In the dark realm, Shallow Moonshine can be seen looking down with a scowl on his face.

Shallow Moonshine: You really thought that your magic could contain someone like me? Someone who's a literal embodiment of anger itself? I really don't know who's more retarded, you or that pretentious dick who claims to be a savior that you casted away.

He then materialized a sword and held it up to his face while looking at his reflection in the blade.

Shallow Moonshine: Well, I guess the both of you are equally mediocre as well as incompetent and ruthless. But it won't matter when I'm done with you.

He turned and glared at the camera.

Shallow Moonshine: But since you have done more damage to others than he did, I think you should get the honor of being the first to die.

He asked as the camera turned around to see that he was talking to a very beaten looking V/N who was held by his limbs by magic. He had cuts, bruises, and gashes all over his body as a result of Shallow's torture. His chest slowly rose and fell as he glared up at his adversary.

(V/N): ** You really ** you really think torturing me is gonna make me fear you? I've gone through worse beatings from Grogar than anything you've cooked up for me so far. **

Shallow Moonshine: Whoever said I wanted you to fear me? God! You're such a retard! I've stated multiple times that I intend to KILL you, not make you scared of me! And yet, for some reason, you just can't seem to process it!

He sighed before continuing.

Shallow Moonshine: Well, I guess your IQ of a goldfish won't matter once you're dead. Not to worry though, I'm going after Y/N as well because I intend to erase any and every part of him from existence itself. You and him have ruined Shadow's life. He was far better off without that self-centered dickhead as well as you making his life a living hell! So, your desire to have him deceased will come to pass. You just won't get the chance to deliver the final blow.

(V/N): ** If you feel like such a big man then do it, Shallow! Finish me off! I'd rather be dead than live in a world that took away everything that mattered to me! You might as well pull my plug because I've got nothing else to live for!

Shallow raised an eyebrow at that before shaking his head.

Shallow Moonshine: ** You're just like the rest of them. Always trying to weaken your foes with emotion because you can't fight with honor. You know I'll never pity you, not after everything you've done.

He brought the sword behind him as he was preparing a stab that was aimed directly for V/N's chest.

Shallow Moonshine: I hope your family sees all the crap you've done to people because of your idiotic hypocrisy. "Wanting world order?" Please. You don't give a crap about this world or anyone in it. You're not fooling anybody.

V/N closed his eyes as he prepared for the stab to arrive and cut his sad life short. However, several moments had passed and there was no plunging of a sword into his chest. His confusion of the situation was brought to a halt when he heard Shallow gasp prompting him to open his eyes and look at him. Shallow was revealed to be looking down at his hand that was slowly disappearing as it began to spread to the rest of his body. Shallow started to slightly panic as he dropped the sword which vanished into mist before glaring back up at V/N.

Shallow Moonshine: Thanos snap? Really?! ** HOW FREAKING ORIGINAL!!

He angrily shouted as V/N was only able to give him a confused stare.

(V/N): I didn't do anything!

Shallow Moonshine: YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE THAT?! THIS HAS YOU WRITTEN ALL OVER IT!

His arm had now fully vanished as it began to spread to the rest of his body. Soon, his arms, legs, and torso had vanished leaving only his head. Due to most of his body being missing, he couldn't maintain his magic anymore which allowed V/N to finally break free from his magical bonds. He rubbed one of his wrists before looking up at Shallow's head and chuckling sinisterly.

(V/N): I guess lady luck herself is smiling upon me today.

Shallow Moonshine: I hope Y/N tears you a new ass you motherfu-

He couldn't finish that curse as his head had now completely vanished leaving nothing of Shallow behind. And now V/N was completely alone within the shadow world as he thought over what just happened.

(V/N): That was... unusual. I wonder what could have happened to make him disappear the way he did. Did something happen to Shadow by any chance?

He shook his head before he suddenly felt something appear around his neck. He pulls it off of him only to find that the Infinity Amulet is intact and that there's only two Disharmony Stones missing.

(V/N): Well, I suppose the circumstances aren't relevant. After all, it's allowed me to get yet another chance to achieve my goal. I might not have the rest of my power that sleeps inside Y/N, but at least I won't have to deal with that angsty prick ever again. Now I can proceed unimpeded with my plan to bring order once and for all. Which reminds me, I haven't checked on my friends yet. Perhaps I should pay them a visit.

He laughed before slashing the space in front of him creating a rift as he stepped through it and disappeared.

At the Starswirled Music Festival, you were with the Rainbooms and your "best friend" Patriot walking around exploring as you were still questioning what was going on. Why was Patriot here and why is he acting like he's your best friend all of a sudden? You're certain he has something up his sleeve but from what you've been able to gather, he seemed pretty genuine. Of course that still didn't stop your suspicions. Regardless, you were really worried about what happened to Shadow.

You glanced back at Patriot and noticed that it wasn't just his personality that had a complete change, but also his clothing and appearance. Instead of the usual torn up pants and shirt that he usually wore, he was now wearing a clean looking button up shirt as well as a pair of khakis. He was also wearing a pair of black dress shoes instead of his sneakers. His hair was combed and face was clear of any and all blemishes that he had before. In short, he was pretty much the opposite of the Patriot you knew. That's when something else came to your mind. Could Shadow have done a role reversal with Patriot? Did you have to fight him for the Dark Amulet? This thought made you feel a little uneasy as the idea of having to fight Shadow didn't bode well in your mind.

Patriot: Something on your mind, Y/N?

He said, interrupting you from your current train of thought.

(Y/N): Huh? O-Oh, yeah, Patriot. I'm... fine.

Patriot: You sure?

(Y/N): Y-Yeah! I'm just...I'm just a little stunned from meeting PostCrush last night. Heheh.

Patriot: Heh. I'd assume so. Anyone would be feeling exactly what you're feeling after seeing an awesome band like PostCrush. Especially since you got to play alongside them! By the way, major props for that, man.

(Y/N): You mean we didn't play together?

Patriot: No, we didn't. You don't remember that? You were pretty much the center of attention up there.

(Y/N): ** What did Shad do? Why is Patriot so different all of a sudden? Moreover, why is he even here?

Patriot: Anywho, let's go find the others. I'm sure they're looking for us.

(Y/N): Not all of them. The Dazzlings are looking for Shadow.

He stopped before looking back at you with a quizzical stare.

Patriot: Uhhh... who's Shadow? ** He can't be talking about the one I know.

(Y/N): Uhh, Shadow? Shadow Moonlight? My best friend.

Patriot: Excuse me, whaaaaat? I'm your best friend, dude.

(Y/N): B-But, I-I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be...

Patriot: Wait, you said Shadow Moonlight, right?!

(Y/N): Uhhh... yeah?

Patriot: But... how do you even remember him?

(Y/N): Like I said, he's supposed to be my best friend.

Patriot: But...he told me that you needed one.

(Y/N): What do you mean?

You asked as Patriot sighed.

Patriot: Back before I first met you, I was being attacked by some bullies until that guy stepped in to save my life. He told me to go find a kid in the neighborhood by the name of Y/N L/N. Said that he would be able to protect me at all costs as long as I was a good friend to you. I'm not sure if I was any good but I did my best to be.

He explained which got you thinking. You tried to think about what he said until it finally hit you. You weren't sure how you remembered... but you remembered.

Several years ago, in the city of Canterlot, it was a nice, sunny day. The camera zooms down on the playground as we see several kids playing on either the monkey bars, the slides, or the spring horses. We then pan over to the swingset where we see a young boy sitting on one of the swings by himself. This was revealed to be you. You were idly swinging slightly while staring down at the ground as you let out a small sigh. You see, you didn't have any friends at the time due to finding out about your magic, so you resorted to just sitting alone on the swingset while your dad sat by and watched you diligently. However, that was soon to change as somewhere nearby, a set of voices can be heard.

???: Is that him over there?

??? #2: Yeah, that's him, Patriot. Now, remember what I said. Be good to him and stay by his side. Be a good friend. ** Be a better one to him than I was.

Patriot: So... why him specifically?

???: I can't explain it in great detail, but much like you, he suffers from isolation or to put it in more simpler terms, a lack of friends. Since it's a problem you both have in common, I believe there's a solution you both can come up with together. And let's just say that... he'll have a pivotal role to play in the future. ** Also, he's got some pretty amazing magic abilities.

Patriot: Wait, he has magic!? How?!

His voice was muffled when the figure put a hand over his mouth.

???: ** Just keep it a secret between you and him, okay? He's got magical powers. I can't say how or why he has them, but he has them.

Patriot: Umm... okay.

He turned and started slowly walking over to where you were. Unbeknownst to you and him, the figure smiled as a single tear went down their cheek.

???: ** Well... that's it then. Sorry for ruining your life, Y/N. But hey, now you'll not only have a new best friend, but more girls to love. And I get to have my parents in my life. It checks out for the both of us. You'll always be my brother, Y/N, but...like I said before, some of us don't get happy endings.

They thought before they slowly started to fade away into nothing. Patriot soon made his way over to you and stopped just in front of you.

Patriot: U-Umm... hi.

He greeted you which got your attention as you looked up at him slightly.

(Y/N): O-Oh... hi.

Patriot: Can... I take the seat next to you?

He asked, pointing to the seat to the right of you. You nodded before he went and sat down as he looked over at you.

Patriot: I'm Patriot. I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new to town?

He asked. You shook your head.

(Y/N): No, I've lived here my whole life. I just... don't get out very often.

Patriot: Oh...well, why not? You don't look like a criminal or anything.

(Y/N): ** Well... because I... don't really have any friends.

Patriot: Really? Why not?

(Y/N): It's... it's complicated.

Patriot: Is... it because... you have magic?

You immediately shot up and stared at him wide eyed.

(Y/N): H-How did you guess that?!

Patriot: That guy over there just-

He looked over to see that the person he was referring to was nowhere to be seen.

Patriot: Huh? Where'd he go?

(Y/N): Where did who go?

Patriot: That...that guy. He was right over there. He told me to come over and see you.

(Y/N): You sure you aren't just seeing things?

Patriot: I swear, I didn't make this up. He was just there and now he's not anymore for some reason. He's the whole reason why I'm here in the first place.

(Y/N): Oh... so... I guess you were forced to come over here, weren't you?

You asked sadly as he put his hands up to stop you.

Patriot: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're blowing this way out of proportion, dude. I never said anything about being forced to do this. I'd be more than happy to be friends with you! You look like a cool guy after all.

(Y/N): You... you really mean that?

Patriot: Absolutely! And plus, you got powers! You could do all sorts of amazing things!

(Y/N): W-Well... not really. All I can really do for now is make things levitate. But... even then... my parents told me to keep my powers hidden from the public.

Patriot: Yeah, that guy said something about that. That you didn't want to be seen as a freak to people or something.

You started to grip the chains on your swings harder as a result of that before Patriot stood and walked in front of you before grabbing your shoulders.

Patriot: Whoa, calm down. I didn't mean anything by it. You shouldn't be afraid to be yourself, Y/N. You shouldn't hide your powers just because you think people would be scared of you. Everyone has a mind of their own, some of which would be fascinated by your abilities. I should know, I was one of them.

(Y/N): You... know who I am?

Patriot: No, that's what that guy told me to say if I mentioned that to you. He must've known you in a way.

(Y/N): So... you like me... despite having powers?

Patriot: Why would I despise you for having powers?

You looked away from him.

(Y/N): Because... because I don't know you all that much.

Patriot: Then why not get the chance to? Look, if it means that much to you, I won't tell anyone else about your powers. But... I think they should find out one day. Maybe not tomorrow or even next week, but someday, they should know the real you. So... will you let me be your friend?

He offered you a hand as you stared back at him curiously. You looked down at his outstretched hand while deep in thought.

(Y/N): ** He... he seems nice. Maybe... maybe mom and dad were wrong about the WHOLE world hating me for having magic. Plus... maybe having a friend won't be so bad.

Once you were finished with that thought, you looked up at him and smiled before taking his hand and shaking it.

(Y/N): Okay. If you wanna be my friend, then I'll be yours.

Patriot: Awesome. Don't worry, Y/N. The world will come around eventually. I'm sure of it.

You smiled at each other as you continued to shake each others hands.

You came back down to earth as you snapped to attention.

(Y/N): So... Shadow told you all that? About me having powers and such and who I was?

Patriot: Yeah, which brings back the question, how do you remember him? You never met him face to face as far as I'm concerned. Granted, he was wearing a hoodie, so I don't know what he looks like.

(Y/N): I'm... I'm not sure, exactly. I just... have this feeling that... that we were supposed to be best friends.

Patriot: That would explain how he knew you. Were you guys pen pals or something?

(Y/N): No. I don't think so. I... I think I...

You started to think about that some more as you tried your best to remember Shadow being in your life in some way. You dug down into your conscious thoughts in an attempt at figuring out... until it finally hit you. The memories of the two of you being best friends. The day you saved him from Patriot and Dink, when you and him reunited at the Friendship Games, and... yelling at him for messing up your chances to see PostCrush the first time. Your face then changed into that of horror.

(Y/N): I... I did this to him.

Patriot: Did what to who? What are you talking about?

He asked you concerningly, but you didn't listen as everything around you was swallowed in darkness as you mental capacity dwindled. You drove Shadow away, you made him go back in time to change his fate, YOU are the reason he's gone! Without warning, a flood of voices can be heard in your head calling you names such as "freak", "menace", or "dangerous." You were even able to distinguish some of them as they sounded like the voices of not just your girls, but everyone that you've met so far.

Sunset's voice: You're not meant to have the title of Savior!

Sci-Twi's voice: I never should have transferred to a school that had a narcissist like you!

Pinkie's voice: If you went to a party, you'd be an absolute buzzkill!

Applejack's voice: I never shoulda told you about how mah parents died!

Fluttershy's voice: Stay away from us, you monster!

Rarity's voice: How could I have ever let myself fall for someone like you?

Rainbow's voice: If I had to choose between abandoning you or my sports career, I'd rather abandon you!

Adagio's voice: It seems that despite the fact that you and V/N are separated, you are no better than he is!

Aria's voice: I'd like to see things from your point of view but, I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass.

Sonata's voice: How could you treat Shaddy so cruelly!?

Sour's voice: ** You're a person of rare intelligence. ** It's rare when you show any!

Sunny's voice: You killed my Shadow, you murderer!

Indigo's voice: Shadow should have never let you into his life!

Sugarcoat's voice: You are the kind of man that you would use as a blueprint to build an idiot.

Lemon's voice: You are the definition of a living nightmare!

Wallflower's voice: I wish I erased my memory of you sooner!

Juniper's voice: All I wanted was for people to love me, but you had to take it from me!

Shadowlight's voice: I hope it was worth letting your best friend die just to see a concert!

Shallow's voice: IF I WANTED TO KILL MYSELF, I'D CLIMB YOUR EGO AND JUMP TO YOUR IQ!!