Episode 5: Shadow’s Dilemma

Scene 5.0: Ponyville, Twilight's Castle, 6:27 PM, Day 2 of 365

At the dinner table, all of Shadow's friends, Smolder, Ocellus and the off-duty guards are getting ready for dinner that is being prepared by Shadow as they speak (By hoof without using his Unicorn Horn Magic), while in the kitchen Shadow is doing his cooking while at the same time having an argument with Starlight.

Starlight:

Let me get this straight. Smolder and the others are here because of your cooking?

Shadow:

Yeah, pretty much...You must have noticed that my cooking can be quite addicting. Would you pass me the red pepper seasoning, please?

Starlight:

Sure. Why aren't using your horn to get things done? It would be a lot faster.

Shadow:

Rule 1 Of The Kitchen: Food Made By Hoof Tastes A Lot Better Than Anything. Rule 2: Using Magic Makes Food Taste Very Odd. Rule 3: Always Keep The Secret Ingredient "Secret". And Lastly Rule 4: Never Deviate From The Recipe Unless If You Can Replace A Specific Ingredient. Rule 4 is by far my most practiced rule. For example…I don't use salt when I season the food I cook. I use a special seasoning that replaces salt and add a multitude of flavors.

Starlight:

That sounds interesting. What is that?

Shadow:

Remember Rule 3?

Starlight:

(Chuckles)

Now you are being mean.

Shadow:

(Smiling)

I don't like sharing my culinary secrets. Anyhoo...sorry about my friends and everyone else who is obsessed with my cooking. And...looks like everyone wants to move in just to have more of it every single day. So let me say...I suggest you don't let them.

Starlight:

For a moment there I thought you were going to vouch for them to stay. Why not?

Shadow:

I will be the first to admit that yes, they are royals and should be treated as such...in their own kingdoms where their titles are reinstated, not in Ponyville since they are here as students of the School Of Friendship. They have an obligation to their studies in order to learn how to rule with Harmony in their hearts. Spoiling them by giving them what they want when they want is never good, it stunts their psychological growth and turn them into corrupted rulers of their former failed regimes. In other words: Tough Love is the healthiest way to create a strong leader.

Starlight:

(Raising Her Left Eyebrow In Doubt)

And…?

Shadow:

(Notices Starlight's Skepticism, Clears Throat)

Also...you seen how addicted they are to my cooking. One day I won't be around to cook for them. I am asking you not to let them live here because of that too. They need to expand on their Taste Palates. They shouldn't settle with my cooking. Life is like the 3 Main Colors of life. They need to experience the wonders of the world beyond my cooking.

Starlight:

3 Main Colors? Don't you mean Life is like a Rainbow?

Shadow:

A Rainbow is an Optical Illusion. There are only 3 Colors that define everything. And those Colors are Blue, Red and Yellow.

Starlight:

Explain.

Shadow:

And you call yourself a Headmare. Alright...If you combine Red and Blue, you get Purple. Combine Red and Yellow, you get Orange. Combine Blue and Yellow, you get Green. Combine all 3 and you get Black. Alter the color temperature and you get a variety of colors. Cooling the 3 Combined Colors, which is Black will shift it to White. The cooler the temperature the brighter the colors become and the warmer the temperature, the darker it becomes. It's like what happens to our bodies when we get a Tan. Our colors get darker because we are exposed to a Warm Climate.

Starlight:

Are you always this logical?

Shadow:

To be honest...I try my best to be satirical.

Starlight:

I don't see the humor in your explanation.

Shadow:

That's the punchline.

Starlight:

(Chuckles)

Now I get it. It's your personality quirk.

Shadow:

(Humored Scoff)

Please don't tell anyone. Jokes are only meant to be heard, not explained.

Starlight:

So what's your favorite color?

Shadow:

To be honest: All 3: Red, Blue and Yellow. Because without them, there wouldn't be any color in our existence. I love how we all look in our respective colors. For example...I love my mom's colors. I bet...if she was at 100%...her mane...her coat...her wings...her tail...her eyes...all would look as glimmering as a Crystal Pony's. Not as shiny since she was a Normal Pegasus...Although...Her eyes weren't that normal...

Starlight:

What do you mean?

Shadow:

(Sad Chuckle)

Nothing...just talking to myself…

Starlight:

(Worried)

.....................…

Shadow:

(Smiling)

Anyhoo! I better get back to my cooking. We have a lot of mouths to feed…

(Annoyed)

Including a bunch of uninvited freeloaders.

Starlight:

Why not teach some creature your recipes?

Shadow:

Remember my Rule #3?

Starlight:

Always Keep The Secret Ingredient Secret?

Shadow:

Yep. Teaching someone my cooking style means that I have to reveal my Secret Ingredients. And I refuse to do so, so lightly. One of the Perks of traveling around the world is that I can perfect my techniques. I don't want to pass down my secrets to just anyone. I want to do so to someone I trust and can uphold my legacy. Up to this day, none have proven themselves worthy.

Starlight:

No one at all?

Shadow:

Nope. Anyhoo...I am willing to teach someone, but they need to be determined to not only to learn, but to live up to my highest yet unrealistic standards.

Starlight:

(Laughing)

At least you are honest that your standards are unrealistic.

Shadow:

Everyone, no exception have unrealistic standards. That's because we all have biases in our lives. The reason we overdo it with our delusional standards is because none of us trust anyone to take up our legacy. Some of us do it it out of malice, others do it because they don't care...but then there are creatures like the Princesses that do it because they want us to prove them wrong and surpass them so they are ready to pass the torch to us once we have proven ourselves to them.

Starlight:

I understand that better than any creature...although not to sour your image of the Princesses, but there are things they really aren't good at.

Shadow:

There's no such thing as Perfection in the Cosmos. I will admit that I look up to them, but I'd be a delusional fool if I thought they were Perfection Incarnate.

Starlight:

You are really a unique stallion, Platinum Shadow.

Shadow:

(Proud Smile)

I do my best. Now get out of here. I'm about to cook everyone's favorite dish. And I don't want you spoiling my concentration...especially when I get in the "Zone".

Starlight:

Alright. I get it. Have fun. By the way: when everything will be ready?

Shadow:

Desserts will be out in 10 to 15 minutes, but the dinner will be out in 30 minutes. But the appetizers will be out in a few minutes.

Starlight:

Why serve desserts first?

Shadow:

Eating Desserts First and Dinner Last creates a healthy eating habit that helps the body burn food faster than the other way around. Our body's digestive system slows down during the final stages and the last thing that was eaten is the last thing that is burned slowly. So the desserts eaten last is not a healthy way to go because of all that sugar. The reason this side of the world eats desserts for last is because since everyone has a sweet tooth and not everyone likes the taste of certain foods. In order to wash away the flavor of the food they didn't like, they used desserts.

Starlight:

Who taught you that?

Shadow:

My Mom...and after that I learned it from my First Teacher...and after that I learned it from my friends and other teachers from the Far East. Oh well, as they say: "You Learn Something New Everyday".

Starlight:

I'll...leave it up to you. I'm going to the dinning hall and wait.

Shadow:

(Thinking, Sighs)

The reason she up and left is because she can't wait for her sugar fix coming her way in the next few minutes. Oh, well...we all have our Vices. Anyways...how am I'm going to explain to everyone about my situation with my Chaos Magic is undergoing the Seesaw Effect. It's weird...ever since I got to this town...not only my magic, but a number of my skills and abilities have been drastically weakened. I wonder if that deadbeat also planned for all of this? My power placed under heavy limitations. Usually my power would rival that of Flurry Heart or even surpass her, but now I feel like that deadbeat placed restraints all over my body. I wonder what I need to do in order to get it all back. If this is his way to teach me humility, he's an idiot. I already treat everyone with the respect they all deserve...which differ per creature per personality per alignment. The perks of being able to see everyone's aura. Far less invasive than mind reading and not morally degrading...although it is partially intrusive since technically I am looking at their inner will. Anyways...I should talk with that crazy ancient about this first before telling anyone about this. I wonder...what day is it? We're on the first week of April...I hope that even me at my current power down, I don't lose control of my senses. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!

***

Scene 5.1: Ponyville, School Of Friendship [Starlight And Sunburst's Office], 11:55 AM

As Luster is following Slipstream, Shadow has just earned the respect of most teacher's in the room, especially Trixie, The Student Counselor.

Trixie:

So Shadow...you really are really gifted, especially since you are Jack's son.

Shadow:

(Annoyed)

I'm superior compared to that deadbeat. But I'm not holding it against you since now that everyone now knows or will find out I'm related to "Him", everyone will make the comparison to my great annoyance. So...I'm going to have to suck it up like a real man.

Trixie:

Actually I think you really are better than him. Jack is a Unicorn, but he always refused to use any type of magic. He would always say: Critical Thinking Always Win! Magic, Power, Strength, and everything else is good to have, but Critical Thinking is the most important skill to develop at an early age.

Shadow:

I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with him. Critical Thinking, Math and Economics are the most important skills to master. To be honest...No One Should Graduate School Unless They All Ace All 3 Subjects. But...I also believe we shouldn't neglects our special skills.

Trixie:

(Bragging)

Right! Right! What's the point in being smart if you are going to be a boring plank of wood. We all must embrace our talents but I also agree, We also need the next generation to be smarter too. But that's not what I was getting at. What are I'm trying to say is that Jack was as a Stick-In-The-Mud. Sure he was smiling and joking in public, but when he was in private, he was too serious. And what I want is to see how different you are compared to him.

Shadow:

I am not surprised. He does seem like a Two-Face Jerk when I didn't know he was my "Father". But yeah...I sometimes enjoy a little showboating every now and then.

Starlight:

(Worried)

Trixie…

Trixie:

(Smiling)

Don't worry, Starlight. I just want to see how good he is!

Shadow:

I don't mind. What do you want to see me do?

Trixie:

How about...Teleportation?

Shadow:

(Annoyed Sigh)

I have mastered the most complexes of spells, techniques, potions and everything else...but out of everything I have studied and successfully mastered...Teleportation is the ONLY Spell/Technique that I haven't mastered. I can use it of course, but only in a short distance burst.

Starlight:

How short of a distance?

Shadow:

About 3 to 6 meters give or take. I only use it to sidestep or dodge incoming attacks. I can't do long distance travel even though I have more than enough power to move to the other side of the world. I just didn't bother mastering it since I have Q with me. I feel I got spoiled and complacent relying heavily on my Blue Phoenix's Unique Skill. Anyhoo...I feel that once I start training with Discord, I think I will focus on mastering Teleportation. But I digress...don't you have another request to test my skills, Lady Trixie?

Trixie:

(Surprised, Blushing)

Lady..? Me?

Shadow:

It's in my nature to use honorifics on most adults I know.

Starlight:

I don't remember you using honorifics when you address me.

Shadow:

Honorifics is not the only sign of respect I give others. I have many way to show such respects.

Starlight:

Such as?

Shadow:

Well--

Smolder:

Actually it's complicated. Shadow is pretty unorthodox when explaining his reasoning about that.

Shadow:

(Nervous Smile, Notice Smolder Staring At Him)

Thanks For The Assist, Sis!

Smolder:

(Annoyed Sigh, Thinking)

Sorry, Starlight. But if you knew why Shadow gives certain adults honorifics, you would ask Trixie to stay away from him. And that reason is...Shadow Is Into Older Women so long as they are single. The reason he hasn't addressed you with an Honorific is because you have Sunburst. I need to talk to Shadow about this when I get the chance…

Trixie:

Well...if you can't do Teleportation that well...how about Stage Magic?

Shadow:

Stage Magic? By any chance are you "The Trixie"? "The Great And Powerful Trixie"? The Famous On-Road Stage Magician, Trixie? Daughter of Famous Las Pegasus Stage Magician, Jack Pot?

Trixie:

(Smiling)

So You Heard of Me?

Shadow:

(Blushing, Stopping Himself From Fanboying, Acting Serious, Cool & Suave)

I'm a Fan. To be honest I actually learned a few tricks from Jack Pot when I traveled to Las Pegasus. And I met your Mom, Spectacle not far from there.

Trixie:

(Worried)

What did they tell you?

Shadow:

That they are proud that you managed to make it big in life.

Trixie:

Is that all?

Shadow:

Well...Parents Will Be Parents. That's all I'm going say about the matter. Don't worry. I'm good at keeping secrets.

Smolder:

(Worried, Thinking)

Yes, Trixie. Shadow is a great confidant. Able to keep everyone's secrets hidden...But when it comes to his own secrets however...that's another story entirely. He's pretty reserve, but if you know where the soft spots of the argument are, you can have him tell you everything about himself.

Shadow:

Well...I know a lot of Stage Magic, but to keep this simple, I won't use any of the tricks that your dad taught me. I think I will do...levitation.

Trixie:

Levitation?

Shadow:

Yeah. There's a Stage Magician that flies around the stage as the opening and closing acts.

Trixie:

But doing that trick here, is not possible. There's not enough room for you to move around here.

Shadow:

I don't need to fly around the room. All I need to do is levitate up to the ceiling and do a few dance steps there.

Starlight:

So long as you don't leave any hoof marks.

Pinkie Pie:

HOLD IT!!!

Shadow:

What is it, Pinkamena?

Pinkie Pie:

Let Me Get Some Popcorn!

Shadow:

(Annoyed)

No…

Pinkie Pie:

(Sad, Pouting)

Oh, Pooh!

At that moment Shadow channels enough energy for him to reach the ceiling, however he is struggling to gather enough energy to put all 4 hooves let alone dance on the ceiling. Smolder who is the only one in the room is more familiar with Shadow that she notices that he is not himself, that he is not using his power like always do by showboating in the same manner as Discord. After placing all 4 of his hooves o the ceiling, in less than 20 to 27 seconds he slowly descends to the floor; however very discretely Shadow is sweating and is slightly out of breath, making sure no one notices his current weakness, but Smolder notices and is very worried about him.

Starlight:

Weren't you going to dance on the ceiling?

Shadow:

(Saving Face, Tired)

Nah! I feel I would make a mess on the ceiling or worse if I have overdone it and when it comes to me, I always overdo it. Well? What do you think, Lady Trixie?

Trixie:

That was Great! How much magic do you use just to levitate?

Shadow:

Just a fraction. About 2% or less...but that's on me since I'm used to doing it on a regular basis. If it's your first time or trying to master it, it will take a very heft amount. I think it takes around 50 to 54% of magic in order use it. But maintaining it will drain it by the second. The drain effect will either be severe of not depending on how much control you have over your magic pool. I have an extremely amount of Magic because of my control of both Harmony and Chaos Magic.

Sunburst:

(Surprised)

You have both Harmony and Chaos Magic!?

Shadow:

Yes. That's because I was born here in Equestria as a Normal Pony. My Chaos Magic surged when my mom passed away I awakened as a Chaos Pony. I can harness them both, but I can only use one of them at any given time. I can't use both of them at the same time, combine them or switch between them back and forward on any given time. I need to be on a certain state of mind in order to use either of them. I was born with Harmony Magic, but decided to settle for Chaos Magic as my Default Self.

Starlight:

So you need to adjust your personality in order to use either Magical Affinities.

Shadow:

Yes. In order to use Harmony Magic, I need to be more emotionally involved with everyone around me. I'm a Stallion! I refuse to lower myself to be a weakling. An Emotional Male, Is A Failure In All Aspects Of Life. That is why I made Chaos Magic my Default Magical Affinity. I need to be Strong In All Aspects Of Life. I attune my personality to a certain degree in order to be IN Control of my Chaos Magic instead of it being in control of me. If you don't strengthen your mind while harnessing any type of power, that power will corrupt you. As my first teacher taught me: "Power Corrupts, But Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". Anyhoo...if you don't mind I would like to go to work early at Sugar Cube Corner.

Starlight:

Alright! Good luck!

Shadow:

(Forced Smile)

Thanks!

As Shadow leaves the Headmare's Office, Smolder can't help but worry about him and as soon as he is out of sight from everyone, Shadow collapses exhausted and shocked that his powers have been weakened.

***

Back on the Present at Twilight's Castle's Dinning Room, everyone is not only loving the meal that Shadow cooked, they are savoring it since it has been too long since they ate that good and afraid they might never eat it again. As always there is someone that wants to engage in small talk.

Krystal:

So Aniki...what do you think of Ponyville?

Shadow:

It's all I imagined it would be. The Perfect Little Town.

Slipstream:

And with your skills, you will be making a killing in boosting your wealth.

Shadow:

Yeah, Pretty Much. But that's a bonus. My goal is to last the year so I can confront that deadbeat.

Blaze:

Are you going to slug him?

Shadow:

Obviously! But since he's going through a lot of trouble for me to play his game, I might as well let him explain himself on why he has done what he did to me and my mom…then I will slug him. And if his story sounds unpleasant from beginning to end, I will do far worse than just slugging him.

Blaze:

I'm hoping you won't go as far as to end him.

Shadow:

I will never cross that line. Anyone who will, suggest on doing or ask someone to actually do it...is scum and deserve to be locked up in an Asylum...not just any Asylum, but a Special Asylum that focuses on Reform than Contain.

Gatz:

You believe every creature can be Reformed?

Shadow:

Impossible. Every Normal Creature Is Capable Of Reforming. But Monsters like Grogar, Tirek, Chrysalis and their ilk can never be reformed.

Luster:

You didn't include Cozy Glow in that list.

Shadow:

Cozy Glow is a misguided filly. If...if I didn't receive the guidance of all of my teacher, my role models and…

(Smiling)

You...my Friends and Family...I might have ended up in the same dark and misguided path as Cozy Glow. I truly believe she can be Reformed. And to be honest...I would volunteer to help her do so. But I feel I do not have enough credentials to be allowed to do the deed.

Florid:

What You Talking About, Shadow?

Shadow:

I'm famous for all the wrong reasons. Long Story Short: I'm A Famous Two-Face Jerk. I'm NOT A Hero. I'm NOT Selfless. I'm NOT Unbiased. I'm all the opposite. I'm Biased, I'm Selfish And I'm An Anti-Hero. And we all know: Anti-Heroes Are Morally Ambiguous Same As Anti-Villains. Heroes And Villains Are Morally Biased. Heroes Are Highly Moral while Villains are Highly Immoral. Anti-Heroes Are Chaotic Good While Anti-Villains Are--

Everyone:

--Chaotic Evil!

Shadow:

(Disappointed Sigh)

No...Anti-Villains Are Chaotic Neutral. They are Neither Good Nor Evil; They Want To Save The World By Destroying The Current One. That point of view can be an Extremely Grey Area. That's the motivation of an Anti-Villain. The Destruction of the World could be done in one of two ways: 1 – Destroying the Status Quo. A Process That Requires Years Of Planning To Pull Off. And 2 – Destroying The Roots Of What They Consider Corruption. Governments, Ideology, Economy, Culture, Etc. However in this day in age, Anti-Villains like that will never exist in current times. The Reason for that is...there's nothing wrong with Princess Twilight And The Council Of Friendship's Rule Over Equestria. Anyone calling themselves an Anti-Villain attacking Equestria now are NOT Anti-Villains. They are Full-Blown Villains. Anyhoo...since you guys are my friends...I need to tell you something.

Everyone:

???

Shadow:

Before I make my announcement, Don't worry Starlight. I won't disclose what we talked in your office. With that said...you all know I was called to Starlight's Office at lunch, right? Well, that was for me to take a special test in order to determine which classes I need take and which classes I don't. And the only classes I need to take are Only 3 Classes. Since I have only 3 Classes to take, that means that I only need to attend half a school day. The other half I will be with Discord learning to improve my Chaos Magic. Of course there will be days Discord won't be able to teach me what he knows since all teachers, no exception always have important affairs to sort at random occasions. On days like that, I will be working early on one of my many jobs in town.

Blaze:

I'm not surprised. Unlike Us, you have traveled all over the world and have real world experience. Of course you'll ace the test with ease. But…

Shadow:

But?

Blaze:

I know you Shadow. You aced the test, but you need to take 3 of 7 Classes that are available in the school? I'm not buying it. With your talents and knowledge, you don't need to be at the school. So why?

Shadow:

I feel that I need to take remedial lessons on certain topics on Friendship. Like Laughter, Honesty and Kindness.

Gatz:

You are pretty honest yourself, Shadow.

Yavish:

Shadow Really Funny too!

Luster:

And I have seen first hoof how kind you are, Shadow...although you could really work on your tact if you don't mind me saying.

Shadow:

I'm not only taking those classes as a refresher remedial lessons, but I'm also trying to befriend Apple Jack, Fluttershy and…

(Shutters)

...Pinkamena…

Starlight:

(Curious)

I need to ask again: Why Are You So Scared Of Pinkie Pie?

Shadow:

(Pale in Fear)

You Wouldn't believe Me Even If I told You.

Starlight:

Try Me.

Shadow:

(Squeaky Voice, Crossing His Fore-Hooves In Front Of Him)

No Thanks! I Don't Want To Go There!!!

Everyone:

(Thinking, Worried, Curious)

What In The Heck Got Shadow So Spooked About Pinkie Pie?

An hour later, everyone just finished dinner and politely, Shadow starts picking up the dishes off the table so he can do the dish washing. Smolder stands up from the table…

Smolder:

Hey, Shadow! You don't mind if I help you with the dishes?

Blaze:

(Noticed Smolder's Out-Of-Character Request)

You don't mind if I join in too?

Shadow:

No, I don't. Why are you volunteering?

Smolder:

Isn't you who always tells everyone "I Cooked The Food. You Should Repay Me By Doing The Dishes"?

Shadow:

(Distrusting Expression)

Rrriiight…Fine, I can use the help.

Krystal:

I want to help too, Aniki!

Shadow:

Sorry Krystal, but Dish Washing is a 2 Creature Job. I'm letting Blaze join in because I need someone to wash the giant cauldron in the Kitchen.

Everyone:

(Surprised)

There's A Giant Cauldron In The Kitchen!?

Starlight:

There has always have been a cauldron in the kitchen, every creature.

Shadow:

Not the one I used. The one I used is from my private collection, since you didn't have one that met my standards. Actually...most utensils I used are from my private collection.

Starlight:

(Annoyed)

Why didn't you use the ones we own?

Shadow:

One Of My Cooking Advises I Always Give Out For Free: The Utensils You Use Can Also Determine How Good Food You Make Will Turn Out. I'm not used to cooking using your utensils, so I used mine which I how they work. Always use your own toys if you want to create a work of art. But that rule doesn't work in competitions since you are forced to cook with the utensils they provide you. But don't be sad Krystal, I promise we will spend time together soon enough.

Krystal:

Okay, Aniki!

Shadow:

Laters!

Scene 5.2: Ponyville, Twilight's Castle (Kitchen), 7:49 PM

As Shadow, Smolder and Blaze are doing the dishes, Smolder is staring at Shadow trying to piece what is out of place in him since she saw him before he left to work at Sugar Cube Corner. While Blaze is wondering what is going on with both Shadow and Smolder.

Smolder:

Alright Shadow...What's going on with you?

Shadow:

Whatever do you mean, Sis?

Smolder:

I know how powerful you are, Shadow. Even with every capable Dragon facing off against Volcanus during his Revolt, only you managed to actually hurt him and you were just a Colt at the time.

Shadow:

Your Point?

Smolder:

Today you said you would dance on the ceiling once you levitated up there. But...you didn't. When I looked at you closely, you looked like you were struggling. What's the deal?

Shadow:

(Defeated Sigh)

Fine! You win, Sis. Blaze! What I am about to tell you both...no one must know! Understand?

Smolder, Blaze:

(Nods)

.....................…

Shadow:

For some reason my powers feels...weaker.

Smolder:

Do you know why?

Shadow:

If I have to put my hoof on it, I'd say my powers were sealed. When It Happened: I would assume as soon as I step one foot into Ponyville. By Who: I wouldn't doubt this was planned by that deadbeat. Why: Maybe he wants me to play his One Year Game with a crutch since my power is as you described, too powerful. What Does he Hope to Gain: Maybe he wants me to play his game humbly and with my high power I would sleepwalk his game and he doesn't wants me to finish his game before the time limit he set. How Did He Do It: I'm still trying to figure that out. Anything Else...Well luckily before entering Ponyville, I appeased my partner so we don't have to worry about any unfortunate accidents happening until the Final Saturday of the Month. Luckily after I noticed my powers weakened, I started planning for a way to reach my First Teacher if my partner goes out of my control before the Final Saturday of the Month. As for my power...I'm still assessing how much Magic I can use per day. Before my Magic was sealed, I literally had unlimited amount of Magic and you both know I'm powerful enough to actually conquer Equestria Overnight, but you know that's a ridiculous idea. But I digress. The point is that when I was young when my birth mother was still alive, I could only use Magic for a maximum of 3 hours. That's a total of 99 Mana Points. Normally depending on one's upbringing, the amount of Mana Points differ per creature. I was just a colt with no interest of becoming a powerful Magic Caster at the time.

Smolder:

That is until your mother passed away and you were taken in by your First Teacher.

Shadow:

Yeah. Luckily me getting weaker hasn't affected my Partner, but it worries me that in my weakened state, my weak power might not subdue my Partner if he does goes berserk. And lastly, my Physical attributes. Luckily My Unicorn Form is keeping my power in a Balanced State. My Earth Pony Form is literally my Power Form and My Pegasus Form is my Flight/Speed form. That's the reason I am using my Unicorn Form as my Default Form.

Blaze:

You have a True Form, you know.

Shadow:

I refuse to use that form! You both know that. All Dragons know this! I'm actually surprised that Volcanus hasn't exposed me yet. I wonder why…

Blaze:

But your True Form could stabilize your condition now. Think about it. If your Partner goes crazy...what's stopping him from hurting everyone around you?

Shadow:

You are right. I will resort to that as a Last Resort.

Smolder:

So what will you do?

Shadow:

Well...I'm going to meet my First Teacher tonight and find out if my theories are true and if they are, I will make plans with him on how to deal with this. Also...I feel that Discord knows about my True Form.

Smolder:

How? I never told any creature who isn't a Dragon.

Blaze:

Same here.

Shadow:

It wasn't any dragon that told him. It was that deadbeat.

Smolder, Blaze:

What!?

Shadow:

Aside from my Home Village and the Dragon lands, that Deadbeat knows about me. No doubt about it. No one in my village ever leaves because they are afraid of the outside world. Only the most talented, gifted and fearless are allowed to leave the village in order to update us of the new ways of the world. That only happens once a generation. As for Dragons...Dragons have Dragon Code. None of you can speak of my secret because mom, Dragon Lord Ember, has decreed that my secret has to be preserved and not revealed.

Blaze:

Yeah, Mom did made that decree.

Smolder:

Shadow...if you are in any sort of danger…

Shadow:

I know, Sis. You'll be the first to know.

Smolder:

(Proud Smile)

Thank You, Shadow!

Shadow:

(Smiling)

Sis…

Smolder:

(Smile Turns Into Furious Expression)

Now Answer Me This...Are You Interested In Trixie?

Blaze:

(Surprised)

Wait! WHAT!? Shadow! Trixie is Half Our Age!

Shadow:

(Worried, Disappointed Stare, Maintaining Composure)

If you have time to nag me, you have time to keep helping me wash the dishes.

The moment Shadow brushed off Smolder, she punches the back of his head as hard as she could as Shadow gives out loud scream of pain as everyone in the castle is worried of what happened...except for Ocellus who is snickering and knows what might have happened and Krystal face-hoof because just like Ocellus, Krystal have a pretty good idea of what happened.

To Be Continued...