The three of us walked through the complex, and it's ever changing scenery; that was my mind. Much like life; everything within sight could hold no molding to consider a definable object. Shadow walked beside me; while Zecora wrapped her arm around mine, as she looked about aimlessly scanning her environment.

"So; where have you been, brother? I have spent many nights watching your dreams, and have sent for your concentration just as much; but you have never given any form of a reply. Is something troubling you?" Asked my equestrian counterpart; walking beside me, slightly invasive.

I looked down to my feet; as we strode forth with our group, and sighed aloud. "Yes. Senior closed the portal in the Pond of guidance, and cut me away from my family, home, and former life. I was going through a...dark time. I lost the world I called home, and the people I loved. I can no longer see them; nor they me. I feel cheated." I responded with a growing scowl.

"And this troubles you?" He responded. I looked to him and eased my tension; only to return my gaze back to the pathway.

"No; not now, at least. I've come to realize that there are equestrians, and friends that need me here. They need me; as much as I need them, and to be honest...I'm in need of them, more than humanly possible. It's funny; being the last human left in a world full of equines, and mythical creatures." A small smile twinkled as it appeared on my face lost in thought.

I looked down to the zebra hugging my arm. The image of zecora faded away as thoughts of 'her' came back, flooding my mind. The little filly I had left inside of the ruin; leaving nothing, but her sister's traumatic death. She was in a time of need, and all I did was abandon her there; afraid and alone. I couldn't repair my damage, but I needed to try. In all honesty; I can say I know what she's been through. Losing her family, and left to fend for herself.

Shadow looked to me; then continued to look forward down the path. "Brother; I've noticed you haven't sent, or said a word for the past while. You seem to be lost in your thoughts once again; to what is the matter of your predicament?" Shadow asked.

"Well, there was this little filly named Moon Shadow back in this abandoned ruin of a castle; inside the Everfree. I was being held captive, and managed to escape. In the heat of the moment readying; I accidentally killed her older sister. I didn't want to, but she intended to kill me. Is it wrong to feel this way?" I asked Shadow as he simply looked forward. He closed his eyes for a moment, and stood in silence.

After he opened his eyes once more, he began looking at me. Shadow faced me as we walked, and smiled. "This is a good sign. This is what tells you that you're still the same; human. This is good, and this is what you should remember."

I looked to Shadow, and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What do you mean?" I pondered.

"That you're still human. With many struggles; and with many decisions. What you do with your time, and efforts; will be your results. You took down a lurking fiend living within the evergreen forest ruin; but judge yourself about your execution in dealing with it." Shadow eyed me happily; then returned his gaze back to the path.

As my shadowy counterpart led us to the center of my mind; I found a large sphere that resembled a building. "What's that?" I asked, but Shadow remained silent.

We approached the sphere, and a door began to appear. Shadow slowly took hold of Zecora's hand, and led her a step back away from the door way. "This is where only you may tread." Shadow exclaimed.

I looked to the doorway; thinking of what it's purpose was. "Why only me? What is this...place?"

"This; dear brother, is your mind. It houses all of your thoughts, dreams and demons. If you wish to cure yourself of these headaches; you must be rid of these demons residing inside." Shadow said.

"What happens, if I fail?" I questioned. Shadow looked to me and closed his eyes; from his gesture, I knew what would happen from his expression. Should I fail; I would die.

I turned to face the door, and readied myself. "If I don't return; tell Chrysalis...I'm sorry." Without another word; I briskly strode through the door. The light emanating from the door was blinding, but soon faded; as I walked in. I took a brief look over the layout of the room; it was a empty blank space, and the walls were snow white. A rapid large slam echoed throughout the room, as the door behind me shut tight and dissipated.

I turned to face the door when I was halted; as a voice called out within the void of the room. "John; Or do you prefer your new name, Darkmoon's Crescent?"

I replied to the voice,"Dark is just fine, thanks." I didn't know if the voice was hostile or not, but I readied myself for anything; searching my eyes for any movement within the blinding absence.

"Dark, there is no need to fear me. I am here to help you." the voice was familiar.

I voiced in frustration,"If there is no need to fear; then show yourself!" I yelled back to the voice.

The voice became a figure drenched in shadow, appearing on the farthest edge of the room. As the figure slowly paced towards the center of the room; the shadows that cloaked him started to dissipate onto the floor, seeping in.

The figure ahead of me began to take form; almost looking like an exact replica. A mirror image worth of specifications of my bodily form; all but the face. It was in a constant shadow; with it's hood covering it's face. "Hello, Dark." He voiced.

"Who are you?" I asked my replica.

"You should already know me; we already met once before." The dark version of me peeled off the hood, and revealed himself to the light. The hood fell and basic shapes became present. First that became apparent were a pair of darkened green eyes. They were monstrous, and evil. The second more interesting feature about it was his wide and sinister grin; his teeth were sharp and ridged. The monster before me had the very appearance of me; but a heart that cried out pure evil. "Dark; I would like to introduce you, to yourself."

"And, what's stopping you?" I laid my hand on my sword hilt; just in case.

The replica drew a quivering grin, and began approaching me slowly. The beast stopped just mere steps from me; following my stance in mimicry, and spoke,"My name...is John Dixon."

(Version 1.3(2023))
Misspelling corrections, more fluent story flow, writing corrections. Etc.
Another chapter re-vamped, re-camped and revolting lol
I hope I have entertained you for your time spent; and hope to see you in the next.
Keep it cool, xXCondemnedSoulXx.