A week had passed since the incident at Equestria Land involving Vignette and her magically charged phone. Now that it was finally over, you, your girlfriends, Shadow, and his harem were able to enjoy the park without the threat of being digitized. Once the trip was over, you all said your goodbyes and headed home to turn in for the night. You then spent the next few days training for your upcoming run in with Patriot since he would most likely be powered by the Dark Amulet which meant that he wasn't going to go down that easily.

Currently, you were in your room prepping some of your stuff for the trip while Sunset and Shadow stood by your bedroom door.

(Y/N): ** Of all the people to have gotten their hands on the Dark Amulet, why did it have to be Patriot?

Shadow Moonlight: I'm honestly shocked how he could've found it. I don't know what he's done with it but I don't think he could've done anything good.

Sunset Shimmer: Well, hopefully, we'll be able to take it from him before he gets any conniving ideas.

(Y/N): I hope so too, Sunshine.

As you finished packing the rest of your things, you looked over and noticed that Shadow's expression had grown nervous at the thought of seeing Patriot in person again. You understood why he felt that way. After you had left, Patriot was easily able to bully and torture him to no end. It's a wonder how he didn't do any permanent damage to Shadow. You couldn't help but feel a little saddened at not being there for him during that time. However, you reasoned that you could make it up to him now by being there with him during this excursion. You leaned over and patted his shoulder which shook him from his current train of thought as he looked back at you.

(Y/N): Shadow, you don't have to come with us if this is too much for you to handle. I don't wanna force you into situations you're not comfortable with.

He shook his head.

Shadow Moonlight: I'm not worried about me, Y/N. I'm worried about you. I know you have magic so you're much more capable of handling him than I am but now that we know that he has magic, he could match your power or worse, overpower you. I don't want to lose my friend.

He said while a few tears went down his cheek as he sniffled slightly. You sighed again at that.

(Y/N): I know, but Shadow, I'm not gonna be alone during this. Edge and the girls volunteered to come along during this, so it's not just gonna be me facing him.

Shadow Moonlight: W-Wait...EVERYONE'S GOING?! Oh, no, that's even worse!

He screamed before he stood up and started pacing around in your room.

Shadow Moonlight: Wh-When you said "girls", d-does that include the Shadowbolt girls?

(Y/N): No. I meant my girls. The Rainbooms.

Shadow Moonlight: Oh...well, that's still pretty bad! What would happen if Patriot manages to best all of you? What if he even manages to take your magic in the process and become even stronger?! What if he destroys all of Canterlot?! What if he-

He was silenced by a hard slap across the face. He looked to see you glaring back at him.

(Y/N): Shadow, shut up and calm down! You're already jumping to conclusions and it's not good for you. We don't know for sure what'll happen when we go see Patriot. That's why Edge has been training us for the past few days. He's been making sure that we're prepared for virtually anything. So, calm down and take a deep breath.

He stayed silent for a few seconds until he spoke.

Shadow Moonlight: But Y/N, do you have any idea what Patriot has been able to do? He's got the worst criminal record a kid could have! He's murdered people, he's robbed charities and homeless shelters, he once tried to sexually assault Sunny, and the list just keeps going! Point being, he's dangerous already without magic and having magic now only makes him even worse!

(Y/N): Shadow... do you really think I'm going into this without knowing what the dangers are? Dude, listen, regardless of whatever we're feeling, we need to stop him. He is currently holding one half of the only known artifact powerful enough to take down V/N. So, I get what you're saying, I really do, but mine, as well as the girls' minds, are made up. We're going to find Patriot and take the Dark Amulet from his grasp.

Shadow could only do nothing but stare at you after hearing your answer. He slowly started to calm himself down by closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, and lowering his anxiety. He exhaled one final time before looking back up at you with a determined expression

Shadow Moonlight: ...then I guess I have no other option...I'm going with you.

Yours and Sunset's eyes widened at that.

Sunset Shimmer: Are... are you sure, Shadow?

Shadow Moonlight: I might get hurt or actually die this time but I'm not going to let Patriot hurt my friends. I don't care if he breaks one of my legs or gives me a concussion terrible enough to completely destroy my brain, I'm not going to be useless.

(Y/N): Shadow... while I admire your sudden surge of courage, I don't know if that's such a good idea. Like you've said, Patriot's probably more powerful than before. I just... I just don't want you to die or anything like that. I spent the last several years without you in my life and I don't wanna lose you again if I can help it.

Shadow Moonlight: And yet you're just going to go on without me? What would happen if you didn't come back alive, Y/N? What if you died? How do you think I'd feel? How would your parents feel?

His question made you silent. You honestly never took that into consideration. There was the slight possibility that you might not make it back to Canterlot after your possible fight with Patriot. You then got into a personal argument with yourself over what you were going to do now. You didn't wanna bring Shadow with you if he's gonna end up dying during the whole thing, but he did bring up that good point. As you continued to debate with yourself, Sunset stepped in.

Sunset Shimmer: Shadow... Y/N's just looking out for you is all. Are... are you really willing to come with us without any magic of your own or any means to defend yourself in general?

Shadow Moonlight: I'm only going to tag in if things get messy. I'll just be watching from a distance in the meantime. So... please... can I come with you guys?

Sunset Shimmer: Well... since Y/N's the leader, it's not really my decision to make. So... Y/N?

They both turned to you while you were still contemplating over what to do. Many moments of silence passed until it was finally stopped by you letting out a sigh.

(Y/N): I... I really don't wanna lose you, Shadow... but if you feel that strongly about wanting to help... then I guess you can come with. But look, if things get hectic, try to stay out of the way if you can, okay?

You then went over and pulled him into a hug.

(Y/N): I've already lost you once, I don't wanna lose you again.

Shadow Moonlight: If you're on the verge of death, I'll be the one saying that. But like I said, I'll try and stay out of it for the most part.

You nodded before ending the hug.

(Y/N): Okay, I guess I'll go inform the others about you joining us. Don't know how they'll feel about that, but we'll just have to wait and see. Anyways, I think I'm good to go as far as luggage.

You went over to your bag and closed it before hoisting it over your shoulder.

(Y/N): Alright, let's go, you guys.

They nodded before following you out of your room and going downstairs. You found your parents by the front door as they both had supportive looks on their faces.

(M/N): We hope you have a safe trip, Y/N, as well as Shadow and your girlfriends.

You nodded.

(Y/N): Thanks mom.

(F/N): He'll be fine, honey. Y/N's been in way worse situations before. I'm sure this'll be a cake walk for him.

Shadow Moonlight: Um, if you don't mind Mr. and Mrs. L/N, I'm also going with Y/N too.

(F/N): Wait...who are you again?

He asked as your mother elbowed him.

(M/N): ** Honey, enough with the memory jokes already.

(F/N): ** ** I'm just kidding, dear. ** So... you're going with Y/N and his harem, Shadow?

Shadow nods at your father's question which made both him and your mom very surprised.

(M/N): But... but how would your own family feel about that, Shadow dear?

Shadow Moonlight: Well, if I'm being honest, Mrs. L/N, I don't know my own family. But, if you mean Sunny and her mother...well, I just told them that I was going on a short trip with Y/N.

(F/N): Wait... that's not a... lie, right?

Shadow Moonlight: Well... technically not yet. It kinda depends on how long this trip will take.

(Y/N): And don't worry, you guys. Shadow's gonna be by my side during the whole thing.

They gave you an unsure look before responding.

(M/N): Well... if you say so, Y/N.

Shadow Moonlight: We'll be fine, don't worry.

(M/N): ** Look at our son, F/N. He's gone from a kid who had to keep his powers a secret to now a full-on protector of the innocent. He's... really grown up. **

She said while smiling and tearing up a little.

(F/N): I know, M/N. It's hard to believe it, but it's true.

Shadow Moonlight: ** I wish my parents were around to say that stuff to me.

(Y/N): Anyways, you guys, I think we should get going now.

Your dad nodded while your mom wiped the tears from her eyes.

(F/N): Alrighty, son. You all stay safe, okay? Don't get too ruffed up on this little trip of yours.

(Y/N): ** I can't promise that knowing what we're up against. ** We... we will.

Your parents pulled you in for a hug as you returned it in full. You gave it a little more oomf this time since you weren't sure if this would be your last. You ended the hug with them and turned back to Shadow.

(Y/N): You ready?

He nods.

Shadow Moonlight: Yep.

And with that, you walked out through the front door and headed down the sidewalk towards the rendezvous area where the others would be. After a few minutes, you made it to the location as you saw your girlfriends as well as Edge standing there. They noticed the both of you coming as Edge walked up to you.

Shadowlight: Shadow? What... What are you doing here?

Shadow Moonlight: I'm going with you guys.

Shadowlight: Wait... WHAT?! You can't be serious, Shadow! It's too dangerous!

Shadow Moonlight: Edge, come on. I've taken plenty of hits from Patriot before, the only difference now is that I'll be taking hits from magic.

Edge stared him down with a look of bafflement before looking over to you.

Shadowlight: Y/N, didn't you talk to him about not coming with us?

(Y/N): I did, but he seems adamant about going.

Shadowlight: You do realize that if he comes with us he'll surely die, right? Patriot will most likely be powered by the Dark Amulet which will undoubtedly make him stronger than before. He's at a much bigger risk of biting the bullet more than the rest of us.

(Y/N): I already know that, Edge. He... he honestly brought up a good point when I talked to him. He said that even though I'm more magically capable than him that there's still a chance that I won't make it back home... and that he'd be beyond devastated if I died. Also, he promised that he wouldn't do any major fighting unless we were all incapacitated.

Something then hit Shadowlight as his eyes widened for a moment which you quickly noticed.

(Y/N): What? What is it?

Shadowlight: Nothing, it doesn't matter. Let's just go find Patriot before he creates a massacre.

(Y/N): Right. By the way, I don't think you've told us where it is we're going exactly. I mean, what's the place called anyways?

Shadowlight: Oh, I think you'll be quite familiar with the place, Y/N. Does the city of Manehattan ring a bell?

As soon as that word left his mouth, you froze in shock. You couldn't believe what he said.

(Y/N): ...M-Manehattan? He... he destroyed Manehattan?!

Shadowlight: I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised if he did. I do know however, that he's destroyed many other towns. One particular one was called Tenebrious and that was Shadow's hometown.

Shadow Moonlight: H-He's destroyed Tenebrious?!

Edge nodded sadly. Suddenly, something clicked in your mind after thinking about it a little more.

(Y/N): Manehatten... Tenebrious... those were towns that we were at originally. What if... what if he's tracking us?

Shadowlight: There could be a chance he'd be tracking you but he definitely seems to be focused more on Shadow than you.

Shadow Moonlight: ** He... he destroyed my home town...well ...maybe the city was abandoned and he was just testing out his powers?

He asked in a hopeful voice. However, Edge followed that up with a shake of his head.

Shadowlight: No... when I last checked... people were still there from what I can remember. Some of which included...your real family.

Shadow completely froze at that.

Shadow Moonlight: My... my real family? But... but how do you know that they were my real parents, Edge? Did... did they say so?

Edge was about to say something else until he stopped himself. You and Shadow stared at him unsure as to why he went quiet all of the sudden.

Shadow Moonlight: Edge... did they say that they were my real family or not?

Edge looked up at him with uncertainty spread across his face.

Shadowlight: I don't know for sure but I do remember hearing your name being mentioned by a few people. Some were even saying how much they missed you, I figured they'd be blood relatives.

Shadow had to take a moment to himself to really think over what he was just told.

Shadow Moonlight: But...that doesn't make any sense. My own parents didn't even care for me and I didn't know any other immediate family members, how could they even know who I am?

Shadowlight: Look... I'm just going by what I heard. I'm not one hundred percent sure about it. The only way to find out is by asking them yourself which you can do once we deal with Patriot first. That is, if they're even alive.

Shadow Moonlight: I... I have to find out! Even... even if we only find bodies, it's better than not knowing what happened to them at all.

(Y/N): Are you...sure you're prepared to handle that?

Shadow Moonlight: Y/N, I've dealt with pain for almost my entire life. I've gone through constant trial and tribulation to get to where I'm at now. I think I'm willing to go through something like this. Also, I still have Sunny Flare and her mom, so I won't be completely alone.

Shadowlight: But... this isn't something you can easily brush off, Shadow. The death of one's parents isn't like losing your favorite toy or that your favorite band disbanded for some reason. There's a lot more emotional backlash from it. Let me ask you again. If it turns out that your parents didn't make it, will you really, truly, be willing to handle it?

Shadow Moonlight: Like I said, I'll still have Sunny and her Mom and they've been more family to me than those two ever have been.

(Y/N): And you'd be okay with that?

Shadow's eyes moved down to the floor for a second before moving up and landing on you.

Shadow Moonlight: It... It wouldn't be the nicest feeling in the world, but it's something that I'd have to deal with eventually. Still, if I at least go to know what they were like or why they left me behind, I'd feel at least some sort of closure.

You and Edge looked at each other concerningly before simultaneously sighing.

(Y/N): If you think you're prepared for the worst case scenario, then you can come along. Just... don't say we didn't warn you.

Shadow Moonlight: You don't need to worry, Y/N. I promise that I'll leave most of it to you and the others. Plus, Patriot's after me, right? You guys can just use me as bait.

Shadowlight: Woah, woah, woah! Slow down. Let's not jump to that sort of planning immediately now, Shad.

Shadow Moonlight: You act as if this is a suicide mission, Edge. It's not, I'm simply saying that you can use me to draw him out. If I look helpless and alone like how he remembers me being, he'll take advantage of the opportunity and use nearly every fiber of his being on me. That's the perfect chance for you all to ambush him with magic.

(Y/N): ** You know, you really can be a glutton for punishment sometimes, you know that?

Shadow Moonlight: It's not like I was given an option, dude.

(Y/N): Anyways, we should be leaving now.

They nodded before the three of you turned and walked over to the others who were patiently waiting nearby.

Rainbow Dash: So, are we all ready to kick some Patriot butt?

She asked with a smirk before punching her fists together creating a slight spark.

Applejack: Uh... sure, Rainbow. Sure.

The others nodded in agreement as you and Edge stepped between them and placed your hands on each other's shoulders.

(Y/N): Alright, just a bit of a heads up, guys, I've never teleported this many people before, so I might end up light headed when we get to Manehatten.

Shadowlight: Do you want me to do it?

(Y/N): It'd probably be best.

Shadowlight: Your wish is my command, bucko.

He said before he closed his eyes and began focusing. A moment of silence passed before he reopened them and snapped his fingers. In an instant, you were no longer standing on a sidewalk at Canterlot but rather a seemingly abandoned street in Manehatten. You looked around at your new surroundings as you saw that Edge was, in fact, correct about what he said.

Manehatten... was completely desolate. Several buildings that you came to know were destroyed beyond repair while other areas were abandoned and lifeless. There were even a few broken cars on fire strewn about here and there.

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

Sunset Shimmer: S-So... it's true. Patriot did all of this. It's... it's so sad to see a once great city reduced to ash and smolder.

Shadowlight: He's a sadistic megalomanic with a thirst for murder and I hate it. Not even V/N would go this far. Despite the trouble he's caused us, I know that he wouldn't just nuke an entire city just for the heck of it.

Fluttershy: I-I... I hope he didn't hurt any people... or innocent animals for that matter.

???: ** Help...please...

You all perked up at hearing someone call out from nearby in a pained voice.

(Y/N): Hello?! Where are you?! Maybe we can help!

???: ** O-Over... here...