Scene 9.0: Chaosville [Discord's & Fluttershy's Cottage] 2:45 PM, Day 3 Of 365
As Blaze, Luster and Discord are outside the cottage, Shadow is inside listening to the music box that his adopted sister Emerald Flash sent him. The song playing is Aria Di Mezzo Carattere which is a traditional opera play in their Birth Village: The Crystal Shard, the village full of refugees and founded during Sombra's Takeover of the Crystal Empire over 1,000 Moons Ago who escaped his tyranny. Memories of his time with her and his mother, Stardust Memory flood his mind feeling him with all sorts of negative emotions: Sadness…Regret…Resent…Despair…Grief…Anger…Shadow's face shows a defeated look and questions that everything he has done up until now.
***
Scene 9.1: Crystal Shard, 8:54 PM, 12 years Ago
In an isolated area of the village, a Young 5-Year-Old Platinum Shadow is crying under a tree because he has no friends and is all alone. Suddenly, a Tomboy Emerald Crystal Pony pops out the top of the tree and tries to be friendly with Shadow.
Shadow:
Leave me alone!
???
You are a colt, right? Colts Don't Cry!
Shadow:
Well I Do! So What!?
???:
Lame! An Emotional Colt Is The Sign Of A Weak Loser! And You Aren't A Weak Loser!
Shadow:
Why I am not a weak loser?
???:
A weak loser would never have a body like yours.
Shadow:
I hate my body! It's the reason every pony wants to get close to me and I hate it! I wish I was born normal!
???:
I guess…but…even if you were born "Normal", there's no way you'd have a normal life anyhow!
Shadow:
Why you think that!?
???:
Your Mom's a celebrity! Even though she's "Normal" and an "Outsider", the Elders are calling her Princess. How can a "Normal" Pegasus like her be a Princess to a village like this?
Shadow:
I…I…I don't know…
???:
You are lucky, ya know that? You have everything you could ever want! Me? I'm always alone and every adult is always on my case.
Shadow:
What about your Mama and Papa?
???:
(Saddened)
Don't have 'em. And I wish I did had 'em…
Shadow:
Then…you are like me…
???:
In a way…yeah…I think we are.
Shadow:
My name is--
Emma:
Prince Platinum Shadow. I know. I'm Emerald Flash, but every pony calls me Emma.
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
Don't call me that! I Hate It! I Really, Really Hate To Be Called A Prince! Just Call Me Shadow.
Emma:
But your first name is Platinum. Every creature should call you that.
Shadow:
No…Platinum is so bright and shiny that it always stands out way too much. I want to be ignored and forgotten that no one will even care looking at me. So call me Shadow, Please…
Emma:
That's really sad. You are so cool and everything…but you don't want the attention?
Shadow:
I never wanted it! I will never accept it! I just want to be me! Not what every creature to think of me in a way that I am not!
Emma:
Then I will treat you that way if you want!
Shadow:
Huh?
Emma:
(Smiling)
I can tell every pony in the village just want to be with you for attention, but me…I just want to actually and sincerely want to be your friend. I don't want to be like those creeps in the village.
Shadow:
You…You mean it?
Emma:
I might be a troublemaker, but I never lie! I refuse to be a Liar.
Shadow:
I…I believe in you…
Emma smiles and before she could say anything to Shadow, a White Pegasus Mare with Beautiful Platinum Mane and she is Sparkly-Eyed like the Pegasus from Timbucktu, wearing the same memento that Shadow in the Present is wearing, Scars all over her body, missing her Left Wing with a horrible scar where is should be, her right eyelid struggling to stay open while her left eye is permanently bloodshot, her legs limping and tears running down her eyes, hugs Shadow as she cries on his shoulder.
Stardust Memory:
Oh, Shadow! Don't scare me like that! I have been worried sick about you! I don't know what I would do if I lost you! Or worse, how your father will react.
Shadow:
I'm…I'm sorry, Mama. But…But…I hate this village…I can't stand all of these ponies trying to get close to me because…
Stardust Memory:
Oh, my little Prince. I'm sorry for how you feel, but we need to wait for your father to come back. I know you will feel a lot better when you meet him.
Shadow:
............…
Emma:
I feel like I'm not supposed to be here. See you later, Shadow.
Stardust Memory:
You are Emerald Flash, right? Thank you for helping my son. I can tell he's a lot better now and all because of you. I would like to thank you for that with a reward. Tell me what is it that you want.
Emma:
I don't want anything except be friends with Shadow.
Stardust Memory:
(Warm Smile)
I can do better. How about you live with us from now on?
Emma:
(Shocked)
Wha…?
Stardust Memory:
I know you, Emerald Flash. You are the village's troublemaker. But the reason for that is that you are an orphan. You crave the same attention other foals have. So…will you grant me and Shadow the honor for you to join our family? I know my Husband will accept you just as we have. So please…be a sister to my Shadow and a daughter to me.
Stardust Memory's words got into Emma's heart very deeply that she hugged Stardust Memory as she sobs as loud as she can as she is overjoyed to finally have what she always wanted: A Family.
***
Shadow:
Mother…Emma…I promise…I will make things right one day.
Before heading out, Shadow washes his face, places the music box inside his bag where he keeps all of his most important items. After fixing himself up, Shadow steps out and all three Blaze, Luster and even Discord is worried for Shadow since he was acting too emotional as soon as he saw the music box.
Blaze:
You feeling alright, Shadow?
Shadow:
(Sad Smile, Hiding Sadness)
I'm fine, little brother. I just dropped my guard since I wasn't expecting this at all. I always thought Emma hated me after the way we parted ways.
Blaze:
Shadow…
Luster:
So…Emma? From what I remember, she's your sister. How did she know you would be in Ponyville around this time? That package have been in circulation for countless moons and she didn't even include a return address. Did she used Time Travel or Fortune Telling?
Blaze:
(Thinking, Annoyed)
Didn't you say early today that Time Travel is out of the question and that Fortune telling is a Sham!?
Shadow:
Astrology.
Luster:
(Surprised)
Astrology!?
Shadow:
When we were foals…my mother took responsibility of our education. She would teach us all about astrology far more than any other subject. My mother love the Romanticization of the Fall of Timbucktu. When Chrysalis destroyed it, King Orion fled the destruction of his once great empire that he flew so high, he became lost into the night sky and he turned into Starlight.
Discord:
(Deeply Saddened, Desperately Hiding Sadness Behind Wily Smile)
............…
Luster:
I see! There have been books that confirm that Astrology does posses the ability to tell the future. But that doesn't tell us from where she sent the package.
Shadow:
She must have sent it from Forze.
Luster:
Where?
Shadow:
The Futuristic City of Forze. Forze have no love for Equestria and claims that the Alicorn Princesses are the cause of all the evil this world have had to go through.
Luster:
(Furious, Offended)
HOW DARE THEY!? It's because of the Alicorn Princesses that the world is safe!!!
Shadow:
No offense Luster, but I have lived for a full year in Forze and I understand their great distrust towards Alicorns, especially that Forze used to be part of the Great Alicorn Nation before the Great Civil War caused the complete eradication of the Alicorns. That war created a great hatred towards Alicorns within Forze. Back on topic…since Forze doesn't want anything to do with Equestria because of the Alicorn Princesses, Emma must have traveled to the nearest post office in order to mail her music box. She must have flown for weeks since Forze is almost a months away from the nearest post office on foot. A Pegasus flying at top speed would arrived in around less than a month. I would bet that Rainbow Dash can make the trip in less time that anyone. I'd say…around a few days give or take.
Luster:
You give her too much credit, Shadow.
Shadow:
Maybe…but anyways…Emma must have calculated how long the package would be in transit and knew when it would arrive due to Astrology. Speaking of the package…Why are you here? Aren't both of you should be in school right now?
Luster:
(Worried)
Umm…
Blaze:
It's a package for you Shadow. Which means some creature very close to you must have gone through a lot of trouble to send this to you. As your friends, I believe that delivering this to you is far more important than attending school.
Luster:
(Whispering)
Thanks for covering for me, Blaze.
Blaze:
(Whispering)
You will owe me big time for this, Luster.
Luster:
I know, I know and I will make it up to you. Promise.
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
Why are you whispering?
Blaze, Luster:
(Scared, Out Loud)
Nothing! Nothing!
Shadow:
(Taps Luster's Head, Blushing, Tsundere Attitude)
Anyhoo…you shouldn't dis your studies irresponsibly like this, Luster…but…I…appreciate you willing to go this far for me…even though you shouldn't have. Thanks anyways…"Buster".
Luster:
(Notices Shadow Being Tsundere, Overjoyed Smile, Teary Eyes)
Anytime, Shadow.
Blaze:
(Happy Smile, Thinking)
I'm happy for you, Luster. But…I get the feeling that the reason you did all this in the first place is to see Shadow like this. You are one tenacious mare, Luster Dawn.
Discord:
Not only you skipped school, but you also disobeyed Twilight's Warnings of coming here, Luster. What would she say if I told her this?
Luster:
(Spooked)
Wait! Discord! You Can't!!!
Discord:
Why shouldn't I? You and Blaze almost got eaten, I was going to jump in but then I noticed Shadow was about to learn his new ability. You bit off more than you could chew, kiddo.
Luster:
Please! I…I only--
Shadow:
Let it slide just this once, Discord. I am grateful that they came here. You said it yourself: If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have made any progress. I admit it, it was reckless and stupid for them coming here, but I am glad they did.
Luster:
(Heartfelt)
Shadow…
Discord:
(Laughing)
Fine! I won't tell Twilight what happened…this time. But if you do something as dangerous as this again Luster, I will tell on you and Twilight will send you back to "Magical Kindergarten".
Luster:
(Distraught)
NO!!! ANYTHING BUT THAT!!!
Blaze:
(Facepalm, Thinking)
Like that would ever happen.
Shadow:
(Annoyed, Thinking)
What Kind Of A Dunderhead Would Believe Something As Stupid As That?
======================================
Meanwhile at Twilight's Castle in Canterlot…
Twilight:
(Abrupt & Loud Heavy Sneeze)
AAAAAAAAACCCHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Every Creature:
(Surprised, Worried)
Spike:
Are you getting a cold, Twilight? You shouldn't overwork yourself.
Twilight:
I'm Fine, Spike. I'm fine.
======================================
Shadow:
(Happy Sigh & Smile)
Well…we should take our leave.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
Yeah! Let's get out of here! I'll teleport us back to the castle!
Discord:
I wouldn't recommend that, Luster.
Luster:
Why Not!?
Discord:
The only ones that can teleport in and out in my dimension are those who have an affinity to this dimension's magic. If you haphazardly teleport in or out of here, you might end up in a very dangerous spot.
Shadow:
(Annoyed, Looking Towards The Void)
I…sense what you mean, Discord. Looks like the Cannibal just brought friends.
Luster:
(Shocked, Furious)
WAIT WHAT!?!?!?
Blaze:
Did you managed to master sensing magic already?
Shadow:
I wouldn't say that. I can only sense high levels of magic…and it looks like I can also sense a large group of magical creatures lumped together.
Blaze:
(Worried)
Great…just our luck. One Cannibal was bad enough, but now we have to deal with a whole group?
Shadow:
No, no we don't.
Luster:
What do you mean?
Shadow:
(Pulls Q's Blue Feathers From Bag)
I knew this was going to happen, so I asked Q to give me a few feathers to mark this location so we don't need to overdo it and go through the front door and get lost and/or getting eaten by Chaos Cannibals. Luckily I managed to tweak the magical flow of Q's Feathers in order to allow anyone to use it to get to one place or another so long as I give them permission.
Luster:
(Excited)
That's Genius, Shadow!
Shadow:
I know! Give me a minute in order for me to set the Fast Travel Point. Where should make the arrival/departure point, Discord?
Discord:
How about 10 meters away from the entrance of the cottage?
Shadow:
Got it.
Shadow walks down south 10 meters from the entrance of the cottage and marks the location with Q's feathers in the form of an alchemic transmutation circle.
Shadow:
Done. Now we can come here without getting lost or eaten.
Luster:
That's great!
Blaze:
Well, time to go home.
Shadow:
Thank you for today, Discord. I don't approve that Deadbeat push you to be my teacher…but I am glad that you are.
Discord:
(Heartbroken, Hiding Deep Sorrow Through Wily Smile)
Don't mention it, Shadow. I had my reasons for becoming your teacher.
Shadow:
(Scoffs, Smiling)
I figured as much. But to be honest…I'm glad that you are my teacher whatever the case might be.
Discord:
Shadow…
Shadow:
See ya tomorrow, Sensei.
Discord:
............…
Before Shadow, Blaze and Luster set foot into the alchemic circle, Shadow and Discord senses a large power appearing out of nowhere, they look at the direction of where this power is coming from and seeing a bright red crystal appearing out of nowhere as it makes its way to Shadow. As soon as Shadow touches it, his power surges as the crystal unlocks one of the many limiters placed on him by his own father.
Shadow:
(Surprised, Glowing Fiery Red Eyes)
A…a Diary Crystal…? Here!?
Blaze:
Shadow!? Are you alright!?
Shadow:
(Normal Eyes)
I'm fine. Looks like this is how he wants me to play his game.
Luster:
Shadow?
Shadow:
I can't wait any longer. If none of you mind, I want to see what this Diary Crystal can tell me here and now.
Blaze:
Go ahead. It's your decision.
Luster:
I don't mind.
Discord:
I hope you don't regret it making this known to us.
Shadow nods at them and activates the Diary Crystal and it shows Shadow's father, Jack-Of-All-Trades and his assistant Jewel at the entrance of Chaosville in the Castle Of The Two Sisters as Jack switches his Unicorn Magic and shape-shifts his body into his Pegasus Form just like Shadow can do.
Jack:
Are you sure you don't want to come with me, Juli?
Jewel:
I will never set a hoof in that place! Not after all those horror stories.
Jack:
(Sadistic Scoff & Laughter)
Looks like only Chaos Creatures and Those who are bonded to them can enter these dimensions with no fear whatsoever. Even though you are in a way a Chaos Creature as well, you are quite cowardly.
Jewel:
(Furious)
HOW DARE YOU!!!
Jack:
No matter. I'm off.
As Jack enters Chaosville he makes his way towards Discord's and Fluttershy's Cottage only to encounter a large group of Chaos Cannibals. Jack Sneers at them and with a glare, he injures the monsters severely due to the fact that he used a large force of Concentrated Chaos Magic to attack them without the need on relying on his Unicorn Form's Magic. Shadow couldn't believe that his father can use Magic even if he isn't in his Unicorn Form. The Cannibals run away in fear upon seeing Jack's power and after they all run away, Discord appears behind him and claps his claws as he is impressed.
Past Discord:
(Smiling)
I knew you were a powerful Chaos Pony, Jack. But I never knew you were this powerful.
Jack:
Discord. I came here to…Beg for your help.
Past Discord:
Beg!? That's rich! You have always given every creature the impression that you are not a beggar.
Jack:
You are right. I rather destroy the world than to beg for anything…Except for what I want to ask you.
Past Discord:
(Triumphant Smile)
And That Is?
Jack:
(Saddened Expression)
I…need your help to save my wife.
Past Discord:
Your Wife?
Jack:
A few years ago when I was near death…she saved my life. She nursed me back to life even though I didn't deserved it. One thing lead to another and we…you can imagine how it all went down.
Past Discord:
(Blushing, Clears Throat)
I…think I understand what you mean. But what happened to her exactly?
Jack:
She was stationed on the Northern Outpost in order to monitor the return of the Crystal Empire. After it made its return, she left to Canterlot and report to Celestia as soon as possible. She didn't meet with Celestia, but she reported the news to a Royal Guard she trusted. When she was on her way back, by a horrible Twist of Fate…she crossed paths with Sombra…that battle almost cost her her life. When she didn't came back, I feared the worse. I went to search for her only to find…her dismembered left wing with large amount of blood around the area. I desperately kept the search. It took me a few months, but I found her…with my son around her hooves and suffering from Amnesia from the severe injuries Sombra inflicted on her. From what the Village Elder told me…she shouldn't be alive and they fear she won't live long due to said injuries. That's why I need your help…no, I am BEGGING for it. Please…lend me your power to save her. Lend me your power so she can live to live at least long enough to see one of her grand foals. Please…Discord…
Past Discord:
(Scared)
Wait! A Royal Guard Pony…stationed on the Northern Outpost!? Who…who exactly was she?
Jack:
She…was a member of Celestia's Private Elite Guard. She was once Celestia's Confidant.
Past Discord:
(Shocked)
Wait! What did you say!?
Jack:
That reaction…You know her.
Past Discord:
(Furious)
You are lying! There's no way--
Jack:
Her Cutie Mark is a Constellation of Stars with an Aurora behind it with glitter and glimmer surrounding it in the form of dust. Her eyes are in the shape of the Sparkly-Eyed Pegasus similar to that of the Pegasi from Timbucktu. And last but not least her name…
Past Discord:
(Distraught)
Her…her…her name…?
Jack:
Her name is…Stardust Memory.
Past Discord:
(Heartbroken)
NOOOOOOO!!!
Upon seeing Past Discord react like this, Shadow looks at Discord in disbelief while Blaze and Luster were just as shocked while Present Discord, avert his gaze in sorrow, not making contact with anyone. Shadow wanted answers, but he knew he wasn't going to get them from the current Discord, but the one in the Diary Crystal.
Jack:
You know her. How is that possible? You were sealed in stone!
Past Discord:
(Crying)
As I told Twilight at one point…just because I am turned to stone, doesn't mean that I can't hear what is happening around me. Out of every pony that visited my stone prison…Stardust…was the only one that believe in me of getting reformed even before Celestia came up with the idea. At first…I found her annoying as heck…but she grew on me. There were times Celestia would reprimand her for being around me, but she didn't listened to her. One day…she came to me to say goodbye. She said that she can finally pursue her dream of seeing the return of the Crystal Empire with her own eyes. Seeing her go…was actually the third time in my life I felt great sorrow. The first time was the death of the mare that loved me like a son and I loved as a mother. The second time was the death of my friend, King Vorak. And now this…
Jack:
Then that means that you will help me?
Past Discord:
I'm…I'm sorry, Jack. But if it's true what the Village Elder said about her…not even my magic can undo what Sombra did to her. I wish that it wasn't like that, but…
Jack:
(Furious, Disappointed)
I see. The Personification…The Spirit Of Chaos And Disharmony Is Nothing But A Miserable Clown Pretending To Be A God, But In Reality You Are Nothing But A Filthy Farce!!! I Should Have Never Come Here! You Miserable Wretch!!!
Past Discord:
Jack! I really want to save her! I want to do the impossible for her! I am willing to do anything for her!!
Jack:
(Distraught, Crying)
THEN DO SOMETHING!!!
Past Discord:
I'm sorry…but what you ask…not even the gods can save her.
Jack:
Looks Like What Everyone Says About You Is True…YOU ARE FREAKING USELESS!!!
Shadow couldn't believe what he was seeing, what he was hearing: his father, Jack's emotions completely out of control and in full display on how he truly feels. Blaze looks at Shadow thinking to himself that this was Jack true self and this Diary Crystal is a true admission that what Blaze believed about Jack was True All Along…Jack truly loved both Stardust Memory and Shadow. As For Luster, she herself can't control her own emotions as she is torn upon seeing the Stallion she looks up to being this emotional as she sobs seeing this.
Past Discord:
Jack…
Jack:
I don't want to hear it! I'm out of here!
Past Discord:
Listen to this advice, please!
Jack:
WHAT!?
Past Discord:
Stardust…she doesn't have much time, right? Go to her and get to meet your son. Once she is gone and you never meet your son…he will hate you for the rest of your life. So please…
Jack:
He will hate me even more if I can't save his mother's life. I won't go back until I have found a way.
Past Discord:
You…will regret this decision, Jack. But before you leave…what's the name of your son?
Jack:
Platinum Shadow.
At that moment the Diary Crystal powers down with Shadow's emotions in a flurry that he can't make out what he is truly feeling: Disappointment? Hatred? Disgust? Offended? Sadness? Respect? Understanding?
Discord:
Shadow…
Shadow:
(Uncontrollable Fury)
Don't! I Don't Want To Hear It!!!
Blaze:
You really knew Shadow's mother?
Discord:
(Deep Sadness)
............…
Luster:
(Crying)
Oh, Jack. Oh, Shadow…I…I…
Shadow:
I'm out of here. I'm going to bed and forget that this day ever happened. Luster! Tell Diamond Tiara that I won't be there today due to a personal issue. And if you tell anyone about this--
Luster:
But Shadow--
Shadow:
MY LIFE ISN'T ANYONE'S BUSINESS!!!
Luster:
(Emotionally Destroyed)
............…
Blaze:
(Saddened, Disappointed, Thinking, Furious)
I know Shadow's hurting and hurting bad…Worse Than Ever. but that doesn't give him the right to lash out at Luster like that. I will have a long talk with him tomorrow about this. Right now…he needs to calm down and check his emotions. Even I would be shaken like him after learning something like this. Any creature would. This is something that no creature should experience. I…wouldn't wish this even to my worst enemy…
As Shadow, Blaze and Luster leaves Chaosville, the equally emotionally unstable Discord snaps his fingers and teleports out of Chaosville…
Scene 9.2: Canterlot [Twilight's Throne Room] 3:10 PM
Discord appears in Twilight's Throne Room with sad look on his face that he appears that he is going to do something reckless and unethical. Worried on seeing Discord like this which is extremely out of character for Discord, Twilight orders every creature to leave them alone. The only ones in the Throne Room are Twilight, Gallus and Spike.
Twilight:
(Worried)
Discord!? Are you alright!? You look terrible! What happened!?
Discord:
(Sad Chuckle)
I'm glad to have friends like you, Twilight…I really do.
Spike:
(Worried)
Discord…?
Discord:
I'm here to tell you…my report on Shadow as I promised.
Twilight:
It's a little too early for that, but something must have happened for you to make the report this early. Let me call Celestia, Luna and Star Swirl--
Discord:
No! This is something they should be left out! No matter what!
Twilight:
Discord…?
Discord tells everything that happened today: The CMCs interactions, his New Friendship with Diamond Tiara, but when Shadow arrived in Chaosville, everything changed. Blaze and Luster appearance, Jack(?) interfering when the young-lings were being attacked by a Chaos Cannibal and everything about the Diary Crystal including the information within. After hearing everything about what happened in Chaosville including details about Jack and Shadow's Mother, Stardust Memory; Twilight, Spike and Gallus were horrified on learning the truth about Shadow's Parents.
Spike:
(Shocked)
I…I really feels sorry for Shadow. I knew he suffered all of his life, but…this is way too much.
Gallus:
I knew he was an angsty kid…but wow…this is just…there are no words to describe what's going on with him and his family.
Twilight:
I have met Stardust Memory a few times, but we rarely interacted because of my ignorance that studying was more important than making friends. There were times I saw her with Celestia and…I actually felt jealous because…Celestia was always happy when Stardust was around. But every time I showed up, she would leave the room as she whispered to me: "It's your turn now". At first I didn't understand what she meant, but as time went on…I learned what she meant. One day I did what I never thought I would. I made Celestia laugh. I felt so proud of it that I looked for Stardust so I can…tell her thank you and I was sorry for me being jealous of her. But I couldn't find her anywhere until Shinning Armor told me that she had been transferred to a new location and it was her and Cadance that recommended him for the position of Captain of the Royal Guard and…she left a message to me with him with just one word: "Congratulations!" It was like she knew what was going to happen that day. But…the way it was written…it felt that none of us would ever see her again.
Discord:
The way she said goodbye to me that day. She looked like it was going to be her last goodbye…One day I felt a great power…it was Shadow succumbing to the darkness in his heart. I traveled to his village to see what happened…I...I saw…Stardust in her…I wish I could have done something for her.
Twilight:
(Saddened)
Thank you, Discord. Please…keep an eye on Shadow and tell us if there are more changes in his mood…And I'm sorry…
Discord:
I know you and Stardust weren't that close Twilight, but I know you actually--
Twilight:
I do…I only wish we were more than we were back then. I will tell--
Discord:
NO, TWILIGHT!!! YOU CAN'T TELL CELESTIA ABOUT STARDUST!!!
Spike:
(Shocked)
Discord…
Twilight:
Discord. Stardust was Celestia's friend. She has a right to--
Discord:
Answer me this, Twilight: how would you feel if some creature was close to you, like very close…this creature went through heck and back and back again just to fulfill a lifelong dream. You give this creature his/her wish only to suffer a fate like this. How would you feel if it happened to you!? How deep will your regret will eat you away because of it? Celestia might look like a Strong and Independent Mare, but in reality she's far more emotionally frail than you think. She has loved and lost for far too long…Stardust was no ordinary Pegasus. She was Special. A descendant of a survivor of Timbucktu, a very gifted flier, a genius in her own right and…the most…Imagine my shock…When I learned that she was Shadow's mother. Every Fool And Their Mothers All Compare Shadow To Jack But All Of Them Are Horribly Wrong…Shadow Actually takes After His Mother, Stardust Memory. I witnessed it as I monitored him all day today and it hurt far too much I couldn't contain my emotions. I know Shadow will hate me for saying this to him, but…I have been keeping Tabs on Shadow ever since I found out about his connection to Stardust…every decision, every action, every emotion, every single thing he has ever done…It is something Stardust would do. I mean…he even thinks he can reform Cozy Glow when every creature before him have tried and failed…that includes me.
Twilight:
You think…he can succeed in reforming her?
Discord:
If Celestia have given Stardust the chance of reforming me, I believe she would have succeeded. Too late for take backs anyway. As I see…Shadow have Jack's Intellect, but he possess Stardust's Heart. That combination…gives Shadow so much potential. But…that potential is on a balance scale of morality. Too Much Darkness…Shadow will become the biggest threat we have ever seen. Far worse than anything that have came before.
Spike:
So we must nurture his light.
Discord:
(Shakes His Head)
No. Too Much Light will still push Shadow to commit himself to evil. His Chaos Magic has the power to twist the light in his heart and turn it into something horrible. In order to keep Shadow from becoming a threat to himself and the world, his heart must nurture both Light and Darkness in Perfect Balance. You see…Chaos Creatures like me, Jack and Shadow…we need to keep both Light and Darkness in Balance. Remember when I tried to act "Normal" when I invited Fluttershy for the first time to my home? I almost disappeared because I went against my Chaotic Nature.
Spike:
But Shadow is a Pony, not a Draconequus. You might be Chaos Creatures, but you are from different types of Chaos Creatures.
Discord:
It's true that we are different. Chaos Magic works differently depending on the type of Chaos Creature. As A Draconequus…if I go against my nature, I will disappear from existence, but a Chaos Pony that goes against their nature will become the Heralds of Destruction. No matter what alignment they favors over the other, the Chaos Magic will twist it in a very immoral way that none will ever see nor expect.
Twilight:
I…understand. One last question: You said you saw Jack today. How…how was he? As you said: Chaos Ponies are far more dangerous than any Chaos Creatures in the world. How dangerous we must rank Jack? Is he still our Friend or…is he planning something that should concern us?
Discord:
He said before he left: "Well done, Shadow. Grow strong…keep getting stronger…until you are ready to join me at our rightful place in this New Yet Flawed World Of Ours…" Those were his words and it worries me greatly on what he has planned for him.
Twilight:
Thank you, Discord. I promise not to tell Celestia about Stardust Memory.
Discord:
(Senses Magical Disturbance)
Of course you won't…because she has been eavesdropping on us for a long while. Isn't that right, Celestia?
To Twilight's, Spike's and Gallus' shock, both Celestia and Luna comes out of their hiding spot right behind Twilight's Throne with Luna saddened on hearing everything that was said, but Celestia…her eyes are swollen and red, and her face ruined due to all of the tears she have shed upon learning everything about Shadow's Origin and worse…The Mare She Loved As A Friend, A Partner, A Confidant, A Step-Sister, A Daughter…Is No More…
To Be Continued…