Morning rose over Daybreak, and all the guests began to awake. They all were still tired from the other day’s adventure, so everyone was going to relax for the day before anything else happened. Huxley was up rather early, searching for the kitchen or a dining room. As he found said dining room he came across a woman and Unum. “Hello, Unum who’s the woman?” Huxley asked
The woman in question merely looked at Huxley with a death glare. “I’m wearing the same clothes and you don’t recognize me?” She asked.
“Zeke?” Huxley said.
She merely hung her head. “Was the last thing in that accursed book of Rune’s…” Zeke muttered.
“Well we now have a last ditch plan to seduce Core if all else fails.”
Huxley suddenly had the tips of multiple Keyblades pointed at him all over his body. “One. More. Word.” Zeke threatened.
“Okay fine I was joking anyway.”
The next to enter were the five Foretellers, who weren’t wearing their robes. The moment Alex saw ‘Zeke,’ He zipped to ‘his’ side and lean on the wall.
“Well hellloooo there. What’s your name?” He said.
Huxley opened his mouth, but decided to let the scene play out for his own amusement. To his surprise, Zeke gave him a flurty look. “Shanna, you knew in town?” Zeke spoke with a false name… and tone of voice while somehow being flurty.
“The names Alex babe. I lead the Leopardus Union. And I got to say you look… you look…. Where have I seen those clothes before?”
Zeke just broke into a small fit of laughter. “Well that was fun. Sup Alex?” ‘he’ said as Huxley just fell down laughing
“Z-Z…” instead of saying anything, Alex hung his head and slowly walked out of the room. Which was then filled with laughter from his friends.
“Ahahaha! Oh, that's great!” Jenny said. “By the way, what up with all that?”
“I owed Unum… Not gonna lie, best sex ever.” Zeke admitted.
“Well I’m going to miss Zeke, but Shanna’s fun.” Huxley said.
“I’m gonna change back… at the end of the day…” Zeke admitted.
“Spell lasts a while.” Unum clarified.
Lan placed a hand on ‘Shanna’s’ shoulder. “I know you can pull through… Shaunna.” He said with a smirk.
“Unless we’re in hiding, please call me Zeke.” Zeke said.
“No Shanna’s fine.” Huxley said as Keyblades surrounded him again. “Okay Zeke it is.”
Everyone took a seat and soon large trays of various breakfast foods were brought out and placed on the table.
“So... Is there an arena here?” Huxley asked
“Yeah, the Mirage Arena in this reflection, looked like Monstro took a bit out of it, so we salvaged what we could and made our own.” Zeke said.
“Good, after breakfast we should have a legit fight.” Huxley said.
“Sure, didn’t have much else planned other than hide from Rune today.”
“So other than the fight against you two, what is left on the itinerary?” Dan said.
“We’ll I have to bring my Twilight back something...Oh and Elzin wanted to warn you about somethings about what happened in the next few Equestria Girls movies but I don’t know what those are” Huxley said as the Foretellers looked at each other wondering how many movies he could be referring to.
Suddenly the doors open and in walks, much to the surprise of the Foretellers and Huxley, a actual pony with a scar over his right eye which is shut tight. “So you all are eating without me?”
“Did anyone order small talking horse for breakfast?” Huxley asked as Kira walked over and slapped Huxley.
Zeke shot up. “How are you awake already?” He walked over and hugged Eclipse. “Good to see you’re up cousin.”
“So Rune finally convinced you eh? And please don't hug too hard!” Eclipse said with a wince.
“I owed Unum…” Zeke let go of his cousin. “So, care to eat?”
“Okay quick question how are you related to a horse?” Huxley asked
“God.” They both said nonchalantly.
“Okay that need more clarifying.” Huxley said as Zeke cut in
“Josh is Eclipse’s dad on earth. God took him seriously when he asked for a fresh start, and he was reborn as Twilight’s twin in his reflection.” Zeke explained.
“Great I’m going to introduce him to my Twilight just to mess with her” Huxley said walking over and picking up Eclipse.
“No, I have problems refraining from calling my cousin’s wife sister. I am not going to your world to fuck with both of our heads!” He said teleporting to a empty seat.
“Hey that was my seat.” Huxley said there were Keyblades pointed at him again. “Fine, I’ll pick another one.”
The two took a seat, and the meal continued.
In an instant, Kira had appeared next to Eclipse with stars in her eyes.
“Hah~ Go ahead.” Eclipse said. Kira then started petting his mane. To her surprise, Zeke’s reflection Dinky walked up and joined her.
“How old are you anyway?” Huxley asked.
“Physically or mentally? Remember I was reborn.” Eclipse says with a shrug, secretly enjoying the pets.
“Mentally.”
“Let's see here….I was twenty-three and now I’m eighteen… I’m mentally forty one.”
“Kind of hard to believe that when you’re a miniature horse.” Alex said. “Then again, must help lure the kids out of school.”
Alex had a Keyblade hovered over him and dropped right on top of him manhood, to which he winced in pain as he fall off his chair. The meal continued rather normally, and everyone went about normally, and quiet. Afterwards, the groups left to each do something for themselves on their free day.
“So where is a gift shop? I have to get Twilight a gift.” Huxley said looking at a map of the City. “Okay there's the shopping district maybe I could buy Twilight a book?” Huxley said as he went off to the shopping district.
Eclipse stood on a balcony looking out over the empire, only Oathkeeper beside him. “Damn it...I don’t even understand my own dream….” He turned and walked back inside, heading to the room he woke up in.
Zeke felt… oddly accustomed to being female fast. He expected the whole experience to be rather embarrassing and scaring, yet he felt not much different than if he were male. Save for the long hair, and breasts. “So, why am I here again?” Zeke asks as his wives all exit the closet, each holding various clothes.
“Gotta see what you look like all dolled up.” Rarity said. “This is just too good an opportunity to pass love.”
Zeke sighed. “Fine, let’s just hope this doesn’t become a habit.”
“This looks fine.” Huxley said skimming the book. “I wish Twilight was here so she could tell me what boo- Is that what i think it is?” Huxley said, heading into the kids section. “The Kingdom Hearts Manga?” Huxley asked. “Well this is too good to pass up.” He said, picking up all four issues of it.
“Can I help you with something sir?” A clerk asked.
“Yeah I need to find a book for a friend and I saw that this was the favorite book store of Twilight Sparkle, or whatever, she’s going by now and wanted to know if there were any books she would recommend?” Huxley asked
“Well there is the this book on the worlds that she wrote I would recommend that for your friend.” The clerk said as Huxley grabbed the book.
“Sweet.” Huxley said as he made his way to the check out.
Eclipse sat down on his bed, Oathkeeper across the room from him as he holds his head with his front legs. “What did I do…..fuck….nonono….. God no….” He lays down sideways and lets himself cry softly while the time goes by.
Don’t blame yourself Eclipse...You were defending me and Oblivion...he is so over protective that some of it spilled onto you...Her life wasn’t your fault. Oathkeeper spoke to Eclipse.
Eclipse wiped his eye before looking at her. “First off, it is. I could have tried to knock her out, or captured her, hell I could have done anything! But I tried and succeeded in killing her! And second, why can I hear you? I’m not in a Deep Dive.”
Well, to answer the second I only can guess it is because I am connected to your light...and right now your darkness is a hair away from being split from you. Thus my heart is most likely being used as a bandage as it were, connecting us closer than before. Oathkeeper sighed before continuing. And the first is wrong. Yes you could have acted differently, but it was in the moment. No one would be thinking clearly in that kind of situation.
“I killed not only a person, someone that as much as I didn’t know was family, but a unborn child as well! And you expect me to just accept that as okay?! I almost wish I had given into other me just so I wouldn't have to feel this, this guilt!” Eclipse yelled before going quiet. “Please...just leave me alone right now….”
Oathkeeper sighed before going quiet, the slight glow from the sunlight streaming in fading away as Eclipse continued to cry.
Zeke was halfway through the clothing when Unum pulled out a dress. “No I’m not wearing that.” Zeke said sternly.
“But it looks adorable” Twilight said.
“I don’t care if it helps me beat Core I’m not wearing that.” Zeke said.
“Fine lets try this.” Rune said pulling out a skimpy dress.
“What, you want me to dress like the queen of mars?” Zeke frowns.
“Role play.” Luna teases.
“... Rune, you have twisted them.”
“Yes I have!” Rune admits cheerfully.
“What the fuck has Zeke been doing?” Ben mutters to himself, having taken a small walk through town as he saw monsters, humans, and assort of other beings in this massive sprawling city as he started heading to the castle. “I mean seriously...a Goat woman standing in front of a school...a skeleton sleeping in the middle of the road….and I am so thankful to run from that one weird skeleton…” Ben shudders, wondering why that one skeleton kept screaming ‘Wait for me human!’. “And why the fuck did he sound like Skeletor!?” He mutter yelled as he continued his walk to the castle. “I hope I can talk to him and figure out this madness…”
Just as he got to the castle, he was run into by a woman in, oddly familiar clothing… and she fell ontop of him. “Wha- Shit!” She said, jumping off. “Sorry Ben.” She said.
“Uh…” Ben mutters before getting up and seeing this new woman. “Um...I’ve watched too much anime and I’m sorry for doing this but I need to make sure Zeke.” Ben says before stepping over and gently poking Zeke’s breast.
Zeke blushed, slapping Ben. “What the heck?!”
“Okay thank you.” Ben says honestly, rubbing his cheek. “I’m sorry Zeke, I just needed to make sure. So explaination now?”
“Long story short, Unum can’t be more than a mile from me, or she goes into pain, and with our traveling into other dimensions and she found me, I owed her… and payed by doing a lot fetish that was in Rune’s book…”
“I know at least three that no one would ever do which is so sad...I blame my friends for even telling me that…” Ben grumbles. “But hey at least you’re alive, have all your limbs, and don’t smell like Unum’s stomach.” He says, naming off the three fetishes that they didn’t know.
“Either way, I’m just gonna look forward to when the spell wears off and I change back.” Zeke said as he got up. “So, what have you been up to?”
“Oh just taking a stroll around town, seeing a ton of people, running away from an Earthbound fan that sounds like Skeletor.” Ben shrugs. “Seriously this place needs a lot of explanation….I’m so confused right now.”
“Everyone here is either a survivor from a fallen world, or is part of a world that has joined the Unity… I know that sounds kinda like a cult thing, but no, it’s a step towards all the worlds and reflections interacting again.”
“Cause you know, fuck the rules and let’s start trying to make multiverse theory null and void.” Ben says with a shrug. “But I have a feeling there’s a council thing going on…”
“Yeah, I’m a member along with one or two people to represent each world that’s joined.”
“Why do I have a feeling that I’m going to join in on your council?” Ben asks curiously.
“Only if you want to fill out the paperwork.”
“Listen I’m going to have to help Luna with her damned paperwork anyways cause she’ll force me into it anyways.” Ben starts. “I won’t like it but if it helps us all stand together and be even stronger then that’s fine by me. Oh...also I think Core has learned how to shape shift…” He mentions.
“Shit. Where do you think he learned that?”
“No idea. But if you want I’ll tell you and your council what he told me as he pretended to be God. Just to give you a heads up.” He explains.
“Sure, next meeting is a while though. If you want to inform security, talk to either Leon, Cid, or Lord Death.”
“Wait what about Lord Death?” Ben asks curiously. “Like….the one from Soul Eater? That Lord Death? Silly mask, silly sounding voice and is a fun guy to be with?”
“Yeah, he was X’s second wielder.”
Zeke could obviously tell Ben was trying his hardest not to look excited at hearing that. “Well that’s an explanation I’ll need to hear.”
“Long story… the only thing we agree is that his son and one of my daughters are dating… OCD little bastard.”
“Yeah Kid is a great bit OCD...but he’s a nice guy even if he can…get a little too dramatic over seeing something a centimeter out of place.” Ben says sheepishly, his knowledge of the anime helping him out in this situation. “But frankly, if your daughter is happy then power to them. Being protective is fine, but being overprotective is stupid.”
“You know how fucked up my family is right? The one from earth anyway.”
“And I killed one of them so yes I do know how fucked up your earth family is. But who gives a fuck you’re a happy father with sixteen wives. Let’s focus on our new lives alright? Besides,” Ben says before motioning to everything around them. “I’m pretty sure you’re the king of this place even if your apart of a council.”
“If they even try and put a crown on my head I’m bailing.” Zeke says with a chuckle.
“What do you think I did when I got a crown?” Ben asks before pointing to his silver crown.
“Cosplayed as Sora?”
“For some reason the thing won’t stay upright and tilt like it was on Sora’s head but now. I took it and placed it on my head thinking ‘wow I got a crown’. And I’m dating Luna. Sometimes, having a crown just means ‘I have fancy headwear’ not ‘I am king of everything, bow before me!’.” Ben says in a mock impression of a king, which was poor at best.
Zeke just laughed. “To each their own. So… wanna try and have that Twilight Thorn vs Darkside? Then try and bring back more people?”
“I’m pretty sure we have to advertise first cause that fight might scare a lot of people and also make a lot of people see a glorious battle that it’s not even funny.” Ben says. “I’d rather advertise it first just so guards don’t appear and ruin our fun.”
“Well, yeah. We’ll tell Leon and Shining Armor later.”
“Right then.” Ben nods. “Let’s hope they don’t mind giant monster fights...but their guys so they would understand how awesome it is.”
“Yes.” Zeke said as the two shook on it.
“So...time and place...cause both are necessary.” Ben says, wanting to hammer that out before they just summon giant monsters to fight.
“Huh… Ten PM, moon. Seems safest place.”
“Sounds about right.” Ben nods. “We need commentators to help explain the spectacle. I mean Pinkie is fine and all but we need more than just Pinkie to commentate the grand scale of things.”
“Fair enough.” Zeke nods, before the two of them head off to find the right commentator.
“I have the feeling that Zeke’s putting me off.” Huxley said as he returned to his room
“Huxley have you seen Zeke? We need him to wear this dress.” Luna said holding up a ‘dress’.
“No I haven't and is that a dress?” Huxley asked looking at the ‘dress’ that was just two golden bits for the chest and a piece of fabric covering the private area. “I’m pretty sure that's not a dress.” Huxley said as Luna’s ears dropped
“Don’t make me put YOU in this dress.” she said.
“How? That doesn’t even fit me?” Huxley asked.
“Gender change spell.” She said flatly.
“Oh right.” Huxley said nonchalantly. “Anyway I’m actually looking for Zeke myself. He may have forgotten our fight.”
“Oh well if you find him tell him that we’re looking for him.” Luna said as the fifteen of his wives just walked down the hallway.
“Okay then.” Huxley said confused before heading out to immediately find Zeke hiding underneath a park bench. “Hiding from the wives?” Huxley asked
“You have to have seen what they’re trying to get me to wear.” Zeke deadpanned as he gets up. “Sorry I delayed the fight, been hiding and looking for a commentator for… reasons.”
“Giant Monster fight?” Huxley asked to Zeke’s surprise.
“Yeah, good guess.”
“Ben ran up to me and said Giant monster fight.” Huxley said
“Oh yeah. Well, I got time and the wives don’t seem to be here, so to the arena?” Zeke asks, brushing some hair aside. “How do women stand hair this long?”
“I don’t know.” Huxley said as they went to the Arena.
Eclipse wandered the castle, memorising every pathway, trying to do anything to ignore the screaming in his head shouting ‘Murderer! Child killer! Die in a hole!’ “Shut up!” He yelled randomly, startling some passerbys. “Sorry.” He said as they hurried away. Eclipse sighed and continued his self guided tour. “Only the restricted places are not memorised now….”
“Who want’s to see a giant monster fight!?” Eclipse heard a familiar voice call out to the public.
“Giant monsters? Inner geek...calm down…..don't just take off. It may just be nothing….but it could be cool…..fuck it I’m going.” Eclipse said after a short internal argument.
“Oh, hey Eclipse.” Ben says with a little wave to the pony. “Heard me talk about giant monsters fighting?” He asks. “Also how are you doing today?”
“I’m shit, thanks for asking. And I think ponies in MY reflection heard you with how loud you were.” Eclipse stated bluntly.
“I’m not that loud, sorry to hear that your shit but still glad to see you.” Ben says. “Anyways giant monsters are going to fight, want to know what giant monsters are going to fight? And sadly no Godzilla isn’t here.”
Eclipse sighed. “Fine, which ones are fighting?”
“Twilight Thorn vs. Darkside.” Ben says with a smile.
Eclipse’s eye went wide “You have gotta be shitting me.”
“Nope.” Ben says with a smile. “I can summon Nobodies, and I think I’ve got it down enough to summon the thing...I wonder when I can summon a giant dragon next?” Ben wonders to himself happily.
“My god. Okay inner geek, you win this round. Where and when!” Eclipse said excited.
“Ten PM on the Moon. So sadly no giant monsters in the middle of a city but that’s fine enough.” Ben says with a shrug. “And I’m pretty sure there will be some fancy magical crap going on so it’ll all happen. Let’s hope Luna won’t mind a new crater or two appearing there.”
“If this one is anything like mine, she will get over it…...eventually……”
“Well I’m pretty sure they’ll figure it out sooner rather than later.” Ben shrugs.
“So, what has been happening other than the monster fight being planned while I was out?” Eclipse asked, temporarily forgetting his problems.
“So. Much. Shit.” Ben says in a simple, yet slightly exhausted voice. “Like holy hell, so much shit to explain. But long story short, became a master, have a now fully alive heart instead of a partly dead one, finally got masters to help me with my weapon training, my reflections Terra is dating Aqua, and so much other shit that it’s just…” Ben explained rubbed the back of his head.
“Wow, thats alot. I found out who my father was from earth, found out I’m Zeke’s cuz, got a armor upgrade and recently went temporarily insane.” Eclipse said in response.
“Huh...didn’t know. Also...I’m trying not to go insane as well from killing someone...it was a Ventral that probably was the most caring but…” Ben sighs out, not wanting to go down this road.
“They were people….crazy murderous people but still….it's going to take a while to get over…”
“I’m sorry for bringing it up.” Ben says honestly. “But to change the topic...who do you think will win?”
“Honestly? I think it will be close, but my munny’s on Twilight Thorn.” Eclipse says. “Darksiders are more common than a Twilight Thorn and so their strategies are known. Also, Heartless rely on instinct, while Nobodies can strategize. Then you add speed and I think Thorn will win.” Eclipse says, seemingly coming up with this outcome right then and there.
“Makes sense, but as far as I know Darksides rely more on strength than speed so if the thing could get it’s hands on the Twilight Thorn then things might not end well for it.” Ben explains his point.
“Which is more important in a fight, the power of the blow, or the first one to land a blow? If you get the first strike, your enemy is playing catch up from there on out.”
“While that is true sometimes it’s not always true.” Ben says. “You could be fast and smack a strong opponent five times before they could even blink, but if it does about as much as a toothpick does to a brick wall then it hasn’t done much.” Ben shrugs.
“That brings up another thing, do you need someone to tell how much health each one has?” Eclipse asks.
“Actually now that you say that...none of us has Scan.” Ben frowns. “I mean we could normally tell because of battle damage that’s on the surface but...by that standpoint we have no way to tell how much health something has.”
“Well then, I guess I should say that God gave me the Scan ability huh?” Eclipse smirks.
“Ya know…” Ben starts. “What would happen if God forgot to tell us we can open a menu and then check our stats, equipment, and skills? Cause I’m feeling like that’s a little something we should have...cause battle experience alone is great but sometimes it can’t hurt to double check with a little magical screen telling us what we have and what skills we have.”
Eclipse shrugs. “Because this is reality and not a game? I don't even know how I can tell enemy hp...I just know.”
“Try focusing and say ‘Scan’ like you're casting a spell.” Ben suggests. “I suppose I’ll be the guinea pig here.”
Eclipse nods and focus his eyes on Ben, focusing in everything including body language. “Scan!” Eclipse says as his eyes emit a faint glow. “Wow….that worked? I'm surprised it did.”
“How much health do I have?” Ben asks. “Do you notice any weaknesses? Strengths? What?”
“Well, you have about as many bars as Sephiroth, maybe more if my memory is wrong, and other than knowing your body language and muscle movement, I can't see any the way your thinking.” Eclipse explains.
“Well at least we know it’s not like Final Fantasy to say the least.” Ben shrugs. “But I wonder if the rest of us could learn that ability sooner or later...also how the fuck do I have over 12 bars of health?” He asks curiously, finding that health amount a tad too big for someone like him.
The five Foretellers were taking a leisurely stroll through Daybreak. Taking in all of the sights that the Empire had to offer.
“Wow, this place looks pretty nice.” Dan said.
“Yeah, we didn’t get a chance to actually tour around when we were last here.” Jenny said. “It looks good for a once post-apocalyptic wasteland.” The others agreed. While touring, they started to remember what happened back in the Realm of Darkness.
“So you all remember the footage back in the lab right?” Lan asked, with the others nodding. “So what do you think?”
“It was a surprise really.” Dan said. “It was obvious that that wasn’t the same lab that they kept Crow, or even did the experiment. It was probably all imported to stage the trap.”
“Which means that Crow is in another Realm of Darkness.” Alex finished.
“Well, if worst come to worst, then we can just ask Zeke if we can look at other reflections. But we still need to narrow it down. There could hundreds of reflections.” Jenny said.
Lan agreed. “Well all we can do is work through it. For now, let’s just enjoy our down time.” With that, they continued their walk.
“Oh, hello.” Ben says while walking towards the group. “How are you all doing?” He asks, trying to strike up a friendly conversation.
“Hey Ben,” Lan greeted. “We’re just touring around. How about you?”
“Oh just walking around, telling everyone about the giant monster fight that’s taking place on the moon. Ya know, the usual.” Ben says with a smile.
“Giant Monster fight? What does that mean?”
“Twilight Thorn versus a Darkside.” Ben answers. “Me and Zeke talked about it before one time and we’re finally getting around to it.”
“Wow really!?” Alex yelled. “I want to see that! When is it?”
“Ten PM.” Ben answers again. “So who do you think will win? Speed and strategy, or Strength and Instincts?”
“I lean towards speed more.” Alex says
“Ditto” Dan agreed.
“I think strength is gonna be the winner. Their more sturdy and take more hits.” Jenny said.
“I can’t decide really.” Kira shrugged.
“I feel like they’d both be on equal ground. I guess the match will answer everything.” Lan said.
“And my answer to that is this fight will be awesome and who cares who wins cause giant monsters are fighting...too bad Godzilla won’t be apart of it though...but that would be overkill.” Ben chuckles, remembering how stupid strong that overgrown lizard was. “Anyways which Equestria do you come from?” Ben asks honestly, having a good feeling that they came from an Equestria like Zeke and Eclipse.
“Technically it’s not Equestria. We’re from the Equestria Girls Universe. It’s a bit like our world, except more peaceful.”
“Wait you mean that human thing that was gonna come out in 2013?” Ben asks curiously. “I do remember there were trailers about it, looked fine enough...but if a normal person were to go there they’d think everyone was high.” Ben frowns. “I mean seriously, humans having those personalities and color schemes? Don’t you think that’s a tad silly and weird?”
“We all got picked up by God and given Keyblades. Now fighting an ultimate evil, and you’re probably dating one of the main cast if the pattern is keeping up. Is that really the weirdest thing to ask about now?” Jenny said sarcastically.
As they were talking a voice called out to them “Hey!” the voice shouted as they turned to see Huxley out of breath.
“Huxley? Why you in a rush?” Lan asked.
“Have you seen Zeke he ran away when he saw his wives and that guy can run fast when he’s scared.” Huxley said.
“Well not that anybody else noticed, but I saw him dive into a trash can a while ago.” Dan said. “That was a couple blocks back.”
“Hopefully he’s still there, Thanks.” Huxley said running off.
“Wrong way.” Dan said as Huxley went to the other direction.
“Why did you tell him it was a few blocks away?” Kira asked. “He’s in that trash can over there.” She pointed to one near by.
“I thought it would be funny.” Dan said with a smirk. “You can come out dude.”
They saw Zeke exit the the trash can, stumbling as she walked over to them. “Thanks.” He said, exhausted.
“So when is the spell gonna wear off anyways. You can’t keep hiding from your wives for very long.” Jenny said.
“Not until around eleven or twelve.”
“Well you better keep hiding. I’m pretty sure I see Luna coming down the street.” Alex said.
“Yeah I’d better run…” Ben says worriedly.
Zeke’s response was collapsing on her knees. “You try running all day… Damn, either I’ve gone soft, or the female body is making me more tired than I’d normally get?”
“Need some help?” Ben asks, willing to lend aid to the exhausted Zeke.
“Sure.” Zeke said as Ben helped her up. “Man I don’t feel right.”
“Here. This will help.” Kira said, casting a Curaga on Zeke.
“Thanks… still got that stomach ache though… Must have been number forty on that list…”
“I don’t want to know Zeke.” Ben frowns, helping Zeke run from Luna.
“Well that was interesting.” Lan said. “Well, let’s just get back to our tour. I’m sure that Cafe Twilight told me about is around here somewhere.”
With that, they continued their day.
“Where is he?” Huxley asked outloud. ”Maybe I should go back to the foretellers and ask what street it was on?” It was at that moment, someone rammed into him.
“Sorry Huxley.” Zeke said, helping him up.
“Thanks, wait I thought you were in the dumpster?” Huxley asked confused
“Was, got out, running again… Oh, we still gotta have that fight…”
“And I’m here to help Zeke run from his wives...and I suppose I’ll be a makeshift referee for this encounter.” Ben chimes in.
“Okay if you're the ref I want to make it clear only one keyblade for Zeke.” Huxley said as Zeke looked at him.
“Makes sense.” Ben says while thinking a moment more. “Okay so this is a friendly match, no deadly blows and if either of you can’t fight anymore or I think the fight should stop before it get’s out of control I will stop you both alright?”
“Seems fair.” Zeke said, summoning Master Keeper.
“What about summoning?” Ben asks curiously. “I think that should also not be apart of this match…”
“I don’t know any summoning spells, what about you Huxley?”
“Nope, no spells...unless wayfinders count which I don’t think they do?” Huxley said
“I was meaning you can’t summon Heartless Zeke.” Ben frowns.
“Oh…” Zeke said. “Alright, I only do that for special reasons anyway.”
“Alright so we fighting here or should we disguise you to get to the arena?”
Zeke snapped her fingers, a DTL opening up. “This will take us to the arena, we can fight there fine.” She said, walking into it, followed by the others.
“Sweet.” Huxley said, walking into the DTL “This is bigger than I imagined.” Huxley said in amazement.
“Then apparently you haven’t been to a stadium before.” Ben says.
“I’ve only been to the Coliseum.” Huxley said
“Well, it’s actually just a bunch of single rooms set up like mini versions of the Mirage arena.” Zeke said.
“I wonder what would happen if we all had teams for the Mirage Arena. If memory serves those fights are actually quite challenging.” Ben says, wondering what’ll happen if they all teamed up to beat the tournaments there.
“Meh, come on, let’s go find an empty arena room.” The three walked inside and found one quickly. Zeke entered a few things in then she, Ben and Huxley entered the room. A bright light blinded them for a moment before they found themselves in the Olympus Coliseum. “Feel familiar?”
“Yeah now let’s begin.” Huxley said pulling out Key to Avalon and three wishes.
“Hey! I only get one, but you get two?”
“One out a thousand. It only seems fair.”
“Yet Zeke’s only using one as per the rules, wouldn’t it be fair if you only used one?” Ben asks.
“Fine.” Huxley said, unsummoning Three wishes. “Let’s go.” Huxley said casting “Ifrit” Huxley shouted as flames surrounded him.
Zeke held Master Keeper, waiting for Huxley to strike first. ”He’s gotten pretty strong… I wonder how strong though?” Zeke thought.
Before Zeke could react Huxley jumped out of the fire and looked different more monstrous with his keyblade acting as a tail.
“Well shit.” Zeke said, deflecting an attack. Zeke jumped into the air, throwing Master Keeper into a Reflect Raid, striking Huxley three times before he blocked the rest.
“Burn.” Huxley said as he took a deep breath and launched a fireball at Zeke.
Zeke took a blocking stance, and right before the Fireball made contact, he was surrounded in a dome of Keyblades. “Uhhh. I didn’t summon them!” She called out.
“What in the world?” Ben asks, summoning his keyblade and shield just in case he’ll need it. “Know why they were summoned?” He asks worriedly.
“Nope. I was just getting ready to block, then all these guy’s just appeared by themselves. They’ve never done that before.” Zeke admitted.
“You can let Keyblades talk through you right? Well let’s have X talk or one of them can talk…” Ben says. “Maybe it has something to do with your stomach problem and maybe your little...weakened state.” He says, not entirely sure what’s going on.
“Alright.” Zeke said, the Keyblades disbanding the dome and floating around her. She placed a hand on one. “What’s the deal?” Protect. Was all that came out from the Keyblade speaking to Zeke. “It just says protect... “
“Okay...that didn’t help. Maybe my Keyblade could tell us.” Ben says while raising his weapon up. “I hope it can talk through you...even though it’s technically me.” He says, hoping it could help tell them what’s wrong.
“You are with child.” Huxley said in a deep voice
“Wait WHAT!?!” Ben shouts, looking at Zeke suddenly, worry plastered all over his face at this sudden revelation.
“Beast sense’s. I smell a second heart within you” Huxley said.
Zeke’s face turned a deep shade of pink… before Keyblades appeared everywhere. “I”M GONNA KILL UNUM!!!” She screamed, breaking a nearby wall and it somehow leading to outside the arena.
“Holy fuck!” Ben shouts. “Uh...listen Zeke, I know this is sudden and I can understand your anger, but can you not kill her? Please?” Ben asks worriedly, starting to slowly move towards the exit so he could get out and warn Unum quickly.
Huxley quickly changed back and ran up to Zeke. “Whoa calm down buddy you’re going to hurt the baby.” Huxley said, not making things better.
Zeke’s response was every Keyblade out slashing at Huxley, rendering him unconscious before all of them even hit him.
“Oooooh fuck…” Ben says worriedly, raising his shield in worry. “Uh...Zeke? Um...want to go get something to eat? Maybe do something to distract you from….beating me or hurting Unum a lot?” He says, hoping to get something through her blind rage right now. To his shock, Zeke’s eyes changed, one glowed a bright white, and the other pulsated with darkness. “Uh...hello?” He asks, hoping that was still Zeke and not something worse.
To his further surprise, her hair turned blue. “Damn, that was close.”
“Okay what the fuck is going on?” Ben says worriedly.
“It’s me, the X-blade, I can take over Zeke’s body if needed… and she really didn’t make this take over easy.”
“Okay so how do you want to handle this sudden situation?” Ben frowns.
At this point Huxley woke up. “Man that hurt.” Huxley said running to Ben. “So why is Zeke’s hair blue?”
“That is X controlling her body...and thank god because I was scared I was going to get beaten way too much.” Ben says while keeping his shield up just in case.
“You’re lucky I finally managed to take control… At that much rage and power Zeke was accessing from his heart, me, and the other Keyblades, she could have killed Core in a fight.”
“To be honest that doesn’t sound helpful right now. So anyways...want us to warn Unum?” He asks X.
“You warn Unum I’ll find the Foretellers and Eclipes just incase Zeke breaks through.” Huxley said getting on a Keyblade glider.
“Don’t worry about her breaking out, when I take over Zeke loses consciousness. Until I give control back, she’s out like a light.”
“Okay then…” Ben says while lowering his shield. “Well...we should still warn Unum about all of this…” Ben frowns. “Christ, and here I thought this would have been a simple day…”
“Come on, let’s go for a walk, I usually just see things from what Zeke is doing, so moving around myself will be a nice change.” X said as they walked out of the hole and into Daybreak, followed by Ben.
“Well...I suppose it would be nice to talk with you X.” Ben says honestly. “By the by...what do you think about my Keyblade?” He asks, showing X his Keyblade.
“Frankly, it’s not a real Keyblade unless some Grandfather Light is forged within it, it’s sorta like a copy, since a Keyblade is only it’s Keychain, that Keychain lacks Grandfather Light.”
“Well...I suppose that makes sense. Cause this keyblade was...forged from a piece of my heart.” Ben explains.
“I know, it sounds just like you.”
“Alright...I just hope Reunion isn’t saying anything silly.” Ben says sheepishly.
“It doesn’t say much, but when it does talk, it’s mentioning the things it’s been through since it was forged… gotta say, where or how Core made a Keyblade forge I’ll never know.”
“Well it’s worrying when you think about it...I just hope we can stop his forge or his forging technique to stop him from just making as many as he wants.” Ben says with a frown.
“Again, without Grandfather Light, or Darkness, they’re not real Keyblades.”
“It’s real enough...but anyways how’s it feel being wielded by Zeke?” Ben asks curiously.
“Honestly, refreshing. Even Mors, er, Lord Death, was kinda a pushover in the beginning. Zeke grew up to be a killer, but only will kill to protect what he loves. Having an experienced fighter from the get-go is nice.”
“I have Unum and I already told her that Zeke got knocked up.” Huxley said dropping of Unum from his Keyblade Glider.
“I am so sorry- why is X taking control?” Unum asked.
“Because she would have killed you if X didn’t...did I forget that part?” Huxley said.
“All I heard was I knocked up my husband and that was it.” Unum admitted. “I didn’t think those spells were fertil… crap, then the spell won’t wear off till… I’m not actually sure. I’ll need to ask Rune.”
“I don’t know much about magic but I’m pretty sure the spell will stop taking effect after a day or so after birth…” Ben says, taking a wild guess but it seemed like a good guess either way.
“I guess that sounds about right.” Unum said. “Crap… well, I did number seventy… and that was one I tried not to do…”
“I don’t want to know.” Huxley said as the Foretellers arrived.
“Oh, hey guys.” Ben says, trying to change the subject from Rune’s fetishes.
“We came as soon as we heard. So is it really true? And why is her hair different?” Kira asked.
“His hair is different because it’s the X-blade in control and yes she is pregnant I was the one that told her.” Huxley said as they wondered how he could tell.
“Well that is very interesting.” Dan said, “So I’m guessing that she was pretty mad.”
“He wanted to murder Unum.” Huxley said.
“Alright, I guess the best option we have now is to go to the Palace and tell everyone else. Should we keep him captive until he calms down?” Lan asked.
“I’m not giving control back to Zeke til we can make sure when I do, she’s calm.”
“Alright. Then to the palace.”
“Yeah I actually have a bit to talk about with all of you.” Ben says, remembering he had to talk to the council about stuff...before stopping. “Waitwaitwait...did you say one of your wielders was Lord Death?” He asks, a small amount of giddiness starting to show up.
“Yeah, his name was Mors back then, was human too, lost a fight with Core, world split into the other worlds, multiverse, and because he became a grim reaper, his heart was out of balance, and lost the ability to wields me.”
“Well….that’s a whole bunch of something.” Ben says, his eyes wide at hearing such a thing. “Didn’t...know that.”
“Yeah, Lord Death is from the generation that survived the world breaking into many. So that makes him just a few trillion years younger than Core and God.”
“My reflections Discord and Celestia and Luna’s parents said they were survivors of the Keyblade war…” Ben says honestly. “There nice people don’t worry but...just thought I’d mention it.”
“Lots of people lost their lives that year, yeah, the war lasted a year. You can say almost every Keyblade has PTSD just remembering a small thing about it.”
“I am so sorry.” Ben says quickly, not liking how he made them remember something so horrid. “There’s so many questions I have...yet I doubt I’ll be able to learn much…” He says, not sure if he could ask X any questions about the past and if that would at all cause bad things to happen.
“Let’s not dawdle on the past for now. We need to make our way to the palace.” Dan said. “And If you are curious about the War, then we could tell you at a later time.” He offered.
“You all have a lot to explain about all this ‘Foreteller’ crap, and Luxu has a lot of crap to explain as well, and hopefully you all could talk to him.” Ben says.
“Oh yeah, we have some questions for Master Luxu too.” Alex added.
“By the by...should I ask what he stored here? Cause he said that he shoved something here and made sure Core couldn’t reach it...know why?” Ben asks curiously, remembering Luxu talked about golf clubbing this place away as far as he could to keep it away from Core.
“We’ll explain on the way.”
“So you're telling me…” Ben takes a deep breath. “That this Master of Masters decided to craft the most dangerous, most deadly, and most whatever else Keyblade just because he was scared of X?” Ben frowns. “This thing can revoke existence better than Memory Stealer.” Ben says worriedly.
“That’s about the size of it.” Jenny said. “He explained it all himself when we found the damn thing.”
“Why the hell would Jesus make something so fucking demonic?” Ben frowns, remembering that the Master of Masters is God's son. “Um...did you know about the Masters father being God?” He asks curiously.
“Yeah we already know. And he made it because he was afraid that X-blade would appear again, also if Master Ava failed her role in spreading the light after the War had consumed all worlds in darkness.” Lan explained.
“Then it's a good thing this Master Ava or whatever did her job right.” Eclipse says walking up to the group.
“Yes. If it wasn’t for her and her students, then the worlds would still be coated in darkness.” Kira said seriously.
“Yeah, I wasn't dissing her. That was a complement, trust me.” Eclipse says in response to the hostility.
“Anyways.” Ben says, not wanting a bad thing to start here. “Besides the Master deciding to make an existence ender...mind telling me about all of the stuff that happened before the War?” He asks, wanting to know more about what happened before the war happened.
“Well the original Foretellers were the students of the Master of Masters. Before he and Luxu disappeared, he gave each of his students a role. Ira to lead them, Aced to be his second in command, Invi to watch over them, Gula do decipher the Book of Prophecies, and Ava to gather and teach the Dandelions. All while gathering their Unions and training exceptional keyblade users. After they discovered a Nightmare Chirithy, the Foretellers began to distrust each other. One thing lead to another, and that started the Keyblade war. Between the Masters and their Unions. The only Union that didn’t participate was Master Ava’s Union as she released her Dandelions, and went after Luxu.” Lan explained.
“That…” Ben starts. “That sounds like the stupidest fucking soap opera I have ever heard.” He says with a frown. “I’m sorry I know it’s something that’s deep and meaningful but holy fuck.”
A DTL opened behind Ben, and Luxu walked out. “Dude, insult that stuff again, and I will kill you.” Luxu said, his tone one of anger.
“I didn’t mean to offend…” Ben says honestly.
“Yes you did…”
“I suppose it would seem that way to someone that’s lived through it.” Ben sighs out. “Anyways what are you doing Luxu?”
“Duh, as for why I’m here, I came to see the ghost’s again.” Luxu looked at the Foretellers. “I take it you saw the Hall of Sins?”
“Yeah, we did when we rose the tower back up.” Alex said. “And we’re not ghosts. We have names.”
“To me, you're ghost’s of people I once knew. You see the rest of the hall?”
“The hell about a hall?” Ben frowns, not entirely sure about this part.
“It’s where my reflection’s and I all placed our friends robes and Keyblades to rest, as well as the boxes.”
“Well then…” Ben frowns. “I wonder how much more very important crap I’m missing…”
“Well he did say boxes. So was there more than the Void blade the Master wanted to hide?” Dan asked.
“Myself and dad had reflections, so yes. Lot’s to hide. Void was just the worst of them. Each box holds something dark, costing them all to lose their hearts and bodies. All that you see them as now is a Lingering Will.”
“Wait...Lingering Will? I thought that was just Terra’s armor acting on it’s own?” Ben asks in confusion.
“A lingering will is like a ghost possessing something.” Luxu explained.
“I turned my reflections Lingering Will back into Terra and now something is telling me that was a bad idea.” Huxley said.
“My Terra is back to normal but...his armor is still probably in the Graveyard...or not because of that really weird situation where a crystal coffin holding Ventus there appeared….” Ben frowns.
“Maybe, who knows. So, ghosts, wanna see the other boxes?” Luxu asked.
“I...suppose.” Ben says honestly. “I might regret it but I might as well know. I’m missing so much info as is….”
“Good, oh, as for bringing a Lingering Will back to life, it’s just getting them what they lost back.” Luxu explained. “Now then, let’s head to the Hall of Sins.”
“Let’s a go.” Ben says as he tagged along to find this Hall of Sins.
“Find me before you wake Zeke up I’m going out.” Huxley said as his stomach growled.
“You all head on, explain it all to Zeke later, I’m gonna help his wives prepare for when she wakes up.” X said, walking off.
“I’m going to head off aswell, besides, I need to tell you something X….in private.” Eclipse said
“So I guess it's just the rest of us.” Alex said. “And I’m really curious what else the Master of Masters had up his sleeve.”
“I wonder what wonders I’ll have to purge from my memory. Also Luxu...you do know that the ‘Hall of Sin’ sounds like an actual dungeon from the Diablo series right?” Ben asks.
“Diablo? What’s that dick gotta do with this?” Luxu asked.
“I mean the game Diablo, not that bastard.” Ben says. “Ya know, the top down dungeon crawler made by Blizzard?” He explains, hoping Luxu knew about it. “Actually...now that I think about it in some worlds have video games about other worlds?” Ben asks with a frown, finding that little trail of thought quite interesting.
“Let’s not get distracted.” Lan intervened. “To the Hall of Sins.”
“Sorry man.” Ben says sheepishly. “I’m...getting into too many tangents now a days...with a side of philosophy for some weird ass reason.”
The group of Luxu, the five Foretellers, and Ben arrived in the Hall of Sins. The room looked to be untouched since the last time Zeke and the others were there.
“Now then” Luxu said, gaining everyone’s attention. “Where do you think the other boxes are?”
“Where?” Dan asked.
“It's in another chamber connected to this one.” Luxu said, summoning Gazing Eye.
“What chamber? I don’t see another room.” Jenny said.
Luxu struck the floor with his Keyblade, and In a flash, there was a small spiral staircase appeared where the floor was. “I like to call it, ‘Hell’.” Luxu said as he walked down the stairs.
“Well let’s see if it lives up to the name.” Ben mutters to himself as he followed Luxu down the stairs, along with the rest of the party.
The group walked down for a while, finally exiting into a massive, dimly lit room, where black boxes like the one Void was in were placed in aisles, with each having a Gazing Eye and a tattered black cloak resting on them. “I’m the only one who walked out of here. The last Luxu of all the reflections of me...” Luxu said.
“The other you’s died? How’d that happen if you’re still here?” Alex asked.
“...When we all came here, you can imagine we all weren’t in the best mental state…I walked away, because I didn’t want to die...“
“Oh…” Ben mutters, now understanding full well why Luxu called this ‘Hell’. “That’s...can we agree to never tell Time about this?” He asks Luxu worriedly.
“Agreed. Now then, each box holds something different, something dark. That’s why we hid them all here, they’re all weapons, some worthy of being Core’s, others that have no reason to exist. This room, is the devil’s arsenal.”
“...” Ben takes a breath. “Um...wow...this is...pretty fucked up…” He frowns, not entirely sure if he want’s to start looking through the boxes. “But...why do I have a feeling one of these has plans for some demon golem army or something…” Ben asks, just naming off a random thing that could exist in here.
“It could be. From what we saw last time, it couldn’t be any more dangerous that the Void blade.” Lan said.
Luxu kicked open a box, knocking over the rusted Gazing Eye and tattered cloak on it in the process. Inside, was a small pistol, with a Heartless symbol on it. “Experiment 0894-BA… the Heartless gun… rather than dying when shot, instant heartless, never needs to be reloaded, instant dark army for the holder.” Luxu said.
“Oh.” Ben mutters. “That’s...special. But um...is all the items here made of Darkness?” Ben asks. “No experiments made using Nothingness?” He asks, his morbid curiosity sadly getting to him.
Luxu walked over to another box, and flicked it open also. Inside, was a sword that looked like it was made from glass. “Experiment G8529-R3… the End… one hit, a cut, enemy becomes a Nobody, and their heart… destroyed.”
“Well this room certainly earned its name.” Dan said. “Were all of these just for experiments or is there a purpose? Besides putting the world in more danger by them existing in the first place.”
“Purpose?” Luxu chuckled coldly. “Everything in here, it’s purpose, was to end it all… just because my father feared the X-blade. Void was his worst one… second to none… not even Experiment one.”
“What’s the first experiment?” Kira asked
Luxu merely pointed up, as everyone looked up, they nearly screamed at the massive eyeball staring at them. “Experiment one…the God of the Void…or, at least, an artificial Void.”
“Why in the name of the nine hells did he decide to make a god like Beholder!?” Ben asks, fear filling his voice as he stared at the giant eye.
“The Void does contain life, far more dangerous and evil than anything the realms of Darkness, or Core, could ever make. If one was to access that power… I need not say more.”
“So...Void Lords and Eldritch beings do exist…” Ben says worriedly. “That’s...not good.”
“God and Core, before they became what they are now, had a younger brother, he fell into Void, Experiment one… was born from grandfather's own blueprints my dad found… and he made it reality.”
“I…” Ben starts. “For some reason...I feel like I should know who that is...but I don’t know why.” Ben frowns, rummaging through his head on where he might have heard of someone who has the powers of the Void.
“In any case, you all now know just how dangerous everything in here is…so make sure…if you ever need to use anything here…know that you accept nothing short of hell for using the things in here.”
“Memory Stealer isn’t anywhere near this…” Ben mutters worriedly, thinking that Xion’s keyblade was already stupid strong but seeing this hell it feels like he was holding a normal stick compared to an arsenal of the damned.
“Dad wanted to create weapons, to kill gods… he succeeded. He made weapons fit for devils.”
“To think, the Master of Masters would make these weapons. He taught you and the original Foretellers and inspired their Unions. This, isn’t befitting of a true Keybearer.” Lan said sadly.
“You know what he, and all his reflections told my reflections? About what was in our boxes… he said this to all of us… ‘they’re peacekeepers.’” Luxu said angrily. “And we were dumb enough to believe it.”
“Well...if he told you the truth you’d probably smack him and tell him to destroy it…” Ben says. “It still doesn’t excuse this hellish amount of weapons that don’t deserve to exist to begin with but still…”
“Yeah... there is only one thing he made, that could come close to redeeming him…” Luxu reached into his cloak, and pulled out a scroll. “Blueprints… for a Keyblade Forge.”
“X said you needed Grandfather Light to make Keyblades…” Ben says, still not a hundred percent on this whole ‘make keyblades without light’ part.
“That’s what makes this one invention amazing…place Grandfather light, no matter how small, into its fire… and it will make it grow, and multiply. This forge, can bring back the Grandfather Light.”
“That sounds...both amazing...and yet scary that he somehow figured out how to make a primordial entity grow and multiply…” Ben says honestly.
“It’s not complete though, it’s missing one thing… a rather sadistic missing piece…”
“What is it?” Lan asked.
“The heart, of the X-blades wielder…”
“Ya know...I thought it would have been the Heart of a world and all that inhabited it...but that seems equally sadistic for some reason…” Ben says with a frown, not sure why he thought of something like that.
“Do me a favor… don’t tell Zeke about it, he’ll try and work around it…and fail. Only a balanced heart can make the forge operate, power it… I’d rather not he know this is how every Keyblade forge is made…”
“Don’t worry. We’ll keep quiet.” Lan said. “What do we do with the blueprints though? There is a chance he’ll find them.”
“Luxu is on my reflection of Equestria so Zeke won’t always see him so there’s that...and I’m pretty sure Luxu would sooner cleave a world in half then have that scroll get into anyone’s hands other than his…” Ben explains.
“Even so… Gazing eye has shown me that you find Core’s forge, that one he modified with darkness… that event will drive Zeke to his limit.”
“Well thank you for answering my question on Core having his own Keyblade forge...cause X said that my keyblade is just a copy of one…” Ben explains.
“Not a copy, just… incomplete.”
“Now that we’ve seen… everything, we should head to where the others are. We’ve been here quite a while. And I’d rather not be in this room any longer than I have to.” Lan said coldly.
Luxu snapped his fingers, opening a DTL. “Yeah, I gotta go. Told Time I was heading to the bathroom and it’s been awhile since then now.” Luxu said as he entered, the DTL closing as he walked in.
“Well then...who want’s ice cream? Cause I want ice cream to help drown my brain from that horrifying mess…” Ben says while clapping his hands. “Also sorry that Luxu had to go...he has a girlfriend now.”
“We get it… well I get it.” Lan said. “So, we should be on our way.”
The rest of the party had swiftly left Hell.
Eclipse walks with X for a while without saying anything before saying. “I'm just going to come out and say it… two things. First, I can't summon Oblivion. Second….it's about the person I killed.”
X stopped walking, and stood there for a time. “Your heart… it’s trying to split. Back in the day, we called that ‘Split Core’. When darkness and light in a heart is trying to come apart by themselves. I am curious though… what happened to Oblivion?”
“I….I watched my darkness consume his Keychain. The darkness also took away his free will, saying that although Oblivion is a Keyblade of light, it draws power from darkness.”
X was visibly struggling to keep calm. “Oblivion is a Twin Keyblade, Oathkeeper keeps him in check, while he is made from light, his power is connected to the darkness in his wielders heart. Oathkeeper draws from the light only, the two were middle children, made to replace me until a wielder of my own showed up for me. In other words, they are the balance keepers when I am not around.”
“I...I'm so sorry...I can tell Oath is keeping her sadness and anger bottled up, but my darkness point blank said, one more tug on my heart, and he comes free. I can't help her.”
“A Keyblade without it’s free will and mind… becomes close to a fallen Keyblade, in your understandable equivalent… of a demon. As for your heart, yes. One tug, one his over the heart, your darkness will escape from you. Now then… I saw Oathkeepers dents.” X’s tone was dark.
“The first ones were from….the kill...the others were my darkness when we fought...I didn't think a Keyblade could dent.” Eclipse says, still perplexed by that fact.
“We may be powerful, but even we face mortality, injuries. While age isn’t the issue, it’s about the impacts that can do us in. For every bit of darkness we destroy with our wielders, we both grow stronger… if the darkness is too strong for us to handle, we bend, twist, crack, shatter… die. Seems your opponent and your darkness were too strong for the both of you… what triggered this?”
“I...I killed one of the Ventrals….in anger after she dented Oathkeeper. Oblivion was screaming for her blood and I noticed she was wary whenever I struck near her stomach….I used stopga despite knowing how draining it is and struck with the intent to kill….I killed both her...and her child.” Eclipse said, his breath becoming heavy as If he was about to throw up. “After that...the killing mood….and you can guess the rest…”
X was silent for a long time. “So, you admit killing an unborn child to a council member… while I won’t punish you for the killing of the woman… her child is another story… that, you will be punished for.”
“I figured that would be the case...and I wouldn't have it any other way….even Oath shut up when I brought up that fact.” Eclipse said, looking at the ground.
“I don’t think Zeke or the council should know about this… but… was this the girl?” X pulled out the pendant Ben gave Zeke, and showed the pictures to Eclipse.
Eclipse nods sadly. “Yes, her name was Kristy.”
“If Zeke’s memories are right… she had one dream… aside from robbing every bank in Australia.”
“I believe it...they are human. Bad people, but human just the same. And humans dream.” Eclipse says shakily. “What...what was hers?”
“To be a mom.”
“Heh...so not only did I take her life...but I stole her dream…” Eclipse says, tears forming in his eyes. “Damn it….”
“Now then… what should your punishment for killing an unborn child be?”
“Nothing is too much for that… hell, I'd give myself a life sentence. But something tells me you have a different plan.”
“A life sentence sounds good… from now on, you’re sentenced to life in caretaking.” X said, a smirk across the face he was controlling.
“I….what?” Eclipse says, confused.
“You heard me. When you get back to your reflection, open an orphanage, and take care of every lost child you come across… till you die. Understood? You ended a life not yet lived, so your punishment will be to help and aid those that need it in the beginning of theirs.”
“I… I understand. I don't think I'm...the one to raise children but I understand.” Eclipse says, still confused, but glad he is getting some kind of punishment.
“Good then, now, mind doing me a favor?”
“Depends on the favor.” Eclipse responds.
“I’m heading over to Zeke’s wives to give control back to her… mind when she wakes up, you keep her from strangling Unum? She kinda knocked her up.”
Eclipse stared blankly at X for a moment before bursting out laughing .“Oh gods...Sure X, I'll help.”
“Great, wanna know something only I know, well, Kingdom Hearts and I know? It’s about Zeke.”
“I'll bite, what is it?”
“Zeke is a human Keyblade, you know this, but the kind of Keyblade he… she is… it’s a human version of me… and so will her child… you understand that there’s only meant to be one of me in existance, now there’s gonna be three. You know what that means?”
“The multiverse is fucked when that child hits puberty?”
“Ha! Not quite. None of Zeke’s other children were born like… me, only this one… which makes me thing only the ‘direct’ descendants of Zeke can be like me, if that happens… need I say more?”
Dawning realisation hits Eclipse upside side the head. “The child will have a balanced heart. And have access to Kingdom Hearts...oh fuck.”
“Not just that, if this child is born female, then she might have another X-blade child. Half Keyblades are one thing… but human X-blades… they’re demigods.”
“If this kid is female….Zeke will have given birth to the Keyblade variant of the Alicorns...holy hell….”
“Exactly. If that happens, that’s a positive, and negative.”
“I can see how. Positive, you have a race of balancers. Downside is exactly that, a race of balance. One kid becomes too goody two shoes, and one will end up being a villain. In fighting amongst family over something as natural as breathing for them. And with access to Kingdom Hearts and now the multiverse…..” Eclipse stops that train of thought.
“Yeah… frightens me and Kingdom Hearts both, but, if it happens, it happens.”
“As most time travel movies state, you can’t change the past, only add to it. What's done is done.”
“Yeah. Now, come on, we’re close to Zeke’s bedroom, and I’m sure Unum told them what happened already, so you just keep Zeke from going crazy, alright?”
“Worst case scenario, I use stopga and deal with the migraine from hell the next morning.”
The two made it to Zeke’s bedroom, Zeke’s wives were there. Some were nervous, others were chuckling. X layed Zeke’s body on the bed and closed their eyes, Zeke’s hair quickly changing back to blond. “I fucked up…” Unum said.
“Hey, don't blame yourself. From what X told me on the way here, this is a small thing that could have happened after going that far from you.” Eclipse says
“I didn’t think those spells were fertile…” Rune said. “It’s kinky, but still unexpected.”
“Well, what's done is done. Lets hope momma Zeke here thinks the same when she wakes up.” Eclipse said comically.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. “I wonder if when the kid is older, are they gonna forever gonna call Zeke mom, or dad?”
“That….. is a very good question.”
“I just hope the child is born healthy.” Toriel said. “In my world, some monsters change their gender at will to reproduce, but this is a human so… I’m not sure.”
“It is also magic, and despite my many magic lessons, I have come to the conclusion that magic doesn't care if it makes sense, it does what it wants. As long as he stays a she for the term, I don't see what could go wrong.”
“Core.” Fluttershy said, worried. “If they somehow attack… Unversed can already managed to be on Daybreak, but if they show up… with Zeke like this…”
“Flutters, if there is one thing you of all people should know, is don't fuck with a momma, especially while pregnant. That's asking to die.”
“Ugh.” Zeke’s voice sounded, everyone in the room stiffened in slight fear. “I have the worst head ac-” Zeke’s eyes shot open. “... Did… Did Unum really get me pregnant?” She asked, sitting up.
“‘Fraid so cuz. But hey, it's all okay. Now you get to know what your wives go through.” Eclipse stated bluntly
There was a noticeable sweat bead on Zeke’s forehead. “Heheh… yay, I’m gonna be the first man from earth to go through childbirth… Am I gonna be stuck like this after the kid’s born?”
“I...have no idea but according to Twilight you shouldn't.”
“Well, it’s likely.” Twilight said. “While no incident like this is typically reported, there were a few known cases back before the Nobodies showed up. About half of the people a few days after birth changed back, and the ones who enjoyed being female stayed that way… seems mostly to depend on your feelings of the matter.”
“That’s just it though.” Zeke said, crossing her arms. “I kinda don’t care if I’m a guy or girl, the whole pregnant thing is just… surprising… I get this is someone's fetish, but I’m just in the middle of hating and liking it.”
“Hey, think of it like this, what's done is done, no need to dwell on it or stuff gets worse. Focus on after the baby arrives for now.” Eclipse says, trying to be helpful.
“I’m worried about the baby now… If it’s a boy or girl, what kinda Keychain it will come out as… if Core tries anything…”
“For the boy or girl, I think that's a common one, the keychain I would think would be more interesting than scary.” Eclipse says “As for that last fear, you have your wives, friends, a entire kingdom, and me to help out with defence if he strikes while you're in labor. Any other time is suicide on Core’s side.”
“Even so… what if… the baby, or I don’t… make it?”
“Alright girls, you help him out here, I'm not the one with experience.” Eclipse says, making room for the others.
The first to come up was Hearts Care, and Derpy, who both wrapped their arms around Zeke. “Listen Zeke.” Hearts Care started. “That is a reasonable fear, both you and the baby could die in the process, but you know what helps?”
“What?”
“Wanting to see your baby.” Derpy finished. “Childbirth is a miracle because both mother and child could die in the process, when both survive, that’s the real miracle.”
“Besides.” Rune cut in. “We’re here for you, and even as a pregnant woman, there’s fun to be had~”
Zeke blushed. “You got me there. I guess it will just happen when it happens.”
“Oh and about that part of being the first male from earth to get pregnant, at least your not the first to have a period. That title belongs to me.” Eclipse buts in.
Zeke and Eclipse burst out in laughter. “True, but birth will hurt a lot more I imagine.”
“Yeah, but you can wear yours like a badge of honor, and have a trophy to show for it in the form of a kid. I just have the memory of pain and anger.”
“And your Twilight’s laughing at your misery I bet.”
“....and her stupid photos….I swear if that mare wasn't my sister…” Eclipse grumbles.
“Well, thanks for calming me down… So, I guess all that’s left for today is the Darkside vs. Twilight Thorn fight on the moon, hope you don’t mind Luna.”
“Not at all.” Luna said. “Could use a few hundred more craters.”
“And with that, I'll leave you ladies to have some….fun time. See you at ten cuz!” Eclipse says with a smirk as he walks out.
Daybreak was filled with excitement over the monster fight, many were watching on tv, some flew to the moon itself via glider to watch up close. Zeke, Ben, Eclipse, and a few others stood in front of camera’s to explain the battle. “Greetings Daybreak, it’s council member Zeke… Yeah, I know, it’s a… spell gone wrong at the lab. Anyway, today is Daybreak’s first ever giant monster fight, and joining me are Eclipse, acting as the commentator, and Ben, who is in control of the second monster.” Zeke backed up, giving the two room to speak.
“It’s wonderful to meet the people of Daybreak.” Ben says with a small bow before straightening himself before stepping aside so Eclipse could talk.
Eclipse stepped up with a smile. “Today we are watching two titans that we have always wondered ‘who would win?’ The Nobody Giant, Twilight Thorn, or the Great Shadow, Darkside. The Nobody and Heartless will be under control by Council member Zeke and Ben respectively, so don't worry those of you in the audience, no harm will come to any of you.”
Zeke quickly stepped in. “No, Daybreak homeworld residents, please remain calm, much as I have full, non corrupted use of Heartless, Ben here has full control over his Nobodies without being insane. He’s nutty at best.” Zeke stepped away again.
“That depends on how you define those words Zeke.” Ben jokes with a smile. “But as council member Zeke has explained yes, I have full control over Nobodies without being a bad guy. I am also, as far as any of us know, the only person who can control Nobodies while still retaining my heart. Everything will be under control.” He explains before stepping away again.
Eclipse decides to add some charm for this next bit. “Besides, let’s break away from the safety, let’s talk about the Combatants! It’s not everyday you see a Darkside, let alone a Twilight Thorn! What can you say about their strengths and weaknesses?”
“I’ll start.” Ben says before stepping forward. “A Twilight Thorn is fast and flexible, able to swiftly dodge and attack at the same time. It can also shift its form to either act like a dome to summon Creeper nobodies and thorns to attack its opponent. It also has the ability to fly and basically turn itself into a giant magical cannon. I’m not entirely sure if it can chain up a Darkside but I do know that if it get’s the chance a Twilight Thorn can and most likely will summon a giant sphere of energy to drive into its opponent.” Ben explains. “But while you might think that’s all well and good the Twilight Thorn tends to just move around and focus it’s thoughts on it’s opponent, not attacking a good majority of the time even if it’s ready to defend itself. It’s special ‘dome’ ability can leave it wide open for attacks even if the thorns it summons can defend it’s not as good of a defense as some might think.” Ben explains before thinking for a moment. “Did I miss anything or was that about it?” He asks, hoping he didn’t miss anything of importance here as he stepped away.
“I think that’s all.” Zeke said, stepping forward. “Now then, we all know a Darkside varies in power, attacks, but is known to be rather slow compared to a Twilight thorn. What it does have for it though, is raw strength and primal instinctual combat. So in a nutshell, this is primal instinct vs basic intelligence, strength or speed? Which will win? We won’t stop you all from betting, but any of you try to help your side win or start a fight, you will be arrested.” Zeke said. “Now then, Let the fight begin.” Zeke snapped his fingers as the camera suddenly changed to the moon’s surface, where a Darkside came up from the darkness.
Ben clapped his hands and placed them on the ground, a giant white hole appearing behind him as thorns started swirling around before a Twilight Thorn appeared, standing there and looking at the Darkside.
Eclipse flew up on his Glider, a microphone strapped to his hoof. “Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s time for a monster fight!” He yelled as the magic walls around the arena came up. “In the shadow corner we have Darkside! On the Nothing corner Twilight Thorn! Let the battle commence!”
“To start off the Fight we see Twilight Thorn dodge a blow from the Darkside, oh he’s summoning the shadows! Oh no, this left him open for a attack from the twilight thorn, sending the thorn directly to the Darkside! They didn’t do much, but Twilight Thorn is still untouched folks! Darkside is sticking his hand into the ground, and pulling out a Dark sphere! And there are too many of them for it’s large sides as the Twilight thorn takes some hits of his own! That's going to leave a mark. Looks like Twilight Thorn is done playing as it goes for it’s own Sphere attack! Glad I’m on this side of the barrier and OH! Darkside just TANKED that hit! it is looking pretty bad but sure isn’t about to show it as it grabs the Twilight Thorn and tries to pummel it while they are on the ground! Brutal! Wouldn’t expect anything less from a- did-did Twilight Thorn just slip from under Darkside, slapping him the entire time?! Looks like that mind of Thorn’s is on overdrive right now as they are both nearing their last legs here. And Twilight with the dome, mixed with Darkside summoning those shadow again. The Shadow’s and Creepers are duking it out as Darkside rears up to do it’s whole chest shot thing. With Twilight immobile for now, those hits are all hitting! It is starting to look like Darkside, But wait! Twilight Thorn decides to use it’s Sphere again?! How many can it do?! And OH! It’s so close folks, I’d estimate one more hit, and it’s all over! Darkside, going for that punch, and Twilight thorn dodges with a mass of thorns to Darkside’s face! And it disperses back into darkness! It’s all over folks! The winner is Twilight Thorn!” Eclipse yells as he flies back down to where the three all met up earlier.
“Seemed a little touch and go don’t ya think?” Ben asks, the massive amount of cheering at the fight being awesome felt like it could be felt three worlds over.
“Kinda.” Zeke says. “We should do this more often with different enemies. You game?”
“Yes, yes and more yes.” Ben says with a giddy smile. “And maybe, just maybe, there are other giant Nobodies that could add to the fun don’t ya think?”
“Dragon vs that boss from KH one?” Eclipse suggests.
“Sure, but some other day, let’s not break Luna’s moon in one day now.” Zeke jokes, turning to the camera. “Well then, till whenever these two show up again, night Daybreak.”
Eclipse and Ben both wave to the camera as the cameraman signals it turning off. “That was fun.” Eclipse says, taking a sip of water.
“So Ben.” Zeke starts. “Mind helping in bring back the rest of the world tomorrow?”
“It sounds like quite a task.” Ben says before waving his hand, the Twilight thorn vanishing quickly. “But let’s hope I’m up to the task. Becoming a Keyblade Master sure helped me with summoning so I think I can handle it.”
“Great, I wanna get a bunch of stuff out of the way before the kid comes, and since Keyblade children only need a month and a half in the womb, I got a short limit.”
“Is everyone a Keyblade Master but me?” Eclipse ask exasperated.
“Well, I think two other people I know haven’t taken their exams for the Master mark, but I should try and check up on them again.”
“Who are these other two?” Ben asks curiously. “Other people god gave keyblades to or what?”
“Okami, and John Corvo. Neither of them had Keyblades, I gave them one each. Okami got Two Become One, and John got Fenrir. John has… assassin abilities from the Dishonored game, and Okami is some kinda guard.”
“Wait….Corvo?” Ben says before his eyes widen in realization. “No wonder why I thought that…” Ben mutters to himself. “Well thank you for telling me that Zeke...wonder if I’ll meet those two anytime soon.” Ben says honestly.
“Hopefully. Been a while and those two have their own issues to deal with, also, Ben, I wanna talk with Luxu. X told me a few things, and I wanna ask about how to fix dented Keyblades…Eclipse’s Oathkeeper needs repairs.”
Eclipse looks down, ashamed. “Yeah...Yeah she is.”
“Luxu’s with Time at the moment but I’m pretty sure he’s willing to talk to ya…” Ben says honestly, unconsciously shivering at the horrors that Luxu showed him and the Foretellers in that hell hole. “I’m pretty sure he’s got a lot to talk about alright…”
“That reminds me, I need to tell you what God told me not long ago Zeke, but with all this craziness I almost forgot.” Eclipse says looking up.
“What’s up?” Zeke asks.
“Apparently I was close to unlocking Oblivion and Oathkeeper’s true powers….Oblivion to send someone and all their reflections to the void, and oathkeeper to bring a single reflection of somebody out. Then my heart started to split….”
Zeke’s eyes widened. “So then… what you're saying is… if you can unlock this power, you can get Core’s Unum back?”
“That doesn’t sound either completely broken or have more drawbacks than a hooker in vegas with every known STD known to man whatsoever.” Ben says, not entirely making sense but hoping his point got across to them.
“I’m never using Oblivion’s when I get him back. I could be about to die, with Luna and Twi bleeding right next to me, and I wouldn’t use it. That kind of power….no one deserves to erase existence.” Eclipse said firmly.
“Memory Stealer has a similar ability but a lot weaker. It can only revoke the existence of people with a heart...and trust me I understand that fact a lot more, Core even told me about it.” Ben says honestly. “I should get to that with the Council...I have a few things to talk about…”
“I...I don’t know if I should. I know they would want to know about everything about me...and there are some things, some skeletons best left in the closet.”
“I understand...but remember we need to stand united against Core and his allies...we all understand if you want to keep certain things under wraps but sooner or later you’re gonna have to tell people...mostly your friends.” Ben explains.
“Yeah yeah….” Eclipse says, looking down. “I know it will come out eventually...I just want to delay it for now, you know?”
“I understand.” Ben nods. “But sooner rather than later, that page of your story will appear. Just be ready when it comes alright? All our stories, even while separate, are all together in this.” He says while putting a gentle hand on Eclipse’s head. “Remember that alright?”
Eclipse chuckles. “This is my story Auron, no need to get all preachy on me.”
“I wish I was Auron.” Ben laughs. “But oh well, we can’t all be philosophical badasses ya know?” He says before taking his hand off of the pony’s head.
“Still though,” Zeke said. “We have Core’s heart, and if we can place it back into him, and have his Unum back, he might give up there. He became what he is because he lost her.”
“Yeah…” Ben nods. “But it’s gonna be a huge gamble. To be perfectly honest I would think if Core knew Eclipse could bring back his wife then Core would grab him and torture him until he did it.” He explains. “Core is not one of those people that would sit down and wait for his enemies to revive his wife…and given how Core is now...” Ben trails off with a worried look.
“I can’t even do it yet! God said that no one has even gotten close to unlocking it and I am the closest. If he does, it would be a waste. Core may be impatient, but he isn't stupid.” Eclipse says, not worried.
“I wasn’t worried about him being impatient I was worried about his wife learning about all of this and then...most likely kicking his ass so much one of her shoe’s becomes his new jawbone.” Ben explains.
“Thanks a lot….” Eclipse grumbles as they all teleport back to the planet for some much needed shut eye.