Scene 12.0: Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, 11:37 AM, Day 99 of 365
After talking with his older sister Starry inside the Element of Life, Shadow and his friends head to Sugarcube Corner to confront Florid on what happened a week ago as she is on her lunch break; but as soon as they arrive there…
Pumpkin Cake:
(Blushing, Smiling)
Shadow! Are you here for your usual?
Shadow:
Not necessarily, but I don't mind getting it to go. Is Florid in the back?
Pumpkin Cake:
(Putting Cheesecake In Bag)
She was given the week off after what she went through at Thicket. Pound is doing her routes since he's a pretty fast flier…
(Worried Expression)
…I wonder how he is doing running Florid's Routes since not even Mama and Papa would run those in their youth or before we were born.
(Carefree Smile)
But I'm sure he's fine.
==============
At an undisclosed location, Pound Cake is flying for his life as he is being pursued by large creatures that want to snatch and eat his delivery boxes meant for his clients as he screams that he won't forgive Florid and his sister Pumpkin for this.
==============
Shadow:
So Florid is at her apartment?
Pumpkin:
Yeah, pretty much. She's pretty down last I saw her.
Shadow:
(Worried)
Florid? Down? As In Depressed?
Pumpkin:
(Saddened)
Yeah.
Shadow:
Can you include a Crucifix, a Bottle of Holy Water, a Bag of Garlic, Purified Salt and a Bible to my order?
Everycreature:
(Annoyed)
SHADOW!!!
Shadow:
I'm just covering my bases. Florid is as dangerous as Pinkamena when she's depressed.
Fraulein:
If this key I have is any indication of it, I would like to make the same order as Platinum Shadow as well, Ms. Cake. Cheesecake included, of course. Make it a Cinnamon Cheesecake.
Pumpkin:
(Smiling)
Right away!
Luster:
(Annoyed)
You two are horrible.
Shadow, Fraulein:
We're just covering our bases.
Blaze:
Symmetry…? Now I'm worried.
Everycreature:
Me too…
Everycreature leaves Sugarcube Corner and enter the next door building called "Sandwich Apartments" to meet with Florid with the Crucifixes, the Bottles of Holy Water, the Bags of Garlic, Purified Salt and the Bibles in their possession inside a box which Shadow's friends find it exaggerating. As they knock on the door of Apartment 6, which a Depressed Florid opens the door and Shadow & Fraulein gives her a weird looking Chocolate Cake with 2 cross shaped Licorice on top, 2 boxes of Spicy Red Bean Buns with 2 bags of sprinkles and 2 Bottles Lime Soda that brings a smile to her face as she starts eating it. Everycreature is in shock as they thought that Shadow and Fraulein bought things only an Exorcist would use, but Shadow explains that it's the Nightmare Night Menu Item call "The Exorcist" that becomes part of the Secret Menu after Nightmare Night and it is Florid's Favorite.
Florid:
(Sad Smile)
Thanks for the Pick-Me-Up. Shadow! Ms. Fraulein!
Shadow:
Don't mention it. Now Florid…how about you tell us what happened last week up until yesterday.
Florid:
You are not going to bump me one?
Shadow:
I promise.
Florid:
You won't prosecute me, Ms. Fraulein?
Fraulein:
There will be no trial since Bramble is not pressing charges. So anything you say cannot and will not be used against you.
Florid takes a big gulp of her Lime Soda, takes a deep burps loudly and starts telling her side of the story…
***
Phase 2:
The Case Of Florid Harvest
Scene 12.1: Equestria, Ponyville, 5:43 PM, 1 Week Ago
While Florid is doing the last of her of deliveries & errands of the day for Sugarcube Corner, she stumbles upon the CMC: Apple Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot as they have a higher chance in finding Shadow than looking for him themselves. Florid asks them why not use their sixth sense ability like her to find him, they tried before, but locating Shadow's Signature is like looking for a needle in a haystack since Chaos Magic like Shadow's is not that easy to pinpoint because he knows how to hide it. Yavish sees them and approaches them as he asks what they are up to. At that moment Shadow, just finished his training with Discord & "Eris" for the day he sees Rose, Wendy & Sweetie-Bot alongside Yavish & Florid which confuses him to see the 5 of them hanging out together and this worries him as well. There they talk about wanting to go to Thicket for a picnic just like Yavish mentioned and everything that Florid said was the same except after they split up to investigate the castle.
Scene 12.2: Equestria, Everfree Forest [Thicket], 9:39 AM, 6 Days Ago
As Florid investigates the South of the Castle of Thicket as she admits playing the "Pink Panther" theme in her head to make everything feel exciting as she moves around the place. Shadow face-hoofs as he finds the idea to be so very Florid. As Florid sneaks around, she notices that for some reason there are as many guards here as in the throne room as she wonders what is so important here to require this many guards. Suddenly she sees guards walking down the hall in front of her that she needed to go back from where she came from, but she quickly notices that guards are also coming from the other direction, so she enters the nearby room in order to avoid being spotted. As soon as Florid enters it she doesn't look inside, but instead only keeps tabs if the guards are gone and the coast is clear so she can continue her investigation; however there was somecreature in the room behind her surprised to see somecreature in his chambers.
???:
(Deep Male Voice)
Can I help you?
Florid:
(Spooked, Hard Gulp)
Hi! I'm the new maid! I didn't see you here, your excellency!
Aspen:
(Serious Expression)
No, you are not. I recognize you. You are Rain Shine's Niece, Florid Harvest.
Florid:
You know me?
Aspen:
But of course. Are you here for your aunt's end of the bargain?
Florid:
Huh? End of the bargain? What do you mean?
Aspen:
You don't know?
Florid:
I rarely get involved with Royal Affairs, so I don't know what my aunt and first teacher, Autumn Blaze always discussed with other royals.
Aspen:
I see, so why are you here then?
Florid:
(Defeated Sigh)
Since I have no leads, might as well ask you.
Aspen:
Ask me what?
"I asked him if he knew anything about the Renegade Changelings or anything peculiar happening around his kingdom. He told me about them as well as something I didn't expect he would say…"
Florid:
(Surprised)
Sirens!?
Aspen:
Indeed and judging by their colors, I can assume that they are the same ones that The Pillars of Equestria banished over a thousand moons ago.
Florid:
Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. Those were the names on record. Are you sure they are the ones?
Aspen:
I believe they are.
Florid:
But how did they get here? I thought they couldn't return to this reality without the Pillars' Power.
Aspen:
Probably this Blight Terror had something to do with that. If I haven't retired and had my son, Bramble succeed me early this year, I would have already secured my domain before getting invaded by these Renegade Changelings, but I'm retired and it is Bramble's turn to know the harshness of leadership that comes with it. Without the Pains Leadership brings, you cannot grow nor you cannot understand the weight that comes with it. Leadership is no different that becoming the Titan, Atlas…holding the fate of the world on his shoulders. One wrong step and the entire world falls on top of him, bringing ruin to the world in the process as well.
Florid:
That's rough.
Aspen:
Life is rough, all you can do is adjust, adapt and assimilate. A lesson I learned from Princess Twilight and her friends. The 3 "A"s of Life, I think she calls it.
Florid:
I never heard of that.
Aspen:
Not everycreature does.
Florid:
May I come back tomorrow? I want to keep this conversation going. I don't want to worry my friends since we are looking into this Renegade Changeling Situation without that jerk's—I mean, your son's permission.
Aspen:
(Chuckles)
I understand. Bramble is behaving a little too strict. Please understand it is the stress of leadership taking its toll on him, not his true self.
Florid:
Whatever!
***
Florid:
The next day we arrived at Thicket and resumed our designated search area, but when I returned to the South Wing, the guards told me that Former King Aspen was expecting me and guided me to meet him. For the whole week I would talk to him on the situation of Thicket which much to my annoyance also included Royal Deliberations. For some reason…it felt like I was talking to a father figure than another royal. But then an explosion happened at the throne room and the jerk—I mean, King Bramble was taken over by the Black Heart Crystal. Aspen and me fought him but Bramble knocked him out and knocked him out through the castle window with sheer force. I went Full Nirik and…that's the last thing I remember.
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
HOLD IT!!! Aspen took part in the fight!? Ananas!!! What is the meaning of this!?
Fraulein:
(Furious)
This is News to me as well, Platinum Shadow! HOW DARE THOSE FOOLS WITHHOLD TESTIMONY LIKE THIS FROM ME!!! I will press charges myself against Thicket!!!
Shadow:
Wait. Yavish also withheld this bit of evidence. Why did he? Yavish isn't the type to lie.
Florid:
I can explain that.
Shadow, Fraulein:
(Annoyed Sigh, Eyes Closed)
He arrived at the time you transformed into your Nirik Form.
Florid:
(Surprised)
How do you know?
Shadow:
The only time a Kirin fights at Full Strength, it's when they go Full Nirik.
Fraulein:
Since the Yak Prince is no liar, by process of elimination, he arrived by the time you were already in your True Form. That would explain WHY he did not see the Former King almost getting killed by his son. Nevertheless…
(Furious, Transforms Into Werewolf Pony)
…that Backstabbing Royal Captain, Tempest Shadow kept me in the dark yet again!!! I will make sure she gets a massive salary cut for this!!!
Shadow:
Good luck with that. She does have a few backup plans whenever she stops being Royal Captain.
Fraulein:
Why that treacherous—
Shadow:
We need to get testimony from Bramble, the girls and now we have a surprise witness testimony to collect – The Former King of Thicket, Aspen.
Fraulein:
(Deep Breath, Reverts to Normal)
Since I wasn't told about his condition and relation to this case, I highly doubt I have permission to enter his quarters or question him on what happened that day. Getting his testimony will not be easy.
Shadow:
Actually…I think it is that easy.
Everycreature:
How so?
Shadow:
Florid herself gave it away in her testimony just now. "...when I returned to the South Wing, the guards told me that Former King Aspen was expecting me and guided me to meet him." This quote means that Aspen has granted Special Permission to Florid for her to meet him. Even if Captain Tempest tries to stop us, a royal decree by the former king is still ironclad that not even the current king cannot overrule.
Luster:
So we need Florid in order to meet Aspen.
Gatz:
I wonder if we need to get authorization from official channels.
Blaze:
I doubt it. I'm guessing that the guards protecting him are privy to allowing Florid approach him without going through the usual channels.
Slipstream:
That's possible since Big Sis does the same thing with us at S.M.I.L.E.
Flurry:
Same for my guards back home.
Shadow:
Then that settles it. Florid? Can you come with us? We need to know what happened before you, Yavish and the girls even got there. He might learn something of what happened after Blight threw the gauntlet at me and Luster last week. Maybe the Renegade Changelings were doing something in the Everfree Forest long before that.
Krystal:
That's pretty strategic…
(Whispers To Shadow)
…but Aniki, shouldn't we ask Ai and Kokoro directly on that?
Shadow:
(Whispers To Krystal)
Not a good idea. They might bolt or worse. They were sent to here to protect you. Unmasking them before they fulfill their duty would be pretty uncouth of us as Rarity would say.
Krystal:
(Smiling, Giggling, Whispering)
I see your point and they do seem happy being next to me.
Shadow:
(Out Loud)
OK! Time to head back for Thicket and get Aspen's Testimony.
Everycreature:
YAY!!!
Scene 12.3: Equestria, Everfree Forest [Thicket], 12:45 PM
Upon arriving near Aspen's Chambers, Shadow and his friends are stopped by Tempest Shadow telling them they have no authorization to be there, even Fraulein with her current benefits with the Thicket Access bestowed to her by King Bramble is not enough to allow her to meet with Aspen; but then Florid walks towards Aspen's Quarters and the Deer Royal Guards let her pass which annoys Tempest and it infuriates her when Florid says that her friends are coming with her as the guards have no objection. As they all go inside Aspen's Chambers, Tempest is already planning on how to punish her now son Shadow, but sighs in defeat and she wonders what will Shadow make for dinner tonight as Tempest returns to her own investigation. As Shadow and his Friends enter Aspen's Chambers, they see medical equipment next to his bed as he welcomes Florid and her friends to his room.
Aspen:
(Smiling)
Greetings to you all. You must be Florid Harvest's Friends.
(Notices Shadow & Krystal)
The Son and Daughter of Jack-Of-All-Trades. It is an honor to finally meet you both.
Krystal:
You knew our father?
Aspen:
Jack-Of-All-Trades was cunning and strategic pony. He's so Cunning and Strategic…I never consider him an Ordinary Equine. He felt more acquainted with the times of yore than modern times.
Shadow:
You do realize my title is "Child of the Ancients", so my father is being acquainted with the with the Times of Yore is far more accurate than you think.
Aspen:
I see…so the prophecy of my ancestors are true.
Shadow:
What prophecy?
Aspen:
"When the 7 Children of the Ancients Gather, The World Will Return To Its Former Glory As They Cleanse The World Of Its Corruption."
Shadow:
That prophecy…it's the one tied with the "Full Armored Alicorn" Prophecy.
Krystal:
Full Armored Alicorn? Why do I feel cold when I hear that name.
Luster:
I remember hearing that from somewhere. What is this Full Armored Alicorn, Shadow?
Shadow:
The Full Armored Alicorn is known as the Assassin of the Ancients. He is an Alicorn wearing a Platinum Paladin Armor with a Royal Blue Cape that covers his entire body, wielding a sword similar to the Holy Sword Caliburn and the Holy Shield Aegis. Caliburn can cut through anything and the Aegis Shield can block all attacks.
(Annoyed Stare)
And No, Florid! You can't use them against each other. There is a powerful spell that prevents both Holy Sword & Holy Shield to be used against each other, so there is no way to destroy them in that manner. Same goes for his armor, it's guarded by the same spell. So to destroy the Full Armored Alicorn, you need to use a weapon that can nullify both Harmony and Chaos Magic.
Gatz:
Chaos Magic as well?
Shadow:
Harmony Magic is mostly defensive magic similar to Holy Magic. It only harms Undead, Evil or Demonic Beings. Chaos Magic is more offensive magic and it is the only magic that has a non-elemental alignment, making it extremely powerful. However…Darkness magic is also part of its repertoire. Darkness Magic has a more offensive skill set than Chaos Magic. Believe it or not, Chaos Magic has a pretty balanced offensive set with Harmony Magic being its Mirror Set. Chaos and Harmony Magic act like Red Magic's Offensive and Defensive Spells respectively. Making the Full Armored Alicorn a True Arcane Paladin Master.
Luster:
Amazing! I heard that Paladins can master Arcane Magic, but not at the degree you just said.
Shadow:
That's because the Full Armored Alicorn is also known as "The Champion of the Ancients". His power is just like Optimus Prime from Cybertron. The Core of the Full Armored Alicorn possesses the Accumulated Power & Wisdom of the Ancients. However unlike Optimus Prime's Matrix of Leadership that contains the Accumulated Power & Wisdom of the 13 Original Primes in one Sacred Item given to him by his creator Primus, The Core within the Full Armored Alicorn is powered by the 13 Ancients of the Chaotic Void personally.
Krystal:
But Aniki…if the Prophecy of the Full Armored Alicorn is tied to the 7 Children of the Ancients Prophecy, how is that possible when the Fallen is sealed away and the Ancient Stardust Memory is dead?
Shadow:
That's the thing…The 7 Children of the Ancients will assist in the resurrection of the Original Element of Life and the Fallen will find the will to forgive the world for his beloved's sacrifice. But…The Heart of Darkness requires sacrifice in order for The Fallen be forgiven by the world for his transgressions.
Gatz:
"The Heart of Darkness Requires Sacrifice"? Is that referring to the Black Heart Crystal?
Shadow:
Yes. The Mother Crystal I assume. What sacrifice it requires, that I do not know. Prophecies are always pretty abridged. They always give vague details as we are never meant to know too much about the possible future that has already been written.
Aspen:
(Hearty Laugh)
You really are your father's son. You also speak in the same manner as him.
Shadow:
I don't know how to take that…I'll admit that I have more respect for him, but I still haven't forgiven him completely. Now…there are a few questions we need to ask you.
Aspen:
Let me guess – how long has the Renegade Changelings have been invading my domain?
Shadow:
(Nods)
Phase 3:
The Case Of Aspen
***
Scene 12.4: Equestria, Everfree Forest [Thicket], 2:40 PM, 107 Days Ago
At the balcony next to the throne room, Aspen and his son Bramble are overseeing the entirety of the Everfree Forest as the father has crowned his son to be the New Heart of the Forest.
King Bramble:
I can't believe the time has arrived. Are you sure about this? I don't have a spouse nor an heir.
Aspen:
(Smiling)
I am sure. Besides no need to worry for a mate. I made an arrangement with an acquaintance a few years ago after Twilight unified the world under the Diplomacy of Friendship and Jack-Of-All-Trades helped with the introductions.
King Bramble:
I don't trust that pony.
Aspen:
Neither do I, but he has proven to be a capable member of the Council of Friendship. To be honest…this acquaintance I met…
(Clears Throat, Blushing)
…we are in a relationship right now ourselves.
King Bramble:
(Annoyed)
So I now have a Stepmother. May I know her identity?
Aspen:
Unfortunately I cannot tell you until you meet the Female we have arranged for you to get betrothed to.
King Bramble:
So I will not meet her until I meet this female I will not find anything in common and I will call off the wedding.
Aspen:
(Amused Smile)
I'll be honest, me and my current beloved had nothing in common as we were complete opposites, but after a few fiery exchanges…
(Mumbling)
…
(Out Loud)
…let's just say we got to know each other well privately and we copula—I mean, we strengthened our relationship.
King Bramble:
(Disgusted, Blushing)
Careful old man. You are too old to have fawns with another female and raise them as you did me.
Aspen:
(Smiling)
You are young. Wait until you reach my age, your biology's desires will always betray your mind's desires. This is a weakness for all living beings…those who have lived a stressful life, your body's desires will overpower your mind's desire in the long run. If you led a relaxed life, your mind's desires will overrule your body's desires. That is why I cannot resist being with my current mate. Besides…do you expect me to live my retirement in loneliness? That is a fate worse than death for anycreature that broke their back for their people.
King Bramble:
Is that why you made this ridiculous arranged marriage for me? Because you think I will regret it in the long term?
Aspen:
Yes. When I lost your mother, my focus was always to care for you and my kingdom. Now that I completed my task…I feel like my reward for all of my sacrifice was to be discarded.
King Bramble:
I was never going to discard you, father.
Aspen:
I know you won't, but you won't be by my side all of the time because you already your own duties to tend to.
King Bramble:
If you feel that way, why retire now? Why not wait until I met this marriage prospect and see if she and I do end up being attracted to each other?
Aspen:
Because I grew impatient as well as my new mate and this female you are going to be married to is still in her final years of her royal etiquette lessons. She will be available to you by next year.
King Bramble:
Unless I turn her down. But we can discuss that another time. What should I expect as my first act as king?
Aspen:
Besides getting married, just simple diplomatic meetings here and there, a few friendship summits sanctioned by Princess Twilight, balance the kingdom's coffers and secure the Everfree Forest from those who would do it harm. It is pretty self-explanatory.
Thickest Royal Guard:
(Rushes Into The Balcony)
Your Highness!!! We have a situation!
King Bramble:
Report.
Thickest Royal Guard:
Your Highness! We have encountered Renegade Changelings nearby the ancient ruins all over the Everfree Forest!
King Bramble:
Aren't those ruins protected by Ahuizotl and his kind!?
Thickest Royal Guard:
It appears that these creatures are assisting the Renegade Changelings, my lord.
King Bramble:
(Furious)
WHAT!?!?!? HOW!?!?!? These Changelings are not tied to Thorax and his Changelings nor they are tied to Queen Chrysalis since she is sealed in stone at Canterlot! Who is leading them!?
Thickest Royal Knight:
Our scouts have seen a Changeling that resembles Chrysalis, but she's all red instead green.
Aspen:
I heard rumors Chrysalis had a secret offspring heir none knew about. Could this Red Variant of Herself be her Daughter?
King Bramble:
This is the first I heard of it.
Aspen:
Only a select few in Thickest were allowed to know of it. Not even Princess Twilight and our allies are aware of this. I did not want to spread a fallacy without hard evidence to present to everycreature to prove the existence of Chrysalis' Daughter.
King Bramble:
So you kept everything hidden?
Aspen:
No Evidence, No Credibility. Acting on instinct alone can cause more harm to a kingdom than to wait for enough of the facts come out. We can act on some of the intelligence some of the time, but if we don't have enough information like how strong our enemies are, we will have more loses than victories.
King Bramble:
Then how should we proceed.
Aspen:
I am no longer the Heart of the Forest, that is yours duty now. It is your call to make, not mine.
King Bramble:
You said "How Strong Our Enemies Are"…if these Changelings are led by a creature with similar abilities as Chrysalis and is related to her, she must be a powerful adversary to fight head-on and if Ahuizotl's Clan are assisting them, we cannot win if a fight breaks out. Curses! The only alternative is to secure our borders and strengthen our defenses.
Aspen:
Wise choice.
King Bramble:
Is there nothing else I can do?
Aspen:
I can be your Royal Advisor, but I cannot give you all of the answers. It is your duty to decide the outcome of the advice I grant you.
King Bramble:
So what else can you advice me on?
Aspen:
All I can say is –what will you do with what you will know now?
King Bramble:
The Everfree Forest is my domain. I will not tell outsiders of our affairs.
Aspen:
As you wish.
"HOLD IT!!!"
***
Shadow:
You all knew that Lady Imago was using these ruins for something along with Ahuizotl's Clan. What did they do there?
Aspen:
They were siphoning the magical energies from these ruins. The reason? Imago promised them freedom from their duties and attain the same joyful freedom Ahuizotl is experiencing today.
Krystal:
That makes sense. My mother is nothing like Chrysalis, but…I do believe her intentions are morally gray. She wants to help others, but willing to go to extremes to do so.
Aspen:
Chrysalis claimed the same thing when she was confronted by Starlight Glimmer and now she's in a stone prison.
Shadow:
I doubt Lady Imago will fall into the same immoral hole as Chrysalis has.
Aspen:
How can you be so sure?
Shadow:
(Touches Element Of Life)
A hunch.
Aspen:
I don't understand your point, but I see you are determined. Nevertheless…if she is using Kindness as a weapon, that means that unlike Queen Chrysalis, Lady Imago can use all of the Elements of Harmony as a weapon.
Luster:
Laughter…Hope…Honesty…Strength…Loyalty…Bravery…Kindness…Healing…Generosity…Beauty…Magic…Sorcery…
Blaze:
And from what we know, the Ancients are knowledgeable of the Elements and there are more Elements out there too. So Imago might have more mastery under her saddle since she also have the magic and some of the memories of Shadow and Krystal's Ancestor, Princess Stardust Memory.
Gatz:
But that is not the worst of it. If Ahuizotl's Clan is assisting Blight Terror's Efforts for their Freedom…which other races in Equestria and beyond are assisting him?
Shadow:
Ahuizotl's Clan…The Renegade Changelings…and...The Sirens. What do they all have in common?
Slipstream:
Ahuizotl's Clan want to lead a normal life away from their duties of being watchdogs for broken down temples. The Renegade Changelings I assume want to be accepted by all without being part of Thorax's Way and undergoing the same type of transformation the others went through. The Sirens I assume they want to return to Equestria as permanent fixture since this world again.
Shadow:
Speaking of the Sirens, what can you tell us about them besides their identities?
Aspen:
I heard rumors a few days ago…3 Strange Fillies were spending time with 3 Strange looking females that sported similar colors to the Sirens. Other than that, it is confirmed that these 3 Females are not the Sirens as they were spotted when these Females were spending time with the fillies. However, they were rarely seen after Florid Harvest and her Entourage saved my son and you started your investigation.
Shadow:
I see…thank you for your time, your highness. We will continue our investigation elsewhere.
Aspen:
Are you going to confront my son next?
Shadow:
Yes, but I highly doubt we'll get anywhere.
Aspen:
(Pulls Out Royal Seal From Table Cabinet)
Then you will need this, take it. I highly doubt Bramble will be forthcoming with you when you start questioning him on the events of that day, so present this seal and he will have no choice but to answer all of your questions.
Shadow:
Thank you, my lord.
Florid:
WAIT!!!
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
What is it now?
Florid:
We haven't asked A Very Super Duper Ultra Secret Question!!!
Shadow:
I already asked everything. What question did I miss?
Aspen:
(Smiling)
I'm curious myself. What question you miss asking me?
Florid:
Who is this Mate you met and who did you paired up that jerk of a son of yours with?
Aspen:
(Laughs Out Loud)
Forgive me, my dear. But she and I made a Royal Decree to not say anything until next year.
Florid:
(Annoyed Pout)
AWWW!!! MEANIES!!!
Shadow:
(Annoyed Sigh)
Let's go, we already overstepped our welcome.
As they all leaves Aspen can't help but smile on Florid's liveliness as he hopes his son Bramble one day gains that same happiness…
Scene 12.5: Ponyville, Dazzlings Apartment, 1:00 PM
Elric arrive at the Dazzlings' Apartment to get their report on everything that happened at Thicket and as soon he enters the it, he is shocked as he sees Adagio, Aria and Sonata being too relaxed that they are in their Human Forms instead of their Pony in the middle of the day.
Elric:
(Annoyed)
OIIIII!!!!!!!!!!
Sonata:
(Smiling)
Oh! Hey, Elric! Want some leftover tacos?
Elric:
No! Why are you being reckless showing off your Human Forms!? What will you do if someone sees you like this!?
Aria:
(Annoyed, Blushing)
None of your business, twerp!
Adagio:
What my hotheaded sister means is that we are used to these form far more than our pony forms and our Siren Forms. And we consider these forms our true forms. As for dealing with the situation of anyone seeing our True Forms, we can just use our Siren Ability to brainwash them in forgetting about it.
Elric:
I don't believe you.
The Dazzlings:
(Furious)
It's the truth!
Elric:
From what I remember on what Blight-Sama told me you all hated your Human Form. The only time you started loving this form is when you fell in love with the Human Version of Aniki—I mean, Shadow.
The Dazzlings:
(Saddened)
...
Elric:
What happened? The three of you are acting peculiar…more so than usual.
Adagio:
Did you know Apple Rose, Wendy and Sweetie-Bot don't exist in the Human World?
Elric:
I remember hearing that. Why are you bringing that up?
Adagio:
You'll understand after you hear our report. Once you hear it, you'll understand why we now value our Human Form more than our other forms…even our Siren Form.
Elric:
(Defeated Sigh)
Let me get a seat. Something tells me that this is going to be an emotional one. But first things first…
The Dazzlings:
???
Elric:
I am a bit hungry, so I take your offer on the Taco Leftovers, Sonata.
Sonata:
(Smiling)
Here you go!
Elric:
(Thinking)
This is peculiar. I remember hearing stories that these 3 never cared for anything or anyone other than themselves and each other. It seems the Element of Life might have a power that not even Friendship nor Love can heal on their own. And not only that…in most realities that I've seen, Apple Rose, Wendy and Sweetie-Bot do exist in some shape or form, just not in the way we all perceive them. Even these girls…in this reality they are sisters, but in other realities they are just acquaintances who just happen to have common goals or childhood friends that can't agree that they are friends, but partners in crime. Looks like that out of all of the realities these girls exist…this is one of the few where their life experiences have shaped them to be like this. Will they find peace in the future as Blight-Sama wish for them or…will they suffer a tragic fate just like the Human Version of Shadow and Trixie. Deep down…I wish for their happiness just as Blight-Sama…
As Adagio takes a deep breath, she begins telling Elric on what happened to them exactly one week ago…
Phase 4:
The Case Of the Dazzlings
To Be Continued…