Persona: The "Pony"-verse Legacyby Golden FlareChaptersEpisode 2: Even Darkness Has A HeartEpisode 3: The Persona PrincessEpisode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users!Episode 5: The Gauntlet of SombraEpisode 1: He Is You And You Are HimEpisode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart"Even... Your eyes." a worried Ley said. "My eyes?" Even asked, confused. "They're green... And red." Ley replied. "?!" motioned Even. A few moments after that, his eyes returned to normal. "Even! Your eyes! They're normal again!" Ley shouted with delight. Twilight, the orange pony, and the white unicorn were laying on the ground, defeated, while the yellow Pegasus was still hiding and cowering, but they still stared at them, shocked about what the male was capable of. Even and Ley shot a quick glance at them. "Um, maybe we should go." Ley suggested without hesitation. "Yeah, I agree." said Even. They both ran and hitched a ride on the caboose of a train in the middle of town. "Heh, let's see 'em catch us now." Even said with a smirk. The four ponies saw the couple ride off into the distance, until the pink pony, Pinkie Pie, the purple dragon, Spike, and the rainbow-maned Pegasus pony, Rainbow Dash, caught up with the group, despite that Rainbow was still dazed from that blow to the head. "Whoooooooaa, what the hay happened here? Guess we missed the party." said a disappointed, but concerned Pinkie Pie. "Twilight! Are you ok?" Spike worriedly asked. Twilight just laid there, astonished, thinking up a proper course of action. Then, Twilight knew what to do. "Spike... Take a letter." Episode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart "Whew! That was a close one!" Ley said, relieved. "Yeah, too close." Even said. "Still, that thing... And that card... Do I have... Superpowers or something?" Even asked himself. "Nah, it can't be superpowers, you're too... let's say, plain, to be saving the world." Ley said, jokingly. "Oh, Thanks!" Even said, annoyed. "Ha ha! C'mon, Even! You know I'm kidding! Before all this happened, you were anything but plain!" Ley said, trying to lift her friend's spirits. "Yeah, yeah." Even replied. "I'm serious! Really!" Ley said. The train stopped at one of it's destinations. "Hey, let's get off before someone sees us." Even said. "Okay." Ley agreed. They got off the train and hid in an alley in between two large buildings. Like in that other town, this one had the same inhabitants, except this town was different, it appeared more high class. "Whoa. Fan-cy." Even said, impressed. "Yeah, but we have to lay low, we don't want to attract anymore unwanted attention." Ley said, being dead serious all of a sudden. "Gotcha." Even replied. ~~~ "Ok, Twilight! The letter's been sent! Now what?" said Spike. "Now we wait." Twilight replied. They walked around the library that they were in, with the other five ponies trying to get some R&R. Spike stared at the burn mark on Twilight back, the mark that came from that last attack from that giant King Sombra. "Um, Twilight? Does it hurt?" Spike asked. "Does what hurt?" Twilight asked. "That mark on your-" "DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT?!" a small, orange and purple pony burst in shouting, interrupting Spike. "Scootaloo?! What are you doing here?!" Twilight asked. "Ah think ya mean, what are we doin' here?" said a small, yellow and red pony with a red ribbon in her mane. "Yeah! Don't leave us out!" said a small, white unicorn with pink and purple streaks in her mane. "Apple Bloom?! And Sweetie Belle?!" Twilight said. "Hey, Applejack! That was one humdinger of a hoedown out there!" said an amazed Apple Bloom. "It was soooooooo cool! Almost as cool as-" "Don't. Finish. That. Sentence." An annoyed Rainbow Dash said, interrupting Scootaloo. "But it was." said Sweetie Belle. "Girls, y'all should be home right now, where it's safe." said a concerned Applejack. "That's right, Sweetie Belle, I mean, what if that, that... Thing, comes back?" the white unicorn said in disgust. "But Rarity!..." whined Sweetie Belle. "No buts, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity said, sternly. "Aw, c'mon!" whined Apple Bloom. "Home! Now!" demanded Applejack. "Hmph!" scoffed Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stormed out of the library while Scootaloo stood there. "You too, Scoots." said Rainbow Dash. "But, Rain-" "I SAID GO!" yelled Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo slowly walked out of the library with her ears laying flat. "C'mon, Crusaders! We're not goin' home yet!" Apple Bloom stated. "Why not?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Because we're gonna find that guy and get 'im to teach us how to use those giant creature things!" Apple Bloom said with determintation. "WHAT?!" Sweetie Belle practically screeched. "Think about it! What if we could get ah, um, 'Creature Controlling' cutie mark?" "I guess that would be pretty cool. What do you think, Scoots?" Sweetie Belle asked, "...Scoots?" Scootaloo raised her head with an angry look on her face. "I'm in." Scootaloo finally replied. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS CREATURE CONTROLLERS!!" Apple Bloom shouted. They ran off, in search of the guy who could use creatures to battle great enemies. ~~~ Even and Ley were sneaking around the high class town, avoiding contact with any of the ponies. "I just can't get this off my mind." Even said. "What?" Ley asked. "I have a great power, but what should I use it for?" Even said, "What do you think, Ley?" No response. "...Ley?" He turned his head and noticed that his friend wasn't next to him. "?!!" Even motioned. "Even!!" Ley screamed at the top of her lungs. Even looked up at the sky and saw three Pegasus guards who kidnapped Ley, "Let her go!" The guards took Ley and flew away to the castle on the other side of town. "Get back here!" Even shouted as he chased them. "Forget laying low! My friend needs me!" Even thought to himself. He zoomed out of the alley making a beeline to the huge castle. ~~~ Even was being watched just outside one of the windows of the castle. "That's right. Come to the castle." said a tall, dark blue alicorn mare. ~~~ Princess Luna was cleaning the bedchambers her sister, Princess Celestia, when all of a sudden, a letter popped up out of nowhere. She began to read it. "Dear Princess Celestia, We have a great emergency on our hooves, two creatures of unknown species have shown up in Ponyville and hurt Rainbow Dash, but that's not the worst part! The male controls that monster, King Sombra! Please write me back when you get this!" "Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle" Luna was shocked and immediately took action. She began writing a reply to Twilight. "Dear Twilight Sparkle, Meet me at the Canterlot castle, I have a plan of attack, bring the Elements of Harmony with you, we are going to need them." "From the desk of Princess Celestia" Princess Luna then sent the letter to Twilight, posing as her sister. ~~~ "Princess Luna! We're here to see Princess Celestia!" stated a familiar voice. "Twilight Sparkle, um, my sister, um, left me in charge with the, um, attack." Princess Luna said nervously. "Did you bring the Elements?" "Yes, Princess Luna." Twilight replied. "Good. Let us bring harmony back to Equestia!" Princess Luna stated. ~~~ Even made his way into the castle, trying desperately to find his best friend. "Ley?! Where are you?!" Even called. "Not. Another. Step." Princess Luna demanded, walking out of a silhouetted hallway. "Where's Ley?!" Even shouted. "Hmph. You're supposed to be the controller of King Sombra? How can that be? You're so young." Princess Luna said. "I'll ask again. Where. Is. My friend?!" Even said. "..." Princess Luna remained silent, staring at him. "ANSWER ME!!!" Even infuriatedly demanded. "...Why does she matter so much to you?" Princess Luna asked. "There's a question already on the table!" Even stated loudly. "I'm sorry, young one, but you must fall." Princess Luna stated as clearly as she could. Even charged at the nearest suit of armor, which was used as decoration, and yanked out a sword and it's scabbard. he tied the strap attached to the scabbard around his waist and pulled the sword out. King Sombra's card began to descend in front of Even. "I'll fight to protect my friends! Especially from you!! PERSONA!!" He attacked the card with the sword he just drew. Even called his Persona and began to fight for his friend. He thrust the sword on the floor next to him, cupped his hands and threw them to his side. King Sombra put his forelegs forward and concentrated the dark magic from his horn, forming a black and purple orb, while Even's eyes turned green and red once again. "NOW!!" Princess Luna shouted. Behind her were the six ponies from before, using the full power of the Elements of Harmony to defeat Even and Sombra. A huge rainbow formed and charged at Even, but tried to force it back with Sombra's charge attack. "DARKNAROK!!" Even screeched. Sombra launched his attack. The orb exploded into thousands of lasers, charging into the rainbow, but to no avail, it destroyed the lasers like they were nothing. The rainbow charged straight through Even and his Persona, beginning to throw them backwards. "SOMBRA! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Even screamed in pain. They were thrown to the wall behind them, King Sombra looked like he had pixels all around him. There was no denying it. Sombra was growing weak. And if Sombra was weak, Even was weak. "One more blast should do it. Ponies, once more!" Princess Luna said. They charged up for another attack, and Even knew the next rainbow would be the last one he'd see. Because Even knew if King Sombra dies... Even dies. ~~~ Princess Celestia walked into the throne room and noticed two guards with a human girl. "What do you want with me?" Ley asked. "What are you talking about?" Princess Celestia asked. "You sent your guards to capture me!" Ley shouted. "You will show respect to the princess!" the first guard stated, sternly. "I didn't order my guards to do anything. What is the meaning of this?!" Princess Celestia said. "Our orders come from Princess Luna, Your Majesty." the second guard answered. "What?! Why would Luna-" "SOMBRA! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Even screamed in pain. "EVEN!" Ley shouted. Ley, Celestia, and the two guards raced to find the source of that scream. "Sister, I hope you're not doing what I think you're doing." Princess Celestia thought to herself. ~~~ "One more blast should do it. Ponies, once more!" Princess Luna said. They charged up for another attack. Princess Celestia arrived just in time to try and stop this. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE! DO NOT ATTACK! THAT'S AN ORDER!" Princess Celestia shouted. "What?" Twilight said, confused. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Ley screamed. Ley charged at Twilight and pushed her over, knocking the Element of Magic off her head. "Ley!" Even shouted. "Run, Even! Get outta here while you still can!" shouted Ley. "No! Not without you!" Even stated. A red flash came from Even. He doesn't realize he leveled up. Level 1 -> 2 Courage +2 = 9 Expression +2 = 8 Understanding +1 = 8 Knowledge +3 = 13 Diligence +2 = 11 King Sombra has leveled up as well. Level 2 -> 3 Strength + 2 = 12 Magic + 3 = 15 Endurance + 2 = 11 Agility + 1 = 10 Luck + 2 = 9 Twilight tried to push Ley off her. "Luna, stop this at once! This is not the way to handle the situation!" Princess Celestia demanded. Even prepared another Darknarok charge attack. "This is what needs to be done, sister!" Princess Luna stated. "Sombra! Don't attack until I tell you to!" Even commanded. King Sombra nodded his head, accommodating Even's command. Even ran to grab Ley and escape, and once he did, he shouted his signal. "NOW!!!!!" And then Sombra released his Darknarok attack and nearly killed everyone, but Celestia summoned a barrier to protect them. "STOP TH-" "ENOUGH!!" Celestia yelled, interrupting Luna. "From now on, I'M handling this! Twilight Sparkle! Return to Ponyville, with your friends, at once!" Princess Celestia commanded. "...Yes, princess." Twilight said, glumly. Twilight and her friends left the Princess's sight. "We'll talk about this later, sister. You are NOT to leave your bedchambers, until it is time to raise the moon. Do I make myself clear?" Princess Celestia asked. "Crystal, sister." Princess Luna said. "Good. Now go." Celestia said. Luna walked to bedchambers, depressed. Celestia watched out the window and saw Even and Ley run to the train to ride to it's next stop. "Do you really mean to do harm to us, young one?" Celestia asked. "I must know everything about you two, who you are, why you're here, everything." ~~~ Unbeknownst to Celestia, Luna sent a letter to The Crystal Empire, informing it's rulers who's on their way, and what they need to do. "Sorry, sister, but action must be taken." Luna said. ~~~ An unknown being was walking up a hill just outside of Ponyville, and Pinkie Pie bumped into him by accident. She was bouncing around without knowing where she was going. "Hi there!" Pinkie said. "I saw two things like you! What're you doin' here?" "..." "I'm looking for someone." the new human said. He showed her a picture of someone. "Ooooh! Who's that?" Pinkie said, joyfully. "..." "Her name is..." ~~~ Next Scent "Wherever this train stops, we have to try and blend in." Even said. "Who knows? Maybe this place might have a way back home for us." Ley suggested. "So, you two are the ones causing all this trouble." Shining Armor said. "I'm you, and you're me." said Ley's shadowy reflection in the crystals. To Be Next Episode 3: The Persona Princess Author's Note Well, I finally finished chapter 2, took me all day, but it's done. I hope you guys like it! Chapter 3 will be here soon! Episode 3: The Persona PrincessDear Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, There is a great threat among us, two beings, unknown to Equestrian knowledge, somehow appeared, but it gets worse, one of them controls King Sombra. I have reason to believe that they are headed towards your kingdom. I sincerely hope you know what to do. With hope for Equestria, Princess Luna Shining Armor and Cadence read Luna's letter the moment they received it. "Captain! Put the entire empire on high alert! If these creatures show up, we'll be ready for them." Shining Armor declared. "Yes, your majesty!" said the captain of The Crystal Empire Royal Guard. The captain dashed out of the throne room to warn the other guards. "*Sigh* I have a bad feeling that Sombra isn't going to be easy defeat this time." Princess Cadence thought to herself, worrying about what new strength Sombra may have acquired. Episode 3: The Persona Princess Even and Ley hitched a ride on the train once more, as a means of escape. "Damn, that was a close call." Even said. "I know, we barely made it out alive." Ley replied. "Listen," Even began, "Wherever this train stops, we have to try and blend in." "A-Alright." Ley nervously agreed. "Is something wrong?" Even asked, worriedly. "...I just want to go home." Ley said with sadness. Ley began to cry out of homesickness. "Hey, Ley, c'mon, it'll be ok, if we got here somehow, then there must be a way out somewhere, there just HAS to be!" Even said, "We just have to be strong, ok?" "...Ok." Ley said as she calmed down, "That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you, Even." "...You're welcome, Ley." Even said. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 9 Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 9 The train was treading through a snowy plain, and Even and Ley saw some kind of northern lights out the window. "Whooooooooooa!" the duo said in unison. "It's beautiful!" Ley said in awe. "Yeah. It is." Even agreed. Even stared at Ley and started to blush. "Ley..." Even thought to himself. ~~~ Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie was returning to town with another human, who somehow found his way into Equestria. "It's been over five years since I came back to Equestria, nothing's changed. But somehow, I doubt anyone would remember me, after what I've done. I remember her words as clear as day," ~~~ "Are you sure you want to leave, JD?" a female voice asked. "I don't know why, but someone is calling to me. I wish my brother was here, but I'm going to find him, and bring him back." JD replied. He held up a picture of his brother; tall, somewhat short dark brown hair, blue eyes, wearing red clothes with yellow cuffs on his shirt and shorts, bright yellow shoes, cocky smile, and giving a confident thumbs-up. "Promise me you'll make it back ok." the female voice stated. "...I can't promise you that. I've broken too many promises already." JD replied as clear as he could. He called some sort of Alicorn Persona and teleported him to Equestria. ~~~ "Hey, mopey-wopey! what's wrong?" Pinkie said, breaking the silence. "...Nothing. Just... Forget it." JD replied, sternly. JD walked into Ponyville, closely followed by Pinkie Pie, bouncing her way into town. Ponyville looked practically deserted, except for three fillies charging through town. "Look, Crusaders! There's one of 'em right now!" Apple Bloom shouted. "OUTTA MY WAY!" Scootaloo angrily shouted, bursting through her two friends with her scooter. She skid to a stop in front of JD. "I remember you." JD stated. "CAN THE NONSENSE!! YOU HAVE INFORMATION, AND I WANT IT NOW!!" Scootaloo practically screeched. "Calm down, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, trying to help her friend regain her composure. "Now, Scootaloo, that isn't nice to say to an old friend." JD said. "OH YEAH?! WELL I... wait, what?" Scootaloo said. JD untied the bandana over his right eye and showed her a very deep secret of his. A secret that Scoots knew all too well. "...It's you... JD, was it?" Scootaloo said in shock. "Hmph. Looks like you finally remembered me. It has been five years after all." JD said. "Wait, has it been five years?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Hang on. Scoots, do you know this guy?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah. We were pretty close." Scootaloo answered. "I helped Rainbow Dash save her from the waterfall, during that camping trip." JD stated. "Sorry, ah don't remember." Apple Bloom sadly stated. "Me neither, sorry." Sweetie Belle said glumly. "APPLE BLOOM!!" Applejack screamed. "GET AWAY FROM MAH SISTER!" Applejack dashed to the CMC, with Rarity and Rainbow Dash following closely. "Calm down, Applejack, he's a friend!" Apple Bloom said, trying to reason with her overprotective sister. "Yeah! Just like those last coupl'a two-legged creatures that were here!" Applejack angrily said. JD grabbed Applejack's left forehoof out of nowhere and kissed it. "Come on, Applejack, how could you forget one of your helpers back at Sweet Apple Acres?" JD asked. Applejack yanked her hoof out of JD's hand in anger. "Just who do ya think ya are?! I never seen ya before in mah life!" Applejack yelled. "You don't remember me? It's me, JD." JD said. "J...D...?" Applejack said, confused. "?!" "Arrrrgh! Nice try! But ah ain't fallin' for it! Now, why don't you go back to wherever it is you freaks came from?!" "Hear, hear!" Rarity agreed. "Come now, Sweetie Belle, get away from this ruffian!" "...I see. If you really don't remember me, then tell me, who was here before me?" JD said. "Hmph. Well, it was a guy an' a girl, the girl had short orange-ish hair, hazel eyes, about the same age as the guy, which strangely, looked ah lot like you, but there were some differences, he had short black hair and brown eyes" Applejack said, answering JD's question. "Hmmm... Is he still here?" JD asked. "No! We tried to nail him at Canterlot, but they escaped on the train, and it's probably on it's way to the next stop!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Has the train taken off?!" JD anxiously asked. "Not here, the Ponyville train is gettin' ready ta leave for The Crystal Empire, where the train in Canterlot took of to." Applejack replied. "How much are the tickets?" JD asked. "5 bits per ticket." Sweetie Belle replied. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity snapped. "Quiet down, young lady!" "Here, this should cover it." Scootaloo said, tossing JD 5 bits. "Scoots!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "Didn't you hear Rarity?! Pipe down!" "Why don't YOU pipe down?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Scoots...?" a confused Rainbow Dash said. "I just wanted to tell you how cool that battle was, but you, of all ponies, sent me out the door, just because you got your flank beat by some guy!" Scootaloo screamed. "But, Scoots-" "NO! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" Scootaloo screeched, interrupting Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo got on her scooter and zoomed away, with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle following her. "SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity screamed to Sweetie Belle. "APPLE BLOOM, GET BACK 'ERE! I"M GONNA TELL BIG MACINTOSH ON YOU!" Applejack screamed to Apple Bloom. But they all ignored their calls, especially Scootaloo. "SCOOTS! COME BACK!" Rainbow Dash screamed to Scootaloo. "Scoots..." Rainbow Dash hovered down to the ground and began to mope. "You know girls... You shouldn't bag on your sisters." JD said. "And what do YOU know about being an older sibling?! Nothing, I'd wager!" Rarity said. "...Riddle me this. What's my brother's name?" JD said. "?!!" the remaining trio motioned. "Think it over carefully. I'm sure we'll meet again." JD stated, just before he hopped on the train. As he rode off, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash couldn't get JD's parting words out of their heads. "Ummmmm, I'm just go and see how Twilight's doin'. Bye!" Pinkie said. ~~~ The train arrived in The Crystal Empire, just when Even and Ley snuck off. "Hmmm, so this is The Crystal Empire. Not too shabby." an impressed Even said. "You can say that again." Ley agreed. Even's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 15 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 13 "Who knows? Maybe this place might have a way back home for us." Ley suggested. "Ok, so how do we blend in?" "Oh. Um, we, uh wear some kind of cloaks, and um, walk on all fours, so we don't raise any, um, suspicion, heh-heh." Even said nervously. "...You just came up with that, didn't you?" Ley said, annoyed. "Yeah, pretty much." Even admitted. "Still, it's a good idea, let's do it!" Ley said. "Um, right!" Even hesitantly agreed. Even's Diligence has increased. +1 = 12 The two grabbed a couple of ratty, old cloths from the garbage and got on their hands and knees, slowly walking to the castle. "Huh? What's this?" Even said, staring at the Crystal Heart. "Even! Focus!" Ley said. "Oh! Right!" Even agreed. Then out of nowhere, they bumped into someone. It was JD. "Excuse me." JD said. "Right, sorry." Even said. "Wait, was that a human? That's odd... Really od-" "Even! On task!" Ley said, interrupting his train of thought. "Ok, ok!" Even said. Even and Ley proceed into the castle walls, wandering around, trying to find a way home. "I can't get that guy outta my head! How'd he get here?! Is he trapped here like us? Maybe we can help him in some way, and maybe he'll help us-" "Even! C'mon on! I shouldn't have to tell you this three times in a row!" Ley snapped. "Sorry. Got a lot on my mind." Even responded. "Well, I wouldn't put it past you, you've always got a lot on your mind." Ley stated. "What do you mean?" Even asked. "Remember you couldn't get your parents off your mind?" Ley said, giving an example. Even began to frown. "I know where you're going with this, let's not talk about it." Even said, depressed. "Sorry. I forgot." Ley apologized. "It's ok. We all forget every now and then, it's no big deal." Even reassured Ley. "I wish I could STOP forgetting." Ley thought to herself. Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 10 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 13 They continued to walk in silence, not even glancing at each other. "Halt!" a guard shouted. A levitation spell was used by that same guard and he removed the cloaks. "Aw, man!" Even shouted. "Run!" Ley shouted. They dashed as fast as they could, trying to get out of the castle, until they were cornered by Shining Armor, Cadence, and the rest of the Royal Guard. "So, you two are the ones causing all this trouble." Shining Armor said. "Is Luna sure these two are the culprits? they're a little... Young." Cadence said. "Wait, Luna? PRINCESS Luna?! SHE put you up to this?!" an angry Even asked. "Cadence, Shining Armor, it's a pleasure to see you again." JD's voice echoed. "JD? What're you doing here?" Shining Armor asked. "I see you remember me, what with my eye color and all." JD stated. Somehow, JD has two eye colors; his left eye is blue, and his right eye is green. He has acquired something called, "Dual Vision". "Yeah, I noticed that." Cadence said. "So, who are these two? I bumped into them earlier." JD said. "You didn't hear? That guy controls King Sombra!" Shining Armor said. "...I sense a stronger power in him. Is this guy a Wild Card User like me?" JD said. "Wild Card... User? What's that? And who ARE you?!" Even said. Even's eyes began to glow green and red. "Even, calm down!" Ley said. His eyes reverted back to normal. "Ugggh, what... just happened?" Even asked, light-headedly. "Hmph. I never expected to see you have the appearance of my own brother." JD stated. "Brother? I don't HAVE a brother! My name is Even Flaire, I'm 16 years old, and Ley and I are just trying to get home, so if you or anyone stands in my way..." Even's anger begins to build up, his eyes began glowing green and red again, and a red aura surrounded him, nearly engulfing him. He drew his sword as his persona descended down. "I'LL CRUSH YOU ALL!!!" His voice mixed with Sombra's as he said that, even Ley became afraid of him at the moment. "PERSONA!!!!" He slashed the card and called out King Sombra. "You first. Persona!" JD called his own Persona, known as Great Knight. Even prepared his charge attack. "DARKNAROK!!" Even shouted. King Sombra released his most powerful attack. "SKYWARD SLASH!!" JD shouted. Great Knight jumped up into the air and used it's skill to block the attack, dealt damage to King Sombra, and strangely, he switched Personas. "SOMBRA!" Even yelled. "Wait, what the HELL?!!" "PERSONA!" JD yelled. He summoned another Persona, it was an alicorn Persona with no name, but it is known as the "Alicorn Arcana". "HEAVEN'S BLADE!!" JD shouted. The Persona's horn glowed, created a heavenly sword, and struck King Sombra. King Sombra began showing pixels, he quickly became weak. "Arrrrrrgh..." Even growled. "How's that? Not bad for two Personas!" JD said. "How do you even have ONE?!" Ley asked. Another Persona descended in front of Even. "Huh?" Even said. "A new Persona?! Well, Sombra's getting weak, I guess now's a good time to try this one out." Even thought to himself. "PERSONA!" Even shouted. He attacked the card with his sword and called out his new Persona. It was a black creature with holes through it's hooves, dark green hair, green dragon-like eyes, two tore up bug-like wings, and a crooked horn. There was no mistaking it. It was Queen Chrysalis. "CHRYSALIS?!!" Cadence screamed. "?" Even motioned. "Alright, 'Chrysalis', let's see what YOU can do. GO!" Chrysalis started to drain the Alicorn Arcana's life force. "Uggggh... The hell?" JD said, weakly. "...Guess it's time to go. See you soon... Bro-migo." "NO. I DON'T THINK YOU WILL." a mysterious voice said. "!?" everyone motioned. "You've messed with my friend, he's badly damaged, and you're to blame." the mysterious voice stated. The voice came from the reflections in the crystals. It was Ley's reflection. But... Something was really off. It was a side of her that no one, not even Even has seen. "NOW PERISH!!!" Ley's reflection yelled. Crystal shards came from all directions, trying to stab JD, but to no avail. "HOLD STILL, DAMN IT!!" screamed Ley's reflection. JD jumped out of the nearest window, hopped on the Alicorn Arcana, and flew off. "Who or WHAT are you?!" Ley asked. "Isn't it obvious?" "I'm you, and you're me." said Ley's shadowy reflection in the crystals. "P-Prove it! What do I know that Even doesn't?!" Ley said. "Fair enough." Ley's shadow agreed. "I'm ALWAYS the damsel in distress, every time I'm in trouble, EVEN comes to rescue me like some knight in shining armor." "Hey!" Shining Armor yelled. "QUIET! I wasn't talking to YOU!" Ley's shadow stated. "Where was I? Ah, yes! Now I recall! I want to be able to save MYSELF, I'm tired of relying on my best friend to help me..." The shadow began to cry. "...I want to be able to defend myself, and protect those I love, but I just..." "...Feel so helpless. Is that proof enough?" Ley stood there, astonished about what her shadow has said. She knew it was the truth. She could no longer deny it. "...Yes." Ley said. "?!" Even motioned. "Ley...?" "You ARE me." Ley stated. "And I'm you." "You can protect him now." Ley's shadow said. "Huh?" Ley said. "Defend him to your last breath! You now have the power to do so." Ley's shadow stated. Her shadow faded and turned into a card, much like the one Even has. But this one was different. It wasn't made from darkness. It made from the light in Ley's heart. A blue aura surrounds Ley, and she has a determined look on her face. "Persona." Ley said. Ley crushed the card with her hand, thus calling forth her Persona. Unbelievably, it was Princess Cadence. "WHAT?!!" Cadence and Shining Armor screamed. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. "LOVE STRUCK!" Ley shouted. Multiple hearts shot out from the Persona's horn, causing Shining Armor and the entire Royal Guard to fall in love with the Persona Cadence. A blue flash came from Ley. She has leveled up. Level 1 -> 2 Courage +3 = 11 Expression +3 = 13 Understanding +2 = 15 Knowledge +2 = 15 Diligence +1 = 14 "Shining?! Are you ok?!" Cadence worriedly asked. Even and Ley made their escape onto the train, again, and headed for their next destination. "Ugh, what happened?" Shining Armor asked, groggily. "They got away." Cadence answered. "..." "It's ok. We'll get 'em next time. Still, we should inform the princesses, tell them what just transpired." Shining Armor stated. "That won't be necessary, Shining Armor." A new voice said. Princess Celestia showed up for a surprise visit. "Y-Your Majesty!" Shining Armor said. "My sister put you up to this, didn't she?" Celestia asked. "...No matter, we must go to Ponyville, that's where the train stops next, there are many things I wish to ask those two." "Why?" Cadence asked, confused. "I don't believe those two are a threat." Celestia stated. "Come. My chariot's waiting." ~~~ Meanwhile, Even and Ley were hiding inside the train, waiting to get off at the next stop. They were completely silent. neither of them knew what to say to each other, they just stared at each other, with blank looks on their faces. "..." "...Is it true?" Even asked, finally breaking the silence. "What's true?" Ley asked. "Wanting to protect yourself... And me?" Even asked. "...Yes." Ley finally answered. Ley's Expression has increased. +3 = 16 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 17 Even's Understanding has increased. +3 = 13 "...That's... Really sweet." Even said, in a loving tone. "Sweet?" Ley asked. "...Thank you." Ley got closer to Even and kissed him on the cheek. Even began to blush. Even's Courage has increased. +2 = 11 Even's Expression has increased. +2 = 11 Ley's Expression has increased. +4 = 20 "*yawn* I'm feeling tired." Ley said. "Go ahead and rest. I'm probably gonna crash soon, too." Even said. "Ok, good night." Ley said. "Night." Even said back. The sun was setting on a pretty tough day, but maybe tomorrow will be better. "Don't worry, Ley, we'll find our way home, somehow. Sweet dreams... Sweetie." Even thought to himself, smiling as he watched Ley sleep. Even felt a tighter bond with Ley. Ley's Social Link has ranked up. Ley - Princess Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even soon fell asleep. ~~~ Just above the train, JD was watching over Even and Ley, wondering if Even is who he thinks he is. "Brother..." JD said to himself. "It's been too long, my friend." Celestia said, flying next to him. "Hello, Princess." JD replied. ~~~ Next Scent "Hey there! Y'all them, um Persona Users, right?" Apple Bloom asked. "We've been working all day, and STILL no Personas!" Sweetie Belle stated. "It'll come to you, trust me." Even said with a wink. "I've had just about enough of you!" Twilight shouted. "LEAVE 'IM ALONE!!" Apple Bloom demanded. "Sugar Cube?" Applejack said. "...Ah am thou." Apple Bloom said. "PERRRRRRSONA!!!" To Be Next Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users! Author's Note It took me some time, but chapter 3 is finally done! Enjoy! Oh, in case you guys are wondering, here's Even and Ley's stats, if you're curious, Even Flaire Lv. 2 - Slavedriver Arcana Courage: 11 Expression: 11 Understanding: 13 Knowledge: 15 Diligence: 12 Ley Green Lv. 2 - Princess Arcana Courage: 11 Expression: 20 Understanding: 17 Knowledge: 15 Diligence: 14 Chapter 4 will be up soon! Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users!Monday, June 1, 2013 -> Tuesday, June 2, 2013 Even woke up the next morning, he realized that the train was coming to a stop. He tried to wake Ley up. "Ley! Hey, Ley! Wake up! We gotta go!" Even whispered. Ley began to wake up. "Mmmmm... Huh? What?" Ley mumbled. "Come on, let's go!" Even whispered again. "Oh, um, ok." Ley said, half asleep. They hopped off the train and snuck through the town that they arrived at, but they don't realize what town they're in in right now, considering the fact that the two just woke up. Spike caught eye of them and started to panic. "OH NO! TWILIGHT! TWIIIIIIILIGHT!" Spike screamed as he ran to the library. Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users! Even and Ley ducked into an apple cart in town and tried to get a few more minutes of sleep in. They both passed out a few moments after they climbed into the cart. "Zzzzzz" the two muttered. "I'm sure we'll be fine, I mean, it's just a few minutes." Even thought as he fell back asleep. ~~~ 2 Hours Later... ~~~ "Mmmm, ahhh, there. I feel well rested now." Even said. "Hmm?" Even noticed that Ley was resting next to him with her arms wrapped around him. Even smiled, and kissed her on her forehead. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 12 "I'll let her sleep a little longer. I wonder how long we were asleep?" Even said. "I'm sure nothing real important happened." ~~~ 2:00 >> rewind >> 0:12 ~~~ Spike quickly burst through the door to the library shouting like a maniac. He was so hysteric that no one could understand him. Twilight and Pinkie tried to calm him down and get him to speak more clearly. "They're back! Those things!" Spike finally said without losing his mind. "What?!" Twilight asked. "What do we do? If we go near them, they'll attack us again, and..." "...The Princess." Twilight began to mope. "I've never seen her so angry. Why did she want me to stop? She ordered the attack..." "...Didn't she?" "Ya know," Pinkie began to say. "I'm beginnin' to think that Princess Luna tricked us." "But WHY would she do that? It doesn't make sense!" Twilight replied. "And I can't ask her because... She's probably still mad." "I got an idea!" Pinkie said. "I thought about it when I was sleeping over with you, ya know, to help cheer you up? Why don't we ask those things why they attacked us in the first place?" "Maybe they had a reason why they did that." Spike agreed. "NO WAY!" Twilight screamed, making Spike and Pinkie jump. "If I see those two again, I'm gonna give them what's coming to them!" "But, Twi-" "In fact, I think I know a spell that can help me out." Twilight said, not paying attention to Spike. She rushed to one of the bookshelves and pulled out a few books, looking for the spell she was talking about. Twilight found the spell and read about how to cast it. "Get ready, creatures, I'm coming for you!" Twilight said with determination. ~~~ 0:12 >> Fast-Forward >> 0:43 ~~~ Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash met up by the train station, waiting for JD to come back. Even today, they couldn't get his words out of their heads, "...Riddle me this. What's my brother's name?" They felt bad because they didn't know that he had a brother. "Think it over carefully. I'm sure we'll meet again." Applejack finally broke the silence. "Sweetie Belle didn't come home yesterday?" Applejack asked. "No." Rarity replied. "I haven't seen Scootaloo since yesterday." Rainbow Dash stated. "I'm getting worried." Applejack and Rarity nodded in agreement. "Ah wonder if that little filly's alright." Applejack said. ~~~ 0:43 >> Fast-Forward >> 0:51 ~~~ JD with Celestia, Cadence, and Shining Armor were flying to Ponyville, to get answers from Even and Ley. "JD," Celestia began to speak. "Do you know those two called Even and Ley?" "I believe that Even is really my brother, but he somehow lost his memories." JD said. "Are you certain?" Celestia asked. "Yes." JD answered. "Who IS your brother?" Cadence asked. "Yeah." Shining Armor agreed. "His name is..." "It'll have to wait JD, we're here." Celestia said, interrupting JD. "It appears he's back." Rarity said. Applejack and Rainbow Dash whipped their heads towards the sky and saw JD, Celestia, Cadence, and Shining Armor preparing to land. ~~~ 0:51 >> Fast-Forward >> 1:48 ~~~ Fluttershy was walking around town, looking for her friends. Then, she saw Twilight, scanning the area with Pinkie Pie and Spike. "Oh, hello, Twili-" "C'mon, Fluttershy, we need your help." Twilight said, interrupting Fluttershy. "You mean, YOU need her help." Spike stated. Twilight glared at Spike, then he cowered behind Pinkie. "Let's go!" Twilight declared. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike followed Twilight, searching for the two humans. ~~~ 1:48 >> Fast-Forward >> 2:00 ~~~ Even tried to carry Ley as he was climbing out of the cart, hoping not to be seen. But, they got caught by a group of fillies who were looking for them since yesterday. Care to take a guess? "Hey there! Y'all them, um Persona Users, right?" Apple Bloom asked. Yep, you guessed right. Ley woke up the moment Apple Bloom called out to them. "I'm awake, I'm awake!" Ley subconsciously shouted. "What happened? How long was I out?" "Don't know, sorry." Even said. "Annnnnyway, can you teach us how to use those Persona thingies?" Scootaloo asked. "Wait, how did you-" "Ah found an old book in Zecora's hut and she let me borrow it." Apple Bloom said, interrupting Even. "Oddly enough, it was about those things you guys call, 'Personas' and also, 'Persona Users'." Even's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 17 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 17 "Hmm, show me this book." Even demanded. "ONLY if you can teach us how to use Personas." Scootaloo demanded. "Sounds like a fair deal, what do you think, Ley?" Even said. "I... Guess it would be ok." Ley replied. "YAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER, PERSONA USERS!!!!!!!!!!" Even and Ley lost their hearing for a few seconds, but quickly regained them. "Um, what's a 'Cutie Mark Crusader'?" Even asked. "We'll explain the way! Let's go!" Sweetie Belle declared. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom helped Even and Ley into the wagon, while Scootaloo pulled it with her scooter, and rushed to Sweet Apple Acres. ~~~ Even and Ley read the book that Apple Bloom had very thoroughly. Even's Knowledge has increased. +5 = 22 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +5 = 22 "Alright, you guys read your book, now it's time to keep your end of the bargain." Scootaloo said. "Ok, ok, a deal's a deal." Even said. Even, Ley, and the CMC went across Ponyville, learning how to call their own Personas, just after Even told them how to do it. They returned to Sweet Apple Acres. "We've been working all day, and STILL no Personas!" Sweetie Belle stated. "Don't stress yourselves about it." Even said. "Huh?" the three fillies said. "It'll come to you, trust me." Even said with a wink. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo stared at Even in admiration. Even felt a faint bond between him and the three fillies. Even has developed a Social Link with them. Apple Bloom - Guardian Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Sweetie Belle - Musician Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Scootaloo - Devotion Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even has established three new bonds. "THERE YOU ARE!" Twilight shouted. "!?" the five motioned. Twilight cast her spell on Even, it allowed her to take the goodness that remained in Sombra's heart, and crafted it into a new Persona. "Here goes nothing! PERSONA!" Twilight said. She stabbed the card with her horn and called out her new Persona. It was a part of Sombra that was stolen. Twilight's Persona was called, "Hapinesu King Sombra". "!!!!!" Even motioned. "N-N-NO WAY!!" "Go for it, Hapinesu King Sombra!" Twilight commanded. "RAGNAROK!!" Twilight used the same attack as the real King Sombra, but it was different. The attack wasn't tainted with darkness. "LOOK OUT!!!" Even yelled. Ley and the CMC took cover in the apple orchard. Even dodged the Ragnarok attack and drew his sword. "Sombra, showtime! Persona!" Even attacked the card and summoned King Sombra. "DARK ZIO!" Even commanded. A black lightning bolt attacked the fake Sombra, but did no damage. "Ahhhhhh." Hapinesu King Sombra said. "It did nothing!? And... IT TALKS?!!" Even said in shock. "Ha! You'll never beat Hapinesu! He's Dark Magic Proof! No Dark attributed attack can do him in!" Twilight stated. "True, but what about Physical Attacks?" Even asked. "?!" Twilight motioned. "That's what I thought." Even said with a smirk. Even charged at Hapinesu with his sword and slashed it several times until it was showing pixels. Both Hapinesu and Twilight were growing weak. "Grrrrrr...!" Twilight growled. "TWILIGHT!" Applejack shouted. "Applejack!" Twilight said. "And, Rarity, Rainbow Dash... Cadence? Shining Armor?... PRINCESS?!" "Hello, Twilight." Celestia said. "..." Twilight didn't say a word. She started to mope again. "I wanted to apologize for yelling at you yesterday, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just lost my temper." Celestia said, apologetically. Even saw what was going on over by Twilight. Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 14 Twilight looked back at Even. "What? Got nothing left to say?" Twilight said. Even stood silent for a moment. "...What's your deal with me?" Even asked. "?" Twilight motioned. "I'm sorry I hurt your friend, I really am, but I was trying to protect my friend." Even apologized. "If YOUR friends were in trouble, wouldn't you do whatever it took to protect them?" Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 13 Twilight started to process Even's words, but she remembered that he controls King Sombra. In that aspect, HE was the enemy, and that's all there is to it. "I've had just about enough of you!" Twilight shouted. "!" Even motioned. Twilight began to charge at Even with Hapinesu at her side, but Apple Bloom ran in between Even and Twilight. "LEAVE 'IM ALONE!!" Apple Bloom demanded. Twilight skid to a stop in front of the filly. "Apple Bloom, get out of the way!" Twilight commanded. "Not ah chance!" Apple Bloom replied. "Sugar Cube?" Applejack said. "Can't ya see that he doesn't mean any harm?! He's tryin' ta be as friendly as possible, and yer just tryin' to hurt 'im! You're nothing but ah-" "Don't say it!" Twilight ordered, interrupting Apple Bloom. "AH BULLY!" Apple Bloom screeched. Her words echoed through Sweet Apple Acres. "And I'm gonna do whatever it takes to stop you. Cuz that's what he would do." "I AM THOU." a mysterious female voice said. "Wha-!" Apple Bloom said. Both her and Twilight looked down, where the voice was coming from. It coming from a reflection in a puddle of water. It was Apple Bloom's Shadow. "THOU ART I." Shadow Apple Bloom said. "THOU HAST ESTABLISHED A GENUINE BOND." "THE TIME HAST COME." "OPEN THINE EYES!!!!" "Oh no! Not again!" Twilight thought to herself. A card descended down in front of Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom?" Applejack said. "...Ah am thou." Apple Bloom said. "PERRRRRRSONA!!!" Apple Bloom performed a backflip and whipped the card with her tail, summoning her Persona. Her Persona put its fore hooves in front of it and closed its eyes. Apple Bloom closed her eyes as well. It's similar to what Sombra does. Apple Bloom's preparing a charge attack. "ZIO OCULUS!!!" Apple Bloom screamed. Both Apple Bloom and her Persona's eyes whipped open, Apple Bloom's eyes were glowing white, and her Persona's eyes glowed white and shot two powerful electrical beams and hit Hapinesu King Sombra. Hapinesu was showing more pixels than before. Twilight and her fabrication of a Persona became weak. Celestia herself, intervened and took Twilight's Persona. "I believe that's enough." Celestia said. "Princess?" Twilight said. "Even Flaire, Apple Bloom, call off your Personas." Celestia ordered. "Ummm..." Apple Bloom said. Even whispered in her ear and told her how to call back her Persona. "Ohhhhh. Ok!" Apple Bloom said. They closed their eyes and told their Personas to stand down using their minds. Both of their Personas disappeared. Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 9 Hapinesu King Sombra went back into the card of the real King Sombra. "Whooooooooooa." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said in awe. "Young Even," Celestia began. "You and Ley must come with me. I wish to ask you two a few questions." "Ley?" Even said. "If there's no tricks, then I'm ok with answering any question you have." Ley said. "If it's ok with Ley, it's ok with me." Even agreed. "That's good. Let's talk in the library." Celestia said. "Spike, go prepare some tea, we may need it." "Yes, Ma'am!" Spike said, cheerfully and cooperatively. "Twilight? Isn't there something you wish to say to Even and Ley?" Celestia asked. Twilight frowned by what she did, it was all a big misunderstanding. "I'm sorry. Really, I am." Twilight said. Twilight lowered her head until she was staring at the ground. Even put his hand on Twilight's shoulder to comfort her. "Don't beat yourself up about it." Even said. Twilight slowly lifted her head up, her eyes meeting Even's. "I understand why you did it. I'm gonna clear all this up, everything will be fine, trust me." Even said. A tear ran down Twilight's left eye as she smiled. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 14 Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 15 Even felt a faint bond between him and Twilight. Even has developed a Social Link with Twilight. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - "We should be going." Celestia said. "Right." Even agreed. They all walked to the library, while JD snuck away to spy on Even. "Yo... Bro-migo." JD said to himself. ~~~ Next Scent "I see." Celestia said. "A gauntlet that gives the bearer unlimited power." Even read. "It used to be Sombra's, but we locked it away." Luna stated. "You have the power of the Wild Card." JD said to Even. To Be Next Episode 5: The Gauntlet of Sombra Author's Note There's chapter 4! Enjoy! One more thing, Here's the CMC's stats, Apple Bloom Lv. 1 - Guardian Arcana Courage: 7 Expression: 8 Understanding: 8 Knowledge: 9 Diligence: 7 Sweetie Belle Lv. 1 - Musician Arcana Courage: 7 Expression: 6 Understanding: 6 Knowledge: 8 Diligence: 7 Scootaloo Lv. 1 - Devotion Arcana Courage: 9 Expression: 5 Understanding: 6 Knowledge: 9 Diligence: 8 Episode 5: The Gauntlet of SombraEveryone made it back to the library, Spike was preparing the tea, as he was requested to do so, and everyone found a seat and sat down. Even and Ley answered any and all questions the princess had for them. "I see." Celestia said. "I'm sorry about any trouble we may have caused." Even stated. "It's alright." Celestia commented. "And as a symbol of our newfound trust, I humbly bestow upon you two a new power." Celestia's horn was enveloped in a bright light, and all of a sudden, two orbs of light floated into both Even and Ley respectively. There was no doubt about it. The two humans became stronger from the princess's magic. Even has leveled up drastically. Even Flaire Lv. 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 Courage +3 +2 +2 = 18 Expression +2 +3 +1 = 20 Understanding +2 +2 +2 = 21 Knowledge +2 +1 +2 = 27 Diligence +2 +3 +4 = 21 Both of Even's Personas have leveled up drastically. King Sombra Lv. 3 -> 4 -> 5 Strength +1 +2 = 13 Magic +2 +3 = 20 Endurance +2 +2 = 15 Agility +1 +2 = 13 Luck +1 +4 = 14 King Sombra has learned a new move. -Dark Zio- --- -Barrier- --- -Darknarok- --- **Swift Strike** --- Queen Chrysalis Lv. 1 -> 2 -> 3 Strength +2 +2 = 14 Magic +2 +3 = 19 Endurance +3 +1 = 16 Agility +1 +3 = 13 Luck +2 +2 = 15 Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- --- -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- **Mind Slice** --- Ley has leveled up drastically. Ley Green Lv. 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 Courage +3 +3 +2 = 19 Expression +3 +2 +2 = 27 Understanding +4 +1 +2 = 24 Knowledge +2 +2 +1 = 27 Diligence +2 +1 +1 = 18 Princess Cadence has leveled up drastically. Princess Cadence Lv. 3 -> 4 -> 5 Strength +3 +3 = 17 Magic +4 +3 = 19 Endurance +3 +2 = 15 Agility +2 +2 = 15 Luck +4 +4 = 18 Princess Cadence has learned a new move. -Light Beam- **Twin Shot** -Media- --- -Barrier- --- -Love Struck- --- One of Princess Cadence's moves has evolved. Media -> Mediarama "Did we... just get stronger?" Ley asked. "Yes." Celestia answered. "You two will play an important role here in Equestria, you see, I recently heard that there was somepony causing mass mayhem around every corner of this peaceful land, and we need you to help us, listen carefully..." Episode 5: The Gauntlet of Sombra Princess Celestia has explained the situation very thoroughly, the pony's name was unknown, though. countless reports of memory loss, severely injured ponies; some in critical condition. Even's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 30 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 30 Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 12 Sweetie Belle's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 11 Scootaloo's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 12 Twilight's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 29 "..." She stopped. Why did the princess go silent all of a sudden? Then Even noticed Celestia glare at her sister. Even could only guess what that means. She's still mad at Luna for what she tried to do to Even. "Before I continue... Luna. Apologize. Right now." Celestia said, sternly. "...Yes, sister." Luna hesitantly agreed. "Even... Ley... I apologize. I shouldn't have done what I did, I'm ashamed of it... And I'm sorry." "It's no biggie." Even winked as he commented, brushing off the incident like it was nothing. The entire group was completely astonished. Why wasn't Even mad? And what about- "I agree. Completely." Ley said, catching on to what Even was doing. "W-Why?! Why are you not mad?!" Luna half-screamed, trying to understand why they said that. "How come none of you hate me? I don't understand you!" "It's the same thing with Twilight." Even stated. "You saw me as a threat, and you took action, it's all ok. I'm not mad, at least, not anymore." Even's Expression has increased. +3 = 23 Even's Understanding has increased. +2 = 23 "Yeah! Everything's ok now! Let's start over and try to be friends, how's that sound?" Ley said with a smile. Ley's Expression has increased. +1 = 28 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 26 "I don't understand you." Luna repeated. "Why don't you try and get to know us?" Even suggested. "Maybe then you'll understand us." Luna thought for a moment, and realized that he was right. It was the most logical answer, after all. "...Ok." Luna finally agreed. "T-Thank you." "Now, was that so hard, sister?" Celestia asked with a smirk. "Not really." Luna answered with a smile. The two shared a friendly giggle after all the tension that has occurred. Even felt a faint bond between the two princesses. Even has developed a Social Link with them. Princess Celestia - Dawn Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Princess Luna - Dusk Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Celestia continued with her explanation, but had little information left to share. Only that the culprit seems to be creating a pattern with the crimes she's committing. But both Celestia and Luna refused to reveal what the pattern was. Said something about them finding out on their own. Was it some kind of test? Even's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 31 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 31 Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 13 Sweetie Belle's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 12 Scootaloo's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 13 Twilight's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 30 "In case you're going to ask, we don't know what the pattern is ourselves." Cadence commented. "She's right." Shining Armor agreed. "And even if we knew, we'd respect the princess's wishes and not say a thing." "I can respect that." Even said after he sighed. ~~~ Everyone began to go home after a long day, and the princesses are needed back at the castle so they can lower the sun and raise the moon. It is sunset, after all. But before Celestia left, she quietly told something to Twilight, "Why don't you give Even and Ley a place to stay for the night?" Twilight was confused for a moment, but kept listening, "I doubt they have any money to stay at an inn, so maybe you could-" "I understand, princess." Twilight interrupted, but didn't realize it. "Ok. See you in the morning." Celestia said. She flew off with Luna behind her, leaving Twilight with the two humans. "Do... Do you two wanna stay for the night?" Twilight asked. "Sure." Even answered without hesitation, somehow knowing that she would ask. "Let's get inside, then." Twilight suggested. The trio waltzed inside the library, Twilight closed the door with her magic when everyone was in. ~~~ Ley and Spike were fast asleep tonight, exhausted from everything that's happened today. But Even was wide awake, he was sleeping on the couch, Ley was sleeping the bed in the guest room; which was only made for one, and Spike was in his basket-like bed in Twilight's room, but Twilight couldn't sleep either. She decided to confront Even and talk to him. "Hey." Twilight said. "Hey." Even said back. "Um, I just wanted to say thank you for straightening out this whole mess." Twilight said. "And again... I'm sorry." "It's ok, Twilight." Even said. "It's all water under the bridge now, ok?" "Ok." Twilight agreed. "Tomorrow... If you're up for it... Maybe we could do some studying, you know, to find out more about your Personas." Even remembered that he already knew a lot about his Personas and the Persona ability, but he didn't want anymore tension between him and Twilight, so he went with his gut. "Sounds good." Even said. "Ok." Twilight said. Twilight slowly walked up to Even and gently kissed him on his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Thank you." Even began to blush out of control. Twilight giggled at the look on his face. Even felt his bond with Twilight has grown stronger. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 2 * (*) - - - - - - - - "Good night." Twilight said as she disappeared upstairs. Even was still shocked. He couldn't stop blushing. But he managed to get some sleep. ~~~ Tuesday, June 2, 2013 -> Wednesday, June 3, 2013 ~~~ Even slowly woke up out of a sound sleep, when he noticed something odd. VERY odd. Something was on top of him, pressing it's lips against his, the image slowly came into focus. It was Twilight. "AHHHH!" Even screamed, pushing Twilight off of him. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" "I-I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself!" Twilight said. "DON'T YOU REALIZE HOW BAD THIS IS!?" Even screaming as he asked. "I'm sorry!" Twilight repeated. "OH MY GOD, LEY'S GONNA KILL ME FOR THIS!" Even panicked. "Even? Is everything ok in there?" Ley asked from the other room. "!!!" Even motioned. "Uh..." "She can't know about this!" Twilight stated. "I don't have the guts to lie to her, Twilight!" Even said. "I have to say something!" "So, your just gonna tell her the truth, knowing that it may hurt her?" Twilight asked. "Better that than her finding out on her own and be more angry than she will be right now!" Even answered. A slow-paced clapping happened out of nowhere. "Bravo, Even." Ley said. "You passed the test." "Test?" Even asked, confused. "Twilight and I got up early and we started thinking, 'How trustworthy could Even be for the princess to give him a new power?' so, we set this all up, just to see how you were going to handle a situation like this one." Ley explained. "And you passed with flying colors." Even felt a new bond with his friends. Even has developed a very unique Social Link. Even's True Bonds - Slavedriver Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even just stood there, motionless. They didn't realize it, but Even's blood was boiling like crazy. HE. IS. PISSED. "Even?" Ley asked. "I'm going for a walk." Even strained, trying to hold in his immense anger. As Even walked towards the door, Ley noticed his eyes were glowing green and red. Yeah, he's REALLY pissed. "Twilight... did you see..." Ley asked with a slight quiver in her voice. "I did." Twilight answered with worry in her voice. "Maybe we went a little too far." ~~~ Even walked over to Sweet Apple Acres to the CMC, but little did he know that they were waiting for him. "Even!" Apple Bloom shouted with delight. "...Um, is somethin' wrong?" "I have frustration to vent, you still have your Persona?" Even asked with anger in his voice. "Eeyup!" Apple Bloom answered, imitating Big Mac's trademark saying. "Then let's get to it." Even stated. "PERSONA!!!" For the entire morning, Even and Apple Bloom were training their Personas, with Even hoping to release a ton of his anger while doing so. King Sombra has leveled up. King Sombra Lv. 5 -> 6 Strength +4 = 17 Magic +5 = 25 Endurance +4 = 19 Agility +3 = 16 Luck +2 = 16 One of King Sombra's moves has evolved. Dark Zio -> Dark Zionga Queen Chrysalis has leveled up. Queen Chrysalis Lv. 3 -> 4 Strength +3 = 17 Magic +2 = 21 Endurance +3 = 19 Agility +3 = 16 Luck +4 = 19 Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- **Dia** -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- -Mind Slice- --- Apple Bloom has leveled up. Apple Bloom Lv. 1 -> 2 Courage +3 = 10 Expression +2 = 10 Understanding +2 = 10 Knowledge +3 = 16 Diligence +3 = 10 Apple Bloom's Persona, Stalwart Stallion, has leveled up. Stalwart Stallion Lv. 2 -> 3 Strength +3 = 16 Magic +1 = 10 Endurance +3 = 16 Agility +2 = 14 Luck +3 = 11 Stalwart Stallion has learned a new move. -Quake- --- -Head Block- --- -Zio Oculus- --- **Blue Wall** --- "We got stronger, didn't we?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah, we did." Even answered with more calmness in his voice. He was able to vent out his anger through training, now all he needs to do is apologize to Ley and Twilight for storming off. And maybe they'll apologize for that cruel test they gave him. "What about OUR Personas?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle agreed. "They come to you when the time is right." Even replied. "Remember, you'll have to face yourselves to earn your Personas, and whatever they say, you know it's the truth. And you have to accept it." "What does THAT mean?" Scootaloo asked, confused. "I'll see you girls later." Even said as he walked back to the library. The CMC had quite the confused looks on their faces. "That Even is one weird dude." Scootaloo commented. ~~~ Even returned back to the library, ready to confront his two friends. But when he got there... "Ley?" "Twilight?" They weren't. "Even?" a male voice spoke. "Oh hey, Spike." Even said. "Where's Ley and Twilight?" "They're out looking for you!" Spike replied. "After you left, they were going frantic and rushed out the door! They sounded so worried!" "Oh, boy." Even responded. "We'd better go look for them." "Right!" Spike agreed. Then the duo ran out of the library, looking for their friends. ~~~ 12:17PM >>Rewind>> 10:56AM ~~~ "This is bad! Real bad!" Ley said, acting panicky. "If Even goes off somewhere and someone makes him even more angry, who knows what could happen!" "You're right!" Twilight said, worried. "We have to go find him!" The two began to rush out the door. "Hey, Twilight... Twilight?" Spike said. The door slammed behind them. Spike got to the window and shouted to Twilight as long as he could, "TWILIGHT! WHAT'S WRONG?!" "EVEN! ANGRY! END OF EQUESTRIA! GOTTA FIND HIM!" Twilight shouted back. "Oh, boy." Spike commented. "I hope they find him, for everypony's sake." ~~~ 10:56AM >>Fast-Forward>> 12:21PM ~~~ "Twillllllight! Leeeeeey!" Even called out. "Twillllight! Where are yooooou?" Spike called out as well. They searched practically everywhere... Until... "OOF!" two females yelped. "Well, hey there, girls." Even said, smiling. "EVEN!" Twilight and Ley cheered in unison while dog piling Even. "GAH!" Even half-screamed. "Even, we were so worried about you!" Ley said. "We're sorry! We're so SO sorry!" "It's ok, I-" "No, it's not ok!" Twilight said, interrupting Even. "We didn't mean to make you mad!" "Girls-" "Please, Even! Please don't be mad!" Ley demanded, also interrupting Even. "Please!" "GIRLS!!" Even yelled at the top of his lungs. The two girls became silent. "NOW, as I was GOING to say, before you two kept INTERRUPTING ME, I was going to SAY that I was coming back to apologize for storming off." Even explained. The girls looked dumbfounded. "Ohhhhhh." the female duo said in unison. "Heh, I knew that." Ley commented under her breath. But Even heard her. "Yeah, Suuuure ya did." Even replied. Even's Expression increased. +2 = 25 Ley's Expression increased. +3 = 31 Twilight's Expression increased. +3 = 17 "Maybe we should head back to the library." Twilight suggested. "Yeah, let's do that." Even agreed. The group of four walked back to the library. "Hey Even..." Twilight said. "Yeah?" Even asked. "About what I did back there, you know, the kiss..." Twilight began, then she motioned Even to kneel to her height. She put her muzzle to his ear and whispered, "I enjoyed every second of it." Twilight began walking again with a triumphant smile on her face, leaving Even looking dumbfounded this time. Twilight's Courage has increased. +3 = 15 Even can sense Twilight's weird, but cute affection for him. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 3 * * (*) - - - - - - - Even resumed his stroll back to the library. ~~~ Even, Ley, Twilight, and Spike were looking through every book in the library. "It's no use," Spike commented. "We're NEVER gonna find ANYTHING about these Personas!" "Hmm..." Even murmured. "What is it?" Ley asked. "The Gauntlet of Sombra." Even began to read. "!" Twilight, Spike and Ley motioned. "A gauntlet that gives the bearer unlimited power." Even read. "Whoa." Spike commented in awe. "Twilight, write a letter to the princesses, saying to meet us here, ASAP." Even ordered. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's MY job." Spike corrected. "Ok then, SPIKE, write a letter to-" "I'm on it." Spike answered, interrupting Even like Twilight and Ley did before. "Jeez." Even thought out loud. ~~~ 1:03PM >>Fast-Forward>> 1:34PM ~~~ The princesses arrived to library by Even's request. "We came as soon as we could." Luna stated. "Was there something that you wanted?" "Yeah," Even began. "Do you know anything about 'The Gauntlet of Sombra'?" "!!" Celestia and Luna motioned. "I read about it in one of Twilight's books." Even said in response to the Celestia and Luna's surprised looks. "It used to be Sombra's, but we locked it away." Luna stated. "Why?" Even curiously asked. "Oh, I think you know why." Celestia commented. Even began to think for a second, and remembered something about King Sombra. He remembered that he was a slave-driving monster. Even's mood shifted from curious to bummed out. "I...I see." Even said, practically depressed. "Do not doubt yourself." Luna advised. "You are not like him." "Really?" Even asked. "Yes." Luna answered. "You may have Sombra as a Persona, but YOU have a heart, unlike him." Luna's Expression has increased. +3 = 64 Even's Understanding has increased. +3 = 26 Even walked up to Luna and gave her a hug, as a way of saying "thank you" to her. Luna returned the hug as much as Even. Even's connection with Luna has grown stronger. Princess Luna - Dusk Arcana - Rank 2 * (*) - - - - - - - - Both Even and Luna regained their composure, ended their hug, and stepped back from each other. "If you still wish to possess the gauntlet," Luna began. "Then you will need a new weapon. The sword you, um, 'acquired' from that old suit of armor won't do you much good against stronger enemies." "You mean..." Even said with excitement in his voice. "Yes." Celestia began. "You will need to upgrade your weaponry." "ALLLLLLLLL RIGHT!!" Even shouted with glee while he jumped with his fist in the air. "In fact, we have one for you." Celestia said with a smile. "Luna?" Luna nodded and levitated a sword and sheath with her magic. "This blade is one my sister crafted herself." Luna started to explain. "This is known as The Philomena Blade. It was inspired by my sister from her pet, Philomena, as she is a phoenix, and she hoped to one day passed it on to somepony with a kind heart and a great sense of justice, so on behalf of me and my sister, this sword is now yours to wield." The sword had a phoenix talon on it's hilt, phoenix wings for it's hand guards with a sun for a crest in the middle, and the blade itself shimmered a brilliant silver, but all in all, it felt surprisingly light in Even's hand. Even pulled the sword out of it's sheath and began to swing it around like he had been sword-fighting his whole life. Even had a confident look upon his face. "I can rock this." Even said, smiling confidently. Even has received and equipped a new weapon. Royal Guard's Sword -> Philomena Blade Even and his Personas have become stronger with his new sword. Strength +2 -> +4 Magic +0 -> +3 Endurance +2 -> +4 Agility +1 -> +4 Luck +1 -> +5 King Sombra has learned a new move. -Dark Zionga- **Agi** -Barrier- --- -Darknarok- --- -Swift Strike- --- King Sombra's dark spirit has tainted one of it's moves. Agi -> Dark Agi Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- **Agi** -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- -Mind Slice- --- Celestia's horn flickered to life and glowed upon Even and Ley. Even's appearance has changed, his clothes turned from blue with white cuffs to red with yellow cuffs, his eyes turned blue, also his hair became a bright yellow. Ley's appearance has changed as well, her clothes turned from a white shirt with denim pants to a neon blue shirt with a lacey white jacket and long white shorts, her eyes became blue as well, and her hair became light brown. "I gave you a new weapon, so I think it's only fair that I give you two a new appearance." Celestia decided. Something inside Even and Ley has changed. Even has leveled up. Level 5 -> 6 Courage +4 = 22 Expression +2 = 27 Understanding +3 = 29 Knowledge +3 = 34 Diligence +3 = 24 Ley has leveled up. Level 5 -> 6 Courage +4 = 23 Expression +2 = 33 Understanding +3 = 29 Knowledge +3 = 34 Diligence +3 = 21 "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Everyone jumped when they heard the scream. "TWILIGHT! COME QUICK!" Rarity screamed as she burst through the door. The group cleared out of the library, except for the princesses. "Luna, go retrieve the gauntlet." Celestia ordered. "He'll need it for the battles he will soon face." Luna nodded and the princesses exited the library. ~~~ Everyone quickly arrived to the town square. That's when they saw it... "You're wrong! YOU'RE WRONG!!" Sweetie Belle screeched. "Stop pretending that you don't see it." Shadow Sweetie Belle demanded. "You don't REALLY want to be a seamstress like your sister, you just want to be one because she is, because you don't have a will of your own. You don't even realize your special talent when it's right in front of eyes!" "STOP!! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!" Sweetie Belle ordered. "You know it's the truth, cuz you're me, and I'm you." Shadow Sweetie Belle said, smiling evilly. "No. You're not." Sweetie Belle stated. "No, Sweetie Belle!" Even shouted. "If you want your Persona, you have to accept what your shadow says!" "NO!!! NO PERSONA IS WORTH THIS!!!" Sweetie Belle screeched. "Then what are you waiting for?" Shadow Sweetie Belle asked. "GO ON! SAY IT AGAIN!" At that moment... Sweetie Belle snapped. "YOU'RE NOT ME!!!!!" Sweetie Belle squealed at the top of her lungs. Her words echoed throughout Ponyville. "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! THAT'S RIGHT!! I'M ME NOW!!" Shadow Sweetie Belle said, triumphantly. The shadow began to transform. It looks like Sweetie Belle, except she's 30 feet tall, her body and mane were silhouetted with shades of black, white, and gray, glowing green eyes, and microphones dangling from her bangs. "I am a shadow..." Shadow Sweetie Belle began. "...of your true self." "!!!" everyone motioned. "SEE!? I'M NOT YOU ANYMORE!!" Shadow Sweetie Belle stated. "Persona!" Even shouted as he attacked his card. "GET OUTTA MY SIGHT!!!" the shadow yelled. The microphones got closer to the shadow's muzzle and it sung a screeching song, one that forced even Sombra to his knees. "WHAT? YOU DON'T LIKE MY SINGING? TOO BAD!!!" the shadow said. "DARK ZIONGA!" Even shouted, declaring an attack. It dealt heavy damage onto the shadow. "WHAT?!! YOU LITTLE PEST!!" the shadow said, angrily. "Persona!" Apple Bloom shouted, arriving to the battlefield. "ZIO OCULUS!" An electric beam hit the shadow and delivered heavy damage onto it. It appears to be weak against electricity. "ARRRRRGH!!!! STUPID BRATS!!! SHUT UP AND LET ME KILL YOU!!" the shadow screamed in anger. "Sweetie Belle, if you don't accept yourself, your friends are going to die!" Twilight said to Sweetie Belle. "I can't! I just can't!" Sweetie Belle said in fear. Scootaloo ran up to Sweetie Belle and slapped her with her hoof. "QUIT BEING SO SELFISH!" Scootaloo demanded. "APPLE BLOOM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND, EVEN'S TRYING TO HELP YOU GET A PERSONA, AND YOUR JUST GONNA LAY THERE AND WATCH THEM DIE?!! HUH!?" Sweetie Belle soon snapped back to reality and she knew she had to do whatever it takes to protect her friends. "Stand back." Sweetie Belle commanded as she stood up. She began to walk over to her shadow as the fight went on. "HOLD STILL, YOU RUNTS!!" her shadow ordered. "Hey!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "SPOILED BRAT! YOU WANNA GO FIRST?!" the shadow said. "There's no denying it." Sweetie Belle stated. "SAY AGAIN?" the shadow asked. "YOUUUUUUUUU'RRRE MEEEEEEEEE!" Sweetie Belle sung with an angelic voice. The shadow felt something weird, then started showing a ton of pixels. "WHAT?!! WHAT'S HAPPENING!?" the shadow yelled in pain. "Time to try out this new move!" Even declared. "SWIFT STRIKE!" King Sombra's horn grew longer and charged at the shadow and thrust it's horn at it. The shadow quickly returned to it's normal form. The shadow stared at Sweetie Belle with a saddened expression upon its face. "Look," Sweetie Belle began. "I know what you're saying and I know it's true, but I just didn't want to believe it. I wanted to be just like my sister, but I guess a part of me doesn't want to." "!" the shadow motioned. "You heard me. You're me, and I'm you." Sweetie stated. The shadow nodded. It then quickly transformed into a Persona, Melodious Mare, a unicorn mare with a pure white coat, a flowing neon red mane, and wearing microphone-like necklace. It turned into a card and Sweetie Belle reached out for it. "Persona." Sweetie Belle said. After she said that, she collapsed out of exhaustion. "SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity screamed. Even grabbed her before she hit the ground. "IS SHE OK!?" Rarity asked as she screamed. Even checked her pulse. "She's still breathing." Even answered. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, especially Rarity. "She just needs some rest, that's all." Even continued. Rarity ran to Even and took Sweetie Belle from his arms. "Bless you, Even! Bless you and your Personas!" Rarity declared with every bit of gratitude she had. Rarity then kissed Even on his cheek several times, making Even blush out of control. Spike stood there, shocked at what Rarity was doing. "I hope to see you at Carousel Boutique very soon." Rarity said, smiling. "I wish to repay you for saving my sister." Even felt Rarity's unconditional gratitude toward Even. Even has developed a Social Link with Rarity. Rarity - Elegance Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Rarity trotted back home with Sweetie Belle on her back, Even waved to Rarity, and as he turned around, his friends had astonished looks on their faces. "How can one guys be so popular with the ladies?" Spike asked. "Uh, it's not what it looks like." Even said, trying to reassure them. "Young Even," Luna said, joining the group. "I believe you will need this." Luna levitated the gauntlet over to Even. "The Gauntlet of Sombra!" Even said in awe. Unfortunately, the gauntlet was completely petrified, void of any magic. "Umm, what happened to it?" Even asked. "When we sealed away King Sombra, we drained all of the dark magic inside it." Luna explained. "Oh." Even said, disappointed. "But, there may be a Persona or two still inside it." Celestia suggested. "Put it on." Even attached the gauntlet to his left arm. He felt a sudden, but faint surge inside him. Even has gained two new Personas. Sky Knyte Lv. 5 - Dawn Persona Strength: 20 Magic: 19 Endurance: 22 Agility: 21 Luck: 19 Pyro-pony Lv. 5 - Learner Persona Strength: 23 Magic: 26 Endurance: 21 Agility: 28 Luck: 17 A slow clapping sound began out of nowhere, it came from JD. "Bravo, Bro-migo, bravo." JD said. "You? What are you doing here?" Even asked. "Didn't you hightail it outta the Crystal Empire last time I saw you?" "Yeah, but that's not important," JD stated. "What IS important, is you, Even." "Me?" Even asked. "Yes." JD began. There was a short, ominous silence until JD spoke. "You have the power of the Wild Card." JD said to Even. "???" the entire group motioned. "The... Wild Card?" Even asked, confused. ~~~ Next Scent "You can change and fuse multiple Personas with the bonds you create." JD explained. "How come I'm the last one who gets a Persona!?" Scootaloo whined. "Please don't be mad, Scoots." Rainbow Dash begged. "I am a shadow..." Shadow Scootaloo began. To Be Next Episode 6: The Wild Card Author's Note This one took me a long time to make, hope you guys enjoyed it! Here's some more stats: Even Flaire King Sombra - Slavedriver Persona Queen Chrysalis - Slavedriver Persona Sky Knyte - Dawn Persona Pyro-pony - Learner Persona Ley Green Princess Cadence - Princess Persona Apple Bloom Stalwart Stallion - Guardian Persona Sweetie Belle Melodious Mare - Musician Persona Episode 1: He Is You And You Are HimPrologue "I am thou. Thou art I." a mysterious voice said in complete darkness. "Wh-What the...?!" a normal male voice replied. "Does thou wish to live?" said the mysterious voice. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHERE ARE YOU?!" said the male voice. "Thou must protect himself and one thou treasures dearly. Awake, young one." said the mysterious voice, ending the conversation. "Wait!" said the male voice. My name is Even Flaire. I'm just a normal 16 year old boy, and this is where my strange journey begins. Episode 1: He Is You And You Are Him "Ugh." said Even. "What a strange dream." he said. He began to open his eyes. "Ugh... Wh-Why is the sun beating down in my..." He slowly began to realize that he's not in his bedroom anymore. "What?! Where am I?!" Even said in fear. He got up to his feet and viewed his surroundings. "How'd I get here?" he said. He somehow ended up in an empty field. He started to walk around, to see if he can find his house. Then he saw something on the horizon. "Wait, I don't remember that being there." Even said, confused. He saw an unusual town, a town he has never seen in his life. "Maybe I can go there and ask for directions." he suggested to himself. Even walked all the way to town, and saw something... ...WAAAAAY out of place. "?!" Even motioned. "A town of... HORSES?! Just where the heck am I?!" he practically shouted. "Hey, what's that?" one of the townsfolk shouted out. "I don't know what that is." another replied. "Looks like I'm drawing too much attention to myself!" Even thought in a panic. "I'd better bolt! Now!" Even ran through an alley in town and the townsfolk followed suit. He ran and ran and ran, until he skid to a stop when he saw a familiar face. It was his best friend, Ley, cornered by six ponies and a little dragon. "Who and what are you?!" said the rainbow-maned pony. "I should ask you the same thing!" Ley replied. Even began to look for something to use as a weapon to help his friend, he found a trash can lid, and charged at the pony threatening his friend. "Why you!" the rainbow-maned pony said, angrily. The rainbow-maned pony readied her attack, but was caught off guard when she heard someone shouting as loud as he could. "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!" Even yelled, as he knocked her in the head. "RAINBOW DASH!!" the purple unicorn screamed. "Even?!" said a shocked Ley. "C'mon Ley, it's time to go!" Even hurriedly said. "Hey! Y'all get back here!" said the orange pony. They ran as fast as they could, ignoring the orange pony's demand. "Pinkie, Spike, you two stay with Rainbow, we're gonna go catch us some varmints." the orange pony said. "Okie dokie lokie!" said the pink pony. "Let's go, girls!" the purple unicorn said with determination. The two humans were chased into the middle of the town square. They found themselves surrounded by many of the pony townsfolk, especially four of the six ponies from earlier, making their way to the middle of the crowd. "How do I get myself into these messes?" Even and Ley said in unison and was caught off guard by each other. "HEY! YOU TWO!" the purple unicorn shouted. "My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'm the pony who's gonna make pay for what you did!" said the purple unicorn in anger. The four ponies charged at the two, while they braced themselves for a merciless beating. "I am thou." said a mysterious voice. "!!!" Even thought to himself. "Huh?" Twilight said. Twilight could the voice as well. "Thou art I." the mysterious voice said. Even knew he heard that voice before... But where? Then a card marked with the number "0" with a picture of a grey unicorn with green and red eyes and a glowing red horn appeared in front of him. "What's that?" said a confused Ley. "Wait! That can't be...!" Twilight said in fear. There was no doubt. that picture on the card is King Sombra. "Thou hast opened thine eyes." said the mysterious voice. "The time..." "IS NOW!!!" Even glared at the ponies and shot a look of anger and determination. A massive storm came from out of nowhere and began to glow an ominous red right over Even. The ground began to shake and a red aura surrounded Even. Even began to speak. "Per..." "So..." "Na!" Even crushed the card before him and a massive creature immerged from behind him. Even's eyes quickly turned green and red, just like the creature's. Twilight shot a beam of light at the creature, but Even raised his hand in front of him and somehow the creature summoned a barrier to protect him. "Ahhhhhhhh!" Ley began to freak out about what she's seeing. Then out of nowhere, the orange pony and a white unicorn pony jumped onto the creature, trying desperately to defeat it. And strangely, whatever pain the creature felt, Even felt as well. "GET OFF ME!!!" Even shouted, infuriated. The creature used a levitation spell and threw the two ponies back. A yellow pegasus pony squeaked and hid in a garbage can. Twilight tried to attack again, but was interrupted by Even using one of the creature's skills. "KING SOMBRA!" Even Shouted. A black lightning bolt hit Twilight and knocked her off her hooves. The creature disappeared in a red aura and the sky returned to normal. The townsfolk ran away in fear after what they saw, trying to get away from Even. "W-What the hell was that?!" Ley said. "King... Sombra." Even replied. "His power..." Twilight stared at Even in fear. "...It belongs to me." Even said. Even smiled and shot a look of confidence at Ley with those green and red eyes of his. ~~~ A card telling you a future has been flipped. You control your destiny from now on. Good... or evil? Well, let's get started. ~~~ A tall, slender white pony with wings and a horn stood in some kind of throne room, with a guard informing her of what has transpired in a local town. "I see." the tall pony said. "Thank you for telling me this. As you were." "Yes, Your Highness." the guard said as he left the room. The tall pony just stood there... Pondering about something... Something that she had felt at the beginning of this day... She had felt a presence that should've disappeared forever... "I was right all along..." the tall pony said. "...He has returned." ~~~ Bonds with people, or ponies, is the true power. ~~~ Next Scent "I have a great power, but what should I use it for?" said Even. "Even!!" screeched Ley. "Let her go!" Even demanded. "I'm sorry, young one, but you must fall." said Princess Luna. "I'll fight to protect my friends! Especially from you!! PERSONA!!" Even called his persona and began to fight for his friend. To Be Next Episode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart Author's Note Thanks for watching! I apologize in advance if the first chapter seems rushed, I didn't have the entire beginning of the storyline planned out, so I just went with the flow. I hope you guys liked it!
Episode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart"Even... Your eyes." a worried Ley said. "My eyes?" Even asked, confused. "They're green... And red." Ley replied. "?!" motioned Even. A few moments after that, his eyes returned to normal. "Even! Your eyes! They're normal again!" Ley shouted with delight. Twilight, the orange pony, and the white unicorn were laying on the ground, defeated, while the yellow Pegasus was still hiding and cowering, but they still stared at them, shocked about what the male was capable of. Even and Ley shot a quick glance at them. "Um, maybe we should go." Ley suggested without hesitation. "Yeah, I agree." said Even. They both ran and hitched a ride on the caboose of a train in the middle of town. "Heh, let's see 'em catch us now." Even said with a smirk. The four ponies saw the couple ride off into the distance, until the pink pony, Pinkie Pie, the purple dragon, Spike, and the rainbow-maned Pegasus pony, Rainbow Dash, caught up with the group, despite that Rainbow was still dazed from that blow to the head. "Whoooooooaa, what the hay happened here? Guess we missed the party." said a disappointed, but concerned Pinkie Pie. "Twilight! Are you ok?" Spike worriedly asked. Twilight just laid there, astonished, thinking up a proper course of action. Then, Twilight knew what to do. "Spike... Take a letter." Episode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart "Whew! That was a close one!" Ley said, relieved. "Yeah, too close." Even said. "Still, that thing... And that card... Do I have... Superpowers or something?" Even asked himself. "Nah, it can't be superpowers, you're too... let's say, plain, to be saving the world." Ley said, jokingly. "Oh, Thanks!" Even said, annoyed. "Ha ha! C'mon, Even! You know I'm kidding! Before all this happened, you were anything but plain!" Ley said, trying to lift her friend's spirits. "Yeah, yeah." Even replied. "I'm serious! Really!" Ley said. The train stopped at one of it's destinations. "Hey, let's get off before someone sees us." Even said. "Okay." Ley agreed. They got off the train and hid in an alley in between two large buildings. Like in that other town, this one had the same inhabitants, except this town was different, it appeared more high class. "Whoa. Fan-cy." Even said, impressed. "Yeah, but we have to lay low, we don't want to attract anymore unwanted attention." Ley said, being dead serious all of a sudden. "Gotcha." Even replied. ~~~ "Ok, Twilight! The letter's been sent! Now what?" said Spike. "Now we wait." Twilight replied. They walked around the library that they were in, with the other five ponies trying to get some R&R. Spike stared at the burn mark on Twilight back, the mark that came from that last attack from that giant King Sombra. "Um, Twilight? Does it hurt?" Spike asked. "Does what hurt?" Twilight asked. "That mark on your-" "DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT?!" a small, orange and purple pony burst in shouting, interrupting Spike. "Scootaloo?! What are you doing here?!" Twilight asked. "Ah think ya mean, what are we doin' here?" said a small, yellow and red pony with a red ribbon in her mane. "Yeah! Don't leave us out!" said a small, white unicorn with pink and purple streaks in her mane. "Apple Bloom?! And Sweetie Belle?!" Twilight said. "Hey, Applejack! That was one humdinger of a hoedown out there!" said an amazed Apple Bloom. "It was soooooooo cool! Almost as cool as-" "Don't. Finish. That. Sentence." An annoyed Rainbow Dash said, interrupting Scootaloo. "But it was." said Sweetie Belle. "Girls, y'all should be home right now, where it's safe." said a concerned Applejack. "That's right, Sweetie Belle, I mean, what if that, that... Thing, comes back?" the white unicorn said in disgust. "But Rarity!..." whined Sweetie Belle. "No buts, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity said, sternly. "Aw, c'mon!" whined Apple Bloom. "Home! Now!" demanded Applejack. "Hmph!" scoffed Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stormed out of the library while Scootaloo stood there. "You too, Scoots." said Rainbow Dash. "But, Rain-" "I SAID GO!" yelled Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo slowly walked out of the library with her ears laying flat. "C'mon, Crusaders! We're not goin' home yet!" Apple Bloom stated. "Why not?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Because we're gonna find that guy and get 'im to teach us how to use those giant creature things!" Apple Bloom said with determintation. "WHAT?!" Sweetie Belle practically screeched. "Think about it! What if we could get ah, um, 'Creature Controlling' cutie mark?" "I guess that would be pretty cool. What do you think, Scoots?" Sweetie Belle asked, "...Scoots?" Scootaloo raised her head with an angry look on her face. "I'm in." Scootaloo finally replied. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS CREATURE CONTROLLERS!!" Apple Bloom shouted. They ran off, in search of the guy who could use creatures to battle great enemies. ~~~ Even and Ley were sneaking around the high class town, avoiding contact with any of the ponies. "I just can't get this off my mind." Even said. "What?" Ley asked. "I have a great power, but what should I use it for?" Even said, "What do you think, Ley?" No response. "...Ley?" He turned his head and noticed that his friend wasn't next to him. "?!!" Even motioned. "Even!!" Ley screamed at the top of her lungs. Even looked up at the sky and saw three Pegasus guards who kidnapped Ley, "Let her go!" The guards took Ley and flew away to the castle on the other side of town. "Get back here!" Even shouted as he chased them. "Forget laying low! My friend needs me!" Even thought to himself. He zoomed out of the alley making a beeline to the huge castle. ~~~ Even was being watched just outside one of the windows of the castle. "That's right. Come to the castle." said a tall, dark blue alicorn mare. ~~~ Princess Luna was cleaning the bedchambers her sister, Princess Celestia, when all of a sudden, a letter popped up out of nowhere. She began to read it. "Dear Princess Celestia, We have a great emergency on our hooves, two creatures of unknown species have shown up in Ponyville and hurt Rainbow Dash, but that's not the worst part! The male controls that monster, King Sombra! Please write me back when you get this!" "Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle" Luna was shocked and immediately took action. She began writing a reply to Twilight. "Dear Twilight Sparkle, Meet me at the Canterlot castle, I have a plan of attack, bring the Elements of Harmony with you, we are going to need them." "From the desk of Princess Celestia" Princess Luna then sent the letter to Twilight, posing as her sister. ~~~ "Princess Luna! We're here to see Princess Celestia!" stated a familiar voice. "Twilight Sparkle, um, my sister, um, left me in charge with the, um, attack." Princess Luna said nervously. "Did you bring the Elements?" "Yes, Princess Luna." Twilight replied. "Good. Let us bring harmony back to Equestia!" Princess Luna stated. ~~~ Even made his way into the castle, trying desperately to find his best friend. "Ley?! Where are you?!" Even called. "Not. Another. Step." Princess Luna demanded, walking out of a silhouetted hallway. "Where's Ley?!" Even shouted. "Hmph. You're supposed to be the controller of King Sombra? How can that be? You're so young." Princess Luna said. "I'll ask again. Where. Is. My friend?!" Even said. "..." Princess Luna remained silent, staring at him. "ANSWER ME!!!" Even infuriatedly demanded. "...Why does she matter so much to you?" Princess Luna asked. "There's a question already on the table!" Even stated loudly. "I'm sorry, young one, but you must fall." Princess Luna stated as clearly as she could. Even charged at the nearest suit of armor, which was used as decoration, and yanked out a sword and it's scabbard. he tied the strap attached to the scabbard around his waist and pulled the sword out. King Sombra's card began to descend in front of Even. "I'll fight to protect my friends! Especially from you!! PERSONA!!" He attacked the card with the sword he just drew. Even called his Persona and began to fight for his friend. He thrust the sword on the floor next to him, cupped his hands and threw them to his side. King Sombra put his forelegs forward and concentrated the dark magic from his horn, forming a black and purple orb, while Even's eyes turned green and red once again. "NOW!!" Princess Luna shouted. Behind her were the six ponies from before, using the full power of the Elements of Harmony to defeat Even and Sombra. A huge rainbow formed and charged at Even, but tried to force it back with Sombra's charge attack. "DARKNAROK!!" Even screeched. Sombra launched his attack. The orb exploded into thousands of lasers, charging into the rainbow, but to no avail, it destroyed the lasers like they were nothing. The rainbow charged straight through Even and his Persona, beginning to throw them backwards. "SOMBRA! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Even screamed in pain. They were thrown to the wall behind them, King Sombra looked like he had pixels all around him. There was no denying it. Sombra was growing weak. And if Sombra was weak, Even was weak. "One more blast should do it. Ponies, once more!" Princess Luna said. They charged up for another attack, and Even knew the next rainbow would be the last one he'd see. Because Even knew if King Sombra dies... Even dies. ~~~ Princess Celestia walked into the throne room and noticed two guards with a human girl. "What do you want with me?" Ley asked. "What are you talking about?" Princess Celestia asked. "You sent your guards to capture me!" Ley shouted. "You will show respect to the princess!" the first guard stated, sternly. "I didn't order my guards to do anything. What is the meaning of this?!" Princess Celestia said. "Our orders come from Princess Luna, Your Majesty." the second guard answered. "What?! Why would Luna-" "SOMBRA! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Even screamed in pain. "EVEN!" Ley shouted. Ley, Celestia, and the two guards raced to find the source of that scream. "Sister, I hope you're not doing what I think you're doing." Princess Celestia thought to herself. ~~~ "One more blast should do it. Ponies, once more!" Princess Luna said. They charged up for another attack. Princess Celestia arrived just in time to try and stop this. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE! DO NOT ATTACK! THAT'S AN ORDER!" Princess Celestia shouted. "What?" Twilight said, confused. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Ley screamed. Ley charged at Twilight and pushed her over, knocking the Element of Magic off her head. "Ley!" Even shouted. "Run, Even! Get outta here while you still can!" shouted Ley. "No! Not without you!" Even stated. A red flash came from Even. He doesn't realize he leveled up. Level 1 -> 2 Courage +2 = 9 Expression +2 = 8 Understanding +1 = 8 Knowledge +3 = 13 Diligence +2 = 11 King Sombra has leveled up as well. Level 2 -> 3 Strength + 2 = 12 Magic + 3 = 15 Endurance + 2 = 11 Agility + 1 = 10 Luck + 2 = 9 Twilight tried to push Ley off her. "Luna, stop this at once! This is not the way to handle the situation!" Princess Celestia demanded. Even prepared another Darknarok charge attack. "This is what needs to be done, sister!" Princess Luna stated. "Sombra! Don't attack until I tell you to!" Even commanded. King Sombra nodded his head, accommodating Even's command. Even ran to grab Ley and escape, and once he did, he shouted his signal. "NOW!!!!!" And then Sombra released his Darknarok attack and nearly killed everyone, but Celestia summoned a barrier to protect them. "STOP TH-" "ENOUGH!!" Celestia yelled, interrupting Luna. "From now on, I'M handling this! Twilight Sparkle! Return to Ponyville, with your friends, at once!" Princess Celestia commanded. "...Yes, princess." Twilight said, glumly. Twilight and her friends left the Princess's sight. "We'll talk about this later, sister. You are NOT to leave your bedchambers, until it is time to raise the moon. Do I make myself clear?" Princess Celestia asked. "Crystal, sister." Princess Luna said. "Good. Now go." Celestia said. Luna walked to bedchambers, depressed. Celestia watched out the window and saw Even and Ley run to the train to ride to it's next stop. "Do you really mean to do harm to us, young one?" Celestia asked. "I must know everything about you two, who you are, why you're here, everything." ~~~ Unbeknownst to Celestia, Luna sent a letter to The Crystal Empire, informing it's rulers who's on their way, and what they need to do. "Sorry, sister, but action must be taken." Luna said. ~~~ An unknown being was walking up a hill just outside of Ponyville, and Pinkie Pie bumped into him by accident. She was bouncing around without knowing where she was going. "Hi there!" Pinkie said. "I saw two things like you! What're you doin' here?" "..." "I'm looking for someone." the new human said. He showed her a picture of someone. "Ooooh! Who's that?" Pinkie said, joyfully. "..." "Her name is..." ~~~ Next Scent "Wherever this train stops, we have to try and blend in." Even said. "Who knows? Maybe this place might have a way back home for us." Ley suggested. "So, you two are the ones causing all this trouble." Shining Armor said. "I'm you, and you're me." said Ley's shadowy reflection in the crystals. To Be Next Episode 3: The Persona Princess Author's Note Well, I finally finished chapter 2, took me all day, but it's done. I hope you guys like it! Chapter 3 will be here soon!
Episode 3: The Persona PrincessDear Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, There is a great threat among us, two beings, unknown to Equestrian knowledge, somehow appeared, but it gets worse, one of them controls King Sombra. I have reason to believe that they are headed towards your kingdom. I sincerely hope you know what to do. With hope for Equestria, Princess Luna Shining Armor and Cadence read Luna's letter the moment they received it. "Captain! Put the entire empire on high alert! If these creatures show up, we'll be ready for them." Shining Armor declared. "Yes, your majesty!" said the captain of The Crystal Empire Royal Guard. The captain dashed out of the throne room to warn the other guards. "*Sigh* I have a bad feeling that Sombra isn't going to be easy defeat this time." Princess Cadence thought to herself, worrying about what new strength Sombra may have acquired. Episode 3: The Persona Princess Even and Ley hitched a ride on the train once more, as a means of escape. "Damn, that was a close call." Even said. "I know, we barely made it out alive." Ley replied. "Listen," Even began, "Wherever this train stops, we have to try and blend in." "A-Alright." Ley nervously agreed. "Is something wrong?" Even asked, worriedly. "...I just want to go home." Ley said with sadness. Ley began to cry out of homesickness. "Hey, Ley, c'mon, it'll be ok, if we got here somehow, then there must be a way out somewhere, there just HAS to be!" Even said, "We just have to be strong, ok?" "...Ok." Ley said as she calmed down, "That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you, Even." "...You're welcome, Ley." Even said. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 9 Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 9 The train was treading through a snowy plain, and Even and Ley saw some kind of northern lights out the window. "Whooooooooooa!" the duo said in unison. "It's beautiful!" Ley said in awe. "Yeah. It is." Even agreed. Even stared at Ley and started to blush. "Ley..." Even thought to himself. ~~~ Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie was returning to town with another human, who somehow found his way into Equestria. "It's been over five years since I came back to Equestria, nothing's changed. But somehow, I doubt anyone would remember me, after what I've done. I remember her words as clear as day," ~~~ "Are you sure you want to leave, JD?" a female voice asked. "I don't know why, but someone is calling to me. I wish my brother was here, but I'm going to find him, and bring him back." JD replied. He held up a picture of his brother; tall, somewhat short dark brown hair, blue eyes, wearing red clothes with yellow cuffs on his shirt and shorts, bright yellow shoes, cocky smile, and giving a confident thumbs-up. "Promise me you'll make it back ok." the female voice stated. "...I can't promise you that. I've broken too many promises already." JD replied as clear as he could. He called some sort of Alicorn Persona and teleported him to Equestria. ~~~ "Hey, mopey-wopey! what's wrong?" Pinkie said, breaking the silence. "...Nothing. Just... Forget it." JD replied, sternly. JD walked into Ponyville, closely followed by Pinkie Pie, bouncing her way into town. Ponyville looked practically deserted, except for three fillies charging through town. "Look, Crusaders! There's one of 'em right now!" Apple Bloom shouted. "OUTTA MY WAY!" Scootaloo angrily shouted, bursting through her two friends with her scooter. She skid to a stop in front of JD. "I remember you." JD stated. "CAN THE NONSENSE!! YOU HAVE INFORMATION, AND I WANT IT NOW!!" Scootaloo practically screeched. "Calm down, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, trying to help her friend regain her composure. "Now, Scootaloo, that isn't nice to say to an old friend." JD said. "OH YEAH?! WELL I... wait, what?" Scootaloo said. JD untied the bandana over his right eye and showed her a very deep secret of his. A secret that Scoots knew all too well. "...It's you... JD, was it?" Scootaloo said in shock. "Hmph. Looks like you finally remembered me. It has been five years after all." JD said. "Wait, has it been five years?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Hang on. Scoots, do you know this guy?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah. We were pretty close." Scootaloo answered. "I helped Rainbow Dash save her from the waterfall, during that camping trip." JD stated. "Sorry, ah don't remember." Apple Bloom sadly stated. "Me neither, sorry." Sweetie Belle said glumly. "APPLE BLOOM!!" Applejack screamed. "GET AWAY FROM MAH SISTER!" Applejack dashed to the CMC, with Rarity and Rainbow Dash following closely. "Calm down, Applejack, he's a friend!" Apple Bloom said, trying to reason with her overprotective sister. "Yeah! Just like those last coupl'a two-legged creatures that were here!" Applejack angrily said. JD grabbed Applejack's left forehoof out of nowhere and kissed it. "Come on, Applejack, how could you forget one of your helpers back at Sweet Apple Acres?" JD asked. Applejack yanked her hoof out of JD's hand in anger. "Just who do ya think ya are?! I never seen ya before in mah life!" Applejack yelled. "You don't remember me? It's me, JD." JD said. "J...D...?" Applejack said, confused. "?!" "Arrrrgh! Nice try! But ah ain't fallin' for it! Now, why don't you go back to wherever it is you freaks came from?!" "Hear, hear!" Rarity agreed. "Come now, Sweetie Belle, get away from this ruffian!" "...I see. If you really don't remember me, then tell me, who was here before me?" JD said. "Hmph. Well, it was a guy an' a girl, the girl had short orange-ish hair, hazel eyes, about the same age as the guy, which strangely, looked ah lot like you, but there were some differences, he had short black hair and brown eyes" Applejack said, answering JD's question. "Hmmm... Is he still here?" JD asked. "No! We tried to nail him at Canterlot, but they escaped on the train, and it's probably on it's way to the next stop!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Has the train taken off?!" JD anxiously asked. "Not here, the Ponyville train is gettin' ready ta leave for The Crystal Empire, where the train in Canterlot took of to." Applejack replied. "How much are the tickets?" JD asked. "5 bits per ticket." Sweetie Belle replied. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity snapped. "Quiet down, young lady!" "Here, this should cover it." Scootaloo said, tossing JD 5 bits. "Scoots!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "Didn't you hear Rarity?! Pipe down!" "Why don't YOU pipe down?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Scoots...?" a confused Rainbow Dash said. "I just wanted to tell you how cool that battle was, but you, of all ponies, sent me out the door, just because you got your flank beat by some guy!" Scootaloo screamed. "But, Scoots-" "NO! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" Scootaloo screeched, interrupting Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo got on her scooter and zoomed away, with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle following her. "SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity screamed to Sweetie Belle. "APPLE BLOOM, GET BACK 'ERE! I"M GONNA TELL BIG MACINTOSH ON YOU!" Applejack screamed to Apple Bloom. But they all ignored their calls, especially Scootaloo. "SCOOTS! COME BACK!" Rainbow Dash screamed to Scootaloo. "Scoots..." Rainbow Dash hovered down to the ground and began to mope. "You know girls... You shouldn't bag on your sisters." JD said. "And what do YOU know about being an older sibling?! Nothing, I'd wager!" Rarity said. "...Riddle me this. What's my brother's name?" JD said. "?!!" the remaining trio motioned. "Think it over carefully. I'm sure we'll meet again." JD stated, just before he hopped on the train. As he rode off, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash couldn't get JD's parting words out of their heads. "Ummmmm, I'm just go and see how Twilight's doin'. Bye!" Pinkie said. ~~~ The train arrived in The Crystal Empire, just when Even and Ley snuck off. "Hmmm, so this is The Crystal Empire. Not too shabby." an impressed Even said. "You can say that again." Ley agreed. Even's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 15 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 13 "Who knows? Maybe this place might have a way back home for us." Ley suggested. "Ok, so how do we blend in?" "Oh. Um, we, uh wear some kind of cloaks, and um, walk on all fours, so we don't raise any, um, suspicion, heh-heh." Even said nervously. "...You just came up with that, didn't you?" Ley said, annoyed. "Yeah, pretty much." Even admitted. "Still, it's a good idea, let's do it!" Ley said. "Um, right!" Even hesitantly agreed. Even's Diligence has increased. +1 = 12 The two grabbed a couple of ratty, old cloths from the garbage and got on their hands and knees, slowly walking to the castle. "Huh? What's this?" Even said, staring at the Crystal Heart. "Even! Focus!" Ley said. "Oh! Right!" Even agreed. Then out of nowhere, they bumped into someone. It was JD. "Excuse me." JD said. "Right, sorry." Even said. "Wait, was that a human? That's odd... Really od-" "Even! On task!" Ley said, interrupting his train of thought. "Ok, ok!" Even said. Even and Ley proceed into the castle walls, wandering around, trying to find a way home. "I can't get that guy outta my head! How'd he get here?! Is he trapped here like us? Maybe we can help him in some way, and maybe he'll help us-" "Even! C'mon on! I shouldn't have to tell you this three times in a row!" Ley snapped. "Sorry. Got a lot on my mind." Even responded. "Well, I wouldn't put it past you, you've always got a lot on your mind." Ley stated. "What do you mean?" Even asked. "Remember you couldn't get your parents off your mind?" Ley said, giving an example. Even began to frown. "I know where you're going with this, let's not talk about it." Even said, depressed. "Sorry. I forgot." Ley apologized. "It's ok. We all forget every now and then, it's no big deal." Even reassured Ley. "I wish I could STOP forgetting." Ley thought to herself. Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 10 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 13 They continued to walk in silence, not even glancing at each other. "Halt!" a guard shouted. A levitation spell was used by that same guard and he removed the cloaks. "Aw, man!" Even shouted. "Run!" Ley shouted. They dashed as fast as they could, trying to get out of the castle, until they were cornered by Shining Armor, Cadence, and the rest of the Royal Guard. "So, you two are the ones causing all this trouble." Shining Armor said. "Is Luna sure these two are the culprits? they're a little... Young." Cadence said. "Wait, Luna? PRINCESS Luna?! SHE put you up to this?!" an angry Even asked. "Cadence, Shining Armor, it's a pleasure to see you again." JD's voice echoed. "JD? What're you doing here?" Shining Armor asked. "I see you remember me, what with my eye color and all." JD stated. Somehow, JD has two eye colors; his left eye is blue, and his right eye is green. He has acquired something called, "Dual Vision". "Yeah, I noticed that." Cadence said. "So, who are these two? I bumped into them earlier." JD said. "You didn't hear? That guy controls King Sombra!" Shining Armor said. "...I sense a stronger power in him. Is this guy a Wild Card User like me?" JD said. "Wild Card... User? What's that? And who ARE you?!" Even said. Even's eyes began to glow green and red. "Even, calm down!" Ley said. His eyes reverted back to normal. "Ugggh, what... just happened?" Even asked, light-headedly. "Hmph. I never expected to see you have the appearance of my own brother." JD stated. "Brother? I don't HAVE a brother! My name is Even Flaire, I'm 16 years old, and Ley and I are just trying to get home, so if you or anyone stands in my way..." Even's anger begins to build up, his eyes began glowing green and red again, and a red aura surrounded him, nearly engulfing him. He drew his sword as his persona descended down. "I'LL CRUSH YOU ALL!!!" His voice mixed with Sombra's as he said that, even Ley became afraid of him at the moment. "PERSONA!!!!" He slashed the card and called out King Sombra. "You first. Persona!" JD called his own Persona, known as Great Knight. Even prepared his charge attack. "DARKNAROK!!" Even shouted. King Sombra released his most powerful attack. "SKYWARD SLASH!!" JD shouted. Great Knight jumped up into the air and used it's skill to block the attack, dealt damage to King Sombra, and strangely, he switched Personas. "SOMBRA!" Even yelled. "Wait, what the HELL?!!" "PERSONA!" JD yelled. He summoned another Persona, it was an alicorn Persona with no name, but it is known as the "Alicorn Arcana". "HEAVEN'S BLADE!!" JD shouted. The Persona's horn glowed, created a heavenly sword, and struck King Sombra. King Sombra began showing pixels, he quickly became weak. "Arrrrrrgh..." Even growled. "How's that? Not bad for two Personas!" JD said. "How do you even have ONE?!" Ley asked. Another Persona descended in front of Even. "Huh?" Even said. "A new Persona?! Well, Sombra's getting weak, I guess now's a good time to try this one out." Even thought to himself. "PERSONA!" Even shouted. He attacked the card with his sword and called out his new Persona. It was a black creature with holes through it's hooves, dark green hair, green dragon-like eyes, two tore up bug-like wings, and a crooked horn. There was no mistaking it. It was Queen Chrysalis. "CHRYSALIS?!!" Cadence screamed. "?" Even motioned. "Alright, 'Chrysalis', let's see what YOU can do. GO!" Chrysalis started to drain the Alicorn Arcana's life force. "Uggggh... The hell?" JD said, weakly. "...Guess it's time to go. See you soon... Bro-migo." "NO. I DON'T THINK YOU WILL." a mysterious voice said. "!?" everyone motioned. "You've messed with my friend, he's badly damaged, and you're to blame." the mysterious voice stated. The voice came from the reflections in the crystals. It was Ley's reflection. But... Something was really off. It was a side of her that no one, not even Even has seen. "NOW PERISH!!!" Ley's reflection yelled. Crystal shards came from all directions, trying to stab JD, but to no avail. "HOLD STILL, DAMN IT!!" screamed Ley's reflection. JD jumped out of the nearest window, hopped on the Alicorn Arcana, and flew off. "Who or WHAT are you?!" Ley asked. "Isn't it obvious?" "I'm you, and you're me." said Ley's shadowy reflection in the crystals. "P-Prove it! What do I know that Even doesn't?!" Ley said. "Fair enough." Ley's shadow agreed. "I'm ALWAYS the damsel in distress, every time I'm in trouble, EVEN comes to rescue me like some knight in shining armor." "Hey!" Shining Armor yelled. "QUIET! I wasn't talking to YOU!" Ley's shadow stated. "Where was I? Ah, yes! Now I recall! I want to be able to save MYSELF, I'm tired of relying on my best friend to help me..." The shadow began to cry. "...I want to be able to defend myself, and protect those I love, but I just..." "...Feel so helpless. Is that proof enough?" Ley stood there, astonished about what her shadow has said. She knew it was the truth. She could no longer deny it. "...Yes." Ley said. "?!" Even motioned. "Ley...?" "You ARE me." Ley stated. "And I'm you." "You can protect him now." Ley's shadow said. "Huh?" Ley said. "Defend him to your last breath! You now have the power to do so." Ley's shadow stated. Her shadow faded and turned into a card, much like the one Even has. But this one was different. It wasn't made from darkness. It made from the light in Ley's heart. A blue aura surrounds Ley, and she has a determined look on her face. "Persona." Ley said. Ley crushed the card with her hand, thus calling forth her Persona. Unbelievably, it was Princess Cadence. "WHAT?!!" Cadence and Shining Armor screamed. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. "LOVE STRUCK!" Ley shouted. Multiple hearts shot out from the Persona's horn, causing Shining Armor and the entire Royal Guard to fall in love with the Persona Cadence. A blue flash came from Ley. She has leveled up. Level 1 -> 2 Courage +3 = 11 Expression +3 = 13 Understanding +2 = 15 Knowledge +2 = 15 Diligence +1 = 14 "Shining?! Are you ok?!" Cadence worriedly asked. Even and Ley made their escape onto the train, again, and headed for their next destination. "Ugh, what happened?" Shining Armor asked, groggily. "They got away." Cadence answered. "..." "It's ok. We'll get 'em next time. Still, we should inform the princesses, tell them what just transpired." Shining Armor stated. "That won't be necessary, Shining Armor." A new voice said. Princess Celestia showed up for a surprise visit. "Y-Your Majesty!" Shining Armor said. "My sister put you up to this, didn't she?" Celestia asked. "...No matter, we must go to Ponyville, that's where the train stops next, there are many things I wish to ask those two." "Why?" Cadence asked, confused. "I don't believe those two are a threat." Celestia stated. "Come. My chariot's waiting." ~~~ Meanwhile, Even and Ley were hiding inside the train, waiting to get off at the next stop. They were completely silent. neither of them knew what to say to each other, they just stared at each other, with blank looks on their faces. "..." "...Is it true?" Even asked, finally breaking the silence. "What's true?" Ley asked. "Wanting to protect yourself... And me?" Even asked. "...Yes." Ley finally answered. Ley's Expression has increased. +3 = 16 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 17 Even's Understanding has increased. +3 = 13 "...That's... Really sweet." Even said, in a loving tone. "Sweet?" Ley asked. "...Thank you." Ley got closer to Even and kissed him on the cheek. Even began to blush. Even's Courage has increased. +2 = 11 Even's Expression has increased. +2 = 11 Ley's Expression has increased. +4 = 20 "*yawn* I'm feeling tired." Ley said. "Go ahead and rest. I'm probably gonna crash soon, too." Even said. "Ok, good night." Ley said. "Night." Even said back. The sun was setting on a pretty tough day, but maybe tomorrow will be better. "Don't worry, Ley, we'll find our way home, somehow. Sweet dreams... Sweetie." Even thought to himself, smiling as he watched Ley sleep. Even felt a tighter bond with Ley. Ley's Social Link has ranked up. Ley - Princess Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even soon fell asleep. ~~~ Just above the train, JD was watching over Even and Ley, wondering if Even is who he thinks he is. "Brother..." JD said to himself. "It's been too long, my friend." Celestia said, flying next to him. "Hello, Princess." JD replied. ~~~ Next Scent "Hey there! Y'all them, um Persona Users, right?" Apple Bloom asked. "We've been working all day, and STILL no Personas!" Sweetie Belle stated. "It'll come to you, trust me." Even said with a wink. "I've had just about enough of you!" Twilight shouted. "LEAVE 'IM ALONE!!" Apple Bloom demanded. "Sugar Cube?" Applejack said. "...Ah am thou." Apple Bloom said. "PERRRRRRSONA!!!" To Be Next Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users! Author's Note It took me some time, but chapter 3 is finally done! Enjoy! Oh, in case you guys are wondering, here's Even and Ley's stats, if you're curious, Even Flaire Lv. 2 - Slavedriver Arcana Courage: 11 Expression: 11 Understanding: 13 Knowledge: 15 Diligence: 12 Ley Green Lv. 2 - Princess Arcana Courage: 11 Expression: 20 Understanding: 17 Knowledge: 15 Diligence: 14 Chapter 4 will be up soon!
Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users!Monday, June 1, 2013 -> Tuesday, June 2, 2013 Even woke up the next morning, he realized that the train was coming to a stop. He tried to wake Ley up. "Ley! Hey, Ley! Wake up! We gotta go!" Even whispered. Ley began to wake up. "Mmmmm... Huh? What?" Ley mumbled. "Come on, let's go!" Even whispered again. "Oh, um, ok." Ley said, half asleep. They hopped off the train and snuck through the town that they arrived at, but they don't realize what town they're in in right now, considering the fact that the two just woke up. Spike caught eye of them and started to panic. "OH NO! TWILIGHT! TWIIIIIIILIGHT!" Spike screamed as he ran to the library. Episode 4: Cutie Mark Crusader, Persona Users! Even and Ley ducked into an apple cart in town and tried to get a few more minutes of sleep in. They both passed out a few moments after they climbed into the cart. "Zzzzzz" the two muttered. "I'm sure we'll be fine, I mean, it's just a few minutes." Even thought as he fell back asleep. ~~~ 2 Hours Later... ~~~ "Mmmm, ahhh, there. I feel well rested now." Even said. "Hmm?" Even noticed that Ley was resting next to him with her arms wrapped around him. Even smiled, and kissed her on her forehead. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 12 "I'll let her sleep a little longer. I wonder how long we were asleep?" Even said. "I'm sure nothing real important happened." ~~~ 2:00 >> rewind >> 0:12 ~~~ Spike quickly burst through the door to the library shouting like a maniac. He was so hysteric that no one could understand him. Twilight and Pinkie tried to calm him down and get him to speak more clearly. "They're back! Those things!" Spike finally said without losing his mind. "What?!" Twilight asked. "What do we do? If we go near them, they'll attack us again, and..." "...The Princess." Twilight began to mope. "I've never seen her so angry. Why did she want me to stop? She ordered the attack..." "...Didn't she?" "Ya know," Pinkie began to say. "I'm beginnin' to think that Princess Luna tricked us." "But WHY would she do that? It doesn't make sense!" Twilight replied. "And I can't ask her because... She's probably still mad." "I got an idea!" Pinkie said. "I thought about it when I was sleeping over with you, ya know, to help cheer you up? Why don't we ask those things why they attacked us in the first place?" "Maybe they had a reason why they did that." Spike agreed. "NO WAY!" Twilight screamed, making Spike and Pinkie jump. "If I see those two again, I'm gonna give them what's coming to them!" "But, Twi-" "In fact, I think I know a spell that can help me out." Twilight said, not paying attention to Spike. She rushed to one of the bookshelves and pulled out a few books, looking for the spell she was talking about. Twilight found the spell and read about how to cast it. "Get ready, creatures, I'm coming for you!" Twilight said with determination. ~~~ 0:12 >> Fast-Forward >> 0:43 ~~~ Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash met up by the train station, waiting for JD to come back. Even today, they couldn't get his words out of their heads, "...Riddle me this. What's my brother's name?" They felt bad because they didn't know that he had a brother. "Think it over carefully. I'm sure we'll meet again." Applejack finally broke the silence. "Sweetie Belle didn't come home yesterday?" Applejack asked. "No." Rarity replied. "I haven't seen Scootaloo since yesterday." Rainbow Dash stated. "I'm getting worried." Applejack and Rarity nodded in agreement. "Ah wonder if that little filly's alright." Applejack said. ~~~ 0:43 >> Fast-Forward >> 0:51 ~~~ JD with Celestia, Cadence, and Shining Armor were flying to Ponyville, to get answers from Even and Ley. "JD," Celestia began to speak. "Do you know those two called Even and Ley?" "I believe that Even is really my brother, but he somehow lost his memories." JD said. "Are you certain?" Celestia asked. "Yes." JD answered. "Who IS your brother?" Cadence asked. "Yeah." Shining Armor agreed. "His name is..." "It'll have to wait JD, we're here." Celestia said, interrupting JD. "It appears he's back." Rarity said. Applejack and Rainbow Dash whipped their heads towards the sky and saw JD, Celestia, Cadence, and Shining Armor preparing to land. ~~~ 0:51 >> Fast-Forward >> 1:48 ~~~ Fluttershy was walking around town, looking for her friends. Then, she saw Twilight, scanning the area with Pinkie Pie and Spike. "Oh, hello, Twili-" "C'mon, Fluttershy, we need your help." Twilight said, interrupting Fluttershy. "You mean, YOU need her help." Spike stated. Twilight glared at Spike, then he cowered behind Pinkie. "Let's go!" Twilight declared. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike followed Twilight, searching for the two humans. ~~~ 1:48 >> Fast-Forward >> 2:00 ~~~ Even tried to carry Ley as he was climbing out of the cart, hoping not to be seen. But, they got caught by a group of fillies who were looking for them since yesterday. Care to take a guess? "Hey there! Y'all them, um Persona Users, right?" Apple Bloom asked. Yep, you guessed right. Ley woke up the moment Apple Bloom called out to them. "I'm awake, I'm awake!" Ley subconsciously shouted. "What happened? How long was I out?" "Don't know, sorry." Even said. "Annnnnyway, can you teach us how to use those Persona thingies?" Scootaloo asked. "Wait, how did you-" "Ah found an old book in Zecora's hut and she let me borrow it." Apple Bloom said, interrupting Even. "Oddly enough, it was about those things you guys call, 'Personas' and also, 'Persona Users'." Even's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 17 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +2 = 17 "Hmm, show me this book." Even demanded. "ONLY if you can teach us how to use Personas." Scootaloo demanded. "Sounds like a fair deal, what do you think, Ley?" Even said. "I... Guess it would be ok." Ley replied. "YAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER, PERSONA USERS!!!!!!!!!!" Even and Ley lost their hearing for a few seconds, but quickly regained them. "Um, what's a 'Cutie Mark Crusader'?" Even asked. "We'll explain the way! Let's go!" Sweetie Belle declared. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom helped Even and Ley into the wagon, while Scootaloo pulled it with her scooter, and rushed to Sweet Apple Acres. ~~~ Even and Ley read the book that Apple Bloom had very thoroughly. Even's Knowledge has increased. +5 = 22 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +5 = 22 "Alright, you guys read your book, now it's time to keep your end of the bargain." Scootaloo said. "Ok, ok, a deal's a deal." Even said. Even, Ley, and the CMC went across Ponyville, learning how to call their own Personas, just after Even told them how to do it. They returned to Sweet Apple Acres. "We've been working all day, and STILL no Personas!" Sweetie Belle stated. "Don't stress yourselves about it." Even said. "Huh?" the three fillies said. "It'll come to you, trust me." Even said with a wink. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo stared at Even in admiration. Even felt a faint bond between him and the three fillies. Even has developed a Social Link with them. Apple Bloom - Guardian Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Sweetie Belle - Musician Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Scootaloo - Devotion Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even has established three new bonds. "THERE YOU ARE!" Twilight shouted. "!?" the five motioned. Twilight cast her spell on Even, it allowed her to take the goodness that remained in Sombra's heart, and crafted it into a new Persona. "Here goes nothing! PERSONA!" Twilight said. She stabbed the card with her horn and called out her new Persona. It was a part of Sombra that was stolen. Twilight's Persona was called, "Hapinesu King Sombra". "!!!!!" Even motioned. "N-N-NO WAY!!" "Go for it, Hapinesu King Sombra!" Twilight commanded. "RAGNAROK!!" Twilight used the same attack as the real King Sombra, but it was different. The attack wasn't tainted with darkness. "LOOK OUT!!!" Even yelled. Ley and the CMC took cover in the apple orchard. Even dodged the Ragnarok attack and drew his sword. "Sombra, showtime! Persona!" Even attacked the card and summoned King Sombra. "DARK ZIO!" Even commanded. A black lightning bolt attacked the fake Sombra, but did no damage. "Ahhhhhh." Hapinesu King Sombra said. "It did nothing!? And... IT TALKS?!!" Even said in shock. "Ha! You'll never beat Hapinesu! He's Dark Magic Proof! No Dark attributed attack can do him in!" Twilight stated. "True, but what about Physical Attacks?" Even asked. "?!" Twilight motioned. "That's what I thought." Even said with a smirk. Even charged at Hapinesu with his sword and slashed it several times until it was showing pixels. Both Hapinesu and Twilight were growing weak. "Grrrrrr...!" Twilight growled. "TWILIGHT!" Applejack shouted. "Applejack!" Twilight said. "And, Rarity, Rainbow Dash... Cadence? Shining Armor?... PRINCESS?!" "Hello, Twilight." Celestia said. "..." Twilight didn't say a word. She started to mope again. "I wanted to apologize for yelling at you yesterday, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just lost my temper." Celestia said, apologetically. Even saw what was going on over by Twilight. Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 14 Twilight looked back at Even. "What? Got nothing left to say?" Twilight said. Even stood silent for a moment. "...What's your deal with me?" Even asked. "?" Twilight motioned. "I'm sorry I hurt your friend, I really am, but I was trying to protect my friend." Even apologized. "If YOUR friends were in trouble, wouldn't you do whatever it took to protect them?" Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 13 Twilight started to process Even's words, but she remembered that he controls King Sombra. In that aspect, HE was the enemy, and that's all there is to it. "I've had just about enough of you!" Twilight shouted. "!" Even motioned. Twilight began to charge at Even with Hapinesu at her side, but Apple Bloom ran in between Even and Twilight. "LEAVE 'IM ALONE!!" Apple Bloom demanded. Twilight skid to a stop in front of the filly. "Apple Bloom, get out of the way!" Twilight commanded. "Not ah chance!" Apple Bloom replied. "Sugar Cube?" Applejack said. "Can't ya see that he doesn't mean any harm?! He's tryin' ta be as friendly as possible, and yer just tryin' to hurt 'im! You're nothing but ah-" "Don't say it!" Twilight ordered, interrupting Apple Bloom. "AH BULLY!" Apple Bloom screeched. Her words echoed through Sweet Apple Acres. "And I'm gonna do whatever it takes to stop you. Cuz that's what he would do." "I AM THOU." a mysterious female voice said. "Wha-!" Apple Bloom said. Both her and Twilight looked down, where the voice was coming from. It coming from a reflection in a puddle of water. It was Apple Bloom's Shadow. "THOU ART I." Shadow Apple Bloom said. "THOU HAST ESTABLISHED A GENUINE BOND." "THE TIME HAST COME." "OPEN THINE EYES!!!!" "Oh no! Not again!" Twilight thought to herself. A card descended down in front of Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom?" Applejack said. "...Ah am thou." Apple Bloom said. "PERRRRRRSONA!!!" Apple Bloom performed a backflip and whipped the card with her tail, summoning her Persona. Her Persona put its fore hooves in front of it and closed its eyes. Apple Bloom closed her eyes as well. It's similar to what Sombra does. Apple Bloom's preparing a charge attack. "ZIO OCULUS!!!" Apple Bloom screamed. Both Apple Bloom and her Persona's eyes whipped open, Apple Bloom's eyes were glowing white, and her Persona's eyes glowed white and shot two powerful electrical beams and hit Hapinesu King Sombra. Hapinesu was showing more pixels than before. Twilight and her fabrication of a Persona became weak. Celestia herself, intervened and took Twilight's Persona. "I believe that's enough." Celestia said. "Princess?" Twilight said. "Even Flaire, Apple Bloom, call off your Personas." Celestia ordered. "Ummm..." Apple Bloom said. Even whispered in her ear and told her how to call back her Persona. "Ohhhhh. Ok!" Apple Bloom said. They closed their eyes and told their Personas to stand down using their minds. Both of their Personas disappeared. Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 9 Hapinesu King Sombra went back into the card of the real King Sombra. "Whooooooooooa." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said in awe. "Young Even," Celestia began. "You and Ley must come with me. I wish to ask you two a few questions." "Ley?" Even said. "If there's no tricks, then I'm ok with answering any question you have." Ley said. "If it's ok with Ley, it's ok with me." Even agreed. "That's good. Let's talk in the library." Celestia said. "Spike, go prepare some tea, we may need it." "Yes, Ma'am!" Spike said, cheerfully and cooperatively. "Twilight? Isn't there something you wish to say to Even and Ley?" Celestia asked. Twilight frowned by what she did, it was all a big misunderstanding. "I'm sorry. Really, I am." Twilight said. Twilight lowered her head until she was staring at the ground. Even put his hand on Twilight's shoulder to comfort her. "Don't beat yourself up about it." Even said. Twilight slowly lifted her head up, her eyes meeting Even's. "I understand why you did it. I'm gonna clear all this up, everything will be fine, trust me." Even said. A tear ran down Twilight's left eye as she smiled. Even's Expression has increased. +1 = 14 Even's Understanding has increased. +1 = 15 Even felt a faint bond between him and Twilight. Even has developed a Social Link with Twilight. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - "We should be going." Celestia said. "Right." Even agreed. They all walked to the library, while JD snuck away to spy on Even. "Yo... Bro-migo." JD said to himself. ~~~ Next Scent "I see." Celestia said. "A gauntlet that gives the bearer unlimited power." Even read. "It used to be Sombra's, but we locked it away." Luna stated. "You have the power of the Wild Card." JD said to Even. To Be Next Episode 5: The Gauntlet of Sombra Author's Note There's chapter 4! Enjoy! One more thing, Here's the CMC's stats, Apple Bloom Lv. 1 - Guardian Arcana Courage: 7 Expression: 8 Understanding: 8 Knowledge: 9 Diligence: 7 Sweetie Belle Lv. 1 - Musician Arcana Courage: 7 Expression: 6 Understanding: 6 Knowledge: 8 Diligence: 7 Scootaloo Lv. 1 - Devotion Arcana Courage: 9 Expression: 5 Understanding: 6 Knowledge: 9 Diligence: 8
Episode 5: The Gauntlet of SombraEveryone made it back to the library, Spike was preparing the tea, as he was requested to do so, and everyone found a seat and sat down. Even and Ley answered any and all questions the princess had for them. "I see." Celestia said. "I'm sorry about any trouble we may have caused." Even stated. "It's alright." Celestia commented. "And as a symbol of our newfound trust, I humbly bestow upon you two a new power." Celestia's horn was enveloped in a bright light, and all of a sudden, two orbs of light floated into both Even and Ley respectively. There was no doubt about it. The two humans became stronger from the princess's magic. Even has leveled up drastically. Even Flaire Lv. 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 Courage +3 +2 +2 = 18 Expression +2 +3 +1 = 20 Understanding +2 +2 +2 = 21 Knowledge +2 +1 +2 = 27 Diligence +2 +3 +4 = 21 Both of Even's Personas have leveled up drastically. King Sombra Lv. 3 -> 4 -> 5 Strength +1 +2 = 13 Magic +2 +3 = 20 Endurance +2 +2 = 15 Agility +1 +2 = 13 Luck +1 +4 = 14 King Sombra has learned a new move. -Dark Zio- --- -Barrier- --- -Darknarok- --- **Swift Strike** --- Queen Chrysalis Lv. 1 -> 2 -> 3 Strength +2 +2 = 14 Magic +2 +3 = 19 Endurance +3 +1 = 16 Agility +1 +3 = 13 Luck +2 +2 = 15 Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- --- -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- **Mind Slice** --- Ley has leveled up drastically. Ley Green Lv. 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 Courage +3 +3 +2 = 19 Expression +3 +2 +2 = 27 Understanding +4 +1 +2 = 24 Knowledge +2 +2 +1 = 27 Diligence +2 +1 +1 = 18 Princess Cadence has leveled up drastically. Princess Cadence Lv. 3 -> 4 -> 5 Strength +3 +3 = 17 Magic +4 +3 = 19 Endurance +3 +2 = 15 Agility +2 +2 = 15 Luck +4 +4 = 18 Princess Cadence has learned a new move. -Light Beam- **Twin Shot** -Media- --- -Barrier- --- -Love Struck- --- One of Princess Cadence's moves has evolved. Media -> Mediarama "Did we... just get stronger?" Ley asked. "Yes." Celestia answered. "You two will play an important role here in Equestria, you see, I recently heard that there was somepony causing mass mayhem around every corner of this peaceful land, and we need you to help us, listen carefully..." Episode 5: The Gauntlet of Sombra Princess Celestia has explained the situation very thoroughly, the pony's name was unknown, though. countless reports of memory loss, severely injured ponies; some in critical condition. Even's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 30 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 30 Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 12 Sweetie Belle's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 11 Scootaloo's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 12 Twilight's Knowledge has increased. +3 = 29 "..." She stopped. Why did the princess go silent all of a sudden? Then Even noticed Celestia glare at her sister. Even could only guess what that means. She's still mad at Luna for what she tried to do to Even. "Before I continue... Luna. Apologize. Right now." Celestia said, sternly. "...Yes, sister." Luna hesitantly agreed. "Even... Ley... I apologize. I shouldn't have done what I did, I'm ashamed of it... And I'm sorry." "It's no biggie." Even winked as he commented, brushing off the incident like it was nothing. The entire group was completely astonished. Why wasn't Even mad? And what about- "I agree. Completely." Ley said, catching on to what Even was doing. "W-Why?! Why are you not mad?!" Luna half-screamed, trying to understand why they said that. "How come none of you hate me? I don't understand you!" "It's the same thing with Twilight." Even stated. "You saw me as a threat, and you took action, it's all ok. I'm not mad, at least, not anymore." Even's Expression has increased. +3 = 23 Even's Understanding has increased. +2 = 23 "Yeah! Everything's ok now! Let's start over and try to be friends, how's that sound?" Ley said with a smile. Ley's Expression has increased. +1 = 28 Ley's Understanding has increased. +2 = 26 "I don't understand you." Luna repeated. "Why don't you try and get to know us?" Even suggested. "Maybe then you'll understand us." Luna thought for a moment, and realized that he was right. It was the most logical answer, after all. "...Ok." Luna finally agreed. "T-Thank you." "Now, was that so hard, sister?" Celestia asked with a smirk. "Not really." Luna answered with a smile. The two shared a friendly giggle after all the tension that has occurred. Even felt a faint bond between the two princesses. Even has developed a Social Link with them. Princess Celestia - Dawn Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Princess Luna - Dusk Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Celestia continued with her explanation, but had little information left to share. Only that the culprit seems to be creating a pattern with the crimes she's committing. But both Celestia and Luna refused to reveal what the pattern was. Said something about them finding out on their own. Was it some kind of test? Even's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 31 Ley's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 31 Apple Bloom's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 13 Sweetie Belle's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 12 Scootaloo's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 13 Twilight's Knowledge has increased. +1 = 30 "In case you're going to ask, we don't know what the pattern is ourselves." Cadence commented. "She's right." Shining Armor agreed. "And even if we knew, we'd respect the princess's wishes and not say a thing." "I can respect that." Even said after he sighed. ~~~ Everyone began to go home after a long day, and the princesses are needed back at the castle so they can lower the sun and raise the moon. It is sunset, after all. But before Celestia left, she quietly told something to Twilight, "Why don't you give Even and Ley a place to stay for the night?" Twilight was confused for a moment, but kept listening, "I doubt they have any money to stay at an inn, so maybe you could-" "I understand, princess." Twilight interrupted, but didn't realize it. "Ok. See you in the morning." Celestia said. She flew off with Luna behind her, leaving Twilight with the two humans. "Do... Do you two wanna stay for the night?" Twilight asked. "Sure." Even answered without hesitation, somehow knowing that she would ask. "Let's get inside, then." Twilight suggested. The trio waltzed inside the library, Twilight closed the door with her magic when everyone was in. ~~~ Ley and Spike were fast asleep tonight, exhausted from everything that's happened today. But Even was wide awake, he was sleeping on the couch, Ley was sleeping the bed in the guest room; which was only made for one, and Spike was in his basket-like bed in Twilight's room, but Twilight couldn't sleep either. She decided to confront Even and talk to him. "Hey." Twilight said. "Hey." Even said back. "Um, I just wanted to say thank you for straightening out this whole mess." Twilight said. "And again... I'm sorry." "It's ok, Twilight." Even said. "It's all water under the bridge now, ok?" "Ok." Twilight agreed. "Tomorrow... If you're up for it... Maybe we could do some studying, you know, to find out more about your Personas." Even remembered that he already knew a lot about his Personas and the Persona ability, but he didn't want anymore tension between him and Twilight, so he went with his gut. "Sounds good." Even said. "Ok." Twilight said. Twilight slowly walked up to Even and gently kissed him on his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Thank you." Even began to blush out of control. Twilight giggled at the look on his face. Even felt his bond with Twilight has grown stronger. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 2 * (*) - - - - - - - - "Good night." Twilight said as she disappeared upstairs. Even was still shocked. He couldn't stop blushing. But he managed to get some sleep. ~~~ Tuesday, June 2, 2013 -> Wednesday, June 3, 2013 ~~~ Even slowly woke up out of a sound sleep, when he noticed something odd. VERY odd. Something was on top of him, pressing it's lips against his, the image slowly came into focus. It was Twilight. "AHHHH!" Even screamed, pushing Twilight off of him. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" "I-I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself!" Twilight said. "DON'T YOU REALIZE HOW BAD THIS IS!?" Even screaming as he asked. "I'm sorry!" Twilight repeated. "OH MY GOD, LEY'S GONNA KILL ME FOR THIS!" Even panicked. "Even? Is everything ok in there?" Ley asked from the other room. "!!!" Even motioned. "Uh..." "She can't know about this!" Twilight stated. "I don't have the guts to lie to her, Twilight!" Even said. "I have to say something!" "So, your just gonna tell her the truth, knowing that it may hurt her?" Twilight asked. "Better that than her finding out on her own and be more angry than she will be right now!" Even answered. A slow-paced clapping happened out of nowhere. "Bravo, Even." Ley said. "You passed the test." "Test?" Even asked, confused. "Twilight and I got up early and we started thinking, 'How trustworthy could Even be for the princess to give him a new power?' so, we set this all up, just to see how you were going to handle a situation like this one." Ley explained. "And you passed with flying colors." Even felt a new bond with his friends. Even has developed a very unique Social Link. Even's True Bonds - Slavedriver Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Even just stood there, motionless. They didn't realize it, but Even's blood was boiling like crazy. HE. IS. PISSED. "Even?" Ley asked. "I'm going for a walk." Even strained, trying to hold in his immense anger. As Even walked towards the door, Ley noticed his eyes were glowing green and red. Yeah, he's REALLY pissed. "Twilight... did you see..." Ley asked with a slight quiver in her voice. "I did." Twilight answered with worry in her voice. "Maybe we went a little too far." ~~~ Even walked over to Sweet Apple Acres to the CMC, but little did he know that they were waiting for him. "Even!" Apple Bloom shouted with delight. "...Um, is somethin' wrong?" "I have frustration to vent, you still have your Persona?" Even asked with anger in his voice. "Eeyup!" Apple Bloom answered, imitating Big Mac's trademark saying. "Then let's get to it." Even stated. "PERSONA!!!" For the entire morning, Even and Apple Bloom were training their Personas, with Even hoping to release a ton of his anger while doing so. King Sombra has leveled up. King Sombra Lv. 5 -> 6 Strength +4 = 17 Magic +5 = 25 Endurance +4 = 19 Agility +3 = 16 Luck +2 = 16 One of King Sombra's moves has evolved. Dark Zio -> Dark Zionga Queen Chrysalis has leveled up. Queen Chrysalis Lv. 3 -> 4 Strength +3 = 17 Magic +2 = 21 Endurance +3 = 19 Agility +3 = 16 Luck +4 = 19 Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- **Dia** -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- -Mind Slice- --- Apple Bloom has leveled up. Apple Bloom Lv. 1 -> 2 Courage +3 = 10 Expression +2 = 10 Understanding +2 = 10 Knowledge +3 = 16 Diligence +3 = 10 Apple Bloom's Persona, Stalwart Stallion, has leveled up. Stalwart Stallion Lv. 2 -> 3 Strength +3 = 16 Magic +1 = 10 Endurance +3 = 16 Agility +2 = 14 Luck +3 = 11 Stalwart Stallion has learned a new move. -Quake- --- -Head Block- --- -Zio Oculus- --- **Blue Wall** --- "We got stronger, didn't we?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah, we did." Even answered with more calmness in his voice. He was able to vent out his anger through training, now all he needs to do is apologize to Ley and Twilight for storming off. And maybe they'll apologize for that cruel test they gave him. "What about OUR Personas?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle agreed. "They come to you when the time is right." Even replied. "Remember, you'll have to face yourselves to earn your Personas, and whatever they say, you know it's the truth. And you have to accept it." "What does THAT mean?" Scootaloo asked, confused. "I'll see you girls later." Even said as he walked back to the library. The CMC had quite the confused looks on their faces. "That Even is one weird dude." Scootaloo commented. ~~~ Even returned back to the library, ready to confront his two friends. But when he got there... "Ley?" "Twilight?" They weren't. "Even?" a male voice spoke. "Oh hey, Spike." Even said. "Where's Ley and Twilight?" "They're out looking for you!" Spike replied. "After you left, they were going frantic and rushed out the door! They sounded so worried!" "Oh, boy." Even responded. "We'd better go look for them." "Right!" Spike agreed. Then the duo ran out of the library, looking for their friends. ~~~ 12:17PM >>Rewind>> 10:56AM ~~~ "This is bad! Real bad!" Ley said, acting panicky. "If Even goes off somewhere and someone makes him even more angry, who knows what could happen!" "You're right!" Twilight said, worried. "We have to go find him!" The two began to rush out the door. "Hey, Twilight... Twilight?" Spike said. The door slammed behind them. Spike got to the window and shouted to Twilight as long as he could, "TWILIGHT! WHAT'S WRONG?!" "EVEN! ANGRY! END OF EQUESTRIA! GOTTA FIND HIM!" Twilight shouted back. "Oh, boy." Spike commented. "I hope they find him, for everypony's sake." ~~~ 10:56AM >>Fast-Forward>> 12:21PM ~~~ "Twillllllight! Leeeeeey!" Even called out. "Twillllight! Where are yooooou?" Spike called out as well. They searched practically everywhere... Until... "OOF!" two females yelped. "Well, hey there, girls." Even said, smiling. "EVEN!" Twilight and Ley cheered in unison while dog piling Even. "GAH!" Even half-screamed. "Even, we were so worried about you!" Ley said. "We're sorry! We're so SO sorry!" "It's ok, I-" "No, it's not ok!" Twilight said, interrupting Even. "We didn't mean to make you mad!" "Girls-" "Please, Even! Please don't be mad!" Ley demanded, also interrupting Even. "Please!" "GIRLS!!" Even yelled at the top of his lungs. The two girls became silent. "NOW, as I was GOING to say, before you two kept INTERRUPTING ME, I was going to SAY that I was coming back to apologize for storming off." Even explained. The girls looked dumbfounded. "Ohhhhhh." the female duo said in unison. "Heh, I knew that." Ley commented under her breath. But Even heard her. "Yeah, Suuuure ya did." Even replied. Even's Expression increased. +2 = 25 Ley's Expression increased. +3 = 31 Twilight's Expression increased. +3 = 17 "Maybe we should head back to the library." Twilight suggested. "Yeah, let's do that." Even agreed. The group of four walked back to the library. "Hey Even..." Twilight said. "Yeah?" Even asked. "About what I did back there, you know, the kiss..." Twilight began, then she motioned Even to kneel to her height. She put her muzzle to his ear and whispered, "I enjoyed every second of it." Twilight began walking again with a triumphant smile on her face, leaving Even looking dumbfounded this time. Twilight's Courage has increased. +3 = 15 Even can sense Twilight's weird, but cute affection for him. Twilight Sparkle - Learner Arcana - Rank 3 * * (*) - - - - - - - Even resumed his stroll back to the library. ~~~ Even, Ley, Twilight, and Spike were looking through every book in the library. "It's no use," Spike commented. "We're NEVER gonna find ANYTHING about these Personas!" "Hmm..." Even murmured. "What is it?" Ley asked. "The Gauntlet of Sombra." Even began to read. "!" Twilight, Spike and Ley motioned. "A gauntlet that gives the bearer unlimited power." Even read. "Whoa." Spike commented in awe. "Twilight, write a letter to the princesses, saying to meet us here, ASAP." Even ordered. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's MY job." Spike corrected. "Ok then, SPIKE, write a letter to-" "I'm on it." Spike answered, interrupting Even like Twilight and Ley did before. "Jeez." Even thought out loud. ~~~ 1:03PM >>Fast-Forward>> 1:34PM ~~~ The princesses arrived to library by Even's request. "We came as soon as we could." Luna stated. "Was there something that you wanted?" "Yeah," Even began. "Do you know anything about 'The Gauntlet of Sombra'?" "!!" Celestia and Luna motioned. "I read about it in one of Twilight's books." Even said in response to the Celestia and Luna's surprised looks. "It used to be Sombra's, but we locked it away." Luna stated. "Why?" Even curiously asked. "Oh, I think you know why." Celestia commented. Even began to think for a second, and remembered something about King Sombra. He remembered that he was a slave-driving monster. Even's mood shifted from curious to bummed out. "I...I see." Even said, practically depressed. "Do not doubt yourself." Luna advised. "You are not like him." "Really?" Even asked. "Yes." Luna answered. "You may have Sombra as a Persona, but YOU have a heart, unlike him." Luna's Expression has increased. +3 = 64 Even's Understanding has increased. +3 = 26 Even walked up to Luna and gave her a hug, as a way of saying "thank you" to her. Luna returned the hug as much as Even. Even's connection with Luna has grown stronger. Princess Luna - Dusk Arcana - Rank 2 * (*) - - - - - - - - Both Even and Luna regained their composure, ended their hug, and stepped back from each other. "If you still wish to possess the gauntlet," Luna began. "Then you will need a new weapon. The sword you, um, 'acquired' from that old suit of armor won't do you much good against stronger enemies." "You mean..." Even said with excitement in his voice. "Yes." Celestia began. "You will need to upgrade your weaponry." "ALLLLLLLLL RIGHT!!" Even shouted with glee while he jumped with his fist in the air. "In fact, we have one for you." Celestia said with a smile. "Luna?" Luna nodded and levitated a sword and sheath with her magic. "This blade is one my sister crafted herself." Luna started to explain. "This is known as The Philomena Blade. It was inspired by my sister from her pet, Philomena, as she is a phoenix, and she hoped to one day passed it on to somepony with a kind heart and a great sense of justice, so on behalf of me and my sister, this sword is now yours to wield." The sword had a phoenix talon on it's hilt, phoenix wings for it's hand guards with a sun for a crest in the middle, and the blade itself shimmered a brilliant silver, but all in all, it felt surprisingly light in Even's hand. Even pulled the sword out of it's sheath and began to swing it around like he had been sword-fighting his whole life. Even had a confident look upon his face. "I can rock this." Even said, smiling confidently. Even has received and equipped a new weapon. Royal Guard's Sword -> Philomena Blade Even and his Personas have become stronger with his new sword. Strength +2 -> +4 Magic +0 -> +3 Endurance +2 -> +4 Agility +1 -> +4 Luck +1 -> +5 King Sombra has learned a new move. -Dark Zionga- **Agi** -Barrier- --- -Darknarok- --- -Swift Strike- --- King Sombra's dark spirit has tainted one of it's moves. Agi -> Dark Agi Queen Chrysalis has learned a new move. -Life Drain- **Agi** -Spirit Drain- --- -Kill Rush- --- -Mind Slice- --- Celestia's horn flickered to life and glowed upon Even and Ley. Even's appearance has changed, his clothes turned from blue with white cuffs to red with yellow cuffs, his eyes turned blue, also his hair became a bright yellow. Ley's appearance has changed as well, her clothes turned from a white shirt with denim pants to a neon blue shirt with a lacey white jacket and long white shorts, her eyes became blue as well, and her hair became light brown. "I gave you a new weapon, so I think it's only fair that I give you two a new appearance." Celestia decided. Something inside Even and Ley has changed. Even has leveled up. Level 5 -> 6 Courage +4 = 22 Expression +2 = 27 Understanding +3 = 29 Knowledge +3 = 34 Diligence +3 = 24 Ley has leveled up. Level 5 -> 6 Courage +4 = 23 Expression +2 = 33 Understanding +3 = 29 Knowledge +3 = 34 Diligence +3 = 21 "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Everyone jumped when they heard the scream. "TWILIGHT! COME QUICK!" Rarity screamed as she burst through the door. The group cleared out of the library, except for the princesses. "Luna, go retrieve the gauntlet." Celestia ordered. "He'll need it for the battles he will soon face." Luna nodded and the princesses exited the library. ~~~ Everyone quickly arrived to the town square. That's when they saw it... "You're wrong! YOU'RE WRONG!!" Sweetie Belle screeched. "Stop pretending that you don't see it." Shadow Sweetie Belle demanded. "You don't REALLY want to be a seamstress like your sister, you just want to be one because she is, because you don't have a will of your own. You don't even realize your special talent when it's right in front of eyes!" "STOP!! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!" Sweetie Belle ordered. "You know it's the truth, cuz you're me, and I'm you." Shadow Sweetie Belle said, smiling evilly. "No. You're not." Sweetie Belle stated. "No, Sweetie Belle!" Even shouted. "If you want your Persona, you have to accept what your shadow says!" "NO!!! NO PERSONA IS WORTH THIS!!!" Sweetie Belle screeched. "Then what are you waiting for?" Shadow Sweetie Belle asked. "GO ON! SAY IT AGAIN!" At that moment... Sweetie Belle snapped. "YOU'RE NOT ME!!!!!" Sweetie Belle squealed at the top of her lungs. Her words echoed throughout Ponyville. "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! THAT'S RIGHT!! I'M ME NOW!!" Shadow Sweetie Belle said, triumphantly. The shadow began to transform. It looks like Sweetie Belle, except she's 30 feet tall, her body and mane were silhouetted with shades of black, white, and gray, glowing green eyes, and microphones dangling from her bangs. "I am a shadow..." Shadow Sweetie Belle began. "...of your true self." "!!!" everyone motioned. "SEE!? I'M NOT YOU ANYMORE!!" Shadow Sweetie Belle stated. "Persona!" Even shouted as he attacked his card. "GET OUTTA MY SIGHT!!!" the shadow yelled. The microphones got closer to the shadow's muzzle and it sung a screeching song, one that forced even Sombra to his knees. "WHAT? YOU DON'T LIKE MY SINGING? TOO BAD!!!" the shadow said. "DARK ZIONGA!" Even shouted, declaring an attack. It dealt heavy damage onto the shadow. "WHAT?!! YOU LITTLE PEST!!" the shadow said, angrily. "Persona!" Apple Bloom shouted, arriving to the battlefield. "ZIO OCULUS!" An electric beam hit the shadow and delivered heavy damage onto it. It appears to be weak against electricity. "ARRRRRGH!!!! STUPID BRATS!!! SHUT UP AND LET ME KILL YOU!!" the shadow screamed in anger. "Sweetie Belle, if you don't accept yourself, your friends are going to die!" Twilight said to Sweetie Belle. "I can't! I just can't!" Sweetie Belle said in fear. Scootaloo ran up to Sweetie Belle and slapped her with her hoof. "QUIT BEING SO SELFISH!" Scootaloo demanded. "APPLE BLOOM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND, EVEN'S TRYING TO HELP YOU GET A PERSONA, AND YOUR JUST GONNA LAY THERE AND WATCH THEM DIE?!! HUH!?" Sweetie Belle soon snapped back to reality and she knew she had to do whatever it takes to protect her friends. "Stand back." Sweetie Belle commanded as she stood up. She began to walk over to her shadow as the fight went on. "HOLD STILL, YOU RUNTS!!" her shadow ordered. "Hey!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "SPOILED BRAT! YOU WANNA GO FIRST?!" the shadow said. "There's no denying it." Sweetie Belle stated. "SAY AGAIN?" the shadow asked. "YOUUUUUUUUU'RRRE MEEEEEEEEE!" Sweetie Belle sung with an angelic voice. The shadow felt something weird, then started showing a ton of pixels. "WHAT?!! WHAT'S HAPPENING!?" the shadow yelled in pain. "Time to try out this new move!" Even declared. "SWIFT STRIKE!" King Sombra's horn grew longer and charged at the shadow and thrust it's horn at it. The shadow quickly returned to it's normal form. The shadow stared at Sweetie Belle with a saddened expression upon its face. "Look," Sweetie Belle began. "I know what you're saying and I know it's true, but I just didn't want to believe it. I wanted to be just like my sister, but I guess a part of me doesn't want to." "!" the shadow motioned. "You heard me. You're me, and I'm you." Sweetie stated. The shadow nodded. It then quickly transformed into a Persona, Melodious Mare, a unicorn mare with a pure white coat, a flowing neon red mane, and wearing microphone-like necklace. It turned into a card and Sweetie Belle reached out for it. "Persona." Sweetie Belle said. After she said that, she collapsed out of exhaustion. "SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity screamed. Even grabbed her before she hit the ground. "IS SHE OK!?" Rarity asked as she screamed. Even checked her pulse. "She's still breathing." Even answered. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, especially Rarity. "She just needs some rest, that's all." Even continued. Rarity ran to Even and took Sweetie Belle from his arms. "Bless you, Even! Bless you and your Personas!" Rarity declared with every bit of gratitude she had. Rarity then kissed Even on his cheek several times, making Even blush out of control. Spike stood there, shocked at what Rarity was doing. "I hope to see you at Carousel Boutique very soon." Rarity said, smiling. "I wish to repay you for saving my sister." Even felt Rarity's unconditional gratitude toward Even. Even has developed a Social Link with Rarity. Rarity - Elegance Arcana - Rank 1 (*) - - - - - - - - - Rarity trotted back home with Sweetie Belle on her back, Even waved to Rarity, and as he turned around, his friends had astonished looks on their faces. "How can one guys be so popular with the ladies?" Spike asked. "Uh, it's not what it looks like." Even said, trying to reassure them. "Young Even," Luna said, joining the group. "I believe you will need this." Luna levitated the gauntlet over to Even. "The Gauntlet of Sombra!" Even said in awe. Unfortunately, the gauntlet was completely petrified, void of any magic. "Umm, what happened to it?" Even asked. "When we sealed away King Sombra, we drained all of the dark magic inside it." Luna explained. "Oh." Even said, disappointed. "But, there may be a Persona or two still inside it." Celestia suggested. "Put it on." Even attached the gauntlet to his left arm. He felt a sudden, but faint surge inside him. Even has gained two new Personas. Sky Knyte Lv. 5 - Dawn Persona Strength: 20 Magic: 19 Endurance: 22 Agility: 21 Luck: 19 Pyro-pony Lv. 5 - Learner Persona Strength: 23 Magic: 26 Endurance: 21 Agility: 28 Luck: 17 A slow clapping sound began out of nowhere, it came from JD. "Bravo, Bro-migo, bravo." JD said. "You? What are you doing here?" Even asked. "Didn't you hightail it outta the Crystal Empire last time I saw you?" "Yeah, but that's not important," JD stated. "What IS important, is you, Even." "Me?" Even asked. "Yes." JD began. There was a short, ominous silence until JD spoke. "You have the power of the Wild Card." JD said to Even. "???" the entire group motioned. "The... Wild Card?" Even asked, confused. ~~~ Next Scent "You can change and fuse multiple Personas with the bonds you create." JD explained. "How come I'm the last one who gets a Persona!?" Scootaloo whined. "Please don't be mad, Scoots." Rainbow Dash begged. "I am a shadow..." Shadow Scootaloo began. To Be Next Episode 6: The Wild Card Author's Note This one took me a long time to make, hope you guys enjoyed it! Here's some more stats: Even Flaire King Sombra - Slavedriver Persona Queen Chrysalis - Slavedriver Persona Sky Knyte - Dawn Persona Pyro-pony - Learner Persona Ley Green Princess Cadence - Princess Persona Apple Bloom Stalwart Stallion - Guardian Persona Sweetie Belle Melodious Mare - Musician Persona
Episode 1: He Is You And You Are HimPrologue "I am thou. Thou art I." a mysterious voice said in complete darkness. "Wh-What the...?!" a normal male voice replied. "Does thou wish to live?" said the mysterious voice. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHERE ARE YOU?!" said the male voice. "Thou must protect himself and one thou treasures dearly. Awake, young one." said the mysterious voice, ending the conversation. "Wait!" said the male voice. My name is Even Flaire. I'm just a normal 16 year old boy, and this is where my strange journey begins. Episode 1: He Is You And You Are Him "Ugh." said Even. "What a strange dream." he said. He began to open his eyes. "Ugh... Wh-Why is the sun beating down in my..." He slowly began to realize that he's not in his bedroom anymore. "What?! Where am I?!" Even said in fear. He got up to his feet and viewed his surroundings. "How'd I get here?" he said. He somehow ended up in an empty field. He started to walk around, to see if he can find his house. Then he saw something on the horizon. "Wait, I don't remember that being there." Even said, confused. He saw an unusual town, a town he has never seen in his life. "Maybe I can go there and ask for directions." he suggested to himself. Even walked all the way to town, and saw something... ...WAAAAAY out of place. "?!" Even motioned. "A town of... HORSES?! Just where the heck am I?!" he practically shouted. "Hey, what's that?" one of the townsfolk shouted out. "I don't know what that is." another replied. "Looks like I'm drawing too much attention to myself!" Even thought in a panic. "I'd better bolt! Now!" Even ran through an alley in town and the townsfolk followed suit. He ran and ran and ran, until he skid to a stop when he saw a familiar face. It was his best friend, Ley, cornered by six ponies and a little dragon. "Who and what are you?!" said the rainbow-maned pony. "I should ask you the same thing!" Ley replied. Even began to look for something to use as a weapon to help his friend, he found a trash can lid, and charged at the pony threatening his friend. "Why you!" the rainbow-maned pony said, angrily. The rainbow-maned pony readied her attack, but was caught off guard when she heard someone shouting as loud as he could. "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!" Even yelled, as he knocked her in the head. "RAINBOW DASH!!" the purple unicorn screamed. "Even?!" said a shocked Ley. "C'mon Ley, it's time to go!" Even hurriedly said. "Hey! Y'all get back here!" said the orange pony. They ran as fast as they could, ignoring the orange pony's demand. "Pinkie, Spike, you two stay with Rainbow, we're gonna go catch us some varmints." the orange pony said. "Okie dokie lokie!" said the pink pony. "Let's go, girls!" the purple unicorn said with determination. The two humans were chased into the middle of the town square. They found themselves surrounded by many of the pony townsfolk, especially four of the six ponies from earlier, making their way to the middle of the crowd. "How do I get myself into these messes?" Even and Ley said in unison and was caught off guard by each other. "HEY! YOU TWO!" the purple unicorn shouted. "My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'm the pony who's gonna make pay for what you did!" said the purple unicorn in anger. The four ponies charged at the two, while they braced themselves for a merciless beating. "I am thou." said a mysterious voice. "!!!" Even thought to himself. "Huh?" Twilight said. Twilight could the voice as well. "Thou art I." the mysterious voice said. Even knew he heard that voice before... But where? Then a card marked with the number "0" with a picture of a grey unicorn with green and red eyes and a glowing red horn appeared in front of him. "What's that?" said a confused Ley. "Wait! That can't be...!" Twilight said in fear. There was no doubt. that picture on the card is King Sombra. "Thou hast opened thine eyes." said the mysterious voice. "The time..." "IS NOW!!!" Even glared at the ponies and shot a look of anger and determination. A massive storm came from out of nowhere and began to glow an ominous red right over Even. The ground began to shake and a red aura surrounded Even. Even began to speak. "Per..." "So..." "Na!" Even crushed the card before him and a massive creature immerged from behind him. Even's eyes quickly turned green and red, just like the creature's. Twilight shot a beam of light at the creature, but Even raised his hand in front of him and somehow the creature summoned a barrier to protect him. "Ahhhhhhhh!" Ley began to freak out about what she's seeing. Then out of nowhere, the orange pony and a white unicorn pony jumped onto the creature, trying desperately to defeat it. And strangely, whatever pain the creature felt, Even felt as well. "GET OFF ME!!!" Even shouted, infuriated. The creature used a levitation spell and threw the two ponies back. A yellow pegasus pony squeaked and hid in a garbage can. Twilight tried to attack again, but was interrupted by Even using one of the creature's skills. "KING SOMBRA!" Even Shouted. A black lightning bolt hit Twilight and knocked her off her hooves. The creature disappeared in a red aura and the sky returned to normal. The townsfolk ran away in fear after what they saw, trying to get away from Even. "W-What the hell was that?!" Ley said. "King... Sombra." Even replied. "His power..." Twilight stared at Even in fear. "...It belongs to me." Even said. Even smiled and shot a look of confidence at Ley with those green and red eyes of his. ~~~ A card telling you a future has been flipped. You control your destiny from now on. Good... or evil? Well, let's get started. ~~~ A tall, slender white pony with wings and a horn stood in some kind of throne room, with a guard informing her of what has transpired in a local town. "I see." the tall pony said. "Thank you for telling me this. As you were." "Yes, Your Highness." the guard said as he left the room. The tall pony just stood there... Pondering about something... Something that she had felt at the beginning of this day... She had felt a presence that should've disappeared forever... "I was right all along..." the tall pony said. "...He has returned." ~~~ Bonds with people, or ponies, is the true power. ~~~ Next Scent "I have a great power, but what should I use it for?" said Even. "Even!!" screeched Ley. "Let her go!" Even demanded. "I'm sorry, young one, but you must fall." said Princess Luna. "I'll fight to protect my friends! Especially from you!! PERSONA!!" Even called his persona and began to fight for his friend. To Be Next Episode 2: Even Darkness Has A Heart Author's Note Thanks for watching! I apologize in advance if the first chapter seems rushed, I didn't have the entire beginning of the storyline planned out, so I just went with the flow. I hope you guys liked it!
