Or the time you helped us take down Gaea Everfree.
(Y/N): And do you know what else, Shadow? Did you notice how I was the one who saved you from drowning onboard the Lux Deluxe? You helped me conquer my fear of swimming.
Rainbow Dash: You see, Shad? You've done a lot for us and we couldn't be any more thankful for that.
(Y/N): And you deserve a lot of praise for it.
The rest nodded in agreement as Shadow gave them a slight smile but, then it quickly reverted to a frown.
Shadow Moonlight: You guys are giving me credit for stuff that I caused. The only reason I was going to drown was to kill Shallow and myself. I was solely responsible for Midnight Sparkle because if any of you didn't hear, I never considered Sci-Twi a friend. Maybe not Gaea Everfree directly but, I'm sure I made it worse somehow. I know I had some involvement with Juniper turning out the way she did, and so on.
(Y/N): *sigh* Shadow... you shouldn't care about what's happened in the past. We all screw up in our own ways, myself included. Your story might not have such a good beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. It's the rest of your story that counts. Who you choose to be.
Sunset Shimmer: You've gotta let go of that stuff from the past, Shadow, because it all doesn't matter anymore. Believe me, I've gone through countless days thinking that I didn't deserve anything good coming my way, but Y/N helped me realize that I did. I learned from my mistakes and improved myself.
She put a hand on his shoulder.
Sunset Shimmer: If I could do it, then I'm more than sure you can.
Rainbow Dash: And we're happy to help you through it, dude. You've just gotta let us help.
Shadow glanced at them for a moment, but then shook his head as he extended his arm further.
Shadow Moonlight: Then help me by letting me fix this timeline, your entire life. Nobody wants me in here and it's only because of the drama Shallow caused, yet to everyone, it doesn't matter if it was him or not because everyone only remembers me being a dick. I mean, nobody batted an eye when I got hurt at the festival multiple times. In fact, some of them even took the extra mile to encourage it and only because nobody would accept the fact that I wasn't Shallow. Not that I blame them, I'm still worse than Shallow in every way possible. If it was someone like Sunset or Pinkie, maybe then a riot would've happened, but no. Instead, I suffered and everybody just shrugged it off as if it wasn't a big deal. That's enough proof that I'm not meant to be here.
A shadow casts over your eyes as you clenched your fists in frustration, anger, and sadness and then glared back up at him as tears started to stream down your face.
(Y/N): How? How can you be so okay with this?! How can you talk yourself down, erase your own existence, and then give me everything you worked for?! How can you hate yourself this much?! How are you not worse than V/N?!
Shadow Moonlight: I... I don't know. I guess it's just because Shallow isn't in me anymore.
(Y/N): Then isn't this the perfect opportunity to be your own person now?!
Shadow Moonlight: I can't grow to like myself, Y/N. It's just not something I'm capable of doing. Look, it's for the best. You may not want to think it, but deep down... you despise me just as much as they do. If not from the festival or the Friendship Games, it'd certainly be from me wallowing in self pity right now. Face it, Y/N, there's nothing good about me and the longer I stick around here, the worse it gets. I told you that the conversation I had with V/N was more than just a diversion.
(Y/N): I know that, but... but I thought the fact that me going back to get you would show how there's people that care.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N... I know that there's people that care about me, you being one of them for sure, but...
He looks to the ground, uncertain as to how to explain it any better. He swallowed the lump in his throat and turned his head back up to you.
Shadow Moonlight: Y/N... I need this. Just please give me the Time Stone. Let me allow everyone to be happy for once, not just a few people. I want to put an end to all of this drama for good. If I can't be happy in life, then I guess I'd be happier in non-existent limbo. If me being gone and you having the girls in my harem is enough to make them happy, then so be it.
(Y/N): But your happiness matters too, Shadow. Shouldn't that count as well?
Shadow Moonlight: No, dude. It doesn't count. You don't seem to understand my situation that well. No one likes me, so they don't want me to be happy. They want me to suffer and for you to rub it in my face of how good you have it. Or, more physically speaking how they have it. In a world like this, they believe that the whole world is their playground and anyone who limits them is whom they want gone. I can't be happy knowing that my whole existence is what causes people agony, so I have to do what I have to do.
(Y/N): Shadow... your existence doesn't cause agony. Just look.
You turned away and began focusing your mind and projecting an image of one comment regarding Shadow positively.
UltraKaiFan25: We need Shadow back. The one who loves and lives for his girls and the brother in arms for Y/N, not some edgy phony who's telling him to forget about the old Shadow. LONG LIVE SHADOW MOONLIGHT!!!
You finished showing him the comment, hoping that at least it was enough to convince Shadow to stay. You glanced over at him and awaited his response.
(Y/N): Shad, there's people that do care for you, us included. It might be only one comment, but it shows that I'm not the only one. Are you sure you wanna just... leave all that behind?
He stood silent, taking in every bit of information given to him. Your heart drops when you hear him let out another sad sigh.
Shadow Moonlight: ... there's barely any comments there at all, dude. Out of the thousands of people that were watching us, only one of them decided to write something meaningful. That in itself, shows just how much of a crap the audience cares about me. I'll only be missed by you, but nobody else out there would really care. *thinking* I should've just quit after the Friendship Games. If only Y/N had the gull to kill me off.
(Jordanwolfboy9743: What about us, though? We created you, dude. If you really didn't matter all that much, we wouldn't have included you.)
(Shadowlight9743: Yeah, man. Plus, you represent me and even though I hate myself ironically, we didn't throw all this stuff at you just to make you suffer. It was to help you build character, make you into something stronger. Though, I think we may have pushed the envelope.)
(???: No, I pushed the envelope with him.)
(*Another voice startled the two of them, making them turn to see who it was. Another version of Shadowlight9743 stood in the doorway, only this was the 2784 variant.*)
(Shadowlight2784: Jordan, when we agreed to introduce him, we planned to make his character as loathsome as possible until the end of the Friendship Games, but I went too far with having Shallow curse Y/N out for saving him from the plant monster. You have to let him go. It's the least we can do for what I put him through.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: Are... are you sure that we can't just alter the story so that he'll change his mind?)
(Shadowlight2784: Dude, we're playing God with their lives. It's what we've been doing for years and I've done the worst to him. Maybe because deep down, that's how I feel about myself. I don't know, but regardless of why I pushed it, he suffered for it and no amount of alteration can ever change that. He's been suffering ever since we threw him in here and it's time to pull him out.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: *sigh* I... I guess I can't argue with that.)
Fluttershy: W-What?! B-But... but Shadow-
Shadow Moonlight: I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but... my mind's made up. Just like Y/N's was when he decided to leave Canterlot.
He looks back at you.
Shadow Moonlight: I know we stopped V/N, but in order to truly fix the world, I need to do this. I'd like to at least do something for the world just once in my life, despite how it may have treated me. You guys have saved it countless times, I think it's time I do it for once. It's tough to let go, Y/N, but this is really for the greater good.
Your eyes started to tear up.
(Y/N): Shadow... I might not ever see you again if you do. Not to mention... I'll have everything that belonged to you originally.
Shadow Moonlight: Then consider that my parting gift, bud, or at least some form of redemption for my actions at the Friendship Games. I'll never truly be happy hating myself for the rest of my life nor will I be able to through the toxicity of them, so I have to fix that.
(Y/N): So... you truly want this?
He nods.
Shadow Moonlight: It won't be so bad. Patriot's really cool once you get to know him.
(Y/N): But... you won't be there. I-I... *sobs* I-I don't wanna f-fail you again l-like I did w-w-when we were kids!
Shadow Moonlight: Well, if you really don't wanna fail me, then give the Shadowbolts the same amount of love you give these girls and... take good care of Shimmy and Moondancer as well. They really did mean a lot to me. Use the mistakes you made with me and be a better best friend to Patriot.
You looked into his eyes and saw that there really was no convincing him. It only made your sobs increase however as you fell to your hands and knees, crying your eyes out. Shadow knelt down and pulled you in for a comforting hug, rubbing it gently while also trying to soothe your sobs. The Rainbooms couldn't help but shed some tears as well before they too joined the hug. A bright light enveloped all of you before completely filling the mind realm entirely.
Your eyes shot open as you looked up and saw your harem along with Shadow slowly getting up from the ground. You looked off to the side and saw the shattered remains of the Infinity Amulet along with the stones that used to reside within. You brought a hand up and hovered the Time Stone over to you. You looked down at it hesitantly before gradually handing it to Shadow who took it from you.
(Y/N): Shadow... I... I'm truly sorry... for everything. I... I wish I was a better friend towards you. That way... you wouldn't have turned out like this.
Shadow Moonlight: You know that's not true, dude. The only reason I turned out like this was because of me. I never spoke up or did anything for myself but... now, I'm finally doing that. It doesn't matter if I die or suffer for all eternity or whatever. As long as you have every girl in your harem, Y/N, everyone will be satisfied.
The Time Stone glowed in his hand as his body faded away little by little. He smiles at you with a single tear in his eyes.
Shadow Moonlight: By the way, I think you'll need this.
He detached the chain around his neck and tossed you the necklace. You catch it in your hand, revealing it to be the best friend's heart necklace he gave you back when he reunited with his parents.
Shadow Moonlight: So long, bud.
He presses two fingers to his head and then pushes them off just as his body completely vanishes into thin air, leaving nothing but the Time Stone which drops to the ground as the light neon glow within it fades. When you looked around, you saw that everything had reverted back to normal. V/N's castle wasn't standing where CHS now stands and everyone else could be seen going about their usual business. The only ones who remained the same seemingly were you and the Rainbooms.
(Stop Music Here)
You stared at the Time Stone for what felt like forever, really taking in the gravity of the situation. A torrent of memories flooded your head of you and Shadow over the years: the day you first met, the day Shadow accidentally lost one of his teeth, the days you spent at the arcade, the day you left Canterlot, when you reunited during the Friendship Games, and everything after that. All of it came rushing through your mind like a river as you stood like a sentry. You sniffed before wiping your tears away with a finger.
(Y/N): I... I might not want this, but... I can at least live with myself over the fact that I tried.
Sunset Shimmer: Don't worry, Y/N. I'm sure if you ever run into the new Shadow, maybe.... maybe he'll be better than the one before.
She replied in a somewhat comforting voice. You let out another disheartened sigh before you turned and began walking away with your hands in your pockets.
(Y/N): ...but he won't be the Shadow I knew.
Rainbow Dash: Wait, Y/N! Where are you going?
You stopped walking and peered over your shoulder at her.
(Y/N): I... I just need some alone time... to process all this. I don't know how long it'll take, but... it's what I need to do if I wanna keep my thoughts and feelings intact. We'll talk later, girls, I... I need to think.
You turned back and carried on walking with your head hung low. Pinkie reached a hand out only for Sunset to stop her by putting it down.
Sunset Shimmer: I think we should let him be, girls. He's been through a lot and... with Shadow gone, he's got a lot of adapting to do.
Rarity: *sigh* We know, Sunset, but Y/N's always done something to brighten our spirits. If only we could do the same for him somehow.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, I wish we could give him some good vibes.
Fluttershy: Good vibes... good vibes... wait a minute!
Fluttershy shouted, startling the whole group.
Applejack: Sounds like you've got a plan there, sugarcube.
Fluttershy: I do, Applejack. Do you remember that song I wanted to play at the Starswirl Festival?
Rainbow Dash: Wait... are you talking about-
Fluttershy: Mm-Hmm! It's the perfect song to cheer Y/N up!
Pinkie Pie: Wee-hee! Let's do it!
She squeals as all of them run up the stairwell toward the front doors of Canterlot High to go get their instruments. A gust of wind passes through the courtyard as a shopping bag is seen blowing down the cement road like a tumbleweed. The camera slowly begins to darken before fading completely to black.
(Shadowlight9743: Well... we got that out of the way.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: And it only took us... what? A whole month to do it? *sigh* God, this chapter was a nightmare to get through. I think I've lost all feeling in my fingers from typing so much.)
(Shadowlight9743: I can't feel my anything...)
(Shadowlight2784: *sigh* You guys are so out of practice.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: Are you still here?)
(Shadowlight2784: Never left, dude.)
(Shadowlight9743: *groans* Have you ever written a four hour long chapter?)
(Shadowlight2784: No, but I've written enough to know what it feels like to have arthritis.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: That bad, huh? I guess we can sympathize with you now.)
(Shadowlight2784: Worst part is that I've got over a hundred chapters to write and blasted through thirty right now.)
(Shadowlight9743: Only thirty?! Dang, dude.)
(Shadowlight2784: *sigh* Yeah, me and Jordan 2784 have a long way to go.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: I bet. Look, we're about to say our goodbyes, so do you mind stepping out for a moment?)
(Shadowlight2784: Sure.)
(*He stood up and walked out of the studio, leaving the 9743 authors and the audience alone as the former turned to the latter.*)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: Anywho, we really hope that you guys got a real kick out of this chapter, folks. And also, we're incredibly sorry for the enormous wait, but hopefully it was worth it.)
(Shadowlight9743: I hope so too. I didn't pull two all-nighters on this for nothing.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: Anywho, thanks for reading and until next time, this is Jordanwolfboy9743...)
(Shadowlight9743: And Shadowlight9743...)
(Jordanwolfboy9743 & Shadowlight9743: Signing out! See you all in the final chapter! *walks away*)
(Shadowlight2784: *distantly* Final chapter already, guys? Geez, you work fast!)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: *distantly* It wasn't that fast. It took over a year to get to this point.)
(Shadowlight2784: *distantly* Well, compared to how long I'm going, this story will feel pretty fast.)
(Shadowlight9743: Hey, whatever pace your story is doesn't matter. All that matters is if it's worth reading. Quality of quantity, dude.)
(Shadowlight2784: *distantly* Tell that to the impatient readers.)
(Jordanwolfboy9743: *distantly* Tell me about it.)
(Shadowlight9743: *distantly* Oh, by the way, have either of you seen-)
(*silence*)
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