Chapter 28: Smiles and Change

While the others were inside the castle, the rest were outside, handling the Crystal Faire, and keeping the crystal ponies occupied. Luckily, it seemed to be working at the least, as the ponies were surprised, but feeling a bit delighted that the Faire was happening. Of course, they did feel a teeny bit worried that the Crystal Heart wasn't present. But the subject was changed, either with Pinkie Pie calling out to give Flugelhorns or anything else, so they could focus on the festivities instead. But it wasn't going to last for long, though.

In the large Crystal Stadium that was on the other side of the city, everyone was prepping up for the jousting event. Since the Crystal Ponies love jousting, and it's filled with some action, it's a good way to keep everyone entertained. Rainbow Dash was really looking forward to it, because, you know, the action and all that. And she loves action. She even placed on some Crystal Guard armor just for the event. But somewhere in one of the tents, Fluttershy was cowering inside it. Not because she didn't want to watch the jousting, but because Rainbow Dash asked her to be her sparring partner, but she didn't want to. Because, you know, Fluttershy doesn't like violence.

"I'm not going out there." Fluttershy said. "I am not going out there and hurt anyone."

"Fluttershy, you're not gonna be hurting anyone." Rainbow Dash said. "One of the guys is gonna be riding on your back while they'll be the ones fighting."

"Oh yes, you are." Rainbow Dash said as she began to pick up Fluttershy and push her towards the field.

"Yes, you are." Rainbow Dash said. "You're going out there whether you like it or not!" The rainbow-maned Pegasus began to push the poor butter-colored Pegasus through the tent. But she didn't really want to. She didn't want to go out there and ram into anyone, let alone jab someone with a pointy lance.

"Serious, Fluttershy, you're just going to take that?" Discord asked as he popped out of her ear.

"Well, what am I suppose to do?" Fluttershy whispered back. "She won't listen to me."

"Then you need to stand your ground." Discord said. "If you don't want to go out there and fight somepony, then you don't have to. No one should force you to do something that makes you very uncomfortable. What do they call it when you tell someone when they force you to do something you don't want to do again? No means no?" The butter-colored Pegasus then started to think. Discord is right. She shouldn't do something she's forced to do if it really makes her uncomfortable, and jousting is something that makes her very uncomfortable because of the violence. Rainbow Dash wasn't going to listen. So, she had to stand her ground.

"No." Fluttershy said. "I'm not going out there, and you can't force me to do something that makes me uncomfortable." Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, but shook her head.

"Fluttershy, we need to keep the Crystal Ponies entertained, so you're going out there whether you like it or not." Rainbow Dash said, pushing her friend towards the exit of the tent.

"I... Said... NO!" Fluttershy screamed as she suddenly picked up Rainbow Dash, who was taken by surprise, and then tossed her out of the tent and onto the ground outside, surprising anyone who witnessed it, seeing Rainbow Dash's head spinning with stars.

"What in the hay just happened?" Applejack asked as she and Rarity approached her.

"Of course, she did." Discord said, popping out of Rainbow Dash's mane, making her jump again. "You were trying to make her do something that she was very uncomfortable to do."

"I just told her to stand her ground." Discord said. "Nothing else." That only made Rainbow Dash give the draconequus a glare.

"Well, he is right." Applejack said. "You shouldn't force Flutters to do something she didn't feel comfortable doing."

"But who's gonna do the jousting with me?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack only sighed, and only looked around. She then spotted Terra chatting with Aqua, and seeing his muscular figure gave her an idea.

"Well, I've fought in a Coliseum one time." Terra said, remembering his previous adventure about twelve years ago when he went to Olympus Coliseum and took part in the games.

"Excellent." Applejack said. "How about you and me team up in the Jousting Match against Rainbow and her partner?" Terra raised an eyebrow, as Rainbow Dash tilted her head with confusion.

"Wait, if you're gonna be riding with Earth guy here, who am I gonna be paired up with?" Rainbow Dash asked. The farmpony then smiled.

"You want me to do what, now?" Cloud asked, looking at the Restoration Committee, who were all told about Applejack's plan to use a couple of extra arms for the jousting.

"It's pretty much easy." Yuffie said. "You'll point swords at each other and try to whack each other off the horse." The ex-Soldier raised an eyebrow. Riding a pony while trying to whack someone off another pony. That was not what he had in mind.

"Yeah, doing a jousting gig was not on my to do list." Cloud said as he was about to depart, only to be stopped by Aerith.

"Oh no you don't, mister." She said as she took him by the arm. "You're not getting out of this one."

"That's right." Aerith said. "You're going to be part of this, whether you like it or not."

"On the bright side, you'll be able to do some fighting." Leon said. Hearing that made Cloud all confused. He was gonna be part of this jousting thing? He was gonna whack a pony?

"You won't be whacking any pony." Aerith said. "You're going against him." She then pointed to Terra, who was in one of the other rooms, doing handstand push ups. Seeing that, Cloud raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Aerith said. Cloud looked a bit confused. Motorcycles and Chocobos, he can ride, but a pony?

"No sweat, Buster-boy." Rainbow Dash said as she zoomed next to him. "You'll be riding with the fastest pony alive!"

"It'll be fun!" Aerith said as she clung closer to Cloud. "Right?" She gave a wink while smiling at Tifa, who suddenly became flustered. She then moved in closer to Cloud and clung on to him.

"Well, after you!" Tifa said with a smile, with both girls clinging to him and began to escort him to one of the other rooms to prep up for his match. He let out a sigh, knowing he was not gonna get out of this one.

"Should've asked for a raise." He said to himself as they escorted him to another room, with Leon and Yuffie looking on.

"Guys!" Everyone turned to see Ventus popping his head from the tent doors. "We have a bit of a problem."

"At the town square, hurry!" Ventus said as he rushed out, and the two, with Rainbow Dash followed after him. They soon made their way down to the Town Square, where some of the Crystal Ponies were chattering and arguing a bit, asking questions regarding the Faire's missing and important piece.

"Ok, everyone, just calm down!" Cid said as the crystal ponies began to chatter, asking where the Crystal Heart was, just as Leon, Yuffie, and Ventus arrived.

"They're horsing around, that's what." Cid said. Seeing all of the Crystal Ponies not listening and demanding to know where their treasured relic is, Barret only sighed and did the one thing he knew what can get everyone to stop shouting. He raised his hand in the air, which transformed into a blaster, and started shooting up towards the sky, making the crystal ponies stop in great surprise.

"WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUDDUP?!" He shouted as he finished shooting up at the sky, with all the crystal ponies finally stop talking. Cid, who covered his ears, looked at the big guy next to him with a raised eyebrow.

"I did you a favor." Barret said. "You're welcome." The mechanic only gave a sigh and then proceeded to speak.

"Ok, everybody, I know you're anxious of wanting to see your magical crystal heart and all." Cid began. "But don't worry, it'll be on its way in a bit, ok?" Everyone looked at him. He's right about that, but Sora and company hasn't found it yet.

"Uhhh... it's being... polished!" Cid said. "That's right. It's been a long time since this place came back, so we're making your crystal heart relic nice and polished. The shinier, the better, am I right?"

"Yeah, yeah, what he said." Barret said. "So don't worry little naggies. You're magic heart crystal's coming." The crystal ponies all looked at him with confusion. Did he call them naggies? Hearing that made Leon face palm himself.

"What in the hay was that?" Applejack asked as she and the other girls approached the group, and not only that, Riku and the King came by after hearing the blaster sounds.

"They kept asking where their Crystal Heart is." Leon said. "These pinheads told them that it's being polished."

"And it sounds like they bought it." Yuffie said, looking at the Crystal Ponies a bit surprised, but thinking that it's true. "But they're probably gonna wanna know where it is after a while. Is everything set up at the Stadium?"

"It may take a couple more minutes." Mickey said. "Aerith, Tifa, and Aqua are still helping Terra and Cloud get ready."

"Ok, we need a new plan for the time being." Applejack said as she looked at the other girls. "Any ideas, girls?

"Well, I suppose we could do some music to keep them occupied for a little while longer." Rarity said. Hearing that made Applejack smile with an idea.

"No, Pinkie." Applejack said as she approached her. "I have something that you can help us with."

"Really?" Pinkie Pie asked with a smile. She can finally do something to help! "What is it?"

"We need you to do... The Thing." Applejack said. Hearing that made Pinkie Pie gasp, and a very big smile formed on her face.

"Well, right now's an exception." Applejack said. "Only your thing can keep the Crystal Ponies from going whacko until the stadium is ready. Now go do the thing, partner." Pinkie Pie began to smile, unable to keep her hyper excitement. She then gave a high pitch squeal.

"Alrighty then!" Pinkie Pie said. She then galloped forward towards the crowd of Crystal Ponies, with the rest watching.

"You'll see." Applejack said. Pretty soon, Pinkie Pie blew a whistle, getting all of the crystal ponies to look straight at her. Pretty soon, she began to trot along, as an acoustic guitar suddenly began to play in the background. This was the thing. The very thing Pinkie Pie loved to do whenever someone need a frown turned upside down. Sing her favorite song. The Smile Song.

As she sang, she hopped on one of the trees behind one of the droopy ponies, allowing the sun to shine on them and make the clouds above their heads go away, much to their joy.

Seeing two crystal fillies sad and frowning got her attention. She then greeted them with a smile, hopped them on her bag and slid down the stairs next to them. The fun excitement of sliding down brought a smile to their face.

The three ponies hopped on a carriage, which was pulled by Applejack, and they rode along the street, passing the houses on this happy little joy ride.

"This is the thing, partner." Applejack said. "Pinkie does this whenever some pony needs a pick me up."

After the joy ride, the ponies brought a jump rope for them to play a little hop rope. Pinkie was the first to hop, but then she invited the other crystal ponies to hope along with her, though the rope was swinging itself as they jumped up and down.

Seeing a lonely filly all alone with a jump rope, Pinkie Pie rushed over to the little one to comfort her, and then placed her on top of her head, and the two jumped over the rope, which made the little filly smile.

"How... how is she doing all this?" Riku asked, surprised to see the party pony managing to make everyone happy.

"Well, I'm starting to like it." Yuffie said as she joined pulled Leon and Barret with her so they can join the crowd.

As the party pony kept singing, making them smile and jump with joy, the crystal ponies felt something that they haven't felt since their Kingdom returned. It was happiness. Pretty soon, one by one, the crystal ponies began to glow, showing their sparkles once more like they did in the past.

"I guess a smile a day can make the dark clouds go away!" Ventus said as he and the King joined the Party Pony.

No one could imagine how Pinkie Pie was doing it. But she was doing it! She was getting all of the crystal ponies to smile. lifting their spirits and restoring their faith in happiness. And all she did was singing a happy song, and turning frowns upside down into smiles. Pretty soon, the crystal ponies were walking alongside her, all of them singing along with her.

As the song came to an end, all of the Crystal Ponies began to laugh and cheer as the pink party helped them have their smiles again. All of them cheering and dancing like there's no tomorrow in all good fun.

"Well, looks like you did good, Pinkie." Rainbow Dash said as she flew in and gave her a playful noogie.

"Yep!" Pinkie Pie said. "A smile everyday makes the bad clouds go away!" Pretty soon, Princess Cadance emerged from the side up to Riku.

"Alright." Riku said with a smile, and glanced back at the others. "Everyone's ready."

"Ok!" Applejack said as she made her way to the crowd. "Attention All Crystal Ponies! The Jousting Event Is Ready! Everyone to the Stadium!" Hearing the word jousting got the Crystal Ponies even more excited. They all began to make their way to the stadium in a large crowd, ready to see the jousting.

"Well, I better get ready!" Rainbow Dash said. "Don't wanna keep Earth guy and Solider Boy waiting." She and Applejack then made their way towards the stadium.

"She has a way of giving nicknames, darling." Rarity said. As the group headed out, Cid and Barret were standing there, both completely confused, yet amazed by how a colorful pony managed to get the Crystal Ponies excited and their worries down.

"Ok, you gotta admit, that was pretty cool." Barret said with a smile and chuckle.

"I... eh... I really don't get how that crazy girl does it." Cid said. He chose not to think about it too much, since he knows there are just some things that don't make sense, but are better left accepting them at this point. And so, everyone began to make their way to the stadium. The Jousting should keep the Crystal Ponies occupied and entertained. But thanks to Pinkie Pie's song, it helped them be in higher spirits. It should be enough to help Sora and the rest find the Crystal Heart.

As everyone outside was successfully cheering the Crystal Ponies up, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Flash were making their way down the steps of the secret passageway they found behind the bookcase. And hopefully, it was help them get to Twilight, Shining, and Spike. It was a bit dark, but luckily, Sora's keyblade was lighting the way for them.

"It shouldn't be too long now." Sora said. He then turned his head to see Flash Sentry, looking down the steps with a bit of worry. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm ok." Flash said. "I'm just worried about Twilight and Spike, and Captain Armor, too."

"Don't worry, Flash." Sora said. "We'll find them. Hopefully they landed somewhere safe."

"I hope so." Flash said. The spikey haired boy glanced back at the Pegasus with the blue mane. It was actually quite surprising to him that Twilight was able to find a stallion friend, let alone a special someone, or special somepony in her case. But Sora was a bit interested in how it came to be.

"Oh great, here we go." The royal wizard said. Sora is so naïve, he thought. Why does he always have to be interested in how a boy and girl meet?

"Well, not exactly the way you think." Flash said. "I actually met her after we bumped into each other. It's a common thing we have."

"No, I mean, we bump into each other from time to time." Flash said. "That's something we're still working on at the moment. But yeah, we started seeing each other more often after that."

"Anything you guys do together?" Sora asked. "You know, like, getting dinner or seeing a movie?"

"It's ok, it's not a big deal." Flash said to the royal wizard, before continuing his conversation.

"To answer your question, we've went to dinner a few times, and we've seen some movies. We got into a couple of mishaps together, but I liked it. I liked it because I was with her, and that's what matters, right?"

"What about you?" Flash asked. "You have a special someone, too?" Sora turned his head, knowing who it was.

"It was on the night of a Meteor Shower." Sora said. "She arrived shortly after the shooting stars came and pass, and I found her on the shoreline, about twelve years ago."

"Yeah." Sora said. "Still can't believe how much time had passed. Since that day, we did everything together. You would like her if you'd met her. She's the best."

"How so?" Flash asked. "What do you like about her?" Sora stopped in his tracks, thinking about that question. He has had this conversation with Riku yesterday, and the latter asked him what he liked about Kairi.

"Yeah." Sora said. "I like everything about Kairi. Her laugh, her personality, just... everything in general."

"Yeah... everyone says that." Sora said. "Though I wouldn't say we're in the same boat as you and Twilight are." The spikey haired boy only lowered his head saying that. That was still on his mind. The dream he had of just her and him together on the beach. They had been alone together many times in the past, but it kinda feels like forever. He actually missed those days, just the two of them together. The last time they had done anything together was when he restored her back to normal. It was strange too, because he was suppose to disappear... But he didn't. If anything, he was grateful, and lucky that he didn't fade away. It was like Destiny wanted them together. But... but why hasn't he told her how much she really means to him? And... would she feel the same way?

As Sora was alone in this thoughts, Donald and Goofy could tell that he was still thinking about it, much to their concern.

"When this is done, we need to get them on a date." Donald whispered. "Luckily I know two Italians chefs who can whip some good spaghetti for them to share." Suddenly, Goofy's ears perked up as he heard something.

"That." Goofy said. The boys leaned around and did hear something. It was muffled, but the voice was familiar and it sounded like singing.

"Sounds like someone singing." Sora said as he leaned against the wall, hearing a familiar pink pony's voice. "Is that Pinkie Pie?" Donald and Goofy leaned in to hear too.

"That is Pinkie Pie." Donald said as he heard the party pony singing, and not only that, there was a chorus of voices singing along with him.

"The others must be cheering the Crystal Ponies up!" Donald said with excitement.

"Now they can lead us to the Crystal Heart." Goofy said. Suddenly, they heard a strange sound. Looking to their right, they saw Flash Sentry, and he was shivering, like he had seen a ghost. Not only that, he was sweating too.

"Too much...." Flash whimpered in a bit of pain. "Too much love.... Too... much.... love!" The boy tilted his head with a bit of confusion. Did he say too much love?

"Love?" Sora asked. "What are you talking about?" Donald squinted his eyes a bit, trying to see what was going on with the Pegasus. But then he noticed something. The rookie guard's wings were shedding feathers. That doesn't look normal. But then he saw something coming off the stallion's body. It was a strange green spark, but not the good kind of spark. It was a strange... wicked spark.

"Magic?" Sora and Goofy asked. They glanced back at Flash, who almost fell to his knees. The poor changeling disguised stallion knew what was happening. The Crystal Ponies were all cheering and happy outside. So much positivity, so much joy, and so much love! It was causing Thorax to lose control of his disguise.

"Not now what?" Goofy asked. Suddenly, the stallion turned his head to face the three, and his eyes were glowing green, and his teeth grew sharp fangs. This surprised the trio a bit.

"Whoa!" Sora shouted as he stepped back, as Donald and Goofy clung to each other with surprise and a bit of fear. The stallion only looked around and saw the passage way down the stairs. He then galloped downward, leaving the others behind.

"I think we're about to find out." Sora said. "C'mon!" With that said, the boy took off after the Pegasus, with the knight and royal wizard following suit. Whatever was wrong with Flash Sentry, they were gonna find out one way or another.

The lavender unicorn was screaming as she began to descend quickly through the trap door. But luckily, the walls around her began to slope up a bit, allowing her fall to be a slide instead. But soon, she found it quite fun, very fun since she wasn't falling anymore, only sliding. She began to cheer as she continued to slide down. It was like going down a water slide, except it was without water. Pretty soon, she ignited her horn and saw that as she slid out of the hole, she looked up and saw that she was inside a huge crystal cave. And it was actually a beautiful one to that. But she had no time to take in the amazement, she was still sliding down the slope. And pretty soon, she saw it slant up, and no way to stop.

"Uh oh..." Twilight said. As she went upwards on the slant, she soon flew up into the air and let out a scream. Using her quick thinking, she ignited her horn again and she soon caught herself before she landed straight into the ground, where there were lots of sharp crystals pointing up. Had she not reacted quickly, she would've ended up in a hospital. Or worse. Using her magic, she began to lift herself up and onto the solid platform next to her. As she got her footing back, she let out a sigh of relief.

"That was a close one." She told herself. But soon, she began to hear screams and shouts as well. She looked up and saw Shining Armor and Spike sliding down the slope too. The baby dragon was actually cheering, while the captain of the royal guards was screaming in fear. Guess he doesn't like slides. The two were then flown upwards from the slant, heading straight into the abyss of shards.

"Guys!" Twilight shouted. She ignited her horn and managed to catch them both as they were inches away from the sharp crystals below. The lavender unicorn lifted them up with their magic onto the solid ground she was on. Relieved that their safe, Spike began to kiss the ground.

"Oh, sweet relief." Spike said as he pecked the ground multiple times, as Shining finally got back up. He then looked straight at the abyss of sharp crystals pointing upwards. If Twilight hasn't reacted sooner, he would be dead.

"Whoa, that was close." He said. He then turned to see Twilight rushing towards him with a worried face.

"Oh, Shining." Twilight said as she hugged her brother. "I'm so glad you're ok." Hearing that made Shining raise an eyebrow.

"Well, why wouldn't I?" Twilight asked. "I wouldn't let you drop into pit of pointy sharp crystals. You could've gotten hurt, or worse." The stallion was still amazed. Even after everything that's happened, Twilight still holds him in high regard.

"You're welcome." Twilight said as the two broke the hug. For a moment, Twilight then remembered their earlier quarrel about Sombra. She couldn't help but feel guilty bringing up the Changeling Invasion like that, and accusing her brother of letting the Changelings in. He was mind controlled, so it wasn't on his own free will. Seeing that they're both alone, this was probably a good time for them to talk and work things out.

"Death... Blood... Kill..."

The lavender unicorn turned her head, hearing that strange hissing voice. Shining also looked around, hearing that voice too. Spike jumped hearing the voice too.

"We will burn everything... We will burn this world to the ground... burn... burn... burn...!"

Twilight looked over to the edge, where the pit of sharp crystals were. The voices were coming over there. A bit frightened, but curious, the lavender unicorn made her way towards the edge and looked down. Her eyes widened with surprise and horror. Underneath the sharp crystals were a black misty smoke underneath the ground. And inside it were strange looking creatures. They almost looked like the wendigos, the ghostly horse-like creatures that feed off the hatred of others and create dastardly blizzards that could freeze up towns and civilization. But these creatures in the ground were more different. They all had four hooves. They had wings. They were pitch black. And they looked... demonic, with sharp teeth.

Curious at what made that frightened look on Twilight's face, Spike and Shining looked down from the edge, with the former giving a yelp in fear.

"What... what in the name of Equestria is that?" Spike asked. Twilight didn't need to guess. After reading Sombra's journal earlier, she had a very good idea of what these things are.

"Guys, I think these are the Umbrum." She said. The sight of the horrific creatures was enough to scare the mane off their heads. These must be the Umbrum that Sombra had spoke about in his journal, the very monstrous creatures that wish to burn everything to the ground.

"This is bad." Shining said. "If Sombra releases those things, the Crystal Empire and all of Equestria won't stand a chance." Twilight gave a nod, knowing full well what they had to do. They had to stop Sombra one way or another. If he frees those things, all hell will break loose.

"Right." Twilight said. "We better find a way out of here and get to Sora and the others!"

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Spike asked. "Let's get out of here!" Without hesitating, the two ponies and the baby dragon quickly made a run for it, to find Sora and the others. Spotting a passageway on one of the walls, they went right in, making their way down a long hallway. Pretty soon, they stumbled upon another room, which had three pathways.

"AAAAAHHHH!!!" A shout echoed in the caverns, making both ponies lift their heads up, and Spike looking around. That sounded like someone screaming.

"That sounds like Flash Sentry." Shining said. Turning their heads, they saw Flash Sentry galloping and panicking from out of the passageway on the right. Seeing him in a panicked state brought a bit of surprise.

"Flash?" Twilight asked as she approached him, as the gamboge Pegasus came to a screeching halt after seeing Twilight and the others. To their surprise, Flash was shaking, and seeing Twilight made him sweat.

"Get back!" Flash shouted as he began to back away. "Stay away from me!" Hearing that surprised the lavender unicorn. Stay away from him? Why? She did, however, notice that he was shaking and sweating, as if he was in pain. And suddenly, some of his feathers began to shed off his wings.

"Why?" Twilight asked. "What's wrong? Are you ok?" The Pegasus only backed away, turning his head, not wanting to see her. Actually, it was more like not wanting her to see him.

"Flash, wait up!" Looking at the way Flash came from, they saw Sora, Donald, and Goofy making their way into the room. They did stop, seeing Twilight and the others.

"We found a passageway behind the bookshelf, and-" Before Sora could say anymore. He heard something from above. It was the singing voices they heard when coming down. The voices continued to sing.

"That's Pinkie Pie." Twilight said, recognizing the voice loud and clear. "Is she singing?"

Hearing the chorus of ponies singing made Twilight grin. Pinkie Pie was getting the Crystal Ponies excited and happy, filling their hearts with love and hope!

"GAAH!" The shout came from Flash as he began to shake even more, and his feathers began to shed more. Everyone noticed this. Was the singing somehow... making him shiver in pain?

"Too much love..." Flash said. "Too... much... emotions...! Too... Much...!!!" He then opened his eyes, showing a glowing light lime green, and his teeth growing fangs. Spike, seeing what was happening, realized what was happening. The singing of joy and happiness was overloading Thorax's form.

"Uh oh." Spike said with worry. That meant Thorax's disguise is gonna be broken.

"GO AWAY!" Flash shouted, showing his terrified but also changing face, which made Twilight gasp. Flash began to grunt, as he began to glow with a greenish color, with flames beginning to circle around him.

"GAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" Flash / Thorax shouted as he floated up in the air, as a green flaming circle formed around him. And suddenly, his entire body began to burst into a green-like flame, one that Shining Armor, and Twilight, recognized right a way. They have seen this kind of magic before. The same magic the Changeling Queen used when Twilight came back with the real Cadance. Emerging from the flames, coughing and weak was Thorax, no longer Flash Sentry, but in his black pony-like Changeling form with the light sea-green insectoid wings and sharp horn and light lime green eyes.

"GASP!" Twilight and Shining gasped in horror. There in Flash Sentry's place was a Changeling! So that means... Flash Sentry was a changeling!?

"Flash...?" Twilight asked, as Spike was showing worry on his face. His friend has been exposed!

"A Changeling!" Shining shouted. "In the flesh! One of my royal guards was a love sucking monster!" How did he not see this coming? First the Changeling Queen posed as his bride and now a lone Changeling posed as one of his royal guards? And he was around his sister! The stallion gave a snort and picked up his spear with his magic.

"Wait, that's one of those Changelings?" Sora asked. "The ones who attacked Canterlot?"

"Wait... if that's a Changeling..." Twilight asked. "Then what happened to Flash Sentry?" The changeling, terrified for his life, only let out a sigh.

"There is no Flash Sentry." Thorax said, lowering his head. "He never existed. I just turned into a pony-like version based on a picture that I found." Twilight's eyes widened with surprise. There was never a Flash Sentry? Her special somepony was actually a changeling in disguise? She stepped forward.

"Is... is this true?" Twilight asked. "You're a changeling?" The drone-like creature lowered his head with shame.

"Yes..." He said. "I'm sorry, Twilight." Hearing that surprised Twilight even more. But yet, she did not feel heartbroken. She was actually confused. She was around this changeling the whole time, and to her surprise, he didn't suck the life out of her. She could also tell through his pupil-less eyes, he was showing guilt and shame.

"You... You Freak!" Shining shouted as he aimed his spear at the Changeling. "You were a spy sent in to attack Canterlot!? You helped your ugly species get in?!"

"No!" Thorax shouted. "I had nothing to do with the attack! I swear! I just came to Canterlot to start a new life, away from my brothers and sisters!"

"It's true!" Thorax shouted as he backed away. "I came to Equestria to live peacefully. I didn't even know that my people were planning an attack! When it happened, I hid because I didn't want part of it!"

"You were hanging around my sister...!" Shining said, his spear aiming directly at the changeling. "You were planning to make her your feast, were you!?"

"No!" Thorax shouted. "I would never do that to Twilight! I love her so much!" Hearing those words surprised Twilight much more now than she was. This changeling loves her?

"Tell it to my spear, you insect!" Shining shouted, gripping his spear and charging forward, ready to impale the frightened Changeling.

"Shining, Stop!" Twilight shouted as she galloped after him. Sora, Donald, and Goofy also jumped in... until a certain Baby Dragon jumped in between the changeling and the charging stallion.

"STOP!" Spike called out, standing in between Thorax and both charging parties. Shining stopped in his tracks, and so did Twilight, and so did Sora, Donald, and Goofy, all three of them almost tripping over before catching their footing. All five of them looked with confusion, seeing the baby dragon standing between them and the changeling. The stallion raised an eyebrow, confused. What is Spike doing? That's one of the enemies.

"Spike, what are you doing?" Shining shouted. "Get out of the way!" The baby dragon glanced at the Royal Captain, then back at Twilight, the pony who raised him. He then glanced back at Thorax, who was scared. He took a deep breath and said one word.

"What?!" Shining asked, while Twilight tilted her head. A bit surprised, Sora lowered his keyblade, also confused as well.

"Don't worry!" Spike said. "He's not gonna hurt anyone. I swear." Sora tilted his head, but then noticed something in the changeling's eyes. While they were light lime green and no irises, he could tell that there was fear within them, with no signs of retaliation.

"He probably has Spike under his control!" Shining said, readying his spear. "We have to take it out!"

"Wait!" Sora said, getting the stallion and the mare's attention. "I think Spike may be on to something."

"Look at him." Sora said, pointing at the changeling, shivering behind Spike, who did not move. "I don't think that changeling is gonna hurt us. He looks too afraid."

"Sora's right." Goofy said, with Donald raising an eyebrow. "Poor fella's shivering so hard, his wings are buzzing in a high pitch."

"Not only that, he was with us the whole time." Sora said. "And he didn't hurt us."

"But Sora, he's a changeling!" Shining called out. "He's a love sucking monster!" Hearing that word made Spike step forward.

"He's not a monster!" Spike said, looking back at the Changeling. "His name is Thorax, and he is my friend." Hearing that made Thorax feel touched. The baby dragon was standing up for him.

"Now, I know what you guys are thinking." Spike said. "But he's not really that bad. He's actually a pretty nice guy when you get to know him. All this time he's been around us, not once did he try to drain us of our love. He helped get the King and everyone here to the castle, and he's been helping us find the Crystal Heart. And besides, when I was in danger, he saved my life." He then glanced back at the changeling with a smile. "If he's willing to save my life, then I'm willing to call him my friend." Hearing those heartfelt words made Thorax smile, and even shed a tear, something that Twilight had noticed.

"No, he wasn't." Spike said. "He didn't take any part of it. He just hid until you and Princess Cadance blasted the Queen and her swarm away." Shining only stood there with aggression, not wanting to listen, but Twilight, she just stood there, listening to every word Spike was saying.

"Sure, his species may have invaded our home, and sure they suck the love out of innocent ponies, but we can't judge him for what they did." Spike said. "If you two want to imprison him, then throw me in the brig with him. You can be disappointed in me, but I'm not going to let you hurt my friend." The baby dragon stood there with his arms up, ready to defend his changeling friend. It was silent for a moment. Then, Twilight stepped forward.

"Of course." Twilight said. "You chose your friend over your own interests. I can't imagine anything more brave than that."

"Spike, I already said that I'm proud of you." Twilight said with a giggle. "You were willing to trust Thorax, just as I was willing to trust Sora. You reminded me that a new friend can come from anywhere. Sora always said that everyone, and everypony, still has a lot to learn about friendship. Even me. If you're willing to allow Thorax be your friend, then he's my friend too." Hearing that made made the baby dragon smile. Pretty soon, Sora lowered his keyblade, Donald his staff, and Goofy his shield, also agreeing with Twilight.

"Absolutely!" Donald said. Hearing that made Spike and Thorax smile. Twilight, Sora, and his friends were willing to give Thorax a chance! Shining, however, was shocked, and surprised by her decision.

"Of course I am." Twilight said. "Spike is willing to trust him, then so can I."

"But he's probably faking it to attack us later!" Shining said. "He probably has Spike under mind control, just like the Queen did to me!"

"I'd doubt it." Twilight said. "Spike is doing this on his own free will, if Spike was acting like he was mind controlled, I would've noticed it."

"Yeah, and I could've sensed the mind control magic myself." Donald said. "Same thing happened with me and Daisy one time."

"Actually, I don't know how to use mind control." Thorax said. "I'm only good with shape-shifting."

"Twily, his kind invaded our land!" Shining said. "They almost destroyed our home! Why are you defending him?"

"Because he's not like the other changelings!" Twilight said. "He was never part of the invasion! And besides, he was around me the whole time I was with him, and not once did he try to hurt me!"

"True, but he was afraid!" Twilight said. "He only changed his appearance because he just wanted a friend! Don't judge him for what his species did!"

"They attacked our home, Twily!" Shining shouted. "Not to mention that they almost slaughtered many families and innocent ponies!"

"Only because you let their Queen into our home in the first place!" Twilight shouted back. "You're the reason why the Changelings got into Canterlot ever since you put that damn shield up! If anything, you're a more danger to Equestria than anypony else!" The two ponies began to argue again, this time much louder than ever. Spike and Thorax only watched, and Sora, Donald, and Goofy, weren't liking the scene one bit. The spikey haired boy didn't like this at all. Seeing Twilight and Shining arguing, it was way too much. Sora did his best to keep his cool, but he couldn't. He couldn't take the arguing any longer.

"STOP IT!" A sudden shouted from Sora made them yelp, while Donald and Goofy jumped back.

"Stop It, Both Of You!" Sora shouted. "Stop with the fighting! You both are brother and sister! You're suppose to listen to each other, not fight!" Suddenly, the boy grabbed a hold of his head and shook. He began to slowly hyperventilate, unable to keep his emotions in.

"I'm sorry... but this is too much!" Sora shouted as he just turned around and ran for it.

"Sora!" Twilight also called, her hoof out to reach him, but he was already gone, down the path that no one went or came out of. Everyone looked with surprise and worry, seeing the boy bolt away in anguish. That was actually scary. Twilight glanced down at the floor, realizing that she was arguing with Shining again. She promised that she would give him a chance, not hound him. Suddenly, Donald shook his head, showing an angry face.

"Now look at what you two did!" He shouted at Twilight and Shining. "You made Sora cry!"

"Ok, that's it!" Donald shouted as he brought out his staff. "You two need a time-out!" He then raised it into the air, and suddenly, the ground below Twilight and Shining began to shake. And then suddenly, the snow began to rise around them, transforming into an icicle cage! This was also a surprise to Spike and Thorax.

"Not until you both decide to get along!" Donald shouted. "Now if you excuse us, we have a friend to go help!" He then turned around with a huff and took off in the direction Sora ran off to.

"So sorry!" He said, and then he went after the duck, leaving Twilight and Shining in their little time-out cage. But Spike and Thorax, they were outside the cage.

"I really don't know what Sora and Goofy see in that lunatic." Spike said. Back in the cage, Twilight and Shining only lowered their heads, feeling some shame. But Twilight was feeling more shame than ever. She promised Sora that she would try to get along with Shining, and look what a good job she had been doing so far. She turned away and leaned her head on the snowy cage.

"Dammit..." The lavender unicorn whispered, though Spike heard it well. "I said I was going to be nice, but now I made my dear friend cry."

"It's ok, Twilight." Spike said, approaching her and stroking her mane. "It is difficult to keep promises. At least it wasn't a Pinkie Promise, otherwise Pinkie would be all over you about it."

"Hey!" Pinkie Pie's voice said, making the baby dragon yelp, to see Pinkie Pie's reflection inside one of the crystal walls.

"I heard that!" Pinkie Pie said as she disappeared within the crystal. Ok, how does she do that? Shaking it off, Twilight glanced back at Shining, who only turned away and continued to hang his head low. She knew that she had to talk with him, and to be civil with him. She approached him.

"No." Shining said. "You were right. I told myself that I would listen to your reasons, but I've done a horrible job at it... again."

"I don't blame you." Twilight said. "I know that you're scared of losing me again. And I wasn't doing a good job listening to your reasons either." She moved closer to him.

"I know everything now." She continued. "I know that you were wanting to apologize to me before I was sent to the caverns. I know that you went to talk to me and saw the Changeling Queen send me below the castle. I know you were then controlled by her to continue on with the wedding." He glanced back at her with surprise.

"Yes, I do." Twilight said. "I've been wanting to tell you, but I guess the pain and anger inside me was preventing me from doing so." Shining glanced away for a minute, and knew there was something else he had to get off his chest.

"I had a bad dream a couple nights ago on the way here." Shining said. "I was searching everywhere for you. But when I found you, you turned on me and turned into a changeling. As I watched Canterlot burn to the ground, you lunged at me... and started to eat me alive." Hearing that made Twilight widen her eyes up. Her brother dreamt of her killing him? That was dark.

"I deserved it." He said. "I deserved being lashed at. Equestria almost fell because I chose some fake bride over my own little sister." He turned around and glanced at her, with eyes full of tears.

"You're the greatest sister in the whole world, and I don't deserve you." He said, letting the tears from his eyes drop down his cheek. Twilight didn't take joy from this. She felt sad. She hated seeing her brother like this.

"If anything, I didn't make a strong case when I accused the imposter." She continued. "I didn't even know it was an imposter. I acted like a jealous little sister and I behaved immaturely trying to expose her. You're not to blame for that. I am."

"But she didn't fool you, Twily." Shining said. "You were the first to notice the imposter wasn't acting like the Cadance we know and love, and we didn't believe you. I only cared about getting married than taking your worries seriously. You were right. You're always right. I should've listened to you."

"No, actually." Twilight said. "I was wrong. I originally thought that Cadance had become evil, but in the end, I was wrong. She was just a monster wearing a disguise. She didn't just fool all of you. She fooled me too. And it wasn't just her. We were all victims of a terrible conspiracy by a greedy Chancellor."

"Yes." Twilight said. "Chancellor Neighsay conspired with the Changeling Queen, and he was the one who erased my friends memories of them learning that she was an imposter. They both fooled us. And instead of just accepting I was wrong, I let my own anger and hatred get the best of me. And because of that I nearly doomed Equestria, I allowed myself to be controlled by a malicious spirit, and I almost destroyed my friendships with the girls." Twilight reflected on had happened throughout the whole start of all this, everything that she had done, the horrible crimes that she had committed and the friendships that she had almost shattered. It was so painful and scary to think about.

"I've done horrible things myself." Twilight said, tears filling up in her eyes. "I stole the talismans of the Old Pillars of Equestria, I tossed a unicorn off a cliff, I attacked the princesses, I almost awakened a terrible monster from limbo, I almost destroyed Equestria. And the worse part of it, I nearly killed the one person who gave a damn about me." The lavender unicorn started to cry too. The images of her almost killing Sora, and him collapsing to the ground replayed in her head. Just thinking about made her cringe and tear up. Seeing her cry, the stallion held her close in his hooves, and he stroked her mane to comfort her.

"No, it's not ok." Twilight said. "I let myself be blinded by negative emotions instead of just accepting it and move on." She continued to cry as he held her close, giving her a nuzzle.

"No, you have nothing to be sorry for." Shining said. "You were the victim. We were all victims in all this. But you suffered the most because of it."

"No, Shining." Twilight said. "You only made a mistake. You all made a mistake, but I've done worse. You all suffered the most of it when I tossed you all aside and allowed myself to be tainted by darkness." The lavender unicorn nuzzled against her big brother as he stroked her mane.

"It'll be alright, Twily." Shining said. "We both done bad, but that doesn't mean you're not redeemable."

"Someone told me that redemption isn't hard to find." Shining said. "You don't have to deal with your pain alone, Twily. No matter what happens, you still have me, you still have Cadance, and you still have your friends. Never forget that." Hearing that made the lavender unicorn smile. He was right. When she was had felt guilty for what happened, her friends comforted her, reassuring her that everything was ok. And Cadance, she forgave her too. They all have given her a second chance, just as she did. She embraced her brother once more and gave him a nuzzle. It felt like a long time since they have hugged one another.

"Anytime." He said. "But... now what? Where do we go from here?" The lavender unicorn began to think. She was still hurt by his harsh words towards her, but again, it was also because she wasn't acting very mature at that time. It was still conflicting.

"I don't know." Twilight said. "I want to forgive you. But out of all ponies, you hurt me the most. But I was in the wrong myself, so I can't be mad at your forever. So, that doesn't mean I'm not willing to give you a chance. It's going to take some time for me to forgive you, let alone trust you again. Right now, I just need more time. But you're still my big brother, no matter what. Just don't give up on me, ok?" The captain of the Royal Guard glanced at the lavender unicorn, with some newfound hope. She was right, it was going to take time for things to be right again between them, but she wants to forgive him. He took a deep sigh, feeling hope.

"Ok..." Shining said. "I'll let you forgive me on your own terms. And I won't give up on you, Twily-" He halted himself, knowing that Twilight didn't want to be called that.

"It's ok." Twilight said. "I love it when you call me that." The two siblings held each other close. Both of them felt a bit of solace, and for Twilight, she was feeling better. It was still going to take some time, but deep down, she still loves her brother. Her Big Brother Best Friend Forever. They didn't notice it, but the crack on Shining's cutie mark began to shrink down and disappear. There was still a small crack, but the wound was healing.

Seeing this heartwarming moment made Spike form tears of his own. He was glad to see Twilight and Shining finally picking the pieces up, even if it's still a struggle.

"They're in a cage of ice, and you're a dragon." Thorax said. "Can't you just breathe fire on the cage?" Hearing that made Spike's mind click with realization. The baby dragon face palmed his own head. Why didn't he think of that before?

"Oh, that's right!" Spike said. He then approached the cage. "Guys, stand back."

"Just trust me, ok?" Spike said. "And you might wanna duck for this." The baby dragon then took in a big inhale. Seeing this made Twilight's eyes widen.

"I know what he's about to do!" Twilight said. "Duck!" She then went low and pulled Shining with her, as the baby dragon continued to inhale, making his chest inflate.

"Well duh, I'm still small!" Spike said, and he continued to inhale until he could inhale no more. "Here it comes!" He then blew out, but not air, but green dragon flames. But this time, it was a much larger flame due to how much he inhaled, and the fire blew all over the cage, causing it to melt completely. As the smoke cleared, there stood Twilight and Shining on the floor, but a magenta shield was over them. Twilight lifted her head up, and saw the shield with surprise, showing that she didn't cast it. Looking to her left, she saw Shining with his horn glowing, showing that he casted the shield. Realizing the flames was gone, he dispatched the shield.

"Good thinking, big brother." Twilight said, as Spike let out a cough and a little belch.

"No problem." The baby dragon replied with a grin. Pretty soon, Twilight glanced back at Thorax, who was still a bit nervous. But with encouragement from Spike, the Changeling approached her.

"Um... Twilight, I'm really sorry for lying to you about... well, what I really am." Thorax said.

"Don't be." Twilight said. "I understand why you kept the appearance, so I don't blame you for it. And... well... I understand that you were only hanging out with me so I can give you love and what not." Thorax sounded a bit surprised.

"Well, I mean, it was at first, but not after a while." Thorax said. "The more and more you and I spent time together, I enjoyed every second of it. I loved hanging out with you, Twilight. I really like you." The changeling quickly blushed with a slight buzzing sound after realizing his confession. Twilight stood there surprised too, and she blushed.

"Yes." He said, blushing more with a bigger smile, but covered his mouth. "Uh, sorry, me and my big mouth." Twilight's face turned red, but she was smiling even more.

"No, no, it's ok." Twilight said. "I really like you too." She then gave a slight horse sound upon hearing her own confession, blushing even more as she smiled. "Sorry, sorry, sorry." Hearing the lavender unicorn say she liked him a lot too made the Changeling give a happy hiss, but he covered his mouth, apologizing. Spike only rolled his eyes at these two adorkable lovebirds.

"Oh, these two..." He said to himself. He then got in between them, grabbed one of their hooves and pulled them closer together until they both touched hooves. The two glanced at the baby dragon, who gave a smile. The two looked back at each other, but they smile. Who were they kidding. They both liked each other very much, and they were happy. Shining watched this, and he couldn't help but smile. He could already tell that Thorax isn't really a threat at all, nor would he hurt Twilight. He sees that now. Come to think of it, seeing Thorax's silly quirks was all the proof he needed. He approached the two.

"It's ok." Thorax said. "I know the Changeling Queen took control of you, so I won't judge either."

"But hey, there's a good thing out of this." Shining said. "You're officially the first Changeling to be a member of the Royal Guard."

"Not from what I've seen." Shining said. "You helped me, Riku, and the King escort Princess Cadance all the way here. You've done good, soldier." Hearing that brought a reassuring smile to the Changeling's face. Seeing the two actually talking to each other made Twilight give a squeal, much to Spike's delight.

"Now this is a happy ending." Spike said. "Though I wish Sora and the others saw this before he ran off." Twilight gasped hearing Sora's name.

"Oh, right!" Twilight said. "Sora! He ran off." She glanced at the way the boy went. The quick scene of the boy having that breakdown played in her head. He was about to break and she caused it.

"We better go and check on him." Spike said. "Hopefully Donald and Goofy caught up to him." Everyone nodded in agreement, but then something caught the attention of the lavender unicorn.

"Huh?" Twilight asked as she looked up. "What's that?" She saw something floating up in the air and right down towards the four. To their surprise, it was a sparkling star, glowing with a pink color.

"But... what is it doing here?" Twilight asked as she approached the glowing star. She made her way towards it and it float right down towards her. The lavender unicorn sat down on her hind legs and lifted her front legs, allowing the star to fly into her hooves. She looked at the star and felt something. This star was housing some kind of magic. Some very strong magic that she has never felt before. This star's power. It was pure. Pure Light. Twilight's eyes widened. She knew about this power. A power of pure light! Does this mean? Is this one of the seven...

"I... I think so." Twilight said. She stared back at the glowing heart, wondering what it was. And then...

"Hello..."

"You can hear me?"

"Yes, I can hear you." Twilight said to the star, while Spike, Shining, and Thorax raised an eyebrow. They couldn't hear what the star was saying.

"I came here using a spell, and I transformed into a star. I was told that I can only return to physical form if I find the one who I hold dear to my heart."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. This star came here using a powerful spell? And the only way for her to restore to physical form is to find someone she holds dear to her. Wait... could the one she holds dear to her happen to be...

"Sora?! You know Sora?!"

That made Twilight gasp. This star was looking for Sora! So, does that mean this star is the girl that Sora told her about?

"Where is he? Can you take me to him? I felt that he was in distress."

"Oh... well..." Twilight began, knowing why Sora was in distress. "He was just with us... but... he ran off... because, well..." The lavender unicorn only lowered her head, showing shame.

"I made him run off, because I couldn't forgive my brother." Twilight said. "It's my fault. I'm sorry."

"It's ok. We'll find him together."

"We?" Twilight asked. "How?" Suddenly, the star floated closer to the lavender unicorn and seeped into her chest, making her gasp. Suddenly, her eyes glowed brightly and everything went white. In her head, she saw various scenes flashing through, of Sora and a red haired girl, spending time together. At that moment, Twilight knew who that girl was. The same girl that was the star she was talking to.

"Please... take me to Sora. I need to tell him..."

The light ceased as Twilight opened her eyes, which had a gradient blue within them, which was surprising to the three behind her.

"Twilight?" Spike asked. "Are you ok?" The lavender unicorn turned her head, looking in the direction that Sora and the others went off to. She got up and looked that way.

"Sora..." She said, while another voice was within her own. She then galloped down the direction Sora and the others went, leaving Shining, Spike, and Thorax behind.

"Wherever she's going, we better follow her." Shining said. "C'mon!" He galloped after his sister, while the changeling and the baby dragon followed suit. Whatever was going on with Twilight, they knew they had to follow her, to find Sora and the others, knowing so little that the boy was going to face something beyond his deepest nightmares.

KINGDOM HEARTS: Fractured Friendship

by KHXhero

Chapter 30: Smiles and Change