//------------------------------// // 5. Tension Rising/Sora and Twi // Story: Ponies & Keyblades II: Return to Equestria // by GoneGuy //------------------------------// Golden Oaks Library Ponyville, Equestria "We certainly are lucky to have you back again, Sora." "Oh? Yeah, I guess. I mean, if there's Heartless hanging around, then someone's gotta get rid of them." "Well, with you around, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. And it's absolutely wonderful to see you again." "Really? Gee, thanks." Spike lay sleeping soundly next to the bed Twilight had made for Sora. In his hand, the baby dragon clutched a small comic book with the words "Power Ponies" printed on the cover. "So you say you guys actually got sucked INTO one of those comic books?" "Yes. It was quite the adventure. We had to defeat some meniacal villain pony named the Mane-iac with superpowers we gained from being inside the book just to escape." "Wow. Having superpowers must have been a lot of fun." "Not exactly. We needed to learn how to use them before we could really do much with them. Spike helped with that. In fact, he saved us all when the Mane-iac had us trapped without use of our powers." "Wow. The magic here really is astounding." "It certainly is. Coincidentally, what ever happened to your Element of Harmony necklace, Sora?" "I'm not too sure. One day I had it on, despite the tight fit with my human neck, and it just... disappeared." "What day was that?" "About three months ago." "Sora. Do you know what I think happened?" "What?" "Three months ago, when we returned our elements to the Tree of Harmony, your necklace must have sensed that the others were returned to their source, and realizing it would be useless without them, disappeared." "So you think it sensed it, even in a different world?" "Yes. If what you say about the power of the heart is true, and if worlds have hearts, could it be possible that the Elements of Harmony have 'hearts' of their own?" "I suppose.... perhaps. Since the power of the heart, and the power of the magic of friendship can exceed any space, even span entire worlds... maybe that is possible." "Your stories never cease to amaze me, Sora." "Nor do yours, Twilight." "Well, we should probably get to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow." "Right. Good night, Twilight." "Good night, Sora." Sunset Shimmer's Home Ponyville, Equestria Sunset Shimmer lie awake in bed, pondering. "I certainly do feel a bit safer with him here. But why are the Heartless back anyway? Do they want.... me? My heart was weak enough to be susceptible to their control last time. What's stopping them from taking me again this time? No. I can't think that way. I let friendship into my heart. They can't touch me now... can they?" Unknown Alley Canterlot, Equestria "Is he friend, or is he foe, the pony wonders. I can assure you, I am no friend. I am Lord Tirek... and I shall take what should have been mine long ago..." "Wh-what are you... doing?" "Ah yes. It has been a long time since I have felt this kind of power." Canterlot Castle Princess Celestia's Chambers Canterlot, Equestria The Princess of the Kingdom of Equestria awoke, breathing heavily. The doors burst open and her sister, Princess Luna, entered. "Sister, are you all right?" "I've just had the most terrible dream." "Why do you think I am here? You know as well as I that this was NOT a dream, but a vision." "Then we haven't much time. The stronger HE becomes, the more we are all in danger."