Scene 11.0: Equestria, Everfree Forest [Thicket], 9:05 AM, Day 99 of 365
Shadow along with his friends except Florid & Yavish, arrive at Thicket to talk to Bramble, but as soon as they get there, they see Fraulein exiting Bramble's Main Chambers.
Fraulein:
Huh. Platinum Shadow…and your friends. You are fortunate. The Heart of the Forest is not planning on pressing charges on Florid Harvest, Prince Yavish nor on the Cutie Mark Crusaders – Apple Rose, Stardust Platinum & Sweetie-Bot.
Shadow:
Good to know, but I will still conduct my own investigation.
Fraulein:
(Amused Smile)
I see. You really haven't changed.
Shadow:
I do my best.
Fraulein:
You don't mind if I tag along?
Shadow:
Why? He's not pressing charges, so there isn't going to be a trial.
Fraulein:
I might be an International Prosecutor now, but I still have my desire and duty to seek out the truth no matter when or where.
Shadow:
Ok. You can come along.
Blaze, Luster, Slipstream, Gatz:
(Nervous Smile, Grabs Shadow Aggressively)
Excuse Us Just For A Moment!
(Pulls Shadow Away From Fraulein)
===========================
(Furious)
WHAT IN TARTARUS, SHADOW!?!?!?
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
What? She said Bramble isn't going to press charges, so she isn't going to anything.
Luster:
Well I don't want her with us, not after making fun of me in both Sweetie Belle's & Cozy Glow's Trials; especially her calling me "Busted Swan".
Blaze:
I think she called you "Buster Swan" which means you will ruin the case which will make our client sing their Swan Song a guaranteed thing. Busted means that you already screwed up before the trial even started and our client already found guilty before you say your very first "OBJECTION!!".
Luster:
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON!?!?!?
Blaze:
Anyhoo…When we won Sweetie Belle's Trial, she threatened to take Sweet Apple Acres one day.
Slipstream:
I'll admit she makes my job easier, but I can't sleep well at night knowing she gave the creatures I arrested their last rites.
Gatz:
I'm usually willing to give others a chance but for her, after championing the Death Penalty in every kingdom she sets a hoof on? No thanks.
Shadow:
What about you, Krystal? Flurry?
Krystal:
I always believe you make the right choice, Aniki.
Flurry Heart:
I also believe in you, Shadow.
Shadow:
(Scoff)
I know it's 3 against 4, but Fraulein is a good interrogator and have access to areas we can't get into while walking around Thicket. We'll need her.
Blaze, Luster, Slipstream, Gatz:
(Defeated Sigh)
Fine!
Luster:
But if she calls me "Buster Swan" again, I'll hoof her one!
Shadow:
(Addresses Fraulein)
You may come with.
Fraulein:
Thank you.
(Sneers At Blaze, Luster, Slipstream & Gatz)
But make sure Lazily The Dagon, Buster Swan, Whipped Cream and Gas The Kitten stop throwing shade at me for doing my job. But your sister & cousin have my outmost respect.
Shadow:
I get it, but…Why are you saying that Flurry is my cousin?
Fraulein:
You are kidding me? You mean to tell me you don't know? Even after your Father's Eccentric Side of your Family that raised you told you about Krystal being your little sister, they never told you that Princess Cadance and her daughter, Princess Flurry Heart are your distant cousins?
Flurry:
(Shocked)
......
Krystal:
Flurry? Did you had a crush on Aniki too?
Flurry:
No…
(Overjoyed)
I ACTUALLY REALLY HAPPY!!!
Everycreature (Except Shadow & Krystal):
(Surprised)
EEEHHH!?!?!?
Flurry:
Nana Amore always said that Shadow is very important to her and that I should see him like a brother more than anything, nothing more than that. Now I see what she meant by that.
Krystal:
(Happy)
Me too! I always felt there was connection between us!
(Ashamed Smile)
Not what my grandmother did to your parents, I mean.
Shadow:
What can you tell us?
Fraulein:
Since we'll be working together again, I might as well tell you. Your ancestor, Princess Stardust Memory had a lover whose name was erased from the annals of history. Even with my Unlimited Access to Historical Documents everywhere I go, I couldn't find his name in the Crystal Empire Records Department, but I digress. Since her lover couldn't get her pregnant, she adopted a pony with the highest potential – Amore. A few years later, Amore met her childhood friend who would become Amore's Special Somepony, but he passes away during a battle against Queen Chrysalis' Forces trying to conquer The Crystal Empire when they were adults. Their foal was hidden from the world; among the Pegasi in Cloudsdale.
Krystal:
(Saddened)
Ooh…
Flurry:
(Smiling)
Krystal. Your grandmother's crimes are not yours. The Sins of the Parents are Their Own.
Shadow:
(Discreetly Staring At Fraulein)
I remember telling that to a very close friend of mine. I hope she understands that she isn't the only one in this same situation. It is The Sins of the Children that is Reflected on their Parents. An example I can give is…me becoming like the Fallen. Destroying the World would state that my Parents raised me to be a Monster. By doing right by everyone, I am telling the world indirectly that my Parents raised me well. The Parents that raised you – Thorax, his wife, Pharynx, Ocellus…everyone in the Hive that made you on who you are is by far the best Honor you can give them. But to the parents that disappointed you or made your life miserable, your successful life is a big "Eat Your Heart Out" Type Insult for them.
Krystal:
(Teary Smile)
Thank you, Aniki.
Fraulein:
(Amused Scoff Followed By Serious Expression)
Back to the topic at hand…You mean to tell me that your Eccentric Family never told you about your Ancestor, not only founding the Crystal Empire, but also is the Ancestor to the Princesses of the Crystal Empire by adopting Princess Amore as her Daughter?
Shadow:
No, they didn't.
Fraulein:
Are you going to ask them why they didn't tell you next time you visit them?
Shadow:
No, I don't. Because when I ask them why they didn't tell me, they will say—
Ancients:
(Appear Behind Shadow, Sneering)
You didn't ask!
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
THE 4TH WALL BREAK ARC WAS LAST ARC WITH DISCORD!!! WHY ARE YOU HERE!?!?!?
Ancients:
Just to tease you. Also – This Not A 4th Wall Break.
Shadow:
GO HOME!!!
Ancients:
(Disappointed)
Fine, You Meanie!
(Sticks Out Tongue & Return To The Chaotic Void)
Shadow:
Infant Minded Ancients.
(Sighs, Regains Composure)
Just as you heard, they weren't planing on telling me. Looks like they knew you already dug it up and would tell me if I didn't say anything.
Fraulein:
Sneaky Geezers.
Shadow:
You have no idea. Back to the topic of what can you tell us about Bramble.
Fraulein:
He's currently resting, but he told me if I were to see you, he will tell his side of the story for last.
Shadow:
Not quite.
Everycreature:
What do you mean?
Shadow:
I'm leaving Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot for last. So instead, I'll talk to either Yavish or Florid first. Since I'm worried Florid isn't well, we'll go talk with Yavish.
Fraulein:
Are you worried on what you saw?
Krystal:
I still can't believe those Fillies merged to become an Alicorn Version of your mother.
Shadow:
I can't believe it either, but I have a good idea how it happened.
Everycreature:
(Surprised)
YOU DO!?!?!?
Shadow:
Pretty Much So.
Fraulein:
How then?
Shadow:
(Points At The Element Of Life)
Fraulein:
Your Family Heirloom? That Element is One-Of-A-Kind those Fillies have no access to since you are wearing it? So how does this make sense?
Shadow:
My Older Sister inside the Element has the ability to empower anyone with the Essence of the Element of Life. All 3 – Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot have come into contact with the Element when we first met. Rose & Wendy fought me and Sweetie received a jolt of it during her assembly along with Sweetie Belle's Essence.
Fraulein:
So this is your older sister's doing. Has she told you anything?
Shadow:
Not yet, but I will confront her about it today.
Fraulein:
I see.
Shadow:
Let's go. Yavish is at Sweet Apple Acres helping Applejack & Big Mac with the Applebuck Season.
Fraulein:
I don't think I will be welcomed there.
Shadow:
Scared?
Fraulein:
(Amused Sneering)
Hardly.
Luster:
(Whispering To Blaze)
I'm guessing she wants to cause trouble.
Blaze:
(Whispering To Luster)
I agree. She hasn't gone to Sweet Apple Acres since she got here. Looks like we'll see her start something.
Luster:
As Big Mac would say: "Eeyup".
Scene 11.1: Equestria, Ponyville [Sweet Apple Acres], 10:25 AM
Upon arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Shadow & his friends sees Yavish helping Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Bloom & Rainbow Dash with the Applebuck Harvest and as soon as they see Fraulein, the Apple family become defensive as they know their estranged cousin is after their home.
Applejack:
(Furious)
Platinum Shadow!!! What in tarnation is she doing here!?
Shadow:
She's here to help me find out what happened in Thicket. Ananas Reinette—
Fraulein:
(Furious, Maintaining Composure, Low Growl)
That name no longer has any meaning to me. Say my current name or suffer the consequences.
Shadow:
Fraulein is not a name, it's an honorific but I will refrain from using your real name.
Fraulein:
You better…
Shadow:
As I was saying…"Fraulein" is not only a talented prosecutor, but also a talented investigator as well. We're working together to find out what really happened yesterday.
Applejack:
Then keep her away from the house. Do your investigatin' in the barn or out in the fields, not in or around the house.
Fraulein:
(Sneering)
You haven't forgiven me for last time?
Applejack:
As Shadow would say – "Tartarus, No!"
Fraulein:
Good. I don't want to be forgiven by a self-righteous hick.
Applejack:
(Furious)
WHAT DID YOU CALL ME YOU, WHELP!?!?!?
Apple Bloom:
(Holding Back Applejack With The Help Of Big Mac & Rainbow Dash)
Y'all better skiddadle! We don't know how much longer we can hold AJ back.
Big Mac:
(Holding Back Applejack With The Help Of Apple Bloom & Rainbow Dash)
Eeyup!
Rainbow Dash:
(Holding Back Applejack With The Help Of Big Mac & Apple Bloom)
YOU OWE US BIG TIME, SHADOW!!! AND I'LL BE COLLECTING SOON!!!
Phase 1:
The Case Of Yavish Yak
As Shadow and his friends take Yavish with them to the Apple Fields and away from Applejack in order to ask him what happened yesterday without interruptions, especially the morbid kind Applejack has planned for Fraulein. Yavish is laughing at what just happened.
Yavish:
(Laughing Excitedly)
Wolf Pony is Sassy Fun! Yak loves Sassy Ponies.
Shadow:
So that's why you always spend time with Florid.
Luster:
(Snickers)
Florid? Sassy? Those 2 things are like water and oil.
Everycreature:
(Annoying Stares At Luster)
Luster:
(Curious Stare)
What!?
Shadow:
Can we list the amount of times Florid caused so much chaos that she literally puts any Chaos Creature like Me, Pinkamena, Discord, Melodious Somber and "Eris" to shame?
Luster:
Pinkie Pie & Melodious aren't Chaos Creatures.
Shadow:
You'd be surprised on what you can live through.
Slipstream:
I'll start – Florid filled the the sea around Mount Aris with Combustible Frosting because Normal Frosting melts away underwater easily. Somehow she managed to burn a few of the Underwater Houses pulling that stunt believe it or not.
Flurry:
Florid pulled an Uncle Spike in the Crystal Empire and ate part of the wall of the castle…
(Annoyed Whisper)
…most of it being my room…
(Out Loud)
…thinking it was rock candy.
Blaze:
Florid was crazy enough besides Shadow to try to take a lava dip. Luckily Florid's Kirin Form is fire proof and she can walk on lava. But…her magical flames made the lava pools flat like water. Lava should be bubbly and boiling, not warm and flat like expired soda.
Gatz:
Florid took Glida's Recipe of Scones and she overblew it so hard, half of Griffonstone was covered in Scone so soft, it felt like we were scrapping cake off the streets.
Shadow:
She almost blew up her own village just to celebrate my birthday by using Dynamite instead of Candles because she couldn't tell the difference back then. She thought Dy-Na-Mi-Te was a brand name, not actual dynamite.
Yavish:
(Laughing)
Florid fought Uncle Rutherford and they both got knocked out after headbutting each other!
Luster:
(Surprised)
That actually happened?
Everycreature:
(Tired Expression [Except Yavish Who Is Smiling Happily])
Yeah, Pretty Much.
Fraulein:
And that is not all…
(Pulls Out 2 Keys)
...I believe you recognize this key.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
Isn't that the key for the Canterlot Records Department?
Fraulein:
Yes and the second one?
Luster:
Never seen it before.
Fraulein:
It is the key for a special section exclusive at the Records Department. 1 of 2 sections with one of them belonging to Pinkie Pie. This key is for the section belonging to Florid.
Luster:
(Shocked)
SAY WHAT!?!?!? HOW CAN SOMECREATURE REACH THE SAME LEVEL OF INFAMY AS PINKIE PIE!?!?!?
Fraulein, Shadow:
(Annoyed Stare)
You'd be surprised.
Luster:
(Scared)
Too late. I'm already beyond surprised.
Shadow:
We can discuss about that another time. Right now we need to know what led to yesterday's outcome.
Luster:
Alright. Yavish? Can you tell us how this all started?
Yavish:
Ya! Yavish will tell all!
***
Scene 11.2: Equestria, Ponyville, 5:43 PM, 1 Week Ago
While Yavish is heading to his home, he sees Florid doing errands & deliveries for Sugarcube Corner with the CMC: Apple Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot. He learns that the girls are following Florid since they have a higher chance of meeting up with Shadow rather than looking for him; and at that moment, Shadow, just finished his training with Discord & "Eris" for the day he sees Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot alongside Yavish & Florid which confuses him to see the 5 of them hanging out together and this worries him as well.
Shadow:
Pretty rare seeing you all together. What's the occasion?
Rose, Wendy:
(Smiling)
Aniki!!!
Sweetie-Bot:
Not much, Aniki. We just wanted to ask you a favor.
Shadow:
What kind of favor?
Rose:
Our sisters told us about Thicket and we want to have a picnic with you there!
Wendy:
Yeah! Sounds really fun!
Shadow:
(Disappointed Sigh)
Sorry girls, but I can't. Melodious Somber threw a gauntlet at me and she is the most dangerous enemy I have encountered yet. Probably on the same level as Trotter. Sorry, but I can't this week.
CMC:
(Saddened Groan)
Florid:
That's no good, Shadow! I'll take them!
Shadow:
(Dread Expression)
No…
Florid:
(Disappointed Expression, Saddened)
But why?
Shadow:
I can think of a lot of reasons, but we'd be here all day and night that I'd be a few years late to fight Melodious on this spot we're standing right now.
Yavish:
Yavish can go with!
Shadow:
(Curious)
I don't know…
CMC:
Please Aniki! Please, Please, Please, Please, Please…
Luster, Blaze, Gatz, Slipstream, Flurry, Krystal:
What's happening here?
Shadow:
The girls want to have a picnic at Thickest. Can any of you take them?
Luster:
Can't. I was challenged too, remember? So I need to train.
Blaze:
I'll be helping Luster with her training.
Gatz:
I'm doing research for a future deliberation.
Slipstream:
And I have to talk to Big Sis and the Crew to plan what to do if there's an opening to capture Melodious.
Krystal:
I'll be helping you in your training, Aniki.
Flurry:
I'm helping my a…my relative with her pregnancy.
Shadow:
(Defeated Sigh)
Fine. You can have your picnic with Yavish and Florid. But I suggest you talk to The Heart of the Forest, King Bramble for permission. The guy always have a chip on his shoulder when you do things without his concent.
CMC:
(Victorious Smiles [Except Sweetie-Bot Who Is Emotionless])
ALRIGHT!!!
Shadow:
And Florid?
Florid:
Yeah?
Shadow:
Don't burn the forest down…
(Facehoof)
…please!!!
Florid:
(Happy Smile)
Don't worry your pretty little head, Shadow! Let Big Sis Florid handle this!
Shadow:
I'm a year older than you, ya know. Don't make me regret this, Florid. I MEAN IT!!! What am I saying? I already do…big time.
"After Shadow and friends left, Yavish, Florid, Rose, Wendy and Sweetie-Bot went to get things ready to visit Bramble. When Yavish and friends got there, the Deer took us to meet King Bramble…it didn't go well…"
Scene 11.3: Equestria, Everfree Forest [Thicket], 9:39 AM, 6 Days Ago
The 5 of them arrive at Thicket and meet with King Bramble, but they notice that the Deer King of the Everfree Forest is stressed as he is yelling at his subjects in the castle. Seeing him behave like that starts to worry them that they almost forgot what Shadow told them about Bramble's temper.
King Bramble:
And you are?
Yavish:
HELLO!!! I'M YAVISH YAK & THESE ARE MY FRIENDS!!! FLORID HARVEST, APPLE ROSE, WENDY & SWEETIE-BOT!!!
King Bramble:
Why are you yelling?
Sweetie-Bot:
Yak Customs. Introductions need to be loud.
King Bramble:
(Annoyed)
And here I thought Minotaurs were infuriatingly loud. Why are you here?
Florid:
We would like permission to let us have a picnic nearby.
King Bramble:
You are a Kirin.
Florid:
(Proud Smile)
Yes, I am.
King Bramble:
Then the answer is no.
Florid:
(Disappointed)
Why!?
King Bramble:
Do I really need to explain it!? You are a Kirin! You have the power to burn the forest down to the ground and I am currently having issues with a group of trespassers in the form of Renegade Changelings siphoning magic off the forest.
Everycreature:
(Surprised)
Renegade Changelings!?
Rose:
They must be Blight Terror's Minions.
Sweetie-Bot:
The odds are at 96% according to my calculations.
Wendy:
Then we got to stop 'em!
King Bramble:
Absolutely Not!
CMC:
Why!?
??? (Familiar Female Voice):
(Walking Into View)
Because I am already assisting King Bramble at the behest of Princesses Twilight Sparkle & Sunset Shimmer.
Everycreature:
(Surprised)
Captain Tempest Shadow!?
Wendy:
Why are you here and not helping Aniki with Melodious Somber?
Tempest:
Ever since this Blight Terror has decided to wage war on Equestria, the Princesses ordered mass surveillance of the Allied Nations of Equestria's Borders for any of his Forces or any sign of the Black Heart Crystals with their permission, of course.
Sweetie-Bot:
Why not ask Aniki for Assistance?
Tempest:
Because he was been challenged by this Melodious before we could confirm who was terrorizing Thicket. Just a few hours ago we got confirmation it was a group of Renegade Changelings led by 3 Strange-looking creatures I've never seen before. A Purple Creature With Anger Issues, A Ditzy Blue Creature and a Bitchy Yellow Creature.
??? (Female Voices):
(Distant Loud Yet Muffled Yell)
mmmmmmmmmmmm
Everycreature:
What was that!?
King Bramble:
Guards! Find out where that came from! We are being spied on!
Deer Royal Guards:
Yes, Sire!
Tempest:
I will assist them.
Florid:
Let us help you!
King Bramble:
The Answer Is Still NO!!! This is Deer Territory. We might be allies, but this is MY Domain! Not Twilight nor Sunset! Not Novo! Not Thorax! Not Rutherford! Not Ember! Not Whoever The Griffon King Is! Not Your Rain Shine—!
Florid:
Actually, Rain Shine retired and Autumn Blaze is our Leader now.
King Bramble:
That is NOT the Point! The Point is that I will not allow outsiders meddle in our affairs! Now…BEGONE FROM MY KINGDOM!!!
"HOLD IT!!!"
***
Shadow:
So the Captain was involved, Fraulein?
Fraulein:
I actually found out about this just now as you did. It seems I cannot trust the Good Captain after learning of this. Looks like I need to request the Princesses to give me a trustworthy Royal Detective in order to keep tabs on the Captain since this is the third time she has done this to me. First the Sweetie Belle Trial, then the Cozy Glow Trial and now this. Inconceivable!
Luster:
(Proud Smile)
Good!
Fraulein:
(Furious, Maintaining Demeanor)
Be forewarned, Luster Dawn…Fenrir is NOT here to keep me under control and Platinum Shadow no longer knows how to do so.
Luster:
She's joking, right Shadow?
Shadow:
No, she isn't. I have no idea what calms Fraulein down anymore and since she's half Lykos, her anger must be higher now than when we were kids.
Fraulein:
You have no idea, Platinum Shadow.
Everycreature (Except Shadow):
(Nervous Gulp)
Shadow:
Let's digress back to the matter at hand. So my…I mean, the Captain was involved with all of this?
Yavish:
Ya!
Shadow:
And all of this was caused by Blight's Renegade Changelings led by 3 Weird Creatures – A Purple Creature with Anger Issues, A Ditzy Blue Creature & A Bitchy Yellow Creature.
===========================
Not Far From There in their Pony Forms…
Aria Blaze:
(Blushing, Tsundere Behavior)
Shadow, Baka!
Sonata Dusk:
(Blushing, Dere-Dere Behavior)
Oh, Shadow! I always loved you direct honesty!
Adagio Dazzle:
(Blushing, Saddened, Thinking)
Shadow…How I miss you…
===========================
Shadow:
(Sneezes Hard 3 Times, Right Eye Twitching, Thinking)
Who's talking behind my back? I sneezed 3 times and my right eye is twitching, so whoever is talking about me is madly in love with me. Could it be one of them?
===========================
In 4 different locations for each: Luna, Lysithea, Sunset Shimmer and even Trixie sneezes 3 times and their right eye are twitching as they wonder if they are sick.
===========================
Shadow:
Why am I thinking of Luna? I mean…ever since "Eris" came into my life, I can't get Luna out of my head. And why I see Luna in the same light as Lysithea? What is their connection? And why my heart skips a beat when I think of either of them? Then there's Princess Sunset…I know she's weird trying to be a big sister to me, but…now that I look back…I think I fell in love after I rescued her from Minerva…Sunset looked…familiar, like I've seen her like that before in a past life. Then there's Lady Trixie…something about her I just can't help but admire. Why do I feel like this?
===========================
Lady Shadow:
Please, SS! Let me tell him!
"No! He'll ask you in Chapter 3 since unlike all of your siblings, you are the most experienced in romance…even though you and your special somecreature haven't moved anywhere close to first base…You need to wait for him to come to you for advice since you are literally his second mother figure!"
Lady Shadow:
(Furious)
SECOND!?!?!? WHO IS THE HUSSY THAT TOOK MY SPOT!?!?!?
"Cosmic Legacy."
Lady Shadow:
(Ashamed)
Oh! Nevermind. I will wait for him then.
"Now Back to the story which the episode is almost done."
===========================
Krystal:
Are you feeling alright, Aniki?
Shadow:
I'm fine. Just need some cold medicine. Please continue, Yavish…
Yavish:
After Deer made us leave, Florid thought of plan…
***
Rose:
So what now?
Florid:
(Slowly Transforming Into A Nirik, Trying To Stay Calm & Stay In Kirin Form)
That Jerk! He won't get away with this! Girls! Yavish! Let's split up! I'll look around South of Thicket. Yavish will look around North and girls, you will look around East from here. We aren't going anywhere without taking these creeps down and have our picnic! We'll capture them and gift wrap them for King Bramble so we get his permission for the picnic!
Sweetie-Bot:
My scanners are designed to spot a Disguised Changeling once activated and locked on target.
Wendy:
I can freeze the Changelings once Sweetie unmask them.
Rose:
And if they thaw out, I'll scare them with my Soul Katana and Reaper Abilities.
Yavish:
(Smiling)
Yavish knows this will be fun! Yavish will help! Yavish & Friends will save Deer Kingdom.
Florid:
(Glowing Flaming Eyes, Devious Smile)
Then it's settled!
***
Yavish:
Yavish could see that Florid had other things in her mind, but we followed her. For a week, we couldn't find Changelings or the 3 Strange Creatures, but…CMC Ponies were hiding something and before we could ask, Deer King was possessed by the Black Heart Crystal. Florid started fighting him, but he got stronger and stronger that Florid lost. Then the CMC Ponies became one…
Shadow:
Transforming into a reflection of my mother in Alicorn Form…
Krystal:
(Worried)
Aniki…
Shadow:
I'll be right back. I need to talk with my older sister.
Fraulein:
Too bad we cannot join you inside the Element of Life. I would have loved to meet her.
Blaze:
I feel the same way.
Shadow:
She told me the same thing. She's annoyed we didn't become a thing, Fraulein.
Fraulein:
(Amused Yet Sad Scoff)
Funny…
Flurry:
Give your sister our regards.
Shadow lies on the ground and appears to be asleep, but he actually transferred his mind into the Element of Life where Starry Night is once again having tea with Alchemus much to Shadow's Annoyance.
Starry:
(Happy Smile)
Shade-Chan!
Alchemus:
Good to see myself join us again.
Shadow:
(Smiling)
Hi, Ane-Ue!
(Annoyed Stare)
Hey, Alchemus.
Starry:
So you are here to learn the truth on why Rose, Wendy and Sweetie-Bot merge into an Alicorn Version of Mama?
Shadow:
You heard everything?
Alchemus:
Of course. Ever since your training before facing off Minerva, the Element of Life got augmented which in turn became more powerful as a result, that now we are becoming more and more aware of the outside world.
Shadow:
I hope neither of you saw me while taking a shower.
Starry:
(Devious Smile)
Our lips are sealed. You are very well endowed that Lulu will be happy.
Shadow:
(Shocked)
ANE-UE!!! AND WHO THE HECK IS LULU!?!?!?
Starry:
Luna.
Shadow:
(Face-Hoof)
Please don't call her that.
Starry:
(Angry Stare)
I'll call her anyway I want! But…there's also Lizzy, Shimmy and Pixie!
Shadow:
Lizzy, Shimmy and Pixie!?
Starry:
Lysithea, Sunset Shimmer and Trixie of course!
Shadow:
Are you forcing your feelings onto me ever since the augmentation of our mother's element?
Starry:
No, I'm not. The Element is Amplifying your emotions ever since your training. Ever since you bonded with everyone around you, our family's element is pushing you to embrace your loving heart more and more. I'll be honest – Lulu, Lizzy, Shimmy and Pixie are my top picks for you.
Shadow:
I want to talk about the girls on how they fused into becoming our mother.
Starry:
Shimmy is deeply in love with you, it's hurting her deeply. Pixie finds you very interesting, As for Lulu & Lizzy…they feel different and quite the same at once.
Shadow:
Hey—
Starry:
Lulu is an Antagonistic Tsundere while Lizzy is very loving like a Tamed Tsundere. But for some reason, they feel like they are the same in every way.
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
Ane-Ue!
Starry:
(Disappointed, Pouting)
Oh! You're No Fun! Fine! The reason for that is because I gave them a large sample of the Element's Power in order to make them a little bit docile, which seems to have given them the ability to merge into mama which I wasn't expecting that.
Shadow:
Rose was a Necro Seed Spawn, Sweetie-Bot is a Vita Seed Spawn and Wendy is my distant cousin since we share the same ancestor. Those 3 Powers becoming one…Ane-Ue…You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?
Starry:
(Sigh)
Yes…yes I did.
Shadow:
When 2 or more different souls merge into one, a new soul is born. When they separate, fragments of that new soul is divided between them. Unless said soul is not new, but an old one needing a vessel.
(Curious Stare At Starry)
Starry:
(Sweating Nervously)
It's not an ancient soul.
Shadow:
(Raises Eyebrow In Doubt, Serious Expression)
Ujum…Looks like you are not ready to talk about this situation. You just want to play Matchmaker to pair me up with Luna, Lysithea, Sunset or Lady Trixie.
Starry:
(Happy Smile)
Why not all 4 of them and have a Harem!?
Shadow:
I'll be back after I talk to the girls. Maybe by then you'll be taking this more seriously. See ya around.
As Shadow leaves the inside of the Element while Alchemus sips his tea calmly and as soon as he is sure Shadow is gone, he gives a serious stare at Starry Night.
Alchemus:
I find it interesting that you are thinking of pairing my reincarnation with 3 other Mares than the one I want you pairing him with.
Starry:
I know, I know! But the Will of the Element wants Shade-Chan to court Lizzy, Shimmy & Pixie before courting Lulu for last.
Alchemus:
Remember this, Starry Night. I had an agreement with Lord Thanatos; and Luna was part of that agreement. If things do not turn out as he and I agreed upon, My complete soul will be in the same location as Trotter Poisonia is and that includes Platinum Shadow as well.
Starry:
I know, I know! But like I said – The Will of the Element comes first. Our desired outcome is not taken into consideration. It will feel that it is when the outcome end up matching our desired one, but in reality it was always part of its will.
Alchemus:
I hope you are right.
Starry:
Of course I am!
Alchemus:
Last question.
Starry:
Name it.
Alchemus:
Why did the girls merge into an Alicorn Version of…Yourself?
Starry:
Shade-Chan said the Fusion looked like our Mother, not me.
Alchemus:
Do you take me for a fool? If that was a new Soul as you claim, it would not look like that.
Starry:
I did confess that it's not an old soul either.
Alchemus:
Correction! You said "Ancient" not "Old". Those are 2 different words with different temporal meanings. You told me you were a clone of your mother through a Necro Seed. That was 40 Moons Ago and if that is the right number of years…All Females are considered old past the age of 30 which means—
Starry:
(Scary Smile)
You do NOT want to finish that sentence!
Alchemus:
My point is…there are only 2 Souls in here – Yourself and Myself. If the Element of Life is seeking to stabilize itself and restore its full power, it needs to evict us. I already have many theories on how Shadow and myself will rejoin, with him being the dominant consciousness. But you lack a body and yesterday when everything went down, I noticed a shift on you. A change…Those girls are the means for your resurrection, aren't they?
Starry:
It seems like it, but you should not worry. The Element Of Life Protects, It Does Not Replace. I believe the Element is looking for alternatives to bring me back to the world without sacrificing anycreature in the process. But I am not going to lie…
(Warm Smile)
…for the first time since Shade-Chan was born…I am truly hopeful for the future.
Alchemus doesn't say anything as he notices that the Clone of Stardust Memory is actually speaking the truth as he notices a tear running down Starry's cheek and is not a tear of sadness it a tear of hope & joy. Alchemus would not admit it to her, but he also feels the same way: A Future where he will reunite with his reincarnated soul, get together with his beloved Luna and finally find peace. If what "Eris" told Shadow was true that he'll be a Father, that means he will get what he wants, but needs to be patient and place his faith to both Shadow and the Element of Life. As Shadow wakes up, he tells everycreature that they need to meet up with their next testimony: Florid Harvest.
To Be Continued…