Episode 18: (Apple Bloom Arc) Birth Of Darkness

Scene 18.0: Underworld, Exact Location: Unknown, Time: Unknown, Day 16 Of 365

Luster wakes up in a very strange location surrounded by darkness and wonders where is she, suddenly she hears Shadow fighting against someone and much to her shock she sees him fighting against Lord Thanatos and she sees him struggling against the God of Death. Fearing for him, Luster jumps in to help Shadow, but…

Lord Thanatos:

(Furious)

YOU DARE INTERFERE IN OUR SACRED DEBACLE!!!

Shadow:

(Furious)

WHAT IN TARTARUS ARE YOU DOING, LUSTER!?!?!?

Luster:

(Shocked)

But…Shadow…He was going to…

Shadow:

This is not a battle to the death!!! This is how Gods and Ancients Negotiate and you just insulted not only Lord Thanatos, But Me, the Gods and The Ancients as well!!!

Lord Thanatos:

I will not condone this insult!!! Platinum Shadow!!! You And Luster Dawn Return To Equestria!!! Apple Bloom's Fate Is Now Sealed!!! Begone From My Sight And My Domain!!! If You Return, There Will Be War With Not Just The Ancients, But You Foolish Mortals As Well!!! Tell Princess Twilight Sparkle And The Apple Family That Luster Dawn Is To Blame For The Death Of Apple Bloom!!!

Shadow:

Wait!!! Lord Thanatos!!!

Lord Thanatos:

I SAID BEGONE WITH YOU!!!

(Disappears In The Shadows)

Shadow:

(Glares At Luster With Evil Eyes)

You Only Had To Stay Put!!! That's What I Told You!!! I Told You If You Got Involved This Was Going To Happen!!! Thanks To You Apple Bloom Can't Be Saved Anymore!!!

Luster:

(Distraught, Crying)

Shadow…I'm…I'm…

Shadow:

I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!!! I Hope You Are Proud Of Yourself, Luster!!! I Hope The Princess And The Others Are Willing To Forgive You, Because I Don't!!! As The Element Of Life…I WILL NEVER FORGIVE ANYONE WHO CAUSES THE DEATH OF OTHERS!!!

???:

Luster…

Luster looks behind her and see all of her teacher and friends: all of them in sorrow, some of them unable to look at her while most of them are furious for destroying their one chance to save Apple Bloom.

Luster:

Everyone…

Apple Jack:

(Crying, Furious)

I…I oughta…

Rainbow Dash:

(Furious)

Don't Bother, AJ. She's not worth it. I can't believe you thought she had potential, Twilight. Some pony she turned out to be causing the Death of Apple Bloom. Come on, AJ. You don't need to see this Murderer anymore.

Luster:

(Saddened, Shocked, Distraught)

Murderer…? Me…? Apple Jack!! Rainbow Dash!!! I—

Pinkie Pie:

(Evil Expression)

Silence!!!

Luster:

(Saddened, Shocked, Distraught, Frightened)

............…

Pinkie Pie:

If you come anywhere near any of us, I won't be held responsible whatever happens to you. You might even be spirited away without any creature knowing.

Blaze:

You should have had more faith in Shadow, Luster.

Slipstream:

How can we trust you if you don't trust us!?

Luster:

Wait!! Let Me Explain—!!!

Princess Twilight Sparkle:

So you can twist the knife even more? Luster Dawn. We won't listen to your excuses of you causing the death of our friend. I am not only disappointed, but I am also ashamed that I trusted you with such an important task. I believed you would succeed…I believe in you…I HAD to Believe in you because of your Grand-Mare. But…I cannot allow this to continue. Luster Dawn. You are here by be vanished from Equestria…Never to return.

Luster:

Please Princess!! Let me—!!!

And with that, everyone left as they all turn their back on Luster. The sight of all of them hating her makes her fall in deep despair as an evil looking shadow in the shape of an Alicorn appears behind her as Luster starts to scream in sorrow as it laughs evilly.

Scene 18.1: Underworld, Mausoleum Of Hate, 7:50 AM

Luster's scream scares Shadow out of his sleep and rushes to her to wake her up.

Shadow:

(Worried)

LUSTER!!! WAKE UP!!! YOU ARE HAVING A NIGHTMARE!!!

Luster:

(Distraught, Sobbing Uncontrollably, Hugs Shadow)

OH, SHADOW!!! IT WAS HORRIBLE!!! EVERY CREATURE…EVERY CREATURE WAS FURIOUS AT ME!!! THEY HATED ME FOR…FOR…

Shadow:

There, there. Tell me what happened.

Luster:

(Shocked)

I…I…I DON'T REMEMBER…I DON'T REMEMBER THE NIGHTMARE!!!

Lord Charon:

............…

Luster:

I DON'T REMEMBER MOST OF IT!!! ALL I REMEMBER IS EVERYONE HATING ME!!!

Shadow:

Calm down, Luster. It was just a dream. There's no way anyone could hate you.

Luster:

But Shadow…

Shadow:

We are about to make port. You should eat something to calm down. I suggest some oats with cinnamon and honey.

Luster:

Alright…

While eating breakfast, Shadow notices that Luster isn't calming down and is still disturbed on what she saw in that nightmare. Even though she doesn't remember most of it, the feelings she experienced in there are too powerful, she was still crying while eating breakfast. Upon arriving at the port of the Mausoleum Of Hate, Shadow waited until Luster calmed down before proceeding to Lord Thanatos' Castle.

Shadow:

Feeling better, Luster?

Luster:

(Weakened & Exhausted Expression, Sad Smile)

Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go save Apple Bloom.

Shadow:

(Worried, Hiding Worries Behind Smile)

Alright! Let's go.

Lord Charon:

(Old Man Voice)

Before you head off, I need to speak with you, Platinum Shadow.

Shadow:

Sure, My Lord. What is it?

Lord Charon:

In private. It is very important.

Shadow:

As you wish. Stay here, Luster. I'll be back soon.

Luster:

Alright…

Shadow hops into Lord Charon's boat and moves away from Luster as their stalker still flies to a nearby vantage point to observe everything from a distance.

Shadow:

Is something wrong, Lord Charon?

Lord Charon:

(Deep Demonic Voice)

Luster Dawn's Resolve is faltering faster than anything I have ever seen while the power and influence of the Alicorn Amulet is growing.

Shadow:

I didn't use my Aura Sight because my eyes gain an evil glow and I didn't want to traumatize Luster even more.

Lord Charon:

You can do so now that we are far away enough for her to notice.

Shadow:

Alright.

Shadow uses his Aura Sight and sees 2 Auras surrounding Luster, one small and one large. The small one belongs to Luster as her aura is weakening while the large aura is growing and in the shape of an Alicorn as the evil eyes of this large aura stares right back at Shadow that even their Stalker noticed this Evil Aura's Intentions.

Lord Charon:

You noticed.

Shadow:

(Surprised, Worried)

Was that…The Essence Of The Alicorn Amulet?

Lord Charon:

Indeed. It seems Luster Dawn's Destiny Is Accelerating.

Shadow:

What do you mean?

Lord Charon:

I am not allowed to reveal that, you will see it for yourself soon enough. But what I am allowed to tell you this…Alchemus created the Alicorn Amulet in order for him to become an Alicorn.

Shadow:

That's really irresponsible of him. First off: he needs to earn the right to be one; and Second: He's a stallion. If he became an Alicorn, he would become a Child of Ares. And if I know my history, Alchemus' Unicorn Magic has always been subpar that he is as weak as a foal. Even though he is a Child of the Ancients, Alchemus never had the potential to be an Alicorn.

Lord Charon:

His Magic was that weak, but his intellect rivals that of even Gusty The Great that is how he became her student along with Star Swirl The Bearded. The reason he wanted to be an Alicorn is that he fell in love with an Alicorn who was younger than him. If he were to be an Alicorn, then they could be together, for Alicorns can live for eternity.

Shadow:

So that Aura is Alchemus?

Lord Charon:

No…Alchemus' Soul has already been reincarnated into another body. That Aura was created by all of the Evil of Ponies wishing to be an Alicorn…Nay, To Be The Most Powerful Alicorn Of All That They Want To Surpass Celestia, The Ancients And Us Gods. That Evil Influence Is Now Sentient With A Will To Call "Her" Own.

Shadow:

Her?

Lord Charon:

The Entity of the Amulet Gained Sentience After Being Worn By Trixie Lulamoon. Her Emotions Were So Strong, they were imprinted onto the amulet's will. Now that the Alicorn Amulet Has Powerful Emotions Infused Into It, Now It Desires A Compatible Body In Order To Be A Living Being in Her Own Right.

Shadow:

But if she takes over Luster's Body, then Luster…

Lord Charon:

…Will Die. In order for something that was never meant to exist to come into existence, someone must die.

Shadow:

I don't take kindly of you or anyone saying that. All life, whether they were meant to be or not, deserve to live. That Includes My Sister who gave up her life to save us all deserved to live with my mom after stopping Trotter 40 Moons Ago.

Lord Charon:

Starry Night.

Shadow:

Yes…A Little Filly created by Trotter to destroy the Element of Life.

Lord Charon:

Let us digress back into our current situation.

Shadow:

It's for the best.

Lord Charon:

In a way…the Entity of the Alicorn Amulet can be considered the Daughter of Trixie Lulamoon in the same vein as Starry Night is your Older Sister being an Anti-Form of Your Mother, for this Entity has imprinted in the Darkness of her Heart. However…Luster Dawn has also imprinted herself into this Entity. The Alicorn Amulet is now an amalgamation of both Trixie Lulamoon and Luster Dawn.

Shadow:

So there's a way for me to—

Lord Charon:

Be forewarned, Platinum Shadow. Not all Entities are like Starry Night. Reform will not be possible for this one. It is like trying to Reform both Nightmare Moon and Nightmare Rarity. Doing so will end the lives of both Princess Luna and The Element of Generosity.

Shadow:

Where There's A Will, There Will Always Be A Way.

Lord Charon:

You Bearers of the Element Of Life are so Naïve when it comes to saving those that cannot be saved.

Shadow:

We'll Never Know If We Don't Try. Thanks for the warning on the Alicorn Amulet. I will take it from here.

Lord Charon:

Pray to your Ancestors that you do not regret the failing in saving those you cannot save.

Shadow:

I will keep that in mind. I'll fly back to Luster. You can go back to your duties, my lord.

Lord Charon:

Mark My Words, Platinum Shadow…Even The Element Of Life Do Not Have The Power To Save Everyone.

Shadow:

Then I will tread carefully…

(Stern Stare)

…and prove you wrong.

Shadow flies back towards Luster, disgruntled with Lord Charon's final words as Shadow now fully embraces his duties as the Element Of Life now more than ever as he worries how to approach Lord Thanatos without jeopardizing Apple Bloom's life. As Shadow and Luster walks around Lord Thanatos' Domain, they see Gothic Statues, Architecture and Clothing as most of the creatures there are wearing skull masks of all kinds but are made of clay as they hear screams of agony on certain location, but can't see the torture happening as it is being done behind closed doors. Luster is deeply frightened by all this but Shadow is not phased by all of this.

Luster:

How can you stand all of this?

Shadow:

Because I already lived through this in the Chaotic Void. When a Child of the Ancients accepts to be a Disciple of the Ancients, we are taught to strengthen our minds and steel our hearts from this when we are in the Underworld. We can voice our concerns anywhere we want in the world, but in a domain ruled by a God, there we cannot do or say anything.

Luster:

I see…so Gods can get away with anything.

Shadow:

Because they take responsibility for their own actions. All living beings will evade responsibility because they are all scared of the consequences. We all make mistakes. Running away from responsibility when we make such mistakes will only make the consequences even worse than before. For example…Trotter. She always thought she was perfect and do no wrong. Look at what that brought her. An Out of Control Evil Narcissist who wants to avoid the consequences of her irresponsible actions brought her here.

Luster:

She's…here!?

Shadow:

If I close my eyes and focus, I can hear her voice begging to stop her just desserts. But I won't be doing that. Because if I take delight in her suffering, I will be no different than her.

Luster:

(Evil Sadistic Expression, Evil Eyes)

I envy you, Shadow. I couldn't do that. After all that I know about Trotter now…I don't mind seeing her suffer right now.

Shadow:

That way of thinking always create more creatures like Trotter. I beg of you, Luster…stop thinking like that. For everyone's sake…

Luster:

(Saddened)

I'm sorry, Shadow. I think the Amulet is getting to me.

Shadow:

The sooner we get this done, the sooner you can take that off. Remember that only you can remove the amulet. No one can do it.

Luster:

I'll be careful. As soon as I notice something is wrong, I'll take it off as fast as possible.

Shadow:

I am trusting you with this, Luster. I believe in you to do the right thing.

Luster:

Thank you, Shadow.

Shadow smiles at Luster as they continue to the castle at the center of the domain. Once they arrive, Luster is taken aback on the wonderful one-of-a-kind architecture of the Gothic Castle as the details are not as disturbing as the ones around the domain, but it is more artistic in a classic way and the details of the castle resembles creative genius of her favorite writers like Edgar Allan Pony and H. Pony Lovecart as they are greeted by a Unicorn Skeleton Butler which surprises Shadow on how Luster is not scared when she meets the skeleton, but excited instead. As they make their way to Lord Thanatos' Throne, Luster looks more calm and happy as they move towards the meeting which Shadow is happy for her. As they arrive at Lord Thanatos' Throne which is also his Garden filled with both Pink and Black Roses and much to their surprise, Apple Rose is next to him who she is just as surprised, but also sad to see both Shadow and Luster. But knowing that talking to Rose directly will spark an incident, Shadow bows to Lord Thanatos who is sitting on his throne wearing not only his Black Cloak, but his Royal Gold Jewelry in his True Form; and Shadow hints to Luster to bow too and she does as their Stalker keeps his distance and hides in the shadows in order not to be spotted by Lord Thanatos as he can sense the life force of all living beings around him.

Shadow:

(Bows In Respect)

Thank you for granting an audience to us, Lord Thanatos. God of Death; Ruler of the Mausoleum of Hate And Master Of Our Final Destiny.

Lord Thanatos:

We finally meet, Platinum Shadow. Child of the Ancients. Son Of Stardust Memory And Bright Courage.

Shadow:

Bright Courage? I thought his name is Jack-Of-All-Trades.

Lord Thanatos:

Jack-Of-All-Trades is his name in Equestria. His name among the Alicorns of Arcadia and The Ancients is Bright Courage. So it is only natural you are born into that body.

Luster:

So it's true. Jack is an Ancient and is truly an Alicorn.

Lord Thanatos:

You actually believed that Stardust Memory was the Alicorn between them? No…Stardust Memory is a Descendant Of One and as a descendant, she has the potential to bring an Alicorn into this world so long as she mates with a Pony with High Levels of Magic or is an Alicorn. The One you call "Flurry Heart" is an example of this. Cadance is the direct descendant of Princess Amore Of The Crystal Empire whose Magic was considered The Second of the Most Powerful Unicorn in All Of Equestria with Star Swirl The Bearded being The Most Powerful Unicorn. Cadance was a Pegasus before becoming Alicorn, but her potential to be one was already there. Then we have Shining Armor. His family lineage was always gifted in Magic considering who his and Princess Twilight Sparkle's Ancestor is: A Prominent Alicorn from Arcadia.

Luster:

(Highly Curious, Excited, Sparkling Eyes)

Really!? Who Was It!?

Lord Thanatos:

That was…

Luster:

That was!?

Lord Thanatos:

…Not Important. If you want to know who was this Alicorn, you need to do the work yourself.

Luster:

(Saddened, Disappointed)

That was really mean of you. Shadow! Lord Thanatos is being mean!

Shadow:

(Face-Hoof, Annoyed Sigh)

What did you expect from the Gods and Ancients, Luster? They all use the "Not Important" Joke Traditionally like a Running Gag. Please continue, my lord.

Lord Thanatos:

With the Fusion of Cadance's heritage with Shining Armor's, Flurry Heart came to be. Some details like the Birth of Alicorns can be explained with the right history research. Something Celestia and Luna did not do their due diligent research on. But we are not here to talk about distant past events affecting immediate current events. We are here to discuss the situation surrounding my Daughter and Apple Bloom.

Shadow:

I know I am not allowed to speak to her without your permission, so allow me to make a statement.

Lord Thanatos:

Granted.

Shadow:

I was unaware of her emotional turmoil and I will admit that I pushed the subject a little too hard I did not considered how much she was suffering. For that, I apologize profusely and will accept any punishment you deem worthy, but I beg of you…do not punish Apple Bloom for my mistake.

Rose:

(Thinking, Surprised, Crying, Saddened)

Shadow…

Lord Thanatos:

(Stern Look)

............…

Luster:

(Worried)

............…

??? (Stalker):

(Hiding In The Shadows)

............…

Lord Thanatos:

Let us hear your side of the story. If the story matches with what I know, I will consider the options.

Shadow:

Thank you, My lord. Luster. Whatever happens, I need you to stay put. If you get involve in any way, Lord Thanatos will see this as an insult and Apple Bloom will not live to see tomorrow, literally. You understand?

Luster:

(Shocked, Flashes Back To Dream [Furious Shadow])

Ye…Yes Shadow…

Shadow:

(Worried)

Are you alright, Luster?

Luster:

(Shocked, Trying to Stay Calm)

I'm…I'm fine…just…just be careful…

Shadow nods at her with a smile as he tells Lord Thanatos all that has happened 6 days ago as Luster can't help but feel Déjà Vu on what is happening and is scaring her deeply as she feels that this will end badly for everyone and is going to destroy her life as the evil aura from the Alicorn Amulet gets even stronger. After telling Lord Thanatos all that has happened, Lord Thanatos looks at Rose and notices that Shadow not once lied in his recount on her reaction; he stands from his throne and walks towards Shadow and Luster.

Lord Thanatos:

Platinum Shadow. Luster Dawn. You speak the truth. I commend you for telling me the complete and honest truth. If you were normal mortals, I would just start negotiations the way mortals normally do. But Platinum Shadow is a Child of the Ancients and Luster Dawn is his Counterpart that both of you will create a future filled with Both Chaos and Harmony Creatures. A World of Pure Freedom and Hope. Even your offspring will either possess Chaos or Harmony Magic. Only a few of them will be a Hybrid like yourself, Platinum Shadow.

Luster:

(Surprised)

How—?

Shadow:

Don't ask, Luster. We are not meant to know details about the Future. This is what Gods do to motivate mortals to look forward to the Future. They will tease us about it, but will never reveal how said future will come about.

Lord Thanatos:

Platinum Shadow is Correct. The Future will not become reality if you already knows what will come about and how to deal. You will never grasp the wisdom you will obtain from such Trials and Tribulations.

Shadow:

Think of it as a Cheat Sheet. Knowing about the Future and acting on such knowledge will cause more harm than good.

Lord Thanatos:

Princess Twilight Sparkle tried to do just that only for her past self to not allow her to explain the situation. This is the price of said actions. But I digress…As the Beacons that will reshape the Future, I challenge you to a Duel of Honor, Platinum Shadow. The winner will ask anything of the defeated and there are no limits on what to ask except that you are only allowed to ask for only 1 thing. Make sure to make the request count.

Shadow:

Very Well. Luster. Remember what I said. Whatever happens, I need you to stay put. Got it?

Luster:

Yeah…I promise.

Shadow:

By the way…as soon as we got here, you seem to have calmed down a little. Why is that?

Luster:

(Smiling)

This castle looks just like my favorite authors described in their books. I was amazed that this type of place I thought was fiction actually exists in real life.

Shadow:

Some locations in fiction do exist around the world. You just need to know where to find them. Sometimes we just get lucky. Lord Thanatos! I will fight you with everything I have.

Lord Thanatos:

I will hold you to that, Platinum Shadow.

Shadow and Lord Thanatos stare each other down as they ready themselves for battle; but Luster is still feeling uneasy about all of this because of her nightmare she barely remembers.

Phase 1:

Vs. God Of Death Thanatos

Both Shadow and Lord Thanatos are in a standoff, waiting for one of them to make the first move as they look at each other closely on who starts to twitch first. With nothing happening, everyone is restless waiting for the fight to start. As his patience wears out, Shadow and Luster's Pursuer snaps and causes a loud noise resembling small explosion which forces both Shadow and Lord Thanatos to engage in battle with each other. As the fight commence, both of them are fighting with each other and the look on their faces make it seem that they are enjoying themselves; but Luster is downright nervous, she is even hyperventilating discreetly so not to worry Shadow. However the Aura from the Alicorn Amulet is now taking hold on Luster as it starts whispering to her and using its dark magic, warping Luster's vision and seeing what she fears instead of the truth. Slowly but surely, Luster's Eyes starts to glow in an evil light with fear and sorrow in her eyes as she starts seeing the illusion of Shadow heavily injured and losing as the voice taunts Luster on how it all ends and how everyone will blame her for all this if she allows Shadow to not only lose, but die which will also cause Apple Bloom to die. These taunts by the Spirit of the Alicorn Amulet gets to Luster that she snaps and attacks Lord Thanatos. Shadow calls to her and remembers what Lord Charon told him as he uses his Aura Sight to see Luster and the Amulet's Auras and it is as he fears, Luster's Aura is shrinking that it is surrounding her body like a layer of clothing while the Alicorn Amulet's Aura is almost the same size as Lord Thanatos himself.

Lord Thanatos:

(Furious)

YOU DARE INTERFERE IN OUR SACRED DEBACLE!!!

Shadow:

LORD THANATOS!!! WAIT!!! ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN!!!

Lord Thanatos:

I will not condone this insult!!!

Shadow:

Luster is being taken over by the Alicorn Amulet!!!

Lord Thanatos:

(Shocked)

WHAT!?!?!?

Rose:

(Scared)

He's telling the truth, my lord!!! I can sense her magic shifting!!!

Lord Thanatos:

(Evil Eyes [Aura Sight Skill])

It's true...LUSTER DAWN!!! REMOVE THE ALICORN AMULET THIS INSTANT!!! I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE UNDERWORLD!!! QUICKLY NOW!!!

Luster:

(Distraught, Sobbing Uncontrollably, Delusional, Evil Eyes)

I'm sorry…I'm sorry every creature…I…I didn't mean…I…I…

Shadow:

LUSTER!!!

??? (Male Voice):

(In Hiding)

It's no use. The Alicorn Amulet has recreated the nightmare she suffered this morning. Right now she is not seeing reality, but the horror she witness in her dream.

Shadow:

(Surprised)

That Voice!!! You are the one who took out Trotter!!! Show Yourself!!!

???:

Not yet! Right now you need to save our Beloved Luster Dawn.

Shadow:

How!? No one can remove the Alicorn Amulet except the one wearing it!!

???:

Lord Thanatos knows a way to remove it without Luster doing it herself.

Shadow:

What did you say!?

???:

(Evil Chuckle)

You'll find out soon enough. I believe you will save her. Once you do…I will reveal myself to you. Do not disappoint me…Brother…

With those last words, Shadow was annoyed but he needed to focus on saving Luster as she undergoes a shocking transformation as she scream in deep sorrow as a large green and black orb surrounds her, pushing everyone from going near her.

Phase 2:

The Newcomer

As her transformation ends, Luster looks like a Full Grown Alicorn now in the same vein as Princesses Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Cadance, Celestia and Luna; but her eyes are similar to Sombra when he was evil, her Mane has the similar intensity as Midnight Sparkle and Daybreaker and wearing Alicorn Battle Armor that Evil Alicorns wear like Nightmare Moon, Daybreaker, Cozy Glow and Queen Chrysalis; but this Evil Luster Dawn is wearing a Dark Blue Armor, Horseshoes and Crown-Like Tiara that borders close to black and her face has an Evil Maniacal look sporting an Evil Smile with Long Fangs and Bat Wings instead of the usual Pegasus Wings. Shadow is shocked to see Luster being taken over by the Alicorn Amulet, an amulet fueled by the anger, envy, sorrow and resentment of all who wore it before.

Shadow:

(Shocked, Worried)

Luster? Are you—?

Darkness Dawn:

(Evil Sneer, Mature Voice)

Luster? Luster is gone. I…Am Darkness Dawn. I am the fusion of the darkness in the hearts of all who wanted my power. The ones who have given life are my mothers Trixie Lulamoon and Luster Dawn. Trixie's Emotions were so Powerful, it gave birth to my consciousness meanwhile Luster Dawn's insecurities towards you, Platinum Shadow, has given me my body.

Shadow:

Luster is insecure about me!? You Lie!!!

Darkness:

(Evil Laughter)

I knew you were always naïve, but not dense. You must have noticed her being sad towards you at some point recently.

Shadow:

I did notice, but I had faith that she could pull through with time.

Darkness:

Luster and every creature around you are not you. Not all of them can fight the darkness alone like you and that is why I am now in control of her body.

Shadow:

I'm glad everyone thinks highly of me, but even I can't fight my own darkness alone. All I can do is keep it at bay for as long as I can. I will ask for help when I know I can't take it anymore. But right now Luster needs more attention than me.

Darkness:

That's what she told you last night if I remember correctly, but inversely.

Shadow:

I knew she was having a hard time yesterday as soon as I said I trust and believe in her and I still do trust and believe in her.

Darkness:

That naïveté is your biggest flaw, Shadow. You can't save Apple Bloom and You Can't Save Luster Anymore. She's gone now that I'm here. In order for me to exist, she must disappear.

Lord Thanatos:

She lies, Platinum Shadow. I can still sense her life-force still within her, but she is getting weaker.

Darkness:

(Fake Crying)

Are you both going to gang up on little o' me?

Lord Thanatos:

At the moment you are not a threat towards my domain, therefore I will not battle you. This is an affair between you and Platinum Shadow.

Shadow:

Thank you for allowing me to deal with this myself, my lord. Only I can save both Luster and Apple Bloom now.

Darkness:

(Evil Laughter Escalates To Maniacal Laughter)

Not only you are Naïve, but you are also very foolish. I Not Only Have The Power Of Both Me, The Soul Of The Alicorn Amulet And Luster Dawn's Hidden Potential; I Also Have The Intellect Of Both Trixie Lulamoon And Luster Dawn As Well As Their Tenacity. There's no way you can defeat me.

Shadow:

(Amused Scoff, Smiling)

You also have their Ego. Which means I have a chance to do my job.

Darkness:

(Annoyed)

Don't push your luck, boy! I am older than you.

Shadow:

No, you are not. If we have to measure Equestrian Years…Yes, you are older than me by a couple of years…just a couple. You were born because of Lady Trixie's strong emotions. No more, no less. If you compare the Real Luster Dawn and my age, we are the same age. But if we measure our age which also combine my time in the Chaotic Void, You Are Literally A Newborn Compared To Me.

Darkness:

Keep talking. The Angrier I Get The More Powerful I Become.

Lord Thanatos:

Platinum Shadow. As the voice said…there is a way for you and only you to remove the Alicorn Amulet from Luster Dawn. The reason for that I will reveal after you are victorious.

Darkness:

Impossible. None can remove me with the exception of myself which will never happen and Luster Dawn who at the moment is fading into the Shadow Realm as we speak.

Lord Thanatos:

(Mild Chuckle)

No. There Is Another.

Darkness:

(Annoyed Scoff)

I refuse to believe that. If you are speaking of Alchemus, he's gone and suffering in the Shadow Realm as we speak.

Lord Thanatos:

(Evil Smile)

Shadow:

(Thinking)

That smile…Alchemus is still…alive? No…Lord Charon said that he was reincarnated in a new body. So in a way he is alive, but not his original self. I wonder who he is now…

As Shadow looks at Darkness Dawn, he feels something familiar when he does: a deep sense of sorrow and regret, something he has never felt before except when his mother passed away. But he also notice something strange when he directly looks at the Alicorn Amulet: He Sees A Pony Looking Straight At Him. At first he thought it was his reflection, but soon he realize that the one he is seeing is none other than the Genius Alchemist, Alchemus as a powerful flash of light blinds him and appears in a different plane of existence with Alchemus standing before him.

Scene 18.Final: Location: Unknown, Time: Unknown

???:

(Smiling)

It Is An Honor To Finally Meet You, Platinum Shadow. Or Should I Say…It Is Good To See You Again…My Dear Oldest Friend…

To Be Continued…