//------------------------------// // Nobody witnesses War // Story: Life of a Nobody // by Xinrick //------------------------------// I don't know why I felt happy about saying that I was a Nobody, but considering my powers over Nothing and how I'm gonna be king of it it felt a little understandable...and the fact I almost became a living Nobody but details. I ran back just in time to help Nelare put up the remaining new targets. This time she had me run back and forth in the training area, making sure every target was hit precisely. Needless to say, it went by easily. “Not bad, one last trial, and you mastered them.” Nelare said, throwing one of her own kuni’s into a tree, it glowing upon impact. “The final test, that Kunai is enchanted, it will zap you at your own speed as you try to grab it. In other words, you have to be so fast, the spell can’t zap you, and pull it out.” “But...I’ve barely learned anything besides throwing.” I say, not sure how I'm so close to mastering my weapon so soon. “Kunai’s are about two things, speed, and accuracy. You got both down, but a true master can always be faster. I’ve seen how you move throwing, it won’t be long till you are fast in full body motion, and that you can train yourself in.” “And that speed clone technique?” I ask curiously, not really knowing how that works. “I doubt it's just ‘your so fast your literally in two places at once’.” “That is...how to put it… It’s a simple spell actually. Here.” Nelear said, teaching me the spell. Turns out, it’s half an illusion, half a clone. The lightning makes a copy of me, and the high levels of electricity in the air mess with the opponents brain, making them feel the hits from the fake copies. Sadly, the electricity in the air making the copies also affects my own nerve system. So when they hit a clone me, real me also takes the damage. “Seems...a lot simpler then I thought.” I frown. “Weird…” I shook my head, before walking over to the Kunai in the tree. “Just take it out before I get shocked right?” I ask, wondering if there was anything else. “Just that.” Nodding, I went at it at my throwing spee- “YAH!” I yelled, feeling like my hand was just shoved into a live power cable, the kind hung above those high up poles. “Okay...ow.” I shook my hand from how much it stung. “Okay…” I took a deep breath and tried again, this time going fast enough that lightning sparked off my arm and tried to grab it. ZAP! “Owe…” I wheezed. Again. ZAP! “Just how…” I wonder, trying to figure out how to beat a spell that zaps me as fast as I can move… ”It can’t be that simple?” I question, reaching into my pocket and putting on my gloves. I then grabbed the kunai… and pulled it out. “And that’s it.” Nelear said with a clap. “Really?” I ask her simply. “Just put on a glove and pull it out? What is that supposed to be a joke or what?” I ask, not understanding this to be perfectly honest. “No, I don’t know why you put a glove on. The spell zaps you as fast as you are moving. So, you don’t move fast, the spell takes more time to hit you. I seriously don’t know why you put on a glove.” “Certain kinds of materials don't conduct electricity.” I shrug. “Seemed simple when you think about it.” “Fair enough. But yeah, that’s it. To fully master a Kunai, one must be as fast, accurate, and agile, but also must remember to take their time. So, congrats. I’m gonna clean this up then head back home before I go back to work tomorrow.” “Alright.” I nod. “Thank you master.” I bow to Nelare in a sign of respect. “Now...just gotta learn a fuck ton of lightning magic.” I mutter, electricity sparking across my hands as I wondered what I could do. “But I can clean this all up if you need to get back to town.” “Nah, gives me an excuse to sleep the rest of the day til tomorrow. Later Ben.” Nelear said as she began picking up the boards. “Alright.” I nod. “See ya.” I say while taking my leave, heading back home. “Hmm...should I look off world for a teacher or should I go see Medy to train with Arpeggio?” I wonder. “I still got a week...this is gonna take a while…” I sigh out. “I need to find my Claymore instructor...who also probably is gonna be a berserker because that's Lunatics gimmick...and I can probably hope Trinity is willing to teach me Ethereal Blades or I have to search for someone else…” I mutter to myself, wondering what the hell I'm gonna do next as I continued my way home. As I reached the front door I stopped when a Dusk appeared behind me. ”He is located my liege.” The Dusk said to me mentally. “Thank you.” I nod. “Mind showing me the way my friend?” I ask, glad to know we found Drezke but I still have no idea where he is specifically. A DTD appeared behind the Dusk. ”This way my lord.” The dusk said as it walked into it. When I exited, I was in a rather barren world...though, in the distance, I saw a massive structure of some sort. Like a tower or something. ”He is within the compound. Be warned, he is not alone, nor defenceless.” “Thank you.” I nod. “You may leave, I'll handle this.” I say while cracking my knuckles before heading off towards the castle, my eyes lighting up as my hud presented itself. As I summoned Reunion and was about to turn it into a glider. I heard a DTD open behind me. Turning around, I saw a...Really small pony, quadruped pony, wearing an organization XIII cloak walk out of it. “Hello.” I say, to the new pony, wondering who this was as I prepared myself for a fight. In a flash, Oathkeeper and Oblivion appeared in a magic aura that was a light green in color. She then took a stance, a faint amount of darkness covered her hooves as she then slid fast towards me and- Oh crap it’s that one Roxas move…. Sure enough, she slashed out in all directions, knocking me back some as she basically slid around me, that darkness on her hooves acting like she was wearing skates. “Okay. If you want a fight.” I say before vanishing, appearing at the pony’s side and slamming Frozen Pride against their side. They did an aerial recovery before slashing at the air, waves of darkness and light rushing at me at fast pace. I blocked with frozen pride, but they were hitting hard. They stopped, and ran around then at me. I charged too, and upper cut them, their Keyblades now...under my control… Huh, exactly like that fight then. I quickly drew Reunion and Foudre and with a combination of my Keyblades strength, the speed Foudre gave me, the two other Keyblades under my control, and the Rune work on my body it felt like I was making quick work of the pony, but keeping myself from actually killing the pony. My strength seemed to finish them as once I was finished with my attack, they slumped over. Oathkeeper and Oblivion vanishing as their wielder fell unconscious. Curious, I walked over to the pony Taking off their hood, I saw it was a filly. Young. Really young. She was a pale grey, with a brown mane. “The fuck are you doing Drezke…” I mutter to myself, wondering why he's using children to fight as I pulled my hood up and looking around for a place to put the filly safely. As I picked her up, ten DTD’s opened around me, all quadruped creatures, small, likely all kids too, walked out. Each in their own cloak. “Now hold on a second.” I start. “She attacked me first and I wanted to find a safe place to put her while I continued to meet...a friend.” I explain, having a feeling they won't buy it at all but if their kids they'll probably buy friendship...hopefully. “Do you know where a medic is?” Each one of them summoned a Keyblade, but it was one, bigger than the filly in my arms, that attacked, with a Gazing Eye Keyblade. “You’re trespassing.” She said. Her voice was female, young, and cold in it’s tone. “Oh come on, I just want to talk to Drezke about something.” I say, quickly ducking and sweeping the young girls feet out from under her. “Especially after he ripped my darkness from me and made it go off on a killing spree for funsies.” I frown, still not believing I was an Insanity in some way. “It’s alright Velvet.” Drezke’s voice filled the air, looking to my side...he was next to us. “He’s an acquaintance.” At that, the others all left, but Velvet stayed a bit, looking at me before taking the filly in my arms out with her magic then leaving through a DTD. “Forgive her, she’s protective of Littlepip.” “I can imagine.” I sigh out. “Sorry to pop in unannounced, but I doubt you care.” I frown. “So, word is your doing a lot of synthesizing, mind if I ask what's that all about?” “Just preparing.” He said, looking at the tower way in the distance. “Can you guess how long I’ve been on this world?” He asked. “Long enough to not only train these people, but also make this giant castle?” I ask simply. “And preparing for what?” “War.” He said simply. “A war needs an army. I’m building mine, Eve and her kin, don’t need one. I have almost everything ready. I’m just missing one tool.” “Is this a war against the light or against Eve?” I ask him. “Eve. Tell me...do you know what became of my other half?” “Your light half? He's dead, you crushed his heart.” I say, remembering what Cript told me about that situation. “Or are you talking about your body that popped up recently?” “I felt that. How could I not? It’s pointless now, Lake is dead. Zeke can never be whole. Just half a heart...at the rate I am going… I’ll drag him into eternal darkness, against both our wills.” “You've probably been busy but...Bara took control of Twilights body and made a clone of you.” I tell him. “Sadly the bastard can't leave unless he willingly leaves...which I doubt…” “Bara… That’s the one who originally killed off Equestria. It was Zeke’s first real battle… It was the first time his Psychopath blood, felt death. I remember that day. That power… it’s horrifying. Thankfully, since he was a Nobody at the time, Bara’s death as Zeke’s hands didn’t truly count, but, it did awaken it. Tell me, do you know how much power Zeke held back in every fight?” “Quite a bit if what Joy told me about his Absent Silhouette fight is correct.” I say honestly. “Joy still managed to beat it though...even though he also had to fight other X-blade wielders, X-blade himself, and then apparently Kingdom Hearts but that's getting into some specific details here.” I shrug. “Zeke, could have easily killed Core, the first time they fought, if he tapped into that power. Past X-blade wielders all accessed what they could handle of it, and Kingdom Hearts power… Zeke is a reflection of Cript, his body, could use it endlessly and freely. He chose not to, Yen Sid, made that fight based on Zeke’s own power alone, the power the X-blade could draw from him, and… I don’t know about Kingdom Hearts. Guess he just wanted to talk to someone.” “Yeah…” I nod. “And...sadly I learned a lot more about Cript then I probably should have.” I say simply. “So, what do you think about the Spoiled situation? She has...my Psychopath reflection.” “Why bother with the small fry when the head is what needs to be dealt with?” Drezke asked, looking at me. “I know about Nexus, what they do. Sadly, I won’t be around to help deal with them.” “You know you can't kill Darkness.” I tell him. “And Zeke is already busy doing something if he somehow has Core working along with him...still don't know how that's a thing.” “Simple. He’s building his own army.” I rub my temples. “Have I ever told you you give me a headache sometimes?” I ask him. “Okay so he's making an army...for some reason. And both of you are so dead set on shunning your friends and family to do this crap…” I shake my head. “Never mind, I don't want to rant and lose the topic right now…” “...Come. There’s something you need to see.” Drezke said, opening a DTD as we both walked into it. Once through we… Oh...My...God… All around us were spell works, locks, physical, magic, enchanted, and chained up, was a woman in some sort of military get up. “Guess what she is?” “Besides a super soldier?” I ask bluntly. “Cause I'm getting super soldier here.” Drezke walked me over to her back, out of the thick layers of chains, her hands were visible… the blue dot. “She’s Nexus. Just a scout, but them all the same. You know what her being here means?” “There hunting you, to get another vessel for a Psychopath.” I frown. “Wait...how did you figure this stuff out? I needed a special book to tell me this crap.” I frown. “Darkness...can be chattier than you think. Especially when it’s the darkness between reflections of a person. Whenever Cript appeared, I heard his darkness talk, wherever he was, his darkness talked to me, told me everything.” Drezke said, looking at the chained up Nexus scout. “Including that script he has going on. She was left behind when they were leaving. A script of his would leave them cut off from their many headquarters. She’s been quiet though, so I don’t know why they are here really, but all I do know is nothing good can become of it.” “They're supposed to remain in the background fucking with people and puppeting them along a path of their choosing.” I frown. “But...I have no idea...there's just so much stuff happening too quickly…” I sigh out. “Twelve-Nine-fifty seven.” We both looked at the nexus scout. She...spoke. “That’s the most she’s said this entire time.” Drezke said, pulling her head by her hair, her face was…kinda pretty actually. Smooth skin, blue eyes, and her hair was blonde… marrying soon dude, stop that. “What are those numbers?” “A code or something? Maybe it's a number for a specific person…” I say, thinking about the numbers. “There are plenty of ways one could use three different numbers like that…” I frown. “Sixty-thirty three-five.” She said again, the air… felt odd. “Seven-one-seven.” She finished, lines of code appeared in the air as he chains became undone. She then grabbed Drezke and I, throwing us across the room. “Fifty five-nine-four. Eighteen-seven-two. Sixty seven-one-zero.” She said, a hole appeared in reality, code spinning around it as she jumped in, and it closed behind her. “Gah. The hell was that?” Drezke said as he picked himself up. “Did she...just spout numbers and hack reality?” My eyes widened. “But...but I thought only Admins had that power!?!” I panic, getting up quickly. “From what I heard, Nexus came from admins, once upon a time. Whether that’s true or they have their own ways around that, we’ll figure out later. For now, she’s gone. I know for a fact Cript likely felt that, let him deal with it. For now. So, mind helping me acquire a last needed item?” Drezke asked me. “And that item is?” I ask. “I believe you’ve seen it. The Void Keyblade X shoved into the core of Daybreak. It’s the only thing that can kill the Embodiments...and me.” “No.” I frown. “Just...just no.” I shake my head. “I know what your going to do...and just don't Okay? There are other ways of dealing with this without the need of….that thing.” Drezke signed. “I figured you’d say that.” He said, I was suddenly grabbed by a darkside’s arm...that grew from Drezke’s own body. His skin then changed, going from normal human look to...how Eve and them look. “I took in ALL this worlds Darkness, right from it’s infected Keyhole, and killed all those who had too much darkness to spare in them, that’s why my army is all children. It was children that kept the light going after the Keyblade war, and it will be children who make the worlds right again. A second Keyblade war is coming Ben, Darkness, light, and all that’s in between are getting ready. You best do the same.” “No!” I shout, a grey aura surrounding me as I managed to push his hand enough for me to get out. “There won't be another Keyblade war! All life has suffered through one, there can't be a second one! We can't feed these damned Psychopaths, you know as well as I do that we need to stop this blind and senseless war! I know a way to prove Facts wrong...everything had been going on in this damned cycle of death and destruction for too damned long...this can't go on forever...even forces of the universe can get tired of all this damned bloodshed and you know it.” “If they did, then why hasn't anything changed? Face it, the only admins who give a damn are Cript and his old boss, and even they are clueless! You know why? Because sentient life has a flaw. And that flaw is the so-called blessing of freedom. So long as we can choose, there are going to be those who choose wrong! Whether they know it or not. I can’t say what I’m doing is right, or wrong, but at least I know it will have lasting impact. What happened after...that’s why I’m training these children. Only kids can see and make pure choices. They see me, a creature of pure darkness, and some even call me father. I know killing Eve, her kin, and myself won’t get rid of darkness, but at least these kids can help it in the aftermath, because darkness isn’t evil, it’s scared, like a kid.” “Then how about instead of killing yourself along with the Embodiments, how about you embody Darkness in both its good and bad parts. You now have the power to help balance things out, and you dying doesn't solve it…” I tell him. “What...what would the kids think of they learned you died because you thought you were also apart of the problem Darkness is having?” “Ben...I’m not Zeke...that selflessness...comes from Lake… I guess I’m just...selfish then.” Drezke said, a Guardian appearing behind him as Discord and a Kingdom Key D appeared in his hands. “Doesn't sound pretty selfish if you want to die and leave your children behind.” I say. “But hey Discord, how you doing?” I ask, drawing Frozen Pride and ready to defend myself. Drezke vanished, appearing behind me as his Guardian grabbed me by my neck with one hand, and held my arms against me with the other. “I guess Rejection taught you nothing about selfishness then, did he?” Drezke cross slashed, and everything went black. “Guah!” I gasped, waking up in… Yen Sid’s tower? “You have awoken.” I looked to my side, Yen Sid was at his desk, a teapot steaming on an electric burner. “Good. It was touch and go there for a time.” “Ow…” I mutter. “So...why am I here?” “Drezke beat you to the brink of death, then tossed you in the lanes between. My apprentice found you, and brought you here. That, was just a few hours ago. Thankfully, what Cript has done to you made your injuries far less worrisome than normal, but still.” “Okay…” I nod. “But Drezke is being a jackass...but you probably know his plans.” “I know Eve won’t go down without a fight, but if he can do it, she will embrace the death. As will her kin.” “I'm gonna make sure the fucker doesn't get Void though...Embodiments can die without that damned thing…” I growl. “My grandson showed it to me when he forged it.” Yen Sid said, my eyes on him now. “Never before had such, fear filled me. Just looking at it made me paranoid beyond imagination. When I learned of the cost he paid to forge it… I knew then and there… Michel...was gone.” “Did he use his body and soul to make the thing?” I ask. “His, and all his reflections that existed. All their collective fear and rage towards the X-blade, are what you saw that day in Daybreak. He is nothing more than a lingering will now. No heart, body, soul, just a mind, forcing itself to continue on.” I look at him. “So the Master of Masters is nothing but a will...but what about Luxu?” I ask. “I know he's left after...having walked away from that graveyard…” I shook my head. “Anyways, besides that whole thing...is there anything specific you want to talk about? Like...explain to me what's so special about me and this king stuff?” “My son gave many like you that same request, but you. You possess something unique that now has made you the heir to nothing. That something, was your half dead heart. An existence between existing and not. The king has the same, but you, you made yours whole again. Something he could not do.” Yen Sid said, his tea pot ready as he grabbed a cup and poured some out. “As for Luxu, an Embodiment stole his body, under that cloak of his is a form made from gathered darkness, keeping his heart from falling into its deepest depths. In other words, he made himself a heartless, but has control over his actions.” “Ah…” I nod. “And about the king thing...makes sense I suppose. Having a heart means a lot more than not having one when you think about it.” I explain. “Oh, did you tell Mickey about Terra Aqua and Ventus?” I ask, thinking the apprentice was Mickey specifically. “Yes. When he brought you to me. He is very happy to hear of their safety. So then, Ben. What are your plans for the Second Keyblade War?” Yen Sid asked as he took a sip of his tea. “Is there...no way to stop it?” I ask. “Please...tell me there's a way to stop it.” I ask, practically begging for a way to stop this. “Hmm.” The old wizard thought. “History repeats itself, because we forget the lessons of the past. There is one way to stop this war. At least, stop it from harming the future.” “Can't bad shit not happen?” I ask with a frown. “But...what way can this not hurt the future?” “There are thre routes to keeping this new war from harming the realms. Have it happen in the realm of dreams, the realm of darkness… or, fight the second war, along the first one.” “Are you sure there's no way to stop this mindless bloodshed?” I ask worriedly, not liking how it's just ‘pick a location’ here. “That I am unsure of, the first war was fought over a lie, to end the X-blade, and it failed. This war, is fought over ending ancient enemies. What rises from the ashes of this new war I do not know, but, what I do know is, that Home will be made whole again, by this war’s end.” “Yeah, then it'll be one world for all the Psychopaths to wander and destroy.” I frown. “Damn it...I really wish I could stop this...maybe if I had my friends with me...maybe we could stop it.” I say, not having an army at my side right now and just scared of something this big happening. “In times of the bleakest of circumstances, is when the brightest lights, and darkest shadows rise. Eve and her kin are not evil by choice, they will fight in this war, simply to die in it. But, the ones who will end this war, are some who might surprise you.” “What's scariest for me...” I start. “Is losing myself...and everyone I love.” I say sadly, not wanting to lose my fiances and children. “This war… will change the universe...forever. Just as the last one did. For better or worse...that’s for the survivors to decide.” “Can't things...ever be simple?” I ask, scared of what's the future holds. “If everything was simple, what point would there be to life?” I sigh out. “True true...but…” I start. “You’re...okay with your wife dying?” I ask. “I heard from Joy about that whole story but…” I trail off, wishing I could do something to help everyone. “It has been Eve’s wish to die ever since she discovered what she was. A human body, created with the darkness that was the other side of Kingdom Hearts himself. That was his biggest mistake. Tell me, how many Heartless or Unversed do you know that can talk, be intelligent without outside tampering or alterations?” “Uh...one I suppose?” I ask nervously. “Xehanorts Heartless that took Ansems name...that's the only one I can think of.” “That was his heart. Xehanort’s heart itself was so dark, his human body was all that was keeping him from being a heartless. Darkness, is mindless. It’s pure instinct and emotion, given physical form. Eve and her kin...carry all that, and have their own minds. Drezke is not far behind, if my assumption is correct.” Yen Sid said as he took another sip. “Took an entire world's Darkness into himself.” I say. “He’s...close to becoming an Embodiment...I saw it. But...he wants to kill himself after all the others die...doesn't that fuck with the balance though?” “When Eve and her kin created the realm of darkness, they sewed within it’s tainted soils a seed. In the center of them all, there are thirteen trees, their very darkness pulsating and filling the land with darkness. There, is the way they would keep balance when they died, for they themselves can die, the darkness within them each, can not. It will flee to those trees, and exist there. I know what you are thinking Ben, ‘why don’t they just remove their darkness?’. The answer is simple, their bodies would become Nobodies, and if those are destroyed, their darkness will find them, and they will be resurrected. They need a proper death, for that darkness in them to be unable to resurrect them.” “But if Drezke gets Void than...there plan would be ruined.” I say worriedly. “That depends. While I have had the dissatisfaction of seeing it work in person, it is unstable. Whatever it sends to void, takes a toll on itself. The stronger, the worse the toll, and when it has become too much, it will break, and it’s wielder, will be dragged into void as well.” “Unless he figured out how to stabilize it...which I hope he didn't and doesn't, his plan would fail if he tried to use the thing.” I say. “Especially against Embodiments.” “Besides, there might be a way to stop Drezke’s plan. It will not be easy.” “Nothing is, especially when Drezke is a part of Zeke.” I say. “But how do I stop him? Also...I don't understand why Drezke would kill himself...when he has people who see him as a father.” “Drezke contains all of Zeke’s needs, and since his birth, Zeke’s light and darkness have been at balance, like twins. Without his other, he is falling into his instincts. He is losing himself, because his other half is gone...but, perhaps not so.” “Twilight...and Bara, created a clone of Zeke, memories, Heart and all, hell they even made an X-blade out of memories surprisingly. Think that might help?” “No, that clone is a time bomb. When the truth is learned, it will go off, and when that happens...I don’t know what will happen. But, Lake, Zeke’s light half, was destroyed by Drezke. This means he was also freed from the Psychopaths hold. There might be a chance, a slight chance, that Lake is in Purgatory, the very place Zeke himself escaped.” My eyes widened. “But...his heart was shattered...wait how do I even go to such a place if I may ask?” “There is one way that I know of, but it will take time. I heard of stories where the king of nothingness would enter battle, with soldiers once thought dead. I did some personal research and have a hypothesis. The King of Nothing, also has reign over Purgatory, being it is an afterlife of sorts for the energy of Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed, and where the consciousness of those with balanced hearts go when split, or where those unique Nobodies go when slane. It is a waiting place for nobodies looking for their bodies after their death, and a… trash bin, you could say, for things that should no longer exist, or exist at all. Where that energy goes. If Lake died, he would likely end up there, as the energy of a balanced heart is something hard to snuff out.” “So I need to master the rest of my weapons and become the King before I can save Lake...wonders.” I roll my eyes. “But...here's a thing Zeke did as a Nobody, he somehow gave a regular Sniper all their memories back of who they used to be...how is that possible?” “Even as a Nobody, Zeke has a link to Kingdom Hearts, to all hearts, it wouldn’t be surprising if he could link a Nobody to their heart lost in darkness. Whether it was purpose or accidental, I would like to know.” “Ah.” I nodded. “Maybe...but let's hope I can actually contact Zeke before it's too late…” I say worriedly. “And here I thought I was on the clock before.” I mutter. “Anything else I should know?” “To my knowledge, no. I will send word to the others, of the coming war. You, I believe now understand the task at hand. But know this, Lake will be energy with sentient thought, he will need a vessel to rest in until he is healed, able to exist again. He will need to rest within someone with a balanced heart, otherwise, he will never heal.” “Well shit...I can't have that Zeke clone help...and I don't know anyone with a balanced heart…” I frown. “Sheesh, this is gonna a hassle and a half.” I shook my head. “Uh hey, do you know of someone who can help me train with this?” I ask while summoning Lunatic, my special claymore. “Cause...I have no idea who deals with Claymores, and is also a berserker given this things...special abilities.” “In time. Now then, you best be off, there is much to do, and I am unsure of how much time there is to do it.” Yen Sid said, finishing his cup of tea. “There's never a dull moment in my life.” I shook my head while switching Lunatic with Reunion. “See ya later Yen Sid. Stay safe.” I say while summoning a DTL back home and walking through it, having even more things to deal with now. I arrived outside my home...there was a huge zeppelin parked on my roof. “There you are.” Celestia said as she walked up to me. “Zeppelin is here, not much longer now til we head off. Excited, or nervous?” She asked me. “I wish I could be excited or nervous about this…” I say sadly. “Just...too many things are happening and I'm getting less and less time to do things, whether it be train, spend time with all of you, or doing this…” I say bitterly. “I'm...scared I'll lose everyone…” Celestia wrapped an arm around me, and pulled my in...wow, never realized how tall she was, I only reach just under her...ehem...chest. “You aren’t getting rid of us that easily. Hope you don’t mind, but we moved the leave date for tomorrow, stuff is all packed and ready and the pilot is gonna be here soon. It’s also got a training room and gym, Luna figures we should all get fit to help you in a fight if needed.” “I might as well help you all get stronger.” I say, hugging Celestia. ”How the fuck am I supposed to tell them about the Keyblade war? They'll probably immediately try to rush in and fight with me…” I think to myself, scared about such an outcome if it ever happened, and also not knowing if Celestia could read minds. “Come on, Luna figured for help someone from Daybreak could help us in Keyblades while you were busy with training or adventuring. Also…” Celestia said, rubbing the back of her neck… I know that look, that’s they ‘how do I put this’ look. “What’s wrong?” I ask worriedly. “I know that look...is there something wrong?” “Well...It’s about Cadence. She...just found out she’s pregnant.” “With...Shining’s?” I ask slowly. “Yes, only stallion she ever loved. She’s going to stay here at home, helping Den look after everyone else, and get some hands on motherhood training of her own.” Celestia said with a sigh. “She’s going to smother that baby once it’s born, it’s all she has of him now.” “If only I was there...I could have saved him…” I growled, wishing I could have helped. “Prince of the world…” I mutter, touching the silver crown on my head. “And proud hunter…” I pull out the bone tooth necklace Den gave me. “Can't do jack shit to save his people…” “No one can be everywhere at once Ben, you keep forgetting that.” Celestia said, patting my head. “In time, you’ll learn royalty isn’t perfect, and hunters fail also.” She said, walking me inside. “Except I can clone myself remember?” I ask her. “My clones at home helping the kids...since I can't normally spend time with them…” “True...so, are we leaving the clone here then or…?” Celestia asked, now confused. “Leaving him here. I need to be a father...however pitiful of a father I've been so far.” I shook my head sadly. “Been too busy...I wish I could...be with my family, for a calm day just spending time with all of you...my twenty plus wives and three hundred plus children.” I chuckle, finding the amount of kids a tad absurd and finding it funny. “Well, let’s get to it then. Tomorrow we leave early, and should arrive at the Zebra lands by the end of the day.” “Alright.” I nod. “Thank you for...being here Celestia...and I still remember when I was flirting and your all like ‘holes before poles’.” I chuckle, remembering when I first came here and she only had eyes for Chrysalis at the time. “Yes, I know. Guess you were right after all.” Celestia chuckled, the two of us heading inside and after a short walk entered the kitchen...where a woman in Keyblade armor was sitting. “Oh, you must be from Daybreak.” “Yes.” She said, her voice...oh no… She took off her helmet...Twilight, Zeke’s Twilight. “I know, confusing, but I figured this would help tell the difference.” She said. “Ah, I understand, don’t want Ben here kissing the wrong Twilight.” Celestia chuckled, leaving. When she did, Twilight’s hair turned brown. “Hi there Heir to Nothing.” Bara said, taking over. “The fuck are you doing here Bara?” I growl, not at all happy to see him here. “I doubt your here to do anything nice…” I say, wondering why he's here. “Well you're Luna asked for a Keyblade instructor, and who better than a Keyblade war survivor.” They said, taking a seat on the dining room table. “After all, it’s part of my bargain for you.” “And what's this bargain?” I ask simply. “I can teach your family to survive any fight. No more worrying about if they get hurt, you’d find yourself worrying for their opponents. All I ask is that in exchange for helping them all get strong, fast, I get to enter the Kingdom of Nothing when you claim the throne.” I stare at him. “Even through a second Keyblade War?” I ask Bara, my words sounding more like the Keyblade war is gonna happen even if I didn't want it to. “I survived it, that should be proof enough of the quality I’m providing.” Bara said smugly. “After all, through books, it will take years to learn all the old powers and such from the first war, and something tells me you don’t exactly have years do you?” “When this Keyblade war involves fighting Embodiments of darkness and a fuck ton of others in this upcoming Keyblade war...and Psychopaths…” I look down sadly. “Too much stuff to do and too little time…” I sigh out. “But you don't care about me being scared shitless about the ones I love and care for. You've shown how little you care about families when you first destroyed Zeke’s Equestria.” Bara smirked. “Well, what can I say, I was just…heartless.” I frowned at them. “Eh, so. To prove to you I can train them to keep themselves safe, tomorrow, while you’re all on the big ass balloon to the Zebra lands, you can watch me train your Twilight.” “Alright.” I nod. “But Twilight has been learning some magic from my friend Momonga lately, so if she casts some magic you don't recognize don't be surprised.” I tell them. “So...all you want is to see the Castle of Nothing huh?” “More importantly, its library. When I learned about Nobodies I wanted to learn everything about them… Too little success, even when I was one. That library has to have the information I’m after.” “I have a feeling you'll have your own body at the time correct?” I ask them simply. “But...I'll think about it, I'm still behind here…” “My own body...I still like this one, but, eh. Just finish up and let’s make a deal, and to be sure you can trust me.” Bara said, their hand glowing as an outline of a snake appeared on it. “It’s a Union promise, I break it, whatever you decide is to be done with me, the magic will force me to do. Sound secure enough to you?” “Unlike you I wouldn't break a promise, especially if there were loopholes.” I say simply. “It's how I got my heart back, and saved Joy.” I say. “So, you train my fiances, and that will include the new fiances I will be getting through our journey around the world, and when I become king you can see the Library.” I say. “Sounds okay?” I ask, my wording being specific here. “Deal.” Bara said, shaking my hand, the snake outline shifting from her hand, over to mine. “I’ll start in the morning. You go get some rest, I’m gonna go ransack your library.” Bara said, putting the helmet back on and left. “Don't be surprised if there are more story books then history or science books." I call out to Bara, before walking over to the fridge. “I'm hungry.” I mutter, ready to make myself some food but not sure what to make. After a quick meal of some leftovers, I began to head off to bed. My Twilight and Rarity were there already. Rarity asleep and Twilight reading, as expected. She looked up when I entered the room. “Hi Ben. Ready to tomorrow?” She asked, bookmarking her place and closing it. “Ready as I'll ever be.” I say as I take my cloak off and stretch. “Are you ready for tomorrow?” “Yeah. Just about everything is packed. Rarity practically moved her sewing room in that thing so that’s why she’s out of it already. The rest are just exploring it a bit before heading here.” I nodded. “Sounds about right.” I say, getting ready for bed. “Sorry if me or my clone haven't been helping pack...me having to train and my clone taking care of the kids…” I sigh out, putting on my pajamas and my tail wagging freely. “So much stuff to do ya know?” I sigh out while crawling into bed with my two fiances. “I bet. You take on a lot on your own, you know that?” Twilight said, elbowing me playfully. “So, what’s on the list in total so far?” “I just learned a lot more things I need to prepare for.” I say bitterly. “And the worst of them all...is there's going to be...a Keyblade war coming sooner or later…” “Another one?” Twilight asked. “I read some books written about it… What’s this one going to be fought over?” “From what Yen Sid told me, it's gonna be about killing the Embodiments of Darkness...and as a side effect to all the madness and bloodshed all the world's in existence are gonna join back together…” “Huh...Well clearly Spoiled is gonna throw her hat into this. As well as any bad guy with lots of power or control over something. So, are you participating?” “I'm gonna have to considering it's gonna happen while I'm King of Nothingness most likely.” I sigh out. “And I really want none of you to participate in this...but I doubt you'll listen to that.” I sigh out. “Well, I probably won’t, though, I can see Luna entering with you. I remember reading in books about some wars Celestia and Luna participated in.” “Yeah like how they went to war over cheese.” I chuckle. “It's still unbelievable that cheese was a thing to fight over.” “Not that, that was just between, nevermind. I mean, like when King Sombra first tried invading. The books for the public don’t tell much… but the ones Celestia gave me access to in the Canterlot Archives painted a much more… violent picture.” “The Keyblade war...if it wasn't for a select group of people running away from the fighting to keep the light alive, everyone, in all reflections, would be dead in the Keyblade graveyard.” I tell her sadly. “I've never experienced war, and I definitely don't want to experience a Keyblade war if it's that bloody and violent.” I explain bitterly. “If you want proof ask Celestia and Luna’s parents or Discord...those three are living proof of the horrors of it.” “We know.” I nearly jumped onto Twilight, Discord, and Celestia and Luna’s parents were in the room. Discord was the one who spoke. “I felt the chill, and informed Faust and Locus.” “I'm sorry…” I sigh out. “Yen Sid said it couldn't be stopped...only change some things to make sure everything doesn't blow up.” I say bitterly. Faust sighed. “Can you...come with us Ben? There’s something we’ll need you with us for.” “Hooray, more learning.” I sigh out while getting out of bed. “Okay...got somewhere specific we should go?” I ask, wondering where we needed to go for this special thing. “We’re taking you there.” Discord said, snapping his fingers and we...were in the Keyblade Graveyard. There were still Keyblades everywhere. Huh, thought Zeke got them? “Up there.” Discord pointed, there, three Keyblades sat in the ground. One, was Royal Radiance, the other, the Ultima Weapon, the one from Kingdom Hearts one, and the third, was the Chaos Ripper, each one covered in dust and rusted. “Those are our Keyblades.” “I remember that day...all too vividly.” Faust said. I looked around, hearing...whispers? “Weird…” I muttered. “So...these are your keyblades huh?” I ask, having a strange feeling that...Nobodies are here. As I looked around I noticed… the air itself was pulsating, the imagery around us...changing… Then, I saw it. The War. To call it bloodshed was… an understatement. Everyone had Keyblade armor on...that seemed useless, some of these people slicing others in half, quarters, eighths, all with one swing. Spells were cast, freezing the targets alive, and shattering them, electrocuting them, burning them to ashes. It was then that an armored...snake like dragon flew over me… Discord? I thought, the dragon wielding the Chaos Ripper and performing continuous Zentanzucans in the air… heads rolled. Two then ran passed me, large wings and horns sticking out of their armor like a sore thumb. Faust...Locus… Locus threw his Keyblade, the Ultima Weapon, into strike raides, each time more and more gore covered the blade, while Faust cast spells, freezing then shattering her targets. Then, there was an explosion, looking around...rifts. This is when the war leaked into all its other reflections… Keyblade wielders, dead and alive fell through, and the fighting just grew. It was then something caught my eye… A younger fighter, keyblade armor soaked in blood and his Keyblade...Reunion? He fell from a rift, attacking and blocking, but quickly fell when someone wielding an Oblivion Keyblade stabbed him all the way through, tossing him off and returning to the carnage. I ran over to the one with Reunion, and saw them limp, Reunion itself seeming to go pale. I saw a Wayfinder in his other hand… It was then that I saw a familiar sight. The Foreteller who wore Kira’s attire before her, Ava, I think, fighting another union member, the one with the unicorn mask. The two dodged and blocked each others attacks, but what they dodged hit others. Blood and limbs flying like rain. “This...this isn't a war…..this isn't even a fight!” I shout, backing away from this and clutching my head. “This is just a mindless slaughter! No one even knows why they were fighting, they just bathed in their fellow keybladers blood at this fucking point! What the fuck!?!” I shout, panicking at how horrid seeing this was. “No...no my family is not joining me if this is what this damned thing was!” I tell myself, fearing that if any of my family were to be here they would be ripped apart. I looked up, seeing Faust, Locus, and Discord all fighting off others Keybladers, til one walked up, not even wearing a helmet...just a bear mask… Bara… He wielded Way to Dawn backhanded, charging as fire and darkness pulsated through him...and he swung. It was like a dark Mega Flare, Discord saw, wrapping himself around Faust and Locus, but their wings and horn were exposed. When it hit, and the light faded, most of Discord’s armor was gone, his exposed skin was severely burned. He unwrapped the two, their wings burned on their bodies and horns broke off with simple movements. Faust fell to her knees, crying while Locus looked at Bara, throwing his keyblade into a strike raid, and Bara deflected it with a simple movement of his Keyblade. When Locus’s Keyblade returned to him, he picked his wife up and used cure on Discord, his wounds lessened, but still bad. They then ran, striking their Keyblades into the ground as they escaped into a DTL. Reality shifted back, and I was back with them… They each wielding their Keyblades again, the weapons no longer rusted, but alive, and ready for a fight. “So, that was part of the war.” Locus said. “From what we heard, it lasted three days...that was four hours in…” Faust trailed off. “No…” I shake my head, Nothingness Thorns trailing down to the ground and acting like they were to protect me from that nightmare. “No...nobody even knew why they were fighting, they just...slaughtered endlessly, friend or foe...that's not a war...that's mindless bloodshed…” I say, shaking and trying to stop myself from having a panic attack from such a horrid scene. “War has many forms. That, was its worst.” Faust said, dropping in front of me a rusted...Reunion...and...Wayfinder. “You are right, to want to keep them out of this new war coming.” She said, trailing along it’s blade with her finger. “Otherwise...Celestia would have been the middle child in our family….” I shakily picked up the rusted Reunion and Wayfinder. “Most of them...they could have been children…” I mutter. “His name was Starfire.” Locus said. “He was our first born...he wanted nothing more than to be strong like us… We told him to stay home, but he was a rebellious child…” “He was only fourteen.” Discord said. “And I...was dumb enough to encourage his dreams…” “We didn’t even know he was in the war...till we came back after...and saw his corpse…” Faust said, tears falling freely. “He was a lot like you.” Locus said. “Smart, but always underestimating himself. It’s why Reunion was his Keyblade, because when he finally gained confidence, his Starlight keyblade changed, and he wanted to always challenge himself.” I looked at the Wayfinder and Reunion in my hands, breaking into uncontrollable sobs. “I'm sorry...I'm so sorry…” I mutter, feeling powerless and small to this all. “The past...is past.” Faust said, drying her tears. “We are here, to ask you for permission…” “For what?” I ask, trying to control myself and stop crying here. “Permission for what? I...don't think I'm allowed to give permission to you all...especially after this...hell.” I say sadly. They then kneeled...to me… “We...abandoned our Unions...our comrades…” Locus started. “We broke an oath of brotherhood and sisterhood.” Faust continued. “We, with your permission, would fight in your name, under your faction, your flag. To redeem ourselves...and our fallen union members.” Discord finished. “For the next war, and onward til death.” They all said. I looked at the three, completely surprised about their request but I took a deep breath and got myself in some form of control. “Alright.” I nod, putting Starfires Reunion and Wayfinder down gently as I summoned my own Reunion. “From now until the day you die.” I start, Nothingness Thorns starting to gently surround the three. “All three of you shall fall under my banner, but not as servants to a master, not as soldiers to a commander…” I say, the thorns gently crawling up and gently swirling around their dominant arms. “But as friends, willing to lay down their lives to protect each other. As the Heir of Nothingness, you three shall serve and protect me and our family to the best of your ability and beyond.” I say, Nothingness forming into what looked like Keyblade armor shifters. “When Light and Darkness fall, may Nothingness stand by your side.” I finish. “There...you may rise.” They each stood up, each one of them wearing a grey, Keyblade armor sleeve with the Nobody symbol on them. “Thank you for this.” Faust said. “We each regret just...leaving. Scared and hurt. With… If you’d allow, we would like to explore, find others who fled like us, and see if they are willing to join your faction.” I grabbed the rusty Reunion and the Wayfinder of the ground. “Yes please, I'd like to show those out there that they're not alone, and we're willing to help them get past this nightmare.” I shake my head. “Luna is not gonna be happy with all the nightmares I'm gonna have after this…” I sigh out. “But...do you want these in Equestria for a proper burial...or do you want me to pass these down to one of your grandchildren?” I ask Locus and Faust, not sure if this Reunion will bond to me given I have a Reunion keychain, and I already have a wayfinder. Faust took them both. “Starfire died here, he fought to earn his place in the union.” She said, striking it into the ground and tying the wayfinder around the grip. “He...earned this, at least.” I nodded. “Alright...lets...let's go home.” I say, wanting to go home and cuddle with all my fiances right now. “They...they won't be apart of this...no matter what they say or do.” To be continued...