You, Sunset, and Shadowlight entered his shadow realm and saw that the cage that used to contain Patriot was now wide open.

(Y/N): How on earth did he even escape?! I thought we took away the Dark Amulet.

Shadowlight: Judging from the contents of this note, I can only assume he had the help of someone. Some guy named Gavin.

(Y/N): ** Y/N, I'm sure you've noticed by now that me and your little emo friend have gone missing. Where have we gone? Where will you go? No worries, I won't leave you in the dark. Meet me over by the northern mountains in one hour so we can finally settle this like men. No magic. No tricks. Just a good clean fight. If you chicken out... well... you're smart so I assume I don't have to tell you. - Patriot.

You put down the note and looked to the floor with a now angered look.

Shadowlight: Dude, remember what we agreed on? Don't be like V/N. Don't let your anger get the best of you. You know Patriot's only trying to get into your head; it's what he wants.

Sunset Shimmer: He's right, Y/N. Don't let him know that he manipulated you.

You looked back up at them before sighing and calming yourself as you now looked concerned.

(Y/N): This... this has gotta be a trap of some sorts. There's no way he'd wanna fight without the Dark Amulet.

Shadowlight: You're right, there's something shady about this. No pun intended.

Sunset Shimmer: So, what can we do then? If Y/N doesn't go then Shadow will surely end up dead, but if he goes, Patriot might pull some trick on him.

Shadowlight: It won't matter if Y/N went, Patriot would still kill him...at least, that's what he thinks. Listen guys, I haven't been too honest about what Shadow's capable of.

You and Sunset looked back at him curiously.

(Y/N): What are you talking about, Edge?

Shadowlight: There's a side to him...an incredibly dangerous one that he's always kept hidden to himself. He's never told anyone about it, not even his own best friend. Only I know about it because...I've seen it with my own eyes. If you thought me being angry was frightening, then you haven't seen true horror yet.

Sunset Shimmer: It's... it's that bad?

Shadowlight: Trust me, it's really bad. It's one of the main reasons why he's allowed me to control his body over the years. He was afraid of letting this repressed side get the better of him. I think...it's also the reason why he's always been so optimistic and accepting of all the negative and terrible things that happen to him.

(Y/N): ** That's not our main concern though. We need to come up with a plan to get Shadow back and put a stop to Patriot... but how?

Shadowlight: We can't assassinate him. If we do, there's no doubt that Shadow's repressed side will come back. What about you... fearless leader?

You looked back at him with widened eyes to see he had a bit of a smirk on his face. You smiled before thinking of a plan. A moment had passed before an idea came to mind.

(Y/N): Okay, here's what we'll do.

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You could be seen walking up the northern mountain by yourself while your eyes were glued to the summit.

(Y/N): ** Please be okay, Shadow. I can't afford to lose you again.

Finally, after a long and arduous walk, you made it to the summit and stood atop it. You looked around but couldn't find any sign of Patriot or Shadow for that matter. You waited for another few moments until you heard someone from behind.

???: So you came. Heh, I expected nothing less of the supposed Savior of whatever that school you go to is.

You turned to see Patriot standing proudly but the Dark Amulet was nowhere to be seen around his neck. He leaned his neck forward while presenting his exposed neck in a taunting fashion.

Patriot: You really think that piece of crap amulet was enough to throw me down? You're even more of an idiot than I took you for.

(Y/N): Cut the egotist talk, Patriot. You know why I'm here. Where's Shadow?

Patriot: Oh, don't you worry about him. I made sure that his last moments were the longest and worst amount of pain he ever felt. Too bad you weren't there to say goodbye.

A horrified expression could be seen on your face as a result before Patriot let out a chuckle.

Patriot: You know, it's kinda sad. You made the same mistake twice and on the same person too. Must feel great knowing how much of a hero that school thinks you are.

???: Don't...feed him lies...Patriot.

He freezed for a moment as you spotted a dark grey hand directly near Patriot's tan shoes as another came into view and soon enough, you saw the head of a familiar face of a certain dark grey face of an emo. However, when you got a good look at him you were able to see that he was not in good shape. He had bruises all over his face and arms. His clothes were tattered and ripped in a few spots and a trickle of blood was slowly oozing from his mouth.

Shadow Moonlight: Y/N...isn't to blame for any of that.

(Y/N): S-Shadow!

Patriot: Pfft! Get off, you waste of human trash.

He kicked Shadow off before turning back to you.

Patriot: Really answer this for me Y/N, what exactly do you see in filth like him that makes you wanna stay with him? The way I see it, he's an infestation, one that needs to be exterminated. Plus, you don't need that little black ass. You already have two schools that like you and you could probably have a whole lot more and yet instead of them, you go out of your way to protect him?

(Y/N): You wouldn't understand, Patriot. In fact, I don't think you ever could.

Patriot: Really? Enlighten me why don't you?

(Y/N): I could, but I very much doubt that that caveman brain of yours would comprehend it.

That insult made Patriot glare slightly.

Patriot: Oh, is that how it is?

(Y/N): Yeah, that's how it is. You're physically incapable of understanding intelligent words, Patriot. Do you want me to spell them out for you slowly so your thought processing can get it?

Patriot: Pffft. Wow, is that the best roast you can come up with?

(Y/N): Oh, you assumed that was my best? Well, just goes to show how tiny of a brain you have.

Patriot's glare only grew with each word you said.

Patriot: Okay, now you're not even trying. That armored emo can do way better.

(Y/N): Yeah? Well, can you do any better?

Patriot: "Aww, it's cute when you try to talk about things you don't understand."

(Y/N): Wow, and you say that I'm not trying? Look who's talking.

Patriot: I may be stupid but I'm not stupid enough to know that a savior knows better than to stoop to his enemy's level.

(Y/N): And kidnapping my friend just to get a rise out of me is somehow more mature?

Patriot: Who said what I did was mature?

(Y/N): Alright, enough of this back and forth banter. You said you wanted to settle this like men, right? Well, here I am.

Patriot: So you are.

He cracked his knuckles and neck as he now had an angry scowl on his face.

Patriot: We'll do this the old-fashioned way; hand-to-hand combat. No magic, no tricks, no nothing.

(Y/N): I'll agree to that as long as you uphold your end of the bargain.

Patriot: I'm a fair player, Y/N.

Shadow Moonlight: Y/N...don't...do...this.

You looked down at Shadow.

(Y/N): I have to, dude. Trust me, things will work out for us.

You winked at him as his eyes widened before he quickly rose up to his feet, ignoring the intense amount of pain he was in.

Shadow Moonlight: Y/N, just let him go. It's not worth it

Patriot: Oh, SHUT UP!!

He shouted before raising his leg and kicking Shadow harder, launching him backwards as he fell off the summit of the mountain. A look of surprise spread across your face as an angry frown became apparent. However, you took a deep breath and sighed while calming yourself before looking back up at Patriot. Deep down, you had to remind yourself of the plan which meant that you couldn't lose your cool.

Patriot: Seriously? That's your reaction to seeing me kick your supposed "friend" off the mountain? Not that I blame you, that little insufferable idiot deserves every bit of pain he feels.

(Y/N): Well... something tells me that he'll be just fine.

Patriot: What makes you so sure?

(Y/N): None of your business, that's what.

Patriot: Fine... if that's how things'll go, then that's okay with me.

He then got into a fighting stance as did you as you two began walking in a circle formation.

Patriot: It's about time I make you regret stepping off that swing all those years ago and interfering with my work.

(Y/N): You will try.

He glared once again before sprinting at you as you sprinted at him too. You met in the middle and started throwing punches at one another. He got in a few hits on you while you managed to land a few blows yourself. However, it turned out that Shadow was right about him receiving military training as he knew a little more about combat than you did as evidenced by him getting in more hits. The flurry of blows came to a stop when he sent a kick to your stomach which sent you flying back a few feet and you hunched over slightly.

Patriot: Come on! I know you've got more fight in you, so why not show me what you really got?!

(Y/N): Trust me, I'm just getting started!

You stood back up which made Patriot chuckle at your tenacity before he scowled again and charged at you. He tried to tackle you, but you leapfrogged above him which made him lose his balance and tumble to the ground sending him continuously rolling down the hill. He finally came to a stop at the bottom before he spat out some grass and dirt and sent another glare your way.

(Y/N): Stings, doesn't it?

Patriot: Oh, it does. No doubt about that but, after witnessing you first hand so worked up over that black bastard is enough to keep me going. Besides, no amount of pain you give me can justify all the times I've hurt him. Now, it's time that I kick your little ass!

He hastily stood back up and threw another fist towards your face, but you narrowly dodged and sent a punch to his chest causing him to spit up some saliva. You then uppercutted him before sending a flurry of punches to his stomach. He hunched over while breathing heavily as you stood over him.

Patriot: ** N-No! I... I can't lose like this! Not when... not when I'm so close!

He continued to breathe heavily while you stared down at him.

(Y/N): It's ** it's over, Patriot.

He remained silent as you spoke.

(Y/N): If ** If you know what's best for you ** then I suggest you give up and leave this place ** and never come back. I don't ** ever wanna see you here ** again.

Patriot's hand gripped the grass beneath him in anguish over the possibility of defeat. There's... there's no way he'd lose to someone like you. That just can't be... it won't be... he refuses to let it be! Suddenly, a smirk came to his face as he raised his arms up in a surrendering position.

Patriot: Alright, fine. You've got me, Y/N. I surrender.

(Y/N): Good, so ** you'll leave Shadow alone?

Patriot: Oh, for sure. I'll leave him alone. ** I have a new target now.

He stood with his hands raised in the air while you slowly walked over to him. You snapped your fingers and a pair of (F/C) colored handcuffs appeared in them. These were given to you by Shadowlight in the event of recapturing Patriot.

(Y/N): Just to make sure that you cooperate, I'm going to- GAH!!

You were cut off when you were suddenly blasted backwards for several feet before landing harshly on the floor. For a moment, you could see stars in your eyes before you shook them away and looked up to see Patriot standing before you with a wicked grin and... a magical aura surrounding him. Around his neck, the Dark Amulet could be seen along with...the Light Amulet.

(Y/N): W-What?! But you said no magic!

Patriot: Hey, I surrendered during that fight so that's done and over. The rules I made there don't apply here. This is a new fight if you couldn't guess. And I thought I was the one with a tiny brain.

You glared before quickly standing back up.

(Y/N): Oh yeah?! Well, two can play at that game!

You tried to grab for your geode only to discover that... that it was gone!

Patriot: Looking for this?

He said, holding up your geode before crushing it in his hands. A bright (F/C) shone forth and blinded you for a moment.

Patriot: That takes care of that.

You tried to react by sending a magic blast, but Patriot responded quickly by sending a blast of his own which sent you to the ground. He then followed it up with several explosive orbs as they exploded upon making impact with your form.

Patriot: HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT, YOU INSIGNIFICANT FOOL?! THIS IS WHAT DEFEAT TASTES LIKE!!

His voice boomed with rage before he ended his attack. A crater had formed around you while you were covered in dirt and wounds of varying sizes. Patriot then walked over to you and grabbed your neck with a single hand before sending several punches to your face.

Patriot: YOU JUST COULDN'T ** LET ME KILL ** SHADOW ALL THOSE YEARS AGO, ** COULD YOU?! ** YOU JUST HAD TO PLAY THE HERO!! ** WELL, DIDN'T YOU ** KNOW THAT CARD IS THE ONE THAT GETS YOU KILLED?!?! ** EVERYTHING I EVER DID WAS ALWAYS RUINED BECAUSE OF YOU!! ** YOU COULD HAVE WALKED AWAY! ** YOU COULD HAVE JUST LET HIM DIE!! ** WHY ** WON'T ** YOU ** LET ** HIM ** DIE?!?!?! **

His voice continued to boom as he delivered fast and hard punches to your face. Finally, Patriot managed to stop himself as he gazed down at your beaten form.

Patriot: ** Well, ** I guess the reason doesn't matter to me. ** You're dying ** all the same.

He grabbed your neck and pulled your face closer to his.

Patriot: Look into my eyes, Y/N L/N. I wanna see the lights leave them once I snuff you out for good.

You didn't respond however as you appeared to be unconscious. This only brought irritation to Patriot as he was hoping that you'd still be awake.

Patriot: Well... come on! Open your eyes already!

Still nothing.

Patriot: Have you suddenly gone deaf on me?! Do what I say right now and open your damn eyes!

Suddenly, you did just that. However, instead of the usual pools of (E/C), instead, they were a deep red.

(Y/N)?: Man, you really are gullible.

Patriot: W-W-WHAT?!!?

Just then, the amulets around Patriots neck were yanked off rendering him powerless. He turned around to see the culprit but was met by... you?!

Patriot: H-H-HOW?!

(Y/N): I knew you'd try something like this, Patriot, so I had some... insurance.

You gestured towards the other you as Patriot looked back to see that Shadowlight had taken your place who was currently sporting a cocky grin.

Shadowlight: Quite a show you made, Patriot. You really kept me entertained.

Patriot: Oh, I see. Clever. Veeeeeeeeeeeerry clever.

He was about to say something else before he was silenced by you giving him a mean right hook. You then looked down at Shadowlight before offering him a hand.

(Y/N): You need a hand there, bud?

Shadowlight: Yeah...I could really use one.

He smiled and took your hand as you pulled him up. The two of you turn your attention back to Patriot who somehow still had enough stamina to stand up.

Patriot: You guys ** are pathetic. I'm done ** with targeting Shadow. ** I'm gonna ** do something much better.

Shadowlight: Such as?

Patriot: I'm gonna make sure his sister never sees the light of day!

He smirked as Edge's eyes shrank before a loud voice boomed from down below.

???: YOU WON'T LAY A FINGER ON HER!!!

Suddenly, Patriot was tackled to the ground by a green blast of magic. You retraced the path it came from as you saw a blur leap on top of Patriot. You looked closer and was shocked at seeing Shadow throwing massive amounts of punches at Patriot. A neon green aura surrounds one of his fists as he throws a hard punch to Patriot's jaw, making him swallow some of his teeth.

(Y/N): ** That...that can't be.

You thought as you took a closer look at him. When you did, you noticed that his eyes were green instead of red which could only make you assume who it really was.

(Y/N): ** He's... he's become just like Hollow Moonshine!

Shadowlight: Crap...he never should've said that.

(Y/N): Edge, help me get him off, pronto!

You were about to rush forward until Shadowlight put a hand in front of you stopping you from taking another step.

Shadowlight: Don't touch him. If you get involved, he'll direct his anger toward you. You don't want that, trust me.

(Y/N): But he's gonna kill Patriot! As much as I dislike him, we can't just let Shadow kill him!

Shadowlight: Do you want to die, Y/N? Trust me, it's best that you stay out of it. Besides, I know he won't kill Patriot. I've seen this happen before and while it has done a lot of harm, it never killed anyone. At least not before.

You tried to push past him, but he persisted.

Shadowlight: Dude, don't get involved! Take it from your right hand man, alright?

(Y/N): No! I'm not going to lose my best friend again!

You pushed him away before running over and pulling Shadow off of Patriot who was now lying on the floor covered in blood. Shadow continued to try and punch him while you struggled to hold him back.

(Y/N): S-Shadow! Calm down!

He didn't listen however as he continued to try and beat Patriot into a bloody pulp. You then got in front of him and held his face in your hands causing him to look at you.

(Y/N): Shadow, listen to me! He's beaten! There's no need to do this any longer!

Shadow Moonlight?: NO! I REFUSE TO LET HIM HURT MY SISTER AND I'LL MAKE SURE WHATEVER'S LEFT OF HIS HEART IS CRUSHED BEFORE HE EVER GETS THE CHANCE!!!

(Y/N): Shadow, you can't stoop to his level! We need to be better than that!

Shadow Moonlight?: BETTER?! YOU THINK WE CAN BE BETTER THAN HIM?!