Chapter 2: Episode 1: The End
Scene 1.0: Ponyville, 5:25PM
After traveling the world in his quest to find his father, a mature colt unicorn with a shining metallic silver mane and black luster coat; wearing a black armor with silver highlights, a necklace with a beautiful pale green gem covering his neck; and a majestic and rare Blue Phoenix riding on his back, this young stallion arrives at the center of Equine History of Friendship.
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
So...this is Ponyville. The brochure doesn't give this town justice. It's far more beautiful than I thought.
??? (Blue Phoenix):
Kyukyukyu?
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
Well this IS Literally the last place I haven't checked, so the chances of him being here are 50-50 split.
??? (Blue Phoenix):
Kyu?
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
Yeah...he might have fled knowing I'd be here to confront him.
??? (Blue Phoenix):
Kyukyukyukyukyukyukyuuu!
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
That's how I roll. Thinking the worse of others is far easier than being optimistic about it. I'm a Realist and most Realists always think of the negatives first before exploring the positives. It's like telling someone Good News and Bad News about a topic that it is happening. Start telling everyone the Bad News first in order to prepare them, then you tell the Good News after so they can feel a little better. Even if he isn't here, we'll stay the night at an Inn and tomorrow we can get the tour of the town. I've always wanted to see everything this town has to offer and that's the only positive I can get if I fail to find that Deadbeat.
??? (Blue Phoenix):
Kyukyu?
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
What is it?
??? (Blue Phoenix):
Kyukyukyukyukyukyukyu.
??? (Unicorn Stallion):
(Shocked)
WHAT DID YOU SAY!?
Suddenly someone pounces on the unicorn, rolling on the ground until coming to a sudden halt and the one standing on top of him are 3 ponies: Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich and Little Cheese.
Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich, Little Cheese:
WELCOME TO PONYVILLE, SHADOW!
(Singing)
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome To You, To You--
Platinum Shadow:
(Angry)
NONONONO! NONE OF THAT!! SHAME.ON.YOU!!! And how in Tartarus you knew I just got in town!?
Pinkie:
(Smiling)
Pinkie-Sense!
Cheese, Little Cheese:
(Smiling)
Cheese-Sense!
Shadow:
(Face-Hoof)
I forgot all about that weird twitching of yours that predicts the immediate future.
(Clears Throat, Deep Sigh, Calmed Demeanor)
Well looks like he isn't here either since you three live in this town. Looks like my search for that deadbeat was all a wild goose chase after all. At least I did travel the world over and learned a lot of fascinating things, so it wasn't for nothing.
Pinkie:
(Worried)
I'm sorry. Your Dad isn't in Ponyville. I wish we could tell you any different.
Shadow:
Like I said. It wasn't a complete waste. I did a lot of things I never thought I would experienced and met countless creatures in this world...both Friends and Enemies. Now all I want is to check to an Inn and hire a tour guide tomorrow to see this wonderful town.
Pinkie:
I wish I could take you to an Inn, but I'm supposed to meet Twilight and the others back at the castle.
Q (Blue Phoenix):
(Perches On Shadow's Back)
Kyu! Kyukyukyukyukyu!
Shadow:
You are right...for once. But I highly doubt someone like her knows that deadbeat.
Pinkie:
What did Q say?
Shadow:
He wants me to ask the princess if she met up with him at some point or another. But I extremely doubt it.
Cheese:
I don't know about that, Shadow. Maybe she did meet him.
Shadow:
Perhaps, but this birdbrain's idea will not bear fruit. I mean, if The Party Pony Family that have traveled all over Equestria never met him, I highly doubt the Greatest Princess of all Time knows a lowlife like him.
Pinkie:
(Smiling)
You'll Never Know Until You Try! I'm taking you to see Twilight.
Cheese:
(Smiling)
I'm taking Little Cheese home for dinner. He's still a growing little colt after all.
Pinkie:
OK! Follow me, Shadow!
As Pinkie leads Shadow and Q to Twilight's Castle in Ponyville, Shadow takes the time to look around him, seeing the town while heading toward his destination.
Pinkie:
So you traveled the world and you never stopped to meet Twilight?
Shadow:
I have my reasons. It's not because I don't want to meet her, it's just...complicated.
Pinkie:
What's complicated in meeting the Princess of Friendship?
Shadow:
That's the one thing I will never talk with anyone, not even you Pinkamena.
Pinkie:
Call me "Pinkie". Everypony does!
Shadow:
Well I am not everypony. I have a way of doing things for a reason and I plan to stick to it.
Pinkie:
The only thing you should be sticking to is enjoying some sticky buns from Sugar Cube Corner.
Shadow:
(Sighs)
Only you can think of adding sweets to a conversation...Figuratively and Literally.
Pinkie:
Did you find out what that beautiful pale-green jewel is made of?
Shadow:
My Mother's Memento? No. Just like that loser of a father, I still don't know what so special about this crystal. It has a lot of magical energy I can tell you that much, but I have yet to either understand or unlock its secrets. All I know is that thanks to this Crystal...I was born and my mother lived as long as she did.
Pinkie:
Don't lose Hope! I know you will find out soon. I'm shocked that not even my sister, Maud couldn't help you find out more.
Shadow:
I am grateful to her for at least trying to help me figure out some of its secrets even if was just scratching the surface.
Pinkie:
You are very welcomed after helping my family at the Rock Farm. We Are Heeerrre!!!
Right in front of them is the castle and to its right behind the castle is Twilight's School of Friendship. As Pinkie and Shadow walk towards the entrance they meet with the Captain of the Royal Guard of Ponyville, Tempest Shadow.
Tempest:
You are late, Pinkie. I wouldn't be surprised if they started without you.
Pinkie:
Psst! Yeah, right! You know that the party can't start without the party planner, Fizzlepop Berrytwist!
Tempest:
(Annoyed)
I keep telling you not to use my real name while I'm on duty, Pinkie. And this is?
Pinkie:
This is the Mysterious, Enigmatic, Cool, Awesome and Puzzling Dark Hero of Equestria: Platinum Shadow!
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
Pinkamena! I am not that mysterious, enigmatic, cool, awesome or puzzling. I'm just a stallion searching for my father. No more and no less. And when exactly I became a Dark Hero of Equestria!? I never did anything heroic in all of my life.
Tempest:
(Smiling, Soft Chuckle)
Don't sell yourself short, kid. I heard a lot about you from the Council of Friendship. I'll admit it: You Are Literally The Biggest Jerk In All Of Equestria, but you are actually a big softy.
Shadow:
(Notices Tempest's Broken Horn, Ashamed, Clears Throat)
Usually I don't like that type of description of me, but...thank you for not treating me like a villain.
Tempest:
I wasn't expecting you be this humble. Not to sound like an enforcer, but do try not to be a Jerk in front of the Princess.
Shadow:
I'll do my best.
As Tempest leads Pinkie, Q and Shadow to the Cutie-Map Room where Princess Twilight Sparkle along with with her friends: Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are welcoming its new resident, Twilight's Pupil and new student of the School of Friendship: Luster Dawn. Upon entering the room, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Spike is surprised to see Shadow as they delightfully say his name out loud.
Spike:
You made it to Ponyville! Then that means--
Shadow:
Yeah. I...still haven't found him. But then Q and Pinkamena said: "Why Not ask Princess Twilight If She Have Met Him?" I don't believe it's possible since you are the Princess' closest family member and if you have never seen my dad, Uncle Spike, I highly doubt the Princess knows anything about him.
Everyone:
(Surprised)
Uncle Spike!?
Spike:
It's a very long story. But I agree with Pinkie and Q. Besides, I'm not always by Twilight's side, so maybe she met him while I was away on important friendship duties.
Twilight:
Spike is right. There is a possibility I might have met your father while Spike was attending his duties. What was his name?
Shadow:
I don't know his name. My mother suffered from amnesia and couldn't remember his name while she was alive. The only thing I know is that moments before she passed away, my mother revealed to me that my father looked exactly like me. So that mean he has the same Mane and Coat Color. The only ponies that standout like that are Crystal Ponies, but my colors are more metallic than crystal-y.
Twilight:
Sorry, I don't think I know him. There are ponies with your same color scheme, just not that shiny. What about his Cutie-Mark?
Shadow:
(Defeated Sigh)
You got me there. That's all I know: He's a Unicorn with a Metallic Color Scheme. Anyhoo...I knew asking you wasn't going to be as productive as both Pinkamena and Q believed. I mean...if Uncle Spike didn't know him, the possibilities of you knowing him were 4%.
Twilight:
About that: Why are you calling Spike "Uncle"?
Shadow:
Because I lived in the Dragon Lands for 5 to 7 years as the Dragon Lord's Foster Son.
Everyone:
You Were Ember's Son For 7 Years!?
Spike:
Yep. Both Blaze and Shadow are Ember's Pride and Joy with Blaze being her Pride and Shadow her Joy.
Applejack:
That's not how it works, Spike.
Spike:
What I am trying to say is that Blaze is favorite to become the next Dragon Lord while Shadow really rocked Ember's point of view. I am a Dragon raised by Ponies and Shadow is the First Pony raised by Dragons.
Shadow:
I wouldn't go that far. I was 11 when I started living in the Dragon Lands. I just assimilated Dragon Culture really easily.
Twilight:
(Impressed)
Amazing. So Smolder also knows Platinum Shadow too?
Shadow:
Yeah, I really look up to her as an Older Sister.
Twilight:
I heard stories from Flurry Heart on how you met her and my family, but I never heard the story on how you met everypony else.
Applejack:
(Soft Chuckle)
Shadow Stole Every Apple on Appleoosa.
Rainbow Dash:
(Laughing)
He Cheated And Stole The Prize Money From A Competition Between The Wonder Bolts and Shadow Bolts Rally.
Pinkie:
(Excited)
He Took Part In A Family Feud.
Fluttershy:
(Smiling)
He Broke into a Prestigious Animal Sanctuary.
Rarity:
(Reading Fashion Magazine Nonchalantly)
He Burned Down My Boutique "Rarity For You" in Manehattan.
Starlight Glimmer:
Are you sure that's something you should be encouraging?
Sunburst:
I agree. All you just mentioned are all crimes.
Applejack:
The Apples he stole were to feed a caravan that got robbed by a group of thieving bulls.
Rainbow Dash:
He used the Prize Money to pay off an orphanage's overdue piled mortgage payments.
Pinkie:
The Family Feud was between the Pies and the Tons which thanks to Shadow, the Feud is over. Those Unicorns always made a mess every time they show up when they want to show us up. I'm glad they decided to give up on the Feud.
Fluttershy:
The Animal Sanctuary was actually a front for smuggling innocent animals to inhospitable locations in Equestria. Thanks to Shadow, the animals are safe and the Sanctuary given to a more friendlier owner.
Rarity:
I was planning on making my boutique bigger now that I owned the entire building, but the contractors I hired said that the building was not up to code after years of deterioration. So the building had to be torn down and rebuilt, but the contractors weren't available until a few months since they were busy doing other jobs. Some crooks decided to steal from my closed down boutique, but thanks to Shadow all fell into place nicely.
Sweetie Belle:
But your dresses...
Rarity:
Shadow managed to save them before the building collapsed.
Twilight:
It's really nice of you to help others, but I do not approve that you had to resort to crime in order to resolve the situation. The End Never Justify The Means.
Shadow:
You are right. But will you believe me that I didn't have time to stop and explain the situation to everyone?
Twilight:
Still, I believe you could have done better than going down those paths.
??? (Male Voice):
Now Twilight, I'll be the first to admit that his tactics were criminal, but he had good reasons for doing so. He does take after me in a lot of ways, but I see more of his mother in him than myself.
At that moment, a crystal hanging from the roots of the Golden Oak Chandelier starts to slowly descend and lands in the very center of the Cutie-Map and as it lands, the crystal projects a hologram of a Light Brown Unicorn Wearing Glasses with a Red Frame, A Black Suit and Tie; and his Cutie-Mark is A Black Spade on the Upper Left, A Red Heart on the Upper Right, A Black Club on the Lower Right, A Red Diamond Lower Left and The letter "J" in the Center In-between all Emblems.
Everyone:
JACK!?
Shadow:
Who?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Jack-Of-All-Trades and I Am Your Father, Shadow.
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
You look Nothing Like Me.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Oh, but I do. I just so happen to be in full and complete control of my Chaos Magic. A control that you have yet to achieve, Shadow. Your control is far more limited than mine and the reason for that is that the Rules of Magic in this world are not the Same Rules as the Chaotic Void. Long Ago, The Goddess Cosmos and the God Chaos needed to maintain the Scales of Power in an Eternal Equinox. Thus they placed a limiter on all magic in this world in order to maintain a level of balance. But during the Dark Ages, the Necromancer Grogar managed to tip the balance to suit him as he pleased, but after being sealed away by Gusty The Great, the balance was already damaged beyond repair and creature of great magical power started to appear such as Alicorns, Discord and the Changelings.
Shadow:
I'm not interested in a history lesson.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
The point is that unlike you who have being focused on finding me, you didn't take the time to develop some semblance of control of our chaos magic. Even though I am no longer in Ponyville, I can sense your power from where I am. The Power Of Your Chaos Magic Might Be Even Greater Than Discord's Magic.
Shadow:
You can Sense Magic?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Sensing Magic is an intermediate level mastery, but from what I have heard you mastered an extremely high level mastery: Seeing Magical Auras.
Shadow:
Where I mastered Chaos Magic was a deep, dark, endless abyss where not even the smallest glimmer of light exists. My first teacher taught me to become one with the darkness in order to find my way out.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
(Chuckles)
So You Learned To Run Before Learning To Walk. Sensing Magic is the first thing to learn while mastering Chaos Magic.
Shadow:
Well excuse me! I was trying to get out maze that was as narrow and suffocating as crawling through the ventilation system.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
The goal of that training was to sense which path has enough magical power. Your senses would act like a divination rod, telling you which path the magical pools are located.
Shadow:
I focused my magic into my eyes and I was able to see the magical essence like a trail of steam. That weirdo of a teacher never told me I needed to sense the magical pools.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
No matter. Since you are here then that means you managed to impress him enough to let you to return to this world.
Shadow:
Not before telling me that you were behind the fact that I was even in the Chaotic Void to begin with.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
I wanted you to grow strong. I might have never been there for you and your mother, but--
Shadow:
(Furious)
YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT!!!
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
(Defeated Sigh)
Very well. I know what you are thinking and unfortunately we can't meet. Not yet. Even if you could figure out where am I, I'll just teleport myself to any corner of the world and hide very easily since you can't sense my magical aura. So instead of going on another journey around the world, why not play a little game I have arranged for you? If you complete the game, I promise to let you settle the score with me. This game have 5 Conditions and you need to complete all 5 before I reveal myself to you.
Shadow:
(Annoyed Sigh)
What is it?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Condition 1: You Must Live In Ponyville For A Full Year.
Shadow:
That's easy enough. Looks like I'll be looking for a house tomorrow instead of getting a tour of the town.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Condition 2: You Must Attend Princess Twilight's School of Friendship.
Shadow:
As annoying as that sounds, I don't mind pursuing academia at all.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
This isn't that type of school.
Shadow:
Whatever. Next.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Condition 3 And I Want Twilight To Indulge Me On This One: You Will Be Paired With Twilight's Pupil, Luster Dawn For As Long As You Live In Ponyville.
Shadow:
What? Why do I need to be paired with her?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
That's Where Condition 4 Comes In: In Order For You To Have A Complete Mastery Of Your Chaos Magic And Understand Its Rules In Equestria, Discord Will Be Your Main Teacher From Now On. I Already Talked It Over With Him A Few Days Ago And He Is More Than Happy To Have Someone To Talk To When It Comes To Chaos Magic Since He's The Only One In Equestria Aside From You And Me. Since Luster Is Twilight's Student That Means She Is Being Taught The Magic Of Harmony. Chaos And Harmony Working Together. What A Hoot!
Shadow:
(Annoyed Sigh)
What's the last condition?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
This Crystal I Am Using To Project Myself Through Is Called A "Diary Crystal". Knowing that one day you would arrive here in Ponyville, I have hidden several of them all over Equestria and they activate when a certain quota is met. For example: This Diary Crystal was activated when Twilight stated that she never met me. Those words were the activation signal for this crystal to respond. Don't blame anyone but me for them not knowing that I am your father. My Chaos Magic allows me to take a form much more positive to everyone around me. The only one I trusted to know how I really look like was your mother.
Shadow:
I noticed. So these Diary Crystals...They posses details on what you have been doing all my life.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Exactly. Oh! Luster, the Crystal you are wearing, the one I gave you, is not a Diary Crystal.
Luster Dawn:
(Smiling)
I want to thank you for all you have done for me up to this point.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
(Smiling)
You can repay me by being good friends with my son, Shadow.
Shadow:
(Notices Necklace Luster Is Wearing)
That looks exactly like the crystal I am wearing except that it is a different color.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Your Mother's Necklace is one of a kind. I could never understand its mysterious power. I have been obsessed into unlocking its secrets that I learned how to create these Diary Crystals. I'm not going to tell you how many I have hidden, but I have engraved a progression system into them. Once you have collected enough crystals, they will start to glow a specific color: Blue, Red, Yellow and Finally White. Merge the Crystals, it will signal me and I will contact you on how to proceed from then onward. Anyhoo...I have to go. Let's meet again next year once you have completed my game for you.
Shadow:
I'll hold you to that.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
In the mean time why not ask the Cutie Mark Crusaders for help while you will be living here?
Shadow:
Help me with what?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Your Cutie-Mark Problem.
Shadow:
I don't care about that. It has brought nothing but misery ever since it appeared.
Apple Bloom:
You sound like a stallion we helped a few weeks before we got our Cutie-Mark. His name is Troubleshoes and he had--
Shadow:
If you are going to say "Same Problem" I'm leaving this room.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Shadow is right, Apple Bloom. Shadow's Cutie-Mark Problem is extremely impossible to solve. It makes the Troubleshoes' Cutie-Mark Problem look like a beginner's trap. For you see, Shadow's Cutie-Mark--
Shadow:
(Furious)
DON'T YOU DARE SAY IT!!!
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
Shadow only has 1 Cutie-Mark and its on his right flank, but his left flank is blank.
Shadow:
YOU FILTHY SKUNK!!!
Everyone:
(Shocked)
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
If you think that's a shocker, the Cutie-Mark itself is even more puzzling!
Shadow:
I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN AND SKIN YOU ALIVE!!!
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
The Cutie-Mark on his Right Flank is actually the same one on Twilight's Flank. Yes, Twilight and my son, Shadow shares the same Cutie-Mark.
Everyone:
WAIT, WHAT!?!?!?
Shadow:
Big Deal! I have seen ponies with the same Cutie-Mark countless times.
Scootaloo:
What, when and where!?
Shadow:
Hourglass Cutie-Mark, All Over Equestria On A Lot Of Ponies All The Time. If none of you noticed until now, then you are all pretty oblivious.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
So what if the Hourglass Cutie-Mark is generic. So too is the Apple Cutie-Mark. No offense, Applejack, Apple Bloom.
Applejack, Apple Bloom:
None taken.
Shadow:
What's your point!?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
The point is that having a specific Cutie-Mark is depends on how rare it is. So far, None have any of the Princesses Cutie-Marks except those connected to them.
Shadow:
(Laughing)
You Have Gone Senile, Old Man! Are You Saying We Are Related To Princess Twilight's Family?
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
When I found out about your Cutie-Mark, I decided to do a Genealogical Research on our family tree. And I found out that we are IN FACT...Not Related to Twilight or anyone in her family whatsoever. What a conundrum, isn't it? What can you lose in letting the CMCs figure out why were you given Twilight's Cutie-Mark?
Sweetie Belle:
Please Let Us!
Scootaloo:
We Promise Not To Tell Anypony Else! It Will Be Our Little Secret!
Apple Bloom:
We won't get in the way of your time here in Ponyville, but you need to place your trust on us.
Shadow:
(Hesitant Sigh, Annoyed)
FINE! But I'm warning you, I can be quite vindictive.
Hologram (Jack-Of-All-Trades):
All's well that ends well or so they say. Enjoy this little memory of mine. I hope it enlightens you on who I really am.
At that moment the Diary Crystal glows intensely that everyone in the Cutie-Map Room are transported to Twilight's Throne Room in Canterlot, which appears to be just a few days after her coronation as the matriarch of Equestria. In there they see how Twilight first met Jack and his assistant Juli, a Green Crystal Pony Unicorn that resembles Sassy Saddles with a Cutie-Mark that looks like a Blue Jeweled Beetle.
Jack:
(Smiling)
Greetings Princess! I am Jack-Of-All-Trades and this is my assistant Jewel which I lovingly call Juli.
Juli:
(Annoyed)
Why you!
(Clears Throat, Calms Down)
It is an honor that we finally meet you, your highness.
Twilight:
What is the honor your visit?
Jack:
I would like to grant my services to you in order for the betterment of Equestria and beyond.
Twilight:
I see. What can you do?
Jack:
As my name and Cutie-Mark suggests: I Do A Little of Everything And I Excel On Whatever I Do! Trading, Business, Organization, Productivity, Alliances...You name it! Nothing is beyond my skill. After your victory over Chrysalis, Cozy Glow and Tirek, I was moved by you and your friends that I decided to focus all of my efforts to keep Equestria safe and help you in anything you request of me.
Twilight:
You seem quite driven. You don't mind if we start small?
Jack:
But of course. Baby Steps as they say. I am new here so it is important to start small at the beginning.
Twilight:
(Giggles)
You sound like a Stallion with a plan.
Jack:
There are times that no matter how much I plan, there will always be something unexpected along the path. But with good friends by our side, nothing is impossible. Your Journal that you and your friends wrote is quite inspirational. I still have my copy of it. If all goes well, I would love to have it autographed by you and your friends.
Twilight:
I'm sure we will be good friends if you really enjoyed our journal. Which is your favorite entry?
Jack:
Can't decide. They are all good, but I would say the entries that tested your friends' virtues: Suri Polomare almost destroyed Rarity's Generous Nature by taking advantage of her; Rainbow Dash Desire of Winning almost let her to abandon her friends and joining up with the Clousdale Team; Pinkie's Pride as the Greatest Party Planner almost made her lose her Laugh and all of the good that comes with it like encouraging Cheese Sandwich to be just like her; Fluttershy learn that sometimes being too kind can be a bad thing and there are certain situations that Tough Love can be as efficient to help others move on like what she did with the Breezies; and Applejack learned that believing a lie like a plausibo that Flim and Flam were selling can bring more harm than good to everyone around you like promising to cure things it cannot do. But...
Twilight:
But?
Jack:
I can't find the entry that challenged your Element of Harmony like it did your friends.
Twilight:
I didn't write it down on the journal. After defeating Tirek for the first time, my duties as Princess of Friendship began that I didn't have the time to write it down. What I learned is that nothing in this world is more valuable than friendship. Even if friends make mistakes, even monumental ones, you can always reach an understanding with one another no matter what.
Jack:
Wise Words, Princess. I hope I can reach your level of enlightenment and understanding and be your friend and you become my friend.
Twilight:
(Warm Smile)
I will be looking forward to it!
At that moment, the Diary Crystal powers down, returning the room to normal and present day. Shadow walks towards the Cutie-Map and picks the Diary Crystal from the surface and places it in his bag after noticing that the Crystal's Color is Navy Blue. Everyone couldn't believe the power the Diary Crystal; able to shifts its surroundings in order to reveal events of the past embedded in it.
Shadow:
So that's how you first met. And That mare is his assistant...I can tell they got along nicely. And when I say nicely, I mean she really hated him.
Rainbow Dash:
Yeah...they had a really weird dynamic going on.
Applejack:
(Annoyed)
Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash:
What? They were really weird! It was seeing oil and water trying to--
Everyone:
Rainbow Dash!
Shadow:
No, it's alright. I was planning on tearing him apart anyways, now I have another reason to do so.
Luster:
I'll admit that Jack's a little kooky, but he really is a nice guy.
Shadow:
(Annoyed Scoff)
A Nice Guy doesn't abandon his terminal wife and leaves his son to fend for himself all alone while he is having adventures in EQUESTRIA!!!
Everyone:
(Saddened And Disappointed)
...
Discord:
What's with all of this sadness lingering in the air!? It's so thick you can make a sandwich with it and ask for seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, sevenths, eights--
Shadow:
We get it! Enough to feed all of Equestria, right?
At that moment Discord appears wearing his Ogres & Oubliettes Captain Wuzz Costume.
Shadow:
Ogres & Oubliettes Archer Class. What level are you?
Discord:
(Proud Smile)
Level 126 with High Agility, Accuracy And Luck. I am an Avid Player.
Shadow:
(Confident Sneer & Scoff)
I'm a Level 240 Rogue with Balanced Stats And Mastered Every Skill Tree.
Discord:
(Annoyed)
Oh, Please! No one can do what you said.
Spike:
Actually Discord, Shadow is a pretty Avid Player too. Speaking of Ogres & Oubliettes...Can I buy your 20-Sided Dice, Shadow?
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
How Many Times I Have To Tell You That My Lucky Dice Is Not For Sale!?
Discord:
(Smiling)
If Spike wants that dice, I would love to see it!
Shadow:
Alright! And Yes, I'll let you roll it...ONLY ONCE!!!
Shadow pulls his 20-Sided Dice and everyone is marveled on how beautiful it looks since its made out of crystals.
Shadow:
I made it myself! That loser of a father isn't the only one that can make crystal accessories. I like crystals as much as a Crystal Pony.
Discord:
Oooh! That's a real gem of a dice! What can anypony do to get one?
Shadow:
(Annoyed Sigh)
Since...I'm going to be living in Ponyville for the following 12 months, I might as well make a few of copies of my trademark items. NOT ALL OF THEM, MIND YOU! I need to keep a few items exclusive to myself.
Rarity:
But of course, darling. Sometimes exclusivity makes accessories far more beautiful and unique. I learn that lesson when I opened my Canterlot Boutique.
Shadow:
Let me guess: The Princess Dress?
Rarity:
Yes! How did you know?
Shadow:
I talked to Sassy Saddles when I was in Canterlot when I was buying a gift for a friend. Welp! I better get off your hair and look for an inn to spend the night.
Twilight:
That will not be necessary.
Shadow:
?
Twilight:
Shadow...I know that your father hurt you. His actions are unacceptable, but at the same time...he is one of Equestria's heroes.
Shadow:
Have you ever heard that "The Brighter The Picture Is, The Darker The Negatives Are"?
Twilight:
I see that now. Let us make it up to you. How about living here, in the castle? You won't need to spend any money for a house.
Shadow:
Sorry, I'm too proud to accept expensive gifts for free. Especially if the gift is attached to that deadbeat. So, no thanks.
Luster:
HOW DARE YOU TURN DOWN THE PRINCESS' KINDNESS!?
Shadow:
I DARE BECAUSE I CAN!!! I will never accept either Expensive Gifts or Hand-Me-Downs! I have a code and will not break it for anyone, not even for any of the princesses. And I will not stay in the school dorms either.
Twilight:
(Laughing)
Shadow:
Let me guess: I made you remember something.
Twilight:
You remind me of me when I was your age. I myself also don't like accepting expensive gifts. When I got this castle when me and my friends defeated Tirek, I was avoiding it because it didn't feel like home, like I did not belong here. But thanks to my friends, I was able to accept this castle as my home.
Shadow:
(Looking At The Golden Oak Roots)
I think...I will accept your offer in staying here. It's not my style, but I am extremely curious on the crystals that this castle is made of.
(Stomach Growling)
I also happen to be hungry. Guess now is the time to get out the snack I've been saving for this moment.
(Pulls Out Quesadilla Out Of Bag)
My Favorite: Extra Duper Super Quesadilla made with 4 types of cheese and extra gooey.
Twilight:
(Nervous)
You...like Quesadillas?
Shadow:
Quesadillas, Blue Balloons, Chocolate Ice Cream...but I really don't like to dance. I have 4 left hooves.
Pinkie:
(Excited)
Wow! That's Exactly The Opposite Of What Twilight Likes!
Shadow:
Meaning?
Pinkie:
Twilight likes Vanilla Ice Cream, Red Balloons and Dancing, but she's afraid of Quesadillas.
Shadow:
Seriously!? I love Quesadillas more than anything. The cheesier the Quesadilla, the better.
Apple Bloom:
Maybe it's because Shadow has Twilight's Cutie-Mark. But Shadow is the exact opposite. Twilight is a Mare, Shadow is a Stallion and whatever Twilight doesn't like, Shadow Loves it and Vice Versa.
Shadow:
Aren't reading too much into it? What are the chances that you are right? By my calculations: you would be less than 42% right.
Twilight:
42% is almost half which means the possibility is there.
Shadow:
(Sighs)
I'll let them study me under 1 condition.
Twilight:
What is the condition?
Shadow:
No one outside this room is allowed to know about my Cutie-Mark. I don't even want everyone in this town to even have an idea about it at all.
Sweetie Belle:
We can keep it a secret.
Scootaloo:
Yeah. Nopony will ever know about it.
Apple Bloom:
Nopony will figure it out either.
Twilight:
Well, Luster. I know you will be fine living here in Ponyville. Remember what I have taught you.
Luster:
Yes, Princess.
Twilight:
Shadow. I can understand your situation and I hope that you and your father can make amends one day. I know you and Luster will uncover everything once you find all of your Father's Diary Crystals.
Shadow:
I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
Twilight:
(Soft Chuckle)
I trust all of you to guide both Shadow and Luster on the right path. Remember what we talked about earlier today at Canterlot, Luster. Sometimes Friendship Can Be Hard And It Takes Work To Maintain Them, But Without Friends, Things Can Be A Lot Harder.
Luster:
Yes! I will work harder from this point on!
Shadow:
(Amused Scoffs)
Looks like life is going to be a lot interesting from now on.
Scene 1.1: Canterlot, 9:15 PM
As Twilight prepares to call it a night, the former rulers of Equestria, Celestia and Luna appears before her.
Twilight:
(Smiling)
Celestia! Luna! It's so good to see you! What brings you here?
Celestia:
We are here to tell you of a Great Danger that will put every creature at risk.
Twilight:
(Serious Expression)
And This Great Danger is?
Luna:
You Met Him In Ponyville This Evening Today. His Name...Is Platinum Shadow.
To Be Continued...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
StarscreamSigma
StarscreamSigma Script by: Starscream Σ
Owned By: Hasbro
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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