It had been a few days since you and Shadow had ran into Hollow Moonshine and since the events that transpired after that involving splitting Shadow and Shallow from each other as well as reuniting with Shadowlight. When you and Shadow had brought him back through the portal, your girlfriends were more or less shocked by hearing that he had "died" in a sense. They were even more shocked by Hollow's sudden appearance as they didn't trust him at first much like you did. However, thanks to yours and Shadow's testimonials, the girls decided to give Hollow a chance to earn his place on the team.

Now, Hollow's become a new installment to the Moonlight family as Shadow had convinced his parents to allow him to stay with them a few days earlier. They seemed ambiguous at first due to Hollow's history with V/N but, they were quick to change their minds seeing as how he was born from an evil entity. As for Shadowlight, Shadow decided to make a necklace out of his gem and now wears it as a pendant like the one he used to have before you had smashed it to pieces at the Spring Dance.

Right now, you were walking through Canterlot city by yourself while idly whistling and thinking to yourself.

(Y/N): ** Man, things just keep getting stranger and stranger the longer I spend in Canterlot. I mean, magic has pretty much become part of the norm here in this world at this point and we've also had one of V/N's minions, his right hand man I might add, betray him and join our side. Jeez, if I ever had an autobiography, it would surely sell like lava cakes.

As you continued to walk, you sighed sadly before having another thought.

(Y/N): ** ** I know that we said that the cruise on board the Luxe Deluxe would be the one to cap off the summer, but we all know how that ended. It'd be nice to have just one thing. ONE thing to do that would be great without Equestrian magic getting in the way. If fate would allow us that kind of luxury, I'd be comple-

Your current train of thought came to an abrupt end as you suddenly stopped and froze like a statue when something out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. You looked to the right to see a pinboard with several flyers detailing different city events or activities coming up real soon. However, the one that had you the most intrigued was a small flyer that sat in the very middle. You walked closer and read what it had to say.

(Y/N): ** Come join us at the Starswirled Music Festival. A weekend event dedicated to the most popular musical arts. Marvel our ginormous neon garden, take part in an art show, and enjoy the free food and games. But, best of all, be prepared to have your socks knocked off when witnessing two best friends getting back together for one incredible night. That's right, it's the pop duo themselves... ** P-POST CRUSH?!?!

You shouted loudly, gaining curious stares from several nearby civilians. You chuckled nervously before examining the flyer more closely. At the very bottom of the poster was a picture of two girls who were around your age. The girl on the left had light brilliant cerise hair with light brilliant magenta and pale light blue violet highlights, pale cyan skin, and brilliant sapphire blue eyes. The girl on the right had very light blue violet hair with very pale cyan and light brilliant magenta highlights, pale yellow skin, and brilliant cobalt blue eyes.

(Y/N): My god... it really is them. I thought that they went on indefinite hiatus after they canceled their last live concert. Guess I was wrong.

You said, astonished by what you were seeing. To give you a bit of background info, PostCrush used to be a very popular pop duo of girls some time back that had gotten a lot of recognition and fame for their music. In fact, they were a big inspiration for what got you into the musical industry in the first place. Hearing their songs always captivated you so much that you eventually gained an interest in wanting to play music yourself, so you dedicated a lot of time to getting good at it by practicing a lot and also by playing at small diners and such. Deep down, you had hoped to meet them in person one day so you could show them your skills. Sadly, when you heard that they had separated after canceling their last live concert, it really crushed your hopes and spirits. As a result, your interest in music dwindled for a time. You still somewhat liked listening to music on your phone from time to time, but it just wasn't really the same. It wasn't until you started attending CHS and forming the Rainbooms with your girlfriends is when you started gaining back your love for music.

And now, after hearing that your former most favorite band of all time was getting back together for one more night, you were very excited. This would not only be a fantastic, proper end to the summer, but it would also finally be your chance to potentially meet them and show them just how good you've gotten. You just HAD to show this to your girls as well as Shadow. With your decision made up in your mind, you hastily grabbed the flyer from off the board and quickly ran towards home. You took out your phone and texted your girlfriends and Shadow to meet you at your place because you wanted to show them something. They all responded by saying that they'll meet you there as you continued to run home. Once you made it back, you waited for a few minutes until your girlfriends and your best friend finally showed up.

Shadow Moonlight: GUH! ** Okay we're here dude.

Rainbow Dash: Come on, Shad. It wasn't even that long of a trip.

Shadow Moonlight: ** Says you. ** The well-known athlete ** in all of Canterlot High.

He then turns his attention back to you as he finally catches his breath.

Shadow Moonlight: So, what'd you need to show us, Y/N?

(Y/N): Guess who finally is making a return after so many years?

You said as you held up the PostCrush flyer you swept from the wall earlier, causing a round of gasps to go about between your girls and Shadow.

Shadow, Sunset, & Pinkie: POST CRUSH?!?!

Shadow Moonlight: Pinkie, pinch me!

He requested as she pinched him hard on the shoulder earning a loud yelp from him.

Shadow Moonlight: I... I'm not dreaming!

(Y/N): Wait, you guys know who Post Crush is?

Pinkie Pie: Do we know? DO WE KNOW?! They're only the coolest, most splendiferous pop duo ever!

Shadow Moonlight: They certainly are, Pinkie! They're the reason why I got into music so long ago.

(Y/N): Seriously?! Me too! They were a big inspiration for me back when I was in middle school.

Shadow Moonlight: I don't get it, I thought they disbanded years ago. Why are they suddenly making a comeback now?

(Y/N): Who knows? The important thing is that we got a chance to finally see them play live! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finish the summer properly since the yacht was a disaster.

Sunset Shimmer: This is just awesome! Getting to see our most idolized band play on stage with all of our friends there to experience it with us! There's absolutely nothing that could ruin this.

Sci-Twi: Well...except for Equestrian magic probably.

Sunset Shimmer: ** Yeah, but I'm sure whatever the situation may be, all of us will be there to take it head on and put a stop to it for good. We've done it loads of times before and we'll do it again if we have to. After all, it's clear that the magic isn't going to leave us alone anytime soon after what happened on the Luxe Deluxe.

Shadow Moonlight: ** Ugh. Don't remind me.

(Y/N): Yeah, same here but, back to what Sunset said, it's great to know that they're finally making a return after so many years. I wonder if they still got it. Hopefully, I could show them just how much of a good musician I've become over the past year or so.

Shadow Moonlight: Oh! That's a great idea, Y/N!

He said and then all of a sudden, the black pendant around his neck glowed as the apparition of Edge seen from a few days ago appears directly in front of everyone.

Shadowlight: Uhh, I hate to be a buzzkill, but I don't think this is a good idea.

Shadow Moonlight: Why not, Edge?

Shadowlight: Well...Hollow informed me that the Disharmony Stone that's supposed to be in this world is somewhere near that area. While that definitely sounds like a perk, bear in mind that we don't know if someone could already have it in their grasp.

Sunset Shimmer: Well, if that's the case Edge, we'll just team up and face them like we always do.

Shadowlight: Well, what if you can't? What if it's just like what happened with Wallflower Blush where everyone who's on your side doesn't remember anything?

(Y/N): I don't think that'd be the case, Edge, because 1, the Memory Stone was reduced to pieces, and 2, we won't let it be like what happened on board the Luxe Deluxe where we don't prepare for anything. Ever since that trip, we've made absolutely sure to be aware of any potential magical phenomena.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, Edge. We've been through a lot together over the past year, so I'm sure we can handle even more.

Shadowlight: While that may be true, this is a Disharmony stone we're talking about, people. This isn't just stray magic, it's on a whole new level of dangerous.

(Y/N): Danger? HA! I laugh in the face of danger!

Shadowlight: Dude, come on, I'm being serious here. Now is not the time for Lion King references.

(Y/N): ** Edge, look, V/N's taken care of and his lackeys are without a master now. I'm sure something like one Disharmony stone isn't gonna give us too much trouble.

Shadowlight: No, dude. Shallow's broken him free.

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

(Y/N), Shadow, & (Hu)Mane 7: WHAT?!?!?

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Fluttershy:H-He... he escaped?!

She shouted while noticeably shaking.

Shadowlight: I guess so. Technically Shallow broke him out so he could kick his ass but, clearly he failed to do just that.

Shadow Moonlight: Hold on, how do you know he escaped, Edge? Because I'm sure Princess Twilight would've let us know about something as serious as that.

???: Twilight wouldn't have known about it.

Someone else said from the kitchen as you all turned to see Hollow Moonshine walking into the room with a serious look on his face.

Hollow Moonshine: I've been V/N's right hand man for almost a year and I know where he is or where he's going to be. After I made amends with everyone, I took a trip to Tartarus myself to check up on V/N. Sure enough, I saw none other than Shallow talking him down. He provoked him to fight by talking crap about his family and even when Shallow lost, he still wouldn't let any side of fear show. Honestly, I'm glad you don't have to be stuck with him anymore, Shad. That guy's more annoying than V/N and from someone who's worked with him for this long, that's saying something.

Shadow Moonlight: ** Yeah, you're not wrong about that, Hollow.

(Y/N): ** I guess we'll have to cancel our idea of going to this festival if that's the case.

Hollow Moonshine: Well... not necessarily. I could keep an eye on V/N and warn you guys the instant that something else happens.

(Y/N): Really? You'd be willing to do that? But, what if you get caught, Hollow?

Hollow Moonshine: I was born by that bastard and if I have to die by him, so be it.

Shadowlight: You aren't dying that quickly, pal. I still have a lot I need to chew you out for. Shad, just send a clone of someone to go spy on them.

Shadow Moonlight: I... I can do that?

Shadowlight: Can you do that? Can you do that?! Shad, I've known you ever since you met the Dazzlings all that time ago. You know what I'm capable of and when I give you my magic, you ask me if you can do that?! Did the separation of you and Shallow make you lose a couple brain cells?

(Y/N): Okay, okay. He was just asking a simple question, Edge. You don't need to bite his head off for it.

Shadowlight: I'm just saying he's gotta use his head a little more.

Shadow Moonlight: Well... I guess I could... give it a try.

He brought his hands out and summoned his aura. He closed his eyes and began to focus as his aura began to pulse. He then reached his right hand out as a red mist started floating from his palm and towards the space he was reaching for. The mist began to swirl around like a mini tornado until you could make out a figure starting to form within. Finally, Shadow's aura died down as the tornado slowly dissipated. Soon enough, where the small whirlwind used to be stood an exact copy of Shadow.

Shadowlight: There, see? It wasn't that hard. You're a natural already, Shad. Now, give it an order.

Shadow nodded before turning to look at his clone.

Shadow Moonlight: Uhh... clone me? I need you to keep an eye on V/N for us.

Shadow Clone: You're not my dad.

His response surprised Shadow as he turned to Shadowlight.

Shadow Moonlight: Is... he supposed to act that way?

Shadowlight: No, but, I think I know what's going on here. Shad, you're so submissive that not even your clone is willing to take orders from you.

(Y/N): Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, Shad, you're honestly too submissive. Haven't your girlfriends been teaching you how to stand up for yourself and be more assertive?

Shadow Moonlight: Shallow was probably the closest thing to my assertion. I just can't be assertive. I'm just fine being a doormat if I have to live that way.

Shadowlight: ** Shadow-

Shadow Moonlight: I appreciate your concern, Edge, but this is who I want to be.

Rarity: But, how are you gonna stand up for yourself when the day comes, darling?

Shadow Moonlight: I guess...I guess I just can't. I mean, as much of a pain Shallow was, he was probably the only reason why I'm still here right now.

Rainbow Dash: Come on, Shad. You don't need Shallow in order to be assertive. We're your friends, so we're more than happy to help you. Right, guys?

You and everyone else voiced your agreement.

Shadow Moonlight: I don't know. I don't want to end up creating another Shallow Moonshine.

You walked over and put a hand on his shoulder prompting him to look at you.

(Y/N): We won't let that happen, bud. I won't let that happen. You're finally back in my life after so long and I intend to make it up to you for all the years we lost together due to me moving away.

Shadow Moonlight: You don't need to do that. It's already enough just to have you back, pal.

(Y/N): You're right. I don't have to do it, but I will anyway.

You smiled at him as his lips slowly curled up into a smile of his own.

Shadow Moonlight: ** You're too good to me, Y/N. But... still... thank you. I don't know where my life would be right now if I never met you.

Rainbow Dash: We don't know either, Shad. But what we DO know is that you two were meant to be best buds.

Shadow Moonlight: Yeah... I suppose we are.

As he smiled back at you, something in Shadow changed suddenly as he threw on a more serious look before walking over to his clone and getting in his face.

Shadow Moonlight: Alright, listen, buddy! I'm the one who made you and I can send you back into the void of nothing that you came from unless you do as I say!

Shadow Clone: ** Uh-huh, sure.

He was about to say something else before Shadow grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close which instantly changed his expression.

Shadow Moonlight: Excuse me?

Shadow Clone: U-Umm...

Shadow Moonlight: That's what I thought! Now, be a good clone and go spy on V/N!

Shadow Clone: ** Okay, okay, fine! You could have at least said please.

Shadow Moonlight: Alright then. Please go spy on V/N.

Shadow Clone: That's better. I'll do it.

He gives Shadow a salute before snapping his fingers and disappearing. Shadow smiled before turning to look at you all only to be met with wide eyed stares as well as hanging jaws.

Shadow Moonlight: Uhhh, are you guys okay?

Sunset Shimmer: Shadow... you... you stood your ground. You showed him who's boss!

Shadow Moonlight: I...I did?

(Y/N): You most certainly did! You were assertive, Shad!

Shadow Moonlight: U-Um...you sure I wasn't being too aggressive?

Rainbow Dash: No way, dude! If you were too aggressive, you would have done something like punched him in the face which you didn't do. That was awesome!

Shadow Moonlight: U-Uhh...Fluttershy? You're someone who shares this kind of issue, right? What do you think?

Fluttershy: W-Well... even I have to admit that you were great. I often have to do that whenever my animal friends act out.

Shadow Moonlight: S-So... you don't think I went too far?

He asked, earning a no from the timid girl.

Shadow Moonlight: W-Well...okay.

(Y/N): First you create your own clone and now you're standing up for yourself, Shad. I'm really proud of you, pal. We all are.

Shadowlight: Even I have to admit, that was rather impressive, Shad.

Shadow Moonlight: Hollow? What about you? Did I take it too far?

Hollow Moonshine: Hmm, that did seem out of nowhere, but I think you handled that well. Heck, it's a whole lot better than V/N ever treated me that's for sure.

Shadow Moonlight: You... you all really mean that?

He asked, earning a nod from each and everyone one of you. He slowly smiled.